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Working with Janine - ABR®
Local Buyer Representation Across Greater Victoria and Vancouver Island
Buyer representation, property search guidance, offer strategy, contract support, and local advice for clients purchasing homes across Greater Victoria and Vancouver Island.
Working with Janine Thomson ABR® — Your Victoria BC Buyer’s Agent | Pemberton Holmes
Buying a Home › Working with Janine — ABR® Buyer Representation
Victoria, BC · Pemberton Holmes
Working with Janine — your ABR® buyer advocate.
There is no shortage of licensed real estate agents in Victoria. What is far rarer is a Realtor who genuinely listens, tells you the truth even when it is not what you want to hear, fights for you in negotiation, and is still answering your questions long after the keys have been handed over. That is the kind of agent I am.
ABR® DesignationSRS® DesignationPemberton HolmesBorn & Raised in Victoria
Buying a home in Victoria BC is personal. The agent you choose should be too.
I am Janine Thomson, Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) and Realtor with Pemberton Holmes in Victoria, BC. I was born and raised here. I know this city, its communities, its neighbourhoods, its history, and its market in a way that only comes from having lived it.
A Victoria Realtor who actually knows Victoria
Born and raised in Greater Victoria, I bring a level of local knowledge to every client relationship that simply cannot be replicated. I know the difference between the communities, the streets, the buildings, and the micro-markets that shape pricing and lifestyle decisions across the region.
I work with Pemberton Holmes, one of the most established and respected real estate brokerages in Victoria. The backing of a firm with that kind of history and presence, combined with the personal attention I give every client, is a combination that works.
This is not a city I moved to for a job — it is the place I grew up in, know intimately, and am proud to help people find their place in.
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My philosophy: No pressure, no fluff, and no telling you what you want to hear just to move things along. My job is to make sure you buy the right home — the one that genuinely fits your life, your finances, and your future. I treat that responsibility seriously every time.
How I work
Straight talk, hard work, and your interests first
Every client relationship I build is grounded in the same principles. These are not marketing promises — they are the things that make me effective for the people I represent.
Listen first
I understand before I act
Before we look at a single property, I want to understand who you are and what you are really looking for. The more I know about you, the better I can serve you — and the less time you waste looking at homes that were never going to be right.
Honest always
I tell you what you need to hear
If a home has a problem I think you should know about, I will tell you. If the asking price does not reflect the market, I will say so. My goal is never just to write an offer — it is to make sure the right offer gets written on the right property.
Available and responsive
I show up when it matters
Victoria’s market moves fast. Good homes attract attention quickly. I am someone who shows up, follows through, and makes sure nothing falls through the cracks. When you need me, I am there.
People over profits — and I mean it
The right outcome for you — even if that means walking away from a deal — is always more important to me than closing a transaction. My reputation is built on doing right by my clients, and that is not something I am willing to compromise on.
I have significant experience in multiple-offer situations. Winning in a competitive scenario is not just about price — it is about how the offer is written, how it is presented, and the relationship and reputation behind it.
Real estate does not operate on a nine-to-five schedule, and neither do I. When you have a question, a concern, or a new listing to discuss, you can reach me. I am responsive, communicative, and will always keep you informed.
Specialized training
Why hire an Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®)?
Buying a home may be the largest and most complex financial transaction you ever make. The ABR® designation is awarded only to Realtors who have completed specialized buyer representation training and demonstrated proven experience representing buyers.
ABR®Accredited Buyer’s Representative
Served, not sold
When you work with an ABR®, your interests become my interests. With specialized training, an established track record, and proven experience representing buyers, an ABR® goes the extra mile at every stage — from your first conversation to the moment the keys are in your hand and beyond.
Professional credentials
An in-depth knowledge you can rely on
Buying your home or condo in Victoria is not a small decision — it can be highly time consuming and emotionally complex. You need the right advice, up-to-date market statistics, and a professional who is ready to assist on all levels of your real estate transaction.
With the ABR® and SRS® designations, I have been provided with the most current tools and knowledge base to help my clients accomplish their real estate goals. My client services reach the highest and most honourable level.
In addition to knowing the dynamics of the local market, I understand the special needs of buyers. I have additional knowledge and experience that takes me a step beyond an agent who only concentrates on the easy details.
