Margret Nyfors

FAQ About Margret

Here are some questions and answers about me for those of you who were wondering but perhaps too shy to ask.  I know most people start their search for an agent or property on-line, I have put some basic information about my background and my approach to real estate here for your consideration. 

So, who are you?

My name is Margret Nyfors and I am a licensed real estate agent with TRG: The Residential Group in Vancouver, BC. 

What is TRG: The Residential Group?  I have never heard of them before?

TRG: The Residential Group is a fast growing agency in the city of Vancouver.  It has offices in Kitsilano, Downtown Vancouver, Port Moody and Coquitlam.  I chose to work there as I loved the helpful attitude of the brokers, friendliness of the staff and other agents and devotion to ethics and excellence. 

How long have you been an agent?

I got my real estate licence in 2006.  I started working full time as an agent in 2009. 

I consider myself to be a newer agent and routinely consult more experienced brokers for their opinion if required. 

How do you find your clients?

I work mainly on referral.  People that use my services are drawn to me because they know me to be helpful, competent and transparent in my approach.   

What is your background? 

My career experience is in the education and criminal justice fields.  (specific details on request!).  In terms of real estate, I have been a real estate investor for years.  I actively look for real estate investments for myself and others both as fix and flip projects and as hold and rent properties. 

How would you describe your approach to the business of real estate? 

I am not one of those pit bull agents that you see on TV.  If that is what you want, then I suggest you look elsewhere for an agent!  I believe real estate is about negotiation.  I do not go into a deal to beat the other side up.  I have seen too many deals fall apart because one side or the other gets cold feet during the subject removal time because they feel they got shafted.  Then the deal falls apart.  And then things become messy – very messy.   I am protective of my client’s position and assertive about their wants but I am not disrespectful and unfair to the other party.  I have good working relationships with other agents simply because they know when I come to the table, I am bringing a “we can make this happen” attitude. 

I have always held positions of trust and responsibility in my career life.  I am passionate about real estate and believe in its value.  I really believe that I am there to give information and objective counsel to their clients in their real estate transactions.  For most people, buying property is one of the most expensive and exciting investments they will ever make.  They need to get as much information as possible to feel confident in their choice.  I am very transparent in all of my dealings.  I am honest and direct in my conversations.  I focus on your money and not my money in the deal.  I am down to earth and not into the showy aspects of this business. 

Speaking of the showy aspects of the business,  do you drive a BMW?

No.  I drive an old Toyota that often smells of wet dog (from taking my dog to the beach).  I love my old car – it is long paid for and easy to parallel park.  When I need to drive clients, I use a Co-op car.  I am not into the “optics” part of the business.  I would rather put 60K towards buying an investment property than a depreciating asset. I don’t lease anything.  I often wear jeans and I strive to be someone my clients can feel relaxed around.

What should I as a buyer or seller expect of you when I first contact you?

I love to talk about real estate!  Unfortunately, I find that most people are wary of chatting with agents.  Perhaps they are fearful they will be spammed or cold called – like letting some horrific old school stereotyped salesperson into their lives.  I am keen to break that stereotype.  When someone calls or emails, I simply want to have a conversation with them to find out how I can help.  It may just be something simple like how much the condo next door sold for or setting up an automatic search feed.  I really just see that as part of the job and in no way a commitment from you to act as your agent.  For me to act in an agent capacity, we need to interview each other and see if we are a good match to work as a team on your real estate needs!  Then, if we are a good match, we will sign paperwork that outlines the agency relationship.  Once signed, then I am your agent, however, we can end the relationship at any time if it is not working out!!  So, yes, please call, email or write with your questions.  I would be happy to hear from you!

How much do you charge as an agent?

I work on a commission/ spec basis.  There is no set commission rate in BC.  This means each agent can set his or her own commission rate. 

For selling a property, I charge 7% on the first 100K and 2.5% on the balance.  As an fyi, I do not keep all that money.  Approximately half of it is given to the agent of the buyer who buys your property.  This is a good incentive to get agents to bring their qualified buyers to your home.  The remainder is used to cover my fees and to stage, market and sell your property.  If you wish to discuss my fees further, feel free to start a conversation about them.  But I will only discuss my portion of them.  To me, the buyer’s agent fees and the marketing costs are non-negotiable. 

For helping to buy a property, I am paid by the agent of the property you buy.  When a listing is for sale, the listing agent outlines the amount of commission split that he or she will give to the agent who assists the purchasers.  This amount can vary.  As a buyer, you should be informed of this commission split. 

Again, there is no set commission rate in BC.

How do you market your properties?

I am a completely web based real estate agent.  I do not flyer and I do not use print advertising.  I believe that the internet and social media are now how properties are bought and sold.  This means your property must look good on the web as that is where most people are starting their home search.  I really think the effort that goes into preparing and presenting a home for sale is key to getting it sold.  They must look good on-line and have good information about them.  This is why I am a huge advocate of staging and professional photography.  To me, properties sell because of presentation, price and accessibility.  You need to have all three going for you in order to sell in a timely manner. 

What other interests do you have?

Real estate is my number one passion but I do have others as well.  I love pets and happily take care of one big dog and one crazy cat at home.  I am a professional improviser in the city and proudly do shows on a regular basis at the Vancouver Theatresports League.  I love pie and consider myself a pie connoisseur.  I enjoy writing and have been detailing my personal stories in an online blog located at www.kitsgal.com  While I would like to say that I enjoy exercise, I like it after it is done than while I am doing it. 

Are you available 24/7?

For the most part, however, there are times when I am not available (for example, when I am on stage doing a show).  I have excellent partnerships with other amazing agents and I can arrange for one of them to assist you in an emergency.  These are people I trust not only with my business but yours as well so you can be assured that they will take excellent care of you. 

What is your area of expertise?

 When I first started working as a real estate agent, I tried to master everything, but I soon found that I became a master of nothing – there are a lot of properties and areas in this city and my focus became scattered!  I believe it is important to be an expert in a niche area so you can speak with authority when a client needs information.  Now, I specialize in newer turn-key condos in the Downtown core and Yaletown.  I love it!