MBN puts the spotlight on one of the Saskatchewan housing sector’s brightest young stars today
Just on her fifth year of selling homes in Regina, Shayla Ackerman of Royal LePage Regina Real Estate has already built an illustrious record of service, earning some of the company’s most prestigious accolades (like the Director’s Platinum Award and the nationwide Top Tier Award) over the past few years.
What has changed in the Regina market between the time you started and the present?
Some of the biggest changes I’ve noticed rely heavily on our use of technology. In 2013, online marketing and exposure was important but we were only scratching the surface. 2017 is primarily run by the internet for both buyers and sellers. Buyers start their search online, and with a click of a mouse they have access to all the “active” homes in our city. For this reason, sellers need to take advantage of all available online exposure and make sure that their home is represented to the best of its ability.
Based on your transactions, what are the most common reasons why your clients go for Regina properties?
Being able to feel a sense of belonging in a city is something that I do not think many are lucky enough to experience. Regina is a city that is huge in supporting our local businesses, our local talent, and our local sports teams. (Go Riders!)
You see so much support through all of the different industries, of people promoting others success, that it puts out a really good vibe, and I truly believe that people are drawn to that. Regina offers something different around every corner so it appeals to everyone from all walks of life. From the young couple to the growing family to the retirees, there is something for everyone.
What would you say makes Regina a good choice for a home purchase?
We have had many new subdivisions developing over the last 10 years which have opened our opportunities with both residential living and commercial space. Regina takes (at most) 12 minutes to get anywhere; this includes going from one end to the completely opposite end, and a lot of clients appreciate the convenience of “city” living.
What is your most memorable transaction?
My most memorable moments in my career are focused around the possession of a home. Seeing the pure joy and excitement on someone’s face after you have just helped them make one of the most important decisions of their life is a very rewarding feeling. From helping a beautiful woman in her 50s purchase her first home EVER to helping young couples expanding their families to relocating new people to our wonderful city, it just doesn’t get much better than that!
In your career so far, what milestone are you most proud of?
The past 5 years have been a whirlwind for me. I jumped into this career and never looked back. What I am most proud of so far is a recognition I received just last December 2016. I was honoured to be presented with a spot in the “30 Under 30” list which ranked real estate agents on a national level. That was big for me. It’s something I am proud to say, “I am under 30, female, and have less than 5 years under my belt.” It reinforced my belief that this is only the beginning!
What would be your advice to real estate professionals who plan to work in the Saskatchewan housing market?
Work hard. This industry will not just hand you success. This is not a part-time job; you need to focus everything you have on your clients and forget about evenings and weekends. I always tell my clients, “I work when you don’t.”
What has changed in the Regina market between the time you started and the present?
Some of the biggest changes I’ve noticed rely heavily on our use of technology. In 2013, online marketing and exposure was important but we were only scratching the surface. 2017 is primarily run by the internet for both buyers and sellers. Buyers start their search online, and with a click of a mouse they have access to all the “active” homes in our city. For this reason, sellers need to take advantage of all available online exposure and make sure that their home is represented to the best of its ability.
Based on your transactions, what are the most common reasons why your clients go for Regina properties?
Being able to feel a sense of belonging in a city is something that I do not think many are lucky enough to experience. Regina is a city that is huge in supporting our local businesses, our local talent, and our local sports teams. (Go Riders!)
You see so much support through all of the different industries, of people promoting others success, that it puts out a really good vibe, and I truly believe that people are drawn to that. Regina offers something different around every corner so it appeals to everyone from all walks of life. From the young couple to the growing family to the retirees, there is something for everyone.
What would you say makes Regina a good choice for a home purchase?
We have had many new subdivisions developing over the last 10 years which have opened our opportunities with both residential living and commercial space. Regina takes (at most) 12 minutes to get anywhere; this includes going from one end to the completely opposite end, and a lot of clients appreciate the convenience of “city” living.
What is your most memorable transaction?
My most memorable moments in my career are focused around the possession of a home. Seeing the pure joy and excitement on someone’s face after you have just helped them make one of the most important decisions of their life is a very rewarding feeling. From helping a beautiful woman in her 50s purchase her first home EVER to helping young couples expanding their families to relocating new people to our wonderful city, it just doesn’t get much better than that!
In your career so far, what milestone are you most proud of?
The past 5 years have been a whirlwind for me. I jumped into this career and never looked back. What I am most proud of so far is a recognition I received just last December 2016. I was honoured to be presented with a spot in the “30 Under 30” list which ranked real estate agents on a national level. That was big for me. It’s something I am proud to say, “I am under 30, female, and have less than 5 years under my belt.” It reinforced my belief that this is only the beginning!
What would be your advice to real estate professionals who plan to work in the Saskatchewan housing market?
Work hard. This industry will not just hand you success. This is not a part-time job; you need to focus everything you have on your clients and forget about evenings and weekends. I always tell my clients, “I work when you don’t.”
