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Meet The Agent: Vito Longo, Engel & Volkers Vancouver

Welcome to Meet the Agent, an ongoing series profiling real estate agents from across Canada. With more than 150,000 agents, brokers, and salespeople working in 75 different boards and associations across the country, we thought it was about time they had a place to properly introduce themselves. If you or someone you know deserves the same chance, email agents@storeys.com to apply.THE DETAILSName: Vito LongoAreas of Focus: Vancouver, downtown and the west side areas.Personal Channels: InstagramYears of Experience: 24 yearsTHE INSIGHTSWhere did you grow up?Montreal, Quebec.What neighbourhood do you live in now?Coal Harbour. Vancouver, BC.What made you want to become a real estate agent?I grew up in the same business as my father, who was a broker owner back in the '80s. I officially got licensed and began working with him in the year 2000.What’s the biggest challenge you see facing the market today?I can speak for the Vancouver market. With the landscape becoming more challenging for buyers and sellers, it really starts with listening to your realtor. They are the experts. We are in a very price-sensitive market right now, so pricing the property right from the get-go will ensure the best possible outcome.What’s the single best advice you have for sellers?Don't try and time the market. When the time is right for you to make a move, that's when it's time to sell.What’s the single best advice you have for buyers?In a nutshell, it would be: don't wait to buy real estate, buy real estate and wait.What’s the best thing a realtor can invest in for their brand (a bus bench ad, a solid Instagram strategy, etc.)?Invest in yourself. As Jim Rohn said, "If you want to do better at your job, learn to work harder on yourself."Who do you look up to in the industry and why?My team comes to mind as their work ethic and know-how is second to none. I count myself lucky to work with them.Is there anything you wish people knew or understood about realtors that you think they’re constantly getting wrong?Yes. I think as information becomes more readily available and accessible, people are increasingly bombarded with conflicting information, which can be confusing. Realtors are experts in the industry, yet sometimes find themselves listening to clients rather than the other way around. We are much more than just people who point out where the bedroom and family room are!Tell us about your favourite (or most memorable) sale.I am grateful for the opportunity to have represented and sold many incredible properties over the years. If I had to choose one standout experience, it would be my first sale after my wife and I moved to Vancouver. During our first year, we knocked on doors almost every day, and after six months, we made our first sale. It was a humbling experience that made me believe in the possibilities. From that moment on, we never looked back.The three words you hope your clients use to describe youPunctual, reliable, kind.What’s your favourite thing to do outside of selling houses?I love contemporary art, vintage watches, and taking my two Italian greyhounds to the park and watching them run!