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: Ian Matthews
Areas of Focus: Greater Toronto Area
Personal Channels: Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook | Website
Years of Experience: 14+
THE INSIGHTS
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Toronto, in the Avenue Road and Eglinton Area.
Where do you live now? And what neighbourhood (in Canada, or worldwide) would you love to live in (that isn’t your own)?
My partner and I currently live in the Dovercourt Park area near Dovercourt and Bloor. I love my neighbourhood’s character and sense of community, but as a lifelong windsurfer, being close to water and consistent wind has always been a pull for me. In Canada, Kingston and Squamish have always caught my interest. Internationally, Tarifa in Spain, the Canary Islands, or even Maui would be dream destinations.
How did you end up becoming a real estate agent?
I originally thought I’d become a teacher and even worked at a high school for three years. While I loved working with people, I wanted to find a role where I could combine that interaction with something that carried deep personal significance for clients. Real estate had always been on my radar, and with my background in economics and some construction experience, it felt like a natural fit.
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?
In real estate, there’s no such thing as a “typical” day and that’s one of the things I love most about it. I could be combing market stats, painting, staging, power washing a deck, driving clients around the city, searching through listings or working on marketing materials. Every day brings something new, which keeps things exciting. People often think agents set their own schedules, but in reality, the work often happens when clients need you, not necessarily when it’s convenient.
What’s the single best advice you have for sellers?
Be realistic about today’s market and work with an agent who will be completely honest with you. We’re no longer in the market conditions of 2022, and right now, different areas and property types are performing very differently. Sometimes the best move is to list right away, and other times it’s worth waiting. The right strategy depends entirely on your goals and local conditions.
What’s the single best advice you have for buyers?
There are opportunities out there right now, though they may be outside your first-choice neighbourhood. It’s a great time to explore options you might not have considered before. I have a feeling this fall could be an especially good moment to make a move into the market, especially for first time buyers.
What made you choose to work for your current brokerage?
A family friend, who’s also a real estate lawyer, recommended it to me and I’m glad they did. What I appreciate most is that it’s a small, highly professional office where everyone supports one another. I know that if I ever needed coverage, any agent here would take great care of my clients and in this industry, that level of trust and professionalism is rare.
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?
That’s a tough question because the industry is evolving in so many ways. One standout for me is Tridel, they’ve been approaching new construction with fresh ideas and innovative thinking, and I’m really impressed with some of their recent projects.
What is one professional goal you have for the next year? What’s one that you have for the next 10 years?
This year I am mostly just focused on providing the best guidance for my clients through a tough market. In the next ten years I hope to grow with my clients, by building deeper connections within my community and enhancing my marketing presence. Over the next 10 years, I aim to become a trusted go-to resource for real estate in my area, someone known not just for strong results, but for making the buying and selling process smoother, less stressful, and even enjoyable for my clients.
Tell us about your favourite (or most memorable) sale, and why it stands out to you.
That’s a tough one, I’ve had the privilege of working with so many wonderful people over my 14 years in real estate. What stands out most to me isn’t just a single sale, but the lasting impact of helping clients build a life in the homes they choose. Watching families grow, seeing clients flourish, and knowing I played a part in that is what makes it meaningful. On a personal level, helping my own parents transition from the home I grew up in, and finding a home for my brother and his wife, where they’re now raising their two children, are experiences that will always stand out to me.
What are the three words you hope your clients use to describe you?
Trustworthy. Patient. Dedicated.
