Meet the Agent: John Genereaux, Sotheby's International Realty Canada

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 Toronto, in the Don Mills area.

What neighbourhood do you live in now?

I live in Burlington.

What made you want to become a real estate agent?

I started a successful home inspection business and a real estate agent I knew insisted that I should try becoming an agent too.

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

People's expectations. Not only that, but buyers' fear of overpaying.

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

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

Create a brand for your home and level it up to its greatest potential.

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

Purchase a home that's within your lifestyle means.

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

Market yourself with the most reputable brands in the industry. And always invest in yourself.

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

I look up to seasoned agents who are knowledgeable, patient, and confident.

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? 

Being an agent isn't 'easy money', real estate has many moving parts and a good agent must be familiar with all of them to achieve the best outcome in every situation.

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

Selling a home in Toronto's Bridle Path neighbourhood, and the challenges I encountered along the way (some of which I would never thought possible).

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

Tenacious. Outgoing. Trustworthy.

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

Spending time with my family and our dog Bauer.

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.