Real Estate Sales Above Average in October

The Canadian housing market has been stable for quite some time. The prices of homes have been steadily increasing over the past ten years, although half way through 2017 we saw the market slow its rate of growth slightly.

Source: John Antle Mortgage Broker

Welcome to Athletica Gymnastics!

Welcome to our new website! Please browse around.

Source: Athletica Gymnastics

Relocating to Kelowna?

Deciding to move to a new city, province or country can leave you feeling unsettled. What are the people like there? What neighbourhood would suit my family? Is it safe?
As the hundreds of unknowns fill your mind, stress and anxiety can take hold leaving you with more questions than answers. Without a local contact that you trust, you are left in the dark, scouring the internet for information that doesn’t quite answer the questions you and your family may have.

Source: Kelowna Life Fitness

Where did the Buyers of Kelowna Real Estate come from in September 2017?

Investment Buyers and Buyers without children were busiest in the Kelowna and Central Okanagan Real Estate Market last month. A total of 263 responses representing 35.9% of the 732 deals closed on behalf of Buyers in September, were reported in this months survey. Read More >

Source: Trish and Tanis Real Estate Okanagan

Should I Rent Or Buy a Home In Kelowna?

To rent or to buy- this is a classic question that everyone will contemplate at one point or another in their lives. The correct answer is not always obvious and it can even change depending on the current economic conditions and your geographical location. Choosing where you will live and how you will pay for that mandatory expense will be one of the biggest emotional and financial decisions that you will make in your lifetime.

Source: Natoya Hall Real Estate Kelowna

Great Investment Opportunity Awaits at Stonegate

When deciding on the location of your next real estate investment, whether it is a primary residence, business, or vacation home, you want to ensure that you select a healthy market that will continue to grow for years to come. A robust, thriving real estate environment ensure that your investment will grow, paying dividends down the road if you decide to sell.
Source: Kelowna Real Estate Company

Is Kelowna Real Estate the New Vancouver?

Traditionally a retirement community with a high investment in high income homes, think Miami Beach, Bournemouth in the UK, or indeed the South of France, Kelowna is growing rapidly, making it a great place to invest for the future. The older generation knows best, and are often the first to invest wisely! Read more >

Source: Kelowna Art and Home

Where are the Kelowna Real Estate Buyers coming from – Oct 2017 Report?

Seems like it was a busy month for Investors Buying in the Kelowna Real Estate Market and surrounding area! The results of OMREB’s AUGUST 2017 Buyer Survey have been a little delayed but are now in! A total of 369 responses representing 42.4% of the 870 deals… Read more >

Source: Trish & Tanis Realty

Kelowna Family Neighbourhoods: Spotlight on Kettle Valley Homes

 

 

The Village of Kettle Valley is a dynamic community that offers gorgeous homes, stunning views and a friendly “small town” feel in Kelowna’s Upper Mission. Created over 20 years ago, this location offers charm unlike any other location in the Okanagan. Read More > 

Source: Kelowna Life Real Estate

Why You Should Consider Buying In Kelowna

Coming from the beautiful island of Jamaica, I thought I knew what paradise looked like- then I arrived in the Okanagan Valley. I still remember having my breath taken away back in 2009 by the endless expanse of mountains and Canadian wilderness. To me, Kelowna is the heart of the Okanagan and one of the best places to call home in the world.Kelowna is the heart of the Okanagan and one of the best places to call home in the world.

Source: Natoya Hall Real Estate - ToyaSellsHomes

The Benefits of Asphalt Roofing Shingles in Calgary

If it is time to reroof your sloped home, asphalt shingles may be among your top choices. Claw Roofing in Calgary reminds clients that shingles need to be placed prior to a cold snap in order to adhere correctly and seal properly.

