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: Stacey MacDonald
Brokerage: Royal LePage Commercial / Royal LePage ProAlliance
Personal Channels:Instagram | LinkedIn
Years of Experience: 17
Areas of focus: Kingston, Brockville and Belleville
THE INSIGHTS
Where did you grow up?
Kingston, ON.
What neighbourhood do you live in now?
Kingston, ON.
What made you want to become a commercial real estate agent?
My background in finance and account management were good stepping stones to step into a commercial real estate role, coupled with the fact I am very analytical.
What’s the single best advice you have for property owners looking to lease or sell their commercial space?
Know the market, property pricing, proper exposure, and a well-maintained property, along with using a commercial realtor that understands the market, has the contacts to get your listing in front of both regional and national tenants, and has the network to do so.
What’s the single best advice you have for property owners looking to lease or buy commercial property?
Understand the costs of possible leasehold improvements that may be needed for the space, and that you will be responsible for these costs. Also, understanding your rent and the future increases, so you can forecast your rent over the course of the Term, and using a commercial realtor that understands the market and can guide you through all things required in a lease negotiation.
What’s the best thing a commercial real estate agent can invest in for their brand (a professional network, a solid LinkedIn strategy, etc.)?
Professional branding and social media comes at a cost, and certainly is needed to bring a professional image to the forefront. But I still feel the best way you can invest in your brand and set yourself apart from the pack is through learning, attending conferences, ensuring you are staying up-to-date on the industry, and getting in front of as many industry colleagues as you can.
Who do you look up to in the industry and why?
If I had to name one person, it would be the legend, Mr. Joe Barnicke. I started with JJB in 2008, and was honoured to be in the same room with him at any of our events. I still remember a call I received within my first year of being there. I had a rather large industrial listing and Mr. Barnicke called me offering some assistance based on who the client was; I thought it was a joke that my brokerage set up, with someone impersonating him and playing a trick on me — but it was him!
Is there anything you wish people knew or understood about commercial real estate agents that you think they’re constantly getting wrong?
Many often underestimate the complexity of our work. The commercial real estate market involves navigating complex financial models/analysis, market trends, and regulatory environments. It’s not just about showing properties; it requires a deep understanding of economics, zoning laws, and negotiation tactics, and the ability to guide sophisticated clients through the process. And that we don’t answer our phone after 5:00pm ;-).
Tell us about your favourite (or most memorable) commercial deal.
I was part of a team that sold a portfolio of multi-family in Kingston and Ottawa, with a price tag north of $190M just a few years ago.
What are the three words you hope your clients use to describe you?
Brilliant. Professional. Disciplined.
What’s your favourite thing to do outside of working in commercial real estate?
Golf, travelling in the winter, and having long conversations with my two French bulldogs, Miguel and Oliver.
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.
