About Wendy Forrest, Toronto Real Estate Agent, Sutton Group

I was born in Toronto to a family who emigrated from Portugal. I was raised in English and actually only learned Portuguese as an adult through association with my mom's businesses. My mom's been an agent and a broker, and a wonderful influence on me on how far a woman can go in business if she sets her mind to it.

[How did Wendy Forrest end up in real estate?]

[Wendy Forrest - Broker/Courtier, Sutton Group]

You know the expression, "Never say never"? It seems I've been around real estate all my life but I never thought I'd end up selling it! I worked as a real estate receptionist part time all through my teens and early 20's. And I'll tell you, the business has changed a lot since the days of no computers, no pagers, no cell phones... and carbon copy paper on typewriters without correctors! Change is good! Case in point: during one phase of my life I spent a most excellent year studying and having fun in France... some of my fondest memories are of that time.

[Wendy with friends in Antibes, France, 1983]
Wendy with friends in Antibes, France, 1983

Best of all, being trilingual (English, Portuguese and French), I've had amazing jobs with the Federal Government of Canada. Then, I spent 10 super years with TVOntario, where I worked in a number of different areas. It was an interesting and fulfilling time. Late in 1995, it was time for another career change... My mom had just opened a Sutton Group franchise on College Street, and I thought, why not? So I went back to school and got my real estate license.

[Wendy Forrest drives around with Polkaroo, TVOntario's Mascot, 1988]

Wendy drives around with Polkaroo,
TVOntario's Mascot, 1988

Wendy with her mom when she received her President's award, 1998

Well, it is probably the best decision I ever made! Since 1996, having come into an amazing market of low prices and interest rates, I became busy right away, establishing great contacts and meeting terrific people. I never looked back! Since my second year in the business I've earned achievement awards each year. People say I have an honest face, but to me, actions speak louder than words. I pride myself in being accessible, up front and not jerking people around. You know why? 'Cause I sure don't like it when it happens to me... and one would hope that what goes around, comes around!

In 2000, my mom decided to retire and I decided I'd rather sell than manage. I liked the new broker, Henry, a lot and decided to stay right here on College Street, in a Toronto neighbourhood also known as "Little Italy". I love it!

I think part of the reason I've been successful is that I believe in what I do. I like helping people and I really believe in home ownership. Prices aren't as low as they were when I first started but interest rates still are. Rents are incredibly high for what you get too. No matter what anyone tells you, Toronto is still a highly affordable city for real estate - compared with other big cities around the world. There are very few instances these days when renting is better than buying, in my opinion. Sure, if you have a ridiculously low rent, stay where you are, by all means, but you should be investing the difference between what you pay and what you would be paying in today's market rents. Realistically though, how many people do that? The bottom line is this: Why would anyone want to pay for someone else's mortgage when you can pay your own? It's an investment in yourself, your family and your future. So, if you've made this all-important decision, bravo! Now call me.

"Live happy today because
tomorrow it will be too late...", Corsica, France, 1983

[With Wendy's help, the key is as good as in the door!]

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