RomRealty

Tag: okanagan real estate

  • Rom’s Kelowna Real Estate Opinion November 2019

    Rom’s Kelowna Real Estate Opinion November 2019

    November 2019 Kelowna Real Estate Report:

    *Click the images to enlarge

    Kelowna Real Estate Opinion for Nov 2019

    We are well into December now and I love to take the time at the end of the year to reflect on the past 12 months. Each year I make predictions about the market for the coming year and I will do that here today for 2020.

    Last December, I predicted a flat market, relatively ‘boring’ with no dramatic rise or fall in any statistic. I called it a soft correction which means it’s a little on the downside but mostly flat. This is exactly what we got in 2019.

    Overall, prices inched down a bit here in the Central Okanagan. I also predicted that inventory would rise slightly, which it did (about 5-10%). Sales were predicted to be flat as well. The absorption rate (% of total residential inventory that sells on a monthly basis), decreased slightly.

    As you can see, for 2019 overall it has been a very flat market. You can view the 12 month comparison of Nov 2018 to Nov 2019 by clicking here: 12 Month Comparison November 2019 (1).

    So, what will happen in 2020?

    Basically, we will see more of the same with one slight change.  The forces driving the market are charging slightly. There is some uncertainty in the US government, Canadian government and the BC government that is keeping consumer confidence down.

    However, banks are counteracting that negativity. Interest rates are historically low again.  The new first time home buyer program (see my blog post here), that rolled out in September is being used aggressively. Big cities like Toronto and Vancouver have gone into the recovery leg of their cycle. We are still influenced by the increased buyer activity from the failing Alberta market and people cashing in from the West Coast.

    In summary, we will see a relatively flat market for 2020. Instead of calling it a soft correction, I will say it will be a soft recovery. Prices, absorption and sales will rise slightly and inventory will remain constant. It will be a good market but nothing spectacular. That is the Real Estate World according to Rom.

    Wishing you and your family a safe and happy holiday season!

  • Modern, Open Concept Downtown Kelowna Home

    Modern, Open Concept Downtown Kelowna Home

    FOR SALE: 968 FULLER AVE, KELOWNA, BC$688,800

    ULTRA MODERN, OPEN CONCEPT DOWNTOWN KELOWNA HOME. Abundant natural light and crisp modern lines greet you inside as you enter this uniquely designed two-story home with custom cedar plank accents outside. The expansive main floor features a beautiful kitchen with quartz counters, and a comfortable dining and living room area. Quality wide plank hardwood and tile flooring are evident throughout the home. Large floor-to-ceiling windows and double glass sliding doors lead to a south exposure patio at the front for those relaxing summer days.

    Upstairs you will find 3 bedrooms, a full bathroom, convenient laundry room and office area. The spacious and private master bedroom includes a deluxe 5 piece ensuite and walk-in closet. New custom blinds are located throughout the home. There is also a brand new detached garage with lane access, and a low maintenance yard. New furnace, a recent roof and 9 foot ceilings on both the main and upper floors.

    The home is located in a very quiet neighborhood and yet is a short walking distance to the downtown center. Amazing quality of life with an abundance of restaurants, coffee shops, brew pubs, wineries and retail shopping nearby. Also a short walk away is Prospera Place, the theatre/cultural district and Okanagan Lake beach areas.

    For more details, please contact Rom Houtstra at 250-317-6405 or email him at rom@romrealty.com.

  • Rom’s Kelowna Real Estate Opinion Oct 2019

    Rom’s Kelowna Real Estate Opinion Oct 2019

    October 2019 Real Estate Report:

    *Click the images to enlarge

    Kelowna Real Estate Opinion for Oct 2019

    The Okanagan is continuing to go down the path of a mild correction or a flat market. Central Okanagan sales are down about 10% and prices are down about 4% for the year to date. Some people would say that this would be a declining market. However, compared to what Alberta is going through, we are simply flat. Also, our markets are still substantially higher/better than the 10 year averages. One of my favourite phrases these days is: the market is a good, balanced market, not boom or bust.

