Blog
Straight answers to real questions.
Advice for buying and selling in West Kelowna and the Central Okanagan, based on the questions my clients ask me most, and the videos I post every week.
BC's 3-day rule: can you really back out of buying a home?
In BC you can back out of an accepted offer on most resale homes within 3 business days, for any reason. Sounds good, right? But there's a catch. There's always a catch.
Read the articleWhat does it cost to buy a home in BC, beyond the down payment?
Six costs catch BC buyers off guard on closing day. Here's what they are, what I tell my clients to budget, and how first-time buyers can save on the biggest one.
Read the articleShould I price my home high to leave room to negotiate?
It sounds smart, but it's one of the most costly mistakes a seller can make. Here's what actually happens when you list above market value.
Read the articleIs my BC Assessment what my home is worth?
Here's your real estate cheat code for today: your assessed value is your market value. Just kidding. Here's why that number on your January notice usually isn't what a buyer will pay.
Read the articleHow does buying a foreclosure work in BC?
Foreclosures have been a hot topic lately, and the process is nothing like a regular purchase. Here's how it works, step by step, from your first offer to the judge's decision.
Read the articleHow do I get my home ready to sell? 10 tips that actually matter
Buyers decide how they feel about your home within the first few seconds. Here are the 10 things I tell every seller to do, starting with the ones that cost nothing.
Read the articleMoving to Kelowna or West Kelowna: the relocation guide for home buyers
For most people moving here from Alberta, Ontario or the Lower Mainland, the hard part isn't deciding to move. It's knowing where to live and how to buy confidently from a distance. Here's how to do both.
Read the articleKelowna vs West Kelowna: which side of the bridge makes more sense for you?
It's one of the first questions every Okanagan buyer asks. Both sides have great lifestyles and lake access, but day-to-day life, and what your budget buys, can feel very different.
Read the articleBuy ugly, save big? Why a dated home with good bones can be the better buy
In my opinion, some of the best-value homes out there are older ones that look original inside but have had the expensive, unglamorous systems replaced. Here's why, and what to check.
Read the articleShould I buy a condo, a townhouse or a house?
You've saved a great down payment. Congratulations, that's a huge accomplishment. Now, which type of home is actually right for you? It's not just about the price.
Read the articleFreehold vs leasehold in West Kelowna: what's the difference?
Freehold vs leasehold is one of the most common questions I get in West Kelowna, because a lot of homes here are on Westbank First Nation leasehold land. Here's how the two compare, and what to check before you buy.
Read the articleCan you be charged GST for selling a renovated home in BC?
Most people assume resale homes are always GST-exempt. But a renovation that's big enough can change that. Here's the 90% rule, and how not to get burned by it.
Read the articleFlipping a house in BC? Two taxes that can change the math
HGTV and your Pinterest board make it look easy. Here are the costs, and the two flipping taxes, that decide whether a flip actually pencils out to a profit.
Read the articleHow do I know if my realtor is any good? Red flags and green flags
Does your realtor suck? I don't know. Let's find out. Here are the signs of a great agent, and the warning signs to watch for.
Read the articleMarket evaluation, appraisal or BC Assessment: which number is right?
Four different numbers can describe the same home. Here's what each one is for, how it's calculated, and which one to trust when you're deciding whether to sell.
Read the articleShould I renovate before I sell, or sell my home as is?
The short but honest answer: it depends on what you renovate. Here's which updates usually pay for themselves, and which ones are a gamble.
Read the articleShould I rent or buy a home in Kelowna right now?
Renting isn't throwing money away, and buying doesn't make you a slave to a mortgage for 30 years. Here's the comparison that actually matters.
Read the articleHow do you buy your first home in BC? The 6 steps, start to keys
There are six steps between starting the process and moving into your new home. Here's each one, in order, with the things first-time buyers usually miss.
Read the article10 things to do in West Kelowna before you buy a home here
Square footage and price per foot won't tell you what daily life here feels like. Here are ten ways to experience West Kelowna before you decide where to live.
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