Meet The Agent: Milli Pajpani, Right at Home Realty

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

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THE INSIGHTS

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Etobicoke, Ontario.

What neighbourhood do you live in now?

I now live in Vaughan, Ontario.

What made you want to become a real estate agent?

Prior to real estate, I was flourishing as a Project Manager for some of the top financial companies in Toronto. When my husband and I decided to start a family, I actually thought I would be bored during maternity leave and decided to get my real estate license when I was pregnant so I would have something to “do” while I was off for a year. Little did I know, babies are actually more time consuming than managing multiple million dollar projects/teams and, more importantly, that I would fall in love with buying and selling real estate.

READ: Meet The Agent: Christopher Boyd, rennie & associates realty ltd

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

Inventory and price points for first time home buyers. It’s challenging for single income individuals these days to afford a decent home within the GTA. But, it’s not impossible – you just have to be creative and sometimes take an unconventional approach. With the right mindset (and agent by your side), anything is possible!

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

Prep, prep, and more prep. You have one chance to make a first impression – and in real estate, every second counts! In any market, pretty homes tend to sell faster and for top dollar. I have a proven formula to take any property and turn it into a 'wow'! I have an eye for what is in style and what's not – and ultimately what attracts buyers. As part of my listing package, I take care of all the details of preparing your home for sale, whether it’s painting, upgrading light fixtures, adding drapery, staging, garbage removal, etc., all of these items help showcase your home in the best light possible in order to obtain the best results and a smooth experience for you.

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

Create a plan, write it down, know what you want and need, and simply don’t give up! Understanding your criteria and financial boundaries is crucial to setting expectations and “finding the one“. Don’t skip the ground work and jump right into showings – once you lay the foundation the right property will fall in your lap.

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

Building strong relationships with past clients and strategic partners. I don’t believe in a one-and-done transaction. I think staying in touch with your clients is crucial for your brand as they will be your advocates and referral generator, which will be better than any bus or bench ad can be!

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

Ryan Serhant, a real estate broker in the United States. I admire his grit and tenacity, having started from zero to become one of the top brokers in the world in under 15 years. He thinks big and goes for it. But most importantly, he shares his wins and failures to help motivate others.

READ: Meet The Agent: Richard Silver, Sotheby's International Realty Canada

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

Real estate is not just transactional. Realtors end up wearing several hats – marketer, accountant, marriage counselor, interior designer, writer/content developer and more. Yes, real estate can be very rewarding, but you need to constantly hustle, you need to always stay on top of the latest tools and trends, be creative in negotiations, and stay in touch with your database. Also, make sure to know your neighbourhoods and current economic state and, most importantly, always be available to your clients.

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

My client brought her then 12-year-old daughter to a showing. The minute we walked in the house, the family’s eyes lit up as this home checked off all the criteria they were looking for. Then the daughter saw the mountain of business cards on the console table and grunted 'we are never going to get this home!' I turned to her and said well, if you say that then we won’t. But if you really want this home, think it, write it down, and believe it – you never know! On offer presentation night there was 30 offers. I asked the daughter to draw me a picture of the home with a cheeky statement, ”Win offer presentation” that I included with the offer along with a brief letter of the family. We made it to top three but we weren’t the highest offer and we couldn't go up any further. But the seller was so touched they selected our offer! The family was over the moon, the wife started crying (happy tears) and said Milli, not only did you get our dream home you did something so much more valuable, you taught my daughter to never give up and reach for the stars no matter what the situation is. Which I will never forget.

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

Resilient. Results-Driven. Positive.

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

Traveling, shopping, watching movies.

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.