CANADA 7-25-22

CANADA EDITION

CREATIVE MEDITATION for the Real Estate Professional COVER STORY

FRANCE MANTAS

Playing the Real Estate Matchmaker 5 Lessons from Silicon Valley to

Modernize and Monetize Your Business

FEATURED AGENTS

CHRISTINE BOISSEAU PAMMI BRAR PASCAL LAVIOLETTE ANDREEA POPESCU PAULINE SUNDERLAND

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com http://www.topagentmagazine.com

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Playing the Real Estate Matchmaker –

Follow These 8 Dating Rules to Ensure You Match Your Client with the Perfect Home for Them When you think a bit more about it, the ultimate goal of a real estate agent serving a client is really to match them up with the perfect house for them, almost the way a matchmaker tries to find two people that will fit well together as a couple. When people are looking for a house, they often treat the process as a quest for “the one” house that will fulfill their dreams of living in the house of their dreams. Don’t be fooled. It is always a search for “the one”, at least when it comes to helping a couple or family find a home.

When you look at your client’s search for a home in this manner, then you might begin to notice some pretty obvious similarities 4

between shopping for a home today and online dating. In this day and age most people live a substantial part entire lives online. People socialize with their friends on Facebook, they meet potential friends in forums and online communities, and we now even search for our perfect mate online. Shopping for a home also happens to usually start online. When they begin this search, make no mistake; they are looking for the “one.” These people then turn to you, the REALTOR® to play matchmaker for them. It is your job to wade through the pool of eligible homes (bachelors) and sort through all the ones that are too expensive, too nerdy, not cute enough, not smart enough, etc. until you find the “one.”

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It makes sense then to consult the tried and true practices in matchmaking that help those professionals find the right people for each other, and see if any of them could also apply for matching your clients with their dream home. You’ll find that these 8 dating rules may just show you the secret to matching your clients with the perfect home.

back to the store if you’re not happy with your new home. It’s best to first help your client get prequalified. This is a tangible step that shows they are ready to move on to a new home. You want to make sure they are completely over their love affair with their previous home. You can even ask them for a sign or proof that they’re ready to move on.

Who Is In and Not In Your Client’s League? Know Your Client’s Price Range:

Be Genuine, Not Superficial

When a person is looking for a mate, it is a waste of time for them to even consider those potential mates that are clearly out of their league. These people won’t even stop to give them the time of day.

In the world of real estate the idea is the same. There is no point showing your clients houses that they can’t afford and will simply lust after without having any real chance of purchasing the house. It is your job to keep your client ground in reality, and help them be realistic in terms of price when choosing their next home.

Never Let Your Client’s First Impression of a Home Rule Their Decisions

Make Sure Your Client is Ready to Move On From Their Last Dream Home You’re job is also to make sure that your client is truly ready to move on from their previous home. This is a long term commitment, and they need to be absolutely sure they actually want to buy a new house. You can’t simply take the receipt Top Agent Magazine

When trying to manage the many pitfalls of online dating, on inevitably goes on a date where the other person looks nothing like their picture online. That can be just as big of a problem when looking for a house. When clients show you a particular house they want to visit, ask them to name something about the house that they like other than the aesthetics. This way you can see if they are simply infatuated with the way the house looks in those pictures, or if there is a deeper interest in the home that could become a deeper connection between your client and the house.

When your client first sees a house they have already been lusting after in their mind, they’re often so excited to finally be looking at it, especially if it does in fact look as good as it did in the pictures.

Make sure to encourage them to take some time before making such a big com-

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mitment, and don’t let their excitement push them into making a rash decision. It is your job to keep them grounded in reality. Push for your clients to do an inspection to make sure the house isn’t hiding any dark secrets. Sometimes the most charming facade can hide tons of slime and deadly mold.

Follow Your Heart (or Gut) People often laugh at and ridicule the idea of love at first sight, but when it comes to homes, the phenomenon can certainly happen. Your client may just find their perfect dream home at the very first place you take them. If you have a client that does insist this is the case, then you don’t want to try and rationalize with them or talk them out of their decision. You do, however, want to make sure you are watching out for their interest and make sure your clients take all the necessary precautions before they jump in headfirst.

See What Other People See in The Home – Do They See What Your Client Sees?

