Reviews from Clients
My husband & I interviewed Ian Heath and Marilyn Ball based on the quality of the advertising they were doing in the local papers and magazines. Upon meeting them we were impressed with their commitment to quality presentation and knowledge of the industry. We had a unique property to sell and they developed a comprehensive marketing strategy and literature/web campaign that best showed the homes' distinctive appeal. We worked specifically with Marilyn and found her responsive, accessible, enthusiastic and very professional. She took care of our best interests and negotiated expertly throughout both the sale of our former property and purchase of our new home. We highly recommend them.
- Seller of Nature's Quiet Seclusion 2011
You have asked me, as one of your recent clients, for a letter of reference. I am happy to do so, without hesitation. You will recall meeting me through the purchase of a $2 million dollar property on Roberts Bay in Sidney back in 2007, as you were that property’s Listing Agent.
I was impressed then, as I remain to this day, with how skillfully and professionally you both handled the electronic part of the listing and marketing of your properties. Indeed, I found the Roberts Bay property online, as I am, what one would call, a reasonably sophisticated buyer (and seller sometimes too.) Small wonder then, as to the why of where your international reputation comes from.
I have been out here in Victoria for ten years, all of which, with exception of two, when I moved into town, has been spent on the Peninsula. In my mind, you folks, who always work as a team with excellent office support, have the most superior Web Page for electronic viewing properties for sale on MLS, or on your own Home Page, of anyone in the region.
This was one of the considerations that moved me to list the Roberts Bay property for sale with you, and also to have you continue as my agent in purchasing my current home.
Gone are the days when potential purchasers want to wander about over distances to see a property, only to decide on the spot that they do not even want to go in. Electronic marketing online is the key, as you can do exact searches in whatever area you want, whatever price range you want, and whatever style of house you want, especially in your case, where location is flagged, and the house plans online puts the pictures from your excellent photographer into proper perspective.
It does not take much searching to find out that you and Ian have a well-earned reputation in the higher end properties out here, another plus.
Further, I have discovered that having someone really familiar and well known in this particular market area is a huge plus. Somehow, Realtors from Victoria just are not as aware of current conditions out here as I think they ought to be. Thirty Kms is not a big distance but it takes a lot of time to come and go from showings. I have learned from experience that it pays dividends to always have someone nearby, on the ground.
The final criterion that I use to make decisions is the professionalism shown by the Realtors. This includes an innate ability to communicate effectively, demeanor, knowledge of current and foreseeable market conditions, and finally, that most important of criteria, integrity. I trust you both.
On the communication level, you both are not afraid to voice your opinions to your clients. Equally, you always have time to listen to the client and bring his or her views into the mix. The ultimate key in buying or selling real estate, in my estimation, is for the client to have a very good grasp of both listing price, their own target price, and their reservation price. When buyer or seller and Realtor are ad idem – being on the same page – this helps market the property more effectively. I always felt I was part of the equation with you both and we were very simpatico at all times, so success happened, not once but thrice.
You have my permission to use this letter of recommendation to potential clients if you wish, for it is about my experiences that I write of.
- Seller of Breathtaking Beaufort 2010
