In today’s buyer’s market, thriving in luxury real estate takes more than just a hawk-eyed attention to detail and a knack for negotiation; it demands grit and a wealth of experience. Add a touch of wit, and you have the perfect recipe for success – qualities that the agents at Chamberlain Property Group have in spades.
“Anyone can sell in a seller’s market, but when the pendulum swings, it’s a different story. The current buyer’s market is definitely more challenging, but can also be more rewarding and exciting,” says Kirk Chamberlain, founder, owner and realtor at Chamberlain Property Group. “You have to be prepared to spend more time and money in a buyer’s market, but it allows you to form stronger bonds with clients.”
Kirk isn’t just a realtor and business owner; he’s a beloved local figure with deep roots in Westbank, where he grew up. He embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship while staying firmly grounded in his community. The word “entrepreneur” might be too modest for him, though he’ll quickly deflect any such praise to spotlight the achievements of the agents at his brokerage.
Real estate may be Kirk’s passion, but his greatest love is for his community and family. Living in the warm and welcoming community of Summerland with his wife of 20 years, Katie, Kirk has four kids – two older, aged 27 and 25 – and two younger, a six-year-old and a 12-year-old.
Kirk’s commitment to community isn’t just lip service. Chamberlain Property Group is a cornerstone of local support.
“We’ve sponsored between 50 and 60 events – everything from car shows and golf tournaments, to youth sports teams,” Kirk says.
In fact, the brokerage operates like a close-knit family, where agents put their clients’ needs above all else.
“Our community involvement and the trust we’ve built are crucial,” Kirk adds. “Our agents genuinely care about their clients and where they live.”
With over 30 years of sales and marketing experience, Kirk’s Westbank upbringing gives him an edge in the Okanagan real estate market. His encyclopedic knowledge of property values and market trends sets him apart. But Kirk’s talents extend beyond mere instinct; they are refined through critical analysis and exceptional negotiation skills, empowering him to tackle even the most complex challenges, like the current market.
However, real estate wasn’t always in Kirk’s grand plan. It was something he came across later in his career. After dabbling in it part-time, it very quickly became a full-time career. This is what fuelled Chamberlain Property Group’s impressive growth. Now, with over 45 associates and three offices – soon to be four – the company’s expansion plans come as quite a surprise to Kirk.
“We have offices in Summerland, West Kelowna and Penticton, with a second office opening in Penticton soon. Between us, we have a collective 800-plus years of sales and marketing experience as well as over $5 billion in sales,” Kirk explains. “Becoming a brokerage was never in the plans, but it came out of necessity due to more clients asking to cover a wider area. Due to our model, we only accept experienced agents who can uphold the brokerage standards.”
While the company continues to expand its reach, Kirk shuns the idea of further growth and instead is focused on maintaining quality over quantity.
“We are not focused on being the biggest brokerage in the Okanagan, only the best,” says Kirk.
A key to the company’s success, Kirk explains, is Myrna Selzler, the managing broker who keeps the business running smoothly. Myrna’s own real estate journey began by coincidence during her childhood with Monopoly victories that foreshadowed a remarkable career. She has since built a stellar reputation in commercial real estate, brokerage ownership and consulting, making her an invaluable asset. Myrna is, as Kirk explains, the glue that holds it all together.
As Chamberlain Property Group continues to grow, so too does the Okanagan, now on the verge of a remarkable boom.
“There’s been a real shift. Probably 80 per cent of our luxury buyers are coming from the Lower Mainland,” Kirk observes.
Many see the Okanagan as a new frontier for growth, reminiscent of Vancouver’s past boom. “Everyone thinks it’s expensive now because of the recent growth, but it’s nothing compared to what it will be,” he adds.
With the Okanagan poised for a real estate explosion, Chamberlain Property Group isn’t just keeping up – it’s leading the charge in luxury real estate. With a team that feels like family and a leader who blends grit with passion, they’re not just navigating the market – they’re helping shape its future.
