Real estate has long been a cornerstone of wealth-building strategies, particularly for those looking to diversify their investment portfolios and secure a stable financial future. For Margo, a seasoned real estate broker and investor with over 14 years of personal experience in investment properties, real estate isn't just a business—it's a passion that has transformed her financial trajectory.
Originally from a medical background, Margo spent 25 years as a medical laboratory technologist before deciding to shift gears. "I loved helping people in the medical field, but I reached a point where I wanted more flexibility and freedom from shift work," she explains. Like many Canadians, Margo saw an opportunity in real estate, starting by buying, renovating, and selling her own homes. "I realized this was a way not only to improve my lifestyle but also to build equity and secure my financial future."
A Leap of Faith: Transitioning to Real Estate
Making the leap from a stable, pension-backed career into real estate was no small decision. "When I decided to become self-employed, I knew I needed a different approach to building equity for my retirement," says Margo. This is when she pivoted into revenue properties—investing in properties that generate rental income. According to her, "It has been the best decision I could have made."
Investing in revenue properties offers several financial advantages. Not only do you benefit from capital appreciation as property values increase over time, but rental income provides a steady cash flow, often covering the mortgage and operating expenses. Margo emphasizes the importance of this strategy for anyone looking to grow wealth long-term. "With the right properties, you're not only building equity, but you're also setting yourself up for passive income in retirement."
Flipping Properties: A Numbers Game
In addition to revenue properties, Margo has worked with many clients who specialize in flipping houses. "One of the first questions my house-flipping clients ask me is, 'What can we sell it for, Margo?'" she recalls. Flipping requires a careful balance of purchase price, renovation budget, mortgage costs, and holding expenses to ensure profitability. "There's a lot of number crunching involved, but when done right, flipping can be an excellent way to accelerate wealth-building."
While the market for flipping homes has become more competitive in recent years, the fundamentals remain the same: buy undervalued properties, improve them, and sell at a higher price. Margo's experience with renovators and investors has given her unique insight into making these ventures successful. "You need to make sure all the numbers make sense. The purchase price and renovation budget have to be tightly managed to ensure a profitable sale."
Real Estate as a Retirement Strategy
One of the most powerful aspects of real estate investing is its potential to generate wealth for retirement. Margo advises first-time investors to consider the long-term benefits of holding rental properties. "With home prices rising, many excellent tenants are choosing to rent long-term, which provides a stable income stream for property owners," she explains. As Margo points out, "This is an ideal time to consider adding real estate to your investment portfolio, especially with the potential for continued appreciation in property values."
Her approach to real estate is both practical and forward-looking. By focusing on cash flow-positive properties and strategic renovations, Margo helps her clients make informed decisions that align with their financial goals. "Buying a home is one of life's biggest investments, and it's critical to make an informed decision. I love being part of that journey with my clients."
The Value of Experience
Margo's 17 years of expertise as a broker, paired with her real estate investment experience, have made her a trusted advisor for many types of buyers—from first-time homeowners to seasoned investors. "I've had the pleasure of working with families, from grandparents to their grandchildren, as well as clients from different countries and provinces," she says. Her specialty includes detached homes, townhouses, condos, waterfront properties, and investment properties, offering a wealth of knowledge to her clients.
Her ability to combine her own investment experience with a deep understanding of the market allows her to guide clients through every step of the buying or selling process. "I want my clients to know they can count on me not just now, but in the future. Seeing them achieve their real estate dreams is incredibly rewarding."
Final Thoughts: Real Estate as a Long-Term Investment
In today's challenging economic environment, building wealth requires a strategic approach, and real estate remains one of the most reliable ways to do so. Margo’s journey, from medical professional to real estate broker and investor, highlights how taking calculated risks and making informed decisions can lead to long-term financial security.
"Real estate has allowed me to create the lifestyle I want while building a strong financial foundation for the future," Margo says. Her advice for aspiring investors? "Start small, do your research, and always look at real estate as a long-term investment. There’s no better time to start building wealth for retirement than today."
With her extensive experience and client-focused approach, Margo continues to help people realize their real estate dreams—whether they’re buying their first home, flipping a property, or expanding their investment portfolio.