Source: Claw Roofing Calgary

Kelowna Family Neighbourhoods: Spotlight on Kettle Valley Homes

The Village of Kettle Valley is a dynamic community that offers gorgeous homes, stunning views and a friendly “small town” feel in Kelowna’s Upper Mission. Created over 20 years ago, this location offers charm unlike any other location in the Okanagan. Read more >

Source: Kelowna Life Real Estate

Kelowna’s Changing Landscape: Downtown Living for Millenials

The 2016 Stats Canada census reveals that Kelowna is one of the fastest-growing cities in all of Canada and the largest area of growth in July 2017 has been in Condos and lots for sale... Read More >

Source: Kelowna Art & Home Desiree Brodhurst

Lakefront Properties in the Okanagan

Discover lakefront living at its finest! Regardless, if you are seeking an empty view lot to create your custom abode or prefer a turnkey property in the Okanagan, our professional, friendly team at Kelowna Life Real Estate Group has plenty of options... Read More >

Source: Kelowna Life Real Estate Group

Dream Home in Kelowna: What are Your Mortgage Options?

You have been patiently waiting for years, envisioning your beautiful dream home that is nestled in the Okanagan Valley. After years of renting, or living in a home that has not lived up to your standards, it’s time to realize your aspirations and invest in the home of your dreams... Read More >

Source: John Antle Mortgage Broker

Killer Photos Provide Your Vacation Rental with a Marketing Edge

There’s a wide spectrum of photo quality out there. On the extreme end of bad, there’s photos showing a bed with a bump in it — to possibly depict someone getting “a good nights” sleep — or a kitchen counter crowded with a mess of stuff! Mostly though, vacation rental photos are not terrible, but they also don’t “wow” your potential guests. Photography can work for you or against you…Photography can work for you or against you…

Read more: Vacation Rental Strategist

Mortgage Broker Advice: How to Get your Best Possible Mortgage Rate

First of all, why all the big fuss over interest rates? Does having a slightly lower rate change that much for a potential home buyer? Let’s take a look at an example. Perhaps you need to borrow $400,000 and have two lenders that are competing for your business. The first lender is one of the “big banks” and offers an interest rate of 5.99% while the second rate has been secured through a broker and is around 4.99%.

Source: John Antle

Life at home in the Okanagan

In front of you on a slate-grey plate sits a ribbon of walnut crusted, ice wine smoked salmon, with fresh goats cheese and asparagus carefully placed alongside it. Beside your appetizer that could pass for a piece of artwork sits a glass of wine, small beads of condensation forming on its exterior from the peaceful afternoon heat. As you lift the glass up to your nose, you detect honeycomb and lime peel and when the liquid finds your mouth, you wonder if you are sampling a taste of heaven.As you lift the glass up to your nose, you detect honeycomb and lime peel and when the liquid finds your mouth, you wonder if you are sampling a taste of heaven.

Source: Sean Skuter - Kelowna Real Estate Company

Glenvalley: An Ideal Location Built Into Knox Mountain Park

As you walk into the yard, you will be greeted by wildlife and nature around you. A few steps away from your yard is a private trail, leading directly to the heart of Knox Mountain Park’s many trails and walkways. You would expect that this is far from the city, but actually Glenvalley is within 15 minutes of downtown Kelowna, Orchard Park Shopping Centre, and Kelowna International Airport. Such a central location, without compromising on your natural setting.

Source: Kelowna Art and Home

Best Tips for Selling Your Okanagan Home

Kelowna Life Real Estate Group wants you to be successful in your relocation endeavour. If the time has come to upgrade to the beach, downsize to a condo or simply find a neighbourhood that reflects your best interests, we can help!

Source: Kelowna Life Real Estate Group

Okanagan Real Estate Price Gains More Sustainable in 2017

In 2016, Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley saw a 14% average increase in home prices, fuelled by low available inventory and high demand.
Going into 2017, the market is still poised for additional growth, but it is somewhat tempered by the 15% tax on foreign buyers in the Greater Vancouver area, as well as more stringent requirements for CHMC insured home loans.

