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Century 21 Assurance Realty Ltd. Expands Into Creston, BC
Century 21 Assurance Realty Ltd. Expands Into Creston, BC
Creston, BC – January 24, 2025
Century 21 Assurance Realty Ltd., a leading residential, commercial and property management
brokerage in the BC Interior, is excited to announce their expansion into Creston. BC. The
expansion reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to providing the BC Interior with
excellence in real estate services with local market expertise.
Over 50 years ago, Gordon & Ruth Veitch started their family-owned real estate brokerage in
the Creston Valley. In the early ‘90s Scott Veitch joined his mother and brother in the business
which evolved into a Century 21 franchise 3 years later. Scott and Shannon Veitch have run
Century 21 Veitch Realty since 2003. The Veitch’s have always upheld traditional values, are
community-oriented and strive to be a service-first brokerage.
In January 2025, Century 21 Veitch Realty merged with Century 21 Assurance Realty from
Kelowna. Assurance Realty has offices in Kamloops, Salmon Arm, Vernon, Kelowna, Castlegar,
and now Creston. “With 125 plus Realtors® in the region, our expanded team, with its broad
experience and expertise, is better positioned to satisfy our communities real estate needs
including residential, commercial, agricultural, recreational, property management and advisory.
We are now even more connected and intend to be around for future generations to deliver the
Gold Standard’ in Real Estate “, said Scott Veitch, Associate Broker of Century 21 Assurance
Realty in Creston.
C21 Assurance Realty’s office in Creston is centrally located at 1131 Canyon Street offering
personalized services to meet the unique needs of individuals and businesses in Creston and
the surrounding area.
“Clients can expect the same trusted guidance, service and care that have been the hallmark of
Century 21 Veitch’s history in Creston”, said Max Carbone of Century 21 Assurance Realty Ltd.
About Century 21 Assurance Realty
Century 21 Assurance Realty helps consumers buy and sell real estate in the BC Interior. Our
mission is to defy mediocrity and deliver extraordinary experiences. By consistently striving for
excellence, giving 121% and always elevating the CENTURY 21 brand, we help our agents to
be the first choice for real estate consumers and industry professionals.
www.assurancerealty.c21.ca
Top Tips to Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal This Fall
Curb appeal is something that you should always be conscious of, especially when trying to sell your home. Not only is the exterior of your home the first thing that prospective buyers will see when they come to view it, but it can also help your home stand out in a crowded market. Whether you’re looking to sell right away, or simply want to make some updates to improve your home’s visual appeal, boosting your fall curb appeal is a great way to do so.
We’ve highlighted a few ways you can help your home stand out and impress anyone who walks or drives by.
Fall Curb Appeal: Keep Leaves at Bay
One of the easiest ways to increase the curb appeal of your home this fall is to simply keep up with the yard maintenance. Not only will this help your yard look even better come springtime, but it can also help catch the eye of potential buyers and others driving by. Raking leaves as they fall is a great way to keep your front yard looking clean and tidy, and doing other tasks such as giving your lawn lots of water and applying fertilizer in the fall will help your lawn’s health in the long run, and will have it growing in even lusher in the spring.
Draining irrigation lines is also important, as this will help preserve them for warmer weather and will keep any remaining water in the lines from freezing and expanding, which could damage your irrigation system.
Decorate the Front Porch
Fall time is one of the best times to get all of your seasonal decorations out, especially for holidays like Thanksgiving and Halloween. Adding some fun and intrigue to your front porch can help boost your home’s curb appeal, as it will help make your home feel more lived in and adds personality. People are more likely to remember a well-decorated front porch than they are a home that had no decorations displayed.
Try adding a few decorative pumpkins or gourds to your front porch area to coincide with the fall holidays, or plant a few fall-themed flower pots with flowers such as mums.
Light It Up
As the days get shorter, it’s going to be important that your home is well-illuminated this fall. Not only will lighting your home up ensure that people can easily find it should they be coming to view it, but it can also help deter things like break-ins. The more illuminated your home is – both inside and outside – the more it will give the impression of someone being home. This is not only a great way to boost your home’s curb appeal this fall and winter, but will also help keep your home and property safe.
