Testimonials

Welcome to our testimonials page. My Favorite page of this website. We take great pride in how many people have raved about our product and how much of a positive impact it made on their cilents.

Brian Buffini says it best.

Watch this quick video of Brian raving about our House Portraits.

"This is a great alternative to the traditional gift basket. Everyone that I have spoken with agrees this is the best value for the price. This definitely stands the test of time!"

- Rick Taron
 National Director of Franchise Relations and Business Development Sutton Realty Services Ltd.
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Richard Robbins on McRae Portraits

"This is how you do customer service! Huge thank you to @McRaePortraits for this kind gift - portrait and cards of @buddytheofficeyorkie. If you've been to one of our events before you've likely heard my story of Russell and McRae Portraits. He is a master of delivering the unexpected and it's because of that I'm so happy to promote his business. Giving starts the receiving process!" 

- Richard Robbins

 

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" When I purchased my house more than 17 years ago a man knocked on my door and sold me an Aerial photo of my house. I bought it there on the spot and hung it on my wall. And for over 17 years it has hung on my wall and has sparked countless conversations. This is a testimonial as to how powerful Russell's House Portraits are, these works of art will hang prominently on your clients wall for decades and create conversation after conversation about YOU their Realtor.
There is no other closing gift with as much referral power as Russell's House Portraits.
I would highly recommend Russell's House Portraits to any Realtor, or to anyone that is building a Referral based business.
And if you are a Manager of a Real Estate office, you need to get Russell a presentation in front of your Realtors. His presentations are quick, entertaining and the product is exactly what your Sales People need. An amazing product, an Incredible price all wrapped up with Russell's great service. "
 
Henry Vagar
Managing Broker RE/MAX Crest North Shore
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"We have given Russell McRae’s work to several of our clients upon receiving the keys to their new home.  They are simply thrilled.  Russell’s work is excellent and is not only hung in the home for years of enjoyment but the cards also provide our clients with the ability to send a very unique gift to friends and family.  We have rarely had a house-warming gift that can delight our clients like Russell’s work does."
 
Tom and Kerrie Everitt.

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A referral directly from a House Portrait

How a $129 investment sold a house
Randy Brook talks about how he gave a portrait to one of his clients. Those clients then raved about the portrait to their friends, which created a referral and then a sale of their home!

Watch the video to hear his story

Randy Brook from Russell McRae on Vimeo.

 

For a number of years I have used McRae Portraits for my real estate Client gifts. I  can’t say enough about Russell’s personal service. He was always a pleasure to deal with. From order to final delivery was always inside  of a week. His beautiful paintings, more than once,  elicited joyous tears from

His beautiful paintings, more than once, elicited joyous tears from my recipients. Terrific packaging. So much more effective & classy than the typical realtor baskets.

 I wouldn’t hesitate to refer McRae Portraits to enhance your  own Professional image.

 Al Gibson "THE CAPTAIN"

RE/MAX Mountain View Calgary. Alberta

 
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Here is a great example of a client posting their portrait on their Social Media to share with all of their friends and family.

a wonderful testimonial

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Hi Russell I received my very first portrait from you and am blown away! It's amazing. My clients are going to be beyond thrilled!! I don't know why I waited this long to order from you...you definitely have a new loyal customer and I'll definitely be ordering from you again!! Thanks. Great product, exceptional packaging and finishing and very professional. Thank you!

Angela Evennett

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I'm absolutely  thrilled with Russell's portraits.  He captures the beauty of a house on canvas with his phenomenal talent.  Indeed a treasure for anyone receiving or giving such a gift. Additionally, the portrait will spark conversation and memories for years to come. 

Tammy Sonne
Keller Williams Elite Realty
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McRae Portraits, creating portraits for Realtors across North America
I just received some AWESOME paintings which we ordered for our clients! Paintings by Russell McRae!!! AMAZING! Clients are going to LOVE these!!!
Juliana Vallée
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I delivered the paintings to clients this week – both were very happy with them and thought it was a terrific idea and gift.  I will definitely will be hiring Russell again – excellent work!
Marion Patick
RE/MAX Crest Realty (Westside)
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Here is what one of my Realtors clients said about their gift:
Julie and I are very appreciative of the incredibly thoughtful gift you sent us.  Julie got a little emotional looking at it. She really loved that condo, and it was our first home, so it will always have a great deal of sentimental value to the two of us.  It is wonderful to have a visual reminder of the place so that the memories we had there stay relatively fresh.  We are completely blown away.  I honestly can't think of a nicer gift.
Thank you.
 


