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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 Vancouver Island 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

Donna is an island gal through and through.  She has lived most of  her life on Vancouver Island.  Her outdoor adventures, her educational pursuits and her work experiences have provided her with a great deal of island experience. She put herself through university and graduated with honors from the University of Victoria. She knows what it means to work hard and will work hard for you.  She spent many years supporting families, children and youth and possesses a client centered approach, and  will tailor her real estate services to meet the individual needs of her clients.  Her goal is to make buying and selling a positive experience, one that is based on clear, knowledgeable and helpful communication.  If you are looking for practical, non-pretentious helpful realtor who makes your goal her goals, then you have found her. 

Donna is an avid outdoor person and when she isn't working she is usually horsing around, or digging in the dirt.  She is an equestrian and loves to garden as well.   In addition to her knowledge base of strata properties, and residential properties, she also has hand's experience choosing and developing rural acreage.

Donna and her spouse bought "raw land" in the Coombs area over  20 years ago, where they raised their son, built their own home, as well as numerous outbuildings, developed pasture land, and put in fencing for their horses.  Donna is well connected to the island equestrian community and is happy to share her knowledge.  

Donna's spouse is a residential home builder and together they own a construction company. .  Her knowledge of residential building and of choosing the right property, stages of construction, well and septic systems is an invaluable asset to buyer's and sellers.  In addition she has close relationships with many subcontractors and tradespeople in the area. 

Donna proudly offers a no pressure approach to real estate and welcomes the opportunity to talk with you about your real estate needs.