Liam AndersonVancouver’s real estate market isn’t always easy to navigate. My own search for a condo felt like I was on a bad reality show.
My first experience with a realtor led me to a condo that legally qualified as a broom closet with a tiny bed. The realtor, bless her heart, kept chirping about the place’s “great investment potential!” Right, because everyone dreams of flipping a glorified shoebox!
That’s when I knew I needed a real estate agent with the skills of Houdini – someone who could pull a decent two-bedroom out of a hat (or at least a mortgage that didn’t require selling my firstborn).
Thankfully I found a great realtor after much research and help from the Waterview team. So if you’re in need of some real estate help, here’s our list of all the best real estate agencies in Vancouver for you to consider.
| How much does a real estate agent cost in Vancouver? It won’t cost you anything upfront to employ an agent in Vancouver. The commission for the real estate agent comes from the seller of the property (3% to 7% of the sale). Normally, there will be a non-fixed fee, but this varies depending on which real estate agency you go with. |
How We Chose
1. Pete Shpak – Vancouver Realtor – Vuppie Real Estate Team
Address: 1286 Homer St #400, Vancouver, BC V6B 2Y5, Canada
Contact Details:+1 604-220-7490
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Website: Pete Shpak – Vuppie Real Estate Team
Pete’s got the experience thing down – he’s been dealing with the market for over 15 years. Despite that, he’s not stuck in the old-school ways. From speaking with him, we saw that he brings a refreshing, tech-forward approach.
We were happy to see that he uses the latest tools and marketing strategies to get your property seen (if you’re selling) or find the best places (if you’re buying).
And props to the Vuppie team for their backend support. Documents, deadlines, and details were handled with efficiency, making the administrative side of things a breeze.
Pete also has a reputation for maintaining clear communication with clients at every stage.
However, pricewise, a few clients we spoke with mentioned they weren’t entirely clear on the commission structure upfront. It would be helpful for Pete to ensure his fee breakdown is transparent from the beginning.
Pros
- Refreshing, tech-forward approach
- Utilizes latest marketing strategies
- Clear communication
Cons
Customer Reviews
Could not have done this without Pete and his team
“Pete was exceptional to work with! Caring, attentive, professional. Not only did Pete work hard to secure the best condo, he also recommended both an amazing mortgage and insurance broker who both walked me through so many steps of the process. I honestly could not have done this without Pete and his team. He made, what otherwise could have been an overwhelming experience for me, as smooth as could be. Pete has an amazingly infectious positivity that will keep you going!!”
– Laureen Hooker, Google Reviews
Would highly recommend him for your real estate purchase or sale
“My wife and I recently purchased a house while selling our townhouse through Pete and his company. It was a challenging transaction as we needed a very specific timeline and sequence of transactions to ensure we kept our mortgage conditions and not need to renew at the current much higher market rates. Pete professionally managed the situation successfully and ensured that everything lined up perfectly. He turned what could have been a very stressful / expensive situation into a pleasant and exciting experience! This is the second transaction we have worked with Pete on and would highly recommend him for your real estate purchase or sale!”
– Jeremy Moulson, Google Reviews
2. Ron Parpara PREC – Vancouver Realtor
Address: 701 W Georgia St #1500, Vancouver, BC V6B 2Y5, Canada
Contact Details: +1 604-275-2997
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Website: Ron Parpara PREC
Ron offers a full-service experience, which is fantastic for those who want a hands-on realtor.
However, if you’re a more independent buyer or seller who prefers to do some legwork yourself, you might find his service to be a little more comprehensive than you want (and see that reflected in the commission).
You can actually see what I mean if you’re selling a home. On his website, he has a handy commission calculator to help you figure out the fees for that with him. Just don’t be shocked if it’s pricey – for the reason I just mentioned!
Regardless of fees, working with Ron and his team is worth it. Many of their clients I spoke with described their knowledge as invaluable when it came to assessing property values, pinpointing the best homes, and understanding the vibe of each town within Vancouver.
Moreover, I noted Ron’s patience when explaining things repeatedly to his clients. He was never pushy and always available to answer their questions, no matter how big or small. Some also mentioned to me they never felt rushed or pressured to make decisions.
And they liked how he didn’t let tech overshadow the personal connection when it came to finding their new home—the whole experience was collaborative and supportive.
Pros
- Full-service experience
- Online commision calculatorOnline commision calculator
- Patient and great explainer
Cons
- Not the best for independent sellers/buyers
- Pricey commissions for sellers
Customer Reviews
Sold our apartment in record time
“Ron and his team sold our apartment in record time and multiple offers in a buyers market. Ron is very professional and knowledgeable. We had tenants in our property, and Jordan was very attentive and managed showings and communications really well. The tenants were happy and so were we!
100% recommend!”
– Raquel Laban, Google Reviews
Exceptional skills in dealing with difficult tenants
“I cannot speak highly enough of Ron, our exceptional realtor who recently sold our condos and expertly managed a challenging rental property. Ron’s professionalism, market knowledge, and dedication to his clients truly set him apart. He navigated the selling process seamlessly, securing a quick sale at an excellent price. Moreover, Ron’s exceptional skills in dealing with difficult tenants ensured a hassle-free rental experience. I wholeheartedly recommend Ron to anyone in need of a reliable and talented realtor.”
– Ella Shirazi, Google Reviews
3. Kim Lee – Vancouver Realtor
Address: 400-1286 Homer St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2Y5, Canada
Contact Details: +1 778-997-8938
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Website: Kim Lee
Since Kim Lee is a solo real estate agent, getting in touch with her was a little difficult. It took a few weeks for us to hear back from her because her schedule seems pretty packed.
