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Why work with a Boutique Real Estate Agency?

Why work with a Boutique Real Estate Agency?

One of the most important questions we are asked by prospective buyers and sellers is, “Why should I choose to hire a boutique broker instead of one of the big banner firms”. Proudly independent since 1987, we welcome this question and love to explain the benefits to working with a smaller shop.

There is a common misconception that we should clear up right away - the notion that boutique brokers only cater to high-end clientele. This is not the case. Smaller brokers tend to receive most of their business through referrals and repeat business. This means that our transactions are focused on the client first and then the underlying real estate asset. Every client can expect first-rate representation, from a first-time buyer to a luxury waterfront seller.

There are many key differences that separate smaller independent agencies from the big guys. But before we look at these, let’s cover some important similarities:

• Boutique firms offer the exact same Multiple Listing Service (MLS) representation as larger companies. All companies have the same access and exposure to properties, whether representing a buyer or a seller.

• Small firms have the same access to major online marketing offerings. Your property will be represented on primary home buying and selling sites like realtor.ca and centris.ca.

• Much of the technology that real estate brokers provide their clients is generated through our affiliations with regional and national real estate boards and associations. Boutique firms subscribe to all the same groups as larger firms, so this technology is available to firms of all sizes.

In addition to matching big banner exposure, very often the local firms have stronger exposure in the micro markets they serve. Smaller firms tend to be more specialized and effective in their marketing efforts, as they are experts in their particular niche.

Success through service

In order to compete with the big guys, smaller firms need to have a laser-like focus on individual clients and their unique needs. Instead of focusing on the number of homes they purchase or sell, the boutique firm can concentrate on the customer experience. At a boutique firm, your opinion has a more significant impact than at a larger company, and the boutique firm will strive for your satisfaction. This means smaller firms tend to have very specialized business models, with a “customer first” culture, centered around service and integrity.

Team work makes the dream work

Boutique agencies tend to be structured as teams, so when you work with one of our brokers, you get the benefit of the whole team. Our close-knit group of brokers and administrative staff collaborates to achieve the best service and results for our clients. By choosing a boutique firm, you can guarantee that the entire office is dedicated to your best interest.

Only the best brokers

Small, dynamic firms can’t afford dead weight. Only the best local brokers who share the same values and professionalism will be selected to be on these teams. We aim to cultivate a professional environment, which means only the best and most driven will be selected. At a boutique firm, you can expect every broker to provide the same high-end client experience.

Keep it local

Local real estate firms tend to specialize in specific communities. Most of us live and play in the same community where we sell. We have a vested interest in seeing the community flourish, because our business only does well if the community does well. With more and more information becoming available to consumers online, the true value of a real estate professional lies in his local market intelligence, network, and connections, which can only come from being an active part of the neighbourhood. Outside of selling real estate, boutique brokers can be found supporting local charities, volunteering, and serving on local boards and associations.

Hands-on approach

With a focus on customer satisfaction, you will be working with your broker through every stage of the deal. Your broker will not give your contract to a closing coordinator so she can begin work with her next client. Nothing will be lost in the shuffle, so you can be certain that you are well represented throughout the entire process. A boutique firm also offers instant communication with the company owners, allowing for quick problem solving and cutting-edge customization in marketing your home. No red tape or company restrictions will stop a boutique broker from thinking and acting outside the box.

This basic overview is true of most small brokers, and certainly describes our philosophy at Deakin Realty. Our belief is that the dynamic market we have seen in Montreal the last few years has made it even more critical to have a team of local experts represent you. If you are reading this and looking for an advocate to help you reach your real estate goals, drop us a line. We would love to explain how we can help.

As a first time buyer, I had a lot of questions and you took the time with me. Not all agents would have done this - I know, since I dealt with others before meeting you.

Dawn

Thanks to you and the Deakin team for everything you did for us. We really appreciate working with knowledgeable and experienced business people.

Fred & Lynn

Encore merci pour nous avoir guidés tout au long de ce processus. Vous offrez l'équilibre parfait entre professionnalisme et humanité.

William

Deakin Realty met all of our objectives and helped make our condo project a success. They are proactive, highly professional and capable of adjusting to changing conditions.

