Construction expert moves into real estate to help others like him

Written by Katya Irwin

From building homes to selling them, Lars Konge can answer your questions related to all phases of the housing life cycle. 
One of the newer faces around Cowork – and Penticton, for that matter – Lars sold his construction business in Vancouver, now evolving his expertise into the world of real estate. He and wife Anna sold their home in East Vancouver, packing up their four kids (ages 2, 5, 9 and 13) for a place in Naramata, drawn to the South Okanagan’s outdoorsy lifestyle.
“I like to keep my kids busy,” he says, “and Penticton is a playground for families.” 
Lars chats with Cowork about the family’s decision to leave Vancouver and his plans for the future.

What do you do? 
“I used to have a construction business in Vancouver. I got into preconstruction services and did that for 15-16 years. I started it so young and wanted to do something else,” he says. 
Lars has been studying for his real estate licence and plans to start as an agent soon with Royal LePage. He plans to use his knowledge of construction to invest in properties, while also helping other potential newcomers find their ideal home here in the South Okanagan.

Why Penticton? 
Lars grew up on a farm and says he also wanted to give his children the experience of growing up with a more carefree lifestyle. 
“Freedom – it’s free here. I lived in East Vancouver for 16 years. Sometimes I just wanted to get out of the city so I would drive to the States, but it’s a big ordeal to leave the city. I find way more freedom here,” he says. 
When Lars was a child, he played hockey in Penticton, so the city has “always had a soft spot” in his heart, he adds.

Hails from … 
“I was raised on a dairy farm in Enderby, in the north Okanagan. When I was 22, I moved to Vancouver.”
Fun fact: When Lars was 13, he went to school in Denmark for a term, thanks to his Danish ancestry.
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Why Cowork? 
“I’m starting to plan out my next business and I have a lot of work to do right now, so I just wanted to get out of the house to have somewhere to think.”

What do you love about Penticton?
“I love the valley; it sparkles to me. I love the seasons and the variety of weather, the different types of snow, the hot summer days. I like the geography. I like to do stuff every day.”
He adds that recreational activities are much more affordable here than in Vancouver.
“The amount we were spending at the coast on children’s activities, it’s thousands of dollars a month difference, and we get way more value here. The hockey is run better, ice time is easier.”

What do you do in your spare time? 
“I ski, run, hike, dirt bike. I bought my kids dirt bikes. Here, there’s a lot to explore.”

Come see me about … 
“I know a lot about real estate and construction. If you need to hire a contractor, I can help. If you need a construction budget, I can look at a house and tell you what it would cost. I genuinely like helping people.”

Something you might not know about me
“I’ve done most of the world’s worst jobs – truly. You name it… I worked on a ranch getting attacked by cows all day long. I picked tobacco in Australia…”

Favourite food 
Steak. 

​Special interests 
My kids. ​