Know Your REALTOR®: Murray Kurtenbach

Why did you choose to become a REALTOR®?

I chose to become a REALTOR® because I enjoy doing it! It’s in my family—we bought and sold houses all of my life and I helped my mother (she was a REALTOR®). I just felt it was a great progression for me in my career. I’ve always been self-employed and it allows me to work when I want to.

Why C21?

CENTURY 21 has a global presence, it’s a polished organization, there’s a lot of training here, there’s a lot of assets with CENTURY 21. I just felt CENTURY 21 was a good fit for me.

What is your favourite part about being a REALTOR®?

My favourite part about being a REALTOR® is still just helping people! When someone asks for your help and you do it, they seem to be learning something, they’re happy and it takes their stress away, that is my favourite part. Putting deals together for people—what’s the word for it? It’s satisfying. You’re doing your job, you’re helping people and it’s rewarding!

What is something that you think every buyer should know before getting into real estate?

Every buyer should know that they have to look at more properties, they have to get into different areas, different houses. You just need to know the market before you can make an educated decision so they’re happy with their decision when they finally buy.

What do you think is the most important change coming for real estate?

You know what? It’s technology that changes, it seems, every 6 months, 8 months, 9 months, etc. I just started getting used to some software and then they change it! Thank god for the girls in the office so that they can take care of this for me.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m 61, I’ve got 2 of my own kids, [my wife] Laurie’s got 4, we’ve got 4 grandkids, and, you know, a dog and a cabin. I’ve been self-employed my whole life, I always thought I would do real estate, we always bought and sold houses (my parents did) and when I was old enough to do that I did it myself. I know Saskatoon well, I know the areas, I really enjoy real estate, I like showing houses. Between that and building the odd car or bike or playing in my yard, that’s basically what I do.

If you could choose 3 words to describe yourself, which would you choose?

I’m very open, I’m very direct, I want people to be educated about what it is they’re trying to do and I want to be helpful.

What inspires you?

What inspires me is, you know, just getting up and having fun enjoying what you’re doing. If I enjoy what I’m doing and I’m actually helping people and they are responding and they’re grateful for that, that’s what inspires me.

Why do you love Saskatoon?

Saskatoon has a small town feel with the big city amenities. It’s a really vibrant city, lots of diversity here, and there’s lots going on. And, if you use the winter, it can be lots of fun here.  Even in the winter!

If you could give any seller one piece of advice, what would it be?

Stick to the details. Literally make sure that everything is done; declutter, all the little paint chips, every little thing, all that little stuff ends up adding up in the end. People make a decision in 15-20 minutes about a house, so first impressions are everything.

Is there anything else that you think people should know about you when considering whether or not to work with you?

I know the market, I know the city, I know what’s going on and I will prove everything I say. I will send you all the information so that you are up to date with what’s going on so you don’t have to second guess me or yourself. You will know the facts are there—just the facts, not the fiction.