Join us as we dive into the inspiring story of Irene Kaushansky, a top real estate agent with over 1,450 closed contracts and $750 million in sales volume. Irene shares her journey from the struggles of starting out in real estate in the 90s to becoming one of Toronto's leading realtors. With over 34 years of experience, Irene explains how focusing on relationships—not just transactions—has been the key to her success. From humble beginnings knocking on doors to building a trusted brand, she also discusses the evolution of her business model, the importance of mentorship, and her commitment to community. This episode is packed with wisdom for anyone in sales or looking to create genuine connections in business.

Key Topics

• Starting from Scratch - Irene shares how she got started in real estate in 1990, beginning with door-knocking in sub-zero temperatures, and the mindset shift that helped her become one of the top realtors in Toronto.
• Relationship-First Sales - Learn why Irene’s success is based on building lasting relationships rather than focusing solely on transactions, and how it has led to repeat clients and personal referrals.
• The Power of Mentorship - Irene talks about how mentorship shaped her early career, the importance of finding the right mentor, and why it’s critical for anyone starting out in a competitive industry.
• Navigating Market Shifts - With a fluctuating market and constant challenges, Irene reflects on how adapting to changes has been crucial to her longevity and success in the real estate business.
• Real Estate as a Service, Not a Sale - Discover how Irene’s client-centric approach in real estate—emphasizing care, education, and integrity—has set her apart from her competitors.
• The Future of Real Estate and AI - Irene shares her perspective on how AI and automation will play a role in real estate and how to stay personal and authentic in an increasingly tech-driven industry.

“You don’t just sell houses. You sell a dream, a future, and a vision. It’s about connection, not just the transaction.” – Irene Kaushansky

“The secret to sales is building relationships and trust—without that, nothing else matters.” – Irene Kaushansky

“The most important investment you can make is in yourself, in your growth, and in the relationships you nurture.” – Irene Kaushansky

“Mentorship isn’t just advice—it’s someone believing in you when you can’t believe in yourself.” – Irene Kaushansky

“Success isn’t measured by the number of transactions, but by the number of lives you positively impact.” – Irene Kaushansky

Key Takeaways

• Relationships > Transactions: Building long-term trust with clients creates a sustainable business that continues to thrive.
• The Importance of Mentorship: Invest in a mentor who shares your values to guide you through challenges and propel you forward.
• Adapt to Market Changes: Embrace market shifts as opportunities to innovate and improve your business practices.
• Sales Should Be Service: Lead with empathy and a genuine desire to help, not just close deals.
• Consistency and Integrity Lead to Success: Stay committed to your values and processes, even when faced with setbacks.

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