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: Daniella Quattrociocchi
Brokerage:Sotheby's International Realty Canada
Personal Channels: Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook
Years of Experience: On and off for 16 years (full time at Sotheby's since 2016)
Areas of focus: Oakville, Toronto, Vaughan
THE INSIGHTS
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Woodbridge.
What neighbourhood do you live in now?
I now live in Oakville (Bronte).
What made you want to become a real estate agent?
I have a keen memory of constantly looking at homes; driving around different neighbourhoods, touring properties. Some kids played sports on the weekends, my parents took me to open houses. But I didn't grow up thinking this would be my full time career. I was under the misguided impression that I wanted to be an actor when I finished university. Once I completed a BA at York I was at a crossroad -- post grad schooling in real estate appraisal or comedy writing and performance. I took the funny road and went to comedy school. After two years of (failed) stand up, sketch comedy, and countless auditions, my heart wasn't in it. In 2006, I went back to my love of houses and decided to pursue real estate full time.
What’s the biggest challenge you see facing the market today?
Obviously, the very real global and domestic economic challenges are going to be the over-arching challenge in 2023. As realtors, we will continue to have difficult conversations with our clients, educating ourselves -- and them -- on ever changing markets and learning to move with the numbers as needed.
However, on a deeper level, I feel the hive mindset of the housing market that was created during the pandemic is going to be a big stumbling block for our industry. The frenzied market of 2021/2022 was in large part driven by FOMO. Together with the low interest rates and COVID fatigue, everyone was talking about the market. People were making decisions about buying, selling, and renovating houses almost for entertainment, all while documenting it on social media for good measure. There was enormous social pressure to get into the housing market.
This year the news cycle has changed. Rising interest rates, buyer remorse horror stories, and financial pressures have created a collective FOMF: fear of moving forward. We have forgotten the true reasons that are at the heart of any move -- a new life, a new partnership, a new job, a job loss, a death -- life transitions. These are the mundane reasons for most residential real estate transactions. Not for sport or show. Our industry would be better served if we were reminded of this.
READ:Meet the Agent: Andrew Perrie, REVEL Realty Inc.
What’s the single best advice you have for sellers?
Don't ignore the most recent sales data, even if it isn't what you want to hear. When listing your property, price to where the market is going for a quick and successful sale.
What’s the single best advice you have for buyers?
Your primary residence should not be an investment property. Buy the home within your means that works best for your needs. Don't forget your why!
What’s the best thing a realtor can invest in for their brand (a bus bench ad, a solid Instagram strategy, etc.)?
At the very least I think everyone needs a monthly e-newsletter and professional social media feeds. Shows you're working, knowledgeable in the industry, have the means and expertise to properly advertise a home, and also a connected network that you work within.
Who do you look up to in the industry and why?
The female senior management team of Sotheby's International Realty Canada. Dianne Usher and Maureen O'Neill are widely respected and revered, not only in our immediate markets but both provincially and nationally. Always giving, supportive and knowledgeable, I look to their careers and professionalism as the gold standard. I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to learn from them.
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?
The vast majority of realtors are dedicated professionals who are motivated by the well being of their clients.
Tell us about your favourite (or most memorable) sale.
I have a ghost story. I once previewed a house with my business partner (and husband), Len, in my neighbourhood. An older, 1960s dated bungalow, the property had a main floor entrance from the garage to the front hallway. We had finished touring the property when I took one last long look around in the EMPTY garage. I came back in, closed the garage door, and waited for Len at the front door while he made his way to "take a quick peak" at the garage. "Is this the door to the garage?" He pointed and said as he went to turn the knob. Just as I replied yes, a very audible, loud and clear knock was heard on the garage door. From the EMPTY garage I had just looked at. We both jumped and screamed and ran out of the house.
What are the three words you hope your clients use to describe you?
Positive. Knowledgeable. Professional.
What’s your favourite thing to do outside of selling houses?
When I'm off the clock, I love to roam a good antique mall; I devour pop culture; and I'm a sucker for prestige tv.
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.
