Joe Rich Valley is a hidden gem amongst the many communities surrounding the Kelowna area. There are vast acreages and farms abundantly found along the Highway 33 corridor leading almost to the Big White Ski Resort turnoff road. Joe Rich's landscape varies from the valley creek beds up to mountainous regions with astounding views of Kelowna and abroad. Mission Creek weaves and snakes it way throughout the region and eventually joins itself to the Mission Creek Greenway.
The average home here can be found on a "not so average" lot size of one acre or more. Locals typically enjoy the ability to dirt bike and quad from their front door in the summer and ski mobile in the winter months. Life is just a little more laid back and "away from it all" as Kelowna is 10-15 minute drive away. Another unique feature of Joe Rich is how much wildlife presides in the backwoods and sometimes in a resident's backyard. It is not uncommon to see whitetail deer, moose, coyote and even those cute little rabbits when out on walks or sitting on a neighbour's back deck. Joe Rich Community Hall is where locals meet to discuss hot topics or get together for fundraising purposes. The brave volunteers of the Joe Rich Fire Department can also be found beside the community hall building.
Most would agree that living in the Joe Rich Valley is well worth the short commute to get to Kelowna. Families abound here and are able to take full advantage of the forested areas whether it be for: fishing, camping, hiking or mountain biking. Housing is a little more affordable for certain but I must tell you the secret is getting out there!
This is a interesting article on the history of Joe Rich that I found courtesy of: JoeRichNews.com:
Joe Rich Valley, as almost everyone knows, was named after the first settler to build a substantial cabin and take up residence in the valley. Little is known about this man, but he may have been a bit of a reprobate looking for seclusion. He seems to have been a squatter and to have never held title to the land on which he built, because it was eventually obtained as a Crown Grant by the Preston's, and finally purchased by Cyril Weddell and Duncan Stewart.
Originally, Joe Rich Valley referred only to the land along either side of Joe Rich Creek, but by the time John Findlay owned and lived on the present Serwa property, the name had begun to be applied to the valley down Mission Creek to at least his property and to the land up the present Three Forks Road and Philpott Road. The actual extent of the land falling into the Joe Rich Area was further defined by the Fire District and the mail service. The Joe Rich Fire District extended down to about Eight Mile Ranch and Creek area. The Fire Department would answer calls in all of that area as well as up Three Forks and Philpott Roads. For a while, some postal addresses were to "Joe Rich Valley", but most if not all have now been converted to "Highway 33 East". The opening up of Tamarack Estates on Goudie Road has required a further expansion and now a satellite fire hall for our fire department. The fire department will now answer calls as far as the top of the Black Mountain hill. This has added more confusion to the definition of just what area constitutes Joe Rich. Very recently, a downtown reporter suggested that the name "Joe Rich" be dropped and the area be renamed as an electoral district. Because of the historical nature of the Joe Rich name and the fact that most people in Kelowna know this area only as Joe Rich, the present name is not likely to die easily. As some residents have said, "We know where we live and it is Joe Rich Valley".
To the north of Highway 33 in the Black Mountain area there is a short segment of the old road to Joe Rich Valley still named "Joe Riche Road". The presence of the terminal "e" on "Rich" has been a source of confusion. But a search of court records listing Joe Rich's name show that the "e" is there in error and the real name is just simple unsophisticated "Joe Rich".
For more information on this fabulous Kelowna Neighbourhood please contact me by e-mail at: jason.neumann@century21.ca or call (250) 808-7700.
Sincerely,
Although many real estate markets across Canada have been very sluggish in terms of sales, the month of December for sales in the Central Okanagan were quite encouraging. Kelowna and its many neighbourhoods are still considered to be among the most desirable to live in anywhere in this great country of ours. For complete December 2008 Stats for the Central Okanagan please visit: OMREB Stats
Here's the break down on the December 2008 sales stats:
Lots and Acreages - 1 sale
Manufactured Homes - 8 sales
Single Family Residential - 74 sales
Strata (Condos & Townhomes) - 37 sales
Total December Sales: 120
Looking at just the Single Family Residential sales numbers alone they were quite good, considering that works out to an average of over two sales a day for the entire month! Couple that with the fact that four of those sales were over the million dollar mark (one nearly topped two million) and buyers have started to take advantage of lower priced homes. Of course, I am not saying that the volume and pricing of properties are equal to last year because they simply are not! As a matter of fact listing inventory went up by nearly 20% and sales went down 57% over this time last year. It is interesting to note that homes are selling 10% quicker today then they were last year!
However, I for one can see that investors, first time buyers and people moving up the property ladder are starting to come out of the woodwork. With home values having adjusted to more of a balanced market and interest rates continuing to stay low, it really is a great time to buy in this current real estate market. I look forward to a great 2009 in real estate right here in Canada's four season playground...Kelowna!
