My Journey in Real Estate and What I've Learned
My journey
'When I started in real estate it was hard to know what to expect. When I walked into the office on day one, agents were buzzing all over, phones were ringing, faxes were coming in and of course houses were being sold. No phone calls were for Hudson Smith, no faxes had my name on them, and no houses that first day were sold by me.'
The real estate atmosphere can overwhelm agents very easily. It’s easy to feel like this business belongs to others and that it will be very hard to be a part of it.
Although there are no expectations for agents in the early stages, most agents start to feel like, “everyone already knows an agent”, “what was I thinking”, my “friends have already bought homes”, “my family isn’t moving”, Boy, the way our minds race when we are trying to get started! But what most agents don’t realize, or what gets lost when trying to step foot into this fast moving business is that it’s not a sprint, rather, it is a marathon.
What I've learned
You need a plan, and you need to know how you are going to stand out.
How do you become relevant in an industry that doesn’t know who you are?
You need to have a plan, but at the root of it, you need to break the job into simple tasks, and execute them better than anyone else. One foot in front of the other. If someone calls, call them back right away. Meeting someone? Make sure you are on time. Showing a house? Learn as much about the house and the neighbourhood sales as you can. Selling a house? Make sure the pictures are great, and the sign is up when you say it will be. Make sure feature sheets are there before the first showing, make sure……. hey, there’s a lot to do for this one, but that’s not my point. At the end of the day you need to add value, or why would you stand out? Why would clients come back?
I pride myself on always doing more.
I pride myself on knowing as much as I possibly can, and I pride myself on adding more than the client expects.
From the day the call comes in to years after the transaction is complete, I want my clients to know my commitment to their needs. Whether clients buy or sell, that’s not important to me. The relationship and trust between us is what I value most. I came into this business with a plan. I wanted people to know I was in real estate. I wanted people to know I was going to work hard for them. And I wanted them to know I would not let them down. Over the years I have added experience and a skill set that continues to help me help my clients more.
I continue to learn more and work hard so I can add the value I know they need, and what makes me relevant.
Technology has helped, but it’s also made it easy to get spread too thin. It’s made it easy to forget the small things. The things that will make you stand out the most. A handshake will be remembered more than a text anyway.
No, I didn’t sell a house my first day in the office.
I sold one my second day.
Hudson
hudson@hudsonsmith.ca
519-821-3600
Spring is here, and with it comes blooming flowers, longer days—and the busiest season in real estate. If you're thinking about buying a home, now might be the perfect time to make your move. Here's why spring is such a hot time for home buyers and how you can navigate the season successfully. 🌼 Why Spring is Prime Time for House Hunting 1. More Inventory to Choose From As the weather warms up, so does the housing market. Sellers who’ve been waiting out the winter are now ready to list, meaning more homes hit the market in spring than any other season. That gives buyers more options—and a better shot at finding their dream home. 2. Perfect House-Hunting Weather Let’s be honest: no one wants to tour homes in freezing temps or icy roads. Spring’s mild weather makes weekend open houses and afternoon showings more enjoyable and easier to schedule. 3. Ideal Timing for Families For families with kids, buying in the spring allows time to close the deal, move, and get settled before the next school year starts. It’s a natural timeline that fits many lifestyles. 4. Homes Show Better There’s something about green lawns, blooming gardens, and sun-drenched windows that makes a home feel more inviting. Homes often look their best in spring, which helps buyers visualize living there. 🌿 Tips for Buying in a Competitive Spring Market 1. Get Pre-Approved First Spring means more buyers, and that means competition. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage shows sellers you're serious and gives you a leg up in multiple-offer situations. 2. Act Fast (But Smart) Desirable homes can go under contract in days—or even hours—in spring. If you see something you love, be ready to act. But don’t skip inspections or rush decisions. Fast doesn't mean careless. 3. Work with a Local Agent A good real estate agent will help you navigate bidding wars, spot red flags, and find homes that might not even be on the market yet. Local knowledge is gold in a busy season. 4. Know Your Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves Spring can be overwhelming with so many options. Make a list of what you need in a home versus what you want. That helps you stay focused and avoid decision fatigue. 🌸 Final Thoughts Buying a house in the spring has its challenges, but it also offers big opportunities. If you’re prepared, flexible, and working with the right team, you can take advantage of the season’s energy and find a place you’ll love to call home. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade, spring is your season to bloom in a new space. 🌷
