As part of our Agent Spotlight series, today we’re talking with Lisa Bednarski, who has been part of the BREL team since 2017. 
Why did you get into real estate?
I had part-time jobs in a real estate office in high school and university and, ever since, following the market was my hobby. But it took an epiphany working with Melanie Piche on a communications project to realize there was an opportunity to make that hobby my job and I jumped at it. It’s everything I love — fast-pace, strategic thinking and planning, just the right amount of personal contact for an outgoing introvert like me and I get to truly help people. After a quarter-century selling soap, that feels good.
What did you do before becoming an agent?
This is a second career for me after 25 years in marketing communications (aka selling soap), primarily in global public relations firms. The communications and client services skills were very transferrable and I haven’t looked back.
What’s it like being on the BREL team?
Throughout my career, I’ve always tried to work with people who are smarter than me, work harder than me and have the highest standards they challenge me to achieve. I have found my people on the BREL team. And if ever a workplace defined ‘work-family’ it’s this one. We’re equal parts competitive and collaborative with each other, support each other at every opportunity and have a whole lotta fun along the way.
What do you love most about buying and selling homes?
But it’s not just about buying and selling homes. In any given hour on any given day, I play the role of strategist, counselor, therapist, salesperson, and cheerleader. And what I do truly makes a difference in the lives of the people I represent — from the young family looking to get a home in a good school district in time for their eldest to start JK to the sisters selling their childhood home after their parents have passed.
Tell us about where you live.
I moved to Roncesvalles in 2002 and, at the time, it felt like Windsor it was so ‘far’ west but it is now more home to me than just about anywhere in the world. It’s a little bit like living in a small town. Walking with my dog, Clarence, along Roncesvalles I’m always running into people I know — from the dog park or boot camp or my street or even clients. It really has a small-town vibe and feels.
What does ‘home’ mean to you?
Home isn’t an address to me, it’s a feeling. Whether it’s a family backyard barbecue at my parents’ house or babysitting my (amazing) nieces, or snuggling on the couch with my dog, it’s about feeling safe, warm and like I belong.
What’s your craziest real estate story?
I was showing a condo and had been warned the tenants were, um, difficult. When I arrived, the ‘man’ of the house opened the door and began to berate me for having the audacity to interrupt his work for my scheduled appointment. The more he yelled, the more calmly I reacted, which seemed to diffuse him. That’s when the ‘lady’ (Godiva?) of the house got up out of bed and began walking around naked in an attempt to intimidate me. I just pretended it wasn’t happening, continued my tour of the property, wished them “good day” and left. I think they were more surprised than I was.
In 25 words or less, what’s your best advice for a Toronto home Buyer?
I’m all about the lists. Make and prioritize a ‘need to have’ and a ‘nice to have’ list for your search and be prepared to be flexible.
In 25 words or less, what’s your best advice for a Toronto home Seller?
Selling is stressful and can be overwhelming. Rely on your REALTOR to guide you through the process and focus on the end goal.
What we ❤️ best about Lisa
By Melanie, Broker/Owner
We meet a lot of real-estate-obsessed people in our business – people we just know would make great REALTORS. We actually met Lisa 6+ years ago at an open house and she became a BREL client. Over the years, we sold her loft, helped her buy a house in Roncesvalles and took care of her friends’ real estate needs. We shared BBQ at Barque, more than a few bottles of wine and even marched in the Women’s March together a few years ago. And then one day, we convinced her to make a career switch into real estate. It was one of the best ideas we ever had.
So what do we love about Lisa? A lot. Her communication, relationship-building and negotiation skills are second-to-none; her clients are lucky to have her in their court and I often wonder if they realize how much $$$ she’s earned/saved them. There’s nobody on the team – myself and Brendan included – who embody the No BS part of BREL more. She calls it how she sees it and that honest guidance, combined with deep real estate knowledge is exactly the experience we want BREL Buyers and Sellers to have. Throw in a ton of passion – she still gets SO excited when her Buyers finds their dream home -and that’s Lisa.
To the team, Lisa has brought a new level of professionalism and enthusiasm. She pushes us to do better and do more, and we (mostly, lol) love that. She’s a great support to the other agents on the team too, and her energy and drive are contagious.
