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: Felix Jasmin
Brokerage: Engel & Völkers Montréal / Outremont
Website: montreal.evrealestate.com
Social Media:Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook
Years of agent experience: 18
Area of focus: Montreal: Central neighbourhoods: Outremont, Plateau, Old-Montreal, Westmount and Mount-Royal, neighbourhoods composed mostly of heritage properties with some architectural residences and condo buildings.
THE INSIGHTS
Where did you grow up?
Between Outremont (Montréal) and one of its countryside orchard villages called St-Paul d'Abbotsford.
What neighbourhood do you live in now?
Outremont, which is one of the very best places to live on earth. It has it all. It's a mostly residential neighbourhood with mature trees. From downtown, it is just on the other side of the Mont Royal mountain and it has the best schools and charming commercial avenues. It has a centennial theatre, restaurants, and a legendary ice cream parlour.
What made you want to become a real estate agent?
The suggestion to become a real estate professional came from a friend, who was convinced I was built for this. I didn't think so! The rest has been an incredible series of luck and precious encounters. I've been in the business for 18 years, and I love it more than ever. I am grateful for my role every day, as it has transformed my career into a lifestyle.
What’s the biggest challenge you see facing the market today?
Some sellers still believe we are in 2021, which was an abnormal market in which everything was selling extraordinarily fast. However, my niche market is remarkably resilient, with people drawn to it for the exceptional quality of life it provides rather than for speculative reasons. As a result, it remains robust and stable.
What’s the single best advice you have for sellers?
When you choose the agent to represent you, ask all the essential questions and confirm who will host the showings. I firmly believe that small is beautiful. Agents who grow into huge teams are no longer agents; they are business people. Also, resolve as many sources of friction as possible. Tackle all those minor household issues you've become accustomed to but haven't addressed yet. By doing so, you'll eliminate potential reasons for a buyer to hesitate when considering your home.
What’s the single best advice you have for buyers?
The opposite of the above advice. Overlook the irritants. Make the difference between what can be fixed and what not. You can change floors, colours, and bathrooms, but you can't renovate a view or a location!
What’s the best thing a realtor can invest in for their brand (a bus bench ad, a solid Instagram strategy, etc.)?
Whatever works for you. There are a thousand recipes for success and happiness. But the best answer is self-investment. Competence is never going to be out of fashion, and neither will being a good human being.
Who do you look up to in the industry and why?
When I grow up, I want to be like Engel & Völkers license partner, Maggi Thornhill, queen of Whistler. I relate to her profoundly: she is at the top of her market, yet she remains hard-working and passionate about her clients and community, always sharing the most contagious smile in the Rockies!
Is there anything you wish people knew or understood about realtors that you think they’re constantly getting wrong?
Many things! It's a fantastic profession if you're a fit for it, and it is rewarding when your clients love you, but you will get hurt sometimes. First, you can’t always choose who you work with, so you will inevitably encounter bad clients and colleagues. Second, money is more taboo than sex, and it will make otherwise likeable people turn into despicable ones! Third, being available for work can take a toll on you and your loved ones.
Tell us about your favourite (or most memorable) sale.
There have been quite a few fantastic ones! Right now, the sale of Louis Boudreault’s home, the incredible painter, comes to mind. He is a client, but also someone who has become a valued friend. Everyone involved in this transaction is dear to my heart. I love it! It was a milestone, and I learned a lot in the process, surrounded by people of immense quality.
The three words you hope your clients use to describe you
Genuine. Trustworthy. Respectful.
What’s your favourite thing to do outside of selling houses?
Sorry, I can't pick [just] one! I'm always all over the place. I climb and/or do yoga almost daily, as often as possible, with my boys and/or girlfriend. I also ride motorcycles, and I get to travel regularly (I keep my trips short to stay close to my business). What a blessed life!
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.
