| Buying Real Estate in the Okanagan
As a BC Licensed Mortgage Broker, I can assist with all your mortgage needs in the Okanagan. I myself have a home in Westbank, BC, a suburb of Kelowna, so I am intimately familiar with the home buying processes in the area. I have establshed very trusting relationships with very knowledgeable real estate professionals, lawyers and notaries that I can refer to you for a successful buying experience.
Things to consider when buying real estate in the Kelowna and Okanagan area of British Columbia:
- You can buy with zero down payment, it is possible for second and vacation homes now
- Find a real estate agent that will work seamlessly with your mortgage professional and your legal advisor
- Know what area's suit you and your family
- Seek advice with regard to the existing market, and what types of properties you should be focusing on
- BC and especially the Okanagan area of BC is an extremely good investment right now, there is an amazing amount of growth that has been experienced in the last two years
Climate & Weather
Kelowna and the Central Okanagan is known for its hot summers and mild winters. The temperature is best described as being of the mild continental type. The summers are warm with hot days but cool and sometimes cold nights. Winters, occasionally cold, are much milder than areas north and east of the Valley. In Kelowna and the Central Okanagan, mean maximum temperatures vary from about 0 degrees C in January to 27.9 degrees C in July. Thus about one third of mid-summer are tropical in nature (maximum temperature greater than 30 degrees C) and thaws occur at valley bottom on about half of the days in January.
The Okanagan is characterized by cool humid air and cloudy skies in winter, and by dry air with bright skies in summer. The mean annual hours of bright sunshine in Kelowna and the Central Okanagan are just under 2000 hours.
The Okanagan Valley stretches 200 km (124 miles) from desert climate of the Great Basin in the south at Osoyoos, to vast boreal forests in the north at Vernon. And in between, Kelowna offers a temperate climate and fertile soils that are perfect for orchards and vineyards.
It's a place of sunshine and stunning beauty. You'll be taking mild winters and warm summers for granted before you know it and you'll find a recreational paradise with every pastime imaginable. World famous ski resorts, hundreds of miles of mountain terrain for cross-country skiing and snowshoe adventure. A patchwork of lakes and streams, including Okanagan Lake, for hiking, fishing and boating. Where the views are truly incredible you'll discover championship golf courses waiting.
Culture and Entertainment
Historical attractions such as the BC Orchard Industry Museum and Wine Museum in Kelowna, showcase the agriculture history of the area in authentically restored buildings. Numerous galleries feature the work of local artists and festivals and events are held throughout the year. The Spring and Fall Okanagan Wine Festivals held in May and October have become major tourism draws for visitors throughout North America.
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View of Mission Hill Family Estate from Shannon Lake area of Westbank, BC |
Arts and Culture play a large part in Kelowna and the Central Okanagan and the industry continues to evolve; entertainment is frequently paired with the natural beauty of the Okanagan with offerings such as Shakespearean products at Mission Hill Family Estate Winery and, “Mozart in the Park,” classical music performed lakeside in Kelowna’s City Park. The Rotary Arts Centre, in the heart of Kelowna’s Cultural District, opened in the fall of 2002. This multi-purpose facility accommodates a wide range of performances and resident artists can also be watched while they work.
Housing
The demand outlook for both new and resale housing is positive. Market fundamentals remain solid. BC continues experience robust employment growth. Consumers are upbeat; the BC Index of Consumer Confidence soared to an 18 year high early in 2005. Closer to home, the Kelowna area economy is firing on all cylinders. Strong employment growth has spurred in-migration, fuelling the demand for new and resale housing. Retirees, and more recently, an influx of others seeking lifestyle oriented housing have also contributed to sharply increased demand. Population growth and low interest rates will remain the key drivers in 2006. --The above information is from www.investkelowna.com
Links to Life in the Okanagan:
Interested in getting mortgage information to buy a BC property?
Visit our BC site at www.designmymortgage.ca today
The Naramata Benchlands™ - Naramata presents its first neighbourhood of estate view homesites, StoneBrook. Here purchasers have an opportunity to select homesites ranging in size from 1/2 acre to 2 acres.
The Naramata Benchlands™ represents a spacious new community for those seeking the freedom to custom build the new estate home of their dreams within a rustic rural setting, a mere 15 minutes from the energy and amenities of Penticton.
StoneBrook is a vibrant new forty-four homesite neighbourhood situated on a spectacular bench overlooking Okanagan Lake.
Our vision is to create an inviting new community that balances quality modern living within a unique and majestic setting. |
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