Local REALTORⓇ Jedd Smith grew up on a farm, with no intentions of ever getting into real estate.
“It sort of happened by fluke,” he says, “but the farm instilled a lot of values and has shown me the true meaning of hard work.”
Foothills Farm was on 360 acres in Chelmsford. He and his family ran an English-style show-jumping facility, hosted horse shows, had a lesson program, and ran a summer camp. He even started designing equestrian courses. They sold the family farm in 2016.
Two years later, he got his real estate license. He has worked with a wide range of clients since, from first-time home buyers to seasoned investors, selling high-end custom homes, income-generating investment properties, and everything in between.
Jedd also specializes in equestrian properties, agricultural land, and farmland. “As a senior course designer active at both national and international levels, I remain well connected within the equestrian community—especially in Southern Ontario. This network gives me unique insight and reach when it comes to marketing and sourcing horse-friendly homes, farms, and rural estates,” he says.
People can come to him with real-estate related questions any time, he says, and they don’t have to be focused on buying or selling.
A good fit
His favourite part of the job is meeting new people and being able to be social. “I think real estate is for somebody who has a ‘high I’ personality type, who is outgoing and passionate. I enjoy being able to connect with so many different people, not only in the equestrian world but from so many different walks of life. Hearing their stories and helping them find the perfect match of a home, there’s nothing more fulfilling,” he says.
He understands what people need, whether they are buying a farm or are just coming into the idea of hobby farming. With his rural, agricultural background, he is well-equipped to help clients find a property that’s best suited to their needs. He also enjoys the challenges that come with the work, including navigating the difficult market we’ve been in for the past few years.
Making connections is a great perk of the job. He has enjoyed meeting new clientele, as well as local business owners. He often gives his buyer clients a gift card to local retailer Barrydown Paint and Wallpaper, for example, and shares his contractor’s discount.
“The horse world has helped me connect with a lot of different people that can also help benefit my clientele base here,” he says.
Jedd has always led an outdoor lifestyle, doing a lot of camping, hiking, biking, canoeing, and downhill skiing. “It made me adventurous,” he says, “and I tend to connect well with people who share similar hobbies.”
Why working with a professional matters
Some people wonder what REALTORSⓇ actually do. “It seems harsh, but it’s a question people are often skeptical about,” says Jedd.
“We are there to help guide you through every step of the process. Buying or selling a home is stressful and we are here to handle the workload for you, to connect you with lawyers, contractors needed for renovations, lenders, home inspectors, and much more. We are the balancing act that makes sure the process runs as seamlessly as possible, from the paper work right through until closing day.”
Especially when it comes to very specific properties like waterfront, agricultural or rural land, it’s important to know the rules and regulations as these transactions can be more difficult. There are restrictions from the Ministry of Natural Resources in terms of what you can do with the waterfront, for example, like building a sauna, putting a dock in, or doing any landscaping.
“On the agricultural side, you need to understand what is allowable within a specific area,” says the real estate agent. “If you’re looking in Blezard Valley, Azilda, or Boninville, for example, a lot of that looks like great agricultural land but it might be sitting within a flood plain, so severing off a piece of property or building a barn or permanent structure in that area may not even be possible. These are all things you have to look into. As a REALTORⓇ, knowing these things brings a lot of value to the table.”
Lately, Jedd has branched out into commercial and industrial property as well, helping business owners find industrial space or storefronts to expand their businesses and arranging commercial leases. It’s just the latest step in his evolution as a real estate agent.
Reach out to REALTORⓇ Jedd Smith of Royal LePage Realty at 705-690-4533.
Follow Jedd Smith Realty on Facebook and Instagram @jeddsmithrealty.