Source: Sean Skuter Kelowna Real Estate Company

Ghosting: How it Can Darken Your Ceiling

To understand how ghosting occurs, we must understand what causes the accumulation of particles in concentrated areas. The oldest known deposition mechanism will be described first – Brownian motion.

Source: C4U Inspections Kelowna

Highpointe: Award Winning Home in Kelowna

Step through the front door and into this truly picturesque home, located in the quiet and secure Highpointe community. This Edgecombe Tommie Award winning home features five bedrooms, five bathrooms, tall ceilings, a heated pool with diving board and hot-tub, as well as a triple car garage and outdoor kitchen. Within minutes of downtown Kelowna, and with hiking trails a stone’s throw from the front door, this home offers the real Pacific Northwest experience.

Source: Kelowna Art & Home

Top 5 Kelowna Neighborhoods To Buy Real Estate In

Kelowna has quickly become the most desirable location to invest in property and real estate in BC, outpacing the growth of the major cities of Vancouver and Victoria. With a full range of scenic neighbourhoods and suburbs to decide from, those looking to pick up a piece of prime real estate will need the guidance of a realtor to find their forever home.

Source: Kelowna Art & Home Sean Skuter

Rethinking Reward Based Training

When I walk around the city I see all these dogs trained with different approaches. Putting aside the sad fact that there are way too many pinch collars and choke chains around there is an encouraging number of dogs who are taught with reward based training… or let’s say: a version of reward based training. Here is where I still see that there is a missing link of understanding at least in the way I see reward based training really working. Read More >

Source: DogRelations

What To Expect During the Mortgage Application Process

When you are about to proceed with the mortgage application process, it is helpful to know what the road might look like. As professional mortgage brokers, it’s our job to help future Kelowna home owners to navigate the process. Here are some things you need to know. (Read More)

Source: John Antle Mortgage Broker

Life at home in the Okanagan

In front of you on a slate-grey plate sits a ribbon of walnut crusted, ice wine smoked salmon, with fresh goats cheese and asparagus carefully placed alongside it. Beside your appetizer that could pass for a piece of artwork sits a glass of wine, small beads of condensation forming on its exterior from the peaceful afternoon heat. As you lift the glass up to your nose, you detect honeycomb and lime peel and when the liquid finds your mouth, you wonder if you are sampling a taste of heaven.

Source: Sean Skuter: Kelowna Real Estate Company

5 Reasons to use a Kelowna Mortgage Broker vs. Big Banks

Many first time homebuyers’ automatically assume their bank is the best and natural choice to secure their mortgage. In fact, many individuals are not familiar with the term “mortgage broker” until they embark on their real estate journey. If potentially saving thousands of dollars and having an exceptional customer service experience sounds more like your style…read on to discover how and why John Antle Mortgages in Kelowna can help you every step of the way.
Source: John Antle Mortgage Broker

Drysdale Row, A New Glenmore Townhome Community

Enjoy the beautiful surroundings of parks and nature — with the convenience of several close amenities. Drysdale Row is a short drive from a wine tasting at a world renowned local vineyard or sunbathing on the sandy shores of Okanagan Lake. Drysdale Row offers a high quality of life for families with children in school to retired adults who are young at heart. Learn more at DrysdaleRow.com
Source: Kelowna Art & Home

Roof Repair Season in Vancouver: Maximizing Our Sunshine Projects

When you live in a coastal community, it is vital to plan your renovation projects as much as possible. Maximizing our dry, sunny days is an integral part of the roof repair equation. If you are thinking of selling your home with a leaky or damaged roof; be prepared to drop significant numbers off of your asking price. Our climate dictates the need for a sound and secure roof to prevent mold issues and other upper respiratory spores from entering our day to day. Read more >

Source: Leo Wilk Real Estate

Kelowna Life Real Estate at the Kelowna Yacht Club Boat Show

Sun, sand, surf, mountains AND your very own resident sea monster, Ogopogo…Kelowna life is truly spectacular! The Okanagan lifestyle caters to outdoor activities to be enjoyed by all ages. Whether you love to golf, ski, hike or be on the lake, we definitely have all of your bases covered! Waterfront Park is one of the most accessible and diverse locations within our beautiful city. It is home to the Kelowna Yacht Club and the Annual Boat Show on April 29 & 30^th 2017.

