RE/MAX Agent Sees Meteoric Rise in Real Estate After First $53M Sale

Tav Schembri experienced a rapid and rewarding rise to real estate success. With a relatively short eight years in the business, the RE/MAX real estate agent was the No. 1 individual residential RE/MAX agent worldwide for the first quarter of 2021 and has been the No. 1 agent in Caledon, Ontario, where his business is located, since 2013.

Schembri, who owns RE/MAX Specialists Tavsells, believes in order to be successful in real estate, it’s important to find a niche, become an expert and provide clients a seamless experience, Having the support of one of the world’s leading real estate brands doesn’t hurt either. 

“When a client first decides to go with a Realtor, they often go with a known brand,” Schembri says. “They know that in order to sell their home with confidence, they should go with RE/MAX, which is globally recognized as the leader.”

From hair to here

Before climbing the ranks in real estate, Schembri and his wife owned five hairdressing salons throughout the Greater Toronto Area. An unfortunate woodworking accident caused him to lose two fingers and ultimately led to his decision to change his career path and become a Realtor.

Along with his salon experience, Schembri also gained experience working in construction as a teenager and became fascinated with the home-building and -buying process. He saw firsthand the steps required to build a home and find a buyer for it. With this in mind, in 2012 Schembri earned his real estate license and set off on his new career path. 

Schembri knew that when he became a real estate agent, he would build a relationship-based business – similar to how he operated as a salon owner. He found success when he sold a large parcel of land for $53 million – his very first deal. Schembri quickly became the top agent in his market, with sales mostly in luxury homes and land.

Schembri believes he found success early on through his strategic “one-stop shop” experience. This service provides his clients with staging at no additional cost, client care with excellent communication, and special marketing for each client, which helps make the homebuying and selling process smooth and seamless. 

Brand matters, but so does hard work

Schembri also has leveraged the RE/MAX name to help him build his business throughout the years. He credits at least some of his success to the reputation and exposure offered by the RE/MAX brand. Schembri knows his clients are as confident in him as an agent as they are in the brand.

Because of this, he encourages agents to take advantage of everything the RE/MAX brand has to offer, including the advanced technology and training, and to leverage its stellar reputation. But he cautions against believing a great brand is all it takes.

“Success comes from hard work,” says Schembri, a RE/MAX Hall of Fame member, who was also named to the Top 25 Movers and Shakers in Canadian Real Estate list by Real Estate Magazine (REM).

Standing out

As he continues to build his business, Schembri encourages new real estate agents to find their own success by following in his footsteps.

He offers some insight into what he believes is the key to success in real estate, and what can help set agents apart from the rest.

“Set a daily schedule for yourself and consistently discipline yourself in your work routine,” Schembri says. “Knowing your product well, giving great advice and providing feedback to your client in a timely manner makes you different from most – and that builds trust and good relationships.”

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