    The interesting thing to take note of is what is continuing to happen in big cities like Toronto and Vancouver. Both these 2 giants are continuing to show promise and positive gains in their lower-end markets. To give you an idea of how much statistics from Toronto and Vancouver affect the overall averages of the country, consider this. There are about 108,000 REALTORS® in Canada. About 62,000 of them are in Toronto and Vancouver. This explains why, when the media is reporting Canadian Real Estate statistics, it really has nothing to do with the market that your home is in, unless you live in Toronto or Vancouver.

    The market in the Okanagan will remain steady as we go forward into 2020. Keep in mind that the market will follow it’s usual annual trends. In other words, the last quarter of each year and the first quarter of the following year are always the slowest quarters of every year.

    If you are a first time home buyer, click here to read my recent blog on the new incentive program that was just introduced.

    As always, this is the Real Estate World according to Rom.

  • New First Time Homebuyers Incentive Program!

    New First Time Homebuyers Incentive Program!

    New National Housing Strategy Means Good News for First-Time Home Buyers

    The new strategy is a ten year, $55 billion plan said to give more Canadians across the country a home. Check out the images below for the new incentive program details. If you are a first-time home buyer then you must check this out!

    Click the images below to enlarge the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive Program brochure!

     

    To read more about the National Housing Strategy visit the Canada Mortgage and Housing website here.

  • Kelowna’s Beautiful Fall Season

    Kelowna’s Beautiful Fall Season

    Fall in Kelowna: The Ultimate Chef’s Playground

    I love this Fall video from Tourism Kelowna. It showcases stunning shots of the beauty (and food!) that Kelowna has to offer. I hope you enjoy it too! For more information on Kelowna living, visit my About: Living in Kelowna page by clicking here.

    #explorekelowna

  • Rom’s Kelowna Real Estate Opinion for Sept 2019

    Rom’s Kelowna Real Estate Opinion for Sept 2019

    September 2019 Real Estate Report:

    *Click the images to enlarge

    Kelowna Real Estate Opinion for Sept 2019

    Fall is here and with that brings the falling of leaves, cooler temperatures and a new season of the real estate world. Like I have stated in the last few months, the current market is flat. No exciting rises or bubble bursts and there will be none in the immediate future. Bubbles burst when the market has shot up like a rocket like 2004 to 2007. Markets rise dramatically when the market previously fell off a cliff like in 2009 to 2013. We have nothing like that going on. The market is good; not great, not terrible but good.

    A new report shows disparity in home price trajectories across Canada, including some large decreases. The CENTURY 21 analysis of home prices reveals that some communities have seen some steep decreases in price per square foot in the past year, most notably in British Columbia. Brian Rushton, Executive Vice-President of CENTURY 21 Canada said, “It is not surprising to see Vancouver prices drop so much, but the drop is actually more significant in some Metro Vancouver suburbs like West Vancouver and secondary B.C. markets such as Vernon and Kelowna”.

    While the report is showing prices drop, sales activity is steady. The townhome market under $500,000 continues to be very active. The single family house market is all over the place.  The market for homes over $1 million is very slow right now, with only 3 sold last month.  Condo sales are still strong too but I suspect this market to stabilize within the next 2 years.

    The only insight we can give you is that so far it looks like 2020 will be very similar. There may be a slight increase in the markets in 2020 caused by some of the positive lending changes; lower interest rates, lower qualifying stress test rates and the new first-time buyer incentive program. These programs and changes will allow a small percentage of the population the ability to buy when they could not before the program. Also, the five year bond yields and mortgage rates (yes, there is a correlation there), are back at or have broken levels compared to five years ago.

    As always, this is the Real Estate World according to Rom.

  • PEACEFUL & PRIVATE 6 BEDROOM SUMMERLAND HOME!

    PEACEFUL & PRIVATE 6 BEDROOM SUMMERLAND HOME!

    FOR SALE: 6015 JOY AVE, SUMMERLAND, BC$579,900

    PRICE REDUCED!!

