Home Smarts-New Homes and Condo Article 1

Forging a Real Relationship with Real Estate

All of us have a relationship with real estate in some shape or form. For most of us, it’s a somewhat emotional relationship that begins with the excitement of purchasing our first home. Others approach real estate as a calculated means of investment. And for a few, it’s a passion.

As a broker with Keller Williams Ottawa Realty, and the founder of my own realty and marketing firm, I’m definitely a member of that third group. I can say with all honesty that, with all its challenges and rewards, there’s no career I’d rather pursue. But I’m keenly aware that, for the vast majority, emarking on real estate transactions can feel like diving into murky waters.

This is the first in a series of columns whose goal is to help you feel more comfortable with this sometimes mystifying world. The issues are myriad: How should I begin the search for a new home or condominium? What do I need to know before I decide to purchase? What pitfalls should I be aware of? How can I increase my wealth through real estate? How can I get the best price for my home when I ultimately decide to sell?

These are just a handful of the questions I plan to address. I encourage readers to write in with any others, and I’ll gladly answer them in this forum. Because, while I’ve been in the industry for over 25 years, engaging with people is still my favourite part of the job.
While most of us think of real estate in terms of property and numbers, that’s only part of the equation; the human element is by far the most intriguing aspect. Because I specialize in both sales and marketing, working equally with homebuyers and developers, I have the privilege of seeing that element from different angles.

I love helping people find the right home. I also love working with developers to help them create homes that people will be drawn to. This isn’t quite as straightforward as it may sound. Times change, and people change with them. The dream home of twenty years ago isn’t the dream home of today; and the desires of a hip urban couple aren’t the desires of a growing family with live-in grandparents. A significant part of my job is to forecast trends; to understand the buying public and the ways they live. To this end, my team and I are constantly reading and researching, conducting surveys and studying trends in other industries.

I formed Bennett & Company after meeting with considerable success as a realtor and as Executive Vice-President of a market-leading custom home builder. Our firm provides a full range of services to real estate developers, builders, property managers and investors, selling both new and resale homes. My passion for real estate seems to be contagious; today, my entire family works with me in the business. Our team also includes seven top-notch real estate agents.

I hope that, through this column, some of that passion will be passed onto you.

Marnie Bennett formed her boutique real estate marketing firm after meeting with remarkable success as an award-winning realtor and as Executive Vice-President of a market-leading custom home builder. Bennett & Company provides a full range of services to real estate developers, builders, property managers and investors. Marnie is a broker with Keller Williams Ottawa Realty.