Source: Kelowna Life

What To Expect During the Mortgage Application Process

When you are about to proceed with the mortgage application process, it is helpful to know what the road might look like. As professional mortgage brokers, it’s our job to help future Kelowna home owners to navigate the process. Here are some things you need to know. The initial information meeting with the lender/broker will entail collecting your personal information including... Read More >

Source: John Antle

Building a Scalable Brand: Sean Skuter Real Estate Group

Everyone knows that real estate is booming right now and in a competitive space it’s important to stand out from the crowd. Sean Skuter approached Hiilite looking for a brand that would serve as the foundation for growing not only his personal business, but also for further expansion in the future. Sean’s forward looking attitude and ambition for growth meant he was looking to invest in more than personal branding, he wanted an identity that could be scaled as his business grows. Read More >

Source: Hiilite Web + Marketing

Which Kelowna Community Suits Your Needs?

When it comes to buying home, it is always wise to take your lifestyle considerations and preferences into account. Essentially, you are joining a community and in order to maximize your wish list; it is helpful to put some thought into where you spend most of your time.

Source: Kelowna Art & Home

Kelowna Life Real Estate at the Kelowna Yacht Club Boat Show

Sun, sand, surf, mountains AND your very own resident sea monster, Ogopogo…Kelowna life is truly spectacular! The Okanagan lifestyle caters to outdoor activities to be enjoyed by all ages. Whether you love to golf, ski, hike or be on the lake, we definitely have all of your bases covered! Waterfront Park is one of the most accessible and diverse locations within our beautiful city. It is home to the Kelowna Yacht Club and the Annual Boat Show on April 29 & 30^th 2017.

Source: Kelowna Life Real Estate

Multiple Offers In BC – How They Work

Since 2015 we have been experiencing a short supply of listings and massive demand for condos and detached homes. This has been causing prices to rise at an alarming rate (almost daily) and has been the source of frustration for many buyers in Vancouver. So, when you find yourself in a multiple offer situation here are the different directions it can go.

Source: Leo Wilk Real Estate

Kelowna Mortgage Broker tells What the US rate hikes mean for Canadians

As Pierre Trudeau once said about living so close to the United States “Living next to you is in some ways like sleeping with an elephant. No matter how friendly or even tempered is the beast, one is affected by every twitch and grunt”. That statement, said almost 40 years ago, still holds very true today.
Our economies are even more intertwined now and it’s no wonder many Canadians are paying close attention to policymakers and politicians south of the boarder, particularly the U.S. Federal Reserve. The U.S. Federal Reserve recently raised interest rates by 25bps (one quarter of one percent) this month and for the second time in 3 months. Read More...

Source: John Antle

Stonegate Resort Preconstruction Pricing Release!

The time is finally here! Stonegate Resort is happy to announce the Preconstruction Pricing Release for the 1st and 2nd floors of the upcoming Phase 3 build! 1 bedroom right up to 3 bedrooms plus den units are now ready for preconstruction purchase. Construction begins May 1, 2017 with the first units completed and ready for December 1, 2017. 

Source: Sean Skuter of the Okanagan Real Estate Company

Does a Larger Downpayment Guarantee a Lower Rate?

While it may seem like simple math, the truth of the matter is there are various factors to consider when estimating your monthly mortgage payment. While having a minimum of 5% down used to be the basic requirement, many people are entering the home buying market later in life in comparison to a few decades ago. While it seems sensible that entering the market with a 10 to 20% downpayment will automatically save you thousands of dollars, this isn’t always the case. John Antle Mortgages in Kelowna can help you negotiate the best terms and explain all of the fine print.