    Peaceful and private 6 bedroom, 2 bathroom home in desirable Trout Creek! This home is located at the end of a no-thru street and surrounded by orchards making it very quiet and tranquil. The home features 3 bedrooms upstairs, with a large open-concept living and dining room which opens to a large kitchen, perfect for entertaining. Downstairs you will find a large family room with 3 more bedrooms, laundry room and space to put in a third bathroom. The home has a fireplace on each level and the bathrooms feature heated floors.

    The backyard is beautiful and park-like with a large covered deck, hot tub, chicken coop and plenty of room for a garden or children’s play area! Also included is an enclosed shop below the deck and large shed. There is ample room for parking as well as a 50-amp separate RV service. There is also gas onsite. Are you looking for a mortgage helper? This home is ready for a guest suite to be completed on the lower level! This is a must-see home!

    For more information or to schedule a viewing call Rom Houtstra at (250) 317-6405 or click here!

  • SOLD!! RUTLAND FAMILY HOME FOR SALE!

    SOLD!! RUTLAND FAMILY HOME FOR SALE!

    SOLD: 1085 ELWYN ROAD, KELOWNA, BC

    $569,900

    SOLD!! 

    Family friendly South Rutland home for sale! This 2700 sqft home features 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and a large rec room and bonus room in the basement. On the main level there is a large formal living and dining space. The open-concept kitchen and family room area gives access to the private, fenced-in backyard, perfect for entertaining. The double car garage has ample room for storage and there is also a large driveway with plenty of space for parking. This desirable location is close to shopping, schools, transit and many other amenities. Recent upgrades include a new roof and new washer and dryer. Great neighbours and the quiet, relaxing setting makes this a very desirable home!

    For more information or to schedule a viewing call Rom Houtstra at (250) 317-6405 or click here!

  • SOLD!! PEACEFUL NORTH GLENMORE TOWNHOME

    SOLD!! PEACEFUL NORTH GLENMORE TOWNHOME

    FOR SALE SOLD!!: 16 – 316 WHITMAN ROAD, KELOWNA, BC

    $468,800

    SOLD BY ROMREALTY IN ONLY 12 DAYS!  

    LOVELY NORTH GLENMORE TOWNHOME FOR SALE! This bright, two-story unit features 3 bedrooms, a den, 3 bathrooms and an open concept living space. Window seating and a large patio overlooking the creek make peaceful spots to enjoy your morning coffee or a book. Excellent location with a walking path to schools, shopping, restaurants, parks and more! Also, quick access to UBCO and Lake Country. The complex has a well-managed strata and great neighbours. One dog or one cat permitted. Rentals permitted on a limited basis. This family home will not last long!

    For more information you can view the listing here or call Rom Houtstra with Century 21 at 250-317-6405.

  • BEST PRICED 4 BEDROOM HOME IN KETTLE VALLEY!!

    BEST PRICED 4 BEDROOM HOME IN KETTLE VALLEY!!

    FOR SALE: 387 MCCARREN AVE, KELOWNA, BC

    NEW PRICE!! $719,900

    BEAUTIFUL RANCHER WITH WALK OUT BASEMENT FAMILY HOME IN DESIRABLE KETTLE VALLEY! EASILY USED AS AN IN-LAW SUITE OR AS AN EXTENSION OF THE UPSTAIRS LIVING SPACE. This rancher style home boasts 4 bedrooms plus a den, 3 full bathrooms, double size garage and 2 gas fireplaces. The large, open and bright great room features a dining area, spacious family room and kitchen with stainless steel appliances, large island with room to seat 4 and a walk-in pantry. The master suite includes a huge walk-in closet and en-suite with double vanity and separate soaker tub and shower. Downstairs has expansive space with a family room, 2 bedrooms and a full kitchen studio which is great for a home based business or a potential in-law suite.

    Recent upgrades completed this year include new interior paint, new carpets, brand new a/c unit, new exterior paint, new window coverings on the main floor, new backyard fencing, refinished hardwood floors and updated light fixtures. Walking distance to Chute Lake Elementary and amazing Quilchena Park. 3-4 minute drive to [brand new] Canyon Falls Middle School in The Ponds…Bring the family and move right in!

    For more images and information, please visit the Century 21 website here.