A Discussion with Chadwick Robertson About the State of the Real Estate Industry in 2023
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Chadwick Robertson is a real estate investor based in Langley, British Columbia with over 15 years experience in the industry. He is widely regarded by his peers as having a keen eye for identifying potentially lucrative investment opportunities, and has established a proven track record of success in acquiring, developing, and managing properties.
Chadwick began his career in real estate as a sales agent where he gained a deep understanding of the local and foreign markets. After several years in sales, he transitioned to an investment role and quickly made a name for himself as a skilled negotiator and strategic thinker.
In recent years, Chadwick has focused on acquiring and redeveloping commercial properties in Langley and the surrounding area. His projects have ranged from small retail spaces to large multi-use complexes, and he has developed a reputation for delivering high-quality, well-designed properties that meet the needs of tenants and investors alike.
Chadwick Robertson is also deeply committed to giving back to his community. He has worked to promote affordable housing and sustainable development in Langley and beyond, and been involved in numerous charitable organizations. When not working, Chadwick enjoys hiking, skiing, and spending time with his family. He prides himself on being a lifelong learner, and as such, is constantly seeking out new opportunities to expand his knowledge of real estate investing and other related fields.
Why did you decide to create your own business?
Even at the outset of my career in the real estate industry, I knew I ultimately wanted to found my own agency. There were many reasons why, but it boiled down to two central points. First, I wanted to reap the majority of the rewards from my own hard work, and second, I wanted to be my own boss.
What do you love most about the industry you are in?
I love the challenge. I love scouting out new potential acquisitions, I love negotiating purchase and sale prices for properties, and I love every step of the development process. It all excites me.
What would you tell others looking to get into your industry?
I would tell anyone considering a career as a real estate investor that it’s highly competitive—especially in British Columbia—but, if approached correctly, it’s also highly lucrative. So, on balance, it’s a lot of hard work, but that hard work can pay off in a big way.
What keeps you motivated?
Beyond the obvious financial rewards, I derive a lot of satisfaction from a job well done, as well as the augmentation of my reputation within my industry.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned managing your business?
Trust, but verify. This business is built on relationships, and within those relationships, the establishment of an underlying trust. However, that being said, sometimes that trust can be abused, which is why verification becomes so important. Luckily, the people who abuse trust don’t tend to thrive in real estate. Obviously, once such behavior comes to light, other industry professionals are understandably hesitant about working with them on another development project.
How has your company grown from its early days to now?
The firm has expanded significantly since its creation, I’m proud to say. In the beginning it was just me—a one-man operation. At this point, though, I’ve added a few associates. Working together, we’ve increased our portfolio of holdings beyond even my expectations.
If you could change one thing you did in the beginning of your career what would it be?
If I could turn back time and relive the start of my career, I would apply the “trust but verify” philosophy much more rigorously. It would save me a few headaches, to say the least.
How do you maintain a work life balance?
When I’m able to take some time away from work, I like to immerse myself in nature. In spring, summer, and autumn, I take long hikes. In the winter, I indulge my hobby of skiing. I also enjoy spending time with my family whenever possible. Doing these things reminds me why I work so hard.
What traits do you possess that make you a successful leader?
I think the single most useful characteristic of mine with respect to leadership is my decisiveness. I decide matters quickly, and once I make a choice, that’s final. My co-workers, colleagues, and peers all know this about me, and I believe they respect that quality.
What trends in your industry excite you?
Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic has ended, there has been a growing trend of people returning to cities. This is exciting for a number of reasons, but chief among them in my opinion is the boost it will give to urban commercial spaces.
What is one piece of advice that you have never forgotten?
“Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.” My mother always told me that. I’ll admit it’s a cliché, but it also happens to be very good advice—especially concerning real estate.
What is one thing you would change in your industry today if you could?
I think residential property prices are still too high. It’s becoming a larger societal problem. Although the recent interest rate hikes have helped to lower them a bit, they still haven’t come down enough to give the kind of relief that Jack and Jill Twentysomething need to buy their first home.
Where do you see you and your company in five years?
In a word? Thriving. I think that we will continue to grow and achieve success for the foreseeable future.