Let’s face it—this past winter was one for the books. Between the endless snow, sky-high heating bills, and driveway shoveling marathons, it’s no wonder so many people are rethinking the whole “detached home” thing. Enter: the condo lifestyle. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, investor, downsizer, or just tired of winter maintenance headaches, Guelph’s condo market is having a moment—and it’s one you don’t want to miss. Why Condos Are a Smart Investment Condos have long been a solid choice for investors, but right now, they’re looking even better: Affordability: Compared to detached homes, condos offer a more accessible price point—without sacrificing location or quality of life. Rental Demand: With Guelph’s growing population and strong university presence, condos are in high demand for renters. That’s steady income for investors. Low Maintenance: No snow shoveling, no lawn care. Your time is yours—and your property is professionally managed. In a city like Guelph, where the balance of urban convenience and small-town charm draws people in from all over, condos represent an opportunity to own real estate in a desirable, growing market. What Sets Guelph Condos Apart What makes Guelph’s condo scene unique? It’s not just the buildings—it’s the lifestyle. Many of the city's newer and well-maintained condo developments are located close to parks, trails, downtown restaurants, and transit. And unlike big-city towers, Guelph condos often offer more space, quieter buildings, and a stronger sense of community. Plus, let’s talk about the amenities . Some of the standout features we’re seeing in the best condo buildings right now include: Modern fitness centres (say goodbye to that separate gym membership) Rooftop terraces with BBQs and lounge areas Party rooms and guest suites for entertaining Secure underground parking (a must after this winter!) On-site property management for peace of mind Featured Condos We Love If you’ve been on the fence, this spring is the time to explore. Here are a couple standout units we’re currently featuring: ✨ 1502-150 Wellington St. E 2 bed, 2 bath | 1,347 sq ft | $819,900 This bright and spacious corner unit has sweeping sunset views from the 15th floor, open-concept layout, and top-tier finishes. Located steps from the river and downtown—ideal for professionals or retirees looking for walkability, peace, and luxury. ✨ 806-160 Macdonell St. 2 bed, 2 bath | 1,098 sq ft | $699,900 This suite blends comfort and style with an open layout, fireplace, and private balcony with panoramic city views. Enjoy top-tier amenities and unbeatable downtown convenience—just steps from the GO Train, shops, and trails. Looking for something different? We have access to several other great units across Guelph—from trendy one-bedrooms for young professionals to larger suites perfect for downsizers who still want room to host family. The Bottom Line After the winter we just had, it’s no surprise people are looking for simplicity, convenience, and lifestyle—all things that come standard with condo living. And with Guelph’s condo market offering strong long-term value, now really is the perfect time to invest. Whether it’s your next home or your next rental property, there’s opportunity here—and we’d love to help you find it. Curious what’s available? Let’s chat or book a showing—you might be surprised at how easy condo living (and investing) can be.
Spring is the perfect time to refresh your home and get rid of the dust and clutter that may have built up over the winter months. A thorough spring cleaning not only makes your home sparkle but also improves air quality and creates a more peaceful living environment. To make the process easier, here’s a room-by-room checklist to help you stay organized and efficient. General Cleaning Tips for Every Room Open windows to let in fresh air. Dust from top to bottom, including ceilings, light fixtures, and baseboards. Wipe down walls, doors, and switches. Vacuum and mop floors, paying special attention to corners. Declutter and donate unused items. Living Room Dust and polish furniture. Wash or vacuum curtains and blinds. Clean light fixtures and ceiling fans. Wipe down electronics and remote controls. Shampoo or steam clean carpets and rugs. Clean under and behind furniture. Kitchen Deep clean appliances (oven, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher). Wipe down cabinets and countertops. Discard expired pantry items. Scrub sink and faucet. Clean and organize drawers and utensil holders. Mop and sanitize floors. Bathroom Scrub and disinfect toilet, sink, and bathtub/shower. Wash or replace shower curtain and bath mats. Clean mirrors and light fixtures. Wipe down cabinets and discard expired toiletries. Scrub grout and reseal if necessary. Bedroom Wash all bedding, including pillows and comforters. Rotate and flip the mattress if applicable. Declutter closets and donate clothes you no longer wear. Dust and polish furniture. Clean under the bed and in corners. Home Office Organize paperwork and shred unnecessary documents. Dust and disinfect keyboard, mouse, and desk. Wipe down bookshelves and organize files. Clean office chair and vacuum under desk. Outdoor Spaces Sweep porches, decks, and patios. Clean outdoor furniture and cushions. Wash exterior windows and doors. Check and clean gutters if needed. Tidy up garden beds and trim overgrown plants. Spring cleaning may seem like a big task, but tackling it one room at a time makes it much more manageable. Use this checklist to stay on track and enjoy a fresh, clean home as you welcome the new season!