It’s especially important to ensure that all paths and walkways are well-lit and tidy, to avoid tripping or slipping hazards with the rain and snow that often accompanies fall weather.
Repaint & Highlight The Front Door
Updating your front door is one of the easiest ways to boost your home’s curb appeal and add character and charm to your home. A fresh coat of paint can either soften your front porch, or add a well-needed pop or colour. Fortunately, painting is relatively simple and is a DIY project that can be done easily in an afternoon or a weekend, for a relatively affordable price. Greens, blues, and reds are popular front door colours and if you take the time to find a colour that will be complimentary to your home’s siding or exterior, it can make a huge difference.
Regardless of whether you’re trying to attract potential home buyers or simply want to inject some new life into your home’s exterior ahead of the darker, colder months, boosting your home’s curb appeal is a great way to start.
Thinking about selling your home? We can help! Contact Max Carbone today to be put in touch with one of our experienced real estate agents.
Fall Activities to Enjoy In Kelowna
With the days growing shorter and leaves beginning to change colour on the trees, it’s safe to say that fall has hit Kelowna and the greater Okanagan area. Whether you’re looking to make the most of outdoor activities before the snow flies, or are wanting to stay close to the cozy comforts of home, we wanted to pull together a list of some fun, festive, fall activities to enjoy in Kelowna over the next few weeks.
Haunted Farm Adventure at Don-O-Ray Farms
Spooky season is upon us, which makes now the perfect time to check out a spooky farm adventure happening throughout the month of October. With Don-O-Ray market’s ghost town of Deadwood reawakening, bring the entire family for a fun day of exploring a hedge maze with twists, turns, dead ends and more spooky surprises! The whole farm has been given a Halloween makeover, and provides a large selection of pumpkins that are perfect for a festive night of jack-o-lantern carving.
Festive and fun for the whole family, this is a Halloween event you should definitely check out! Click here to learn more!
Zombie Apocalypse Scavenger Hunt
Think you’ve got what it takes to survive a zombie apocalypse? Epic Experiences has brought forward an opportunity to see if you’ve got what it takes. The game leads you through the city, where you have 60 minutes to collect supplies needed to survive the interactive scavenger game. With a team of up to 10 people, you’ll use a smartphone to search for much needed things such as food, supplies, and shelter. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to take on more challenges or answer trivia questions to gain more points and earn more supplies. The more points you receive, the closer you are to surviving.
Rocky Horror Picture Show
If you’re looking for more adult-focused ways to celebrate the spooky season, you might want to check out The Rocky Horror Picture Show, presented by New Vintage Theatre at the Rotary Centre for the Arts. Paying homage to the classic B sci-fi film and horror genres, The Rocky Horror Show is a hilarious, wild ride that you don’t want to miss!
The show runs from October 10th to 19th. For more details and for tickets, click here.
Halloween Movie in the Vineyard
Halloween movies are the perfect way to get into the spooky season spirit, and this October you need to look no further than the Halloween Movie Night in the Vineyard at Priest Creek Family Estate Winery for a festive film for the entire family. On Friday, October 11th, they will be showing the movie ‘Casper’ under the stars in their vineyard. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children, and the movie will be happening from 5-8pm.
Fall Fest Harvest Market & Outdoor Concert
Whether you’re looking for some festive decor to decorate your home with this fall, or are simply wanting to get a head start on some holiday shopping, you’ll definitely want to check out the Fall Fest Harvest Market & Outdoor Concert happening on Saturday, October 12th at Grizzli Winery. The annual event is the perfect way to embrace the fall season while shopping from local vendors, enjoying live music, or partaking in fun fall activities with the family. There will be a fall photo booth, outdoor lawn games, apple bobbing with chopsticks, a s’mores fire pit, face painting and a craft/colouring station. The event is free and pet-friendly, so be sure to stop by and check it out!
