Shawn O'Hara: Joining me today is Cale Grieve. Cale was born and raised in Campbell River and has been a licensed REALTOR® since 2018. Before that, he worked in the oil sands up north. He's with RE/MAX Camosun, a top-producing agent, and has received several MLS awards, putting him in the top 10% of real estate agents in Greater Victoria. He's part of several local networking groups, including 100 Men Who Care, Odd Fellows, The Reinvestors, and Go Big to Give Big. Cale is also a certified advanced open water diver, enjoys working out at local gyms and yoga studios, and likes to travel. He has visited 21 countries so far. Thanks for joining us today, Cale. How and why did you get into real estate?

Cale Grieve: Thank you for having me, Shawn. It's nice to be here. I got into real estate because I had some family in the business. After working in the Alberta oil sands for about eight years, I realized I wanted to be home every night. Being away two-thirds of the year, you don't have much of a social life. Real estate was a natural direction for me, and my family encouraged me to take the real estate exam. I ended up falling in love with it and have been passionate about it ever since.

Shawn O'Hara: You've been a licensed agent since 2018. How have you seen regulations change in those five years?

Cale Grieve: Regulations have become more strict and stringent. When I got licensed in 2018, they banned limited dual agency, where one agent could represent both the buyer and the seller. This change was for the better, ensuring each party gets full representation. Since then, there's been more paperwork and a focus on disclosing services clearly to clients. It's all for the betterment of the consumer.

Shawn O'Hara: How do your clients perceive these changes?

Cale Grieve: It's generally well-received. It's about presenting fiduciary duties and privacy notices upfront. Once clients understand it's in their best interest, they're happy. It's more paperwork for us, but it's better for the consumer.

Shawn O'Hara: Do you think regulations will continue to increase?

Cale Grieve: Yes, I believe they will continue to increase. Regulations, like the real estate market, tend to go up. There's always more paperwork and improvements based on case studies. It's about covering all bases and ensuring we're better every day.

Shawn O'Hara: How does this affect you personally?

Cale Grieve: It's a bit of a pain initially, but you get used to it quickly. It forces you to be organized and know what you're presenting to clients. We have tools like web forms, DocuSign, and preloaded transaction templates to help manage this.

Shawn O'Hara: Have you experienced an audit?

Cale Grieve: No, I haven't, but REMAX is diligent in ensuring compliance with regulatory protocols. If an audit happens, I believe we'll be prepared.

Shawn O'Hara: You switched brokerages a couple of years ago. What criteria did you consider?

Cale Grieve: Every brokerage offers a different experience. I left Sutton, which had low fees but lacked support and camaraderie. REMAX offered a buzzing atmosphere, strong in-house relationships, and better support, which was essential for my business growth.

Shawn O'Hara: How does REMAX help protect your license?

Cale Grieve: REMAX provides weekly meetings with updates from managing brokers, insurance representatives, and lawyers. This consistent training keeps us sharp and knowledgeable, ultimately protecting us as agents.

Shawn O'Hara: What tools do you use for communication?

Cale Grieve: We use Touchbase for realtor-to-realtor communication, along with email and DocuSign for electronic signatures. These tools make communication efficient and help manage our business effectively.

Shawn O'Hara: Do you support any charities?

Cale Grieve: Yes, I support the Victoria Women's Transition House, which provides a safe haven for mothers and children fleeing abusive relationships. I donate $500 from each deal to a happiness account, which is used for charitable causes throughout the year.

Shawn O'Hara: How can people reach you or the organization?

Cale Grieve: People can contact the Victoria Women's Transition House online or reach out to me directly for connections. I'm available on Facebook and Instagram under my full name, Cale John Grieve, or through REMAX.

Shawn O'Hara: Thank you for being a guest on our podcast.

Cale Grieve: Thanks for having me, Shawn. I appreciate it.