3 reasons I’m different from your average Vancouver real estate agent

1. A background in Public Relations

Most Vancouver real estate agents have a background in business or sales. I took a different path, though, studying Public Relations at Simon Fraser University. This gives me a huge edge in negotiations!

Unlike some Realtors who focus on the deal itself, I focus on the people. Why? Because I know that the people making the deal are key, especially during negotiations. By keeping my focus on the people and what they are looking for, I know the perfect negotiation strategy to use, getting you the best deal possible!

2. In-depth knowledge of the city

Because Vancouver is a major hub, a lot of Realtors moved to the city later in life. But I was born and raised here! I know the city. I know the neighbourhoods. I know the Vancouver real estate market. All this helps me advise my clients – and helps me be the ultimate Vancouver real estate matchmaker!

My experience living in the city and working as a Realtor has made me an expert on the procedures around closing a sale, as well as transferring a property. That allows me to guide you through the process, keeping it as quick and seamless as possible.  

3. Passion!

Some people go into Vancouver real estate as a backup career or as a way to make money while they pursue other paths. But I’m a Realtor because I love it! I don’t just see what I do as a way of paying my bills or even as a job, it’s who I am. The passion I have for Vancouver real estate drives me to do the best work I can every day, for every client. I’m available for my clients 24/7 and am always improving my craft.

While I love my work, my number one passion is for my clients! Unlike some Realtors who will just do the bare minimum, I’m invested. My clients are my family. I fight for them just like I would my relatives. When you work with me, you can always trust that I’m working as hard as I can and in your best interests. Why is that? Because while properties are my expertise, people are my priority!

Ready for a Realtor who stands out – and a standout Realtor? Then it’s time for us to work together! Drop me a line and let’s start your journey with Vancouver real estate!

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What you need to be ready to buy Vancouver real estate

1. Income

Before investing in Vancouver real estate, you need to make sure that you can afford it. While Vancouver real estate isn’t as expensive as you might think, your income needs to meet a few requirements.

• It needs to be steady
• It needs to be high enough for the properties you’re considering
• It needs to allow you to qualify for a loan

Make sure that you also aren’t planning a change of careers anytime soon. If you are thinking about changing jobs, it should be to another workplace that keeps your income at the same level or above where it is now.  

2. Budget

Before looking for any home, you should know what your budget is. Establishing your budget will also help you know if you’re in the range of Vancouver real estate. How do you figure out what your budget is? You need to consider your income versus your expenses, looking at what is left monthly and yearly. Remember that you will not just be adding mortgage payments, but property taxes, home expenses, etc.

3. Future plans

Vancouver real estate is a significant investment – and responsibility. Therefore, before you make a purchase, you need to think about your plans. Are you thinking about moving anytime soon? Do you want to expand your family or take on a significant expense? If you’re in a relationship, is it stable enough that you want to own property together? If you aren’t sure you’re in the right place to take on a home, don’t! Wait until you are 100% ready.

Ready to enter the Vancouver real estate market? Get in touch with me to get started!

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What are rehabilitation costs for Vancouver real estate?

Rehabilitation costs most often come up when you’re dealing with older properties and homes that haven’t been well cared for. In essence, rehabilitation costs are the price of bringing one of these properties back up to ideal condition.  

Why even deal with these properties? Why not go for a piece of Vancouver real estate that’s already in perfect condition? Most of the time, properties that require rehabilitation are sold for well below value, which makes them a good choice for buyers looking for real estate to flip. In order to make that flip worthwhile, though, you have to correctly estimate the rehabilitation costs required and negotiate your offer accordingly.

6 steps to estimate the rehabilitation costs for your Vancouver real estate

1. Plan your end result

You can’t estimate rehabilitation costs unless you know what the final product needs to look like. The end result should line up with other homes in the area, so make sure you check out the neighbourhood. If you can, try to see the interior of the home as well.

