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: Callum Wallace
Brokerage: Engel & Völkers Oakville
Personal Website: callumwallace.evrealestate.com
Instagram | LinkedIn
Years of agent experience: 7
Area of focus: West Greater Toronto Area
THE INSIGHTS
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Oakville, Ontario.
What neighbourhood do you live in now?
I currently reside in Oakville.
What made you want to become a real estate agent?
While I was growing up, we had a family realtor who drove a very nice car and it always inspired me.
What’s the biggest challenge you see facing the market today?
The biggest challenge is the contrast between how some sellers and buyers see the market. Sellers still seek to sell for the same value that their home was able to earn during the pandemic, while some buyers are seeking a deal. We are now seeing both sides acclimatize to the new normal following the Bank of Canada’s series of mortgage rate increases through 2023. Those waiting in the wings to purchase are seeing an uptick in market activity and home prices and trending back upwards due to this demand coupled with a lack of inventory. So even though we don’t have the runaway prices of last spring, once again we are seeing accurately priced homes selling with multiple offers and in many cases, selling above the asking price. Ultimately, the biggest challenge for the foreseeable future will be a lack of inventory.
What’s the single best advice you have for sellers?
Now is a good time to take advantage of the market and lack of inventory to sell and trade up.
What’s the single best advice you have for buyers?
Work with someone who is on the ball. Sharp and savvy advisors and buyers will be able to find opportunities where certain sellers may be over-leveraged by the rate increases.
What’s the best thing a realtor can invest in for their brand (a bus bench ad, a solid Instagram strategy, etc.)?
I’ve never done any self-promotion. I have lots of hobbies that allow me to meet new people every day, which lets me organically promote myself through the connections I make, leading to long-term real estate relationships and referrals. For example, on August 1, 2023, I embarked on Flight for Hope, an initiative to support marginalized single-parent families, lifting off from Burlington Executive Airport. The initiative will substantially contribute to Canadian charity Home Suite Hope and raise awareness of aligned charities worldwide. You can follow my journey by tracking me live, here.
Who do you look up to in the industry and why?
Peter Kolisynk, the Private Office Advisor at our shop. The man is a machine. He works more than anyone I know. I have had the pleasure of co-listing a few properties with him and have witnessed his expertise in educating his clients on the market and their home valuation which is always done with precision and care. Not to mention he does multiple Iron Man races each year, so his level of determination and persistence is remarkable!
Is there anything you wish people knew or understood about realtors that you think they’re constantly getting wrong?
I think the stereotype of a “salesperson” is not great, and that’s how a lot of realtors at other brokerages advertise themselves. While we are in the sales industry, my job is simply to have my finger on the pulse of the current market, know the comps, and guide the client to make an informed decision that is best for them.
Tell us about your favourite (or most memorable) sale.
My very first sale was in the hype of 2017. I listed a condo for $550k, which had four offers on it in 24 hours. They were all close in price and I was able to get the best offer to more than 15% above the second-place offer. I still work with this client and am currently working on a commercial sale for him north of $30M.
The three words you hope your clients use to describe you
Energetic, passionate, friendly.
What’s your favourite thing to do outside of selling houses?
Flying airplanes! To pick up on what I mentioned earlier, I recently set off on a round-the-world flight through 26+ countries over 2.5 months to become the fourth Canadian to solo-circumnavigate the world in a single-engine airplane. You can learn more about my journey at www.flightforhope.com.
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.
