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: Shali Tark
Areas of Focus: Steveston and Richmond
Personal Channels: Instagram | LinkedIn | Brokerage Website | Personal Website
Years of Experience: 16+
THE INSIGHTS
Where did you grow up?
I was born in London, England, and was raised in Hong Kong and Delhi, before going back to England for middle and secondary school. I moved to Vancouver for post-secondary education and fell in love with the west coast lifestyle and the beauty of this city. It was nothing like any of the other areas of the world I lived in before.
What neighbourhood do you live in now?
I have been a resident of Richmond, (15 kilometres to Downtown Vancouver) for almost 30 years now. I love it here and since my childhood was constantly on the move, I was able to raise my daughter (now 16) in this beautiful city and give her roots I never had.
What made you become a real estate agent?
I was preparing for my Masters in Occupational Therapy and one time I was studying with a friend who was preparing to write her real estate exam. She was struggling with the financial portion of the course so I started helping her understand it better. She passed the exam and then suggested I should write my exam too. I did, I passed, got my licence, and never looked back! I love it.
What's the biggest challenge you see facing the market today?
Most people are having a challenge navigating what they 'should' be doing. There is too much noise around them from opinions, predictions, forecasts, data, changing policies, and increasing costs, and they are trying to make decisions while taking everything into consideration — it's a challenge.
What's the single best advice you have for sellers?
It may seem attractive to work with an agent who is promising you a high selling price, but, unless that price is supported by data, it will ultimately be a waste of your time and effort. Choose to work with an agent that understands your goals and is there for you. It's like dating: who do you want to date for the next few months? You don't want to be stuck with the same bad date untill the home sells or worse, doesn't sell! Price can always be adjusted.
What's the single best advice you have for buyers?
There is a lot of distraction these days — you are constantly getting contradictory advice. You have to remind yourself of 'what' you want and 'why'. Focus on that, plan, and be prepared to pull the trigger quickly. The more you prepare, the more competitive offers you can write, especially in a market with bidding wars.
What's the best thing a realtor can invest in for their brand?
Depending on the business model, this will be different for everyone. For me, because I focus on the Steveston area of Richmond, I do have some bus shelter ads and benches in the area. It keeps me top of mind for people in the area. But most of my business comes from referrals and repeat clients. So, staying in constant communication with them and chatting with them is where I invest most of my time and resources.
Who do you look up to in the industry and why?
I don't have any one in particular. I love to read and I learn from the endless amount of information available online. From news articles to opinions, I can get inspiration from anyone's story and success.
Is there anything you wish people knew or understood about realtors that you think they're constantly getting wrong?
Aside from selling real estate, I also teach the course to students who want to pass the exam to become realtors. I see how hard everyone works to make it in this profession. Most people only see about 10% of what we actually do. Sometimes people say, 'Oh, you're a realtor, you can work anytime you want and take time off' — but the truth is, we work around our clients schedules, we work when they don't. And when they are working, so are we. It's 24/7.
Tell us about your favourite (most memorable) sale.
There are many but I would say it was my first sale. It was 2008 when the housing market tanked, some agents were taking retainers to take listings because the chance of them selling were 0-0%. I was a brand-new agent and started door knocking to meet new people. I went to a house that was on a very busy street. I assumed no other agents went there, because there was nowhere close to park the car there. I met the owners, I listed their house, and it sold within a month. Best part was I had my sign with a sold sticker on it on a busy street and it got a lot of attention! Whenever I still see that home it always takes me back to how far I have come in the last 16 years.
The three words you hope your clients use to describe you?
Dependable, all day everyday.
What's your favourite thing to do outside of selling homes?
Right now, I am spending lots of time carving out a plan for what's next. I am still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up!!