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An incredible gift for your clients

 
Dear Russell,
I saw my buyers last night and presented them with the painting you did of their new house. The reaction from them was awesome. Seriously, I've never seen them so excited, they love the painting and were very appreciative of my gesture of thanks.
 
So, THANK YOU for doing such a great job, your promptness & professionalism.
 
I look forward to doing business with you in the future.
Sincerely,
Sherree Mitchell
RE/MAX Select Properties.

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I gave my clients from Sechelt their gift earlier this week. They loved it! I know it was a very emotional move for them and I'm so happy that they can have such a beautifully represented memory. The wife picked up the portrait and was telling me about the parts of the home and yard that you can't see from a photo, and the husband gave me a huge hug, which he doesn't usually do. And I could see the emotion in their eyes! That meant a lot. 
Just wanted to say thanks again for being there at the perfect time at the Sutton Connect for me to have the perfect gift! 
I will definitely recommend your work,
Jackie Devonshire
Realtor®


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Thank you so much for the perfect picture of my Harrison Listing! I love it, and so will my client! 
Val Fedora 
"I am thrilled with the results! I was also very impressed with your presentation. The whole look is incredibly professional and adds to the overall package."
- Heather Natsuhara
 
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"A cherished memory of my heart can now be shared with my family, for always. "
Thank you, Russell, for our beautiful house portrait.  This is a gift far beyond sentimentality, it is quite simply, priceless to me.
Your art work and presentation of our home has captured a look of warm nostalgia, happy memories and the house that our children will always call home.
Thank you and best regards."
Deb Wardle

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I recently sold a house in Edgemont that my 96 year old client
built himself and lived in until he took ill. I bought two
portraits as gifts, one for each of his twin sons, men now
in their late 50's who grew up in the home and had huge
sentimental attachment to it. They took one of the portraits
to the North Shore Hospice to show their Dad who was on his
deathbed. You have NO IDEA what that meant to the family in
that moment and then as a forever keepsake as the house is in
the process of being torn down. Thank you so much, the portraits
were beautifully done and they were touched beyond belief.

The PERFECT gift.

- Rina Brown
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" Russell has hit the nail on the head with these highly personal gifts for your clients. A great product that will Generate Referrals for years to come. I would recommend this to any Realtor."
- Wayne Ryan Manager of Re/Max Crest Westside
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Hi Russell,
I received the paintings today and they are absolutely wonderful!  You are so talented and the whole package is incredible!  Thank you for coming up with such a great idea!
whole package is incredible!
 
Thank you again as I know my clients are going to love them!!
- Tina Vincent
 
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Russell I just got my house painting and I LOVE it!! I don't even have the words to describe! THANK-YOU!!!

 

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 McRae portraits, creating condo and apartment portraits for your clients

"His product and whole service so far is 5 star."

Marion

Patick

RE/MAX Crest Realty (Westside)

Russell,

I just wanted to email you and let you know that we presented your House Portrait to our client and she was blown away...she loved her painting so much that she took a picture of it and changed her Facebook profile picture to her painting pic!!! She has sent us TWO notes telling us how touched she was by the painting, that it is perfect and that it is one of the nicest gifts anyone has ever given her. If you knew this lady...she is a tough cookie and her painting just melted her heart. SO GREAT!!!!

 

Scott Leaf

Scott Leaf Real Estate Marketing.

 

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I gave the painting to the clients and they absolutely loved it.   Couldn’t have of picked out a better house warming gift. Looking forward to the next one.

Bernie Doyle

Personal Real Estate Corp.

RE/MAX Crest Realty Westside

 

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"When Peter delivered it she had tears of joy"

Kathy Carleton Keller Williams Elite Realty.

 

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Russell has solved my problem for gift ideas for my real estate clients. He does a wonderful painting of the client's home and packages it with post cards in a great presentation box, all at a reasonable price.Thanks Russell

 

Don Blane,

Real Estate Agent at Keller Williams Elite Realty

 

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a wonderful client gift

 

Brilliant and truly impressive first delivery of your work today! My staff and I are floored- it won't be long before the rest of Victoria catches on. Thanks for the great product!

See below for the picture of our happy client with your portrait!


"Mary is ever so enjoying the print of her home, she loves the colors and details it portrays as shows little things she hadn't noticed. It is hanging above her night table and the lamp on the table lightens and reflects it beauty in the evening hours. A true Sentiment of a perfect gift."

