One of the questions I get asked most often is: "Do I really need a real estate agent?"
My honest answer is: not always.
As a Realtor since 2014, I believe people deserve honest advice, even if that means telling them they may not need my services.
There are certainly situations where hiring a Realtor adds tremendous value. There are also situations where a Realtor may not be necessary at all. It depends on the property, the people involved, and the amount of risk in the transaction.
I started my real estate career in Vancouver, where I sold mostly condos. In 2020, I moved to Quadra Island and quickly discovered that rural and island real estate is a completely different world. I had to learn about wells, septic systems, road access, zoning, and countless other issues that simply don't come up in the city.
Over time, I fell in love with the land and with helping people navigate the unique challenges of rural and island living.
When You May Not Need a Realtor
I think it's important for Realtors to acknowledge that sometimes people genuinely don't need one.
For example, you may not need a Realtor if:
You're buying property from a family member.
You're purchasing from a neighbour and know the property well.
The seller has shared all relevant information and both parties feel comfortable with the transaction.
You're an experienced builder who understands construction and potential risks.
You plan to demolish the existing structure and rebuild.
Both parties already agree on price and terms.
In these situations, a lawyer or notary can prepare the legal documents and transfer the title.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
A good Realtor should be honest enough to say when their services may not be necessary.
Where a Realtor Truly Adds Value
The real value of a Realtor isn't opening doors or filling out paperwork, that’s the other 50% of the work.
The real value is helping clients manage risk. My job is not to convince people to buy property. My job is to help them fully understand what they're buying. Because once you own a property, its problems become your problems.This is especially true with rural and island properties.
Rural Properties Are Different
One thing many people don't realize is that in some rural areas, there may be no bylaw officers actively enforcing regulations. Many issues are complaint-driven. Some people may not feel comfortable with a rural property and would rather live within city limits, Quadra Island vs Campbell River
Over the years, I've encountered properties with:
No building permits
No septic permits
No well permits
Unpermitted structures
Encroachments
Easements that weren't fully understood
Just because something has existed for decades doesn't necessarily mean it complies with regulations.Knowing these issues before purchasing can give buyers peace of mind and prevent expensive surprises later.
A Septic Discovery That Saved My Clients Thousands
One transaction stands out in particular. I was representing buyers who had found a property they really loved. During due diligence, we discovered that the septic system had not been installed according to the approved permit. Not only was it installed in the wrong location, but it wasn't even the type of septic system that had originally been approved. There was no simple fix. To bring the property into compliance, the entire system would likely need replacement. The estimated cost was approximately $50,000.
Yes some buyers may think it’s ok and they would be ok with that risk, but My buyers ultimately decided to walk away from the purchase.
Of course they were disappointed. But sometimes the best real estate transaction is the one you don't complete. I’ve prepared a “pre-inspection guide” that could be a great help.
Water Can Make or Break a Rural Property
Water is one of the most important resources on any rural property.
I've had buyers absolutely fall in love with a property, only to discover during due diligence that the well wasn't producing enough water. In one case, a water quantity test revealed that the well was nearly empty. The buyers had to walk away because they weren't prepared for the cost and uncertainty of drilling a new well.
Without proper due diligence, they may not have discovered the problem until after they owned the property.
Septic Systems and Wells Can Be Expensive Problems
One of the most common issues I encounter involves septic systems and wells.
Rules and regulations have changed over the years. An older house may have a septic system that was acceptable decades ago but no longer meets current standards. A common issue is when the septic system is located too close to the well.
I've encountered situations where no septic permit existed at all, or where the installation didn't comply with approved plans. In some cases, sellers compensated buyers for the issue. In others, repairs or replacement were necessary. The important thing isn't whether problems exist. The important thing is making sure everyone understands those problems before moving forward.
Sellers Benefit from Due Diligence Too
People often think due diligence only protects buyers. In reality, it also protects sellers.
When I work with sellers, I try to identify potential issues before we receive an offer or before buyers discover them during their investigations.
Being proactive helps:
Prevent transactions from collapsing
Reduce stress during negotiations
Protect sellers from future disputes
Make the entire process smoother for everyone involved
For example, if a property contains unpermitted structures, I believe it's important to disclose that information upfront. My goal is to make sure everyone understands exactly what they're buying or selling.
Island Living Comes with Unique Challenges
Island properties are incredible, but they come with considerations that many people moving from the city may never think about.
When evaluating island properties, I often consider:
Ferry schedules and commute times
Prevailing winds
Direction of the sun
Ocean tides
Road maintenance responsibilities
Fire protection zones
Insurance requirements
WETT certification for wood stoves
Property boundaries and encroachments
Zoning and future building potential
Local knowledge matters. An out-of-town Realtor may be excellent at selling homes in the city but may not fully understand the realities of rural and island living.
My Background in Construction Helps My Clients
Before becoming a Realtor, I worked in construction and later in construction sales.
Over the years, I've done flooring, tiling, drywall, painting, roofing, kitchen cabinets, and some plumbing and electrical work, as well as flooring inspections and construction products sales.
That hands-on experience gives me a better understanding of how homes are built and where potential issues may exist. I'm not an inspector, and I always encourage buyers to conduct their own inspections and investigations, but I do attend inspections whenever possible and continue learning from inspectors.
The more I know, the better I can help my clients.
One thing I believe I do exceptionally well is identifying potential issues and getting ahead of them during due diligence.
Knowing the problems is half the battle.
My Philosophy: Would I Sell This House to My Parents?
People often ask what makes a good Realtor.
For me, it's simple.
A good Realtor puts their clients' needs first. Sometimes clients need quick answers. Sometimes they need someone to ask the right questions. Sometimes they need patience and support.
The question I often ask myself is:
"Would I sell this house to my parents?"
If the answer is no, then we need to have an honest conversation.
I never push clients to make rushed decisions.
I don't ask people to sign documents they don't fully understand.
I take the time to explain things clearly. I am patient.
And I make sure my clients make decisions without pressure, just like I would want my own family to be treated.
So, Do You Really Need a Real Estate Agent?
Sometimes the answer is no.
But when there's uncertainty, hidden risks, or the unique challenges that come with rural and island properties, a good Realtor can save you time, stress, and potentially tens of thousands of dollars.
At the end of the day, my goal isn't to sell more homes.
My goal is to help people make informed decisions and feel confident about one of the biggest purchases of their lives.
Because in real estate, especially on the islands, knowing the issues is half the battle.
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