About Don Kassa

With a passion for excellence, I bring solutions that drive results and make a difference

Don Kassa

Your Vernon real estate specialist

Don Kassa has been a trusted name in North Okanagan real estate for nearly five decades. Since becoming licensed in 1975 after graduating from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Commerce degree, Don has built a reputation for knowledgeable service, strong local expertise, and a deep understanding of the Vernon real estate market.

Throughout his career, Don has worked across all sectors of real estate, including residential homes, lakeshore properties, development land, commercial and industrial real estate, acreages, recreational properties, and ski area real estate. His extensive experience allows him to guide clients through a wide variety of transactions while providing practical insight gained from decades of changing market conditions. A lifelong local, Don has deep roots in the Vernon community and a strong connection to the Okanagan lifestyle. His family were original investors in Silver Star Mountain Resort in 1958, giving Don a unique perspective on the mountain’s history and development.

Today, Don and his wife Peggy divide their time between the lakeshore in the summer and Silver Star during the winter months. Peggy teaches downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding, and Don often works from his Silver Star office in the winter, assisting buyers from across Canada and around the world interested in mountain properties.

Over the years, Don has built a loyal following of clients who appreciate his honest advice, deep market knowledge, and steady guidance through both strong and challenging market cycles. His long-standing commitment to the industry and the community has earned him numerous awards and recognitions.

Professional Achievements

  • Top Producer at the Vernon Block Bros office for nine consecutive years
  • Named “Best in the Okanagan” by Okanagan Life Magazine (2001)
  • RE/MAX Platinum Award
  • RE/MAX Chairman’s Club Award
  • RE/MAX Diamond Team Award
  • RE/MAX Hall of Fame
  • 2011 Realtors Care Award – North Okanagan recipient
  • Former Chairman of the Commercial Division of the Association of Interior REALTORS

With decades of experience and deep ties to the region, Don continues to help clients buy and sell property throughout Vernon and the North Okanagan. Whether working with residential homes, development opportunities, commercial investments, or recreational properties, Don provides efficient, knowledgeable service backed by a lifetime of local experience.

Meet Our Team

Nicole Balmer

REALTOR®

Nicole Balmer is a licensed REALTOR® and the administrative assistant to Don Kassa, playing a key role in supporting the team’s operations, marketing, and client services. Working closely with Don provides Nicole the unique opportunity to learn from one of Vernon’s most experienced real estate professionals while gaining valuable insight into all aspects of the North Okanagan market. 

Born and raised in the Okanagan, Nicole has a deep appreciation for the lifestyle that makes the region so special. She enjoys spending her time outdoors exploring local trails, lakes, and mountains, and loves helping clients discover the same lifestyle opportunities that drew her to real estate in the first place. Alongside her role supporting the team, Nicole is also actively building her own real estate business and is passionate about guiding buyers and sellers through the process with care, professionalism, and local knowledge. 

Working alongside Don allows her to combine hands-on mentorship with real-world experience as she continues to grow within the industry.

The trademarks REALTOR®, REALTORS®, and the REALTOR® logo are controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify real estate professionals who are member’s of CREA. The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by CREA and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. Used under license.