2. Check out the property

It’s important to know what you’re working with. That’s why you need to do a thorough tour of the Vancouver real estate you’re considering buying. Make sure you see every room in the house, including any basement and attic areas.  

3. Make a list of all the issues

As you tour the property, keep a running list of all the issues. Nothing should be considered too big or too small to make the list. If the owner will let you, you may also want to take photos of any significant problems.

4. Group the issues

Once you have a list of all the issues you’re dealing with, group them into categories. What type of categories should you be making? Go for broad groups, but not to the point where the categories are no longer useful. I would suggest groupings like roofing, painting (indoor), painting (outdoor), and landscaping.   

5. Estimate prices for each grouping

Work on establishing a price for each category. This is where the photos can be helpful. Take the photos to any experts you would be hiring and get quotes for the work. If you are planning to do the work yourself, make sure you are qualified to do it and ensure you factor the price for your time into the quotes.

6. Ask the expert!  

There can be a lot of hidden costs when dealing with a piece of Vancouver real estate in need of rehabilitation. That’s why it’s important to always work with a Realtor. A Realtor will also help you get the best price on the property, allowing you to maximize the amount you make on the flip.

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If I wasn’t a Vancouver real estate agent…

At one point, I considered being a lawyer. I even took the LSATs and scored well!

When I was applying to school, however, I decided what I really wanted to do was tell people’s stories. I thought Public Relations would help me do that, so I studied it at Simon Fraser University. My favourite thing about that time was having a chance to work with and meet so many people.  

When I got out of school, I knew I wanted to continue working with people and telling their stories. Luckily, I found the perfect job that combines both these skills – being a Realtor! I get to spend my days meeting amazing people, learning about their lives, and using their stories as the inspiration to find them their ideal home or buyer.

Wait… I just ended up back at being a Vancouver real estate agent. Let me try that again…

If I wasn’t a Vancouver real estate agent, part 2…

While I thought about law at one point, I would have likely been a tennis player if I wasn’t a Vancouver real estate agent. I’ve always loved tennis, even though I didn’t play when I was growing up. I loved the fast pace of the game, as well as the rush of the competition.

Now, I find that similar fast pace in my day as a Vancouver real estate agent. The rush of competition is there too as I fight to get my clients the best deal possible!… And I just did it again! I’m right back at being a Realtor.

I guess the truth is that being a Vancouver real estate agent is in my blood. It just fits me – and I love it! It’s this amazing blend of all my skills and interests, combining my love of people, telling their stories, a fast-paced lifestyle, and the rush of competition. So while it’s fun to talk about potential alternative paths, I wouldn’t want any other life. I exactly where I’m meant to be.

Want to know more about why I became a Vancouver real estate agent? Learn more about my journey here!   

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Can you buy Vancouver real estate without a Realtor?

The short answer is: “yes, you can”. There is no legal requirement that you work with a Realtor. Only 10-20% of homebuyers, however, take this route. Maybe you’re asking yourself: Why is that?

When you work independently, any Realtor involved in the sale isn’t on your team. They either work for the seller or they serve as an independent party to the sale. That means that, while they are required to be honest and fair with you, they will not fight to get you the best deal. In fact, if they work for the seller, they will fight for that person to get the best deal –even if it means you paying more for less.

So, should you buy Vancouver real estate without a Realtor?

The answer to this question is even shorter… NO!

It is never, ever, ever recommended to buy Vancouver real estate without a Realtor.

When you are investing in Vancouver real estate, you need to have a professional in your corner.

Think about it like a legal matter – would you want to handle negotiations or go into court without a lawyer? Of course not! We know that lawyers are professionals who can use their expertise to help us.

Vancouver Realtors are the same.

So what does a Realtor bring to the table?

• Knowledge of the city and its neighbourhoods
• Knowledge of the Vancouver real estate market
• Expertise in negotiating sales and getting you the best deal possible
• Knowledge of data, information, and strategies about the market that help in the negotiation process
• Access to properties that never hit the market
• Connections that help get you the right home and make the buying process easier
• Experience dealing with closing sales
• Experience in the property transfer process
• So much more!

