Looking Back: A Year of Real Estate on the Buying Side!
Real estate has undergone many changes in the last few years, and most notably, the last twelve months. My time as an agent and country living-convert has been exciting, engaging, and one of the most rewarding experiences I could have ever asked for. To celebrate a year of real estate adventure, I'm excited to share this interview on what I've learned helping incredible clients buy their country living homes. And I am so happy to be doing it alongside partner Katrina Elliston.
The home that started it was mine– I decided to move to the country, purchasing my own property. My move to the country ignited something new in me. I am genuinely excited to help people realize the fantastic benefits of country life, to help them unlock the potential in their urban properties and see how much country living has to offer.
In the last 12 months, I've helped buyers purchase many fascinating homes, from the 100-year old "grand dame" mansion, formerly known as the Doctor's House, to a classic log cabin on 40 acres. World travellers settled in the area, finding a home in an epic modern rustic four-season chalet, complete with a labyrinth and old stone wall in the Blue Mountains. Properties range from quaint Creemore century homes to board and batten rebuilds or the Cashtown Corner property featuring a pond and five acres. The list goes on, like the Severn property in the middle of a forest, next to a stream, a 100-acre farm in Kimberly, a gorgeous modern retreat overlooking Creemore Hills… My time as an agent has been nothing short of exciting!
What was the last year like for buying a home?
It was a whirlwind. Many buyers, largely motivated by global events, wanted to move quickly– they knew what they wanted and felt that getting into the country market as soon as possible was the best move for them. However, we've also had other buyers that were adamant that they would only buy when they found the perfect home on the perfect property for the perfect price.
As an agent, I think it is essential that we respect both buyer positions and support them through the process. We have some buyers who have seen over 15 homes– and we are still looking with them until they find what they need.
How does working with clients to buy a home differ from selling a home?
Katrina and I love helping people find homes. While selling is very rewarding, buying a home with a client really allows us to get to know them. We love day-long tours where we take our clients to see several houses, add in a few local town tours, perhaps a lunch, and get to understand what they want in a home. It becomes a personal challenge to make their dreams come true, as cliché as that sounds. And making dreams come true does happen– after they buy, it is always amazing to visit clients and see how they have made the home their own.
Tell us about some interesting paths to country living some of your clients have had.
Often, our clients will have an idea of what they are looking for, which will change over time and after multiple showings. This past year, we have had a few clients that initially wanted to invest in a weekend retreat in the country. However, after getting to know the local area, way of life, and the opportunities to work remotely, some clients did a complete 180 on their lives, choosing to move up as full-time residents.
The desired type of property changes for a lot of clients, too. The idea of a Muskoka cottage is intriguing for many, but over the course of showings, they change their plan to include a country property with land, rivers, and ponds. This is where I love showings, as we get to see the client's perspective expand with every opportunity.
What surprises have some of your clients had about country living?
Many of our clients move from a busy, urban environment, sometimes with no real connections in the country. I've heard time and time again how refreshingly friendly and open neighbours and locals alike are. This has been particularly helpful for clients new to rural life, as they quickly find that everyone is ready to assist if you need help, whether it is for clearing snow or understanding the complexities of maintenance.
The lifestyle is a welcome change for clients too– country living naturally lends itself to being active and outdoors a lot. Clients are also surprised how relaxing country life truly is, taking in the views and appreciating the beauty around them. Our clients are constantly texting photos of incredible sunsets and sunrises or just marvelling over how many stars come out at night!
Take us behind the scenes– what is the buying process like in today's market?
Trying to buy a home in multiple offers is tricky; we try to work with our clients to come up with a number and situation they are comfortable with. It is critical to focus on what is realistic, blocking out the noise around multiple offers from other buyers.
While this transaction may represent a considerable shift in lifestyle for our clients, we always recommend that they try to disconnect and depersonalize the process. Doing so keeps the clients focused on a plan they can afford, rather than being influenced to inflate their budget and end up with buyer's remorse.
Which clients have had the most significant transformation in the property they've built?
Many clients have left their homes more or less as is– after moving, they've found the property suits them well as is. Some clients have made significant changes to older homes, like Alex and Ian's century home in Creemore.
Given the impact of COVID-19, other clients, like Kavitha and Andrew, have found plans for major landscaping projects on hold. I'm certainly looking forward to that project's completion– I can't wait to swim in the new pool!
What was the most unique house you've helped clients buy?
I love a great story when helping a client find the perfect home, and the Primrose Hill Manor that Paulette purchased is precisely that. A historic property that Paulette admired as a child came on the market as she was looking to relocate from Toronto to the Kawartha region. A historical landmark, the home has magnificent detailing and an impressive history. Paulette's vision for Primrose Hill Manor is nothing short of magnificent, either– I can't wait to see how she transforms her dream home!
The potential in country properties is neverending. Recently, one of our clients purchased an incredible property in Kimberly. The 100 acres features a huge bank barn, as well as a hardwood and softwood forest. As we helped him buy the property, it was inspiring to hear our client's ideas for the building– I can't wait to see what he does!
What's your favourite feature you like to see when you're showing a property to clients?
Homes that blend modern and rustic features are fascinating to me– we saw this when helping Greg and Catherine find their property. While the home retained original features like its central brick hearth, it was offset by modern powder-coated railings and updated fixtures. This blend of old and new appeals to a lot of buyers.
Views and access to water are also soft spots for me– there is so much beauty and potential with properties like this. Many of our clients are surprised that there are homes that offer one, or both, of these options. Views allow for a full, expansive appreciation of the land, while water access, whether a pond, stream, or lake, opens up possibilities for extended outdoor living.
What is the one thing every seller should do when prepping their house to wow your clients?
Pride in your home always shows through to potential buyers, while a clean and decluttered home allows people to envision their own new stories in the space. Given this, we always do staging consults for our clients, paired with a big declutter and fresh paint to show the house off at its best. Minor improvements, maintenance, and quick fixes help potential buyers focus on the great qualities of your home, helping the final sale go smoothly.
As a real estate agent showing homes in rural locations, there must have been some interesting stories when touring properties. Any particularly harrowing adventures?
I've climbed fences, hiked through thorny bush, shielded myself from bats in an attic of a century home, been eaten by mosquitoes… And more! The best part? These have been some of my favourite showings!
What was it like buying your own home as an agent?
When I found my perfect country property, I actually asked Katrina, before she was my partner, to come and see my house with me. I was interested in the perspective other realtors could offer, which both Katrina and Meredith Cudney, another agent and long-time friend, offered.
I knew I needed local input and expertise – both agents knew more about the area than I did. This is something I've always kept in mind as I've established my local roots. I'm always happy to do the same favour for other realtors and am so appreciative when they do the same for me. Relocation to a new area requires agents to collaborate, as sometimes client searches fall outside your comfort level or geographic boundaries. Thanks to Katrina and Meredith, I found the perfect home for me!