Interview by Jason Setnyk | Submitted Photo | Original Post
Cornwall, Ontario - From non-profit to volunteering to real estate, Amanda Brisson has worn many hats in her hometown of Cornwall. From the last five years, she has been a local real estate agent buy has spent over a decade prior in the non-profit sector as an Executive Director. Amanda remains active within her community as the chair of the Cornwall Canada Committee, a director on the Police Services Board, and a sponsor of many non-profit charities.
Amanda is a real estate agent with Assist-2-Sell and Buyers Realty, a company that specializes in the buying and selling of residential and commercial real estate. They are a lender in real estate in Cornwall and SDG. In 2022, this brokerage won 2nd place for sales in Canada amongst all Assist-2-Sell offices.
Five Questions with The Seeker
1 — Can you discuss your background and how you became a real estate agent?
”After working in a non-profit field for 15 years, I felt it was time for a change. Real estate was one of many options I had always thought was exciting, but in the end, it was the one that ended up winning. I spent almost a year taking courses and shadowing other agents to make sure I was ready to help others with the biggest investments they will ever make.”
2 — How do you stay informed and up-to-date on the latest trends and changes in the real estate market?
”Staying up to date is a huge task when you are in a field that changes so much. The great thing is that The Real Estate Council of Ontario hosts weekly training and updates for any member that wants to take part. Aside from these sessions, I read so many articles around real estate and continually watch where the interest rate is sitting to be ready to help clients understand what these changes mean to them.
As we have seen over the last year, the interest rate on mortgages has risen. This has impacted what clients can afford as a mortgage. It makes clients more picky about what type of home they will buy. The home prices have dropped a little but are still under the provincial average.”
3 — Can you discuss any unique strategies or approaches you use to market and sell properties?
“The fact is that there are so many ways to market and sell properties. I use a mix of strategies. I believe in order to get the right person for your home, you need to make sure you are reaching them. I use newspaper ads, Facebook ads, online ads, and of course I host open houses. I believe that my professional videographer and photographer will help as well.”
4 — How do you help clients determine their budget and find properties that meet their needs and wants?
“I spend a lot of time talking with clients and getting to know them. You need to make sure that your agent knows what your end game is and what you need to be happy when this is all done. I make lists with my clients. What are must haves? What would like to have? And what are for sure deal breakers? This saves everyone’s time and efforts by streamlining the homes they want to see.”
5 — How do you ensure that clients have a positive and stress-free experience throughout the buying or selling process?
“Stress-free is the only way to be. I have constant communication with my clients so they don’t overthink everything. Clients have a hard time getting stressed if you are answering questions they didn’t even have yet. I try to be a step ahead of the process so that when we hit that next step, they already know what to expect. It seems to work for them and me. Communication is key. I enjoy what I do and enjoy the friends I have made doing real estate. I have never asked for a referral, but about 60% of my clients are referrals. Just being there for your clients is important. I love hearing the stories about their homes and the memories they have made in them.”
Contact Amanda for your real estate needs.
Business Phone: 613-330-5079
Business Email: amandabrissonrealtor@gmail.com
Business Address: 625 Montreal Road Cornwall, ON K6J 1C3
Company Website: 4cornwallhomes.com