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The Art of Negotiation: Lessons from a Career Built on Communication and Trust
When people think about negotiation, they often picture someone driving a hard bargain, holding their ground and getting the last word. My approach starts with listening. Before real estate, I spent my career as a police officer, where communication and trust were essential. That experience shaped how I approach conversations, work through challenges and help people make decisions under pressure. Buying or selling a home brings its own pressures. There’s money involved, timel
vanloonrealtor
5 days ago3 min read


What My Career in Policing Taught Me About Helping Sellers
Selling a home is a major decision. There are timelines to manage, details to understand and, often, a lot of emotion tied to the place you are leaving behind. My career in policing taught me the value of staying calm, listening carefully and communicating clearly. Those lessons still shape how I work with sellers today. Listen before making a plan Every seller has a different reason for moving. Some are excited about their next home. Others are navigating a change they did n
vanloonrealtor
Sep 282 min read


Selling Your Home? Here’s How I Plan a ‘Safe & Secure’ Listing Strategy
A thoughtful plan to protect your property, privacy, and peace of mind while creating strong market exposure. A safe and secure listing strategy balances buyer access with clear boundaries, careful preparation, and accountable communication. When you list your home for sale, you are opening the door to buyers, agents, photographers, inspectors, and other professionals. That access is necessary, but it should never feel uncontrolled. A successful listing strategy needs to crea
vanloonrealtor
Aug 204 min read


Home Buying Tip #1: Red Flags to Watch For (From a Former Officer)
Buying a home is exciting, but excitement can sometimes cause buyers to overlook warning signs that may lead to expensive surprises later. Before I became a REALTOR®, I spent years in law enforcement. That career taught me to pay attention to details, look beyond first impressions, and ask questions others might not think to ask. Today, I bring that same mindset to every home I show. No house is perfect, but there are certain red flags that deserve a closer look before you ma
vanloonrealtor
Jul 133 min read


Buying an Investment Property? My Risk-Assessment Approach
Buying an investment property isn't just about finding a home that looks good on paper. It's about minimizing risk, maximizing potential, and making decisions based on facts, not emotions. My background in law enforcement taught me that the best decisions come from gathering information, asking the right questions, and assessing every angle before taking action. It's an approach that has served me well in real estate, especially when helping clients build their investment por
vanloonrealtor
Jul 133 min read


First-Time Buyer Mistakes I've Seen (From the Other Side of the Badge)
Buying your first home is exciting. It's also one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make. Over the years, I've worked with many first-time buyers, and I've noticed a pattern. Most mistakes aren't made because people aren't smart—they're made because buying a home is something most people only do a handful of times in their lives. As your REALTOR®, my job isn't just to unlock doors. It's to help you avoid the costly mistakes that can turn an exciting experience in
vanloonrealtor
Jul 133 min read


Why Market Conditions Matter: A Law-Enforcement Approach to Trends & Threats
When I worked in law enforcement, one thing was always clear, you don’t walk into a situation blind. You assess. You observe patterns. You understand the risks before making a move. Real estate is no different. Too often, buyers and sellers jump into the market based on headlines, emotions, or what a neighbour “heard.” But just like in policing, reacting without understanding the full picture can cost you. 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 In real estate, “market condi
vanloonrealtor
Apr 142 min read


Q&A with a Former Officer Turned Agent: What You Can Ask Me (And Others) Before Listing or Buying
If you’ve followed me for a while, you know I didn’t start my career in real estate. Before becoming a real estate agent, I spent years in law enforcement. That experience shaped how I work today: detail-focused, calm under pressure, direct, and committed to protecting the people I serve. Whether you’re buying or selling, the right questions matter. Here are some you can ask me, and any agent you’re considering, before you make your move. Q: What’s your strategy in this marke
vanloonrealtor
Feb 202 min read


Emergency Preparedness for Homeowners: What I Recommend
Being prepared doesn’t mean expecting the worst. It means knowing your home, your family, and your community well enough that if something unexpected happens, you’re not scrambling. As a homeowner and real estate professional, I’ve seen firsthand how small, thoughtful preparation can make a big difference. Here’s what I recommend every homeowner have in place, whether you’ve lived in your home for years or just picked up the keys. ✔️ 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗘𝗺𝗲
vanloonrealtor
Feb 92 min read


How to Vet Your Real Estate Agent: Questions You Should Be Asking
Choosing the right real estate agent is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when buying or selling a home. The right agent doesn’t just open doors or list your property, they guide you through pricing, negotiation, timing, and strategy, often in one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. Before you commit, here are the key questions you should be asking, and what the answers really tell you. 1. How long have you been working in real estate, and what doe
vanloonrealtor
Jan 163 min read


🕵️♂️ How to Read Between the Lines of a Property Disclosure: A Former Cop’s Perspective
In law enforcement, I learned early that what’s not said can be just as important as what is said. The same lesson applies when reviewing a property disclosure statement. When you’re buying a home, the seller’s disclosure is meant to give you a clear picture of the property’s condition, but sometimes, the real story hides between the lines. Here’s what I look for as both a Realtor® and a former officer trained to notice details others might miss. 🔍 1. Look for vague wordin
vanloonrealtor
Oct 27, 20252 min read


Essential Tips for Prepping Your Home to Attract Buyers
Getting your home ready to sell can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right strategies, you can make your property shine and catch the attention of potential buyers. Whether you're selling your first home or have been through the process before, these key tips will help you attract buyers and maximize your sale. This post details essential steps for preparing your home, from decluttering to staging, repairs, and enhancing curb appeal. By implementing thes
vanloonrealtor
Oct 24, 20255 min read
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