Marc-Andre Legault - Developer - Les Cours Sherbrooke

You are incredibly professional even in the throes of an emotional and stressful decision. Thanks for your patience - we are thrilled with our new purchase!

Namta & Sara

Merci pour tout votre support et votre patience!

Donald

We realized that we were dealing with a real estate “advisor” - who not only knows the local market and homeowners themselves, but an individual that thinks outside the box and brings creativity and enthusiasm to a profession that he truly loves.

Mark & Kelly

I would not consider making a sale or purchase in the West Island without involving Deakin Realty

Gerry

Merci pour tout! Ça a été un vrai plaisir de vendre par votre intermédiaire!

Catherine

Merci beaucoup Nancy pour ton dévouement et ta patience. Nous sommes très heureux d'avoir fait cette très belle acquisition!

Carl

Thanks again for all your help with everything! You were fantastic, and Stef and I are thrilled that we were able to have you as our broker.

Matt

Thank you for your sensitivity and kindness. We also appreciated your level of professionalism and knowledge in the handling of our file.

Bruce & Lillian

Thanks for everything you have done. It has truly been a pleasure selling through you.

Catherine

Your help & professionalism throughout the buying process, and your ‘words of wisdom’ during our selling process have been greatly appreciated.

Sophie & Mark

We just wanted to thank you so much for all you've done for us over the last year and a half. We always felt like you were sincerely putting our best interests first throughout this entire process.

James & Amanda

Deakin Realty displayed great professionalism in every aspect of their work and in all cases they made sure the transaction was good for all parties.

Patrick

Thanks again for your good work. You were right about the price and the timing for the sale! A celebration is in order.

Louis-Robert

Having such a well organized group looking after us made our house hunting trip all the easier…those added touches you do really make all the difference between ‘good’ and ‘the best’.

Laura & Daniel

You were understanding, professional and endlessly patient throughout this sometimes challenging process. You went out of your way to make it work out, both for us and for our "perfect" buyer.

Barbara

Thank you so much for all your time, help, advice and patience in getting my house sold. I really appreciate it!

Jan

Thank you very much for all your help in our transactions ... it was a delight working with such a professional!

Patrick Ducharme - Banque Nationale du Canada

You have a way of treating your clients as they are you only client. You always responded within hours of a call. That is what I call great customer service.

Dawn

Thanks again for everything you have done to help us through this difficult (more difficult than normal in this case) process, and for your patience with me.

A & M

The Deakin team made our relocation from Halifax a pleasurable experience. Their professionalism and knowledge of the real estate market helped us find the perfect home.

Jason & Shannon

Thank you for everything you have done. It was a wonderful experience selling my house with your help.

Camille

I appreciated your expertise, competence and advice. These confirmed that my insistence on having you as the sole agent for my property was the right decision.

Clara

Thank you for your prompt advice and help. It was nice to feel welcome to call you and have your support.

Eric & Janice

You are truly awesome. Pointe-Claire is a very lucky place to have you guys at the heart of it.

Katy

The whole experience dealing with you was efficient, seamless and painless. You are a true professional and a good advisor. I felt I was the only client you were dealing with.

Janice

Thank you for taking care of my mother ‘above and beyond the call of duty’

Kim

I want to thank you for the amazing work done at selling and purchasing my homes. Your dedication, hard work and professionalism are very much appreciated.

Shere

Thanks again for your good work. You were right about the price and the timing for the sale. A celebration is in order!

Louis-Robert

You did everything we asked for and more, and talked me off the ledge more than once. We were so impressed, and we wouldn't hesitate to recommend you to others.

Pamela & Doug

As a non-profit agency, our survival is linked to those people in our community who have the kind of dedication & commitment shown by Deakin Realty. Keep up the good work.

Amcal Family Services

Your knowledge of the housing market was critical in helping manage the sale of our condo and the purchase of our new home. The practical and helpful recommendations made things easy on both ends.

Rob & Sonia

We would like to thank you so much for all your hard work in finding our first home. Your patience, professionalism, friendship and perseverance was greatly appreciated.

Christina & Kevin

I was really worried about finding the "right" person to work with my Mom. Your approach, patience and sense of humour won her over right away, and your follow up has given all of us a lot of comfort through this. Jay, I could not imagine a better fit.

Michael

Nancy, thank you for all your help and invaluable guidance!