ABR® — Accredited Buyer’s Representative
SRS® — Seller Representative Specialist
REALTOR® — Pemberton Holmes, Victoria BC
Born and raised in Greater Victoria
Licensed under BC Financial Services Authority
01
Understand your specific needs and wants, and locate appropriate properties that genuinely match
02
Assist you in determining how much you can afford and connect you with the right mortgage professionals
03
Preview and accompany you in viewing properties, evaluating each on far more than how it looks
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Advise you in formulating your offer and developing a negotiating strategy designed for your situation
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Provide referrals to trusted vendors — inspectors, lawyers, mortgage brokers, insurance, tradespeople
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Keep your information confidential and disclose everything you need to know about the property
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Negotiate on your behalf and align your needs within every clause of the contract
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Navigate complex real estate contracts and the Contract of Purchase & Sale on your behalf
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Stay current on the latest trends, market statistics, and buyer representation best practices
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Keep track of every detail throughout the transaction — to closing and long after
Skilled representation
Your interests legally protected
With buyer representation, I am obligated to protect your interests, including disclosing information that helps you and keeping certain information confidential. Without this, other agents could be working on behalf of other parties.
Proven experience
The designation requires results
ABR®s must demonstrate a track record of successful real estate transactions. You know you are working with someone who has done this — many times — and done it well on behalf of buyers like you.
Better negotiating
An offer is more than a number
Deciding on an offer price involves many factors. I will help you arrive at the right number, structure the right terms, present your offer in the strongest possible light, and navigate counter-offers or competition skillfully.
Full-service representation
What I do for you, start to finish
Working with me is a full-service experience from the moment we connect to the day you move in — and beyond. Here is a clear picture of what that looks like at each stage.
Finding the right home
I access the Victoria MLS directly and set you up with a personalized property search so that listings matching your criteria come to you as soon as they become available. In a market where good homes move quickly, real-time access is a genuine advantage.
I know Greater Victoria’s communities inside out — from Downtown Victoria and Vic West to Oak Bay, Saanich, Esquimalt, Langford, Colwood, View Royal, Sidney, Sooke, and everything in between. That local knowledge shapes the guidance I give you at every step.
I will preview properties on your behalf when useful, schedule showings around your life, and help you evaluate each home on the practical details that matter — neighbourhood quality, building history, age and condition of major systems, walkability, schools, transit, and resale considerations.
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Digging into the details: Before we write an offer on any property, I conduct thorough due diligence — reviewing title, strata documents and meeting minutes, the Property Disclosure Statement, permit history, and anything that warrants a closer look. I am meticulous about paperwork. Real estate contracts are legally binding and the conditions within them carry real consequences.
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My trusted referral network: I have professionals I confidently refer to — mortgage brokers, home inspectors, real estate lawyers, notaries, insurance brokers, movers, and tradespeople. These are people I have worked with personally and trust completely.
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After the sale: My relationship with my clients does not end at closing. If you have questions after you move in, need a contractor referral, or simply want to talk through something related to your property, I am still here. Many of my clients become long-term relationships — and that is something I genuinely value.
How we get started
The process of working together
If you are wondering what the practical steps of working with me look like, here is the straightforward version — no sales script, just a process that fits your life.
1
Reach out — no commitment, no pressure
The first step is simply getting in touch. You can call, email, or send a message through this website. I want to hear about what you are thinking and give you space to ask whatever questions you have — with no obligation attached.
2
Tell me about your goals
I typically send a short questionnaire about your home buying goals. This helps me understand your needs before we meet and makes our first conversation far more productive. Everyone involved in the purchase decision should be part of this from the start.
3
We meet and get to know each other
We meet in person or virtually — whichever works for you — so I can walk you through my process and services, and you can get a real sense of how I work and whether I am the right fit. This is a two-way evaluation, and I welcome that.
4
Pre-approval and property search
If you are not yet pre-approved for a mortgage, that is the first practical step and I connect you with trusted brokers who can help. Then we set up your personalized MLS property search and begin the home search in earnest.
5
View, evaluate, and offer
We view properties together, I conduct thorough due diligence on anything you are serious about, and when the right home appears, I draft and negotiate your offer — protecting every interest you have and advocating for every dollar of value.
