5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a North Vancouver Realtor
If you are thinking about listing your home, you have probably already looked up how to interview an agent. You likely found the standard questions such as "What is your commission?" or "How many homes have you sold?"
Those are important starting points. However, they do not tell you if an agent truly understands the unique nuances of the North Shore. A lack of local knowledge can cost you thousands of dollars or cause a sale to collapse.
To find the best realtor for selling in North Vancouver, you need to dig deeper. You need an agent who understands our micro-climates, our schools, and our specific property quirks.
Here are five specific questions you should ask to ensure you are hiring a true local expert.
1. "What is your specific strategy for 'Oil Tanks'?"
If you live in a detached home in North Van that was built before 1975, this is a critical topic. Many agents from outside our area do not realize how common underground oil storage tanks are in neighborhoods like Lynn Valley or Pemberton Heights.
The Wrong Answer: "We will just wait and see if the buyer asks for a scan."
My Approach: I believe in addressing this upfront. Whether it means pre-scanning to remove liability or drafting specific clauses to protect you during negotiation, I handle the environmental risks early. This ensures they do not derail the deal at the last minute.
2. "Which specific 'Micro-Climate' does my home belong to?"
North Vancouver is not a single weather zone. The difference in rainfall and sunlight between Lynn Valley and Lower Lonsdale is significant.
Why it matters: When I market a home, I am not just selling the house. I am selling the lifestyle. If you are in Edgemont or Canyon Heights, I market the village atmosphere and the school catchments. If you are in Deep Cove, I am selling the water access. If an agent treats a listing in Central Lonsdale the same as one in Upper Lonsdale, they are missing the specific buyer demographic for your home.
3. "How do you overcome the 'Bridge Traffic' objection?"
Buyers moving from Vancouver or Burnaby are often worried about the commute. If your agent does not have a data-backed answer to "What about the traffic?" then you might lose the buyer.
My Approach: I help buyers understand the actual commute times versus the perceived ones. I know the shortcuts to the Second Narrows and the frequency of the SeaBus. I turn the bridge barrier into a conversation about the incredible value and lifestyle you get on the North Shore compared to the city.
4. "How does your team structure benefit my sale?"
You are likely considering us because of the Rossetti Realty brand. We are a specialized, high-performing team with incredible market stats.
The Question to Ask: "Will I be passed off to an assistant, or will you be handling the negotiation?"
My Promise: Our team is lean and competitive by design. When you hire me, you get the full backing of our collective market data and administrative support. However, you also get my direct personal attention. I am the one at the open house, and I am the one at the negotiating table representing your interests. It is the best of both worlds.
5. "How deep is your knowledge of the specific buildings in my area?" (For Condo Sellers & Buyers)
North Van has a complex mix of inventory. We have 100-year-old heritage homes, 1990s wood-frame condos, and brand-new concrete high-rises. A lack of building-specific knowledge can lead to incorrect pricing.
The Risk: An "outsider" agent sees two condos in Lower Lonsdale with the same square footage and prices them the same. They don't realize that one building has a reputation for proactive maintenance and a healthy contingency fund, while the other is known for noise issues or pending levies.
My Advantage: I am active in this market every day. I know the reputations of the buildings. I know which stratas are "pet-friendly" in practice, not just on paper. I know which complexes have successfully completed their rain-screening and which ones are still vulnerable. When we list your home, I use this knowledge to defend your price and highlight the intangible value of your specific building to potential buyers.
The Bottom Line
Selling in North Vancouver requires more than just putting a sign on the lawn. It requires a guide who knows the difference between a peek-a-boo view and a panoramic view, and exactly what that is worth in today's market.
Thinking of making a move? I would love to chat about how we can position your home for success.
About Matt Council, PREC
North Shore-focused Realtor with 10+ years helping homeowners in North Vancouver and West Vancouver. I specialize in detached homes, strata, and North Shore presales. If you want a quick, no-pressure read on your options, I’m here.
Call/Text: 604-317-4464 • Email: matt@rossettirealty.ca
Service areas: North Vancouver and West Vancouver - from Deep Cove to Horseshoe Bay