Source: John Antle Mortgage Broker

Buying Your First Home in British Columbia - Easier Than You Thought

It seems like every time you check the news, the media is running a new story about the sky-high housing prices in British Columbia. If you have never purchased a house before, the thought of investing in your first can seem a little daunting. Luckily there are some advantages to being a first-time buyer in BC that you may not be aware of. Read More >

Source: Kelowna Art & Home

Okanagan Real Estate Price Gains More Sustainable in 2017

In 2016, Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley saw a 14% average increase in home prices, fuelled by low available inventory and high demand.
Going into 2017, the market is still poised for additional growth, but it is somewhat tempered by the 15% tax on foreign buyers in the Greater Vancouver area, as well as more stringent requirements for CHMC insured home loans.

Source: Sean Skuter - Kelowna Real Estate

Feature Kelowna Realtor: Brandon Grass

We’ve developed some fantastic relationships within the real estate community in Kelowna, and there are a few realtors that we feel stand above the rest when it comes to exceptional client service. So we’ve decided to feature some of these individuals to help you with the process if you’re looking for a great realtor in Kelowna!

Source: John Antle

Capital Gains Tax

In Vancouver Real Estate – many owners have made plenty of money  on their homes or Real Estate investments. So, the government wants their piece of it of course!

Source: Leo Wilk Real Estate

Golfing in the Okanagan

Get off of highway and onto fairway! One of advantages to becoming an Okanagan resident is that during 2,000 hours of sunlight Okanagan Valley experiences a year, you access to a number of distinguished courses. Read more >
Source: Kelowna Life

Strata Shenanigans in Kelowna: Research Prior to Purchasing

Understanding the logistics of a Strata Council and how the rules will influence your lifestyle ahead of time are vital factors to consider when moving to a strata residence. Many people take for granted their ability to hang hummingbird feeders on their patios or having window coverings of any style and colour. Other people enjoy having the freedom to choose whichever cat or dog they prefer. Strata legislation is commonly found in condos, vacation properties, townhouses, strata subdivisions and duplexes. Residents must abide by the Strata Property Act or face extreme consequences including expensive fines and possible eviction. Kelowna Life Real Estate Group has an experienced team of realtors who can help you read the fine print and decide if a strata lifestyle is best for you.

Source: Kelowna Life

Meet Sean Skuter

Real estate really is in Sean’s blood; his family has been in real estate sales and development for over 45 years from Manitoba to Vancouver Island including everything from commercial shopping centers to rental complexes and resort communities. Learn more about Sean at KelownaRealEstateCompany.com

Source: Kelowna Real Estate Company

Inspecting and Replacing Windows

Before you close the deal on your home purchase you will want to acquire an inspection report that takes into account the windows of the home. Replacing windows in a home can cost thousands of dollars. If you only need to replace a single pane, you may get off with spending a couple of hundred dollars. But if you need to replace an entire window assembly the cost can be over $1,000 for each window. If the home has 30 windows you could be facing a $30,000 bill – a surprise no homeowner ever wants to receive. Here’s how to avoid such a surprise.

Source: Building Pro Kelowna

Synthetic Turf Just Became a Viable Alternative Around Canada

Whatever your vision for your space, Synthetic Turf International has the ability to turn that vision into reality. From tee lines to playgrounds to indoor sports fields, your project can be done right, with the latest and most proven installation techniques and the highest-quality materials available.

Source: Synthetic Turf International

Using Paint to Enhance Your Home

One of the easiest, most cost-efficient ways of enhancing your home is with paint. With the advances made in paint over the past decade, there’s not much you can’t do with it indoors and outdoors.

Source: Kelowna Art & Home

Kelowna’s Carriage Homes: Increasing Your Investment

 

The Okanagan is booming these days! Home to an incredibly fast paced tech-sector that continues to thrive, hours of sunshine and year round tourism, world-class golf courses and wineries…it is no wonder people want to call the Valley home.

Source: Kelowna Life