About Us

Steph Ballantyne

Real estate is a natural fit for me. It's not a job, it's my passion. Even long before entering real estate as a profession, I was renovating, redesigning layouts and interior spaces, and advising friends and neighbours with their projects. And I admit it... I spent a lot of time surfing MLS and was hooked on HGTV.

A little bit about me... I was born in Ottawa in 1970 and spent my younger years growing up across the river in Aylmer, Quebec (oui, je parle français). In 1991, I graduated from Carleton University with a B.A. in Psychology. I worked for over a decade in public relations, event planning and marketing which has been a real asset as my career path evolved. Prior to embarking on a career in real estate, I ran a successful design and marketing company with non-profit housing clients across the country... and in my free time, I embarked on major renovation projects.

In 2011, with the encouragement and support of my family and friends, I decided to follow my passion and pursue a career in real estate. I was licensed in January 2012 and earned my broker's license in 2015 and served on the Ottawa Real Estate Board's Government and Community Relations Committee in 2016. I am driven to provide the best client service, empower the public through education and advocate for consumer protection. I know that I can effect a positive change in my industry and the communities that I serve. 

I was elated when my husband Rob joined me in real estate in 2016. He brings to our team a wealth of client service and project management experience.

After many years of visiting family on Vancouver Island, we began seriously contemplating our future and dreaming about making the big move from Ottawa. Our family now lives on the east coast of southern Vancouver Island in Chemainus, BC – a quaint seaside town with an abundance of community spirit, enhanced by its rich cultural history and dedication to the arts including the world-class Chemainus Little Theatre. We are so fortunate to be here and proud to call Chemainus home.

Rob Watson

After 18 years in the IT service industry, having held many different positions it was time for a change.

When it came to the choice of what to do next, I had no further to look then my wife and partner, who has her broker’s license and has been working in the industry since 2012. I was able to observe and support her as our business grew, with a true passion to help people with their dreams and needs in buying or selling a home.

Over the course of my career I gained valuable skills in providing customer support, leadership, change management and decision making. I believe that these are essential skills to being a professional in the Real Estate industry.

Our goals are to provide the best customer support, with the philosophy that selling a home lends itself to the discipline of project management. We are NOT the decision makers. We are providers of information and expertise so that YOU can make the best decision.  

We are dedicated to providing as much information at each step. For sellers we provide expertise on current market value, staging requirements, repair and upgrade to maximize your return, as well as a marketing strategy for your home. Each of these steps can be considered phases of a project: preparing for selling, listing and marketing and contract negotiation. Throughout the process, communication is the key. For our buyers, determining the criteria for their home search, researching the community and property, viewing homes and contract negotiation are the focus.

Buying or selling a home can be a very stressful time. It is a time of change. Having experience with change management has provided me with skills to help manage the process and reduce the stress involved for our clients.

The move to this new career has been as challenging as it is rewarding. There is no better satisfaction then a happy client that is confident with their new purchase or new adventure in their lives.

After many years of visiting family on Vancouver Island, we began seriously contemplating our future and dreaming about making the big move from Ottawa. Our family now lives on the east coast of southern Vancouver Island in Chemainus, BC.  – a quaint seaside town with an abundance of community spirit, enhanced by its rich cultural history and dedication to the arts including the world-class Chemainus Little Theatre. We are so fortunate to be here and proud to call Chemainus home.