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Clients go ‘first class’ with this Realtor
By Heather Navarra, The Write Type
When you travel, you want to go ‘first class’. That’s where the best service is. For those clients ‘travelling’ from one house to another, realtor Anthony de Silva provides that same ‘first class’ service, making clients his number one priority. This friendly and dedicated agent, who goes by Tony with clients and friends, focuses not only on providing exemplary service but also on building relationships with clients. At the end of the transaction, the level of trust is significant, the bond is strong and a friendship is often the result.
Tony doesn’t believe in pressure tactics. “I want clients to be very comfortable with me. I encourage them to investigate other realtors and pick the best. I am an open book, nothing hidden – whatever I say, I do. I make promises and I keep them.” Indeed, this personable realtor is successful through his kind and respectful approach.
Educated in England, Tony holds a Higher National Diploma in Computer Science from London. After moving to Canada, Tony handled database administration for most of the hospitals in Calgary, as well as the Calgary Police Service.
Over a 15-year period, Tony bought and sold real estate as personal investments and developed skills that, combined with his background, allowed him to very easily step into the real estate profession. “My international experience within the banking and money markets, investments and analysis of markets, and my negotiating and people skills have all served me well and have been enhanced as I have developed my real estate career.” Obtaining his license in 2003, Tony is now with Real Estate Professionals
A member of the Canadian Real Estate Association, the Alberta Real Estate Association and the Calgary Real Estate Board, Tony is also an associate member of the British Computer Society, a highly recognized professional society for those with high-tech skills.
Predominantly a listing agent, Tony handles residential and commercial properties ranging in price from $150,000 to $4 million. His focus is on marketing homes and properties that are listed for $1 million plus. Although Tony doesn’t have a set team, he does have Buyer Agents that ensure his buyers get the best service. He also has an Assistant who provides administrative support.
For clients relocating from another area, Tony provides more than just realtor services. He can arrange accommodation at preferred rates in a centrally-located hotel. He often picks up clients at the airport and, armed with information about their needs, he’s ready to help them get acquainted with the neighbourhoods that best suit them. His low-key but professional approach ensures clients are comfortable; they know they can call on Tony for added assistance.
Marketing tools include use of the Internet through Tony’s personal website, the Multiple Listing Services of the Calgary Real Estate Board, as well as the agency website and the LuxuryHomes.com site. Tony also advertises in the monthly community newspaper, the Daily Calgary Herald, Dream Home magazine and the Calgary Real Estate News, and sends a mail-out to all clients and contacts.
This thorough agent doesn’t stop there. Extremely organized, Tony stays abreast of market trends and activity. Using the monthly statistics provided by the Calgary Real Estate Board, he keeps clients apprised of average house prices in the current market, demand and supply of available properties month-to-month, and price fluctuations. Investors are particularly interested in this information that suggests what they could expect from their investment property if they were to sell. Tony’s focus on staying current consistently benefits his clients.
The results are significant. In his first year, Tony was named ‘Rookie of the Year’ for his office and, since then, he has consistently maintained a spot within the agency’s top residential producers.
Through his actions, Tony tries to exemplify “The Four Agreements”, written by Don Miguel Ruiz. He is impeccable with his word, in that he says what he means, speaks with integrity and keeps promises made. He tries not to take anything personally. He doesn’t make assumptions, but instead asks questions and expresses what he wants, understanding that clear communication helps avoid misunderstandings. But mostly he always does his best. With his approach, there are no regrets and clients reap all the benefits.
The best part about the real estate profession for Tony is helping people reach their dreams and accomplish their goals. “Buying and/or selling of one’s home can be the most exhilarating experience and is usually one of the biggest purchases people make,” says Tony. “Being a part of this experience for my clients has been most rewarding.”
His family life helps Tony find a balance between work and play. Happily married for 34 years to wife Christobel, he also enjoys spending time with his dog, a Pomeranian and Yorkie cross named Willie. A successful singer, the culmination of a dream was recording his CD in Nashville entitled “All My Dreams”, working with the same musicians that backed Elvis Presley.
Tony has learned that real estate market trends are not an indicator of how successful an agent will be. “Success can only be found by learning how to deal with anyone at any time,” he shares, “from all walks of life, and ensuring that you always are providing exceptional service.”
This hardworking agent is a true professional. “The client is your ‘boss’ and comes first, not the commissions,” he says. “It’s important for me to consistently present myself and my agency professionally. I work full time, dedicated and focussed on real estate. Although I am experienced, I am not afraid to seek advice from other agents and my broker. I am always willing to learn and open to new ideas that may help me provide better service to my clients.”
“Every day when I wake up, my goal is to serve my clients,” says Tony. “That goal won’t change. It’s not about the money; that’s secondary. I’m not looking at building an empire. I just want to do the best for my clients. My focus is to ensure the selling and or buying process is pleasant and stress-free for each client; taking the time to pay attention to each client’s needs and always being willing to go the ‘extra mile’.”
That’s first class service, all the way!
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