In this edition of Magazine Latino our invited top selling Owner/Broker of Record is Jason Sims, one of the most prominent real estate agents in Canada. His extensive experience in the real estate market in London guarantees you the most comprehensive advice to find your dream home in the perfect neighborhood for you.
Jose: Jason how long have you been a real estate agent in London and what has been the growth of your company Agent Realty?
Jason: I came to London in 1991 to study Marketing at Fanshawe College and that’s when I bought my first income property with my life’s savings from cutting lawns and snow-blowing driveways in Ottawa. It was so exciting and I could see a future in every home. In 1993, I decided to get my real estate license and since then I’ve sold thousands of homes. So, by the time I was 25 years old, I founded and built 3 companies and held over 2 million dollars in rental home properties. I have several Top Agent Awards in the city and across Canada, which is really something. But my real rewards…why I still love the business… are my clients. In every home I show, clients begin to tell the story of their life: where each family member will sleep, how they will spend the holidays, and how the neighbourhood school will make a better future for their kids. I want the best for them. So, in 2009, I created Agent Realty so that I could offer programs and sales guarantees so that families don’t get stuck owning two homes, or worse…none at all! For me, that’s what it is all about. Helping London families make their dreams a reality.
Jose: What do you think is the primary success of your company Agent Realty in London?
Jason: That’s easy. Ethics. I have found that most salespeople are usually outgoing and friendly, so it is easy to like them. Liking them is one thing. Trust is another. Trust is brought about by honesty and integrity in everything you do. In real estate, we are dealing with one of people’s largest investments. Leaking roofs, cracked foundations and mould are costly and unhealthy. So is the wrong neighbourhood for a family’s needs. I have told more people not to buy a home than I can count. They’re so surprised. We keep going and find the right one for them. This is why I have so many repeat clients who refer their family and friends to me. Trust.
Jose: What do you recommended to families looking to buy the home of their dreams?
Jason: Finding a dream home is a balance between three factors: price, condition and location. Families should understand their budget and how much they can afford without negatively impacting their dream life-style. Bricks and mortor without joy doesn’t last very long. Also, everyone is different. Some people want a brand new home that is turn-key, and others want a fixer-upper so they can make all the decisions and enjoy the fruits of their labour. The condition of the home is important. Lastly, location. Driving 45 minutes to work every day may have its appeal, but realistically a dream can turn to a nightmare quickly. Families should discuss these three things and have a sense of what will work for them long term.
Jose Should families buy the home of their dreams or the home that fits their budget?
Jason: Trust me, the house that fits your budget IS your dream home. A home that is outside a family’s budget can throw life out of balance which can be really stressful.
Jose: For families who wish to sell their existing home right now, what marketing plan or strategy does Agent Realty offer to achieve the sale in a short time?
Jason: Agent Realty has a proven marketing system to get top dollar fast as well as a 28day sale guarantee so that families don’t miss out on their dream home. It works. We sold 505 homes last year.
Jose: Generally real estate agents charge a fee for the services provided to their customers. Can you explain this?
Jason: Sure. A real estate salesperson is a professional just like a doctor or teacher. While we do many things, there are three services that anyone buying or selling a home should appreciate: management of the legal aspects of the transaction, expert negotiation and access to homes not listed publically on Realtor.ca. Anyone whose deal fell through or who didn’t get their dream home, knows exactly what I am talking about.
Jose: Jason, where do you see yourself in five years?
Jason: Wow—they sky’s the limit! There’s so much opportunity right now. I have a lot of projects on the go, but they all involve continuing to help families. Agent Realty is now also in Windsor and the Greater Toronto Area, and we will be opening more locations soon. I am also really excited about my plans to develop my downtown properties. I’ll be making my own dreams come true of building unique environmentally friendly highrises where people can really enjoy their lives and feel really good that they are helping limit impact to our environment. I always tell people, a home is an investment like no other… after all, families don’t live in stocks, bonds or bank accounts!!
Call Jason now for a free home consultation (519) 640-1900!!!
