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
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.
5 Questions You Should Ask When Hiring a Real Estate Buyer’s Agent
Purchasing a home is likely one of the largest and most significant purchases you will make in your lifetime, so finding the right real estate agent is essential. Not only will they help walk you through the entire home-buying process from start to finish, but they will also advocate for you when it comes to negotiating and finding the perfect home. When it comes to hiring a real estate agent, taking the time to interview a few is key to finding the right one for you.
We’ve put together a list of 5 questions that you can ask when hiring a real estate agent to help you get started in your interviewing process.
Hiring a Real Estate Agent: How Long Have You Been In Real Estate?
A real estate agent that has been in the business for a long period of time will likely have more experience than a newer agent and will be able to better anticipate any problems that may arise during the home-buying process. This isn’t to say that you can’t work with a less-experienced agent, but getting a feel for how long an agent has been working in the real estate industry is a great way to start your interview. Another benefit of working with an experienced agent is that they likely have established solid relationships with other real estate services professionals, such as home inspectors, and will be able to refer you to them if needed.
What Is Your Area of Focus?
Another great question to ask your prospective agent is what their area of focus, or expertise, is. While some agents are looking to work for all sorts of clients, some have specialized focuses, such as first-time home buyers or those looking to downsize. These agents will likely have more experience with certain pain points you might experience during the home-buying process and will be able to inform and help you navigate any challenges or frustrations that you may feel.
Are You Familiar With My Desired Neighbourhood?
Finding a real estate agent that is knowledgeable about your desired area is also incredibly important, especially if you’re moving to a new city that you’re not familiar with. It’s a real estate agent’s job to know what is going on in their local market, so they will be able to help you either find a neighbourhood that will suit your needs, or give you as much information as they can on the neighbourhood you have in mind. Liveability factors play a huge role in day-to-day life, whether it be proximity to schools, transit, or other amenities, so finding an area that fulfills those requirements is key to finding your ideal home. Working with an agent who is familiar with your desired neighbourhood will also allow them to give you accurate information regarding home values in the area. This will help you get an idea of what other homes in the area have sold for and can help you determine whether or not you’re paying the right price for a property.
Can You Explain The Home-Buying Process?
You want to make sure that you end up working with a real estate agent who knows what they’re doing, which is why you should ask them to explain the entire home-buying process to you. Buying a home can be stressful and complicated at times, so working with an agent who understands the ins and outs of the process is key to making your buying experience as stress-free as possible. There are a lot of different rules and regulations when it comes to buying a home, so your real estate agent will be able to explain and help you understand everything that goes into the buying process.
Do You Have References or Reviews?
One of the most common ways that people find real estate agents is through referrals from friends and family, so you likely already have one review to rely on, but it’s always a good idea to seek out more when possible. Reviews from past clients are a great way to gauge whether or not an agent is going to be the right fit for you, so don’t be afraid to ask for more references if needed. Most agents will have reviews displayed on their website or in a Google Business profile, which makes them easy to find.
Regardless of whether or not you’re buying your first home or your fifth home, taking the time to find the right agent is essential to making sure the entire home-buying process goes smoothly and is as stress-free as possible.