Tony Joe

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"I have ordered Russell's House Portraits for many of my clients, I can't say enough about the outstanding level of service and follow up that Russell provides. The portraits are beautifully packaged and the value is unbeatable. A couple of different clients of mine loved their house portraits so much that they had tears of joy, it's a "Truly Heartfelt Gift" as Russell puts it. It's also something that clients will hang on their walls and always remember you for future referrals"

Pedro Gomes

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Here is a testimonial from a Home Owner that they put on their facebook page!

A wonderful testimonial from a homeowner

 

My clients absolutely loved the painting that you did of their house on Kings in West Van.  It made her cry......she has raised her family in that house and now they are onto a new chapter including grandchildren etc.  The whole family just loved it and it will be put in a very special spot in their new home.

I know it was a wonderful gift and I thank you for that.

Toni Lindsay

Sales Associate

Re/Max Masters Realty Ltd.,

#200 - 1455 Bellevue Avenue

West Vancouver, B. C. V7T 1C3

604-818-1114

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Hi Russell, I work with Toni Lindsay of Re/max Masters and we just ordered a portrait from you for a client which we just presented to them and they were thrilled.  So we are very happy to use your services we are delighted with the outcome.  Many thanks,

Bev

Bev Davies

Associate Broker

Re/max Crest Realty Ltd.

#101 - 2609 Westview Drive

North Vancouver, B.C

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Your portraits always receive wonderful praise and gratitude from our clients!

Cheers, 
Natasha
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McRae portraits creates a beautiful and unique gift for my real estate clients.
- Butch Zaprawa
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Matt Kirby

All I know is Russell McRae is likely one of the most amazing people I have met in the past 10 years. If you have not seen his work - you need to!! This man is a star and we are watching him take off!! In the near future - we will gaze from earth in awe!! Seriously!! Every KW agent needs to get in touch with him!!

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Morrie - 

THANK YOU so much for the beautiful picture of my house.  Not only am I personally touched by it, but what a brilliant gift from a marketing perspective! 

Anyway, I still have the testimonial on my to-do list...bear with me! 

Thanks again, it is the nicest gift I have received in a very, very long time.... 

Lana

 

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"When I gave the picture to my clients they paused for a second and I looked up at them and they both had a tear in their eyes. They said thank you so much Ryan, it means so much for us to have this. "

Ryan Alty

Team Phil Haig

RE/MAX Sabre Realty Group

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"One of my staff received a portrait for a member this week and  we just delivered on Tuesday.  The member was very excited and very happy with the service and the gift .  The member’s son had twinkle in his eyes and said ” mom is this our new home”  with a smile on his face.  This was a great experience for us and the members. 

The members kept thanking us for their service."

 

Thanks

 

Praveen Sidhu

Senior Branch Manager, Vancity Credit Union

 North Delta Community Branch                              

7211- 120th Street

Delta, BC  V4C 6P5

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Russell has provided not only me with a great closing gift for my business, but he has also created a way for my clients to keep their dearest memories close. His creations manage to retain the most striking points of a subject and his creative experience allows for beautification of any points that would detract from the piece. I highly recommend Russell's house portraits for anyone who wishes to make a lasting impression on a buyer OR a seller. Great work, Russ!"

Matt Bastien

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Hi Russell,

 

I just wanted to let you know that I delivered the portrait of “Roxanne” to the family who lost their beloved pet last week.  There were lots of tears and wonderful memories.  The family is so deeply moved that they now have this beautiful tribute of Roxanne over their mantle.  You captured “her look” they said.  J  Thanks for creating something they can always treasure. 

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When my clients made the hard decision to list their vacation home of 15 years, the sale was bitter sweet .  I wanted to give them a closing gift that was memorable and heartfelt and Russel's home portrait was exactly what I was looking for.  I was thoroughly impressed with his service as he was prompt, professional and enthusiastic.  All the details of the order were managed well including the cross country shipping.  For the impact and quality the gift delivers , the price is incredibly reasonable.  The painting turned out brilliantly and I know my clients will be thrilled when they receive it. I would highly recommend Russell’s services to anyone looking for a unique sentimental gift.

Saira Waters  |  B.Sc., REALTOR
Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty

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Ah, it was so perfect!  My parents love it and were thrilled and overwhelmed!  So great.  Speechless, teary, thrilled.  Mom couldn't wait to put it up in the main entry of their house. So thank you

- Sonia

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Hi Russell

Thank you for the providing a wonderful product to our industry.  Quality, presentation and service all wrapped into a stellar package!  I will definitely be using you again!

