Royal LePage^® REALTOR® and two-time National Chairman’s Club award winner, Elena Saradidis, shares her journey and top tips for agents aiming to build a rewarding and profitable real estate career.

What does it take to become a top 1% real estate agent and a standout in as one of Royal LePage’s Top 35 Under 35 real estate agents? For Royal LePage REALTOR^® Elena Saradidis, the focus has always been on building strong client relationships to create a steady flow of inbound referrals. Winning both of these prestigious accolades underscores her dedication, but Elena’s real edge lies in her relentless drive and unique client-first approach.

Starting early on in an ultra-competitive industry, Elena leveraged her ability to build strong relationships to accelerate her growth. Whether helping first-time buyers or guiding seasoned investors, her approach remains consistent: treat each client as her top priority and keep promises, every step of the way.

We sat down with Elena to discuss her career and gain insights for agents looking to build a thriving real estate business.

Congratulations on your incredible achievement, Elena! What motivates you as a Top 1% agent?

It might sound cliché, but it is really all about helping people. Royal LePage’s motto ‘Helping You Is What We Do^®’ couldn’t resonate with me more. I love being part of my clients’ journeys and helping them achieve such meaningful milestones. Whether it’s finding their first home or making smart investments, my reward comes from knowing I made a positive impact.

What advice would you give to young agents eager to build successful real estate careers?

Don’t underestimate leases! Early on, leases were my foundation, especially when working with investors. By mastering leases, I built lasting relationships that expanded over time. Tenants become buyers, landlords bring more properties and these relationships compound. Though people questioned my experience due to my age at first, I turned it into an asset, committing fully to learning from the best agents and doubling down on the client experience. My advice? Leverage your youth, work hard, and show your clients you’re serious. In time, your results will speak for themselves.

How do you handle lead generation and management?

Speed is everything. We respond immediately to leads (under 1 minute), whether from Realtor.ca, Facebook Marketplace or open houses. Making that first connection is critical, so we use calls, emails, and texts to ensure we connect quickly. From there, we customize listings for each client and guide them through their options. Our goal is to keep the process smooth and organized, from first interaction to closing.

We also have a consistent calendar of client gifting, used to generate referrals on a monthly basis. These leads serve as the basis for expanding our network and introducing us into new pockets of potential clients.

What does your daily routine for success look like?

Consistency and communication are essential. I start every day with lead generation, whether it’s reaching out to my network or following up with clients. Staying connected to my database is a priority. Afternoons are for showings and managing offers. Evenings are generally focused on getting deals closed.

Do you leverage social media to stay connected with clients?

Absolutely! Social media is integral to our business. It keeps us top-of-mind for past clients and reaches potential new ones. We post educational videos on various real estate topics to answer questions and build credibility. Engaging with our audience helps us build a loyal community that trusts our expertise. We also give behind-the-scenes glimpses of how we work, so clients get a sense of what it’s like to work with us before we even meet.

The real estate industry is highly competitive. What sets you and your team apart?

We do what we say we will do, a trait which at times can be hard to come by in real estate. For us, clients aren’t just transactions; they’re relationships. Our focus is on providing exceptional experiences, so much so that our clients eagerly refer us to friends and family. Building trust with follow-through and personalized service is what sets us apart.

What’s been your most memorable day as a REALTOR®?

My most memorable day wasn’t about closing a deal – it was the day I met a client who eventually purchased a $4.5 million property. They came by an open house as a neighbour, and after a quick conversation, I discovered they were looking to upsize. That connection didn’t develop instantly. I’d been holding open houses in that building every weekend for two years! People joked that I practically lived there. But that persistence paid off, proving that going the extra mile can lead to remarkable outcomes.

Ready to launch your real estate career? Joining Royal LePage gives you the opportunity to grow with a national brand that sets the standard in Canadian real estate. Learn more about joining our team