002: Having Trouble Landing A Successful Bid? Brandon Crichton Shares These 4 Winning Tips

Marci • July 29, 2016

Marci Deane sits down with  Brandon Crichton , a realtor with 2 year of experience with VPG Realty in North Vancouver. In this episode, Brandon talks about the difference between single agency and dual agency realtors, and how to come out ahead in North Vancouver’s competitive real estate market.

Single Agency vs Dual Agency
  • Single agency is an agent who represents clients in only 1 capacity, either as a buyer or a seller. This way, the agent protects the interest of the party they are representing. 

  • Dual agency is an agent who works both sides. This can cause conflicts of interest (If you were hit by a car would you hire an agent to represent both sides?).

Best advice for real estate agents 

  • Have a plan.
  • Have good systems and processes in place.

How to win as a buyer in North Vancouver

  • Have a good strategy.
  • Be prepared, have your paperwork done ahead of time. You’re going to have to act fast when you make an offer.
  • Understand the process.
  • You have to be competitive.
  • Come with a clean offer. (i.e. everything has been checked and understood ahead of time)

How to make sure you’re the winning bid 

  • Don’t overspend, it might not be in your client’s best interest.
  • Understand the market on a day-to-day basis.
  • Know the other agents, and what their strategies might be.
  • Have the cleanest offer.

Advice for finding a realtor 

  • The face on the ad does not tell you about the realtor experience.
  • Pick 3 to 4 agents and interview them.
  • Ask them how many deals they have done this year, if it’s their full-time job or not.
  • If they don’t want to answer these questions, they won’t be the right fit.

Brandon in the Whistler Red Bull 400

Brandon is the defending champion of the Whistler Red Bull 400 from 2015. He’s heading back in 2016 to defend his title. Good luck Brandon, that is an intense race, and I wish you the best of luck!

Contact 

 

Share

By Marci Deane May 6, 2026
What Is a Second Mortgage, Really? (It’s Not What Most People Think) If you’ve heard the term “second mortgage” and assumed it refers to the next mortgage you take out after your first one ends, you’re not alone. It’s a common misconception—but the reality is a bit different. A second mortgage isn’t about the order of mortgages over time. It’s actually about the number of loans secured against a single property —at the same time. So, What Exactly Is a Second Mortgage? When you first buy a home, your mortgage is registered on the property in first position . This simply means your lender has the primary legal claim to your property if you ever sell it or default. A second mortgage is another loan that’s added on top of your existing mortgage. It’s registered in second position , meaning the lender only gets paid out after the first mortgage is settled. If you sell your home, any proceeds go toward paying off the first mortgage first, then the second one, and any remaining equity is yours. It’s important to note: You still keep your original mortgage and keep making payments on it —the second mortgage is an entirely separate agreement layered on top. Why Would Anyone Take Out a Second Mortgage? There are a few good reasons homeowners choose this route: You want to tap into your home equity without refinancing your existing mortgage. Your current mortgage has great terms (like a low interest rate), and breaking it would trigger hefty penalties. You need access to funds quickly , and a second mortgage is faster and more flexible than refinancing. One common use? Debt consolidation . If you’re juggling high-interest credit card or personal loan debt, a second mortgage can help reduce your overall interest costs and improve monthly cash flow. Is a Second Mortgage Right for You? A second mortgage can be a smart solution in the right situation—but it’s not always the best move. It depends on your current mortgage terms, your equity, and your financial goals. If you’re curious about how a second mortgage could work for your situation—or if you’re considering your options to improve cash flow or access equity—let’s talk. I’d be happy to walk you through it and help you explore the right path forward. Reach out anytime—we’ll figure it out together.
By Marci Deane April 29, 2026
The Bank of Canada announced today that it is holding its target for the overnight rate at 2.25%, with the Bank Rate at 2.5% and the deposit rate at 2.20%. This decision comes against a backdrop of significant global uncertainty — and for Canadian homeowners, buyers, and anyone with a mortgage coming up for renewal, here's what it means.
By Marci Deane April 22, 2026
Wondering If Now’s the Right Time to Buy a Home? Start With These Questions Instead. Whether you're looking to buy your first home, move into something bigger, downsize, or find that perfect place to retire, it’s normal to feel unsure—especially with all the noise in the news about the economy and the housing market. The truth is, even in the most stable times, predicting the “perfect” time to buy a home is incredibly hard. The market will always have its ups and downs, and the headlines will never give you the full story. So instead of trying to time the market, here’s a different approach: Focus on your personal readiness—because that’s what truly matters. Here are some key questions to reflect on that can help bring clarity: Would owning a home right now put me in a stronger financial position in the long run? Can I comfortably afford a mortgage while maintaining the lifestyle I want? Is my job or income stable enough to support a new home? Do I have enough saved for a down payment, closing costs, and a little buffer? How long do I plan to stay in the property? If I had to sell earlier than planned, would I be financially okay? Will buying a home now support my long-term goals? Am I ready because I want to buy, or because I feel pressure to act quickly? Am I hesitating because of market fears, or do I have legitimate concerns? These are personal questions, not market ones—and that’s the point. The economy might change tomorrow, but your answers today can guide you toward a decision that actually fits your life. Here’s How I Can Help Buying a home doesn’t have to be stressful when you have a plan and someone to guide you through it. If you want to explore your options, talk through your goals, or just get a better sense of what’s possible, I’m here to help. The best place to start? A mortgage pre-approval . It’s free, it doesn’t lock you into anything, and it gives you a clear picture of what you can afford—so you can move forward with confidence, whether that means buying now or waiting. You don’t have to figure this out alone. If you’re curious, let’s talk. Together, we can map out a homebuying plan that works for you.