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Driven by a shared quest for excellence, we have created a real estate team like no other. From the carefully handpicked elite cadre of the finest professionals, to providing you with a full range of real estate services and products, everything is geared to meet your unique real estate needs.
Our REALTORS® have become leaders in their specialized market place by carving out a market niche. We have the competitive advantage in our market segments, provide quantifiable benefits and are able to make an emotional connection with our specific market segment.
SHAWN
LEE
[email protected]This may be breaking traditional bio rules, but Shawn Lee is confident enough to admit he didn't consider a Real Estate career until the boom of 2002. Blame that on the fact his dad sold for Block Bros in the 70's; or that he was (and still is) a bit of a tree hugger. But when you look at the success of Blu Living and Vancity Lofts today,it's clear that this independent, honest, and (sometimes) rambunctious guy knows an opportunity when he sees one. Shawn prides himself in living a well rounded life, and the experiences gained as an SFU Economics Major /Clansman; Skeet and Ikes health food rep, and a Radical video game designer have made him a dynamic realtor and person. Real Estate gigs include fruitful terms with MAC marketing, Angel/Hasman and Century 21, but it wasn't until a fortuitous connection was made with Blu's co-founder Katie Burkard that Shawn truly found his niche. Within this partnership, Shawn's passion and knowledge for Vancouver's design driven properties has flourished and one of the most accomplished Real Estate teams in the biz has been assembled. But all work and no play makes for a dull boy, so Shawn leaves room in the calendar for world travel; adventurous dining and plenty of powder days. Only his wife Erin and super pooch Lenny garner the same kind of attention as the 02 boom. 
KATIE
BURKARD
[email protected]As the co-founder of Blu Living and Vancitylofts.com Katie Burkard has reigned over Vancouver's real estate scene since 2003. Propelled by a passion for unique properties, lofts and the people who love them, this "Yes" gal loves the thrill of the chase. Whether it's Manolos or multi-million dollar homes, Katie uses her "velvet hammer" approach to secure THE best deal possible. Why else would the Medallion Club crown her top 10% consistently since 2005? When Katie isn't selling and running Blu; she's free wheeling on her motorbike, travelling and spending time with her family and friends. 
NINA
MARGIOTTIELLO
[email protected]When passion and espresso unite, it's a potent combination. Just ask Nina Margiottiello. Vivacious, and decisive, she has been using this secret concoction to unite good people with great spaces since 2006. Nina is also one of the original Blu crew, and her positive outlook and spot-on Real Estate instincts have played a major role in shaping the company into what it is today. Warm and generous by nature, Nina ensures her clients feel valued and appreciated throughout the buying and selling process. But don't mistake Nina's kindness for anything close to weakness. This resilient, motorcycle mama meets or beats every goal and (with or without caffeine) never backs down from a challenge. 
GLENN
FELDSTEIN
[email protected]What's the perfect gig for an architecture aficionado who knows how to mix it up? For Glenn Feldstein the answer has always been Real Estate, and since 2007 he's been perfecting his Vancouver loft knowledge with Blu Living. In his previous life Glenn was slinging drinks as a bartender in Vancouver's lounge scene, and this mixologist sees no difference between creating a killer elixir for one of his regulars and providing knowledgeable, stylish service for his Real Estate clients. He just doesn't drink on the job (as much). What this fun loving, fitness freak and Medallion Club member does do is deliver solid negotiations that benefit every client every time. As Will Smith once said "If you're not making someone else's life better, then you're wasting your time." 
ALEX
WONG
[email protected]Alex wanted nothing more than to sound cool in this bio, but how could the 2002 Calgary National Indoor Paintball Champion concern himself with such things? Alex was always destined for Real Estate (and pseudo sport) greatness. He was raised by a Realtor he admired (Dad) and spent years developing web solutions geared towards Realtors. Alex then became one himself, and was a consistent recipient of the Remax 100% Club award for 8 years running. When he noticed how much fun fellow Blu babe Nina Margiottiello was having at Blu Living he stopped, dropped and rolled over to 525 West 8th. Alex's positive, straight shooting style attracts clients with the same values, and he describes them as "the nicest people in the world". Fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin Chinese, Alex bridges the gap between local Vancouverites and our friends from across the Pacific. Sure…he sounds friendly enough, but wait until you get him in an arena. 
BEN
RAPPAPORT
[email protected]Ben Rappaport has all his real estate bases covered. Passionate and hard working, this Vancouver native loves the art of the deal and the psychology behind negotiating any purchase or sale. But don't expect any games from this happily married, fun loving Chartered Accountant (not an oxymoron!). Ben specializes in single family homes in Vancouver and enjoys working closely with clients looking to transition, or families hoping to grow. As the Director of Hento Properties for over a decade; and a partner in both Canyon Rock Homes and Kreative Realty Group, Ben is a true Blu asset. And his experience in Commercial, Investment and Residential real estate makes him a true triple threat. 
JEN
FRIESEN
[email protected]Years of experience in sales, combined with a family background in real estate and a burning desire to be consistently challenged are just a few of the things that originally drove Jen Friesen into the RE game. Today, it's about the variety of relationships and personalities, the art of negotiation and the ever-changing challenges of the market that keep her here; as she often exclaims, "this isn't a test, this is my life". Jen is accredited for her honesty, integrity, determination and altruism within the real estate culture. As Wayne Dyer said "it's never crowded along the extra mile", which is where Jen can often be found. Her passion is character homes and heritage spaces but she is never limited to what she can and will sell. When not in the trenches she works hard at balancing her time between her bff chihuahua, exercise and consuming red, red wine....often times she mixes them together for the best results. 
