John Finlayson, BA, B.Ed, RI(BC)
In 1981, John and his
family moved from Calgary, where he was a teacher, land use and recreation
consultant, development project and marketing manager and REALTOR. In the
Duncan area, he entered real estate sales in 1983 and was the top sales
agent for his firm several years running. In 1991, John completed his Urban
Land Economics Diploma course from the University of British Columbia.
Successfully completing this course greatly increased his knowledge of real
estate and attained him his broker's license. In 1992, John purchased
Osborne Realty where he is the owner/managing broker and also active in real
estate sales.
Real Estate Activities
John has been very successful in real estate sales due to his "soft sell
approach". His main concern is for his clients, working closely with them,
providing a high degree of empathy and integrity. By keeping his clients
interest first, his real estate career has continually grown due to client
referrals and repeat business. He is a 6-year Vancouver Island Real Estate
Board Medallion Club recipient that acknowledges the sales achievements for
the top 10% of the membership.
John and his son Jason work as a team allowing them to provide the ultimate
in service to their clients. Also, Susan Williams, who holds her associate
brokers license, works with the team as their licensed assistant, keeping
them on track and dealing with the volumes of paper and computer work
necessary in today's real estate industry.
John has been very active in organized real estate serving on many real
estate industry committees, task forces and teaching new sales people. He
was instrumental in having the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board be the
first board to take all their listings to the internet through what has
become the present national multiple listing internet site. He was Director
of the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board for 5 years serving as Vice
President, President and Past President.
In 1999 to 2001, John was a director of REALTORLink and council member on
the Canadian Real Estate Association MLS Technology Council. His
responsibilities were the development of the REALTORLink intranet site for
REALTORS and MLS Online, www.mls.ca, the national multiple listing internet
site.
John presently sits on the Real Estate Council for British Columbia as
the elected representative for the Nanaimo District of Vancouver Island.
Realtor of the Year
In 1998, John was honoured with the "REALTOR of the Year" Award
recognizing his contribution to the Real Estate Board, organized real
estate, working harmoniously with his colleagues, high ethical conduct,
commitment to the community and sales proficiency. It is awarded each year
to one person who displays a positive image for the real estate industry.
Community Involvement and Interests
John has always taken an active role in his community. His athletic
background and teaching involved him in coaching rugby, basketball and
volleyball while his son Jason and daughter Leanne went through school. His
love of sailing has kept him active in the sailing community and played an
instrumental role in reviving the Cowichan Bay Regatta that has become the
second largest regatta on Vancouver Island. He actively races at the Maple
Bay Yacht Club and even though he has sailed in the Caribbean and
Mediterranean areas, thinks there is no better sailing than the Gulf and San
Juan Islands.
John is a committed Rotarian, being a charter member, Director of Club
Service, Vice President, President and Past President of the Rotary Club of
South Cowichan (Mill Bay). John lives his life and conducts his business by
the principals of Rotary. Other interests included cycling, jogging, hiking
and sailing.
