5 minute read
Cover Story: Chris Low
RE/MAX Valleyview Realty
Sam Mehdi and Chris Low are the dynamic Real Estate duo building a better community with every sale
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For Realtors Sam Mehdi and Chris Low, real estate is an opportunity to help people plant roots, build successful businesses and add value to the community. With a business focused on diversity, inclusion and attention to detail, Mehdi and Low do commercial, residential and farming real estate differently. Their passion for the business, love for Manitoba and commitment to their clients has given them a foundation where their success is reflected in the very people they serve. Mehdi and Low are hardworking Realtors with very different backgrounds – and that is exactly what makes them such a great team.
“I grew up in the farming community of Foxwarren, played professional hockey and worked as a power plant engineer before making the leap into real estate with J&G homes,” Low says. “During my time there, I really learned a lot about real estate, construction, the sale and customer service. Over the past few years working with Sam, it’s been really exciting and rewarding. In contrast, Mehdi grew up in Dubai and earned his business degree in the US. He has lived and worked in many countries, speaks several languages and has been exposed to different cultures. His experiences in different parts of the world, combined with his rich career background in marketing, have allowed him to tap into a very niche market.
“I work with prospective business owners looking to purchase commercial property to operate their
business. While guiding clients through the process to qualify to buy, I also source out properties that meet their business needs,” Mehdi explains. “I specialize in helping newcomers to the community connect with local businesses who are looking to retire or sell their establishment.”
Commercial Real Estate or the purchase of farmland requires a certain level of expertise and a keen eye to detail. “There’s a lot that goes into buying a farm – it’s definitely a lot different from buying a residential home,” Low explains. “You’re often dealing with a house, yard, acreage, buildings, bins and equipment. There’s a lot of little details to consider. Being familiar with the farming business has really been an asset for both myself and my clients.” For us, it isn’t work. It’s something we love doing. It’s our passion and we enjoy showing up for it every day. We’re always learning something new and finding new ways to set us apart from the rest of the industry. The best is the least we can do for our clients. - Sam Mehdi
potential businesses together and assess if the space meets their needs. If a client likes the space, we figure out the financials and go through the process of writing the offers and the terms and conditions.”
“Every project is different,” Low adds. “We help our clients work with approved lenders then aid in the smooth transition from the hands of the seller to the buyer.”
Mehdi and Low met while working in the same RE/MAX office. For Sam Mehdi, the business he shares with Chris Low is about respecting the paradigm between diversity and inclusion.
“I view our partnership through Valleyview Realty as a fusion of two people from different worlds coming together for a common cause,” Mehdi explains. “Whether a client is looking to buy a home, purchase farmland or secure a commercial property to run their business, we want to set them up for the type of success that continues over time.”
The value of the partnership isn’t lost on Low.
While Low has an intimate understanding of the farming business and handles the day-to-day residential clients, Mehdi ensures every commercial property he deals with ends up in good hands.
“Since my work involves bringing new businesses into smaller communities, I am very selective about the clients I work with,” Mehdi says. “I want to make sure my buyer is capable, qualified and community inclusive. A new business in small town should create more jobs for that town and be willing to be part of and contribute to the community. Being an active member of the community is critical if you want your business to be successful.”
When Mehdi or Low decides to take on a client, the real work begins.
“Once I get to understand a client’s background and what their passion is, I start work on different projects to find the right commercial space,” Mehdi says. “We visit the “I’m extremely fortunate to be working with Sam. We have a similar mindset and the same commitment to a very high level of customer service,” Low says. “We’re always brainstorming and exchanging ideas. We learn so much from one another – and I just love Sam’s positivity and what he brings to the table every day.”
While the career paths of Mehdi and Low couldn’t be more different, both men started their venture into real estate in Brandon, Manitoba. Because of that, Mehdi and Low have a similar list of people to thank for a hand-up to start their profession. This includes Jared Jacobson, Jason Roblin, Richard Taylor, and Graham and Christie Garden. “We really want to express our thanks to these people because they’ve treated us like family,” Low says. “We decided to stick with the RE/MAX brand because they stand so firmly behind us, support us and want to see us succeed.”
While the COVID-19 pandemic has presented its challenges, the real estate market has managed to thrive, becoming increasingly competitive and demanding.
“The way we see it - we only compete with ourselves. Every day, we sit down, plan our goals and try to figure out what’s next,” Mehdi says. “Our service goes beyond the possession date. We keep up with our buyers for about two years after their purchase and will recommend any new clients talk to past clients about their experiences working with us.”
For Mehdi and Low, the end goal isn’t putting ink to paper to finalize sale. Their most valuable currency is their glowing testimonials from happy clients who found exactly what they were looking for. “For us, it isn’t work. It’s something we love doing,” Mehdi says. “It’s our passion and we enjoy showing up for it every day. We’re always learning something new and finding new ways to set us apart from the rest of the industry. The best is the least we can do for our clients.”
RE/MAX Valleyview Realty Chris Low chrislow@remax.net 204-573-5699
Sam Mehdi smehdi@remax.net 204-730-5786