Real estate is a topic that has long intrigued multiple demographics. From first-time buyers to the mid-life and mobile to empty-nesters ready to downsize, and everyone in between.
Even more intriguing is: what creates a successful sale? In a market of thousands, how do you make your property the one that gets attention?
Location is often the single most influential factor, but given your location is what it is, what elements in your control can make your listing the stand-out? It comes down to eye-catching curb appeal, a perfectly presented interior that says “I’m ready for you to just move in,” and, without a doubt, a stand-out realtor.
When Hilary Matthews completed her real estate training six years ago and began to work in the field, she quickly identified a way to offer something extra. Something that makes her service, and her clients’ listings, stand out.
In addition to her own repertoire of advanced real estate knowledge (she also completed her broker’s license), competence, and hands-on approach, Hilary has surrounded herself with a network of trusted tradespeople. If your home needs repairs or renovating, her team of contractors are available to complete that work. She even covers the costs up front and is reimbursed upon closing. It is a service that saves homeowners time and stress as Hilary looks after those processes start to finish.
“Selling a home is a lot of work,” she points out. “I am always there to oversee and participate in those essential preparation stages. As well as overseeing the trades, I’m very hands-on. I have cleaned homes, painted ceilings, tidied yards, removed dog droppings, and even live and dead rodents,” she laughs. “I’ve helped move furniture and mattresses and done countless garbage runs. Whatever it takes.”
“I am married with a grown daughter, two grown stepsons, and three dogs,” she smiles. “So, I completely understand how people can be extremely busy raising families, and with their jobs, and have no interest or time for sourcing and overseeing their own trades. And, of course, I am equally happy to work with clients who do not need this extended service as well.”
Hilary’s real estate career has allowed her to pull many of her strengths together. She went to school for finance, then worked in corporate accounting. She soon realized that sitting 9 to 5 at a desk was not for her. Branching out into interior design and then renovating and selling two of her own homes at a profit opened her eyes to the passion she feels for her chosen career.
She views her strong suits as being attentive, resourceful, and adaptable. While beneficial for her clients these are attributes that are handy from a negotiation perspective as well. “I always adjust my tactics to how the other agent behaves and responds,” she explains. “I work with their personalities rather than against them. I have found this extremely helpful in winning my buyer clients a home in multiple offer situations or in getting the highest price possible for my sellers.”
Hilary has already accumulated a wealth of experiences, but I ask if any single one is particularly memorable.
“I had a client who was entering retirement and needed to sell her home in Orangeville,” she recalls. “She had raised her three children there and the home was certainly well-loved. She wanted to make sure she received the highest price so she could retire comfortably. My team of contractors came in and fully renovated the home, covering the costs of this upfront, and we were able to get her an incredible price. She was ecstatic. Though I have renovated and sold countless homes, I always remember, and still talk to, this particular client regularly. Her joy and appreciation for how the sale went is something that really resonated and stayed with me.”
Hilary lives in Bolton, but originally from Glen Williams and with family still in Terra Cotta, she is familiar with all of Caledon, urban and rural. I ask what her three favourite things about Caledon are. “The land, the land, and the land,” she admits. “But also, fun destination spots like Spirit Tree Estate Cidery and Goodlot Farm, and the multiple options for golf. I am not a great golfer, yet, but absolutely love learning.”
In closing I ask her what three things people should ask any realtor they are considering working with. “They should inquire about their agent’s experience, knowledge, and values,” she says without hesitation. “Real estate is a very personal transaction for most and having someone you get along with and share values with can really elevate the process.”
You can learn more about Hilary and her services at HilaryMatthews.com You can also call or text her at 647-354-9506 or email hilary@hilarymatthews.com
