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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.

• 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 in detail.

Source: Victoria Real Estate Board 2015

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.

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 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.

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 2015

Born and raised on the Saanich Peninsula I bring a wealth of community knowledge and history of the area's neighbourhoods and residents. I am proud to be able to work, volunteer and raise my family in the heart of the community that I both live in and love. I have watched with pride as our community has grown over the years into the vibrant and unique area that it is today. It has always been my intention to be in a career where I could help people and what better place than to help my friends make one of the most important decisions of their lives. I love what I do and that passion shows in my ongoing commitment to a very high level of customer service. I bring enthusiasm, energy and professionalism to each and every transaction I take on to complete. I am dedicated to helping you achieve your goals; uncovering your dream home, or helping you achieve the best value for your property. Committed to continued education and industry learning, I am also a Certified Home Stager and hold a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Victoria.

 My objective is to become your realtor long before you actually need one. I hope that when you have a real estate need you will give me the opportunity to sit down with you and show you what I can do for you. Even if you aren't planning on a move for years, I want you to feel comfortable calling or contacting me if you have any questions about real estate, your home or your community.

Whether you are a first time home buyer looking for that perfect starter home or an experienced home owner seeking change, putting me to work for you will ensure that all your real estate needs are met. I invite you to contact me as I'd be happy to assist you with this important transaction.

 Success has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself - it's what you do for others.

Danny Thomas