A property in Maders Cove for sale by Engel & Völkers (formerly Tradewinds). Photo: Evan Taylor
Tradewinds Reality Incorporated has joined forces with German-based reality firm Engel & Völkers.
For over 40 years Tradewinds has been a major player in the Atlantic real estate market but as part of the merger, the company will henceforth operate under the Engel & Völkers brand.
Tim Harris who founded Tradewinds says giving up the name he worked hard to build was one of the toughest parts of the deal.
“I’ve worked my whole life as a fierce independent to build up the Tradewinds brand into one that is synonymous with quality service and expert advice,” Harris said, “Ultimately though I knew that the Engel & Völkers brand aligns with those values and together we can become bigger than Tradewinds ever could have,” he added.
Customers who have used Tradewinds in the past should expect virtually the same service as before. All Tradewinds brokers are continuing under the new company including Harris.
According to Harris, the only change people will notice if they’re returning customers is the signs on their doors and the ones in front of properties.
Harris had begun looking for potential options for a sale or merger in the past few years as he nears retirement.
“I identified Engel & Völkers as the best fit for a sale or merger, then low and behold about nine months later they called me looking for exactly that.”
In terms of new opportunities, Harris thinks partnering with Engel & Völkers will open new doors in the Nova Scotia real estate market.
He thinks places like Atlantic Canada are poised for success in the post-COVID-19 real estate market. “Were already beginning to see a rise in demand for country living and wide-open spaces.”
Engel & Völkers has offices in 38 countries which means access to more international clients.
Part of the merger will see a new office opened in Liverpool along with renovations of all other Tradewinds offices.