Have you come to the conclusion that your clients are being blinded by all of the twinkling windows and crystal clear water glistening in the backyard pool, and can’t see that the house they’ve fallen in love with is really just a dirty animal (maybe a pig) dressed up in nice clothes and lipstick. Ask your client if they would be willing to look at the house again with 6

their close friends, family, and anyone else they trust for a second opinion there to see it with them. If the house really is a dud, they’ll be able to see past any personal bias your client might have to the truth. They will be able to help your client see through the shining facade

Celebrate the Happy Union!

When a couple gets married they tend to throw a big party and celebrate their union. The same goes for the closing.

Your clients have just essentially married the house of their dreams, and now it’s time to rejoice. Congratulate them on their new union. Show your support for their new homeowner status by going to their housewarming party.

Help Your Clients Maintain Their Dream Home & Ensure a Lifetime of Happiness You can’t just disappear after the transaction is finished. Become their realtor for life by showing your clients how to maintain their dream home. Act as their resource for other professionals they may need to maintain the house such as handymen, plumbers, electricians, etc. Show them how to keep up with home maintenance so they don’t ignore problems that surface and end up with a much larger issue than they started with. Help them make sure their dream home lasts so they can live happily ever after in their home for a lifetime.

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FRANCE MANTAS

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FRANCE MANTAS

“Meeting people and changing lives – that’s what we like. When we meet new people, it’s that start of a relationship with them, and eventually they turn into family. We want to provide a lifetime of service for them, and their friends and children.”

In 2007, France Mantas was enjoying a thriving career as a figure skating coach, but found herself seeking an entrepreneurial challenge. She 8

pursued her second career as a licensed REALTOR®, and started practicing within Montreal. By 2017, the demand for her services was quickly Top Agent Magazine

outpacing her capacities, so she created a mobile, traveling team to serve areas in sprawling Québec. Today, in 2022, she heads up a team of eleven people (which includes seven other real estate agents) affiliated with eXp, and her team is aiming to close two hundred transactions this year.

supported at every stage of the process: “They come back to us because of our team service. We have several departments, and they are all specifically tasked, so we always have time for people, and there’s always someone there to pick up the telephone.”

France enjoys managing a team with so much expertise, particularly France’s success is built on a spirit because her son is one of her most of collaboration, and their tireless trusted agents! With him cementing teamwork keeps their clients feeling himself in the industry, France aims Top Agent Magazine

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to double the size of her team in the children.” She enjoys making her clients feel supported throughout the very near future. year by hosting brunch meetups for For France, continuing to grow her those who refer her team, celebratenterprise is a way of increasing her ing Halloween with pumpkin carvimpact on the extended community. ing contests, and even loaning out She has discovered a source of joy her team’s personal trailer for those in her work, and is eager to share it who are in the process of moving! far and wide: “Meeting people and changing lives – that’s what we like. Even for those outside of her immeWhen we meet new people, it’s that diate sphere, France finds creative start of a relationship with them, and ways to improve their lives. For five eventually they turn into family. We years, she and her team have been want to provide a lifetime of ser- donating a portion of every transacvice for them, and their friends and tion to the “À deux pas de la réussite”

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foundation: a non-profit organization that helps young scholars by helping them obtain scholarships, and providing furniture for new living quarters. They also provide tutoring services for young children, supporting them academically, particularly if their own parents did not have access to higher education. When France and her team boast about providing a “service for life,” they always deliver: “Every time we make a sale, we help people in the community, and we’d like to grow that.”

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While France Mantas is eager to support her youngest son, who works diligently under her tutelage; and her eldest son, a firefighter, the thing she most enjoys about her life right

now is spending time with her two and a half year old grandson. “I’m very busy! I like to do sports, especially snowboarding with my little grandson.”

To learn more about France Mantas, visit francemantas.ca, call (514) 325-1012 or email France@equipefm.ca www.

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Creative Meditation

for the Real Estate Professional The real estate world can be an industry of intense emotional and psychological pressure. Deadlines, meetings, employee needs, client needs and a hundred other items on which one needs to focus on a daily basis can create an environment that is not only not conducive to mental well-being, but can be outright detrimental.

