Welcome to Meet the Agent, an ongoing series profiling real estate agents from across Canada. With more than 150,000 agents, brokers, and salespeople working in 75 different boards and associations across the country, we thought it was about time they had a place to properly introduce themselves.
If you or someone you know deserves the same chance, email agents@storeys.com to apply.
THE DETAILS
Name: James LeBlanc
Brokerage: Engel & Völkers Victoria Westshore
Personal Channels: Instagram
Years of Experience: 29
Areas of focus: Victoria, Vancouver Island
THE INSIGHTS
Where did you grow up?
The Fraser Valley, BC.
What neighbourhood do you live in now?
Brentwood Bay in Central Saanich, Vancouver Island.
What made you want to become a real estate agent?
I enjoyed the independence it provides and the ability to work with people one-on-one in an industry I’m passionate about.
What’s the biggest challenge you see facing the market today?
The largest challenge we face at the moment is the lack of inventory.
What’s the single best advice you have for sellers?
The most important piece of advice I have for our sellers is to be realistic on pricing. It’s our job to educate the seller on all the factors that affect pricing, then work together to come up with a number that makes sense.
What’s the single best advice you have for buyers?
The most important piece of advice we give our buyers is to take the time to watch what is happening in terms of listings and sales in the neighbourhood they want to live in.
What’s the best thing a realtor can invest in for their brand (a bus bench ad, a solid Instagram strategy, etc.)?
I believe our success has come from not only from our social media presence, airport, and magazine advertising, but from our community involvement and charity work. People want to know their realtor is invested in and cares about the communities that they work and live in.
Who do you look up to in the industry and why?
Anthony Hitt - the president of Engel & Völkers. Not only does he have an ‘open door’ policy, providing all those that work with him an opportunity to discuss industry matters with him, but he also has an incredible understanding of the industry, which is an invaluable asset that he gladly shares.
Is there anything you wish people knew or understood about realtors that you think they’re constantly getting wrong?
I believe that most people outside the industry don’t fully understand the scope of what realtors actually do. Choosing an agent that has a wealth of experience, integrity, and honesty is key.
Tell us about your favourite (or most memorable) sale.
The sale of Subtle Island was a true career highlight. A stunning 70-acre island, listed at $18,000,000 USD, with kilometres of private beaches, a remarkable 13,000 sq.ft luxury home, equestrian facilities, and deep water docks – this property was incredible! We were honoured to work with our seller throughout the process and thrilled to bring in the buyer.
What are the three words you hope your clients use to describe you?
Honest. Knowledgeable. Communicative.
What’s your favourite thing to do outside of selling houses?
Golf and fishing.
This interview may have been edited for both length and clarity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of STOREYS.