 Sharon Davis, AMP
Mortgage Consultant

MORTGAGE CENTRE - Elder Mortgage Corp.

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My clients – Lob and Carly LOVED the gift... here is a snippet of the email from them...

"Thank you for the beautiful artist rendering of our house!  It’s such a thoughtful gift & we’ll always enjoy having a painting of our first ‘real’ home."

 

Carly

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"I brought Russell into our office to meet our brokers and show us his work. We were all very impressed with his creative style, personality and passion for what he does. Since then many of us have ordered his portraits. Our clients enjoy them and we really appreciate the personal touch and unique aspect of this gift for clients and referral partners. Keep up the great work, Russell!"

Pauline Tonkin Mortgage Specialist at The Mortgage Centre

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"What a fantastic professional who provides the perfect touch to my client gifts! Does it quickly too!"

Ryan Hartt

  Consultant at Keller Williams Elite Realty

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I Just received your portraits and they look fantastic!

Kim Taylor REALTOR® at Royal LePage Northshore

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building portraits, condo portraits

For an awesome client gift idea, check out Russell McRae. My clients were ecstatic with the custom portrait of their new home.

Garrett Chu

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I was recently the recipient of one of your gorgeous paintings, compliments of Vancity, after obtaining my mortgage.  I was overwhelmed with the gift.  Such an impressive, thoughtful and meaningful gift! Love the packaging too!!  

Thank you for your time, and thank you for sharing your gift!  I love my painting and couldn’t ask for a more meaningful housewarming gift.  

Sheri

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Hi Russell,

I gave my clients the house portrait  you created and they loved it! They thought it was not only a beautiful painting but a very unique and genuine housewarming gift! I'll definetly look to use your creative artwork again! Thankyou so much!


Nicholas Chabros

MACDONALD REALTY LTD.
#5C-2662 Austin Avenue,
Coquitlam, BC, V3K 6C4

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I just wanted to thank you so much for the wonderful water colour picture. The water colour is more than just a picture of our house. It represents the home that a lot of you have been able to share with Jackie and I. It's a refuge from the busy world we live in and a place that we love to share with our friends and family.

- Nick

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thank you for the excellent service, the last order was a great hit, clients really valued it and I loved the packaging. 

P.S Taking the Buffini Program, very cool that he referred you. 


Manish Kumar

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city views as well

I think this is a great gift idea and beautifully executed

Christine Saulnier
DEXTER ASSOCIATES REALTY

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The House Portrait that I gave to my clients... The wife cried with happiness.  And even a week later, she called teary eyed saying this was the best gift ever.  

Thanks again. 

Andrew Szalontai : Real Estate Representative

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Since viewing your beautiful house portraits at the Vancouver Re/Max convention a few years ago, I have ordered several of them as gifts for clients who have sold their long time residences.  In all cases, the response has been positive and heartfelt.

 

I appreciate the quality of workmanship and the finished product which you deliver

Natasha Blaisdell

  • Sales Agent at ReMax Joyce Tourney Realty

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 condo portraits, apartment portraits

"Russell, today I received the following comments from clients that I "gifted" with one of your "house portraits".  They were delighted and I wanted to share their words with you. 

 

"Thank you so much for the painting of our house!  It's definitely a unique gift and will be a keepsake as this is the first house that we have bought.  We also like the artist's rendition of our place."

 

It  is a pleasure to be able to gift clients with your beautiful "portraits" Thanks again, Russell.

 

Eveline de la Giroday

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Hi there you did a painting of my house for my Realtor; Denise Salmon this summer and my kidz fell in love with it !

You did a great job....it truly was the nicest thing.....our family home!  We can take our old home with us wherever we go now!

- Jodi (homeowner)

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Thank you for the painting, done so quickly and promptly delivered.  They were absolutely thrilled and very surprised which pleased us immensley too.  

  - Dorothy Pigeon

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"Truly a marketing advantage that really speak to what Credit Unions are all about"

Ted Morrison - General Manager, Enderby And District Credit Union

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“Russell does great work! I have been looking for a gift for clients that will mean something to them long term and this is it. Perfect for all of my clients, I know that I will be calling Russell again for all of my future clients.”

- Ryan Windsor, One Percent Realty

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I gave my clients the painting of their first house. It brought a tear to their eye and absolutely loved the gift. What Russell had promised was delivered. On time and everything as expected. A great gift!

