Meet the Agent: Teresa Loader, RE/MAX Rouge River Realty Ltd.

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 was born in Cobourg and grew up in Grafton/Centreton, Colborne and Cobourg area.

What neighbourhood do you live in now?

I currently reside in Colborne, Ontario, in a little hamlet called Lakeport.

What made you want to become a real estate agent?

I was an assistant to a realtor in my early 20s. I was inspired by this person and wanted to achieve the same success one day. I wanted to become a real estate agent in my 20s but chose this as my second career after my children were grown, as being their mom was more important at that time. I have no regrets and feel that I have more time and experience, and can be more committed to my current real estate journey. 

READ:Meet the Agent: Steven Liambas, RE/MAX Noblecorp Real Estate

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

The spike in interest rates has put the brakes on buyers and the sellers' market is causing the market value to drop, leaving sellers/buyers to reset their expectations on what to expect in today’s current market. The market not favoring the buyer or the seller is causing the market value to drop, causing a slowdown on both sides. There have also been lots of price decreases within the market lately, giving the buyers more leverage in negotiations on the sale price, which is not favorable to the seller. 

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

It is important to price your investment strategy within the current market. Be knowledgeable of “like” properties in your area that have sold, are currently listed, and have been taken off the market. Be aware of the market around you. Marketing your home is more important than it has ever been, and asking your realtor what they will do for you is key. Know their plan on how they will successfully market your home. Pricing competitively in this market is of key importance

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

It is important to have pre-approval and be knowledgeable about your finances before you begin your home search. Avoid making large purchases during the home buying process, as it can affect your approval amount. If you need to sell a home in order to buy, have that home listed and on the market prior to putting an offer on another home. Do not leave conditions outside of offers if they need to be in there, this is for your protection.

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

Branding is number one. Being present and consistent in the media, being present within your community, farming in your area (ie. monthly news-letter, e-letter, etc.), and keeping in touch with past, present, and future clients.

READ: Meet the Agent: C. Ivy Stephenson, Right at Home Realty

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

I look up to Lindsey Edwards of Royal Lepage Pro Alliance. She has a positive presence within her community, exudes power, knowledge, and has a lot of passion for what she does. She is a positive advocate for various charities in the area and is consistent with her branding. 

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

I wish people understood that we are not on a salary or a wage of any kind. Unless we make a sale, we do not get paid. There needs to be a level of commitment between the client and Realtor.

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

In 2021, I sold a property for clients that were downsizing and moving into a retirement residence. They had strict deadlines to meet and were very overwhelmed at the thought of the whole process. I jumped in and spent hours helping them arrange a successful yard sale, decluttering, and organizing their home. Helped with whatever overwhelmed them, trying to make the experience as easy as possible for them. We met their deadline, listed their home in time, which ended in a short and successful sale. They were so happy with the results and kept reminding me how much I helped make their selling journey easier and less stressful. This was a feel-good transaction.

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

Professional. Compassionate. Enthusiastic.

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

Spending time with my family and friends at our trailer in Prince Edward County in the summer months. Being a mom to my two boys, and loving my fur babies.

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.