This list could keep going and going. In truth, searching listings is the smallest part of a Realtor’s job.

Now you know why you should work with a Vancouver real estate Realtor, the question becomes which Realtor is right for you. Before hiring someone, it’s important to make sure that they are the right person to represent you! Want someone who will help you find your dream home for the perfect price while treating you like family? Then we should work together! Drop me a line and let’s connect!

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The short answer is to work with me!

If you can’t do that though, the key is to make your listing searches count. Not sure how to do that? No problem! I’ve created this handy-dandy set of steps to help you out…

How to search for your next piece of Vancouver real estate

1. Brainstorm

You can’t find your perfect piece of Vancouver real estate if you don’t know what you want. That’s why it’s important to take time to identify what you’re looking for. Is this going to be your party pad? A family home? An investment property? The more clear you can be about your goals wants and needs, the more likely you are to meet them.

2. Decide on your budget

You may be focused on your dream property, but at the end of the day, you’ve got to be able to pay for it! So there’s no point in looking at Vancouver real estate you can’t afford. That’s why, before you check out any listings, I recommend establishing your budget. Also think about whether this is a soft budget that you would bend for the right property or a hard budget that you can’t go over.

3. Figure out the details

You’ve already got your general goals, wants, and needs, so now it’s time to get specific! Make a list of all the parameters for your new property. How many bedrooms do you need? What square footage do you want? Are there amenities you can’t do without? Put it all down. You may also want to star what the deal-breakers are. That will help prevent you from getting swept up in a purchase that isn’t really right for you down the road.

4. Educate yourself

One of the reasons my clients work with me is my extensive knowledge of the city and its neighbourhoods. If you are searching for Vancouver real estate on your own, it’s vital that you establish some knowledge base in these two areas too. Look into the various neighbourhoods in the city. Learn what each neighbourhood is known for, how safe it is, what it offers to its residents, etc. Don’t forget to keep a list of the neighbourhoods you connect with most!

5. Optimize your search

Now you’re ready to jump into the Vancouver real estate market. Search Vancouver real estate listings, using MLS numbers, postal codes and neighbourhoods. Also, make sure to limit your searches by plugging your various parameters into advanced searches.

Where to look for Vancouver real estate listings

Not sure where to find Vancouver real estate? Start with my listings! Not only are all the properties on my listings vetted by me, but I’ve made it easy to categorize results based on things like price, square footage, or the number of bedrooms.

Feeling overwhelmed by your Vancouver real estate searches? Cut right to the chase and work with me! I’ll take care of everything for you, so you can focus on enjoying your dream home!

The post Step-by-step guide on how to search for a Vancouver real estate listing appeared first on Marina De Gregorio.

So, what impact has being a Vancouver luxury real estate agent had on my life?

1. It’s allowed me to meet a lot of amazing people

Being a Vancouver luxury real estate has let me meet incredible people who I might never have run into otherwise! My clients are fascinating and I love getting to know each and every one of them.

It’s not just about meeting new people, though. My work has also given me some of my greatest friends. Because I get so tight with my clients while working with them, many stay in touch after, with some having become close friends. And the work I do with my fellow real estate agents means that I’ve made some pretty strong bonds with co-workers too!

2. It’s given me better time management

When you’re your own boss, you need to have good time management. After all, everything runs on your schedule!

Working as a Vancouver luxury real estate agent has helped me hone my time management skills. I’ve also learned how to multitask more. Thank god, because there are always a million things to do in the Vancouver luxury real estate game!

3. It’s made me much happier

There’s that old saying that “if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life”. And I can tell you, that saying is 100% true!

My work is a pure joy. Not only do I love what I do, but I love helping my clients! Nothing makes me happier than finding clients their dream homes or perfect buyers.

