West Kelowna Real Estate News!

Welcome to the Shield Real Estate Blog. This is the place to visit when you want the latest West Kelowna real estate news. I share monthly tips on a variety of local real estate topics. Everything from what the market statistics mean to how to amp up your curb appeal! Anything I can share to help you prepare your home and yourself for a potential sale is here. Along with what buyers can expect when they want to purchase a West Kelowna home for sale.

Additionally, I love to keep my customers up to date with information about recent listings and solds on my Facebook page. Staying social is a great way to keep my finger on the pulse of the market. It’s also a great way to keep my customers informed! You never know when it will be time to buy or sell a home, but at least you know who your real estate agent in West Kelowna should be!

Follow along, read and share with me!

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The demand for real estate in West Kelowna is strong!

If you’ve been watching the real estate market closely, then you already know things have been moving quick! Especially when we look at real estate in West Kelowna. The West Kelowna real estate market is always busy, but with the pressures of Covid-19 it seems to be exploding. There also doesn’t seem to be any indicator that it’s going to stop either!  It’s a sellers market right now. Which means that inventory remains low. Inventory continues to be a problem in many BC suburbs as we see an influx of buyers from larger metropolitan areas fleeing for more. 

What exactly do they want more of you ask? Covid continues to bring forth the desire for home buyers to have more space. They want fresh air and proximity to outdoor space. We aren’t just talking about extra square footage outside either. When we refer to outdoor space, we see that buyers moving to West Kelowna want to be closer to things like hiking, lake activities and vast outdoor space.  This is exactly what West Kelowna was built around and why it continues to be in demand for property buyers. 

west kelowna homes for saleReal estate that’s close to everything!

West Kelowna is close to almost everything nature has to offer.  Whether rain, snow or Okanagan sunshine we have outdoor activities happening to suit every level of outdoor enthusiast. West Kelowna is surrounded by rolling hillsides that make for some of the best hiking. Bear Creek in particular offers all levels of hikes from intermediate to family friendly. While you’re at Bear Creek you can also pop over to the provincial day park for a picnic and a swim. Okanagan Lake surrounds West Kelowna residents. If you don’t have a view of it, then chances are you live on it!  

Our gorgeous little city has access to some great wineries that will get you out and about. An early evening stroll while the sun sets, after an al fresco lunch at Quails Gate is a favourite pastime. As is taking in the art, scenery and architecture at Mission Hill Estates. There is a fantastic and growing list of West Kelowna wineries for you to spend time outdoors when you purchase real estate in West Kelowna. 

Get in touch if you want to sell your West Kelowna home!

If you’ve been thinking about coming to West Kelowna for a visit then give me a call. I would love to show you around some of the best neighbourhoods to move to.  Alternatively, if you already own property in West Kelowna and you’re thinking about selling – well, now’s the time! 

real estate for sale west kelowna

What is the relationship between our homes and our mental and physical well-being? Are there changes we can make to infuse a greater sense of joy into our living spaces? How can we reimagine the things we already have to elevate our homes aesthetically and functionally? In Episode 13 of REAL TIME, designer and TV host Tiffany Pratt talks about connecting more deeply with our homes to improve well-being and live a beautiful life, no matter what ‘beautiful’ means to you. Because in her words – be it through colour, texture or personal items that invigorate our spirit – “our homes should make us feel something.”

Are you looking at West Kelowna houses for sale but are not quite sure if you’re ready to purchase a home? Buying a new home, or a home for the first time can be scary, and there are some questions you need to ask a realtor and yourself. We have covered some of those questions in the article below.

west kelowna houses for saleWhy are you buying a house?

Make sure that you are purchasing a house for a good reason. Buying a home is a long time commitment that you are locked into, so make sure you are ready.

Some people feel pressured by family or friends into purchasing real estate, but don’t let it get to you. Buy a home because you want to, and are ready to make that step.

Can I afford to purchase a home?

Before you get too excited about a house you like, make sure that it fits in your budget. You may be qualified for a bigger mortgage, but make sure that you have the monthly income to pay for it.

Also make sure that you are financially stable enough to cover the mortgage payments, as well as maintenance to the home or property, as well as your family and personal life.

west kelowna houses for saleWhat kind of commute are you looking at?

Look at the area you are interested in, and make sure you’re not looking at a hectic commute each day, to and from work. If you’re looking at West Kelowna houses for sale, do you work in the West Kelowna area, or will you be commuting to Kelowna, Peachland, Summerland, etc? If so, choose an areas of West Kelowna that is closer to the area you work in.

Will the home suit my needs for an extended period of time?

Sometimes market fluctuations can make people want to purchase a home quickly, but stop and think about the home and if it will suit your needs for the future.

This is also important when selling your home when the market is good. Don’t rush to sell your home right away, and make sure you are getting full value for your property.

west kelowna houses for saleAre there schools nearby?

If you have children, then choosing a home near a school is very important for both the commute back and forth, and also the safety of your children.

If you don’t have kids but are planning to do so in the future, try and choose a home in the vicinity of daycares, preschools, and elementary schools.

Examine the neighbourhood

Remember that you’ll be living in this neighbourhood for a long time, so do your research and make sure that you’re comfortable with your surroundings.

Pay attention to what kind of condition the neighbourhood is in, like the safety of the roads, are there sidewalks for you and your family to walk around safely, and are there any parks or recreation nearby.

You may want to also consider looking up the crime rate in the neighbourhood, so you know what you’ll be getting yourself into.

In conclusion, buying a home can be exciting, but make sure you have all of the information before making the final decision. For more information on West Kelowna houses for sale, contact us at Shield Real Estate Group today!