Chantele Joordens
Real Estate Advisor & Income Property Specialist / Founder
Website / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook
Investing in real estate since I was 25, I now have multi-unit properties all across Canada. I moved to Victoria, British Columbia from Fredericton, New Brunswick when I was 22 to start my Masters degree. During my Masters, I bartended and waitressed 3-4 nights per week to diligently save money. After my Masters, I worked as a Researcher for the University and it was during this first 'real job' that I was able to finally save around $12,000 to put towards my eventual house down payment. The cost of houses in Victoria was high though - over $500,000 at the time. So I ended up partnering with a friend to purchase a fixer-upper 3-unit property. The rent from the other two units was enough to fully cover the mortgage plus expenses allowing us to live in the 3rd unit rent-free while we continued renovating. After moving to Halifax and selling this property a couple of years later I began investing in property in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Less than 1 year ago I started my blog entitled "Badass Women Investors" as I noticed that the real estate investment world was dominated by men. I wanted to create a space where I could teach other women about real estate investing and show them that they can do it on their own.
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What are you most proud of professionally? And who or why?
I am most proud of the first property that I purchased. I was 25 years old and had saved diligently working multiple jobs for two years in order to have a down payment for a house. My partner and I put all of our money towards the down payment and then did not have anything left for the renovation, which meant we had to do the work ourselves with second hand materials from Kijiji and Craigslist. We worked 16 hour days for two months in order to renovate the property to be rented so that we could cover the mortgage payments. This is where my passion for real estate began. While most other people my age were saving for the weekend - I was saving for a house. Now seven years later I have 23 apartments in 3 Canadian cities with the goal to teach other women how to do the same. I also have incorporated giving back to charity into my business - where I donate a portion of my commission to my clients' charity of choice. The ability to give back to those less fortunate is very important to me.
What’s your vision for Atlantic Canada in 10 years? What’s our biggest opportunity now?
I want Atlantic Canada to be recognized for its abundant opportunities. I moved my real estate investing from BC to the east coast because I recognized the investment opportunities here. Atlantic Canada has so much to offer and I feel like we are still a 'best kept secret'. With the shift in the labour force moving more into being able to work remotely - Atlantic Canada's cheaper and opportune real estate will soon be sought after by those looking to own property.
What was your greatest stage of growth? What made it a shift for you?
I feel like as I continue moving forward I am moving into my greatest stage of growth. Eight months ago I received my real estate license so that I could be even more connected to the market than I previously was. My plan is to continue learning, teaching, and sharing what I know about real estate investing. I hope my greatest stage of growth is always in the future.
What’s your favourite or most read book or podcast? Now or at each of your greatest stages of growth?
I often listen to the 'Bigger Pockets' podcast and blog posts, however, it is US-specific and predominantly features male investors. I hope to start my own podcast in the near future that features more female investors' voices.
What’s your deepest learning from this past year? How did/will you apply it?
Sometimes I am too trusting - and I let my heart and my trust in people win out over my business sense. While I think it is good to have trust in people, I also know that when conducting business you need to keep business at the forefront of your mind. If I want to stay profitable and be able to continue giving back to charities I need to stay afloat. I can only do this by being smart.
Who’s inspired you, directly or indirectly? How have they inspired you?
My mom has inspired me. She worked extremely hard her whole life to give my brother and I a great life. When I bought my first investment property she told me she had always wanted to do something similar when she was younger, but at the time, I think it was too risky for her. I am now making those 'risky' decisions and creating business opportunities that she can be proud of.
What would you have done differently?
My first investment was with a partner - a friend - and it did not end well. I wish I would have drawn up a legal partnership agreement from the beginning to avoid the headache we encountered later down the road. I have learned from this and have incorporated it into current partnerships!
What are the principles you live by?
Be honest, kind, and hard working - and things will always turn out in your favour.
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Blogger, Advocate for women in real estate investing, Renovator, Real estate lover, Dog obsessed, Happiest in the woods