MIKE HARTSHORNE *PREC

Mike Hartshorne isn't just passionate about helping people find homes; it's practically in his DNA. He's the third generation in his family to dive into real estate development, playing a key role in shaping some of the neighborhoods in the South Island region. Growing up surrounded by architects, builders, and designers, Mike got hooked on the idea of helping folks create the perfect home.

 Since 2007, Mike has been involved in the Victoria real estate scene, earning a meticulously cultivated a reputation as one of the most down-to-earth, hardworking, and relatable realtors. His efforts have allowed him to receive awards like the MLS Gold Award, Top Sales recognition, and the latest feather in his cap – membership in the Royal LePage Chairman's Club.

 But Mike's not all business; he's big on giving back. He's got a heart for community causes, supporting organizations like The Cridge Centre for the Family, Erdo Childcare, Mercy Ships, the Canadian Red Cross, and cheering on local sports teams and cultural events.

 When he's not hustling in real estate, Mike and his partner are living it up in the Westshore, throwing shindigs for friends and family at their place and enjoying travelling when they can. And let's not forget the real stars of the show – their French Bulldogs, Steve and Mitzie, who may not be the best-trained, but sure know how to bring some extra joy to their cozy home.

Q&A

What does "home" mean to you?

My partner and I designed and built our current home a few years ago. We were excited to truly infuse our home with our own hand-picked design elements, and create a space that reflects who we are. Our home is our sanctuary – the place where we can recharge from our hectic careers, entertain our family and friends, and slow down and appreciate all that we have.

Why do you love helping people find/sell their home?

Finding a place to call home is one of the most important challenges you’ll ever tackle in your life. Being a part of that process – to help people find a place where they can feel happy and secure – brings me enormous joy. I feel I can help to organize and prioritize the important factors when they are considering making a move. I’ve seen the impact having a home that fits just right can lead people to be happier and enjoy life more—it’s hard not to be excited when your efforts can create a whole new way of life for people you care about!

Why did you decide to become a realtor?

Real estate is in my blood – two generations worth, to be exact. I realized early on, after trying out other careers, that being a realtor satisfied three skills that come naturally to me and that I truly enjoy: helping to identify and solve a problem, marketing, and design. I found real estate to be a perfect fit for me, and can’t imagine doing anything else.

What is unique about your approach?

I feel our team has a tremendous amount of integrity. I can honestly say that financial gain, while undoubtedly important, isn’t the first and only factor South Island Home Team considers when working through a challenge. I feel that we’re trustworthy, honest, and that the needs of our clients drive how we conduct our business. I also think we have a lot of fun as a team and with our clients. We aim for a ‘professionally casual’ tone in what we do— we like to think we can do an incredible job, enjoy ourselves, and outperform expectations all at the same time.

Why do you love living in the South Island area?

I believe the South Island area has the best of both small towns and larger cities rolled into one. Of course, one of the best things about living here is our mild climate – we never get too cold or too hot. We also have a sophisticated restaurant, art and cultural scene that you might see in a larger city, yet Victoria never seems ‘too big’. For these reasons, we are home to many who have “imported” themselves here. People stay because we seem to have a more relaxed pace. We are willing to slow down, get to know our neighbours, find out where they have come from and what they do, and why they have chosen to settle here. 

You also can’t ignore the beautiful natural scenery of Southern Vancouver Island. No matter where you live, you are never more than 20-30 minutes from ocean or forest. I think this helps us to feel more at ease. Getting away is never far away. 

What helps you to be a better realtor?

I also love the transformative aspect of real estate. I grew up in a real estate family – we have developed a number of remarkable residential communities in Victoria. I had many opportunities to sit in with architects, designers and contractors who collaboratively planned a neighbourhood, a show home or even just one room of a house. I think this helped me to hone my passion for design. It excites me to look at the ‘now’ and help others to see what could be ‘next’.

How would you describe your clients?

I love helping clients discover what is working or not working in their present circumstance, what would they would like to improve or change, and how we can get to the best possible solution for them. I guess you could say I love working with folks who aren’t exactly sure where they’re going, but are open to new things and willing to look beyond the expected. Many of my clients are couples and singles who appreciate great design and exceptional quality. I love helping people who are willing to take a diamond in the rough, create a vision of what they want, and make it their own.

What does an ideal day off look like for you?

An ideal day off would be a combination of exercise, play time with my 2 French bulldogs, and an afternoon at the lake with friends, family, good music, nice wine and great BBQ.

Reviews

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