Welcome to Meet the Agent, an ongoing series profiling real estate agents from across Canada. With more than 150,000 agents, brokers, and salespeople working in 75 different boards and associations across the country, we thought it was about time they had a place to properly introduce themselves.
If you or someone you know deserves the same chance, email agents@storeys.com to apply.
THE DETAILS
Name: Anya Ettinger
Areas of Focus: Toronto - East End, Midtown, and downtown core
Personal Channels: Instagram | LinkedIn | Website | Brokerage Website
Years of Experience: 5+
THE INSIGHTS
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Little Italy in Toronto!
Where do you live now? And what neighbourhood (in Canada, or worldwide) would you love to live in (that isn’t your own)?
I currently live in Leslieville. I love where I live, but if my job didn’t require me to be driving around all the time (especially into the core), I would probably move further east towards Birchcliff because my fiancée and I love taking our dogs to the Bluffs and all the ravines around there. Though, I would also be so happy to stay where I am.
How did you end up becoming a real estate agent?
I remember begging my parents to take me to open houses and browsing through real estate magazines as a kid. I always knew I wanted to go into a field where negotiation was a big part of the job — for a long time I wanted to become a lawyer. When I was in university, I joined the co-op program and did a term as a market research intern at a commercial real estate investment company. At this point I knew I wanted to be working full-time and pursue real estate. I got my real estate licence when I was in third year and completed my degree part-time over the next few years while working full-time.
In a few sentences, describe what a typical “day in the life” looks like for you. Does this align with what you expected before you became an agent?
My average day starts with taking my dogs for a walk before heading into the office. I usually spend the first half of my day doing behind-the-scenes work like sending emails, drafting paperwork, planning and filming content, etc. My late afternoons and evenings are usually spent with clients showing properties or meeting with new/prospective clients for a consultation. I like to end off my day with dinner at home and vegging out watching a sitcom, hanging out with my dogs, and doing a crossword or puzzle!
I don’t know that I really had any expectations of what my day would look like when I became an agent. I got into the industry without really knowing anyone, so I didn’t have a point of reference.
What’s the single best advice you have for sellers?
Never choose an agent just because they said the highest price, there are lots of agents out there that will over-inflate the value just to secure the listing. The last thing you want is an overpriced listing that sits on the market for months and gets stale.
What’s the single best advice you have for buyers?
Never let someone (or something) pressure you into making a decision on a purchase — whether that's your agent, family member, or FOMO. This is the biggest purchase of your life, and it needs to be your decision, not somebody else’s. Also, find an agent that you can trust and don’t be afraid to interview multiple agents to find the right fit.
What made you choose to work for your current brokerage?
Bosley has an incredible sense of community, and we are all happy to collaborate and help each other out when needed. This is something I didn’t have at my previous brokerages; the ability to walk around my office and be able to run a question by someone.
Who do you believe is making the biggest waves in the industry today? Is there anyone you recommend people should be paying attention to right now?
I’m not sure if there’s one person in particular that I can think of. I would say any agents who are focused on sharing honest and transparent information on their local markets and those who are adapting with changing times and technology are worth paying attention to!
What is one professional goal you have for the next year? What’s one that you have for the next 10 years?
One year: I recently started a podcast (I know, typical), called Who’s In My House?. In the next year I would love to see it grow by reaching a wider audience, featuring impactful guests, and continuing to share information that helps consumers better navigate the Toronto real estate market.
10 years: I’d like to be established as a trusted voice in Toronto real estate, not only as a realtor but also as an educator and thought leader who empowers people to make confident decisions about buying, selling, and investing in the city.
Tell us about your favourite (or most memorable) sale, and why it stands out to you.
My first listing was probably the most memorable. It was a triplex that was sold right when the pandemic hit and the entire world shut down. All the tenants had already given notice to leave, which is why we listed it. Not long before closing, the tenants from one of the units broke up and one refused to leave even though they had already given notice. There was not much to do because the LTB (along with the rest of the world) was shut down, so the sellers and I worked tirelessly to figure out a solution and succeeded ONE day before closing.
What are the three words you hope your clients use to describe you?
Reliable, diligent, and passionate.
This interview may have been edited for both length and clarity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of STOREYS.