Katy & Kevin

Thanks for finding our perfect house. We were out of town and trusted you to make an offer without actually seeing the house. Serious trust and you never let us down.

Brian

You are a true angel in disguise. We can never express our appreciation for the knowledge, service and kindness you have shown.

Jane & Larry

We would like to thank you again for helping us find a great home and for all of your advice over the past couple of months. We'll definitely recommend you to our friends...

Christina & Rob

Thank you for a job well done. We’re both so excited to have clinched the deal of the year in Beaconsfield.

Denise & Gary

I couldn't have imagined this going any smoother than it did. Thanks for a well thought out plan and execution.

Marcel & Liz

I know you did a lot of hard negotiating to arrive at a mutually satisfactory solution and we need to congratulate you for that. Thanks for your very significant effort.

Mike & Anna

Thanks again for all your help... attention to detail... sanity checks... moral support... hand holding... i.e. the usual wonderful Nancy Deakin service!!

Sandra & Larry

Thanks again for all your help, advice and patience during the purchase process. You really went above and beyond the average real estate broker's duty.

Matt & Anita

Thank you Jay, Nancy and Alexa for all your work! I really appreciate the attention to detail and your thoughtfulness throughout the selling process.

Patti

Thank you so much for your support and patience during this difficult time with Mom and the sale of her beloved home. I truly appreciate your kindness.

K.

Thanks for treating us like family!

The Halls

I just wanted to thank you for making all of this as easy and painless as possible. Your professionalism, initiative, positive attitude and willingness to take time to explain the process made the deal unfold very smoothly.

Bob

To the Deakin team - thank you for going above and beyond!

Lynda

You truly could not have handled this tricky sale better and we will sing your praises to everyone we know.

Jen & Dave

We really wanted to take the time to properly thank you. You were always there for us, and put alot of time into our home with all the advice and visits. We really appreciate it! You'll always come highly recommended by us.

Jason

Deakin Realty achieved the best possible result: a lease that pleased both landlord and tenant. We were so impressed with Nancy and her team that we asked them to work on another project for our company.

Richard King - Owner – Elm Plaza

You thought of every detail inside and out - a job well done to you and your team!

Maureen

Thanks for everything, as you can imagine we have every reason to be grateful for your help.

George & Martha

We are so very appreciative of all your efforts in selling our home and finding a new one. The Deakin Realty family is truly professional.

Kathy & Brian

Deakin Realty provides their clients with total professional, businesslike, and enthusiastic care. They talk to you. They get results. What more could you look for in a real estate firm?

Walter & Pamela

Thank you Jay & the Team for your professionalism and patience. Your market knowledge and detail work helped bring our situation to the next level.

Serge & Elaine

You are a marvel as Mom is so very comfortable with you and John. You are stars and much appreciated.

Cydney & Les

You listened and went far and beyond what any other real estate organization could or would do. We are happy to say that we consider you a friend and look forward to working with you again.

The Adrian Family

We appreciate all the efforts, dedication and patience you are putting into finding us a house. Thank you for everything that you are doing for us.

Martin, Natalie & the girls

Merci d'avoir pris soin de ma mère et ce plus que votre travail ne l'exigeait.

Kim

Thanks for understanding our needs and finding our family a great home! We would highly recommend Deakin Realty to anyone who is interested in buying or selling.

The Brown Family

Thank you once again for guiding us through this process. Your ability to balance professionalism and the human aspect of this process is top drawer.

Bill

Nancy, thank you for all your hard work and patience, and for not giving up on us during this house hunt.

Stefano, Melissa & Zara

This is just a quick thank-you for all of your wonderful help in finding our first home. We really appreciated your patience, honesty and attentiveness. You may all rest assured that we will recommend Team Deakin.

Sonjali & Devi

In our business, referrals are important to both the referring party and the receiving side. Thanks so much for a job well done. I hope to refer your family more business.

Peter Blanchard, President - Terramont Real Estate Services

I'm not sure we can ever fully express how much we appreciate all you have helped us with. It has been a stressful time but was made much less so through the referrals you gave us.

Sandee

Thank you for everything John. You have been so dedicated and helpful throughout our journey!

Amanda

Thanks ever so much! It was our lucky day when we met you. You can always count on us as reference for your future clients.

Serguei