For Bradford REALTOR® Marco Dias, real estate has been a personal passion since he was very young.
“As a child, I vividly remember travelling to Portugal with my parents and being captivated by the stunning properties we saw. That awe-inspiring feeling left a lasting impression on me, sparking my curiosity and fascination with real estate years later,” he says.
Even still, real estate wasn’t always part of the plan. He studied Business Sales at Georgian College. After graduating, he spent six years in the produce industry, working in sales, quality control, operations management, and food safety across Bradford and southwestern Ontario.
“That experience taught me valuable skills, particularly my love for working with people and my knack for operations management. These same skills have proven invaluable in real estate, especially when working with multiple clients, listings, and contracts simultaneously,” says the REALTOR®.
There is much to love to about his current profession, and two things in particular stand out. “First, this career offers the flexibility to prioritize my family. For example, when my late mother needed frequent appointments, I could adjust my schedule to be there for her. Second, the most rewarding part of my job is sitting down with clients, putting a plan in place and helping them achieve their goals. There’s nothing quite like seeing the joy and satisfaction on their faces when everything falls into place.”
That’s not to say the job is without its challenges. Some of the biggest tests include adapting to government policy changes, municipal regulations, and rapidly evolving technology. The implementation of the stress test, for example, had a significant impact on the market. Municipalities have also introduced measures like accessory dwelling streamlining and vacant property taxes, which require constant vigilance to stay informed. Navigating these changes is crucial to providing clients with the best guidance, he says.
Over the past 10 years, there have been so many advancements in technology, many of which have proven helpful and beneficial. “Consumers now have unprecedented access to information, which empowers them in their decision-making. For REALTORS®, integrated systems have streamlined processes, enabling us to provide clients with comprehensive data and insights from a single platform. This technological evolution has greatly enhanced the overall client experience.”
He is confident about recommending the industry to young people. Over the years, he has participated in Holy Trinity’s Co-op Program, helping students explore real estate as a career. Says Dias, “This industry offers endless opportunities for growth and specialization. It’s incredibly rewarding because success in real estate is directly tied to the lives you impact and the lasting memories you help create.”
The town couldn’t be a better place to work. “Bradford is a community rooted in strong family values, originating from its Dutch agricultural heritage. It’s a place where families can thrive, with beautiful parks and convenient amenities that are never far from home. This proximity allows residents to enjoy more quality family time—a unique blessing that not all communities can offer,” he says.
Dias celebrated his official 10-year milestone this past May, spending the day with his family over Mother’s Day. “For me, milestones like this are a reminder of the importance of family and the moments we share together. Spending time with loved ones, watching each other grow, and supporting one another is what truly matters. This focus on family and home is the same philosophy I share with my clients, ensuring it remains central to their decision-making process.”
For advice on selling your home or making your next purchase, visit The Dias Group or call 905-716-5026. Follow them on Facebook.