Ellyn Mendham credits teaching background to industry leadership

Ellyn Mendham describes her entry into real estate as a "fluke."

Originally an elementary school teacher in Philadelphia, then Nova Scotia, Mendham's credentials did not immediately transfer when she moved to Alberta.

"I needed to work and produce an income, and at the time I thought I would go back to teaching later," said Mendham. "By fluke, I got into real estate."

But after making her first sale – a home that went for $42,000 in 1975 – she quickly realized she loved the industry.

Lobby Box addresses condo obstacles

Condominium corporation rules surrounding key-storage systems that provide real estate professionals and their buyers with access to properties for sale are often creating unsafe conditions, say industry officials.

"The condominium corporation prescribes where the lockbox may be placed according to condo bylaws, and it's not always in the most ideal location in terms of safety," said Lisa Roberts, manager of Member Programs at CREB®.

"In this situation, safety can be viewed through two aspects – in cold weather, having to walk down an alleyway where the pavement is icy, or through an area that is not well lit or well trafficked in order to retrieve the keys and show the property that is listed for sale."