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: Laura McBride
Areas of Focus: Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, and Scarborough
Personal Channels: Instagram | LinkedIn
Years of Experience: 20
THE INSIGHTS
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Willowdale, a community 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 live in Ajax, specifically Pickering Village. If I could live anywhere, I might pick Iceland — but Collingwood Ontario is also top of my list.
How did you end up becoming a real estate agent?
I studied Interior Design and Horticultural Design, but when my first son was born four months early, I had to shift gears. Real estate allowed me to combine my skills and love of homes with a new career and create a schedule that worked for my family.
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?
I try to run a business I can be proud of. Now that my boys (men) are grown, I’m usually at my Sutton office during the week in between appointments, while my Junior Green Thumbs program (the “give back” arm of my business), gives me a lot of inspiration and balance in this often unpredictable industry. I recommend every agent has something they are passionate about tied to their business pillars.
What's the single best advice you have for sellers?
Early offers might be the most excited buyers not wanting to miss out. Don’t dismiss first offers — they are often the best ones!
What's the single best advice you have for buyers?
Get on the ladder as soon as you can, in whatever you can afford. Waiting to save more money is the best way to get priced out of the market. Values increase faster than bank accounts!
What made you choose to work for your current brokerage?
I chose Sutton Group - Heritage Realty because it was the most welcoming and professional office of all the brokerages I spoke to. I worked at the front desk while I was getting my real estate license, and from day one my broker has been incredibly supportive of my business and my life.
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 think that the companies that are marketing themselves differently, serving the modern needs of the public and creatively connecting with people are the industry leaders who will evolve with however our industry changes. I love what Ross McCredie and his team are doing with Sutton Group, and I’m proud to see us evolving.
What is one professional goal you have for the next year? What’s one that you have for the next 10 years?
I’m aiming to donate 20 gardens to local classrooms this year through my Junior Green Thumbs program. One deal = one garden. In 10 years I would like to be in 250 classrooms. I’d love to inspire and help other agents give back in meaningful ways that matter to them when they have the means. Do a deal, do some good — that’s the goal.
Tell us about your favourite (or most memorable) sale, and why it stands out to you.
That’s a hard one because I’ve loved (almost) every experience in 20 years. But I would have to say my favourite was working with a specific couple who delighted me with the awareness of who my ideal client is. I knew after working with them that I wanted to work with more people like them and I’ve never forgotten that.
What are the three words you hope your clients use to describe you?
Kind. Approachable. Interested.
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.
