Meet Sophie Goudreau – Your Top Real Estate Agent in Eastern Ontario

Buying or selling a home is exciting but brings its share of stress and challenges. Working with a knowledgeable, experienced Cornwall real estate agent makes that transaction an easier process. As a local REALTOR^® with Century 21 Shield Realty, Sophie Goudreau is passionate about making sure each of her clients gets the VIP treatment, regardless of the property value. 

Here is a friendly chat with Sophie to help you get to know her better. 

1. Tell us about yourself.  

I was born in Montreal but have lived in Ontario for more than 25 years. I am fully bilingual in French and English. My first year in real estate, I was voted “Rookie of the Year.” Now, with over 18 years of experience, I still love what I do and have received several high achievement awards such as the Century 21 Shield Top “Sherry McCollough” Highest Office Producer & Centurion Award, Century 21 Canada award for the Top 1-5% Canadian performers. I work hard for my clients, whether you’re selling or buying real estate.  

When I started in real estate, I had three young children. Fast forward to 2023, I am now an empty nester, but I love spending time with my amazing family. We go boating along the beautiful St. Lawrence River, visit wineries, art galleries, attend festivals, go for hikes and feed the birds at the bird sanctuary. There are so many fun activities to do around here including ski-doing, fishing, horseback riding and so much more. Interior design is one of my passions, so you can often find me shopping for decorative art pieces and furniture. 

I’m also very active in my community. I’m an avid supporter of several charities, but the Carefor Hospice Cornwall & Baldwin House, a local women’s shelter, are my charities of choice. I enjoy planning and 
organizing annual fundraisers for them. I also believe in supporting local small businesses, because these businesses are the backbone of our community. As a Cornwall real estate agent, it’s my job to know the market and the area, but my appreciation of this area goes much deeper. I’m fully invested in this community and the people who live in it. 

2. Why did you get into real estate?   

In 2005, when I became a real estate agent in Cornwall, I was a busy working mom juggling responsibilities to raise three kids and achieve corporate standards to get ahead in my career. Real estate was a great choice because I love interior design and have a keen eye. I transitioned into real estate for a better work/life balance. And it’s been great. I’ve been able to be around for my family’s most memorable events while helping people with the biggest transaction of their life.  

3. What do you like best about being a Realtor^®? 

I love accompanying my clients on the most important purchase of their lives. Buying a new home in the Cornwall area is an important time in someone’s life. I enjoy being part of their stories. For me, it doesn’t even feel like work. I help people buy and sell all types of properties: from residential real estate to commercial properties. I work in the country and city, visiting farms, waterfront properties, and city properties. Every day brings different scenery with a variety of people.   

4. What is your favourite part about the Cornwall/SDG area? 

This area is a tight-knit community where we truly do look out for each other. The warm and inviting people here become your second family very quickly. I was born in Montreal and worked in the GTA before coming here. I am now so fortunate to be able to have settled in this beautiful area for the past 12 years where I am surrounded by so much beauty. I love the scenic waterfront and the lush country spaces. But we’re still close to major airports and the amenities of larger cities. It’s a short drive to the U.S. We have everything we need right here in this affordable, vibrant community.  

5. What was your most challenging (or most rewarding) listing? 

There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a family purchase their first home. I just love seeing my clients find a home in Cornwall where they can set roots and live in a warm growing community. The most challenging thing for me is to watch buyers miss out on opportunities when they haven’t prepared to get a mortgage. I watched many buyers wait to buy land or a house, hoping prices would stabilize. They missed out by not thinking long-term. If your circumstances or your guts tell you to go for it, then I’m here to guide you and help you make one of the most important decisions of your life!  

6. What is your selling/marketing philosophy? 

Real estate is a great investment. Although the housing market seems out of reach for some first-time buyers, it’s important to start somewhere. Buy a small house or condo. Buy land. One of my favorite quotes is, “Don’t wait to buy land, buy land and wait.” That applies to any property. There’s no perfect time to sell or buy. I believe that you have to approach real estate with a long-term strategy in mind. We don’t know what the future will bring. The market may slow down. It may be stagnant for a while. But it will go back up. There are opportunities in each type of market. 

When I’m selling a property in Cornwall, I believe in creative marketing and staging to get the home sold quickly. I always work with the sellers to help them understand the market conditions and how we can promote the property to get the most qualified buyers. I have the backing of Century 21 and make sure I leverage each of my networks to find a buyer quickly while meeting the seller’s goals. My goal is to see that my seller has the best offer, but I also want the experience to be as stress-free as possible.  

7. What advice do you have for first-time buyers?  

First, get pre-qualified so you are ready to make an offer when you do find the right home. I know the market and communicate with my clients to help them get their dream home even in a competitive market. What I can’t do is push you through the mortgage process.  

Second, I recommend all buyers plan to budget 2% of the purchase price to cover the land transfer tax and lawyer fees. Unless you are a first-time buyer, then you’d be exempted from the land transfer tax for a first time purchase. I work with buyers of all experience, first-timers to investors. There’s no question that can surprise me. I may not know all the answers, but I will certainly do my best to find them. 

Local Experience with Global Expertise

If you’re looking for a Cornwall real estate agent with the experience and drive to sell your property or help you find your dream home, contact Sophie Goudreau by calling her office at (613) 363-4233. You can also use this online contact form.