From the runway to real estate: The Supermodel now selling houses

PHOTO: Canadian model Monika Schnarre is Engel & Völkers’ newest real estate agent in Collingwood, Ontario. PHOTO BY ENGEL & VÖLKERS

As a model and actress, my fate was always in the hands of others. With real estate, I am in control of my schedule and success’

The Ontario resort community of Collingwood, about two hours northwest of Toronto, is known for skiing, Georgian Bay waterfront and stately country farms. It’s the sort of place that has attracted the attention of home buyers escaping the Toronto market, and Boomers looking for an active, but relaxed lifestyle.

Although the real estate market has cooled from its pandemic prices, it is about to get an injection of super-stardom. Former supermodel Monika Schnarre, who graced the cover of Vogue at the age of 14, has joined the local office of luxury realtor Engel & Völkers as their newest real estate agent.

With over two decades of house-flipping experience in Toronto and investing in Ontario’s real estate , Schnarre decided to get licensed during the pandemic.

“It just makes sense when you’re flipping,” she told the National Post.

Schnarre is a resident of Collingwood herself, a town of 24,000 people. Although it used to be a retirement community, she says it has seen an influx of young families who were pushed out of Toronto’s high-priced real estate market, especially during the pandemic.

There was 68 per cent increase in housing prices between 2020-2021, but Collingwood is back to 2019 prices, Schnarre says.

Property sales in the area, which also includes Blue Mountains and Wasaga Beach, are down significantly compared to 2021, according to the Canadian Real Estate Association. But the average selling price for a home currently on the market is just under $900,000.

Engel & Völkers currently has several home listings in Collingwood for more than $3 million.

“It’s an incredible time to buy,” Schnarre stated.

Although Canada ranked in first place for the most unaffordable housing compared to the other 37 OECD developed nations, Schnarre still believes there are deals to be found.