What Derek's Clients have to say:
1. Derek is in a class unto himself. He went aboveand beyond the call of duty for us, and most importantly, he genuinely had our best interests at heart. Derek made the sale of our home seamless; he took our questions and concerns in stride. We sincerely appreciated his patience and reassurance, and the breadth and depth of his knowledge. Derek, you are phenomenal! SJ and CH
2. Derek, having you as our agent has been the most rewarding experience. As first time homeowners we were lost. Your dedication to our needs and all of the time that you willing spent with us to make sure we found a house to make into our home was greatly appreciated. Derek is more then a realtor, he’s your friend when it comes to finding your new home. He makes the whole process so easy and enjoyable. Going the extra mile would just be an understatement when it comes to Derek Braaten. We will be recommending Derek for years to come and can’t wait to go to him again. Thank you again for finding us a home. Derek Oxtoby & Melissa Kennedy
3. Our experience on buying our house with Derek was wonderful, his patience and true concern that you are totally satisfied with your purchase is outstanding, we also shared some humourous moments. Thank you Derek. Cheryl and Fred Hayes
4. Derek is Great! I was new to the real estate industry and had an unfortunate experience my first time in the ring. But when I met Derek he made it simple and helped me find my perfect place. He always has your best interests in mind and understands your fears and concerns when it's time to sign those papers! I would encourage any of my family and friends to meet with Derek and see what he can do for them. They won't regret it. Once you get him he feels like part of your family. Thanks again, Lino Lazaro
5. Derek is an awesome real estate agent. His hand was "not in our pocket". He is honest and professional. A refreshing change from the stereotypical salesperson. He went the distance, literally, to find us a great family home!! Cheryl and Grant Martin
6. Derek Braaten is a realtor whom I have found to be an honest and hard-working guy who "goes that extra mile" I have purchased a home utilizing Derek's services and also sold a property with him as well. The sale of my home required extra special attention from Derek due to difficult and unforseen factors. He rose to the challenge and I appreciated his professional as well as his caring style. I highly recommend Derek for any type of real estate needs. Sincerely, Debra Kerr
7. Very well informed and keeps you up to date..patient & understanding. Can't recommend him enough. MH
8. Derek is the most patient and thoughtful agent I have ever had the opportunity to do business with. He listened to my wants/needs, was very helpful and did not waste my time and enery showing me things that did not fit my style. I would recommend him to anyone who wants an honest and reliable agent. Lynca Bolduc
9. When my husband and I decided to start looking into the purchase of our second home, a friend referred us to Derek. From the initial meeting and throughout the entire process, Derek patiently and diligently guided us toward the eventual purchase of the right home for our family. Derek's knowledge and professionalism as a realtor combined with his fantastic communication and interpersonal skills make him a success in his chosen field. He helped make an otherwise stressful life event exciting and positive and we have already been happy to refer him to several friends. Mike & Kerry Hill
10. Above all, when you work with Derek Braaten, you know that he really cares and has your best interests in mind and at heart. Doug & Jaqui Thompson
11. Derek is highly professional and very willingly goes the extra 10 miles to provide awesome service! KLB
12. Just wanted to drop you a line to thank you for finding my new home for me! To say I am a satisfied customer would be an understatement! Tahra’s high praise when she recommended you was well deserved. I appreciated so much your compassion and patience with me while I went through all my first time homeowner neuroses”. You always made me feel like it mattered to you that I find the place that felt right for me. I am so excited to begin this new phase of my life; a home of my own and my first grandchild all in the same year. What better place for a new grandma to live than in OakBay - thanks to you! I have no hesitation in recommending you to anyone requiring the services of an outstanding Realtor. Thank you again Derek, it has been a pleasure. Glenda Rae
13. Derek was incredible in everything that he did with me while I was selling my home. When working with Derek, he made me feel extremely comfortable with every decision that I had to make and he made me feel like I was his most important client. He is kind, understanding and very professional in every aspect of his job. I will have absolutely no problem giving him my whole hearted recommendation to my friends and family, and plan on using Derek again for future purchases and sales. Doug Schlenker
14. Derek, it has been such a pleasure having you as our agent. You are in my mind the best agent we have ever had the opportunity to work with. You listened to what we said, and what wasn't said, and very patiently helped us find our new home. Then, your service got even better when it was time to write up and present the offer. From our initial meet and greet to the present, I know I can trust you. I know you have our best interests at heart. That quality sets you apart from others in your profession. Although I do not anticipate requiring your expertise on another real estate transaction soon, there is no one else I would consider as my Realtor. In the mantime, I hope we can become friends who may do business in the future. I will enjoy the opportunity to recommend you to anyone wishing to buy or sell property. Yours truly, Pam S.
15. Derek, Thank you so very much for working so closely and patiently with us. Your professionalism, attention to detail and concern with our preferences and idiosyncrasies are much appreciated! We are enjoying the house and "nesting". We used your generous gift for those little things that make a house a home. Mostly, we are enjoying the deck, particularly in this heat. Best wishes, Kelly Acker
16. With Derek's help, we're now settling into our "first home", and loving it. He was a great help to us in learning all of the ins and outs of buying and home ownership. We really appreciated how patient he was, and how he helped look out for our best interests, especially when it came time to guide us through a "nail-biting" negotiation with a seller. We'll gladly recommend him whenever we get the chance! Jeremy & Beth Geras
17. As we all know there are many Realtors out there, but not many that are great! Derek Braaten is GREAT. He had the patience and knowledge to help me with my first purchase. I really appreciated his honesty and tireless dedication to my search. Kelly Hayes
18. I can tell you’ve been the person I was looking for to help me buying. I think honesty and great negotiation skills are the most important qualities you expect from a realtor, and you got it! Jasmin Fredette
19. I moved to Victoria in the spring of 2006 from the prairies and was daunted by home prices. I contacted Derek Braaten of the Sutton Group-Westcan Realty along with two other realtors on a referral. I found Derek to be the one most in synch with my needs and "sticker shock" reaction. He worked hard to find homes in my modest price range, kept in close contact with me but did not apply any pressure, carefully inspected every house I visited pointing out both positive and negative aspects, and was most congenial. I am pleased with my purchase and would trust him again should I decide to purchase in the Victoria area. Thank you, Derek. Mona Acker
20. Derek’s attention to detail is exceptional as was his devotedness to our cause…buying our first home. He made our goal, his goal. Informed and knowledgable, he provided us with concise, appropriate, and helpful information daily. We heartily recommended him to anyone buying or selling! Stephen & Cara Hunt
21. We have bought a house in Shawnigan Lake with Derek as our Realtor. This is not our first house purchase and Derek by far was the best Realtor we have dealt with! We were moving long distance so there were many extra issues for a Realtor to make this a positive experience. Right from the first E-mail we sent him, we received professional replies and service. Derek went out of his way to make sure that we had all the information necessary to be able to buy the best suitable house available at the time. He was well prepared, never rushed us, got us answers we needed in a timely manner. We highly recommend him and know that he will do whatever possible to serve you well through your home buying or selling experience. Sincerely, Marja Blasé
22. Hi Derek, Just opened your envelope. Thank you so much for all the information and certificate. You made the process of buying my home such a positive experience. Your knowledge and thoroughness was great and without it I know it would have been much more difficult for me to go through this process. I already have been telling everyone I know what a great realtor I have and would not hesitate to recommend you to anyone. All the hours and patience you put into this one sale made me realize how hard you work and have pride in what you do and it shows. I also forgot to tell you I loved your picture with all your family. That is great! Take care and see you soon. Wendy Fanucchi |