Steven Harper and his minority Conservative Government announced billions in tax credits for Canadians today! Finance Minister Jim Flaherty gave Canadians some good news as he went over the Federal Government's plan to kick start the stalled out economy. The proposed tax cuts and relief are aimed at getting consumer spending back up and instilling some confidence in the future.
Home owners looking to do some much needed renovations have a bit more incentive as the government has promised up to $1,350 in tax credits for home improvements between $1,000 and $10,000 made between Jan. 27, 2009, and Feb. 1, 2010. Perhaps, the best news of the day was the changes to raise the upper limits on the two lowest income tax brackets. The new tax ceiling for the 15% bracket would be $40,726, and for the 22% bracket a change to $81,452.
It is a good start but with a minority government currently in power this is far from a done deal. At any time the official opposition parties could push for a non-confidence vote and force Canadians back to the voting poles. Over the next couple of days we should see exactly where the opposition parties stand on the new proposed federal budget for 2009. Full CBC News Story
Sincerely,
Kelowna residents are amongst the thirstiest in the entire world!
Water consumption is a hot topic and recently it has jumped into the headlines here in Kelowna,BC. Although some progress on reducing water consumption locally has been made, those efforts are not nearly enough! The following article by Castanet.net is as alarming as it is sobering. It got me to thinking as to how I use water on a daily basis and where I could cut back etc.
Here are some suggestions on how to reduce your daily consumption:
The Government of Canada has a good article on water conservation on their website as well. If we all make a little effort we really can make a difference. Water truly is our most precious resource because without it there is no life!
Sincerely,
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:
So remember to share your talents with others no matter what they might be. We want to get to know the real you!
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,
Black Mountain is a rural neighbourhood located south east of Kelowna. The first homes were built predominately on larger ¼ acre lots in the 1970's. The newer built homes feature incredible panoramic views that stretch from Okanagan Lake to Kelowna International Airport. Kirschner Mountain is located adjacent to Black Mountain with newly developed subdivisions that are mainly "Craftsman" style exterior finishes and have reasonable sized front and back yards. There are breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Okanagan from almost lot as well. The Gate offers affordable townhome living for those looking to relocate here without the yard work! Highway 33 takes you directly into the heart of Black Mountain which allows its residents quicker access to Big White Ski Resort. A brand new golf community fittingly named "Black Mountain" has been established and is known for its very challenging 18-hole course. The Black Mountain Irrigation District is responsible for thousands of customers who reply on this group for clean drinking water. This spring also saw the return of the Black Mountain Rodeo where cowboys from all over Western Canada come to strut their stuff and wow local crowds!
Housing in this area continues to be in high demand for young professionals and families. Every amenity imaginable is located mere minutes away in nearby Rutland. Black Mountain Elementary is an award winning local school. "Close but not too close" to the city is what best describes this family oriented neighbourhood.
Black Mountain Quick Facts:
Approximately 56 km Drive to Big White Ski Resort
Approximately 10 minute Drive to Downtown Rutland
Approximately 20 minute Drive to Downtown Kelowna & Lake
Approximately 15 minutes Drive to Kelowna International Airport
For more information on this incredible Kelowna Neighbourhood please contact me by e-mail at: jason.neumann@century21.ca or call (250) 808-7700.
Sincerely,
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Your Kelowna Realtor®, takes the stress out of buying or selling real estate in Kelowna, Westbank, Peachland, West Kelowna, Lake Country,Vernon or Westside communities in the Sunny Central Okanagan.
Having lived in British Columbia my entire life I really feel somewhat spoiled. The abundance of things to do and see in our beautiful province is truly amazing! I grew up for the most part in the Lower Mainland with the bulk of that time in Abbotsford. I was one of the very fortunate kids out there that didn't move a whole lot so I had a great core of friends right through high school. Growing up in an agricultural city was one I am thankful for. I have terrific memories of picking ripe strawberries and raspberries as a young boy. I even sold John Deere tractors for a time and truly loved the experience.
As a family we traveled to the Okanagan yearly and hit every water-slide park that was out there at the time. I distinctly remember looking at the gorgeous landscape in Kelowna as a child and thinking "this would be a cool place to live!" Well, I guess wishes do come true as my family moved here a few years ago and we have loved every minute of it. During the various seasons we like to explore the Okanagan and spend time at the beach, the ski hills, the local shops, pick fresh fruit in the orchards or whatever else seems like fun for that day! Kelowna really is a special place!
