This past weekend, I witnessed something extraordinary, yet something that also needs to change.
I was reminded recently that successful people are successful for a reason, relentless work ethic and a genuine passion to serve at the highest level.
What puts deals together isn’t the brand you work with or the logo on your business card. It’s the experience. The knowledge. The communication. And a genuine commitment to being of service to people.
It’s the seriousness with which you treat your business.
Period.
An agent was showing properties to out-of-town buyers from Calgary, a referral from an exceptional agent within their leading brokerage network. Twice the clients flew in, so let’s treat them with respect, right? With a budget capped at $2,000,000, the agent showed approximately 15 homes, through snowstorms no less, while keeping the clients fully informed and educated throughout the entire process – email communication, texts, DMs, auto notifications and detailed reviews via their online portal, phone calls ( which seem rare these days ) and updated analytics and data.
Once the clients narrowed their decision, this is where experience matters. The top agents truly stand out and deals either move forward, or fall apart.
Two properties rose to the top, and the experiences could not have been more different.
When the first offer was presented, the listing agent took an unusually long time to return the call. When he finally did, the excuses began. He admitted he had ‘ forgotten ‘ to include key information in the listing, no mention of the seller reserving the right to review pre-emptive offers, no offer holdback, no offer date clearly stated. The property had been on the market since October 2025, reduced multiple times, and despite being repriced under $1,600,000, the seller was apparently expecting over asking. Imagine that. The agent even discouraged submitting an offer altogether…good luck with that attitude.
He went on to claim the seller had already refused eight offers, yet there had never been a single registered offer notification when this agent had shown the property previously. A weak tactic, poor transparency, and a disservice to everyone involved. Good luck with that too!
The decision was made to proceed with the second property, listed under $2,000,000 with top Real Estate Brokerage & Team, McDadi Real Estate Team. An offer was drafted under list price, and what followed was a exquisite masterclass in professionalism.
The execution was flawless. Emails, DMs, and personal phone calls were returned within minutes by Sam McDadi himself. There were direct, thoughtful conversations, who took ownership of the communication and guided the process with precision and care. Within five hours, the deal was done, both buyers and sellers thrilled with the execution and outcome. Home inspection booked, paperwork submitted, and professional standards clearly demonstrated. The dream of homeownership is alive with thoughtful actions from professionals like this.
This experience reinforced a powerful truth, getting deals done in today’s market requires experience, skill, precision, and exceptional communication, but just as importantly, honesty and passion. Buyers and sellers must work with the most experienced professionals in this market. Those who don’t, risk leaving money on the table or losing valuable time, which can quickly place clients in a precarious financial position.
What can we learn from this experience? How can agents be better?
We can learn that professionalism is not optional, it is the differentiator. Agents must communicate promptly, tell the truth even when it’s uncomfortable, and execute with intention. Listings must be accurate, transparent, and strategically positioned. Offers deserve respect, timely responses, and clear direction. The market rewards agents who take ownership, collaborate effectively, and advocate relentlessly for their clients and most importantly care for our industry standards and reputation.
In challenging markets especially, excellence is revealed not in the listing appointment, but in the execution when it matters most. And in real estate markets like this, as Mark Shapiro, President & CEO Toronto Blue Jays, our notable headline speaker at BUZZ Greatness 2026, said from the stage, ‘ let’s get better every day. ‘ Whether personal or professional growth, this is truly how we all win.
Thank you Sam McDadi for being the standard of excellence in Canadian Real Estate, we continue to follow your lead.
Virginia Munden
To learn more, visit SAM MCDADI REAL ESTATE INC. BROKERAGE
