Sharon Mason’s “For the Love of Real Estate”: A Journey from the Trenches to Bestseller Status
For decades, friends and clients alike encouraged Sharon Mason, a vibrant and dynamic Realtor, to pen a book sharing her wealth of experience. It wasn’t until about 18 months ago, when a long-standing client she’d known since 1984 reignited the conversation, that the idea truly took root. “When are you finally going to write that book?” he asked, prompting a pivotal moment for Mason.
At 79 years young, Mason, an energetic and youthful Realtor with HomeLife Benchmark Titus Realty in Surrey, B.C., recognized the urgency. “At my age, I thought I’d better get on it,” she recalls. The decision ignited a creative firestorm. “My mind raced and my fingers flew,” she recounts, detailing a remarkably swift six-week writing process. The words, lessons, and anecdotes “came flying out of my brain and fingers,” driven by a profound desire to share knowledge and insights accumulated over a distinguished career. This wasn’t a project for ghostwriters; Mason poured her heart and soul into every page, meticulously crafting the stories and lessons she felt compelled to impart.
“For the Love of Real Estate – Tales from the Trenches”: An Instant Success
The highly anticipated book, For the Love of Real Estate – Tales from the Trenches, officially launched on March 21st. Its release was met with immediate acclaim, catapulting to the No. 1 bestseller spot on Amazon in an impressive four categories on its debut day. These included three prominent real estate and investment categories, alongside the unique designation of “mover and shaker.” Mason, with her characteristic wit, embraces the title: “I’m a mover and shaker now,” she laughs, acknowledging the swift impact of her literary debut.
The book’s success is not merely a testament to its compelling content but also to its professional presentation. It underwent meticulous editing and design, ensuring a polished and engaging reading experience. Adding a touch of Hollywood prestige, award-winning actor, producer, and director Jason Priestley, known for his iconic roles in Beverley Hills 90210 and Private Eyes, penned a special foreword for his mother’s book. Priestley’s publicist expertly managed the book’s publicity, leading to numerous high-profile appearances for Mason, including a notable interview on BNN Bloomberg. “It’s been an amazing experience,” Mason reflects, clearly delighted by the widespread reception.
Why Every Real Estate Professional Needs This Book
The profound impact of Mason’s work quickly resonated within the real estate community. Upon reading the manuscript, her real estate manager emphatically declared, “Every real estate brokerage should have your book. It should be mandatory reading for every new Realtor.” The manager highlighted how effectively Mason “teaches so much by taking (readers) into the scenarios,” offering a practical, experiential learning approach far removed from conventional textbooks.
For the Love of Real Estate – Tales from the Trenches stands apart from dry, academic real estate guides. Mason’s distinctive conversational style transforms complex lessons into an enjoyable and accessible read. Readers consistently describe it as a “fun read” while simultaneously acknowledging the significant knowledge gained. This unique blend of entertainment and education makes the book an invaluable resource not only for new real estate professionals seeking foundational guidance but also for seasoned agents who will undoubtedly relate to her candid tales from years of experience. Crucially, the book also serves the broader public, offering a rare glimpse into the often-misunderstood world of real estate.
Mason is passionate about demystifying the real estate profession. “People have no idea what Realtors do. They think we have open houses and make lots of money,” she observes. Her book directly addresses these misconceptions, aiming to “raise the value of what we do and helps the real estate community as a whole.” She believes it’s vital for the public to understand the true narratives of real estate agents, moving beyond the often-negative, one-dimensional portrayals of greedy, pushy, or insensitive agents frequently depicted in television and film. By sharing authentic experiences, Mason humanizes the profession and highlights the dedication, expertise, and genuine service that define ethical real estate practice.
Sharon Mason’s Inspiring Entrepreneurial Journey and Diverse Path
Sharon Mason’s own story is a beacon of inspiration, not just for those within the real estate sector but for anyone considering a career change or pursuing a long-held ambition. She embarked on her real estate journey at the age of 40, driven by a clear vision: “help lots of people and change the finances of her family.” This late-in-life career pivot speaks volumes about her courage, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit, proving that it’s never too late to reinvent oneself and achieve significant success.
Her remarkable success can be attributed to a powerful combination of a strong work ethic—a cherished family trait—exceptional problem-solving abilities, and an incredibly varied professional background. Before entering real estate, Mason cultivated a diverse skill set that proved invaluable. In her youth, she was a member of the prestigious Royal Winnipeg Ballet, even performing for Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip. She later transitioned into the entertainment business as a teacher, a role that further honed her communication and instructional capabilities. As a devoted mother and grandmother, she developed a deep understanding of people, empathy, and negotiation, all crucial attributes for effective real estate practice. Mason firmly believes that these different roles were instrumental in developing the “all-important-for-real-estate people skills” that underpin her success.
Living by the philosophy of continuous learning, Mason encourages everyone to be “a good student of their own life,” viewing “everything as a lesson.” Her personal journey crystallized a profound lesson for herself: she was inherently “meant to be an entrepreneur.” This realization fueled her pursuit of real estate, a field where her innate abilities to connect, problem-solve, and serve truly flourished.