But when we did speak with her, it was clear to see that she knows all there is to know about Vancouver—especially helpful for first-time buyers navigating Vancouver’s diverse housing market.
One of the things we liked is that Kim emphasizes clear communication throughout the process. Her approach also goes beyond just the transaction. We observed that she clearly enjoys connecting with her clients and building relationships.
And in terms of her online presence, we liked how easy her website was to navigate. She’s also got everything from open house listings to Airbnb buildings for sale listed on her site for convenience.
Plus, she’s got all the calculators you need to figure out fees, from mortgage to property transfer tax. You can’t complain about all of that assistance!
Pros
- Helpful for first-time buyers
- Builds relationships with her clients
- Tons of online resources
Cons
- Difficult to contact
Customer Reviews
Helped me find my dream Vancouver condo
“Dear Kim, thank you for your exceptional work, I enjoyed your help with finding my dream Vancouver condo. Kim is extremely knowledgeable and patient. This was my first time buying a home so there was tons of stuff I didn’t know how to do and Kim walked me every step of the way making the process very simple and easy for me ! If your looking to buy a home Kim will be a great choice in assisting your needs regardless if you’re a new home buyer or veteran.”
– Taylor Lieu, Google Reviews
Knowledgeable, professional and responsive
“It was a pleasure working with Kim. Kim was highly recommended to us and she did not disappoint. The process was transparent, she was communicative, knowledgeable, professional and responsive. She always looked out for our best interest. We always felt heard, and our own internal process was respected, we never felt pressured, and she was also open to our input during the process. It was a fun and enjoyable experience, we highly recommend her. Thank you Kim!”
– Iris Tse, Google Reviews
4. Han Lee – JULY Real Estate Group
Address: 666 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6C 2X8, Canada
Contact Details: +1 778-789-9688
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 11 PM
Website: JULY Real Estate Group
Han Lee, isn’t a solo agent, but rather part of July Real Estate Group. We at Waterview Vancouver contacted him in hopes of seeking out a potential new office building.
While we mostly interacted with Han directly, there were a few instances where we were handed off to other members of the July Real Estate Group team.
Sure, everyone we encountered was professional, but the handoffs weren’t always seamless. We felt the communication was lacking.
Nevertheless, we did like all the real estate market tools we had at our disposal. Their online listing tools made it so easy for us to see which places stood out.
We also liked how Han kept us in the loop throughout the entire process and things moved quickly with Han, which can be a good thing. But sometimes we felt a little rushed.
So, if you’re someone who needs more time to process information, you might want to be upfront with Han about your preferred pace.
Pros
- Online home & building listing tool
- Strong social media presence
Cons
- Process felt a bit rushed
Guided us through the process every step of the way
“From the first meeting over a year and a half ago to buying the property that matches our requirements, Han went above and beyond in guiding us in the right direction. I still remember this phrase from the first meeting: “Don’t waste your time looking for your ideal home. Leave that part to me. Let’s discuss on what you are looking for in your ideal home, which areas you want to be, and your budget. I will find the right property that fits your needs”. And he did. He guided us through the process every step of the way. Above all, he is an excellent human being.”
– P, Google Reviews
Made the entire experience seamless
“I had the pleasure of working with Han. He surpassed all expectations in helping me sell my condo. His expertise, professionalism, and commitment to achieving the best outcome made the entire experience seamless. Han’s in-depth market knowledge and tailored approach ensured I felt confident throughout the process. His attention to detail, strategic marketing, and expert negotiation skills resulted in multiple interested buyers and exceeded my expectations. Han’s exceptional service, prompt communication, and regular updates demonstrated his dedication. Without hesitation, I highly recommend Han to anyone seeking a reliable, knowledgeable, and highly effective realtor.”
– Jose Chatelet, Google Reviews
5. Paul Eviston – Vancouver Realtor
Address: 5487 West Blvd #3, Vancouver, BC V6M 3W5, Canada
Contact Details:+1 604-313-0035
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 9 PM
Website: Paul Eviston
Paul Eviston Realty is a great choice for those seeking a seasoned, results-oriented team. But if you’re on a tight budget or crave constant hand-holding, you might want to look for a realtor who caters more to those needs.
Anyway, Paul Eviston has a resume brimming with awards, including the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver’s President’s Club Award (top 1%!) and the RE/MAX Circle of Legends. That kind of recognition translates to confidence—you know you’re getting a seasoned pro who’s seen (and likely sold) it all.
Plus, we observed that his team is clearly well-versed in the Vancouver market, which is always a huge plus. No matter whether working with Paul directly or Edward (another agent in his team), they clearly know how to get deals done.
However, some we spoke with did tell us that a few times they felt like they had to nudge them for updates, which isn’t ideal.
Pros
- Award-winning real estate team
Cons
- Not for those on a tight budget
- Lagged in updates
Customer Reviews
Professionalism and extensive knowledge were invaluable
“We had an excellent experience working with Edward. As first-time homebuyers, his professionalism and extensive knowledge were invaluable. He guided us through the process seamlessly, making it an enjoyable journey. In an industry where buying real estate can be stressful, his expertise and calm demeanor provided reassurance, turning what could have been a nerve-wracking experience into a smooth and exciting venture. Highly recommend working with Edward!”
– Rene Botha, Google Review
Could not have picked a better team
“Working with Paul and the team was a fantastic experience. From the moment we met Paul, we gave him our expectations, and trusted him and the process. Paul and the team delivered! Our home was sold within a week of it being listed. We appreciate the non-sugar-coated advice and the attention to detail and care from the team. Could not have picked a better team to represent us and our home. Thank you again for all of your hard work!”
– Joyt Uppal, Google Reviews
