When the time comes for you to buy a home, you’ll want to know that the person you entrust to help you make your decision has your best interest at heart.
We spoke with a local real estate agent on the importance of getting to know your realtor, and how she helps her clients accomplish their homeownership goals.
Finding the right real estate agent isn’t as simple as heading over to Google.
It may be best for you to drive by different communities in the area to get a feel of the various neighbourhoods. Afterwards, connect with a mortgage specialist to find out what is best for you.
Once you have a good idea of where you’d like to start your search, you can do some research to find a real estate agent whose beliefs reflect your own.
Louise Levesque is a real estate agent from Royal LePage. She has lived in Kelowna for more than a decade with her family in the Lower Mission.
Her knowledge of the Okanagan is from her years of experience as a realtor and as a homeowner.
Her lifestyle reflects the Zig Ziglar’s philosophy: “You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” Levesque works towards helping her clients achieve happiness before anything. A believer in Karma, she bases her business on good values and honesty.
The best way for you to find success with a realtor is by spending the time discussing your pros, cons, must-haves and compromises.
Levesque organizes an initial interview with her clients so that she can get a feel for their needs and wants.
“I'm here to listen to your needs, give you sound, professional advice and hopefully build a lasting relationship - one built on honesty, integrity and mutual trust,” said Levesque.
By the time the initial interview is completed, she has a better understanding of their needs going forward in the home buying process.
When it comes to the next step of looking at homes, she looks for what fits her clients lifestyle and budget.
“There’s nothing worse than being house poor,” Levesque said.
When you walk through the front door of your new home, you’ll want to have the validation you need to know that this choice was right for you.
Your real estate agent should be your go-to comrade in the choice to create a sustainable future for you and your family.
“Mutual respect and total transparency is of utmost importance to me when working with a client – I take my fiduciary responsibilities very seriously in client relationships, confidentiality, full disclosure, due diligence and always work in my client’s best interest,” said Levesque.
When it comes time for the big decisions, the person guiding you through the home buying process should be educated and willing to answer those tough questions.
The home buying process should be similar to having a partnership with your realtor.
“I am Harvard trained in negotiation and mediation with a collaborative style of negotiation which is very effective in order to get my client what they want,” Levesque said.
The choice to buy a home reflects the choice to build a future with the people you love.
Having a realtor who understands first-hand the importance of the relationship between a family and a home can speak volumes to your home-buying experience.
Some of you may have met Louise Levesque because she sold your house, or perhaps you met her while she is volunteering in the Okanagan. If you haven’t, here’s your chance to get to know her.
Fluently bilingual in French and English, Levesque lives out her work days with enthusiasm for the success of others.
“I believe that helping others to achieve happiness is one of the best ways of ensuring my own,” said Levesque.
When Levesque isn’t dedicating her time to the needs of her clients, she is improving her community.
She is the Incoming President on the Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers Board of Directors, an active member of the "100 Women Who Care" in Kelowna, and one of four administrators with The Kelowna Volunteer Club. She regularly volunteers for the Women's Shelter thrift store.
Buying or selling a home is a big decision that requires knowledge, insight and purpose-driven determination - you need a professional to guide you through the process.
So whether it’s Louise, or anyone else, do your research, be transparent and most important, enjoy yourself. Your future home depends on it!
If you're someone who is buying or selling a home, click here to reach out to Louise for more information.
Louise helps people achieve home ownership by developing strong personal relationships even though real estate can be an impersonal world. "I believe everyone deserves to own their own home; it's a basic human necessity!" Home Ownership = Happier People.
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