Meet the Agent: Kendra Connelly, 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 Fenelon Falls and moved to Toronto at the age of 18. I lived in the city for 30 years before relocating two years ago to Jackson's Point.

What neighbourhood do you live in now?

I own a home in Toronto's Beaches neighbourhood and a home in Jackson's Point.

What made you want to become a real estate agent?

After working as a nightclub bartender for almost 15 years I made a promise to my Mom ( I was adopted) that I would take care if her in her elder years. So I knew I had to start a career.

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

Pricing homes and strategy are needed skills. We have moved from a market of speed into a market of skill.

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

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

Communicate truthfully and clearly so the strategy created will succeed. Patience is very important, and let go of any high price expectations.

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

In a market where you can negotiate and have conditions, be safe and move on it.

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

Always be learning -- invest in yourself and in a coach. You and your clients will benefit.

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

The realtors that have succeeded before me.

READ: Meet the Agent: Taylor Hack, RE/MAX River City

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

There are realtors who genuinely want to guide/protect you through the process and it isn't all about the money. I once helped sell an elderly woman's home for free.

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

I was helping a divorcing couple sell their island that was only accessible by boat. The day I went to meet them to boat over to the island, the wife brought her new girlfriend. This new relationship was the reason the couple was separating (I didn't know she was bringing her ahead of time -- lol). While they all toured me around the island we came across the location where the wife's father had been buried. Later in the week, once we started to get the home ready for sale, I had to convince the husband to let his ex-wife use the boat to go and exhume her father so we could sell the property.

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

Exemplary. Patient. Protected.

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

I just bought a 1972 Stingray Corvette I am going to restore. At 47 years old I competed in a body building competition, I just took up golf, and I can always be found with my two Dobermans walking in the forest.

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.