Learning to quiet the mind has been the focus of meditation for millennia. While those not familiar with the concept of meditation may instinctively think of yoga mats, incense, and chanting when the word “meditation” arises, there are in fact, many forms of meditation that can integrate quite Top Agent Magazine

easily into the daily hustle & bustle world of the busy real estate agent.

First, think about when you are alone each day. Here are some possible times to practice mediation during the work day: • When driving to the office in the morning • When driving to a showing or to meet a client • Before your open house begins • After the open house • Driving home in the evening 13

Repeating a mantra can be very calming, particularly when you are trying to rid yourself of negative, self-defeating thoughts.

These are just five examples of times when you can take advantage of meditation techniques to quiet your mind and, by extension, increase productivity. A calm mind is a more thoughtful, better tuned instrument.

Here are some examples of meditations you can try.

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For when you’re driving, download and listen to any number of audio Guided Meditations available on the internet. YouTube has a generous selection of these, many of which are geared towards success in business.

2 Repeating a mantra can be very calm-

ing, particularly when you are trying to rid yourself of negative, self-defeating thoughts. It doesn’t matter what words you choose, as long as you feel good about your choice. “I am a success” or “I will approach all of my clients with love today” are two examples. Whatever works for you and gets you into the desired mindset.

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3 Something as simple as listening to pleasant music in your car can be considered meditation, provided it brings you to a place of comfort as opposed to one of spiritual discordance.

4 The most important thing, however, is to take time to find gratitude in everything you do. Count your blessings, be grateful the exciting career in real estate you have built for yourself.

Once you’ve mastered some of these techniques at quieting your mind, you can attempt to find some that work even better for you. Walking, plain silence, or even exercise can have meditative qualities and benefits if practiced on a regular basis.

When you’re truly feeling calm, your clients can sense this. And with this comes the feeling that you can be relied upon to stay focused and calm in any unforeseen circumstances. And in the world of real estate, that’s a highly prized commodity.

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CHRISTINE BOISSEAU Christine Boisseau is a real estate professional with extensive experience in residential and commercial sales. She got started in residential sales in 2005 in Quebec and moved to Kelowna, BC in 2013, and founded the KelownaHomes Team. Christine’s team was top 3 in the area for 2018 and 2019 and top 10 in 2020. In 2020, she had a baby and moved back to Quebec City to be closer to family. Christine transferred her Associate Broker license and now focuses more on CRE. She reserves residential for friends, family, and referrals but prefers to focus her prospecting efforts on commercial clients. Starting in a new market is tough but Christine grew up in Quebec and she has been able to leverage her time as a leader of a top team to branch out and network.

Christine has been able to make a name for herself in the Quebec City market. Her referrals make up most of her business and she is looking to grow even more.

What makes Christine so successful is her down-toearth attitude. She listens to your needs and provides honest feedback. Most transactions in commercial sales are based on numbers rather than a lifestyle.

Christine’s business acumen, and the fact that she is an MBA graduate, make investors more likely to do business with her again in the future. “It’s a numbers game but it’s still a People business and the client care and service is what matters and makes people want to work with me again.”

Keeping in touch with past clients is important, whether they are interested in commercial or residential real estate. Christine likes to stay in touch by sending emails, hand-written cards, and sitting down for faceto-face meetings. “Realtors® have this misconception that we have to shower our clients with huge gifts.”

She feels that adding a personal touch to your client interactions goes a lot further than any gift.

The Royal LePage Commercial network, of which Christine is a member, is a nationwide referral network of over 18,000 Realtors®. Real estate in and around Quebec is less expensive comparatively so there is an influx of bigger corporations relocating there. The RLP network allows Christine to capitalize on extending her reach throughout North America to those interested in relocating their business. Last year, Christine was 40th in the province for the RLP network. Christine’s commitment to excellence is evident not only in her professional achievements but in her dedication to the community as well. She has served as President of the Rotary Club of Kelowna-Okanagan Mission for 2 years and has fundraised and donated to the Children’s Hospital Network and the BCSPCA. Her dedication to giving back makes her a valuable asset to both her clients and her community.

When not working, Christine enjoys spending time at her parent’s lake house. She is also an equestrian and lives on an 8-acre property. Christine has recently started coaching Realtors® and Team Leaders at LPM Training. They are the number 1 training institute for real estate brokers in Quebec and they are hoping to open up to the rest of Canada shortly “Pushing the commercial side and the coaching side is the focus of my business right now.” Looking ahead, Christine not only wants to become one of the top commercial Realtors® in Quebec but she also wants to bring a more personalized service experience to the fold. If you’re looking for a top commercial real estate agent in Quebec who can provide a personalized service experience, contact Christine today!

