Buying with Pleasants Real Estate Team

 

Vancouver Buyers Deserve More Than a Lockbox Code

While we specialize in listings, we also help buyers navigate Vancouver's competitive market with the same strategic approach and neighborhood expertise that makes our sellers successful.

Whether you're buying your first condo, upgrading to a family home, downsizing for your next chapter, or building an investment portfolio—you get honest advice, deep market knowledge, and an agent who actually knows the neighborhoods you're considering.

No pressure. No games. Just straight talk and smart strategy.


How We Help Buyers

🔑 First-Time Home Buyers

Buying your first home should be exciting, not terrifying.

We walk you through the entire process with clear explanations and zero jargon. From pre-approval to possession day, you'll know exactly what's happening, what's next, and what it all means for your wallet.

What you get:

  • Plain-English guidance through mortgages, down payments, and closing costs
  • Neighborhood insights beyond what you'll find on Google—we know where you'll actually want to live
  • Home inspections decoded - what's a deal-breaker vs. what's normal
  • Offer strategy that's competitive without being reckless
  • Support through closing - we stay with you until you have the keys

Real talk: We'll tell you if you're not quite ready yet, or if that "dream home" is actually a money pit. Your first home should be a smart investment, not just an emotional one.


🏡 Upsizers & Families

More bedrooms. Better school catchment. Actual yard space. Whatever's driving your move, timing and strategy matter.

What you get:

  • Coordinated buy/sell strategy - we help you maximize your current home's value while finding the right next property
  • Neighborhood comparison - school rankings, commute times, parks, amenities, future development plans
  • Layout expertise - we've seen hundreds of homes and know what works (and what doesn't) for growing families
  • Timing optimization - bridge financing, subject removal, possession date coordination
  • Long-term thinking - will this home still work in 5-10 years?

Real talk: Sometimes the "dream home" in the "perfect neighborhood" is actually overpriced. We'll show you the comps and help you decide if it's worth it—or if there's better value three streets over.


📉 Downsizers & Empty Nesters

Less maintenance. Better location. Right-sized for your next chapter.

What you get:

  • Lifestyle matching - walkability, amenities, community vibe that fits your priorities now
  • Market timing - when to sell your current home vs. when to buy (this sequence matters)
  • Condo vs. townhome analysis - strata fees, amenities, rules, long-term costs
  • Financial clarity - what your current home will net you, what you can comfortably afford next
  • Move coordination - decluttering, downsizing, moving logistics

Real talk: Downsizing doesn't mean downgrading. We help you find a place that feels like an upgrade—even if it's smaller—because it's exactly what you need right now.


💼 Real Estate Investors

Smart investing is about numbers, not emotions.

What you get:

  • ROI analysis - rental income projections, cash flow, cap rates, appreciation potential
  • Market intelligence - where to buy, what to avoid, upcoming developments that affect value
  • Off-market opportunities - access to properties before they hit MLS
  • Zoning and rental rules - what you can actually do with the property
  • Aggressive negotiation - we protect your bottom line, not the seller's feelings

Real talk: Not every property is a good investment. We'll show you the numbers and tell you honestly if it pencils out—or if you should keep looking.


Our Buyer Process

1. Discovery Call

We start with a conversation about what you're looking for, your timeline, and your budget. No pressure, just information gathering.

2. Mortgage Pre-Approval

Get pre-approved before you start looking. We can connect you with trusted mortgage brokers who'll give you straight answers.

3. Strategic Search

We set up customized MLS alerts and actively search for properties that match your criteria. You see listings the moment they hit the market.

4. Neighborhood Tours

We show you homes in person and give you the real scoop on each neighborhood—not just the marketing pitch.

5. Market Analysis

For properties you're serious about, we pull comps, analyze recent sales, and determine what it's actually worth vs. what it's listed for.

6. Offer Strategy

We craft a competitive offer with the right price, subjects, and terms—then negotiate hard on your behalf.

7. Due Diligence

Inspections, strata document review, title search—we make sure there are no surprises before you remove subjects.

8. Closing Support

We coordinate with lawyers, lenders, and sellers to ensure a smooth closing. You get your keys, we celebrate.


Why Work With Us as a Buyer?

Deep Vancouver Neighborhood Knowledge

We live and work in this market. We know which Kitsilano blocks get more sun, which Mount Pleasant buildings have the best strata management, where Commercial Drive is headed, and what Dunbar homes actually sell for (not just what they're listed at).

We're Not Desperate to Close You

Because we're listing specialists, we're not desperate for buyer commissions. That means we'll be honest about whether a property is worth it—even if it means you keep looking.

Access to Off-Market Properties

Our network of agents and sellers means we often know about properties before they hit MLS. Not always, but often enough to give you an edge.

Strategic Negotiation

We negotiate based on data, not emotion. We know when to push, when to walk, and when to get creative with terms instead of price.


Buyer FAQs

Q: Do I pay you directly?
A: No. In most cases, the seller pays both agents' commissions. We'll explain exactly how it works during our first conversation.

Q: Should I get pre-approved first?
A: Absolutely. It tells you what you can afford and makes your offers more competitive. We can connect you with great mortgage brokers.

Q: How many homes should I see before making an offer?
A: There's no magic number. Some buyers know after seeing 3 homes, others need to see 20. We'll help you calibrate your expectations as we go.

Q: What if I lose a bidding war?
A: It happens in this market. We'll debrief, adjust strategy, and find you the next one. The right home at the right price is worth waiting for.

Q: Can you help me find a rental property or investment?
A: Yes. We work with investors and can analyze potential rental income, appreciation, and ROI.


Ready to Start Looking?

Let's have a no-pressure conversation about what you're looking for and how we can help you find it.