We’d like to introduce you to our newest sales representative, Janis MacDougall!

What made you want to go into real estate and what attracted you to The Behar Group?

One of my first jobs as a young person was with Bramalea Limited working for a great man and mentor Mr. Keith Dissette. Keith spent a lot of time with me and pushed me to be an independent thinker and understand the importance of networking.  

When searching for a brokerage I looked for a group that not only shared my values but also had a family-like environment that encouraged everyone in the group to strive to do their best. The Behar Group has all these qualities.

How many years have you been in the industry?

I have worked in the Commercial Real Estate Industry for over 30 years.

Are there any life lessons you’ve learnt in your experience that you’d like to share?

I think the biggest life lesson to learn in this industry is to never burn bridges. In this industry your name follows you where ever you go, “Good or Bad”.

Do you have any advice for young professionals that may want to enter the real estate world, or people that may not be sure of what they want to do in the future?

It takes a while for young professionals to establish themselves in this industry.  It’s a very competitive environment and requires patience and the ability to network. Networking is a skill that is created through practice and putting yourself out there at events to make your personality and skills known to others in the industry. This is done by attending conferences and volunteering to assist on boards etc.

How has the industry grown and improved since you first begun working as an agent?

This industry has for sure grown with all the new areas of real estate to take advantage of, but it’s hard to say if the industry has improved. Technology has in some way taken the “face to face” discussion out of the “Deal.” Gone are the days when a discussion and a deal was made over lunch.

What’s your favourite part about being an agent?

My favourite part of being an agent is being out working with clients and helping them be successful and in turn making me successful. 

What do you do when you’re not working?

When I am not working my husband and I restore Heritage homes.

Where would you see yourself working if it weren’t for real estate?

If I was not working in real estate I would most likely work in construction.

If you could travel to any place on earth, where would it be and why?

My husband and I are great travellers and choose a new place each year to travel to. One of the places on my bucket list is Australia. 

Is there something you’d like to tell us that might surprise us about you? Any special skills or hobbies?

Other than renovating houses which take up a majority of my spare time, you would be surprised to know that I am actually a trained company facilitator that can go in and resolve departmental problems.  I took this course some years ago when I thought I would go in a different direction then Real Estate, but in the end the “deal” kept me in industry.

You’re happiest when…?

I am the happiest when my family is happy and they are all around me.

In an interview I had a number of years ago I was asked “what is your definition of success”  my answer was “my family is my success as they are best thing I’ve done in my life.”