Local Residential Real Estate Market Heading In The Right Direction

KELOWNA, B.C. – June 2nd, 2020. Residential sales across the region of Revelstoke to Peachland increased 95% totaling 446 units sold in May compared to April’s 299 unit yet remained down 42% from this time last year reports the Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board (OMREB).

New residential listings also saw an uptick totaling 1,198, an increase of 49% compared to last month’s new listings. Overall active listings increased 9% over April’s inventory of 3,467 yet remained 16% lower than April 2019’s
inventory of 4,490.

“While we are still in the midst of a global pandemic it is encouraging to see that residential sales are moving at an upward trajectory,” says OMREB President Kim Heizmann, adding that “we are starting to see a return to real estate activity which looks promising for the future, however we remain cautious about predicting future outcomes as many economic factors will have impacts.”

“Virtual tours and alternative technological solutions have ensured that real estate transactions can continue to transpire responsibly.”

The average number of days to sell a home increased from 83 days to 91 days. It is important to note that OMREB reports on all market statistics for the entire Board region and that the indicators will vary depending on home type and sub-region.

Whether you are a buyer or a seller, it’s always a good idea to work with a REALTOR® who will protect your interests on such a significant financial transaction.

More info on the Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board Here

Thanks to Long Creations who created this amazing quarantine keepsake, we know that most of you are on stay-at-home orders, it’s hard to deny that we are living at a very unique time in history, and one that your kids, friends kids, nieces, nephews and neighbour kids will probably reference this throughout their lives. Enjoy this unique keepsake and feel free to pass on and we hope it helps the kids you know out.

Click here to download a copy of the time capsule.

Winter can do some harm to our homes! With the skies clearing up for more sun (hopefully sooner), here are some tips you can use to get your home ready for Spring and in perfect shape in no time!

Regular upkeep of your home can help extend the life of its components and save you thousands of dollars over time. The following preventative measure is relatively inexpensive and usually only needs to be addressed once or twice a year. Many of them are simple enough that you may want to do them yourself! You can always call a professional whenever you need more help or don't exactly know how to get some of these things done.

Roof: Fall and Spring are good times to conduct routine maintenance on the roof, including replacement of missing or damaged shingles or times and checking for signs of blistering or damage that can lead to leaks. Clear all debris from the roof and gutters, especially the valleys where it can accumulate and cause water to puddle.

Siding: Clean your home's exterior with a garden hose sprayer and mild detergent or a power washer after winter passes. Tighten loose trim and add caulk to areas with cracks to keep the elements from intruding and causing further damage to the structure.

Irrigation: Check the sprinkler system thoroughly to spot and fix leaks and make sure water is not spraying against your home's foundation or siding.

Basement: Watch for signs of moisture intrusion and find the source of any leaks that can lead to serious mould or fungus problems if left unaddressed.

Kitchen/Baths: Replace damages caulking around tubs, showers, sinks, and toilets to avoid water-related damage to the walls, floors, and cabinets.

Dryer: Remove accumulated lint from the exhaust duct at the back of the dryer. Use a long-handled brush to clear the vent that leads outside. Blockages not only impact performance, but they can also be a fire hazard.

Refrigerator: To keep your fridge working well, clean dirt and lint from its condenser coils once or twice a year. Access the coils on the back of the unit or behind the front grill and use a vacuum attachment or coil brush to clean the debris. Failing to remove the build-up can stress the condenser and cause expensive and premature damage to the unit.

Please forward this to any of your friends, family, and colleagues to help them get an early start on repairs!

Do you have plans from February 22 to March 1? If not, here's a treat if you're a wine lover!

With all the various events happening this love month, it’s a shame if you can’t attend one! You know how much I love wine! So, why not go out and join in on one of Canada’s oldest events of its kind in the world.

2020 marks the 42nd year of the Annual Vancouver International Wine Festival. Can you believe it? The wine selection is fantastic and the participants have been carefully chosen. With over 775+ wines available for sampling, you won’t go out empty-handed! Get to understand different cultures by the flavour of their wine. Move from one country/region simply by moving from one tasting room to another.

Oh and if you don't have a date for Valentine’s Day, this may be a chance to meet someone special over a glass of wine! Don’t wait any longer! Visit www.VanWineFest.ca and grab a ticket.

Celebrating its 20th wonderful season this 2020, PuSh International Performing Arts Festival is almost here. Have you ever been?

The festival features more than 100 performances at more than 20 venues beginning January 21st thru February 9th.

Be ready to be awed by talents from acclaimed international, Canadian and local artists. The festival features innovative performances from theatre, dance, music and other interdisciplinary fields. The event is said to be a place of adventure that will excite your senses.

Click here to find out more: www.PushFestival.ca

The newest attraction this Holiday season has finally set foot in Vancouver again! It only showed up in 2017 so every year is bigger and better! It is open NOW!

Experience a family-friendly indoor wonderland as you celebrate the magic of Christmas and help elves uncover Santa's lost presents! Enjoy interactive light gardens, illuminated structures, delicious food, festive drinks, and daily live entertainment all under the twinkle of a million lights. Laugh, stroll, and play under the twinkle of a million lights as you explore Glow's light gardens and illuminated structures. There's a playground to entertain your kids for hours while you enjoy seasonal beverages, delicious food, and live music at their licensed bar.

There's certainly something for everyone at Glow!

Come visit with the entire family until January 5, 2019, at the Harbour Convention Centre, 760 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver, BC V6B 5E7. More information by clicking here.

Happy Holidays everyone!

If you live in Vancouver, you must know how vibrant the city becomes when the holiday season is almost here. Get your coat on and get out and going to the Christmas Market!

Beginning November 20th until Christmas eve, the Vancouver Christmas Market will be open to fulfill your holiday shopping needs, great treats, stunning views and anything related to the words holiday, Christmas and happy! From handcrafted items to live seasonal entertainment, every day is pretty magical.

Find out what's in store for you this year, visit www.VancouverChristmasMarket.com. Who knows we might bump into each other there, right? Don't forget to say hi ​if you see us there!