The Importance of Success Stories in Real Estate

Personal, positive, meaningful reviews and testimonials have many advantages. They provide consumers with a sense that a business is real, invested in them, and can be trusted. And for Millennials “social sharing is second nature, and word of mouth has global reach”. We have been asking agents to share some of their favorable feedback and favorite testimonials, and then give us the backstory. What traits create success stories in real estate? Read on to find out.

Martine Klein

“Martine Klein is a real estate agent with Ashbey & Graff and Caliber Retail Properties. Providing a full spectrum of services to accommodate all your real estate needs with decades of combined experience to present your best options.”

Martine’s Testimonial

Did a great job. Sold my triplex for 65,000 over asking price in less than one week. She is a great negotiator and really has her client’s best interest through the whole process.

~Annette McDonald

Martine’s Story

“I did some premarketing and so getting some exposure before going on the MLS. A week later I posted and had many responses on the first day. There were multiple offers and the strongest offer won. We were lucky that we didn’t have any leases extended. The occupants were there for a long time for under market rents. Buyers recognized the potential and this was a well-maintained property. I had it priced in accordance to current rents with upside potential. Annette McDonald put her trust in me while I know she knew lots of other agents. I was very happy to come through for her. It meant a lot to her and to me too. It’s so important that everyone is happy at the conclusion of a sale. I do my best even though these transactions can be stressful and emotional. I try to keep the calm and everyone on a positive note if I can. This turned out to be a good experience for both of us.”

Paul McDaniel

“I have lived in the Lower Mainland area for most of my life. I attended Eric Hamber Secondary School in Vancouver and went on to attend BCIT and the UBC Sauder School of Business where I studied business, negotiations, marketing and my Real Estate Program. As well I went on to the Justice Institute of BC where I completed course work in Mediation and Negotiations.

When you work with me you get an honest, ethical and knowledgeable professional real estate consultant. I am your committed ally who will put your needs first. My passion for working with people along with my high energy and work ethic is why I am your real estate professional of choice.

When selling your home, my extensive experience negotiating and marketing, in all aspects of business, ensures I will sell your home faster and for top dollar. When buying, my negotiating expertise is an advantage you will need to ensure that you get the best possible price. Whether you are up-sizing, downsizing or buying a home for the first time, I would love to meet with you and help you create a plan to achieve your real estate dreams!”

Paul’s Testimonial

I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you so very much for the selling of our previous home and the buying of our townhouse. We’ve been in our new home for a year now and haven’t forgotten your over the top service.

~Michele & Dawn

Paul’s Story

“Details of these transactions were that they were in some distress and needed to sell their detached home in Ladner asap and downsize to a smaller home. The market conditions were a Buyers Market and sell prices were flat.

They absolutely needed to sell their detached home quickly and get into something that would cost considerably less. Their home was a proverbial hoarders paradise. I personally paid to have the home decluttered, cleaned as well as I did landscaping for them so I could get the home Sell Ready.

I had my team stage the home.

Even in the soft market, I got them very close to the list price in a short period of time.

Once we had a firm deal, I then found them an awesome Town Home that was in their target area of Ladner, 5 minutes from their work. (This was tough because of a very limited supply of inventory at the price point they needed).

Because of the market conditions, I negotiated a deal well below the list price and thus saved them thousands.

All in all, a great sell price and a great purchase price. They were ecstatic with the outcome as they now had a much better position.”

Karen Conyers

“Karen has lived on the Peninsula since 1965. With her intimate knowledge of the area, having watched the City by the Sea grow from a cottage town, into a desirable housing destination due to its sunshine and proximity to beaches, the US border, two international airports, excellent schools and safety, she will guide you to the best neighbourhood for your needs. Helping people refine their needs and wishlist and translating that into finding the right home for them, is what she specializes in while striving to make the process as stress free as possible.

Karen was actively involved as a Director on the Board of Directors for the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board for 5 years, having proudly chaired the Professional Standards Special Committee, served on various other committees, and is the current Chair and President of the Board of Directors for the Kindred Community Farm Sanctuary. www.kindredfarm.ca

She has earned the Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist designation as well as her Certified Negotiation Expert designation, and continues her education and training to better serve her clients.
Karen shares her home with her husband, 2 senior dogs and hopes for a world full of kindness and free of cruelty.”

Karen’s Testimonial

It has been such a wonderful experience, they listen to you and do everything they can to give you the home you are dreaming of, even when we kept changing our minds. If you have Karen and Winston as your real estate agents, you are in great hands.

~Kelly & Trent Richardson

Karen’s Story

“What more can I say? I pride myself on truly listening to what they’re asking for – needs, wants, likes, dislikes, budget, etc.  What is truly important, what is a wish list.  Then we viewed a couple of homes of their choosing to get the feel of the words.  After that, I’m able to envision the home they’re asking for.  Now, having said THAT, these clients changed mid-search for something completely different than any discussion we had with them.  BUT they were very loyal – always love that – and had us set up all the appointments needed for them to make their decision.  And off we went to contract, details within, subject removal, closing and got answers to all the questions that arose.  

We were lucky to find them as clients, and continue with the relationship after sale – helping with issues etc.

And as Jennifer says, I try to make my clients laugh over silly things – stuff just gets said – and we laugh.  It helps to reduce the stress of the moment.  Not the seriousness of the stressful situation, just the feeling of stress itself.  I LISTEN.  My superpower!” 

