let's find your new home

Consulting a REALTOR®

REALTORS® are members of The Canadian Real Estate Association who subscribe to a Code of Ethics and Standards of Business Practice. Members of the Victoria Real Estate Board are members of both the British Columbia and Canadian Real Estate Associations.

The following is a list of services you can expect to receive from a REALTOR® when you buy a home:

• A REALTOR® will fully explain the details of your working relationship (called "agency") so that you are clear as to when a REALTOR® is working for you or for the seller.
• A REALTOR® has access to hundreds of current listings of homes for sale because of a co- operative system called the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®).
• A REALTOR® can provide you with a customized list of homes that best meet your needs -- size, style, features, location, proximity to schools, shopping, etc. - and then make arrangements for you to view those homes that appeal to you the most.
• A REALTOR® will help you determine how big a home you can afford.
REALTORs® are familiar with the local lending market and can offer helpful advice.
• A REALTOR® has no emotional ties to any type or style of home and can be objective in pointing out the merits of one home over another.
• A REALTOR® will have information on zoning changes, taxes, utility costs and school and recreation services that could affect your decision to buy a home in a specific area.
• A REALTOR® will assist you in negotiating the terms of your purchase, which can be a nerve- wracking process for someone who is not experienced in negotiating.
• A REALTOR® will advise you of the legal process required in obtaining title and taking possession of your property; the costs associated with buying a home such as insurance, mortgage registration and legal fees will be explained.

Selling Your Home - Why it Pays to Use a REALTOR®

Before selling your home, you will need a clear understanding of the legal issues and potential pitfalls. One wrong action could result in a lot of cost and frustration, which is why it is essential to have a REALTOR® working with you, as he or she will make the sale of your home a successful and satisfying experience.

Greater exposure

REALTORS® use the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) to give your home maximum exposure. MLS® is a computer-based system that relays valuable information about your home to hundreds of REALTORS® and potential homebuyers.

Setting a price

Setting a price for your home is an important but difficult process. Again, this is where the services of a REALTOR® prove invaluable. REALTORS® have the experience to help you understand how the market works and decide upon a realistic price that meets your goals. REALTORS® also pre-screen potential buyers to make sure only those who are serious and financially qualified view your home.

REALTORS® will also develop a marketing plan to help your property receive maximum exposure. This will likely include placing your home on the MLS® system and placing a "For Sale" sign on the front lawn. The plan will likely also include arranging open houses for other REALTORS® and potential buyers, and developing advertisements and feature sheets/mailers to market your home.

Once you have accepted an offer to buy your home, your REALTOR® will help ensure that all the proper paperwork is completed. He or she will also make sure that both parties meet the necessary conditions outlined in the agreement.

Why working with a REALTOR® makes sense

When you work with a REALTOR® you will likely get a better price for your home than if you try to sell it yourself. Apart from the financial benefits, however, there is an extra measure of comfort and security that comes from having a REALTOR® on your side. Remember that REALTORS® are governed by a code of ethics and standards of business practice. They have also been trained and licensed under the provincial Real Estate Services Act to assist in transactions involving real property. When it comes to buying or selling property, using a REALTOR® just makes sense.

Source: Victoria Real Estate Board 

As a proud father of three fantastic adults I understand the importance of family, trust, and commitment. When I’m not guiding clients through the real estate process, you’ll find me out on the water touring the Gulf Islands, cycling, kayaking or playing music with my family. I also have a background in education, holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and having studied at the University of Winnipeg, Laval University in Quebec City, and UBC in Vancouver.

I’ve been a REALTOR® in Victoria, BC since 1998 and have witnessed firsthand the full spectrum of real estate market cycles—from boom to bust, and everything in between. This experience gives me a distinct edge when working with both buyers and sellers, as I understand the intricacies of each phase of the market. My clients will tell you that I am confident, knowledgeable, and prepared—yet, above all, available. Relationships are at the core of my business, and I believe a strong rapport with colleagues is essential to securing the best results for my clients.

One of the cornerstones of my practice is my commitment to fiduciary responsibility. I take great pride in honouring my duty to clients who entrust me with their homes. I understand that in today’s rapidly evolving market, with ever-changing regulations, it’s crucial to have a REALTOR® who not only has a clear, strategic marketing plan but also the experience and integrity to navigate complex negotiations. My clients know they can rely on me to always act in their best interests—providing sound advice, expert negotiations, and transparency throughout every step of the process.

Since 2018, I’ve partnered with Dirk Van derWal to publish the VictoriaQReport.com, a comprehensive quarterly real estate report. It's the real estate report realtors read. One of our slogans is What Actually Happened, it's not a question. This publication is the go-to resource for interpreting market trends and data, and is widely regarded by local realtors as an essential tool for understanding the Victoria market. I encourage you to sign up for free and stay informed!

Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or simply explore your options in this dynamic market, I’d love to work with you and make sure you feel confident every step of the way.

Currently I'm the Chair Elect of the Victoria Real Estate Board and have been a Director since 2021. Serving the membership has given me a great opportunity to better my skills as a real estate marketing professional and to especially have a deeper understanding of the changing regulatory landscape of organized real estate. 

VictoriaQReport.com