10 Questions to ask your Realtor

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 buying or selling property. Before you hire a Realtor to list your home or hire a Realtor to represent you when looking to purchase, 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 is an important stage in the process. Please read more about me on my biography page.

1. Can I see your references? Have your ever been disciplined by the Real Estate Board?

If you would like a personal recommendation I would be more than happy to put your in touch with past clients. Most of my business comes from client referrals and I pride myself on how much repeat business I receive. I have done multiple deals with many clients including 20+ deals with one family, that’s a pretty good sign. I have never been the subject of a complaint or disciplined by the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver or the Real Estate Council of B.C (BCFSA). 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. I do not use a lockbox on my listings, your property is always attended to.

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 result in fair market value for all transactions.

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. Top 10 agents from 2009 – 2023 and the #1 individual agent in 2014 and 2022 (out of approx. 190 agents).

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, text message, face to face meetings, 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. I subscribe to Docusign for electronic signatures making the process very straight-forward and efficient.

10. How will you help me find other professionals?

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

Natasha & Dave Pearson, Vancouver

Working with Simon was an absolute pleasure. He listened to us and adapted to our thinking as we learned more of the Vancouver market and availability. He worked incredible hours for us to meet our fairly aggressive deadlines. He was diligent and organized and added to the schedule as appropriate when he thought there were more places we should see. I will whole-heartedly recommend him to anybody looking for a new home! Thank you for everything you have done – we could not have done it without you!

Mara and Garett Halayko, Vancouver 

Simon helped my husband and I purchase our first home, Simon was so supportive and listened to what we really wanted in a property. Simon made us so comfortable and we knew he was always acting in the best interest of our needs and wants. He really took the time to ensure that the properties we were interested in were in great quality and would not give us any trouble in the years to come. Simon has extensive knowledge of Vancouver real estate and was able to get us into a neighbourhood we never thought possible. We would highly recommend Simon as a realtor and we will most definitely work with him again in the years to come.