Realty companies merge in Annapolis Valley

Owners Gary Morse and Michael Barnard of Homelife Valley and Ralph Stephen and Carl Sherwood of Royal LePage Atlantic announced today their merger in the Annapolis Valley region under the name of Royal LePage Atlantic.

Built on a firm foundation of commitment to clients and to a continual expanding of customer services, the two companies share a common philosophy. A Sept. 17 media release says the merger is a natural blending of the two groups and marks the 11th brokerage location for Royal LePage Atlantic, making it Atlantic Canada’s largest real estate brokerage.

“It was time to grow the business to another level or allow someone else to do it,” Morse said. “The timing was right with our Franchise Agreement ending. After looking around, Royal LePage and Royal LePage Atlantic seems to be a good fit for us and the people we have here.”

This latest addition brings Royal LePage Atlantic into the heart of the Annapolis Valley along with their sister offices in Kentville and Kingston/Greenwood.

“We’ve always done a lot of business here in the Valley, but now we are able to have another office located right in New Minas to better serve the wonderful people of this community,” says president Ralph Stephen. “Not only that, we were able to partner with some great real estate minds/industry leaders we know can help us continue our push toward the future of the company.”

Will stay with the new company

Morse and Barnard will stay on as the very successful sales representatives they have been these many years. They said Royal LePage Atlantic would be the perfect brokerage with which to align because it represents the quality service and exceptional agent training they strive for as market leaders.

Cynthia Black will be the sales manager for the New Minas office as Manager of Valley Operations for Royal LePage Atlantic. As a former brokerage owner and current manager of the Kentville and Greenwood offices, her experience in the profession and in-depth knowledge of the Annapolis Valley home market are distinct advantages.

Her focus will be to provide support and training to the agents within her office to uphold the deep-rooted traditions and reputation of Atlantic Canada’s leading real estate brokerage.

“I couldn’t be more excited about being part of the Royal LePage Atlantic family’s continued growth in the Annapolis Valley,” Black said. “They have a strong vision for the future of our profession here, and the company culture and all it stands for are unmatched. It can only mean great things for everyone in these offices and, most importantly, for every client who comes through our doors.”