When buying or selling a home it can be an exciting, yet complicated process. Employing the services of a professional real estate agent brings many advantages to the process of selling your property. Before you hire a Realtor to list your home or hire a Realtor to represent you when looking to buy, it is vital to learn more about them. There are a lot of agents in the Vancouver market and knowing how to spot the agent who you will enjoy working with please take the time to properly interview them.

1. Can I see your references?

I would be more than happy to pass along past and current client contact information. Most of my business comes from past client referrals and I pride myself on how much repeat business I receive. I have done multiple deals with many clients including 11 deals with one family, that’s a pretty good sign! Please also read my testimonials page.

2. Can I have a CMA for the area?

Of course. I always provide a comparative market analysis when listing a home. The CMA will contain not only information about myself and my company, a marketing plan, comparable listings and sales, and other useful tools to assist in your transaction.

3. Do you work solo or as part of a team?

I do not have a partner or assistant. I do have a fantastic working relationship with many people in my office who assist me with showings and open houses if I am unable to attend. At any given time I will have numerous buyers and listings on the go. If I am unable to personally do a showing or open house I would have a licensed agent assist me. I only use people I trust and who know everything about your property and buying needs. I don’t use unlicensed assistants and I would never ask you to let a buyer into your home without a Macdonald Realty representative there.

4. How many clients are you currently representing?

This changes all time. Have a look at the “My Properties” page for a list of current listings. I also always have buyers who are looking to purchase. I feel like I do an excellent job of making sure clients feel like they are always taken care of. I wouldn’t be successful without having a constant business on the go, these other transactions have helped me gain extensive knowledge of the Vancouver market, buildings, neighbourhoods, and contracts.

5. How will you market my home?

I don’t just put a sign out front and list the property on MLS. I use numerous online and print media. Professional photography, floor plans, full colour feature sheets, office and agent’s tours. Public open houses and my strong relationship with other realtors in Vancouver.

6. What experience do you have?

Licensed in 2003 with Macdonald Realty Ltd in Kerrisdale. I was extensively trained by my company and mentored by Donna Strother who I still work very closely with. Donna has been licensed for over 35 years and has passed along her wonderful knowledge to me. I am a Medallion Club Realtor and been awarded by my company numerous times. I have been in the top 10 (out of 190) agents in my office since 2009. In 2009 I was also the #1 Realtor under the age of 40 in my office and the #2 agent in 2010 and 2011. I also instruct the “How to work with Buyers” training course at Macdonald Realty for all new licensees.

7. How will you keep me informed?

I keep open communication with all buyers and sellers. It is important to keep you up-to-date on showing requests and feedback from those appointments. We will be working very closely together during the buying and selling process and keeping in touch is key. I use email, txt, face to face, and telephone. I adapt to your preferred form of communication.

8. What are the drawbacks of my home?

We will go through your property together and make list of improvements to maximize your selling price. This can be as easy as moving furniture and belongings or a little more complicated like some small updates to the home. I won’t tell you what you want to hear. It is important to hear the truth about what potentials buyers will think of your home during showings.

9. May I review documents that I will be asked to sign?

I carefully explain all paperwork to you as we sign the documents together. You should never sign anything you don’t understand, so any questions will be fully answered. You receive copies of everything you sign for your records. My company has spent a lot of time and money with our corporate lawyer making sure our contracts are written properly and our clauses are fully enforceable.

10. How will you help me find other professionals?

I have an extensive list of Notary/Lawyers, Inspectors, Movers, Handymen, Cleaners Et cetera, Et cetera. I can probably give you a good referral for anything you need related, or not related, to the sale or purchase.