PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
- How long have you been in real estate?
I started flipping homes about 4 years ago, and since then have started a construction company and become a realtor. - What made you decide to become a realtor?
I was encouraged by some close colleagues as we were buying and selling so many homes through our company, so it just made sense! It was a really good decision as now we can buy and sell all of our own properties, as well as take on some client work too! - What areas or neighbourhoods do you specialize in?
Any of the mature neighbourhoods here in Edmonton. We love revitalizing old homes and breathing new life into them. We’re very passionate about what we do and love the uniqueness of mature neighbourhoods! - What types of properties do you most frequently work with?
(e.g., residential, commercial, luxury homes)
For ourselves, we are typically working on luxury residential homes. We love putting very unique features into our properties that make them stand out, not just because of the finishes we install, but because of the design and quality of the homes we supply. For our buy/sell client work, we work on everything from condos, to multifamily, to single-family. - What is your background and certification?
I actually have a background in environmental sciences where I held a C.E.T. certification for several years, and then I moved into construction where I went back to school to become a certified construction Project Manager.
PERSONAL INSIGHTS
- What do you enjoy most about working in real estate?
I really enjoy meeting new people and helping them achieve what they have set out to accomplish. A realtor plays a very critical role in assisting people with what’s typically a very large purchase. It’s a great feeling knowing that people look to me for guidance and trust me with helping them. - Can you share a memorable experience or success story from your real estate career?
I would say that the most memorable experience as a realtor is the satisfaction of getting your clients a home that they’re really excited about. And when things aren’t going the way that you want, you stick with it and work hard to get yourself and your clients the results that you’re looking for. To me, those are the most memorable experiences. - What are your hobbies or interests outside of work?
I love spending time with my wife and two kids. We live close to the river valley so we enjoy biking and just spending time outside. We live in a mature neighbourhood that has a lot of cool shops that we like to frequent as well. - Do you have a personal motto or philosophy regarding real estate?
“Stick with it!” The only reason that people fail in this industry is because they give up. Put your client’s needs first, keep learning, give it some time and you’ll probably be ok.
WORKING STYLE
- How do you approach helping clients buy or sell their homes?
I ask a pile of questions. I want to know exactly what they’re looking for in a home, what their motivations are, what their long-term goals are, and how I can help them with it. My goal is always to help my clients make the most educated and informed decisions they can. - What can clients expect when working with you?
They can expect 100% honesty from me, even if it’s not what they want to hear. They can also expect that I’ve always got their best interest in mind. They can also expect clear, concise communication, and like I said before, I do my best to educate my clients so they can make informed decisions. - How do you stay updated with the latest market trends and changes in the real estate industry?
Just by going to meetings, chatting with other realtors, and accessing your local real estate boards stats every month. It’s really informative and can give you guidance on where things are headed. Another great resource is social media. There’s a lot of economists that you can follow that provide a lot of insight not only in your province, but also Canada-wide. That’s really important information when looking at immigration (both internal and external), emigration numbers, interest rates, inventory, etc.
CLIENT RELATIONS
- How do you build trust with your clients?
The first thing I do to build trust is to be 100% honest about everything, even if it’s bad news. If it’s bad news I believe it’s my job as a realtor to try to turn it into good news, and when my clients see me working hard at that, I believe it makes that trust a little easier.
I also see a lot of agents acting like salespeople. I’ve never considered myself one of those, I’ve always considered myself an advisor. There’s a big difference. - How do you communicate with clients throughout the buying or selling process?
Everyone communicates differently. Some of my clients prefer text, others phone calls, others email. It’s all about being responsive to each of your clients, not only listening to what they say, but watching what they do. Another thing I do is make sure that I’m not over-communicating unnecessary details to stress my clients out, but communicating enough to keep them informed and to let them know that I’m on top of things, and that you can trust that I’m working hard for you.
MARKET INSIGHTS
- What tips do you have for homeowners looking to sell their property?
The benefits of working with an agent that has substantial renovation experience is that they know what improvements you can make that won’t break the bank, but still garner a lot of interest in your home. Things like paint and some new lighting go a really long way when attracting buyers.Secondly, find an agent who resonates with you. Interview multiple agents and find out why they do what they do, and ask them a lot of questions.
- How do you help clients determine the right price for a property?
We look at comparables that have recently sold. I see a lot of agents going back 8+ months to find comparables. The market was completely different at that point so some of these numbers are really outdated. Find the most recent comparable, determine if it’s actually a comparable, and if you feel it is, run an analysis on it based off of the current market trends in the area and neighbourhood.
PERSONAL FAVORITES
- What is your favourite part of your job?
Meeting new people and getting them the results they wanted. Plain and simple. - Do you have a favourite type of property to work with?
Absolutely. I love walking into a home and seeing the pride of ownership that’s been extended for a very long period of time; sometimes even generations long. It’s such a great feeling walking into those homes and just saying, “Wow”. - What’s your favourite local spot or hidden gem in the area you serve?
In our neighbourhood, there’s a place called Gibbard Block. It has an amazing selection of cool shops that are all locally owned. There’s an ice cream shop, a candy shop, some great restaurants, a yoga studio, the list goes on. - What has been your experience at INITIA?
Nothing short of amazing. I started my career with a different brokerage, but quickly realized it was the wrong fit. Just like I advise my clients, I then interviewed several brokerages before deciding on INITIA. I chose INITIA because I had a sit down with the broker, Jon. He was so responsive, knowledgeable, and accommodating. You can tell that Jon and INITIA really want their agents to succeed by the way the systems work and the work-space that they provide. - What advice would you give to someone looking to buy a home?
Find an agent who resonates with you, and who you feel understands what you’re hoping to accomplish. And this doesn’t just apply to a real-estate agent, this also applies to a mortgage broker, lawyer, home inspector, etc. These are all important factors when buying or selling a home. A good agent will have several good contacts in all aspects of their business, but a lot of it starts with choosing the right agent 🙂
CONTACT
BRETT FINNIE
REALTOR®
- O: 780-705-5393
- M: 780-237-0053
- View Listing
- Personal Website