To learn more about Christine Boisseau, email christine@boisseauimmobilier.com, call (418) 570-0252, or visit point2homes.com www.

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PAMMI BRAR In 1982, Pammi moved to Canada from India. After trying a few different jobs in an uncertain economy, he decided Real Estate would be the best place to focus his skills and attention. By 1988, he had his real estate certification and started with a small firm with less than a dozen agents. As his ambitions and client base grew, he moved on until in 1990, he settled with Re/Max and has loved working with them ever since. While he has a commercial certification, he focuses largely on residential transactions, where he stays in the top 1% among colleagues. It’s been a journey of over 30 years, and Pammi has loved every step of the way to get him to the level of success he’s at now.

Although Pammi’s been at the job for decades, he still approaches each day with the energy of a teenager. He passes that infectious energy on to his team, where he happily takes the role of mentor for those who need guidance. Whether he works with them for a few months or they stay under his wing for years, he shares his knowledge of Calgary and Canadian real estate, helping develop the next generation of real estate professionals. He’s gained a solid market knowledge and is ready to share it.

After all of the decades in the business, with over 2,000 transactions behind him, there’s literally thousands of satisfied customers and their families coming back for their next property deal, or sending friends and family to talk to Pammi. This leads to about 80% of his business coming from satisfied customers in the past. They keep coming back due to the thorough approach that Pammi uses. He sits everyone down for an interview and finds out exactly what they need and what they want. Too many people confuse needs and wants, and Pammi help sorts out things like their income, where they work and where they picture their lives going.

Then it’s up to his well developed 6th sense to go and 16

find the right property that will make them happy.

The client is always #1 to Pammi. He listens to every detail of their lives, asks the right questions and makes a few suggestions before going out to hunt the right property. He has a marketing team and a regular newsletter to help keep him in contact with clients after a transaction is closed, but nothing is as effective as a simple invitation to coffee. A little talk over coffee with a client goes a long way. While chatting about lives and families, he never sets out asking for business, but it often comes up where his client knows someone who could use Pammi’s help.

Pammi loves helping people and guiding them on their path. Even when not on the job, he’ll make a point of donating to children’s hospitals and charitable organizations. Life is based on helping people and forming good relationships - family, friends or business. The key to good relationships and good business is staying calm and thinking clearly. If something is upsetting you and you’re not in good emotional health, it will impact everything else. Meditation, exercise, and making sure you are there 100% for your loved ones are important things to keep at the front of your mind to keep yourself free and happy. It’s a philosophy that’s worked for Pammi for decades, and he’s looking for it to keep working for him for many years to come.

For more information, call 403-607-7070, email brarp@telus.net and visit www.pammibrar.com Top Agent Magazine

5 Lessons from Silicon Valley to Modernize and Monetize Your Business Silicon Valley may be the region for disruptors, tech entrepreneurs, and futurists, but even the most forward-thinking, abstract companies are still businesses that have to keep tabs on their bottom line. There’s much to learn from America’s fastest-growing sector, and even if Silicon Top Agent Magazine

Valley seems like a world unto its own, there are key lessons prime for adaption in your own endeavors. Below, consider a few ways to translate the trends and teachings of Silicon Valley for your own business, and reap the rewards in the process.

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1. Diversify your value Real estate is a business built on relationships, but your relationships will go stale if the only thing you communicate is you interest in making a sale. In order to sustain relationships for the long term, you’ve got to remain valuable to your clients beyond the transaction. Serve as a local resource, not just a salesperson or real estate expert. Ensure your marketing materials, social media presence, and communications offer useful, relevant, and original content your clients will benefit from. What’s more, vary your communications so that every time you reach out it’s not just about new business or a referral.

2. Company culture matters Silicon Valley tech giants always emphasize the importance of company culture—not just as a way of drawing and retaining talent, but also as a way to appeal to clientele. What are your company’s values? What do you stand for? How you’re positioned in the marketplace is becoming just as important as what you do and how well you do it. Your company culture is part of your branding, and your brand should feel clear and composed to clients eyeing your services.

