Matt, can you tell us about your background?
I hold a degree in Political Science and have over 30 years of experience as a Marketing Consultant in various European companies in various fields.
How did you get started in your Real Estate career?
Real Estate has always been my passion. My first step was becoming an Investor, which has given me a significant advantage in Real Estate. As an Investor, I purchased and sold my own properties, or my Investor Group properties – completing nearly 50 transactions in Vancouver. Most Realtors buy and sell for their clients, but with my experience as an Investor, I can understand the emotions and feelings of buyers and sellers. Following my Investor experience, I opened a Real Estate Brokerage in Coal Harbour, Alliance First Realty.
There are many Real Estate Agents; what sets you apart from them?
- As an Investor, I’ve completed many transactions with my own properties.
- I used to own a successful brokerage firm, Alliance First Realty, managing nearly 100 realtors. Therefore, I have a stronger and better understanding of the rules and regulations than most Real Estate Agents.
- I sponsored the Immigration Association, IMEDA (Immigration Education Alliance) for several years, and IMEDA used Alliance First Realty’s offices as their Education Centre for seminars and webinars for all Immigration Consultants nationwide. This has resulted in a strong connection with the Immigration world.
- I have over 30 years of experience in International Trade and Marketing.
As I live on the Waterfront myself, I can experience Waterfront Living firsthand, which has allowed me to specialize in Waterfront Properties with a vast amount of experience and knowledge. - I own a successful Rental Company, RentYVR, that has managed a portfolio of hundreds of Rental Properties. This has given me non-stop training and access to the best resources and trades in Vancouver.
Overall, these experiences, connections, and knowledge has allowed me to work side-by-side with sophisticated buyers and sellers that enjoy working with me.
Matt, you are very involved in the community. Please tell us about this.
I’ve always supported the community in various social activities and fundraising events. Currently, I am an Executive Member of the Vancouver Artillery Association and an Associate Member of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment Officers’ Mess, and a member of the Royal United Services Institute – Vancouver Society.
I am also the Former Staff Captain of Eagle Harbour Yacht Club in West Vancouver and the Former President of the Rotary Club of West Vancouver Sunrise, which has allowed me to work closely with the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue.
Who is behind your amazing marketing? We see extraordinary campaigns with James Bond 007 equipment, yachts, and seaplanes.
I have a great team behind me, my family members – my daughter, Selin Gul, who’s currently studying Business at University is the mastermind behind my creative planning. My Son, Onur Gul, helps me with Drone Footage, and of course, my wife, Alev Gul, who does everything behind the scenes. I’m surrounded by a young and dynamic international sales and marketing team that utilizes all the latest marketing tools, combining print media with online and social media, to maximize my clients’ properties in Vancouver and beyond. I have an assistant buyer’s agent from HK, Gabriel Lui, my Administrative Assistant, Kelly Raynsford and my Overseas Account Assistant, Elena De Candia – they are all the best in their field.
Tell us, Matt, you specialize in Waterfront Properties. What is going on in our Waterfront?
Did you know that West Vancouver is still one of the least expensive locations to buy a single-family Waterfront home?
I specialize in Waterfront Properties because I love the ocean and water sports. Waterfront Living, or even living close to the water, is an exclusive and enjoyable experience. It’s like experiencing the beauty of the sea and sky from the front row.
Waterfront living is popular across the globe, and West Vancouver has the best of the best. Just over 25 years ago, Waterfront Properties were roughly 60% higher than the average price of non-waterfront properties. However, the difference is now a staggering 110%. Although Vancouver is now one of the most expensive cities in North America, West Vancouver is still one of the least expensive locations to buy a single-family waterfront home compared to other international cities.
In Laguna Beach and Malibu, the average Waterfront Property price range is $18,800,000 to $25,000,000 CAD.
In Hong Kong, Waterfront Property prices ranged from $8,100,000 CAD for a Condo to $154,000,000 for a Hong Kong house. In Hong Kong, there is currently one listing that fits the definition of a house in Canada, and it is listed at $324,000,000 CAD. The Hong Kong Waterfront Property AVG would be $45,000,000 CAD, but these are not your standard homes. They are more like townhouses, townhomes or houses with very little yards and room in between houses.
In Sydney, a Waterfront Property was sold for $30,982,880 CAD only a few days ago, and in September 2020, another Waterfront Property sold for $91,980,425 CAD. These homes are located in Point Piper and Potts Point, two of the most expensive areas (right next to each other), with Waterfronts Homes.
Those who purchase Waterfront in Vancouver are due to make a lot of profit in the upcoming years.