Lisa Aubin Real Estate Team, EXP Realty of Canada

Lisa Aubin spent the majority of her career working in human resources. She had been a human resource manager at a large local business for many years when downsizing led to a choice between a job in Mississauga or a severance package. "I was 45 years old and my life here was established. I didn’t want to move to a big city, so I took a package. I was devastated." Aubin decided it was time for a career change. Her husband John D’Andrea, a retired real estate broker and land developer, suggested Aubin get her real estate license. "I assumed I needed to be a salesperson, but John explained, ‘You aren’t selling. You are providing a service. Someone wants to buy or sell and you have the expertise to help them do that.’"

Four months later, Aubin had her real estate license and was working at Royal LePage. D’Andrea suggested they buy two new SUVs and wrap them with a life-sized picture of Aubin. "I thought he was crazy. I hadn’t even sold a house yet, but a mentor of mine was constantly saying, ‘If it’s uncomfortable, do it.’" Alongside the wrapped SUVs, D’Andrea created an intense social media marketing campaign and Aubin voiced her own radio ads using her signature slogan, "Everything I touch turns to sold!" "I didn’t have many clients, so we spent the first few months driving all over town, and John introduced me to everyone he knew. Before I knew it, the phone was ringing and it hasn’t stopped."

Six years later, Aubin is now with eXp Realty and in 2018 she was the first in Ontario to receive their ICON Agent award and be named the Top Agent in Canada. "eXp Realty is cloud based so agents work from home instead of from a brick and mortar office. It’s a disruptive model in our industry and it isn’t for everyone. You have to be a self-starter and have some tech skills."

Aubin specializes in residential listings. "I work with both buyers and sellers, but my background in human resources provides me a skill set that gives me an edge, especially when working with sellers." Aubin spends a lot of her time following up and providing feedback. "It’s important that your sellers or buyers are always aware of what’s happening in the market around them."

Clients are at the heart of what Aubin does. Each year, she hosts a Christmas Gala at a local hotel as a way to say thank you and reconnect with her clients. This year she is sending out over 200 invitations. Putting a deal together is the best part of Aubin’s job. "Selling a house or finding that perfect house for my buyers is the absolute best feeling. Last night, one of my listings received multiple offers. It’s just great to see the excitement and happiness in my sellers and the buyers are so excited too. It’s just a great feeling! This is a great job and I do love what I do!"