Oakwyn Realty, a real estate brokerage renowned for its innovative technology, collaborative culture and a unique approach to real estate, is establishing a presence on Kelowna’s Bernard Avenue.
“What makes Oakwyn unique? Our culture of collaboration, fostering a culture of teamwork and shared success,” CEO Morgan Browne says. She adds that Oakwyn’s innovative technology streamlines processes to provide a modern real estate experience. Its focus on education and growth aligns with its commitment to “putting people first” and building long-term relationships.
Oakwyn Realty’s agents set themselves apart with a blend of expertise and individualized client engagement.
“Our collaborative culture creates a strong network of professionals. Our agents have community engagement while holding their core values such as continuously learning to perfect the craft,” Browne says. She emphasizes the importance of integrity, ethics and transparency in protecting their clients’ best interests.
Photo: Contributed
Morgan Browne says Oakwyn will transform the Okanagan’s real estate landscape.
The new Oakwyn office, which will be located at the corner of Bernard and Pandosy Street, aims to bring positive energy and a community-oriented presence to the Okanagan. Oakwyn Realty is committed to being an active participant in local events, initiatives and contributing positively to the community. Browne envisions building strong relationships, contributing to local development, and fostering a sense of belonging for residents and clients alike.
The new office will be led by managing broker Anthony Bastiaanssen, who will officially welcome the Okanagan during its grand opening event on Thursday, June 22, at 473 Bernard Ave.
“I love the Oakwyn core values,” Bastiaanssen says. “Being values based is what drew me to Oakwyn. Putting people first is high on my list. Valuing the people we serve and the people we surround ourselves with is so important.”
In addition, the real estate landscape in the Okanagan is poised to transform positively with Oakwyn’s arrival.
“Oakwyn Realty is known for raising the standards of how real estate should be done, and their presence will bring forth a higher level of professionalism, expertise, and customer-centric approach to the market,” Browne says.
Oakwyn bills itself as a lifestyle brand, where agents are encouraged to work collaboratively over competitively, where they’re sharing knowledge. It has updated branding, an updated culture and an updated way of working together.
One notable Okanagan real estate agent who has started working under the Oakwyn name is Kim Heizmann, who recently served as Association of Interior Realtors’ president. She was at the forefront of the Okanagan’s recent real estate price explosion, so she knows the ins and outs of the unique market better than most.
Browne considers opening a brokerage in the Okanagan a smart business choice, given Kelowna’s growth. Oakwyn is perfectly positioned to seize the opportunities of a thriving economy, population growth and development prospects. She believes Oakwyn’s entry into the Okanagan market should matter to the people of the region.
“Oakwyn Realtors foster a culture of collaboration and teamwork,” she says. “They work together, share knowledge and support one another, creating a strong network of professionals.
“I am thrilled to connect with this vibrant group of realtors who share a common passion for making a positive change in our community. Together, we are poised to create a lasting impact and grow immensely alongside the community we serve.”
HALIFAX – A village of tiny homes is set to open next month in a Halifax suburb, the latest project by the provincial government to address homelessness.
Located in Lower Sackville, N.S., the tiny home community will house up to 34 people when the first 26 units open Nov. 4.
Another 35 people are scheduled to move in when construction on another 29 units should be complete in December, under a partnership between the province, the Halifax Regional Municipality, United Way Halifax, The Shaw Group and Dexter Construction.
The province invested $9.4 million to build the village and will contribute $935,000 annually for operating costs.
Residents have been chosen from a list of people experiencing homelessness maintained by the Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia.
They will pay rent that is tied to their income for a unit that is fully furnished with a private bathroom, shower and a kitchen equipped with a cooktop, small fridge and microwave.
The Atlantic Community Shelters Society will also provide support to residents, ranging from counselling and mental health supports to employment and educational services.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 24, 2024.
Housing affordability is a key issue in the provincial election campaign in British Columbia, particularly in major centres.
Here are some statistics about housing in B.C. from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s 2024 Rental Market Report, issued in January, and the B.C. Real Estate Association’s August 2024 report.
Average residential home price in B.C.: $938,500
Average price in greater Vancouver (2024 year to date): $1,304,438
Average price in greater Victoria (2024 year to date): $979,103
Average price in the Okanagan (2024 year to date): $748,015
Average two-bedroom purpose-built rental in Vancouver: $2,181
Average two-bedroom purpose-built rental in Victoria: $1,839
Average two-bedroom purpose-built rental in Canada: $1,359
Rental vacancy rate in Vancouver: 0.9 per cent
How much more do new renters in Vancouver pay compared with renters who have occupied their home for at least a year: 27 per cent
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 17, 2024.
VANCOUVER – Voters along the south coast of British Columbia who have not cast their ballots yet will have to contend with heavy rain and high winds from an incoming atmospheric river weather system on election day.
Environment Canada says the weather system will bring prolonged heavy rain to Metro Vancouver, the Sunshine Coast, Fraser Valley, Howe Sound, Whistler and Vancouver Island starting Friday.
The agency says strong winds with gusts up to 80 kilometres an hour will also develop on Saturday — the day thousands are expected to go to the polls across B.C. — in parts of Vancouver Island and Metro Vancouver.
Wednesday was the last day for advance voting, which started on Oct. 10.
More than 180,000 voters cast their votes Wednesday — the most ever on an advance voting day in B.C., beating the record set just days earlier on Oct. 10 of more than 170,000 votes.
Environment Canada says voters in the area of the atmospheric river can expect around 70 millimetres of precipitation generally and up to 100 millimetres along the coastal mountains, while parts of Vancouver Island could see as much as 200 millimetres of rainfall for the weekend.
An atmospheric river system in November 2021 created severe flooding and landslides that at one point severed most rail links between Vancouver’s port and the rest of Canada while inundating communities in the Fraser Valley and B.C. Interior.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 17, 2024.
