In my experience in the Ontario real estate world, where things constantly change and new opportunities pop up, I’ve found that keeping an open mind is absolutely essential. It’s not just about making better decisions; it’s about growing as an investor and being able to weather any storm.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of listening to people who don’t necessarily agree with me. You really need to seek out those opposing viewpoints to truly understand and solidify your own perspective. It’s amazing how much clarity you can gain by challenging your own assumptions.
Of course, I’m not suggesting you abandon your investment strategy altogether. We all develop a direction based on our past investments and the knowledge we’ve gained over the years. But I always make a point to consider well-reasoned approaches that contradict my own position. Why? Because I’m humble enough to admit that my way isn’t the *only* way.
The real estate market is a living, breathing thing. What worked like a charm years ago might be obsolete today. For example, I’ve seen some pretty staggering growth in my own real estate ventures, but I also recognize that others have had incredible success with completely different investments, like cryptocurrency. Someone who jumped into Bitcoin early on is going to have a very different outlook than I do, and that’s perfectly valid. The key is to acknowledge that everyone’s journey is unique, and there’s no single path to riches.
Ultimately, it’s up to each of us to do our homework and figure out which assets align with our individual goals. And that requires a willingness to question ourselves and accept that we might be wrong from time to time. In today’s world, we’re flooded with information, and an open mind is our best tool for filtering out the noise from the signal and making smart choices.
Let’s face it, as investors, we often encounter people who profit from selling us investments. That’s not inherently a bad thing; we need those people to facilitate transactions. The problem arises when they push investments that only benefit them, not us. Finding trustworthy advisors who genuinely have your best interests at heart is a real challenge.
That’s actually a big reason why I created Durham REI. I wanted to build a community where investors could connect, share their experiences, and support each other. Surrounding yourself with peers who have diverse skills and expertise is incredibly valuable. It empowers you to navigate the complex world of real estate with greater confidence.
Quentin D’Souza is the Chief Education Officer of the Durham Real Estate Investor Club. Author of The Action Taker's Real Estate Investing Planner, The Property Management Toolbox: A How-To Guide for Ontario Real Estate Investors and Landlords, The Filling Vacancies Toolbox: A Step-By-Step Guide for Ontario Real Estate Investors and Landlords for Renting Out Residential Real Estate, and The Ultimate Wealth Strategy: Your Complete Guide to Buying, Fixing, Refinancing, and Renting Real Estate.
Who Should Not Be Buying a Small Apartment Building in Ontario?
Why Paying Off Your Principal Residence Still Makes Sense for Ontario Real Estate Investors
Why Paying Off Your Mortgage Might Be Hurting Your Wealth – A Wake-Up Call for Ontario Real Estate Investors
Why I Am Not Just Focused on Real Estate Investing
Ontario Real Estate Investment Outlook 2025