Meet the Agent: Asmar Gorges, RE/MAX Preferred Realty Ltd.

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

THE INSIGHTS

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in a small, poor village located in the western half of Iraq. My family and I escaped to Greece for five years due to the constant wars in Iraq.

What neighbourhood do you live in now?

I currently live in a wealthy new neighbourhood located in Seven Lakes, LaSalle.

What made you want to become a real estate agent?

I became a real estate agent because I love the real estate world, and learning new things happening in the market that I not only get to share with my clients, but with everyone else.

What’s the biggest challenge you see facing the market today?

The biggest challenge I see facing the market today is the rise of interest rates. As a result, the confidence of potential home buyers and investors has been impacted.

READ: Meet the Agent: Alex K. Liang, Engel & Völkers Vancouver

What’s the single best advice you have for sellers? 

When selling your home, make sure to give it to a buyer who will take care of it the way you did.

What’s the single best advice you have for buyers? 

When searching the market, make sure when making your final decision that it is a home -- not just a house -- because you want it to be forever.

What’s the best thing a realtor can invest in for their brand (a bus bench ad, a solid Instagram strategy, etc.)?

If you have a strong work ethic, you don't need to be spending thousands of dollars on ads.
Social media offers great exposure and can be an excellent way of generating leads. Another way is to sponsor events or host your own, such as charity dinners.

Who do you look up to in the industry and why? 

I do not look up to anyone in the industry. But I do have great co-workers who inspire me every day.

READ: Meet the Agent: Kevin Wong, Right at Home Realty

Is there anything you wish people knew or understood about realtors that you think they’re constantly getting wrong? 

That we also have a life and a family to look after, and that we cannot always take calls at 10pm.

Tell us about your favourite (or most memorable) sale.

My favourite sale is when I helped three sisters, who do not speak English, purchase a home. I was with them during every step and every meeting with the mortgage agent translating and making sure they understood the process.

What are the three words you hope your clients use to describe you?

Honest. Knowledgeable. Caring.

What’s your favourite thing to do outside of selling houses?

Spending time with my family!

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.