A merger between Ladysmith’s Coast Realty Group and Island Homes Realty will mean a whole new level of service in the local real estate market, says Luke Kolk of Island Homes.
Effective May 22, Coast Realty Group, formerly located at Coronation Mall, will officially join Island Homes employees at their 410A First Ave. location and continue operations under the Coast Realty brand.
For Kolk, who established Island Homes 13 years ago, the merger is part of a five-year plan edging toward retirement.
“Although I am not retiring or quitting real estate, it is part of my exit strategy for the future, just a tad early, but nevertheless, for me, just a piece of my life’s puzzle,” he said.
Kolk said while he has mixed emotions about losing the Island Homes name, the people will not change, and the rest is just semantics.
“It’s a win-win situation for both of us,” he said. “Coast gets a first-class office ... and Island Homes joins a first-class realty network.”
Kolk added it will create a whole lot more activity in the downtown core.
“The synergy in this office will be awesome,” he said.
Ladysmith Coast Realty managing broker Ron Williams said the merger will also create the No. 1 market share of any company in the Ladysmith market.
“The Coast Realty people are really excited about working together with other realtors that we co-operate with a lot,” he said. “We’re home-grown, we’re locally-run companies, and we share a lot of values and some good friendships.”