About Central Okanagan, BC

I  was tweeting along...and came across this post by tamaradorris that I had not watched in a while.  After watching this incredibly awe inspiring performance it got me to thinking about how we evaluate a person without really knowing much about them at all.

On the surface it would seem like Paul Potts was going to be a complete dud as a performer, that is until he opened his mouth and began to sing.  You can see that in an instant he had won over every person in that auditorium and moved many of them to tears.  Mr. Potts didn't exude confidence but what he did do was put himself out there and showcased his talent.  He was very humble and unassuming but a risk taker and that leads me to my point.  That kind of special talent lies within everyone of us!!! (well minus the singing talent in my case).

What I took away from watching this video again was:

• Stepping out and taking risks is necessary to succeed
• Talents are not something to be hidden from others
• Sharing a talent will inspire the people around you
• People are looking to be inspired in their lives
• Being considered an underdog is a good thing

So remember to share your talents with others no matter what they might be.   We want to get to know the real you!

Here are 10 quick tips on how you can make changes to your daily lives to contribute less to global warming. This article is courtesy of www.cmhc.

Each Canadian generates, on average, five tonnes of greenhouse gases every year. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation offers 10 simple steps you can take to help keep our planet healthy and make your home more comfortable and healthier, while saving you money, and increasing your home's resale value.

Step 1 - Switch to Public Transit

By simply switching from a mid-size car to public transit for your local travel, you can save up to 230 kg of CO2 per year for every 1,000 km you don't drive.

Step 2 - Think Smaller

Downsizing to a smaller car can eliminate 1,100 - 2,600 kg of CO2 each year-and save you dollars at the gas pump!

Step 3 - Stay Grounded

For short out-of-town trips, taking the bus or train instead of traveling by plane could benefit both the planet and your wallet.

Step 4 - Reduce Your Home Heating Bills

Improving the energy-efficiency of your home or even just lowering the thermostat by as little as 1°C can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Step 5 - Reconsider Your Space Needs

Larger homes use a lot more energy so, the next time you move, ask yourself if a smaller home might better fit your needs.

Step 6 - Buy green

When buying appliances, choose the most energy-efficient ones in order to save up to 400 kg of CO2 a year.

Step 7 - Stay out of hot water

Wrapping your hot water heater in a thermal blanket and installing low-flow shower heads and water-efficient appliances can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Step 8 - Eat Your Vegetables

Adopting a diet that includes less meat can have a significant impact on your greenhouse gas emissions

Step 9 - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Cutting your garbage production by just one bag a week could save your family 300 kg of CO2 a year.

Step 10 - Remember: You Have the Power

Many utility companies are introducing Green Power options. By switching to green power, you can reduce your home's CO2 emissions.

Canadian Mortgage Rates for January 16, 2009

Provided by: MortgageOpolis

Prime Rate	3.50%
Variable Rate	Prime plus .80%
1 year fixed term	3.89%
2 year fixed term	4.59%
3 year fixed term	4.55%
4 year fixed term	4.59%
5 year fixed term	4.69%
5 year cash back	6.75%
10 year fixed term	6.45%

Rates subject to change without notice.

Foreclosures are few and far between in the Central Okanagan today. The Kelowna Real Estate Market has returned to more of a balanced one with homes taking longer to sell and buyers have more selection. There are also a number of "Subject to Sale" deals where one home owner is waiting for another home owner to sell their property before completing on their agreement. This certainly has a bit of a domino effect and requires the patience of all parties involved. I have put together the current listing inventory for the Central Okanagan Region.

Current listing inventory is as follows:

Single Family Dwellings - 1801 properties including 12 pending offers

Strata - 1489 properties including 9 pending offers

Manufactured Home - 139 including 2 pending offers

Lots/Acreages 597 properties including 4 pending offers

Total properties for sale - 4026

And amongst the entire listing inventory...only 14 Foreclosures!!!

Foreclosure properties represent a mere 0.0035% of the total listing inventory. Not what I would label a melt down of the local real estate market! The current foreclosure break down is as follows: 1 Lot/Areage, 12 Single Family Dwellings and 1 Strata Property at Big White Ski Resort. Unfortunately, we still see reports in the media that the real estate market could crash at any time and in doing so send the message to not invest. This type of sensationalism and misguided representation on the real estate market in general is completely unfounded!

Now is a terrific time to buy a home as home prices are favouring buyers and interest rates continue to stay low. As a matter of fact, the Bank of Canada is set to announce another rate decrease on Jan.20/09. There is speculation that it will be .5% rate reduction. However, the national banks or "Big Five" as they are called may not be so generous and pass on the same reductions in their posted fixed rates. Bottom line is now is a great time to invest in real estate here in the very sunny Okanagan Valley.

The Regional District of the Central Okanagan reported in 2007 there were just over 72,000 household and 14,562 businesses. The current population is estimated to be 180,000. The total area covered is 2,956.3 km sq or 1141.5 miles sq. The Central Okanagan stretches from Lake Couuntry to the north of Kelowna, Big White Ski Resort/Beaverdell to the east, Westside/Westbank to the west and Peachland to the south.

If you would any further information on these foreclosure properties or have general questions about the local real estate market in Kelowna, please e-mail at: jason.neumann@century21.ca or call (250) 808-7700.

Sincerely,

Jason Neumann

Recently the Canadian government rescinded the 100% financing programs available to Canadian home purchasers, making it more difficult for individuals to purchase a home without a down payment. When this happened, many first time home buyers were discouraged at the thought of not being able to purchase a home without a down payment. However, there are still some very good options/programs available to purchasers that don't have a down payment saved, which can help them realize their dream of home ownership.

Cash back mortgages - These mortgages offer purchasers cash back up to 5% or higher with select lenders. It is not a loan with separate payments; rather it is repaid through the higher interest rate the lender charges for this product for the term of the mortgage. If you decide to sell your home within the fixed term agreement... there is usually a prorated formula the lender applies to repay the balance. Eg., If the loan is repaid after 1yr of a 5yr term, the payout is 80% of the original cash back amount, 60% after year 2 and so on. This product is designed typically for individuals with good incomes and credit who don't have a down payment saved, but, are able to afford a mortgage payment.

Gifted down payment - Monetary gifts are another viable source for down payment funds. Often time's purchasers will have a close family relative who is willing to provide a down payment and gift letter to enable them to purchase a home.

RRSP's - RRSP's up to $20,000.00 can be used towards the down payment of home. This is known as the federal Home Buyer's Plan. It allows you to withdraw up to $20,000.00 of your RRSP without paying taxes provided you are purchasing a home within that year. Any amount up to $20,000.00 can be withdrawn under this program provided the funds have been in the RRSP for 90 days. The RRSP is then repaid over 15 years of equal payments until the $20,000.00 is paid back into your RRSP account. If you decide not to repay the yearly RRSP portion... the payment does get added to your income and is subject to being taxed.

Bank loan - Lastly, a loan from the bank can be used as a down payment toward the purchase of a home. Provided the loan payments and lending ratios are within a mortgage lenders guidelines, individuals can purchase a home with a borrowed down payment.

Regards,

MortgageOpolis