008: Stephanie Orr Discusses How Referrals Build Your Business

Marci • September 30, 2016

Marci Deane  talks with  Stephanie Orr about current trends in the North Vancouver real market and the benefits of referrals in building a business. 

Introduction

 

Stephanie Orr is a realtor with City and Shore in North Vancouver, BC. She has been in the business for more than 15 years. Passionate about people and building relationships with her clients, Stephanie loves to help people find the right solution to their specific needs. She is a firm believer in giving back to the community, participating in various charity events and groups in the community.

 

Stephanie discusses with Marci about the current trends in the North Vancouver real estate market, the benefits of referrals, and tips for those looking to buy or sell in the upcoming months.

Key Points

  • [2:21] Tell me about the specific part of the market you work in.
  • [3:19] How did you get into the real estate business?
  • [4:22] Is there a specific experience which solidified your passion for the business?
  • [5:22] What is the best advice you received early on in your career?
  • [5:44] In real estate, you’re a thoroughbred horse. Blinders on, head down, and run the race.
  • [6:32] How do you build a business on referrals?
  • [6:57] 95% of my clients come from referrals.
  • [7:45] In the current market, we’re getting back to basics. Spring 2016 was abnormal.
  • [8:42] What significant changes do you see for the buyer in this more traditional market?
  • [9:27] How does the market affect the research you do for clients?
  • [10:24] What advice would you give to sellers in Fall 2016?
  • [11:10] Properties sell through to the end of the year, but most buyers tend to be less interested by the end of November.
  • [11:23] The end of the year is a great time for buyers and investors.
  • [13:04] For those outside your area, what tips would you give to those looking for a realtor?
  • [13:47] Look for a realtor who is able to connect with you.
  • [14:00] The realtor needs to understand the market well so they can protect you.

Contact Stephanie Orr

Share

By Marci Deane July 22, 2026
Saving for a down payment is one of the biggest challenges first-time buyers face. What many don’t realize is that the Canadian government offers a program designed to make it easier—the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) . This program allows you to withdraw money from your RRSP to help purchase your first home, without immediate tax consequences. Here’s how it works: Who Qualifies? To be eligible, you generally need to be a first-time home buyer. In practical terms, this means you must not have owned a home in the past four years, nor lived in a property owned by your spouse or partner during that time. There are also special allowances if you’re living with a disability or helping a relative with a disability. In these cases, you can use the HBP even if you’ve owned a home more recently. How Much Can You Withdraw? Under the program, you can access up to $35,000 from your RRSP as an individual. Couples can combine their withdrawals for a total of $70,000 . These funds must have been in your RRSP for at least 90 days before you take them out. Paying It Back The HBP isn’t “free money”—it’s an interest-free loan from your own retirement savings. You’ll have 15 years to repay the full amount back into your RRSP, starting in the second year after withdrawal. Each year, the CRA will send you an HBP Statement of Account outlining how much needs to be repaid. If you don’t make your repayment in a given year, that amount will be added to your taxable income. Why It’s a Smart Strategy The HBP can give first-time buyers a powerful boost toward homeownership. It helps you put together a larger down payment, which can reduce your mortgage amount and monthly payments. Just remember: it’s important to balance the short-term benefit of homeownership with the long-term impact on your retirement savings. Next Steps Thinking about using the Home Buyers’ Plan? Let’s sit down and review whether it’s the right move for you. Together, we can create a strategy that gets you into your first home while keeping your future financial goals on track. 📞 Reach out anytime—it would be a pleasure to guide you through the process.
By Marci Deane July 15, 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%. The tone of today's announcement is notably more optimistic than previous months. Here's what's changed and what it means for you.
By Marci Deane July 8, 2026
When it comes to selling your home, most people think the first call should be to a real estate agent. But the smartest first step often isn’t with your agent—it’s with an independent mortgage professional. Why? Because your mortgage plays a bigger role in your bottom line than most people realize. Planning to Buy After You Sell If selling means you’ll also be purchasing another property, you’ll want to know exactly where you stand financially before listing. Mortgage rules change regularly, and qualifying once doesn’t guarantee you’ll qualify again. Getting a pre-approval in place ensures you know what you can afford and eliminates surprises later. On top of that, reviewing the terms of your existing mortgage could uncover options you may not have considered. For example, porting your mortgage instead of arranging a brand-new one could save you thousands. Selling Without Buying Even if you aren’t planning to buy right away, there’s still an important step: understanding the cost of breaking your mortgage. Unless your mortgage is open, penalties apply—and they can be significant. By reviewing the numbers with a mortgage professional, you might find that simply adjusting your timeline could reduce or even avoid costly fees. Navigating Life Changes In situations like a marital breakdown, it can feel like selling the family home is the only path forward. But that’s not always the case. With the right guidance and a legal separation agreement, one spouse may be able to buy out the other, keeping the home and providing stability for everyone involved. The Bottom Line Selling your property is more than just putting a sign on the lawn—it’s about creating a financial plan that protects your equity and positions you for the best possible outcome. Before you take the leap, let’s sit down and review your options. 📞 If you’re ready to talk strategy and make sure you get top dollar for your property, I’d be happy to connect anytime.