3.Think big picture More and more, clients want to have an experience, not just a transaction. When it comes to buying a home, this means they care more about a property’s bedroom and bathroom count. As an agent, consider showcasing properties in terms of lifestyle. What neighborhood amenities are nearby? What opportunities are there for community involvement? How does public 18

transportation stack up in the area? Before making the purchase of a lifetime, clients want to envision a complete lifestyle.

4. Leverage multiple platforms By now, you probably recognize that social media is not afterthought. Your social media presence should fit your brand and voice, interact across platforms, and actively engage with your audience. In other words, if you want to reap the benefits of social media, it’s not enough to post a few times a month and walk away. Active engagement means responding to comments, interacting with your followers’ profiles, and posting original content beyond a sales pitch.

Likewise, you’ll want to be active across multiple social media platforms and ensure that your profiles are interconnected. That way, you’ll be working from a unified voice and brand.

5. Reputations rule the roost Never underestimate the power of word-ofmouth marketing and testimonials. If you haven’t asked for feedback from past clients, and you aren’t sharing positive testimonials and reviews—you’re missing out on one of the most powerful tools at an agent’s disposal. You can pitch the virtues of your working style all day long, but those courting your business want to hear about positive experiences from the client’s perspective.

If you want to take your business to the next level and maximize the twenty-first century values of a company on the rise, look to the lessons of Silicon Valley to get your start. There are always opportunities to innovate, and doing so will help you break from your routine and stand apart from the pack.

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PASCAL LAVIOLETTE Offering both a high quality of life and lower cost of living, the greater Gatineau region of Québec attracts residents from all over the world. Real estate agent Pascal Laviolette enjoys living and working in this area, as it offers large city amenities and abundant nature. He entered the real estate industry after working in sales his entire life. People-oriented and knowledgeable about all of the local communities, becoming an agent was a natural choice. Today he specializes in waterfront and second property cottages, as he lives in the middle of the four big lakes near Ottawa. “Around half of my business consists of this property type, and it’s so much fun,” he explains. Working as a solo agent at RE/ MAX, he’s reached great heights and shows no signs of slowing down.

Clients appreciate his energetic demeanor and positivity. “I am so passionate about what I do,” he says.

Pascal is an expert in his field, and enjoys guiding people through their real estate journeys. For his buyers, he takes the time to understand what they are looking for and develops an individualized plan to achieve their goals. He learns what their budget is, their must-have list, and their long-term plans. Once he knows their ideal property type, he begins his search, only showing them the homes that best match their needs. When it’s time to submit an offer, he ensures they’re staying competitive while also getting the best deal possible. With his sellers, his approach is just as diligent, with his goal being to receive the best and highest offers the market will allow. “I advertise through my brokerage’s website and also run Facebook campaigns,” he explains.

Closing about 40-50 transactions each year, it’s clear he’s on the right track.

Buyers and sellers remain loyal to him indefinitely, as he suprasses every expectation. One recent client said, “Pascal simplified and facilitated the entire process, putting us at ease every step of the way! He was invaluable and both his knowledge and helpfulness Top Agent Magazine

made buying a house completely stress free: we highly recommend his services.”

Another wrote, “I am very happy and satisfied with Pascal’s experience, expertise, professionalism and services. I have no problem recommending him to anyone that requires his services. He guided me and helped me with all aspects of selling my house in a timely manner.”

An active member of his community, Pascal gives back throughout the year via donations and volunteering. He gives back to a non-profit benefiting children suffering from illnesses and sponsors the local school’s physical education classes. “Whenever they’re missing sport items, I host a fundraiser to help pay for anything they need,” he says. When he’s not working or giving back, he’s gardening or spending time with his family.

As Pascal’s business grows, he plans to maintain the same level of exceptional service. He finds joy in helping clients reach their goals, and can’t picture himself in any other field. “There are so many things I love about my career. It’s so exciting to finalize the deal and make everyone involved happy. I always say I never work a day in my life because my career is amazing.”

