Buying or selling a property involves so much more than just the listing price. Buyers and sellers alike need to think about renovations, additions, and landscaping, and a great deal more.
Navigating it all requires a realtor who has the real-life experience to provide expert advice, as well as a caring touch, explains broker Teresa Dafoe of Chestnut Park Real Estate Brokerage.
Teresa knows homes inside and out: prior to moving into real estate, she spent over two decades in landscaping and construction, running her own firm and then working for a large company.
“I’m passionate about what I do and it’s amazing to be able to offer added value beyond the surface of the real estate market,” she says. “I understand where the upgrades will need to occur, both inside and outside of the home. It allows me to help buyers and sellers alike make informed decisions.”
Big upgrades or even small touch-ups can mean a bigger ROI for sellers, while knowing the scope of renovations needed is vital information for buyers who are trying to determine their budgets.
Her career path has led to building and maintaining a wonderful circle of friends in the contracting industries, which is also a benefit to her real estate clients.
“When I know a property will need a full renovation or an extensive addition, I’ll enlist one of my contractor friends to do the walkthrough with us,” explains Teresa. “They notice even more than I do.”
Growing up in Aurora and spending as much time cottaging in Muskoka as possible, Teresa and her family made the permanent move to cottage country around 25 years ago. She has lived here as both a cottager and permanent resident and understands the challenges and joys of both.
Nurturing relationships and drawing on her own experience provides Teresa with the insight necessary to help buyers and sellers get the best results.
“I love being able to learn more about a person or family’s dreams and hobbies,” says Teresa. “Then we can find properties that fit them perfectly.”
TEXT CHRIS OCCHIUZZI
