Serving Victoria's CRD

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.

• I will fully explain the details of our working relationship (called "agency") so that you are clear as to when I and selling REALTORS® are working for you or for the seller.
• As a REALTOR®, I have access to hundreds of current listings of homes for sale because of a co-operative system called the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®).
• I 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.
• Along with your mortgage provider, I will help you determine how big a home you can afford.  REALTORS® are familiar with the local lending market and can offer helpful advice.
• As your REALTOR®, I have no emotional ties to any type or style of home, and can be objective in pointing out the merits of one home over another.
• I can obtain information for you regarding zoning changes, taxes, utility costs and school and recreation services that could affect your decision to buy a home in a specific area.
• I 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.
• When acting as your REALTOR®, I 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.  Here are some ways I can help:

As your REALTOR®, I will 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.  I have the experience to help you understand how the market works, and decide upon a realistic price that meets your goals.  I can also pre-screen potential buyers to make sure only those who are serious and financially qualified view your home.

I 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, I will help ensure that all the proper paperwork is completed.  I will also make sure that both parties meet the necessary conditions outlined in the agreement.

When you hire me to sell your home, 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.  We 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

Have you ever written a blurb about yourself?  Me neither; I’d much rather talk to you about your real estate needs, and how I can make your dream home and perfect move happen.  An investigator at heart, I see finding the right home as a puzzle to solve.  I can take the mystery out of navigating your biggest investment, keeping you grounded in what can be a flustering process.

My business model is relationship based.  You will not see my face on classic bus stop bench ads, because I’d prefer to smile at you in person.  I want to be of service to you specifically - because we have a mutual friend, because you live in my favourite neighbourhood, or because of other things we have in common!  

I have always had a desire to create positive change for those around me.  My work history is almost exclusively in Customer Service and Hospitality, and my path eventually led to Sales and Marketing.  I learned early on that I am happiest when I’m sharing information and ideas with people.  Kindness and integrity rank high among my core values, and being of service allows me to exercise both. 

Our stunning region’s seemingly endless natural landscape inspired me as a child, igniting my imagination and developing my big picture thinking.  I have deep roots in the Capital Regional District – I grew up in Sooke and Langford, and now call the Highlands home.  I thrive in this community, and want everyone to experience the same joy I feel every day from living in the most beautiful part of the world.  I love raising my family here and hope to help build a strong and kind community through the work that I do.  

In my free time I enjoy reading fiction, crocheting and knitting.  My children are still young so my interests have taken a back seat as of late – but please let me know if you’ve found a good local crafting or reading group!

I chose Pemberton Holmes and joined Rotary Westshore because their values so closely align with my own.  This local, family owned and operated business has the longest history in Real Estate on Vancouver Island.  Like me, they are committed to the community we serve, and are invested in its future.

My goal is to help grow our community by building strong relationships – I enjoy being a part of something larger than myself.  I can help you or someone you know find “home sweet home” or market a home for maximum value.  If you have ANY questions about the real estate market, or would like a market analysis of your home, please call me. I’m never too busy to talk real estate!

Teresa Houle

250-588-9020

houlerealty@gmail.com

www.teresahoule.com