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Meet The Agent: Rochelle Cantor, Engel & Völkers Montréal

Welcome to Meet the Agent, an ongoing series profiling real estate agents from across Canada. With more than 150,000 agents, brokers, and salespeople working in 75 different boards and associations across the country, we thought it was about time they had a place to properly introduce themselves. If you or someone you know deserves the same chance, email agents@storeys.com to apply.THE DETAILSName: Rochelle Cantor Areas of Focus: Montreal — Westmount, Côte-des-Neiges-Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, Le Plateau, Hampstead, Côte-St Luc, Montreal-West, Griffintown, Little Burgundy, Old Montreal, Golden Square Mile, Outremont, Town of Mount Royal Personal Channels: Instagram | LinkedIn | Website | Brokerage Website Years of Experience: 20 THE INSIGHTSWhere did you grow up? Montreal, Quebec.What neighbourhood do you live in now?Westmount, Quebec.What made you want to become a real estate agent? After graduating, I sought real estate knowledge due to my family’s various investments. I initially pursued commercial real estate, but later transitioned to residential for greater flexibility after having children and the chance to make a meaningful and more personalized impact by helping people find their dream home. What’s the biggest challenge you see facing the market today? Uncertainties tied to the political and economic environment, particularly in Quebec.What’s the single best advice you have for sellers? Set realistic expectations for your home’s value and trust your broker — they are experts in your market. Stay informed by researching market trends, comparing similar properties, and asking insightful questions. A knowledgeable approach, combined with your broker’s expertise, ensures a smoother and more successful transaction.What’s the single best advice you have for buyers? Focus on the health of the property over cosmetics. Location is a priority and general features and layout of a home are also very important. What’s the best thing a realtor can invest in for their brand (a bus bench ad, a solidInstagram strategy, etc.)? A well-balanced approach — combining social media, SEO, and personal connections — creates lasting impact. Ultimately, the best investment is in authenticity, consistent presence, and meaningful relationships with clients and the community. Who do you look up to in the industry and why? My sister Gail, who is a chartered real estate broker and owns her own real estate agency. She is highly experienced and deeply knowledgeable on all things real estate and acts as an excellent sounding board when evaluating complex situations. Is there anything you wish people knew or understood about realtors that you think they’re constantly getting wrong? Not all brokers are created equal and there’s a lot more involved in selling real estate than sticking a sign on your lawn. Tell us about your favourite (or most memorable) sale. About seven years ago, I represented a seller in an unlisted property sale that became a landmark transaction. It was the highest sale in Quebec at the time and one of the most complex, as the initial buyer failed to appear for the signing of the deed of sale.Through skillful negotiation and strategic wording, I protected my client from financial loss. This case set a legal precedent in Quebec, ensuring brokers are fairly compensated for their work.The three words you hope your clients use to describe youIntelligent. Having Integrity. Authentic.What’s your favourite thing to do outside of selling houses?Spending time with family and staying active by playing tennis!