Sincerely,
Do you have a favorite hobby? How do you relax and unwind after a long day? What is "Life Giving" to you?
Even in a slower market like most of us are experiencing today, it is so very important to take time for oneself and recharge your personal battery! Trying to balance the life of a real estate agent, husband, father, friends and church to name a few leaves little time for myself. Can you relate? Being stressed out or overtired can lead to health issues and can even make it hard to focus on your tasks for the day!
Personally, I have a couple of hobbies that I thoroughly enjoy doing in what little spare time I have. The first is bowling! Initially, this started off as a kinda "goof off" thing to do with some of my buddies. I found myself starting to really get into it and wanting to learn about the technical aspects of the game. If you have ever bowled competitively then you know what I mean when I say this game can be really frustrating. Perhaps an analogy to the real estate industry might be in order in a future post?!
My second hobby is something that I call "life giving" and really does help me forget about the negatives of my day and that is...SHOPPING! Not the type of walking around a mall just for the sake of it, no I enjoy antique and bargain hunting at discount shops and my personal favorite...GARAGE SALES! There is something about the negotiations that take place in this type of shopping that get me pretty amped up. Besides, who doesn't like to get a deal and tell their friends about it? Specifically, I look for toys when I go out on one of my excursions. I have 2.1 children (.1 represents current size of our latest edition due later this year) and they love the toys that I find for them. Not to mention that they can play with them, lose interest and I typically resell the toy for more than what I paid for it by selling it at my own garage sale! I feel another real estate analogy coming on, "Buy low and Sell high!"
So what makes either of these hobbies of mine life giving to me? In the case of bowling it is the community that is there each night . You get to know people that may not meet elsewhere and stay up to date on their lives. Very similar to the community here on AR! On New Year's day I even witnessed a 300 game, that was a real treat. In terms of garage sale-ing as I call it, I love the negotiation process and trying to get a read on what people hope to get for their stuff. Suffice to say, I really enjoy it and that it is what really counts!
Sincerely,
Child - Daddy, which is it better to be a grownup or a child?
Father - Uhhhh...That is a great question son! I would say that being a grownup at times is better and then there are times that being a child is better!
Child - Why???
Father - Well, being a grownup means a lot of responsibility and having to make tough decisions. A child doesn't have to be concerned as much as they need to play and have fun everyday
Child - Okay Daddy!
To commemorate the inaugural blog post of this new group I thought I would share a conversation that I had tonight with my eldest son. He has a very keen sense as to how things work even as such a young boy. It is questions like these that keep me on my toes and remind me just what a huge responsibility I have with my wife in raising him. One day, one question at a time is what I try and remind myself.
Feel free to comment, share your own stories or simply enjoy reading this post as seen from a child's perspective!
Sincerely,
Have you ever looked for inspiration to start off your day?
Have you ever wondered what happened to your energy levels?
Have you ever lost that positive outlook on things?
Have you ever needed motivation but couldn't find it?
Have you ever thought that maybe you just can't do the business of real estate anymore?
If you answered yes to one, some or all of these then I have a humble suggestion on how to kick start your day! Write a list of seven truths about yourself in order to help you feel more like...YOU!!! Of course you can modify the list to be more or less than seven ultimately, you just need to sit down and write it out. Just write out that list as it will effect how you look at yourself and everything around you
I have included my list below as an example:
Seven Truths About Jason Neumann
•· I am the best at what I do! - If you don't believe it then how can others?
•· Sales come to me because of me! - Your reputation counts for something for sure!
•· I have no real enemies, just fear! - How many times has this monster reared its ugly head at me!
•· Centurion status is easily achievable! - You must have goal(s) to strive for no matter how big you dream!
•· I am a positively contagious person to be around! - Your personality draws people to you and that's why they will continue to do business with you!
•· Century 21 Assurance Realty is the best brokerage! - You must believe that you work for the best company in town or it will show in every one of your actions!
•· I begin and end each day a very successful Realtor ® ! - What's left to say here??? BELIEVE IT, ACHIEVE IT!!!
I read this list out loud to myself each day to get myself in the right frame of mind and get the juices flowing for the day! Notice that I said "out loud" because hearing is also believing! This is a simple little way to remind yourself that you are a successful agent! On another note I am big on spending time with my family and building those relationships stronger. As my best friend puts it..."I will always be a happy man if I have a wife that loves me and children that respect me!" Great words of wisdom and ones that I have taken to heart! The real estate business can beat a person up at times and make you feel less human if you let it. Don't let negativity or trials get in the way of being a success, rather rise up to the challenges of this industry and come out on top!
Write that list today and you just may find it was some of the best time you spent on yourself in a very very long time!!!
Sincerely,
 |
|
|
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:
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
Powered by the ActiveRain Real Estate Network
© 2009 ActiveRain Corp. All Rights Reserved
