Each Wednesday, Real Estate Magazine shares insights, experiences and advice from top-performing teams and agents across Canada. If you’d like to contribute or nominate a colleague or team, send us an email.

With steady growth and a strong referral base, Jessica Stevenson is proving that consistency and client care still win. A solo agent with Realty Executives Diversified Realty in Regina, Sask., she has massively grown her production year over year — growing from $941,900 in 2024 to $3.27 million across 15 transactions by the fall of 2025.

REM: How did you first get into real estate?
JS: I started as a receptionist in a real estate office, and after about a year, I knew I wanted to be a Realtor. I loved the energy and the pace of it all.

REM: Why did you choose to stay mostly solo?
JS: I started on my own but joined a small team in my first year. Now, it’s just the two of us — my mentor and me — and I still work largely independently. I like having that balance of mentorship with autonomy.

REM: What roles do you juggle day to day?
JS: Everything! I handle my own files, finances, marketing, social media and branding. It’s a lot, but it keeps me connected to every part of my business.

REM: What were the first key systems or investments that changed your business?
JS: SEO, door knocking and open houses. Those three things helped me get noticed and build early momentum.

REM: What advice would you give a solo agent hiring for the first time?
JS: Don’t see hiring help as a weakness. Recognize where you’re not strong and find someone who complements you. Delegating gives you time to focus on what you do best.

REM: What are your top lead sources right now?
JS: Social media, open houses and my website. Referrals mean the most to me because they come from trust — and they’re the most rewarding part of this job.

REM: How do you handle a new lead?
JS: I respond within 20 minutes by their preferred method — email or phone — then add them to my CRM and follow up weekly. It usually takes about six to eight touches to get an appointment and 12 to 15 to turn that into a contract.

REM: What tools can’t you live without?
JS: My CRM (PrimeAgent/Lofty) is my brain. I also use WordPress for SEO, Canva for marketing, a mileage tracker and ChatGPT when I’m stuck.

REM: How do you handle your finances and forecasting?
JS: I work with an accountant but also track every deal, commission and receipt myself. Staying organized keeps me grounded.

REM: Who are your ideal clients?
JS: First-time buyers and young families. I love guiding people through that first big purchase — helping them feel confident, not overwhelmed.

REM: What separates top producers from the rest?
JS: The best producers are visible, consistent and disciplined. They post, they follow up and they stick to their systems even when motivation dips.

REM: What habits do you reward in yourself?
JS: Consistency, showing up on low-motivation days and celebrating small wins — even sending a thank-you note or making one more call. What gets cut are distractions that drain energy or don’t move me toward my goals.

REM: What’s your best advice for smaller or solo agents?
JS: Hire a transaction coordinator before an ISA — someone to help you keep deals on track. And if you have $5,000 to invest, put it into SEO, client gifts and door knocking. Those bring long-term returns.

Lightning round

Favourite Canadian market insight people don’t believe: Door knocking still works — people crave real connection.

One tech you’d fight to keep: My CRM.

One marketing hill you’ll die on: Your personal brand. People remember how you make them feel.

Agents fail because… they give up too soon. This business takes patience, effort and heart.

Solo agents win because… they pour everything into their clients and deliver a personal touch that lasts long after closing.

Editor’s note: Jessica Stevenson answered our questions in the fall of 2025, as part of a feature in a special print edition of REM.