- Betty Fricker, One percent Realty

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Hi Russell,

Just wanted to send a quick email and say thanks for the quick and beautiful work for Mohammed & Shammi Arif.  I presented it to them yesterday and they were ecstatic and touched by the gift. 

I look forward to sending more orders your way.

Cheers,

Peter Lee, Dominion Lending.

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  Hi Russell,

Just got the portrait of the dogs for my daughter, it's beautiful, I love it!  Thank you and now I have to wait until Christmas to surprise her.

Best regards,

Banu

Tulumen

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Russell,

 

The last painting you did for us (Sarah Eales and I ) brought tears to our clients. What a truly awesome gift!  

Thanks,

Jessica Norman

Royal LePage Brookside

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Hi Russell:
Just picked up the painting - WOW!!! Love it!!!!  Amazing, so very pleased.

I will be touting your business for sure.  I'm so impressed - with the product - the packaging - the presentation!
Thank you a million!!

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I had the pleasure of delivering the two portraits you did for me. It was a picture of the home they sold and a picture of their new home. The one they sold was this family's first home which had a lot of sentimental value for them especially because their two children were born there. The new home is a much bigger, newer and nicer home which they love.

 

I had them open the new home first and that wowed them. The second one just overwhelmed them. When I delivered the portraits I reached into my pocket and gave them two hooks to hang them on which I will continue to do for all future portraits because that causes them to hang them while I am still there. 

 

It is a good feeling for me to deliver such worthwhile housewarming gifts to my clients. 

 

Ron Clauzel

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Hi

Russell!  The clients loved it and it brought them to tears!  It was beautiful.  Thank you very much!  

Michele Courtney

Sales Representative

RE/MAX Ocean Pacific Realty

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One client began crying... and crying... and crying she loved it so much.  Or course that made me cry.  So beautiful to have such heartfelt responses. 

- Tammy Sonne

 

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exterior portraits as well

Hi Russell,

 

I present the portrait to the client on the possession date (Tuesday). When I open up the box, they recognized it is their building and I can see the tear around their eyes. They are so touching and they said this is the most unique portrait they have ever seen.

 They really like it so much. It is awesome to find the client a lovely home and seeing their excited moment when they saw your portrait.

 Again, thank you so much for the masterpiece you made.

 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

 

Amos Yang

 

RE/MAX Westcoast

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Hi Russell

I just wanted to let you know that my client loved the picture…she was thrilled. I will definitely be doing this again. Have a wonderful Xmas.

 

Susan

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Russell

The response was amazing,both my Wife and Brother-in law appreciate your role in preserving the memories of their family home. A most "memorable" gift!

With gratitude and thanks

Chris Dupuis 

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Hi Russell,

Just to let you know that my daughter was WOWED!! by her gift and it is already hanging on the wall.  Your creative design was very much appreciated.

Thank you.

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Hi Russell

 

My parents loved the painting - it was quite emotional and they are thrilled with how you captured their home. It was a very special Christmas with my brother's family here and all the

grand children

for the last time.

Thank you so much!

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Hi Russell, my clients were incredibly happy that I got them the House Portrait. 

Thank you so much.

Bridget Dunbar

REMAX Treeland Realty

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 "Russell's work literally brings tears to my client's eyes.. they are so moved by the personal nature of his work. It is a great gift for anyone you do business with." 

- Lynn Kelly

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I gave her the picture on moving day. She was so delighted that she actually cried! It was perfect for them as they had done so much work on their home and it will be a wonderful keepsake.

Thanks so much,

Sandra Carswell

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 Russell,

 

The package arrived today and I’m….blown away – it’s beautiful!

This was the family home that he grew up in and his Mom lived in it from construction to just a few months ago (50+ years). I’m sure he’ll cherish the painting and the memories.

 Jay

 

Jay Fraser | Real Estate Professional 

Macdonald Realty Ltd.

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Thanks for the great work Russell! My clients are always impressed with your paintings. A great house warming gift and a great conversation piece!

Gabe K.

Royal LePage Wolstencroft Realty

 

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Hello, I recently sold my home and my Real Estate agent, Steve Duben of ReMax, was kind enough to commission a portrait of my house. I received this gift and was enchanted. Leaving a home you love is never easy. However, the portrait was beautifully done and, with it, I can take a little bit of my home with me.
Thank you,
Ruth
(Homeowner)