From Communication Studies to Real Estate: My Journey to Becoming an Expert Realtor

Life has a funny way of leading us to unexpected paths. I never imagined that my journey would take me from Wilfrid Laurier University to a thriving career in real estate. But here I am, looking back at how a series of decisions, missteps, and a lot of persistence turned into a passion that I’m proud of.

When I first left high school, I had big dreams of diving into Communication Studies. It seemed like the perfect fit for me—someone who loved to talk, connect with others, and express ideas. But to my disappointment, the program wasn’t what I expected. Instead of focusing on verbal communication, it was all about writing essays. Not exactly my cup of tea. I quickly realized that my interests didn’t quite align with what I was studying.

After that, I figured real estate might be a better match for my personality. It was a decision based on my natural inclination to connect with people, my outgoing nature, and my desire for a career that didn’t keep me behind a desk all day. I dove into the industry, full of enthusiasm and optimism.

But the reality hit hard. At 23, trying to convince people to trust me with their biggest investments felt like an uphill battle. My parents' friends expected more years of experience, and my own friends were just starting out in their careers, so they weren't ready to buy a home. It was frustrating, but I wasn’t ready to give up.

I found my footing in the leasing game. Downtown Toronto was booming, and there were plenty of people moving to the city for school and work. The leasing market was my entry point, and little by little, I started building my reputation. I worked hard to help people find great leases, and slowly, those leases turned into first-time home buyers. Before I knew it, I was a downtown Toronto staple, helping friends, family, and acquaintances secure their first homes.

As time passed, those first-time buyers began seeking something bigger—something quieter and more family-friendly. My wife and I were right there with them, making our own move to a new home a few years ago. It was a reminder of how much the market—and people's needs—can change over time.

It took a solid decade of experience to become the expert I am today. The journey wasn’t always easy, but every moment was worth it. Now, I have a deeper understanding of which areas and homes are truly solid investments and which ones are just flashy on the surface. That knowledge is what sets a good Realtor apart from the rest. It’s something I take a lot of pride in, and it’s a skill I’m committed to passing on to others.

As I look to the future, I’m excited to build a team that will continue serving my clients with the same level of dedication, expertise, and care that I’ve always strives for. Because at the end of the day, real estate isn’t just about the property—it’s about building trust, helping people make informed decisions, and guiding them through one of the most important journeys of their lives.

So, if you’re thinking about your next move in real estate, know that I’m here, ready to share what I’ve learned and help you every step of the way. The journey might not always be what you expect, but if you stay committed and focused, the rewards are well worth the effort.

Next step (1): To learn how to up-size your home, check out my free "Move & Grow Method" guide.
Next step (2): Follow me on my Instagram @trevorthiessen for more tips on real estate, and how we can help.