For more about Pascal Laviolette, please call 819-918-2727 or email pascallaviolette27@gmail.com Copyright Top Agent Magazine 19

ANDREEA POPESCU Andreea Popescu is a stellar real estate agent making her mark across New Brunswick. Ranking as a top-rated agent, Andreea’s clients rave about her personalized service, attention to detail, and patience throughout the process. She and her son, Stefan Popescu, currently work as independent agents under Keller Williams Capital Realty, based out of Moncton.

current clients and past clients over a cup of coffee to keep in touch. She laughs, “I’m drinking a lot of coffee.”

Originally from Romania, Andreea immigrated to Canada almost 20 years ago.

Andreea shares how she came to New Brunswick two years ago from Ontario, with over 15 years of property management in the residential and commercial sectors, and subsidy experience.

Motivated by her passion for customer service, she relocated with the deep desire to pursue real estate.

This career shift proved to be a fitting choice, Andreea says, “It was my entire purpose.” Today, she works as an individual real estate agent, alongside her son.

Together, they work with both sellers and buyers to serve the greater Moncton area.

At only two years in the industry, Andreea’s business predominately consists of referral and repeat clients, a testament to her exemplary level of service. Last year, she notably went from bronze to double gold level, a significant achievement through the Keller Williams Capital Realty sales volume tracker. Her consistent high-quality customer reviews emphasize the level of care Andreea invests into each transaction. She says, “I’m always happy to help.” Her professional approach is relational and tailored to every client’s individual needs. She notes, “Everybody becomes a friend.” Andreea shares how she regularly meets with

Andreea’s hands-on process takes clients from negotiation all the way to getting the key to their new home. She stays in close contact with her customers throughout the entire transaction in order to alleviate stress and maintain transparency.

Regarding her communication process, Andreea says, “I present everything.”

Her honest nature means that clients hear everything about a potential property, both the good and the bad. Andreea views every transaction through the lens of her own experience, treating clients how she would like to be treated, “I’m not afraid to be real and put myself in their shoes.”

Despite a busy schedule, Andreea is actively involved in her church community. As a Romanian immigrant, Andreea stays close to her roots through the various gatherings throughout New Brunswick. She is even helping to organize the 2022 New Brunswick Romanian Festival for this upcoming summer with Saint Varlaam Romanian Orthodox Church.

Additionally, Andreea supports ongoing humanitarian initiatives for Ukraine “I do as much as I can.”

Regarding her future plans, Andreea shares how she and her son just rented an office space in downtown Moncton. They plan to expand their offerings by branching into construction projects and property management. Andreea concludes, “I’m hoping to help more and more families find their perfect dream home, in a safe community.”

To get in touch with Andreea, call 506-899-4663, visit Andreea.kw.com, or email andreea@kw.com http://

To reach Stefan, call 506-380-0282, visit stefanpopescu.kw.com, or email stefanpopescu@kw.com http://

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What the First Thing You Do After Work Says About You We all have our routines. From that morning cup of coffee to a jog at the gym, it’s common to establish touchstones for our daily lives.

But have you ever considered what these habits tell us about ourselves? Our actions reveal much about our motivations and emotional life, so taking a second look at your first move at the end of the day can be telling.

With that in mind, see how you fare when it comes to post-workday habits...

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Break a Sweat After a long day of work, is your first instinct to strap on your sneakers and take off on a run? Do you stop off at the local yoga studio for an extended stretch? Maybe you head to the weight room to pump some iron. Whatever your exercise pick, if you’re inclined to sweat it out at the end of a long day, you’re likely a routine-oriented profes-

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sional who internalizes work-related stress. Of course, you’ve chosen a healthy release for all that pent-up tension, and you’ve discovered the power of endorphins. Once work hours are over, not everyone finds the motivation to stay active. This means you’re driven by routine, conscious of your emotional and physical health, and prefer to leave your cares at the gym, rather than bring them into your home oasis. However, it’s important to give your body a rest now and again, as recuperation time is not only beneficial for physical health, but can help prevent burnout for the long haul.

Flexibility is a skill, and one just as important to cultivate as rigid commitment. If you find yourself out of sorts if you miss just one day of working out, you might want to pay some attention to your routines and motivations, and rebalance your commitments and fitness routine accordingly.

Round-the-Clock Hustle If you’re the type to bring work home with you, you aren’t alone. While your motivation to work nonstop is admirable, it’s also important to make the mental transition from workplace to home, establishing the time to hustle and the time to relax. Just like those that hit the gym without fail after a long day, sometimes you’ll need to practice saying no. If your work life is indistinguishable from your personal life, it’ll be hard to catch a break and recharge.