LUKE
HARRISON
[email protected]
ROSS
MRAZEK
[email protected]At just 5 years old, when most youngsters were eating dirt, Ross Mrazek was developing it for his family’s business. Here this daring, focused lad learned the value of hard work, determination and the joy in helping others. Later, Ross parlayed those skills into the banking world, financing successful international businesses and going head to head with demanding entrepreneurs. Armed with a BA and an MBA in International Management, Ross negotiates fairly and effectively while never losing sight of the end goal. This grounded generalist loves helping clients make changes in their lives, whether it’s taking the next step, or making room for the next generation. 
MELISSA
KLEERUM
[email protected]Melissa Kleerum has a confession to make. This driven, imaginative mother of one was actually on a quest to satisfy her epicurean desires when she stumbled upon BluLiving. Who would have thought that just across the street from her favourite gourmet grocery store (Whole Foods) lived a bounty of opportunity? Melissa now utilizes her background with Onni Group of Companies, and her passion for properties and design to spice up Blu’s Marketing division. She’s spontaneous, creative and a natural nurturer who’s eye-catching visuals are one step ahead of the competitions. Plus, in true foodie fashion…Melissa is always hungry for more. 
NEAL
UCHIDA
[email protected]
TRACY
UCHIDA
[email protected]On the eve of her wedding day, Tracy wrote an offer for clients she had been working with for months. The deal was accepted at midnight and her clients were invited to join in the wedding festivities the following evening. It was a great way to celebrate their first home purchase and their first Canadian style wedding. Not only is Tracy committed to getting the deal done she recognizes the importance of having an authentic relationship with her clients. Referrals account for the majority of her business. Tracy has been a licensed real estate agent since September 2008. She has been awarded Medallion 2009, 2010 & 2011, which is the industry’s fancy way of recognizing top producing realtors. Tracy is a wife, mom of toddler, an ardent fan of anything culinary, collector of vintage cameras & Châteauneuf du Pape. She has traveled all over the world, has lived in Australia and Toronto, but has called Vancouver home for most of her life. 
LENNY
THE OFFICE DOG
[email protected]My name is Lenny, but some people call Mr. Lenners or by my real name Leonard. My hobbies include chasing squirrels, hording pinecones, and sticking my head out of the window of moving vehicles. Something most people don't know about me is that I am almost 80 years old in human years. When I was younger I always wanted to live on a ranch, but now I have grown to like the city. -
By changing the expectation of REALTORS® we hope the industry will follow us as we chart new courses for the industry! By expanding our team and discovering more niche markets, we will “Set a New Standard” in Real Estate Sales and Marketing.
BLU Realty
A leading full-service real estate team that is "setting a new standard" when it comes to meeting Vancouver’s real estate needs. Our cutting-edge technology and real estate marketing has proven an industry leader by continually producing top REALTORS® within the greater Vancouver Real Estate Board.
Dedicated professionals: Our team of full time agents receives the very latest training, are kept abreast of any and all changes that affect your very important home sale or purchase, and enjoy technical and administrative support unrivaled in the industry. Their knowledge of each area's unique real estate market will be an extreme and strategic advantage in the sale or purchase of your home.
Whether you are a first time home buyer, seller or seasoned investor with a multi-million dollar portfolio, we have the business skills, visionary thinking and knowledge to help you with your real estate investments, properties and holdings.
Don't trust one of your largest investments with just any real estate team. Your future and financial well-being deserve the finest representation!
Our Philosophy
In real estate, if you try to be all things to all people, you’ll be remembered for nothing.
When you try to cater to all people, your appeal is wide, but not very compelling. When you focus on a specific product (known in real estate as a market segment), you enhance your expertise and are able to provide the highest caliber service to your valuable clients. The idea of limiting your business is contrary to the norm — REALTORS® are renowned for their attempts to generate business anywhere and everywhere possible.
At Blu, our philosophy is about taking a progressive view to real estate marketing. One that recognizes the fact that those who specialize make a much more compelling argument for why anyone would work with them, and in turn, are much more productive and successful.
We have structured our team to provide our clients exactly that – specific market knowledge. Each of our REALTORS® specializes in a particular market segment. By sharing their knowledge of that segment with each other, we can provide our clients with industry knowledge unparalleled from other agents.We combine this knowledge with our niche websites, add in a young, fun, and exciting team atmosphere, and the result is a group of professionals that are raising the bar within the industry – BLU.
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It is official... the new blu office has officially been warmed! Thank you to all that showed up to help us celebrate. Check out some photos from our November 4th launch party!
It
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The Bluliving team has joined up with Urban Rec to bring our skill to Urban Beach. The first week was a success with an impressive 5-0 record. Check out some of the shots.
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Blu Xmas outing 2011, it was pretty AWESOME! We took over the Cypress Tube Park and tubed the evening away into the sunset. Wicked ride in the Phat Cat's Lil Pimp. No one got on the stripper pole...well we wouldn't tell you if someone did. What's happens in the Lil Pimp stays in the Lil Pimp. That's how we do it at BLU. Happy Holidays!
Photos by Barnowl Photography
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THINK YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A MEMBER OF THE BLU TEAM?
If you think you are the right fit for blu then please send us something creative as to why you think you are the right fit and how Blu will benefit from your input to [email protected]
