The real estate market is diverse and changes with clients’ needs.
In Victoria, “expert” real estate agents are specialized in everything from waterfront properties, condominiums and senior clients.
Like any buyer in the real estate market looking for a specialized property, you want someone with the knowledge to help you find your dream location.
Seniors’ real estate specialist Vicky Turner says seniors are generally moving from properties they’ve lived at for numerous years.
“Many of them have owned real estate for a long time and haven’t been in the market for many years,” she says.
A homeowner reentering the market after 20 years will find the pace much faster since the introduction of online listings and social media.
“They want somebody who is able to navigate the waters that are a little more complicated then what they are used to.”
For senior clients, they also want a relatable agent, an advantage Turner has.
“I am in my 60s myself, I have salt and pepper hair.”
Luxury condominium expert Scott Piercy says like other professions you need experts.
“It’s like law, you have someone who deals with divorce or taxes. People feel more comfortable.”
Although the condominium market is not huge in Victoria, the market is still there.
“With the boomer generation retiring and some making the move to Victoria, we saw the market was under-serviced,” Piercy says.
Something most people don’t think about is the way the weather plays a hand in the market. Victoria’s early spring is helping to boost the spring influx of buyers early.
“It has been fairly steady with the sunshine, we’re having what feels like an early spring so that’s in the market.”
Weather also works to the advantage of Dockside Realty, an agency based on Pender Island as well as Saturna Island. Dockside’s main focus is helping buyers in the market for waterfront properties.
Sam Boyte, co-owner of Dockside Realty, grew up on the Gulf Islands which helps him to help potential buyers.
“It’s nice because if someone calls about a piece of land, we probably know and can tell them about it.”
The other advantage is what most buyers overlook.
“We can tell them about the different ocean fronts and what kind of sun exposer they would be getting.”
Boyte also takes a more recreational approach to showing clients perspective waterfront properties.
“We have a small boat we run from Pender to Saturna. It’s a nice way to show properties on the water.”
What all the experts agree on, is that buyers like to have someone who they are comfortable with and can give them more detailed, “expert” advice.