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: Nancie McLeod
Areas of Focus: West Toronto/South Etobicoke
Personal Channels: Instagram | LinkedIn
Years of Experience: 15
THE INSIGHTS
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Calgary and spent most of my time hiking or skiing in the mountains. Loved every minute of it! I came to Ontario to go to university, first Western and then TMU for Interior Design. I had planned to move back west when I finished school, but the best design firms and the most exciting work at that time was here in the big city. No mountains, unfortunately, but I was hooked on the big trees and the super-sized lakes.
Where do you live now? And what neighbourhood (in Canada, or worldwide) would you love to live in (that isn’t your own)?
I have lived all over the city but have been in the west end of Toronto/Etobicoke for over 20 years now. I love the proximity to High Park, Humber River, the trails and the lake. There is always an indie coffee shop en route, so urban hiking, biking and sometimes gallery gawking are all favourite activities. I am a Canadian through and through, so I will stay here long-term, but house-sitting around the world really appeals to me.
How did you end up becoming a real estate agent?
I became a realtor after a long career in interior design simply because I was looking for a change. I lucked out; real estate made so much sense for me as I already had an in-depth understanding of design, construction and renovation. Bonus: I love meeting new people. Design and real estate go hand-in-hand, so my clients get two skill sets for the price of one!
In a few sentences, describe what a typical “day in the life” looks like for you. Does this align with what you expected before you became an agent?
I tell people that the life of a realtor is similar to that of a doctor… but at least the doctor knows ahead of time when they will be on call. Real estate isn’t as predictable as I thought it was going to be, but I enjoy the fact that I don’t sit in a chair all day.
What's the single best advice you have for sellers?
Ask all the dumb questions, day or night. It’s a stressful time, and you don’t want to lose any more sleep than you have to!
What's the single best advice you have for buyers?
I advise buyer clients to think about what they like to do on weekends. It encourages them to think about how the home will support their favourite activities, not just how many rooms it has. It also gets them thinking beyond the property – the proximity to family, friends, galleries, play parks, etc.
What made you choose to work for your current brokerage?
Sutton Old Mill appealed to me as I like to live and work close to home. I am all about community. The fact that Old Mill is a family-run business and a Canadian-owned and operated brand sealed the deal!
Who do you believe is making the biggest waves in the industry today? Is there anyone you recommend people should be paying attention to right now?
It is well known that we have a housing shortage in our major centres, as well as a scarcity of appropriate housing for seniors across the country. We need to pay attention to those thinking – and building – outside the box to try and solve the problem. If we can bring people together to help minimize loneliness, even better.
What is one professional goal you have for the next year? What’s one that you have for the next 10 years?
I have always thought of real estate as a “helping people” profession. Not everyone is looking to buy or sell a dream home, and in fact, staying put may often be the better solution. I hope to keep helping others live better lives at home, one way or another, for at least the next 10 years!
Tell us about your favourite (or most memorable) sale, and why it stands out to you.
My favourite sale is the one where I am able to help with the “before, during and after.” One of my senior neighbours was aging rapidly. I decluttered their big home, packed everything up, then placed every piece in their room at the retirement home, and then we sold the home. Their heartfelt thank-yous and our lasting friendship were so worth it.
What are the three words you hope your clients use to describe you?
Professional, Personable, and Passionate for people and property.
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.
