From Flipping Houses to Shaping Futures: A Conversation with Jessica Hastings-Lesperance

In the competitive world of real estate, success often comes to those who can adapt, innovate, and bring a diverse set of skills to the table. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Jessica Hastings-Lesperance, a REALTOR® whose journey embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship and resilience. Based on the beautiful Bruce Peninsula, Jessica is not just a real estate professional; she's a visionary who has carved her own path in the industry. From flipping properties to building her own home, Jessica's hands-on experience sets her apart in a field where practical knowledge is invaluable. As we delve into her story, we'll explore how her entrepreneurial spirit and diverse background have shaped her approach to real estate and business.

1. You've been involved in various aspects of real estate, from renting and flipping properties to building your own house. How have these experiences influenced your approach as a REALTOR®?

My experiences have been nothing short of transformative! They've taught me the ins and outs of ensuring my investments are profitable and given me the knowledge to help others achieve the same. Flipping properties, renting, and even building my own home have shown me every facet of the real estate process. I share this wisdom with my kids, teaching them the importance of building wealth through real estate. These hands-on experiences mean I know what questions to ask and what pitfalls to avoid, ensuring my clients get the best advice possible.

2. As someone who has owned and sold multiple businesses, what entrepreneurial lessons have you applied to your real estate career?

The most powerful lesson I've learned is the art of saying no quickly and effectively. It's crucial to be profitable, to network like your life depends on it, and to follow up with the persistence of a determined professional. Always staying ahead with the latest tech and carving out a unique niche or feature for your business can set you apart from the crowd. These principles have been the cornerstone of my success in real estate, enabling me to offer my clients unparalleled service and insights.

3. You're described as a "Visionary" in your professional profile. How do you bring this visionary thinking to your clients' real estate journeys?

Being a visionary means seeing beyond the obvious and crafting innovative solutions. My personality, ranked in the top 10% of the rare visionary/integrator approach, allows me to see opportunities and solutions others might miss. I don't just dream big—I implement those dreams with precision and passion. This visionary approach means my clients get creative strategies tailored to their unique needs and goals. One innovative practice I'm working on is the use of virtual reality tours to showcase properties, which will allow clients to make quicker decisions and secure deals faster than traditional methods.

4. Can you share an experience where your background in investing or business ownership gave you a unique edge in a real estate transaction?

Owning four diverse businesses—from organic food to farming to fitness—has given me a broad perspective and a rich network. This experience helps me connect with clients on multiple levels and leverage past business relationships for real estate opportunities. My experience in the fitness industry has taught me a thousand ways how not to run a business, which has accelerated my grasp of real estate much faster than the average REALTOR®. Additionally, coming from a family of top-producing REALTORS® for Keller Williams in all of Canada for KW group has provided me with invaluable insights and mentorship. This combination of diverse business experience and family mentorship has equipped me with a unique edge to navigate complex transactions and deliver exceptional results for my clients.

5. As the Co-owner and Director of Operations for The Terri Hastings Real Estate Group, one of the top-producing real estate teams in Canada, what strategies have you implemented to drive success?

Success is all about knowing your numbers, building a robust database, and keeping an active pipeline. You need to be relentlessly profitable, always learning, and sharpening your leadership skills. Empathy and a clear focus on your 'why' drive sustained success. I use fear as a powerful motivator—embrace it, harness it, and let it propel you forward. Remember, you deserve to win, so open doors for yourself and others with confidence and determination. We are in a shift market, and this means going back to basics in our business, working on our database, and holding ourselves more accountable. Additionally, we are heavily involved in our community and consistently run fundraisers or sponsor non-profits that are in need. We also hold many free events for the community and their families. These strategies ensure we stay ahead of market trends and consistently deliver high-quality service to our clients.

6. You've authored publications on real estate. What's one misconception about the industry that you often address in your writing?

A major misconception is that REALTORS® think they're just in sales. In reality, we're running a business, and our primary focus should be on serving our clients, not just selling to them. We're here to solve problems and provide genuine solutions, acting always in our clients' best interests. This means rejecting the chase for listings or unethical practices and instead, building trust and delivering exceptional value. I've often stressed the importance of work-life integration and teaching how the brain works, along with tips on how to use our nervous system as our friend when working our business and serving our clients. This holistic approach to real estate considers the well-being of both clients and agents, ensuring a sustainable and effective practice. Ultimately, it's about creating lasting relationships and positive impacts in our communities.