With more than 24 years of experience in residential property transactions and real estate Petrus Engelbrecht brings a unique blend of talents to his clients, particularly in the area of negotiation. Thanks to his legal background, attention to detail, and commitment to guiding his clients towards finding their dream home, he has a proven track record of showing the highest possible level of service.
What inspired you to pursue a career in real estate?
I’ve always been in real estate. In my previous life I was a property lawyer in South Africa. My first job articling post law school was at a real estate firm in 1993. Later I started my own property law firm and by the end of my tenure we were handling as many as 1,000 closings each month. I felt extremely comfortable in real estate, so when I came to Canada moving into real estate was a natural fit.
What aspects of the real estate business excite you most? Why?
As a property lawyer who was working more as a property developer towards the end of my time in South Africa, I enjoyed all the procedural aspects of making sure my team was doing a great job. As I enter the next chapter of my career, I feel the same way, enjoying all the procedural aspects of marketing and negotiating. I love marketing, negotiating, and getting the sale.
What is the most rewarding thing about working in real estate?
Giving a client advice and having that advice followed. I see myself more as an advisor than an agent and property is all about the options I lay out, and helping my client pick the best option for them. Whether its on the sale or the buying side it’s always very rewarding to see that come to fruition.
What is the most challenging thing about working in real estate?
I have never worried about working hard, but it doesn’t matter how hard you’re working when you run out of time. You need to gear up to get things done, implement procedures to help lighten the load, and appoint a good team to assist you. At the same time, I enjoy the challenge of it. I am certain many agents struggle with their success, since the more successful you become, the more people need your time.
What’s the best way for someone to explore a potential neighbourhood?
There is no better way than to have someone hop in the car with their realtor to guide them around the neighbourhood. Each neighbourhood has enclaves, often by geographical markers like a river or a park. Every enclave within an area has unique attributes that you can’t pick up looking online; instead you need to physically explore it and show why this area is something that they want to look at, or why it may not be a good fit. Together you can make a list of pros and cons that will help guide their final decision.
It’s very important as an agent to be an expert in a neighbourhood. I believe no one can be an expert on all areas. My specialty is Oakville, Mississauga, and Burlington. On the occasions when I can’t educate myself on a neighbourhood sufficiently for a client, to give the best possible services, I would refer that client to another Sotheby’s agent to make sure they have access to all the ins and outs of this area.
Where do you live and what do you love most about living there?
I live in an area called South East Oakville. This area has been established for over 100 years since the first century homes were built. My area is demarcated by the QEW to the North, Lake Ontario to the south, 16 Mile Creek to the west border, and downtown Oakville is the east border, with close proximity to Mississauga. This is an established area with big trees, is close to the lake, with big lots, big homes, and a vibrant community. Downtown Oakville has a nice small-town feel. People love being close to the lake and it’s wonderful to walk by the lake with an ice cream cone in the summer. The area is known to have the best schooling in all of Oakville. Not only is this a huge draw for buyers with children in school, it’s also important for resale value.
Watch Petrus’ video guides to life in Oakville on his Instagram account!
Why did you decide to be a part of the EAN?
I appreciate the like-mindedness of all the members as it’s a very giving community with people who are happy to be sharing their wealth of knowledge, as experts in specific fields. I was recently in a panel with Richard, and it’s quite enjoyable to be able to enlighten my peers and to be the quality of agent who people turn to for their expertise. I feel very honoured to be a part of the group.
How does your law background help you as a real estate professional?
The fact that I’ve done literally thousands of negotiations on property transactions translates well to real estate. I feel so comfortable and natural in my day-to-day negotiations because of it.
What would you say are some of the most important things a person should consider when buying a home?
Finding the right agent. Now more than ever in the GTA in 2020 it’s clear that literally the first thing you need to look for when purchasing a home is getting an agent with a ton of experience, and who has your best interest at heart. It is a lively market and seems to have a similar look and feel to the market of 2017, and if you don’t have a good agent you won’t do well, particularly on the buying side.
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What professional accomplishments are you most proud of?
I went from being a new agent, with Sotheby’s being my first firm, to a Senior Vice President of Sales within a year and a half of starting in the industry. I am very proud of this title and that I became one quite quickly.
If you need good advice in other locales please contact us. Here is a map of our Exceptional Agent Network of Sotheby’s Agents and we will make sure you are referred to the best!
EAN map