As a Realtor ® , my philosophy is to make the buying and selling process of real estate an enjoyable experience for everyone! When my clients are faced with tough decisions and need some guidance or advice I am there every step of the way. The most important thing that I do for my clients is put their needs and wants at the forefront of everything that I do. My core values are: Honesty, Integrity and to be considered Trustworthy. The highest compliment I could ever receive is the referral of a friend or family member. It is about being so much more than talk, it is about being true to your word through action!
I may not be the biggest name in Kelowna Real Estate...
I am simply the best name!
K.L.O. - means "Kelowna Land and Orchard Company", the company owned most of the land in that area for many years.
Kelowna's Fall Wine Festival is ranked amongst the "Top 100 Events in North America" year after year.
Mount Boucherie is one of five extinct volcanoes found in the Okanagan.
Kelowna's five major performance companies produce over 15 plays and musicals each year.
The "Sunny Okanagan" earned its namesake due to the over 2,000 hours of sunshine that recreational enthusiasts enjoy each year.
Dilworth Mountain was named after John Dilworth, an early Kelowna farmer.
Knox Mountain was named after Arthur Booth Knox who arrived in the Okanagan in 1874
The Shell Aero Centre welcomes private aircraft and provides pilot services such as sleeping quarters, cooking facilities and 24 hour Customs.
Canada is continually recognized as one of the most beautiful countries in the world and Kelowna is certainly one of the most desirable cities to reside in. Kelowna, British Columbia is located in the heart of the sunny Okanagan Valley. Kelowna was incorporated in 1905 and means "Grizzly Bear" in the language of the Interior Salish. When the City of Kelowna was first incorporated the entire Okanagan Valley was undergoing major economic changes. Kelowna was moving from a cattle ranching and grain growing region to orcharding. As a result, many extensive irrigation systems were laid out across the benchlands and valley bottoms to support the new agricultural initiatives. Before long, the dry arid Kelowna landscape was being transformed into lush green fruit producing orchards. Today, those same orchards are now being rivaled by large grape growing vineyards to support the famous wines of the region.
Kelowna located in BC's Central Okanagan is Canada's four season playground! Whether you are looking to relocate here for work, retirement or simply to invest in that "home away from home", we have it all. The Okanagan lifestyle offers everything from: wine tasting tours, golf, water sports, downhill and cross country skiing, mountain biking, snowmobiling, fishing, backpacking, camping, fine dining, street cafes, shopping, well I think you get the idea...
With seemingly limitless amenities, it's no wonder Kelowna is often referred to as "Canada's four season playground".
The Okanagan Valley is surrounded by gorgeous mountain ranges and the always inviting waters of the world famous Okanagan Lake. Leisure time is typically spent on one of several championship golf courses, boating, sailing, fishing or any water-sport than one can think of. If water-sports don't intrigue you then perhaps one of our world-renowned wineries, local shops or exceptional fine dining experiences will. Don't forget to make your way to the Downtown Cultural District or stop by the annual Life and Arts Festival. Be sure and check out the Kelowna Farmers and Crafters Market which runs year round in various locations throughout the city. Enchantment and discovery await you at Elysium Gardens and Okanagan Lavender. Perhaps hiking or biking through trails or enjoying a nice walk in a park is what you like to do, we certainly have plenty of that too! Head out for a day trip to the famous Kettle Valley Railway and travel back in time and style. Looking for a little gaming excitement? Then Lake City Casinos is where all the action and fun can be found! Visitors from all over the world rave about the numerous sandy beaches to be found all along the shores of Okanagan Lake. Be prepared though, you just never know when the "Ogopogo" may decide to surface and visit! Having the time of your life and want to stay a little longer? Then check into one of several first class Resort Accommodations in town or its surrounding areas.
Over the Spring and Fall months wineries throughout the Okanagan region host various Wine Festivals. Don't feel like driving from winery to winer? Be sure and book a guided tour with Okanagan Wine Country Tours. During the winter season, Kelowna is a 45 minute drive to Big White Ski Resort, home to some of Canada's best champagne powder skiing, truly a skiers dream come true! Regardless of your favorite past time, the Okanagani Valley and the City of Kelowna offers something for everyone.
Kelowna at a glance:
Okanagan Lake
Helpful Kelowna Area Websites:
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