As a first time buyer in the highly competitive real estate market that is my hometown of Vancouver, I had huge stress even at the thought of purchasing even the smallest of properties. I put it off for years because I figured the whole thing would be an ordeal. I am currently 31 and was starting to feel pressure to get my foot in the door this year. When my boyfriend suggested we start looking at buying a place together and get a realtor, we chose Jamie Hannigan from RE/MAX who had a great reputation from his previous work at CBRE.

Just last week, my boyfriend saw a listing online for a three level place in an up and coming neighbourhood downtown that was still in the preview/prestage of viewing. We both agreed it looked perfect and was affordable. We emailed Jamie and got a prompt phone call back to confirm what we were looking for- he then called the sales centre which was solidly booked and managed to get us a last minute appointment for the following day at lunch! We all met there, and Jamie was well dressed, polite, funny, and direct. He provided both my boyfriend and I copies of all the documents we needed. With the broker, we went over the building model from top to bottom together, and asked questions. Jamie pointed out both obvious lifestyle and structural benefits AND asked insightful questions neither my boyfriend or I thought to ask. 23 out of 24 of the units were already spoken for.

We left the sales office and Jamie accompanied us to the future building site. Within 15 minutes my boyfriend and I decided we had our hearts set on purchasing the place. Jamie assured us he would take care of getting us the last suite, and we didn't even need to contact anyone else- he would take care of everything. We were very excited.

The next day, Jamie called to inform us that during the 15 minutes we were viewing the site, another couple had spoken for the last suite. We were completely crushed. Jamie told us both to sit tight and think positive, and he would take care of it for us.

He was upbeat and told me that it was out of my hands, and ensured me he would do his best.

He proceeded to follow up with the development company consistently, not just by email but calling directly, to  let them know how in love with the place we were, that we were ready with the deposit; he urged them to keep us in mind should anything fall through. I have heard from other people who miss oppourtunities like this that they rarely become available again. However through sheer effort Jamie kept us at the forefront of the broker's mind, and he was the first person the broker called when our dream suite- Northwest, corner, facing the mountains- became miraculously available!

Jamie went with us personally to sign all documents, and we all celebrated with champagne after my boyfriend and I bought our first dream apartment less than three days after finding out it even existed.

I would not hesitate to recommend Jamie to anyone looking to buy a home. I know without his persistence, energy and positive attitude we never would have ended up with this property. Not only was he a pleasure to deal with but he got the job done perfectly. If we ever end up selling our place and upgrading to a mansion, we know who we will hire!  :-)

Thanks Jamie!

Leah Todd

"Jamie helped me when I had just about given up hope on real estate agents. He actually listened and responded honestly and helped me very patiently find the perfect pre sale condo. Would I would recommend him or use him again? Hell yes!"

- Vanessa Griffiths