This means burnout, frayed nerves, and missed details will soon be on the horizon. Of course, round-the-clock hustle is a strength, too. You’re passionate about your work, care deeply about doing things right, and failure is not an option.

Just make sure that you establish some foundational boundaries so that you maintain an 22

appropriate, healthy balance between your time at work and your time at home with the loved ones and hobbies you cherish. If making way for downtime isn’t easy, try penciling it in the way you would a work engagement. Dinner with a friend, a date night with a significant other, or a solo movie fest can be readily added to your calendar, and thus built in to your regimented schedule.

Turn to Food If your first instinct after work is to eat, it can say a few different things about your routine.

Perhaps you’ve been so on-the-go all the day that you haven’t had time for lunch. In this case, you might need to regiment your schedule with more purpose aimed towards downtime and self-care; food is fuel, after all. If you head home and gorge after an average day, you may be turning to food as a way to relieve stress.

In this case, you may need to reassess some of your post-work habits and find a healthier balance and outlet for your tension. Taking a walk, grabbing fresh ingredients for dinner, hitting the gym, or decompressing by catching up with a friend or a good book—all are healthier, more balanced ways of executing the transition from the office to the home. Pay attention to your consumption post-work. Determine how hungry or satiated you really are before making a grab for the nearest sustenance.

People decompress in all different ways after getting home from the office, but always remember that routines are telling. Don’t take your daily actions and impulses for granted. Examine the root behind your well-worn practices, and you may detect nuances at play beneath the surface that can you help you recalibrate for the better.

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PAULINE SUNDERLAND A longtime resident of Saskatchewan, Pauline Sunderland has always been drawn to real estate. She would get her start in the corporate sphere, balancing a full time position while raising her three children. But gradually, she found herself seeking a new opportunity that better spoke to her entrepreneurial spirit while leaving her time to be there for her family.

Inspired, she decided to pursue her real estate license in 2007, and in the years since, she has gone on to author an accomplished career as an agent, having been ranked among the top-five producers in Saskatchewan through eXp Realty. She’s been going strong ever since.

Today, Pauline is a REALTOR® with eXp Realty, where she assists clients across the province, focusing on the Humboldt area and Saskatoon. Specializing in residential real estate, acreage, and farm properties, she has combined her outgoing personality with her outstanding business acumen to meet the needs of any buyer or seller.

When listing a property, Pauline utilizes a comprehensive approach. After helping her clients fully prepare their home for the market, she shares it via both the regional MLS and a highly targeted blend of digital and social media campaigns. Leveraging platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, she ensures a seamless transaction catered to each client’s best interests throughout.

Elsewhere, Pauline is just as attentive when assisting her buyers, drawing from her in-depth knowledge of the region to uncover the right investment for their needs.

Valuing education above all else, she makes sure every client makes fully informed decisions on their future. In fact, she enjoys keeping in touch long after the deals are done through regular check-ins to cultivate a lasting relationship and provide her clients with ongoing support in their new homes.

Over the years, Pauline has earned a fantastic reputation throughout Saskatchewan, with the majority of her Top Agent Magazine

volume coming from repeat clients and referrals. Having completed 102 transactions in 2021 alone, she remains focused on the standards that have consistently set her apart. “Throughout my life, I’ve always been a people-person,” she says.

“Because of that, I love seeing clients happy at the end of their transaction. At the end of the day, there’s nothing more rewarding than building a genuine friendship with them and helping them realize their goals.”

Outside of real estate, Pauline is dedicated to her community. Having previously donated a portion of each closing to the SPCA, she also supports her area food bank and contributes to local causes throughout the year. When she’s not with clients or giving back, she can be found spending quality time with her children, husband, and two puppies.

Looking ahead, Pauline has a clear vision for the future of her business. As her volume maintains its steady growth, she intends on bringing new agents into the eXp network, scaling the core values that continue to set her apart in the community she loves. “Our team is like one big family,” she says. “We’re always here to support and help each other, and our Broker keeps us well-informed for our clients. These are just a few of the reasons why eXp Realty is truly the future of real estate.”

For more about Pauline Sunderland email paulinesunderland@gmail.com or call (306) 231-6463 23 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

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