Regardless of whether you’re looking for spooky events to help get you in the Halloween spirit or are just looking to enjoy everything that fall has to offer in the Okanagan, these festive fall events are a great place to start!
Century 21 Assurance Realty Launches Property Management Division Led by Kim Davies
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
Century 21 Assurance Realty Launches Property Management Division Led by Kim Davies
**Kelowna, BC –June 5, 2024** – Century 21 Assurance Realty Ltd., a leading real estate brokerage in Kelowna, with a reputation for excellence and a commitment to client satisfaction, announced the launch of a Property Management Division to enhance their Real Estate business.
This strategic expansion aims to provide comprehensive real estate services to Okanagan investors and property owners, enhancing the overall client experience and ensuring the highest standards of property care and tenant satisfaction.
The Property Management division already has over 85 properties under management. It delivers a full suite of services, including tenant screening, lease administration, rent collection, property maintenance, and financial reporting. The services alleviate the burdens of property management for owners, allowing them to maximize their investment returns.
Industry veteran Kim Davies recently joined Assurance Realty to assume the role of Managing Broker of Property Management & Commercial. With a proven record in property management, residential and commercial real estate, Kim brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the team. Her leadership will drive the growth and success of both Property Management & Commercial divisions and ensure clients receive the highest level of service and support.
“Century 21 Assurance Realty is a company built on a strong foundation of care. Care for each other, care for our clients, and care for those that we work with every day, said Kim Davies. I am excited to lead the Property Management and Commercial Divisions and help our clients achieve their real estate goals with confidence and success.”
“We’re pleased to introduce the launch of our Property Management Division which represents a significant milestone in our company’s growth and evolution,” said Max Carbone, Partner, Century 21 Assurance Realty Ltd. “This expansion allows us to offer a broader range of real estate services to our clients. We look forward to delivering exceptional value, service, and expertise through residential, property management and commercial real estate sectors.
About Century 21 Assurance Realty Ltd.
Century 21 Assurance Realty helps consumers buy and sell real estate in the Okanagan. Our mission is to defy mediocrity and deliver extraordinary experiences. By consistently striving for excellence, giving 121% and always elevating, the CENTURY 21 brand, we help our agents to be the first choice for real estate consumers and industry professionals. www.assurancerealty.c21.ca
For more information, contact: Anna Carbone / Partner/ Century 21 Assurance Realty Ltd. anna.carbone@century21.ca
What You Need to Know About Buying a Condo
Condos have become a popular housing option for many different reasons – a smaller footprint is great for those who might be looking to downsize from a single-family home to something smaller, while their size often translates into more affordable purchase prices for first-time home buyers or new families looking to get into the housing market. If you’re considering buying a condo, it’s important to do your research to fully understand everything that goes into condo home ownership, as there can be differences between owning a condo versus a single-family home.
If you’re thinking about dipping your toes into the housing market and buying a condo, we’ve highlighted some of the main things you need to know about condo home ownership.
Take Location Into Account
Condos are typically built in high-traffic areas such as downtowns and other urban centers, so if you’re looking to be in a quiet, family-friendly neighbourhood, then a condo might not be the right choice for you. However, if you’re looking to be able to walk out your front door and be in the hustle and bustle, then a condo might be the perfect place to call home. Location is also important to consider when thinking about things such as transportation and other amenities. If you work in a busy downtown area, opting for a condo a few blocks away might be a great idea, as it’ll save on commute times and transportation costs.
What Amenities Are Included?
One of the most appealing features of many condos are their included amenities. These differ from building to building, but some common amenities often seen in condos include swimming pools and hot tubs, gyms, shared outdoor spaces such as BBQ pits and rooftop patios, and common lounge rooms that everyone in the building can access. If you’re currently paying for a gym membership, opting for a condo with a gym might be a great way to help cut down on some costs. These amenities are typically included as part of the strata fees you pay to live in a condo building, so they can be a huge added bonus when considering a condo as your next home.
Are There Other Costs to Be Aware Of?