What about the negative aspects of being a Vancouver luxury real estate agent?

People sometimes ask me about the negative impacts of being a Vancouver luxury real estate agent. Well… there are none! At least, there are none for me. My work has only ever been a positive force in my life. Yes, it’s busy. Yes, I work long hours. And, yes, I work every day. But I love all of these things!

I guess it comes down to this: being a Vancouver luxury real estate agent isn’t for everyone, but everything about it works for me. So that takes us back to where we started… I’m a born Vancouver luxury real estate agent!

Want to know more about why I became a Vancouver luxury real estate agent? You can read all about it here! Don’t forget to follow my blog for all my latest Vancouver luxury real estate tips and tricks!   

The post Marina Says: How has being a Vancouver luxury real estate agent impacted my life? appeared first on Marina De Gregorio.

So, which side do I come down on? I think there are pros and cons to having an open house when selling Vancouver luxury real estate…

The pros of hosting an open house for your Vancouver luxury real estate

1. Buyers can experience the home

In order to sell most Vancouver luxury real estate, you have to get a buyer to imagine themselves in the home. It can be hard to do that, however, when buyers are just looking at pictures online. Having an open house gets people in the door, allowing them to see what it would be like to live in your home.

2. The home gets more exposure

Open houses put your Vancouver luxury real estate on display – literally! Besides any advance notice I may send out to tell the public about the open house, Open House signs out front are bound to bring in tons of interested buyers. Even if we don’t end up finding the right buyer at the open house, the experience may connect with someone who later contacts you, or attendees may pass the information about your Vancouver luxury real estate on to other potential buyers.

3. Buyers can tell the quality

It’s almost impossible to see the quality of a home and its finishes through pictures. When it comes to Vancouver luxury real estate, however, quality is a key selling point. Having an open house allows potential buyers to see the craftsmanship they would be purchasing if they buy your property.

4. You are more likely to get multiple offers

Open houses breed offers. When buyers see that your open house is busy, they’ll assume other buyers are bidding to purchase it! That is great for non-luxury real estate, where a bidding war can drive up the selling price of the home. With Vancouver luxury real estate, however, it’s more about getting the right offer. While the right offer may be found through an open house, it’s very hit or miss.

The cons of hosting an open house for your Vancouver luxury real estate

1. Open houses aren’t seen as luxury

People want their Vancouver luxury real estate to feel luxurious and open houses…. aren’t. This isn’t an elegant, private tour of the space. Instead, it can feeling like shopping at the mall. Depending on when potential buyers come, they made have to struggle to see past crowds or just generally not feel comfortable in the space.

2. The home seems less exclusive

Exclusivity and luxury go hand-in-hand. Open houses, however, are open to everyone. For some Vancouver luxury real estate buyers, that can be a turn-off. They want to feel like they are getting a one-of-a-kind exclusive, not an off-the-rack home.

3. You lose the personalized approach to selling

I’ve always said that Vancouver luxury real estate is about an experience, not a transaction. That experience is born from a personalized approach to selling. But with an open house, that personalized approach isn’t possible. Relationships with potential buyers changes from quality to quantity. That can also mean that it takes longer, and causes more disruption to your everyday life, to find the right buyer.

An alternative to an open house for your Vancouver luxury real estate

A lot of real estate agents act as though the options are limited to open house or nothing, but there’s also a middle road… Instead of an open house, you host a catered showing for your Vancouver luxury real estate. With a catered showing, you only invite interested, pre-qualified buyers or “connectors”, who can link you with the right buyer.

So which event is right for you? It depends on the value of your home, its exclusivity, and how many buyers the property will interested in it. Consult with your Vancouver luxury real estate agent, who will be able to advise you about the best path for your home.

Still looking for a Vancouver luxury real estate agent? Drop me a line and let’s discuss what you need!

The post Should you host an open house for your Vancouver luxury property? appeared first on Marina De Gregorio.