Tales from the Trenches: Insights and Anecdotes
The book itself is a treasure trove of personal stories, offering practical advice woven into engaging narratives. While names have been changed to protect privacy, as Mason jokingly assures, the authenticity of the experiences shines through. Topics range from the initial challenges and strategies for new Realtors “to get off the ground” to crucial insights into specialized areas like estate sales, providing a comprehensive guide for navigating the complexities of the industry.
The chapters are enlivened with memorable anecdotes, illustrating the human side of real estate. One such story features Ernie the dog, who developed an instant affection for Mason from their very first meeting, even reacting with excitement to the sound of her voice on an answering machine. The dog’s owners later revealed that Ernie’s undeniable approval was a significant factor in their decision to list their property with her, highlighting the unexpected connections and trust built in the profession.
A Legacy Forged in Real Estate: The Mason Family Story
Sharon Mason’s foray into real estate is not an isolated endeavor but rather a continuation of a profound family legacy. Her father, Lorrie Kirk, was a true pioneer in the industry, obtaining his real estate license in 1948. A natural entrepreneur, he established his own business after serving in the navy during the Second World War. Mason recounts that her father was drawn to real estate by the immense potential he saw in “how much he could help people.” She proudly describes him as “a mover and a shaker,” a title that clearly runs in the family.
Lorrie Kirk’s influence extended far beyond his individual business. In the 1950s, alongside his business partner, J. Donald Smith—who was a cabinet minister in the W.A.C. Bennett Social Credit government at the time—Kirk played a pivotal role in shaping the very foundations of real estate regulation in British Columbia. “My dad’s partner… was able to introduce it to B.C.,” Mason explains, referring to their initiative to propose and help craft the provincial real estate act concept to the government. While lawyers formally drafted the legislation, it was Kirk and Smith who “got the ball rolling,” demonstrating foresight and commitment to professionalizing the industry. Kirk further solidified his standing as an industry leader by being part of the University of British Columbia’s first FRI (Fellow of the Real Estate Institute) graduating class, underscoring his dedication to education and excellence.
Despite her father’s deep involvement, Mason admits she wasn’t immediately drawn to real estate in her younger years. Her father would often discuss his work and show her properties, but it wasn’t until middle age that the profession truly captured her interest. However, she acknowledges that “all that he taught her was stored in her brain,” suggesting a subconscious absorption of knowledge that resurfaced when the time was right. Her eventual choice of a real estate career, therefore, “didn’t come out of the blue,” but rather emerged as a natural culmination of her inherent skills and familial heritage.
Today, Mason, an international award-winning Realtor, continues her successful practice alongside her husband and real estate partner, Al Mason. She candidly expresses a humble satisfaction with her achievements, stating she’s “more successful than she thought she would be.”
The Next Generation and Future Endeavors
The Mason real estate legacy continues to flourish with the entry of the next generation. Mason’s daughter, Justine Priestley, obtained her license just last year. In a heartfelt testimonial, Justine shares a touching insight: “While my mom was writing this book (during a recent pandemic lockdown) in a mere six weeks, I said to her, ‘I think you are writing the book for me Mummy.’ I was, at that time, studying to get my real estate licence.” Justine now profoundly realizes the book’s universal appeal, stating, “I now realize that this book is for everyone. Whether you are interested in real estate or not, this book will entertain you and while you’re laughing, teach you about relationships, about leading with love and about BEING in the world.” This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the book’s broad resonance and enduring lessons.
Mason also speaks proudly of her son, Jason Priestley, noting his dedication and grounded nature. She sees a resemblance to her own work ethic in him, observing that he keeps “his nose to the grindstone.” She highlights his stability, mentioning his 17-year marriage to Naomi and his role as a loving father to their children, aged 14 and 12. “He’s a nice guy with a great reputation. He hasn’t gone Hollywood,” she affirms, emphasizing his authentic character despite his fame.
The journey of For the Love of Real Estate – Tales from the Trenches is far from over. An ebook version is slated for release shortly, making Mason’s wisdom even more accessible. Additionally, an audio book is currently in production, with Mason herself, a talented voice actor, taking on the narration. She humorously recalls the recording process: “Reading the book to myself was hilarious,” suggesting the audiobook will be as engaging and personal as the written word.
When asked about the creative process, Mason describes it with characteristic ease and confidence. “It was easy to write. I’m very articulate. I’m not afraid to express what I want to express,” she explains. She perceives the message as something larger than herself, something that “poured out from the universe. It just came to me.” This intuitive flow allowed her to articulate profound insights and experiences with clarity and impact.
And it seems the universe continues to speak. True to her entrepreneurial and storytelling spirit, Sharon Mason has already embarked on her second book, promising “more tales from more trenches.” Her journey is a continuous testament to the power of experience, the joy of sharing knowledge, and the enduring passion for real estate.
To acquire your own copy of For the Love of Real Estate – Tales from the Trenches and delve into Sharon Mason’s invaluable insights, please visit this link.