While condo prices are often lower than those of single-family homes and townhouse units, it’s important to remember that the listing price doesn’t include things such as strata fees and other costs that factor into purchasing a home. Strata fees are used to help cover the cost of building maintenance, access to amenities, and general upkeep of the property and its grounds (garbage removal, landscaping, snow removal, etc.). These fees can vary depending on the property, its location and the amenities it provides, among other things. It’s important to take this fee into consideration when looking at purchasing a condo, as it will become part of your monthly payment and might impact your budget. You’ll also need to remember to consider utility and insurance payments, which also won’t be included in the purchase price.
Consider The Long-Term Potential
If you’re looking to downsize, then you might be looking at a condo as more of a long-term investment. However, if you’re looking at a condo as a bit of a stepping stone to get yourself into the housing market, then it is probably a good idea to consider the long-term potential of your condo. Condos have excellent rental potential, especially in cities like Kelowna where you have a bustling student population. Rather than selling your condo down the road, you might want to consider if it might be more worthwhile to rent it out instead. Thinking about your long-term goals before making a purchase might help you narrow down your options, or might make one condo more appealing than another.
Regardless of whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or are someone looking to downsize, condos can be a great investment. Taking the time to do your research before starting your home-buying journey can help you feel better prepared for the purchase you’re going to make, and help you get into the condo of your dreams!
Thinking about making the move to a condo? We can help! Contact Max Carbone today to have him connect you with one of our experienced real estate agents.
Century 21 Assurance Realty Proudly Celebrates One of Our Own
Out of 12,000 hard working, dedicated Century 21 Realtors across Canada, one of our own stood out amongst the rest. Anne Wolfe was recently named 2023 Sales Associate of the Year and was presented the award by Century 21 Canada president and CEO, Martin Charlwood, at the annual OneC21 Conference in Calgary.
Anna Carbone, Partner at Century 21 Assurance Realty, highlighted Wolfe’s work ethic and commitment to the brand.
“This incredible milestone and achievement is a nod to Anne’s outstanding performance, professionalism, community work, and engagement with the Century 21 brand, network, and tools. We’re thrilled to be a part of Anne’s successful journey in Real Estate.”
Having recently surpassed 20 years with Century 21, Wolfe was selected from a shortlist of agents nominated by the company’s brokers and agents. The main criteria for the award include:
- Industry Success
- Community Ties
- Engagement with Tech and Program Tools
- Representation of the brand’s “Gold Standard” of client excellence
“I feel honored and grateful to have received this year’s C21 Sales Associate of the Year award,” said Wolfe. “Having been with Century 21 for over 20 years – in two different provinces – the integrity of the organization, as well as its ability to pivot and grow with changing times has made it the best place to grow my business! The support of my family, agents, and brokers at Century 21 Assurance Realty and my Century 21 Canada family as a whole are a huge part of my success in real estate!”
Best Ways to Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal in Winter
When it comes to selling your home, curb appeal has a huge impact on the first impression your home gives potential buyers. While boosting your home’s curb appeal during the warmer, summer months is relatively simple, it can be more challenging once the snow flies and the cold weather sets in.
If you’re looking for a few ways to boost your home’s curb appeal in the winter, we’ve compiled a list of a few different things you can do!
Boost Curb Appeal: Let There Be Light
As the days get shorter, you’ll want to ensure that your home is properly illuminated. Not only will this help potential buyers see the home, but it will also help keep sidewalks and front porches lit up, which will help keep people safe. With showings happening in the darker evening hours, keeping your lights on will also make your home feel more welcoming and ‘lived-in’, which will help invite potential buyers in.
Spruce Up Your Front Porch
While there won’t be much yard work to be done in the winter months to help with your home’s curb appeal, one area that you can put some work into is your front porch. Consider painting your front door a bold colour to add some personality to the space, add festive winter-themed pots on the porch, or hang a seasonal wreath on the front door to help boost the curb appeal. Not only will these add to the first impression that your home will make to potential buyers, but it will also allow them to see the potential of what they could do to the space should they decide to put in an offer.
