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Meet The Agent: Sarah Percival, Engel & Völkers Ottawa

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: Sarah PercivalAreas of Focus: Ottawa and the surrounding areasPersonal Channels: Instagram | LinkedIn | WebsiteYears of Experience: 17THE INSIGHTSWhere did you grow up?I grew up in the small military community of Petawawa, ON.What neighbourhood do you live in now?After living in East Ottawa (Orleans) for 15 years, I just recently moved to Embrun, a small community just outside of Ottawa.What made you want to become a real estate agent?The idea of helping others achieve their dream of homeownership was very attractive, along with the fact that I would be a business owner. I was approached by a local broker-owner to shadow her and I fell in love with the business. I’ve always considered myself a 'people person' and this role seemed like a perfect fit for me.What’s the biggest challenge you see facing the market today?I think that one of the greatest challenges in today's market for the average person is navigating affordability. With rising interest rates and fluctuating inventory levels coupled with inflation and an incredibly high cost of living, buyers and sellers face unique hurdles that require creative strategies and well-informed decisions. As an Advisor, one of my biggest roles is educating clients and offering solutions to help them achieve their goals in any market condition.What’s the single best advice you have for sellers?Presentation and pricing are critical. Selling starts with a presentation of the property to buyers online with beautiful photos and videos to get them in the door. Buyers form an impression within seconds of seeing a property, so taking the time to declutter, do minor fixes, stage and showcase the home in its best light is key. I have a really great team that I work with – from contractors, painters, stagers, photographers, to get a property looking its best. But it doesn’t stop there, it’s great to get a buyer interested, but pricing appropriately and strategically is equally as important.What’s the single best advice you have for buyers?It’s never too early to start the process. Reach out to a trusted real estate advisor even before you think you’re ready. We can connect you with an amazing mortgage professional to get you on the right track and show you the process and what steps are involved so that you can hit the ground running and feel confident moving forward when ready. It’s also crucial to ask questions! We are there to guide you, and we don’t always know what you know or don’t know. So please be sure you’re working with someone that makes you feel comfortable asking questions.What’s the best thing a realtor can invest in for their brand (a bus bench ad, a solid Instagram strategy, etc.)?Invest in connection and learning. Whether through your social media presence, hosting client events, or delivering memorable client experiences, people are drawn to those they trust and relate to and who can be the expert that they need. My business is largely repeat and referral-based; investing in your clients and network is valuable — people who already know you, like you, have worked with you. Invest TIME in connecting with them. Investing in learning is also crucial to make sure you’re always the expert. There are some amazing resources out there to invest in learning and expanding your knowledge.Who do you look up to in the industry and why?I admire realtors who uphold high standards of professionalism while still making their client experiences fun and engaging. Those who prioritize ethics, education, and kindness inspire me. I pride myself on being collaborative on the other side of the transaction, while still protecting my clients’ best interests. Those two things don’t have to be mutually exclusive, and I think that a lot of realtors don’t realize the value in being considered easy to work with. There are several Realtors I’ve worked with who operate on the same principles and I really admire realtors who operate on those principles.Is there anything you wish people knew or understood about realtors that you think they’re constantly getting wrong?Many people don’t realize how much work goes on behind the scenes. From market research and negotiations to managing emotions and navigating unexpected challenges, building and nurturing relationships, and continuing education, we wear many hats to ensure a seamless experience. It’s not just about selling homes — it’s about building relationships and solving problems.Tell us about your favourite (or most memorable) sale?Quite recently, clients purchased a home in a small community with a first refusal, so I listed their unique property. I received a lot of direct buyer inquiries and worked with buyers who decided to offer, also with a first refusal! I listed their property, which thankfully sold quickly, triggering the removal of their sale condition, which then triggered the removal of the sale condition on the first purchase. It all wrapped up on the very final day of conditions on that first transaction. Lots to juggle but it all came together with lots of happy buyers and sellers!The three words you hope your clients use to describe you.Kind, knowledgeable, dedicated.What’s your favourite thing to do outside of selling houses?Spend time with my family: my husband, Chris, our son, Cody, and our three French Bulldogs, Rocky, Adrian, and Paulie. They all bring so much joy into my life, whether we are out for a walk, watching a movie, playing games, or travelling.