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: Marsha Maynard
Area of Focus: Muskoka, Ontario (cottage country) — which is 2.5 hours north of the GTA
Personal Channels: Instagram | LinkedIn | X
Years of Experience: 3 years admin, 3 years trading
THE INSIGHTS
Where did you grow up?
My family is from the East Coast, Prince Edward Island. My parents moved to Ontario to make it in the big city. I grew up in the suburb of the GTA called Oakville.
Where do you live now? And what neighbourhood (in Canada, or worldwide) would you love to live in (that isn’t your own)?
I now live in Huntsville Ontario, in Muskoka. Having driven across the country, I like the feel of Calgary; being a flatlander, when the mountains pop up from the horizon, I often cannot believe they exist and I wonder how I have lived without them.
How did you end up becoming a real estate agent?
A divorce led to my introduction to real estate — my agent ended up hiring me. She asked me what was next for me, I motioned to the boxes of legal documents and said I was going to dive into them, and she said: “No you’re not, you're coming to work with me and my team.”
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?
Spending time outside or under a cottage in a crawl space. I have all the weather gear and tools in my car. Bug season is interesting. Snow shoes in winter and a blow-up paddle board in the summer, to get pictures or check the docking depth. It aligns perfectly with what I expected; I don’t miss the boardroom meetings at all.
What’s the single best advice you have for sellers?
It’s a wild ride — there is often nothing graceful about it. If you are living in your home while you sell, start purging and keep purging so that you can leave the home spotless. Also, approve all showings and try not to concern yourself with feedback – the only feedback that matters is an offer. If you have kids or pets, price the home to sell in competition. Seller fatigue is real and it can cost you thousands.
What’s the single best advice you have for buyers?
It’s kind of like dating: try to pick a neighbourhood first, then be open and creative. Some homes will never feel like home; avoid them, even if they are a great deal.
What made you choose to work for your current brokerage?
In the beginning, I interviewed with seven brokerages. I then paid them all a surprise visit to see how the brokerages responded to stress, and if they we’re open to being helpful. My broker didn’t skip a beat and took me to lunch with his wife. Bill Kindou’s open-door policy continues to serve us well.
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 have been following the newsletter rockstarinnercircle.com. Tom and Nick Karadza are good storytellers, and I love their motto, ‘Your life. Your terms.' They have developed great lead generation ideas, and they teach people that they need to invest in real estate, and then they help them find a property.
What is one professional goal you have for the next year? What’s one that you have for the next 10 years?
This year my goal is to learn about estate sales and succession planning. I am currently finishing a death doula course, where I’ve learned that end-of-life planning doesn’t have to be avoided, and can be inspiring to take action for the life I have left. The next 10 years should round out my career, and I hope to stay relevant, keep my world large, and help the next generation have fun.
Tell us about your favourite (or most memorable) sale, and why it stands out to you.
I wasn’t an agent at the time, but I was helping my agent friend choose a home. It only had two bedrooms and she needed three. I did a quick floor plan sketch with a black Sharpie to convert the 2-bedroom into a 3-bedroom and she was sold. If you can find a two-bedroom home and can convert the formal (underused) dining room into a decent bedroom, the potential for re-sale is tremendous.
What are the three words you hope your clients use to describe you?
Fun, fun, and fun!