Keep Sidewalks Clear
When inviting potential buyers into your home for showings, the last thing you want is for someone to slip and fall on an icy sidewalk. This is why keeping sidewalks and driveways clear is extremely important when selling during the winter months. Shoveling and de-icing your sidewalks and driveway can also help boost your home’s curb appeal as it makes your property feel lived-in and more welcoming to those who might be considering your home during their home search.
Update House Numbers
If you’re looking for a simple, relatively inexpensive way to boost your home’s curb appeal during the winter months, then you might want to consider updating your house numbers. They are mandatory to have on your home, but depending on when your home was built and when they were last changed, they can sometimes look a bit outdated. Taking the time to update your house numbers is a great way to refresh the exterior of your home while also ensuring that potential buyers will be able to easily find it when they come for their showings.
Whether you’re planning to list your home soon or are thinking you’ll be listing later in the winter, taking these steps now is a great way to ensure that you’re putting your home’s best foot forward when it comes time to put it on the market.
Thinking about selling your home? We can help! Contact Max Carbone today to get in touch with one of our experienced real estate agents!
Spooky Halloween Activities in the Okanagan
With Halloween just a few weeks away and the crisp fall weather already in the Okanagan, many people are starting to look for activities to help them get into the spooky season mood. Whether you’re looking for a good scare or are looking for something fun to do with the kids, there are dozens of fantastic Halloween activities and events happening throughout the valley.
We’ve highlighted a few spooky Halloween activities happening in the Okanagan over the next few weeks that are definitely worth checking out.
Haunted Farm Adventure
Hosted by Don-O-Ray Farm, the Haunted Farm Adventure will provide fun for all ages! The ghost town of Deadwood has reawakened and the fall activities are in full swing, including a hedge maze that is full of spooky surprises, twists, turns, and dead ends. While you’re enjoying the spooky fun, you can also pick up your pumpkins straight from their pumpkin patch! With dates running throughout the month of October, make sure to drop in and enjoy their Haunted Farm Adventure!
Haunted House at the Museum
If you’re looking to visit a Haunted House this spooky season, then look no further than the Westbank Museum’s 3rd annual Haunted House at the Museum. Entry is by donation and they have several dates between now and Halloween for you to enjoy. Bring your friends and family and make your way through the haunted house – if you dare!
Halloween Movie in the Vineyard
Visit Priest Creek Family Estate Winery this October and enjoy a Halloween Movie Night in the Vineyard! On Friday, October 27th, they will be screening The Haunted Mansion for everyone to enjoy. This is a ticketed event with adult tickets at $15 and kid tickets at $10. Don’t forget to enjoy a wine tasting while you’re there!
Halloweenie at Grizzli Winery
For those who are looking for both kid-friendly and pet-friendly Halloween events around the Okanagan this fall, Grizzli Winery is the place to be. Their 4th annual Halloweenie event is a non-scary, ‘lights on’ indoor event that is perfect for young kids. Kids can join in on fun Halloween-themed activities such as a scavenger hunt, mini-pumpkin decorating station, outdoor s’mores around the fire, and more while parents can enjoy wine from the winery. Admission is $5 and covers a variety of things for both adults and children.
Family Monster Bash
Join the City of Kelowna for their Family Monster Bash at the Kelowna Capital News Centre on Sunday, October 29th! This is a free event perfect for the whole family and will include an obstacle course, bouncy house, Halloween games, face painting, and more. The concession will be open for purchasing food and drinks, and the ice rink will be open for free skating.
There is never a shortage of great events happening throughout the Okanagan, and the Halloween season is no exception! These events are sure to get you into the spooky spirit, just in time for Halloween!
Are you thinking about moving to the Okanagan and making it your home? We can help! Contact Max Carbone to be connected to one of our experienced real estate agents.
