REALTOR^® yearbook

May 15, 2018

Imagine all the stories. As part of CREB^®’s 75 anniversary celebration, we thought it’d be fun to ask 75 Calgary REALTORS^® about their advice for first time buyers and to recount their own experience entering the market for the first time.

Check out some of the 75^th yearbook REALTORS^® below.

	Manny Aldea Brokerage: RE/MAX Real Estate Central Years as a REALTOR^®: 12 What you wanted to be when you grew up: Astronaut REALTOR^® One piece of advice for first-time homebuyers: When buyers are looking at potential homes to buy and not sure about commute times to work or schools, I would suggest using the google maps app on your phone. Just enter the address of the home and destination location and it will give you a live estimation of commute times. You can check times during morning and afternoon rush hours without having to actually be in traffic!
	Natalie Berthiaume Brokerage: CIR Realty Years as a REALTOR^®: 7 What you wanted to be when you grew up: Teacher Nickname in high school: Bug One piece of advice for first-time homebuyers: Have your REALTOR^® pick a “wild card” property for you when going to look at homes. They have a lot of experience and may see something in a property that you don’t. It may surprise you to see something you may not have considered, and who knows, it could be the one you end up falling in love with!
	Ron Douglas Brokerage: Royal LePage Integrity Years as a REALTOR^®: 2 What you wanted to be when you grew up: Engineer Nickname in high school: Disco One piece of advice for first-time homebuyers: Bring your mom. Then your dad. Never both for the first showing.
	Joe Cimino Brokerage: Maxwell Capital Realty Years as a REALTOR^®: 29 What you wanted to be when you grew up: REALTOR^® Nickname in high school: Cimi One piece of advice for first-time homebuyers: Stay mindful of your budget. Make sure to have funds available for beer, pizza and vacations!
	Madison Jager Brokerage: Royal LePage Solutions Years as a REALTOR^®: 5 What you wanted to be when you grew up: A hustler (I was born to make a boom) Nickname in high school: Jager Bomb One piece of advice for first-time homebuyers: When searching for your perfect home, keep in mind the age demographic of the community you’re looking in. It should match closely to yours, making those block parties and neighbour drop-ins fun and enjoyable.
	Miranda Moser Brokerage: century 21 Bamber Realty Ltd. Years as a REALTOR^®: 13.5 What you wanted to be when you grew up: Adventurer Nickname in high school: Mighty Mouse (field hockey) One piece of advice for first-time homebuyers: Location is critical. Think about what makes you happy. Is it being closer to family/friends, less of a work commute, easy escape to the mountains? Sometimes, first-time buyers get so wrapped up in the excitement of owning a place for themselves that they forget about what else is important to them. As well, don’t overthink the little stuff. Paint can be changed, location cannot!
	Jen Rekrutiak Brokerage: Century 21 Bamber Realty Ltd. Years as a REALTOR^®: 1.5 What you wanted to be when you grew up: A mom One piece of advice for first-time homebuyers: When you move in, start a house file. Put all your home-related receipts and warranties in there. When it comes time to sell, having a record of all you have done at the ready will put you ahead of the game.
	Tyree Stephens Brokerage: CIR Realty Years as a REALTOR^®: 7 What you wanted to be when you grew up: Detective Nickname in high school: Smiler/Ty-Tys One piece of advice for first-time homebuyers: Did you know as a first-time buyer you can use your rrsps (up to $25,000) tax free as a deposit for your home?
	Megan Stuart Brokerage: Greater Calgary Real Estate Years as a REALTOR^®: 8 What you wanted to be when you grew up: Professional Equestrian One piece of advice for first-time homebuyers: Be creative in how you look at space. Just because it’s used as a dining room or living room, doesn’t mean you can’t change things to meet your needs. Every property is unique and so is everyone’s living style. Dream of how it can work for you!
	Shirley Wright Brokerage: Re/Max House of Real Estate Years as a REALTOR^®: 4 What you wanted to be when you grew up: Cellist Nickname in high school: Dandy Long Legs One piece of advice for first-time homebuyers: Real estate is like a bus – if you miss one opportunity there will be another coming along shortly. Don’t let yourself be too stressed!