By Mike Spry
“I remember my mom picking me up from Williamson Rd, and touring houses with her on our way home after school,” recalls Chelsea of an aftercare program that provided her with a keen insight into the industry at a young age, and tendencies that have stayed with her to this day. Chelsea is part of the family of real estate agents at Grace & Co., whose local real estate market acumen has led to record-breaking sales both here in the Beach and across Toronto’s most desired neighbourhoods.
“My eye immediately goes to the features of a home that can’t be changed or improved (exposure, location, natural light, ceiling height, above-grade basement windows, lot size, parking). Even with the plethora of HGTV home improvement shows out there, most of my buyers are captivated by the finishes (wide plank oak floors, stone countertops, pot lights, heated bathroom floors). While all those improvements are great to have (especially without having to live through the reno yourself), those can be done over time. I point out what can’t be changed or replicated – that’s where the true value lies in a home you want to live in.”
“I’m a matchmaker,” she says. “Every neighbourhood in Toronto is different—they each have their own unique flair and history, which is my favourite thing about Toronto. There is a community for everyone. I also like to experience and watch neighbourhoods as they change and grow—most are ever-evolving, but usually with their core personality still at the heart of it.”
While Chelsea has lived in the Beach since she was three years old, and currently resides here, she also spent a decade living across the street from Trinity Bellwoods, so her intimate knowledge of each neighbourhood spreads across the city from East to West!
The 2022 market is unique in a way we could never have possibly imagined just a few short years ago. The early days of the COVID pandemic sent worry of economic collapse. But, what we have seen instead, is a nearly unfathomable and unpredictable evolution of markets and industry, and real estate is no different. What has truly been inspiring, across numerous communities, is how businesses and organizations have changed seamlessly, creatively, and on-the-fly to a new reality.
“One of the biggest challenges was having to adapt and change quickly,” says Chelsea. “At the start of the pandemic, no one knew what to expect. There was a brief pause in the market where little happened, and then the market took off for various reasons; largely work from home, requiring more space (home office(s) and/or outdoor space), as well as remote working or relocation. This required quick action on both the purchase and
sale sides.”
Chelsea and the team at Grace & Co. adapted with grace (naturally) and aplomb, and yet realize the work and adaptation of the inherent challenges of a global crisis are not over, though she doesn’t quite view it as a “challenge” pejoratively. “I don’t see the post-pandemic market that we’re entering as a challenge, I see it as a time to shine. This is where the seasoned agent’s experience will prove to be even more valuable!”
“Now that we are emerging from the pandemic market and the significant gains and frenzy that accompanied it, it is extremely important to be able to guide both buyers and sellers accordingly in a market that can shift from one week to the next. During the pandemic, the price low and hold-off-for-offer night to try to drum up as much bidding and interest as possible was commonplace—almost a given strategy. However, we are starting to see the beginnings of a more level market (though still a Seller’s market in hot areas like the Beach), and it is important to educate both Buyers and Seller’s that there isn’t a one-size-fits all approach to buying homes.”
That’s where a family organization like Grace & Co. relies on its close-knit operation. “Having an agent and team behind you that has worked in all types of markets, and is very active in the current market, allows us to notice the signs faster, guide clients with the confidence to adjust strategy quickly and stay ahead of the curves.”
“Our family has been helping families buy, sell and invest in Toronto’s favourite neighbourhoods since 1989. Being Toronto born, and raised in the Beach, we know what makes this community special—it’s not the houses, it’s the people in them. It’s the neighbours. Our family is invested in the communities we serve because we are part of the community. Growing up playing lacrosse in Kew Gardens, running in the Spring Sprint, tobogganing beside the Glen Manor Bridge, shopping at Midnight Madness, attending the Christmas and Easter parades, many late nights at Jazz Fest… These and more are some of the events that help form our community, and events that we as a family and local business continue to support.”
With each client, Chelsea ensures she learns as much about them as possible – their lifestyle, their plans and their dreams – before ever showing them a home. And when she takes them to see their first few homes, she is paying great attention to what they are saying (and just as much attention to what they aren’t saying) about each one. With this level of attention, she can quickly understand which homes will be a perfect fit. This allows her to filter through properties that won’t work and only take her clients to the ones that will – a skill that her clients with young children and/or demanding professional lives quickly come to appreciate.
Chelsea’s affection for her community is palpable. If you could bottle it, you could sell it. And Grace & Co. comes as close to that bottled formula as you’ll find in Toronto real estate.