Preparing Your Home For Fall & Winter
As the weather begins to cool and the leaves start to change, many people start thinking about how they can prepare their homes for the change in seasons and upcoming colder months. Taking the time to properly prepare your home for seasonal changes is a great way to check if there are any repairs that need to be made or equipment that needs to be replaced before the snow settles in.
If you’re wanting to prepare your home for fall and winter but aren’t sure where to start, we’ve put together this blog post to help you out.
Clean Your Gutters
To avoid running into blocked gutters during the spring snow melt, taking the time to clean out your gutters in the fall is a great way to get rid of any debris that might cause issues down the road. Things such as leaves, twigs, and other debris that get blown around have the potential to clog up your gutters and downspouts, so being proactive and cleaning them routinely will help keep them clear and avoid potential water damage to your home.
Test Winter Tools & Equipment
There is nothing worse than waking up to the first snowfall of the year, only to find that your snowblower isn’t working properly or your snow shovel isn’t where you thought you left it last year. Taking the time to test your winter equipment in the fall months is a great way to ensure that when the snow falls, you can efficiently clear it from your sidewalks and driveways. It might also be a smart idea to install any Christmas lights before the snow begins to fall.
Clean & Store Outdoor Patio Furniture
While it might be tempting to just pull in the cushions from your outdoor patio sets for the winter, it’s always a good idea to give your outdoor furniture a thorough cleaning before the cold months set in. It is also recommended that you store your furniture properly to help minimize the environmental wear and tear that comes with cold Canadian winters.
Drain Outdoor Faucets
Before the cold winter months set in, it’s always a good idea to disconnect any outdoor garden hoses and drain outdoor faucets. This will help prevent any water that may be stuck in the pipes from freezing and potentially damaging the water pipes within your home. In some instances, you may want to look at installing outdoor faucet covers to help protect them from the cold winter elements.
Whether you’re a first-time homeowner looking to protect your new home from the elements or looking to establish more of a fall/winter maintenance routine, following these steps will help you better prepare your home for the upcoming cold weather.
Are you looking to buy your first home? We can help! Contact Max Carbone today to be put in touch with one of our experienced real estate agents.
Top Tips for Downsizing Your Home
While having a large home with lots of room for kids and pets to run around can be great, there will likely come a time once the kids have moved out and you find yourself with more square footage than you know what to do with. In this scenario, many homeowners find themselves looking to downsize their home and find something a bit more manageable for their current lifestyle. But downsizing can be a daunting and sometimes emotional task that can be overwhelming if you don’t take steps to help streamline the process.
If you’re thinking about downsizing your home, we’ve put together a few tips to help make the downsizing process as stress-free as possible.
Declutter Before You Move
One of the best ways to make downsizing a breeze is to declutter your home before you move. Not only will this help eliminate items you don’t have space for in your new home, but it will also save time so you can avoid packing items that actually don’t need to make the move. Compare your current home with the home you’re moving into and take inventory of items that aren’t necessary.
Start Small
The idea of having to downsize and declutter an entire house can feel incredibly overwhelming, so it’s important that you remember to start small. Rather than looking at your home as a whole, start with just one room, such as a bedroom, and go from there. Making a list can also be helpful – jot down any items or pieces of furniture that you know you no longer need, and deal with them when you come to that room rather than trying to tackle everything at once.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask For Help
Asking for help can be hard to do, but when it comes to downsizing and moving, it can be a game-changer! If you have friends and family who are willing to help with the downsizing process, take them up on it! Sometimes just having an outside opinion and an extra pair of hands can make the entire process go much faster and make it less stressful.
Utilize Space-Saving Options
When thinking about what furniture to take to your new place, it is a good idea to look at pieces that might serve more than one purpose or offer hidden storage. It’s also important to ensure that the furniture you currently have will fit in your new space, especially if you’re moving from a house to a smaller townhouse or condo. With so many great space-saving options available, you’ll be able to find something that will fit your needs while maximizing your space with additional storage or seating.
Whether you’re downsizing because you no longer need the space that you currently have or are just looking to simplify your life, these tips will help keep the downsizing and moving process simple and stress-free so you can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying your new space!