It’s always inspiring to see happy clients. The image below is taken from Karen’s Instagram:

Here’s another testimonial from Karen:

“When I decided to put my condo up for sale, I was hesitant when hiring a realtor having had a couple of bad experiences with realtors in the past with other properties.

Karen Conyers was highly recommended to me by a friend and at our first meeting, I was pleasantly surprised. It was such a positive experience for me when she took the time to get to know me and really familiarize herself with my property and the neighborhood which included showing me comparison properties so that she could offer her sound advice on the best list price and strategies to achieve the most positive outcome.

The consummate professional, Karen handled everything from gathering all the needed minutes from my strata, discussing tips with me that would show my condo in the best light, to showing up to all client showings early and prepared. Karen also took care of hiring a photographer to take photos that showcased my home in the most stunning way, highlighting the best features in each room. The brochure that she presented to clients featuring my home, made it look like a high-end show home.

The photos sparked several interested clients right from day one and Karen started booking appointments the very next day. We had several showings per day and within a week of listing, we had multiple quality offers. Karen handled the multiple offers in the most respectful way going over each one of them with me and finally giving me the tools to decide for myself which one was the best to go with.  The final sell price closed at 42,000 above asking price. What an amazing result.”

I would highly recommend Karen Conyers with 100% confidence that she is the realtor that will represent your listing and the sale of your property with the best results possible.

~Cori Young

Safar Uddin

Safar Uddin is a real estate agent with Oakwyn Encore Realty.

Safar’s Testimonial

Thank you for working with me in this endeavour. I was initially anxious about the process but you quickly eased my worries. Now that we are almost finished, I wanted to let you know that I appreciated the realationship and trust.

~Andy Chong

Safar’s Story

“Andy Chong just went through a difficult time last year around May 2019 and was looking on our website and I started a conversation. The first call was very neutral, he said, just looking and going through a separation. I backed off, being new and knowing he’s going through a sensitive time. So I gave him a quick intro and advice on how to use our site.He made it clear he had to downsize from his 3 bed condo to a 2 bed smaller condo in the new west area. In between that call, I’ve sent him some listings.

A couple of months later I called again and he was in an upset mood and I knew I had tread lightly, so I just gave him a quick rundown of the current market conditions in July 2019. Andy said don’t call me until I’m ready and I’m in a stressful situation. So I apologized and said I just wanted to help. He was firm that he didn’t want to deal with any salesman at that time. In my mind I thought this guy hates me after that call. 

A few months later, I got an email from him in Oct 2019, he was ready to sell as well as buy and I had to compete against another realtor to earn his business. I prepared a market analysis for his property value and got my partner Jenny from Oakwyn Encore involved as well to help with the sales of his property and go house shopping for a smaller place in new west. He wanted to stay in the same neighborhood as his son goes to school nearby. 

Then again no communication till Jan 2020. Now finally he felt at ease with us both. We managed to find him a place he really liked in Feb 2020 and also sold his property quickly within a week and possession of a new place in Jun 2020. He finally exhaled and felt we took care of his needs well and it was one less thing for him to worry about. So what I’ve learned from this is, is that not everyone starts off a little “rough” on the phone for no reason. It was respectable that he disclosed his personal challenge and everything made more sense. It seems the old saying is true, “be nice to everyone because they may be going through personal challenges in their life right now.” 

Bernie Myers

Bernie Myers is a Top Producing Real Estate Agent with Highland Partners a Bay Area Boutique Office with International Presence.

Bernie’s Testimonial

Highly likely to recommend. Bought a Single Family home in 2013 in Fairview Park, Oakland, CA. Local knowledge: Process expertise, Responsiveness: Negotiation skills: Bernie is a wonderful, resourceful hardworking agent.

~Andrew Waterman

Bernie’s Story

My client Andrew Waterman actually purchased his home in Rockridge. Andrew and his wife met me at an open house at one of my listings in Crocker Highlands. They didn’t like that particular house but we bonded at that home and I found them the home in Rockridge “Off Market” and they love it.  The home has doubled in value and they love their neighbors and neighborhood.  

Emmanuel YU 余樹德

Emmanuel Yu is a real estate agent with Sutton Group-West Coast Realty. Emmanuel has marketed homes in Richmond, Vancouver, Burnaby, North Delta, Coquitlam, NW, Surrey, etc.

Emmanuel’s Testimonial

For me, as a new immigrant for a few years in Vancouver with 2 kids, buying a property is a very important issue. Emmanuel YU is not only a very professional real estate realtor helping me purchase a condo unit locating in a convenient but tranquil location, he has a very good connection with lawyers, house inspectors, and financial institutions.

Most importantly, Emmanuel has been doing his work with passion and a good heart towards me, always willing to give hands to provide timely and professional advice for me. When I had questions and difficulty, he efficiently encouraged me to face and solve problems in a positive way.

I highly recommend Emmanuel YU to my friends whenever they would like to sell or buy a condo, a townhouse, a single house or farmland. You will feel his passion and hardworking for you in a professional and efficient way.

~Mayu Kida

Caring about and communicating with your clients is a must when working in real estate. These traits are mentioned in one way or another just as much as professionalism and skill. 

We would like to thank the agents who have responded so far and we look forward to reading and sharing more of your stories.

Do you have a story you would like featured on our blog? Send them to [email protected]