I don’t do my own car repairs. I don’t cut my own hair. I don’t pretend to be a lawyer. I don’t self-diagnose my health and I don’t pick paint colours. I research professionals and hire based on experience and qualifications. I trust the professionals I hire; they relieve my stress, solve my challenges and the paint colour is never wrong.

I was licensed as Realtor® in 2006. Back then we had 12 months to finish the course and write the exam. The average was 6; for some it was never. A week-long post licensing course followed before we were set free to begin a new career.

It may take less than a year to get a real estate license but the actual education comes from years of experience dealing with many transactions. My marketplace is incredibly diverse with a vast portfolio from rural acreages to strata apartment complexes. Aside from the mandatory courses we take, continuous education comes from professionals like home, water, and septic inspectors, city planning and building departments, property managers, mortgage brokers and legal professionals. I rely on these important experts as they provide continuous learning opportunities for a curious agent like myself.

Every profession has both the highly qualified as well as the ‘just barely’ qualified. Some people just show up – others autograph everything they do with excellence; they continue to learn and always look to perfect their skills. They strive to continually bring high value. There will always be capable lawyers, doctors, contractors and Realtors; and then there will be great ones! Years of experience and education properly applied can make you great. The great professionals make their craft appear effortless. They have invested the time to become great. These are the ones worth searching for and hiring.

One of my favourite quotes came from a​ ​Tweet​ ​that went viral in 2019 –

Words spoken by a true professional.

As I begin my 15th year as a Realtor® l I do not consider myself a veteran and I am certainly not a rookie. This is a tough industry. In my previous careers from hospitality to construction and even clothing design/manufacturing I learned so much but nothing has challenged me more than this profession. The experience and education is unlimited. My love and respect for this industry is motivation to become better every day. I am sure that this is the same motivation shared by other professionals that have the desire to be great – these are the ones I want to work with and the ones I want to hire!