Stilhavn

INTRODUCTION

Year
2024
Industry
Professional Services, Technology, Startup, SaaS
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A Visionary Beginning

Just one year after the successful launch of its rebrand and website, Zwick Chimes approached us with an ambitious goal: to establish a brokerage made up exclusively of Vancouver’s best real estate teams. In Spring 2018, we joined forces with Zwick Chimes and the founders of three other top-performing real estate teams to create what would soon become Vancouver’s most reputable brokerage.

Redefining the Business of Brokerages

Large international brokerages like RE/MAX or Sutton offer invaluable support for agents early in their careers through training, mentorship, and instant credibility. However, for established teams with strong market presence, the value diminishes.

This was the case for Zwick Chimes, Team Clarke, The Ruth and David Group, and Team Kerr—the founding members of Stilhavn. Their vision was clear: to create a brand that reflected the sophistication and high level of service that had made them successful. Unlike the quantity-over-quality model of many brokerages, this new venture would center on excellence, only signing the most proven talent in the city.

Crafting a Lifestyle Brand Rooted in Story

Our process began with extensive workshops, interviews, and research. Patterns began to emerge: successful real estate teams desired a brokerage known for excellence, one that mirrored their own values. At the same time, homebuyers and sellers wanted a relatable and human brokerage that understood the pressures and challenges of buying or selling a home.

In our initial brand-naming workshop, we explored three themes: Wayfinding/Guidance, Sanctuary, and Transition. From these, the name “Stilhavn” emerged as the clear winner. The name carries dual significance: in English, it combines “still” and “haven,” while in Danish, it translates to “Still Harbour,” a nod to the brokerage’s Scandinavian-inspired visual identity and its Coal Harbour headquarters. This story-driven approach laid the foundation for a brand that is both elegant and approachable.

Building a User-Centric Digital Experience

With the strategy, name, and visual identity established, we turned to Stilhavn’s website. The founders recognized that an intuitive, stunning home-hunting experience was critical to the brokerage’s success. Our approach combined user-centric design with cultural insights and behavior patterns to create a digital platform that was as functional as it was beautiful.

We developed a custom WordPress multi-site framework to uniquely present Stilhavn’s brand narrative. The website integrates detailed property listings with essential neighborhood insights, linking local schools, parks, and dining options directly to real estate offerings. Rich photography and persuasive copy invite users to explore deeper, while a custom MLS application ensures relevant, easy-to-navigate property data.

To enhance usability, we integrated Google tools for walking scores and transit details, as well as Yelp and Yellow Pages for local amenities. Features like favoriting listings for later review further improved user engagement and retention. The robust technical framework also allows Stilhavn to efficiently manage and expand its digital presence while maintaining brand consistency.

Marketing: A Story-Driven Approach

Stilhavn’s brand promise of quality and story extended seamlessly into its marketing strategy. Unlike competitors who focused on internal achievements, Stilhavn’s social media centered on story-driven content. Each Instagram post was crafted as a standalone lifestyle advertisement, highlighting the importance of finding the perfect “havn” for you and your loved ones.

West Coast-inspired imagery grounded the brand firmly in Vancouver, offering a stark contrast to competitors headquartered internationally. In addition to social media, we designed email templates, presentations, and one-sheets, all infused with the brand’s narrative of sanctuary, sophistication, and excellence.

Defining Excellence in Real Estate

Seven years later, Stilhavn has grown into Vancouver’s most reputable real estate brokerage. The brand has become synonymous with prestige, sophistication, and excellence, attracting top realtors and teams who aspire to work under its banner. With over 200 realtors, Stilhavn continues to shape Western Canada’s residential real estate landscape, setting the gold standard for the industry.