Home is where the heart is, and for our Stilhavn Realtors®, this rings true not only for where we live, but where we work.
Because for the team at Stilhavn, our office is our work havn, our colleagues are family and we’re all incredibly proud to call the West Coast home.
Meet Terry
Terry Osti’s parents introduced him to the Okanagan at a young age when they made the move from Saskatchewan. He enjoyed growing up surrounded by the beautiful scenery and welcoming community, however, the allure of the big city life drew Terry to a change of lifestyle, moving to Vancouver in the early 80s.
Despite living away, Terry remained deeply connected to the city and his family still there and continued to make multiple trips back to the Okanagan throughout the years. Observing the city’s growth and feeling a nostalgic pull home, Terry and his family purchased a home and returned to live full-time, once again embracing the warmth and charm of his beloved community.
Journey into Real Estate
In his earlier years, Terry was accepted into a highly competitive Landscape Architecture program at the University of British Columbia. Ultimately, Terry was led in a different direction, yet it was through these studies that he gained an amazing amount of knowledge and insight into how humans related to the spaces we create.
After a while, and numerous recommendations from friends and colleagues, Terry became inspired to pursue a career in real estate. Not only was his motivation to enter the industry driven by personal interest but also by a strong desire to improve and enhance the standards within it.
Terry received his licence in 2007 and loves everything about being a Realtor® in Kelowna.
“Kelowna is a place where life happens at a much slower pace than a big city like Vancouver. However, it does have everything you need to live an amazing lifestyle and the big city is just a few hours away if needed! We have amazing restaurants, wineries, hiking, biking, skiing, boating and so much more, a true four seasons playground.”
A Changing Scene
Forever holding a special place in his heart, there are parts of Kelowna that remind Terry of his time in Vancouver during the mid-late 80s when significant growth and development began to take place. The expansion necessitated the construction of more homes, as well as other essential amenities such as shopping centres, restaurants and improved transit systems.
In recent years, Terry notes that Kelowna has been experiencing a remarkable surge in growth, which has positively impacted and enhanced its amenities. With plenty of room for further expansion, he is excited to see what the future holds for this vibrant city over the next 10-20 years.
For the Love of It
When asked what Terry enjoys about working in the real estate industry in Kelowna, he credits the wide variety of housing options available.
“As a client-focused agent, I have had the pleasure of working with diverse individuals, each with unique needs and preferences, resulting in an extensive range of properties that I’ve helped people buy and sell. From manufactured homes on leased land to luxurious and extravagant estates, I have gained valuable experience in all areas of the market, providing me with the expertise and knowledge necessary to guide my clients through any type of transaction.”
With many years of experience and recognition in the community, it comes as no surprise that Terry has received many rewards and accolades during his time as a Realtor®. However, year after year, Terry’s primary commitment to his clients continues to be providing an exceptional level of service, ensuring their needs and goals are both fully understood, and exceeded.
Giving Back
Terry also believes in giving back and has made a commitment to support charitable organizations such as the SPCA and Children’s Miracle Network by kindly donating a portion of his earnings from each transaction he makes.
“In addition to supporting charitable causes, I am also dedicated to helping my fellow real estate professionals by sharing my knowledge and experience through teaching positions at the British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA), the Association of Interior Realtors and the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV). Furthermore, I have established a coaching and mentoring program designed to support new and seasoned agents in their careers, offering them the guidance and tools necessary to succeed in this dynamic industry.”
As an Agent
When asked what Terry thinks sets him apart as an agent, he credits his extensive and varied skill set, coupled with years in multiple fields. “This combination of skills and experience has equipped me with the ability to offer my clients a comprehensive and well-rounded approach to buying or selling a property. Whether it’s negotiating deals, managing complex transactions, or providing strategic advice, my expertise and capabilities allow me to consistently deliver exceptional results for my clients.”
And as an agent with Stilhavn, Terry is excited to be working alongside the most educated and ethical agents in the business.
“Our unique model is akin to an all-star team, comprising top-performing agents who share our values and commitment to delivering exceptional service to our clients. By working exclusively with the most talented and experienced agents, we can provide a level of service and expertise that sets us apart from other brokerages in the industry.”
Having a balanced life is important to Terry, for his own personal well-being and that of the people around him. Exercising and eating well is a great foundation to accomplish this, but living in the Okanagan Terry makes sure to leave room for a little wine too…
Q&A:
Q: Which favourite activity/attraction/restaurant would you send someone new to Kelowna to and why?
A:
- We have the best hiking anywhere, one of the local favourites is, of course, Knox Mountain.
- We also have some amazing bike trails, where you can ride your bike to a winery for lunch with spectacular views along the way.
- Erica Jane has the best steaks in town with a super cool ambience.