The six steps to choosing your perfect Vancouver luxury real estate agent

1. Research

The internet can help you find the names of Vancouver luxury real estate agents. Your research should go beyond just internet information and reviews, though. Ask around your circle to see if anyone has an agent they would recommend.

2. Focus on the person

Experience is important, but the person you are working with should be your top priority. Is this someone who makes you feel heard? Do you believe they really care about you? Are you comfortable opening up to them? You’re going to be spending a lot of time with your Vancouver luxury real estate agent and they’re going to be representing you, so you want to feel good about them as a person.

As for me, I have personally invested in real estate since a young age, so I understand the transactions from the Realtor side and from your side! I also worked on land transactions for a law firm while I was studying at Simon Fraser University.

3. Make sure you’re clicking

It’s important that you feel comfortable with your Vancouver luxury real estate agent, but you also want to go one step further than that and have chemistry with them. I’m not talking sexual chemistry, but personal chemistry. You need to feel that your Vancouver luxury real estate agent to gets you and your style. Basically, you have to vibe together!

4. Trust your gut

We all know that feeling we get when we feel good about someone – and the feeling when we don’t. Those feelings are the best tools you have when picking your Vancouver luxury real estate agent. So listen to your gut!

5. Talk it out

It’s important that you and your Vancouver luxury real estate agent are on the same page about your wants, needs, and expectations. Before you start working with your agent, lay out what you’re looking for. Be as up-front and open as possible. The more your Vancouver luxury real estate agent knows, the better they can help you!

6. Go for the connections

I’m not talking about connections with people – though those are important too! In this case though, I’m speaking about having a connection to the field. For example, I grew up in Vancouver and have years of experience working in Vancouver luxury real estate because I love it. That gives me a personal link to, and investment in, everything I do, which takes my work to a different level.

The most important thing to remember about your Vancouver luxury real estate agent…

Your Vancouver luxury real estate agent is there to work for you. If you ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe, that is not the agent for you. Similarly, if you feel pushed to compromise or buy a property you aren’t sure about, it’s time to switch agents!

Now that you know the six steps to choosing the perfect Vancouver luxury real estate agent, you’re ready to apply them! Don’t forget to look for these five things in your Realtor.

Still not sure who to work with? Cut right to the chase and drop me a line!

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I disagree with that philosophy! Why not arm clients with all the information possible? My goal is to make sure you’ve got all the information you need so that we can work together to get you the home of your dreams!  

So what are my pro tips that other Vancouver luxury real estate agents never mention?

1. Don’t overlook closing costs

Closing costs can add up, making a big difference in the price of your home. This is especially true when it comes to Vancouver luxury real estate. If you don’t know what kind of closing costs to expect, speak to your realtor. They will be able to guide you through what’s needed – and how much to set aside for it.

2. Think about home maintenance

When thinking about the costs of their new home, most people focus on their mortgage. But there are other factors to consider, the biggest of which are home maintenance costs. Not sure how much to set aside for these costs? I recommend 1-3% of your mortgage. If you have an older home, 3% is your best bet. With a new home, 1% may suffice.  

3. Trust your Realtor

This is my top tip. You hired a Realtor to bring their experience, knowledge, and connections to your Vancouver luxury real estate search, so let them! Just make sure that you have a realtor you believe in and who gets you. There’s no point in trusting someone to guide you if you don’t have faith that they are trying to lead you in the direction you want to go in.

How do you find the right Vancouver luxury real estate agent?

You follow my tips on how the six steps to choosing the right Vancouver luxury real estate agent, of course! Make sure you take the time you need to get the right Realtor in place. It’s worth it because they are the key to your Vancouver luxury real estate purchase or sale going well.

Don’t have the time to search for a Vancouver luxury real estate agent? Cut to the chase and get in touch with me! I won’t just guide you, I’ll take care of you like you were family – because, when you work with me, you are!

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