6
Manage to closing and beyond
Once your offer is accepted, I coordinate the inspection, financing confirmation, lawyer review, insurance, and any follow-up negotiations. You always know where things stand. And when the keys are yours, I am still here if you need me.
What clients say
Why clients choose to work with Janine — in their own words
★★★★★
“Janine works for you to achieve the best outcome. She is passionate about what she does. Above and beyond is what I experienced with Janine. If you want someone to truly represent you and understand your needs, then I highly recommend Janine. She is simply the best in the area.”
— Troy Wilson, Victoria BC
★★★★★
“Janine was easy to work with and understood what our requirements were. She was highly dedicated and I would have no hesitation in recommending her. Her professionalism and interpersonal skills are second to none.”
— Ralph Miller, Victoria BC
Get in touch
Ready to talk?
If you are thinking about buying a home in Victoria — whether you are just starting to explore the idea or ready to get moving right now — I would love to connect. Reach out for a no-obligation conversation. Ask me anything. There is nothing to lose and everything to gain by having the right person in your corner from the start.
Janine Thomson
REALTOR® · ABR® · SRS® · Pemberton Holmes, Victoria BC
Greater Victoria service area: Janine Thomson serves buyers throughout Greater Victoria and surrounding communities including Langford, Colwood, Saanich, Oak Bay, Esquimalt, View Royal, Sidney, Sooke, Shawnigan Lake, Mill Bay, and the Southern Gulf Islands.
Explore More
Buyer, neighbourhood & market resources
Everything you need as a buyer in Greater Victoria — guides and tools, a live home search, the neighbourhoods to explore, and what the market is doing right now. Tap any card to dig deeper.
Have a question that isn’t answered here? Just ask.
There is no question too basic or too complex. Buying a home in Victoria is a big step — my job is to make sure you take it with confidence, clarity, and the right person in your corner.
Let’s walk through your specific situation so there are no surprises along the way. The first conversation is always free — and there’s never any obligation.
This page is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, mortgage, or professional advice. Real estate legislation, lending criteria, program details, rates, contract terms, and market conditions referenced here vary by individual circumstance and can change over time. All buyers and sellers should consult their REALTOR®, a licensed mortgage professional or lender, and a qualified BC lawyer or notary regarding their specific situation before making any decisions or entering into any contract of purchase and sale.
Testimonials
My wife and I have had the pleasure of working with Janine for my beautiful home that I live in today. She understood our requirements very well and tailored the viewings wonderfully. I would recommend Janine to anyone looking to buy or sell a property. As a matter of fact, I introduced her to my friend who now owns his very first home. Thank you Janine for all of your hard and outstanding work!
- K CHUNG
Janine is amazing realtor! She really took the time to get to know my wants and needs and made the buying process stress free. She's responsive, dedicated, and works hard for her clients. I never felt pressured and in the end I found the exact condo I was looking for. I would definitely Janine to anyone looking to buy or sell!
- C SMITH
Several months before moving to Victoria, we contacted Janine as we wanted to understand the residential real estate market better. We learned a lot from her, and when we finally arrived, we were on the starting blocks. It wasn't easy to find a house in such a market, but Janine came up with a great selection of properties that we liked. Once we had our mind set on a specific property, she supported us efficiently during the negotiation and throughout the process. Until the day the transaction was completed, Janine checked every single step so that everyone was on the same page and ready to sign on time, and the day we got the keys she spent some time with us and provided us with some advice on the property. It has been a pleasure working with her!
- JC LERMUSIAUX
Working with Janine was a no brainer! She is attentive, trustworthy, knowledgeable and will work hard to get you into your perfect home. Janine listened to our needs and never made us feel rushed or pressured. As a local, Janine knew all the ins and outs of Victoria and The Westshore. As a first time homebuyer, Janine took the time to make sure that I understood the process and what was needed from me to make a successful and safe purchase.
- SHINTANA M
Recently I had the absolute pleasure of working with Janine as she helped me find a condo to purchase in this crazy hot, fast paced real estate market. Janine was amazing, always professional and a wealth of information not only with the real estate market but also with the area because she grew up here. I found her to be very reliable, easy to contact whenever I had questions and she always kept me updated as the market was constantly changing. Janine always made me feel like I was her top priority. I would highly recommend her for all your real estate needs. 5 star professional for sure! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
