They used to be a couple, but now they star in a hot new real estate show based in Toronto.
Odeen Eccleston and Lamont Wiltshire are real estate moguls, business partners and the stars of Listing Large! The duo joined us this week on The Brandon Gonez Show to discuss their reality show, advice for young people, and rise to success.
As a couple, they have been on again, off again. But as business partners? Eccleston and Wiltshire are on fire.
“When the relationship thing didn’t really work out, we both found a common place and common ground that we could both be excited about, and that was business,” Wiltshire explained.
With the popularity of shows like Netflix’s “Selling Sunset,” it’s no surprise that Toronto would be the location of a similar series. Eccleston shared that their team had previously been considered for a reality TV show.
“A few times production companies have approached us about doing reality shows and we go through the motions and process and nothing would happen,” Eccleston said.
“But this time they came correct and I think they put together a fantastic show that is true to who we are.”
Eccleston shared that she believes there is a lot of value in shows that explore the real estate industry.
“It’s important for the culture. I think at the time [Selling Sunset] came out it was a pivotal moment showing that glossy side of real estate.”
“I think as a result there have literally been perhaps hundreds of thousands of people all around the world who are inspired to get their real estate licence because they think that is a fair depiction of the business.”
However, the real estate mogul says there is a lot more hard work that goes into being a giant in the real estate world than some series reveal.
“I think our show, how it differs, is that it shows… a little bit more of that grind and that reality. Not everything is sunshine and rainbows and hunky dory. There are pitfalls,” she explained, adding that she feels viewers will respect their honesty and transparency.
In addition to selling homes and managing clients, the duo also oversees a construction division, as well as a team of about 25 agents.
“One of the things about ‘Listing Large’ is it really shows the hustle, the everyday hustle of an entrepreneur,” Wiltshire shared.
“You don’t really have to be in the real estate industry to find commonalities with the show, because we’re hustlers when it comes down to it.”
Advice for Aspiring Young Homeowners
So, with home prices skyrocketing around the world, what is the duo’s advice for those looking to break into the real estate market? Eccleston explained that she represents many younger people who are looking for ways to get their foot in the door, and has some advice for making your dreams of owning a home a reality.
“One of the solutions definitely is teaming up, pooling resources. Get in where you can fit in,” Eccleston explained.
“That means it may not be your dream condo unit, but where can you afford [to buy] if you partner with a good friend?”
“Amalgamate resources just to get in wherever you can fit in, then you sell from there and it’s just this slow grind. You build that equity and it’s absolutely possible,” Eccleston continued.
So, what are some things that first-time buyers should be looking for when it comes to making a good investment?
“It’s good to bear in mind, resale value. What if something happens and you need to sell this place in a year, in a couple of years? Try to ensure it is the most prudent investment possible.”
“So, you may not make a ton of money in a changing real estate market, but hopefully, you can at least recoup and break even,” Eccleston continued.
For example, if you’re building a home, the team would recommend going with at least three bedrooms. While two bedrooms may be what your family needs, statistically having three or more bedrooms makes a home easier to sell.
Find out more about the couple’s messy history, their advice for their younger selves and more on this episode of The Brandon Gonez Show.
