Relocating to Kelowna: Getting to Know the Neighborhood

In this market, many are considering relocating to Kelowna. Relocating is an exciting and uncertain time, with so much unfamiliarity coming your way, preparation is key. We spoke to Drew Irvine, our Wilden Luxury specialist, on the most exciting neighborhoods of Kelowna and what they can bring to your dream Okanagan lifestyle.

 

Drew, tell us about the most sought-after neighborhoods and what makes them ideal for relocation to the Okanagan?

Okanagan living is like no other. With sunshine and endless activities, choosing the right neighborhood for you is of most importance. Wilden is absolutely one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Kelowna, with its modern homes, incredible lake views, and ideal location. Quite similar is the neighborhood of High Pointe in the lower Glenmore area. In South Kelowna, Kettle Valley and Lower Mission are also great options. On the other side of the bridge, the Mission Hill Winery area is beautiful and boasts amazing views. All these neighborhoods have great locations, beautiful homes and are close to all amenities.

 

 

You specialize in Wilden Luxury homes, what makes this neighborhood so special?

Wilden is known for its amazing city, valley and lake views, and luxurious homes. Most of the homes are brand new construction or built in the last 5 years, which means no renovations are required and these homes are move-in ready. Additionally, they often feature great outdoor living spaces and inground pools.  Wilden also has a really great, quiet community. The location is more than ideal, about halfway in between downtown Kelowna and the airport. With a 10-minute drive to the yacht club, Wilden is the best way to have stunning views in a quiet area and still be close to the lake and cultural center. Not to mention the amazing hiking trails and golf courses nearby. It’s an ideal neighborhood for someone looking to enjoy the Okanagan lifestyle.

 

Speaking of the Okanagan lifestyle, tell us more about it and how Wilden caters to it?

Of course, the Okanagan lifestyle is known for its amazing weather. For example, Toronto summers in comparison are extremely sticky and humid, making the heat unbearable. Kelowna summers are dry, long, and pleasant. Perfect for enjoying the lake and patios. Winters are shorter and much milder than the rest of Canada, and if you’re looking to enjoy some winter activities, Big White Ski Resort is a short way away. In the Okanagan Valley, you’re also avoiding all the Vancouver rain. Additionally, Kelowna is growing and developing some amazing areas. Downtown is becoming a great cultural center. Kelowna General Hospital is an amazing teaching hospital, which recently included a heart center. This is a great thing to have right in your city. Relocating to Kelowna brings you the perfect blend of city living and quiet nature. With its beaches, hiking trails, golf courses, wineries, patios, and tons of beautiful neighborhoods to choose from. Wilden brings all of that together and adds luxury to the blend. With these turn-key modern properties, you’re ready to move in and start enjoying the lifestyle right away!

Relocating to Kelowna

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Relocating is one of the most stressful things we can do, leaving a safe and familiar place for something new and uncertain is something we all struggle with. There are many benefits to moving to Kelowna but the transition can be strenuous.  When considering a move there is a long list of things to consider. Let’s walk through some of the most asked questions when relocating to Kelowna.

Always ask the question the “The Three P’s”:

People: When looking for a new place to call home, it is a good idea to consider not only who will be living there but also any visitors. If you are someone that has plenty of families it is best to look for homes with a little extra space or maybe a carriage home!

Pets: Do you have any pets that are making the move with you? if so, the realtor needs to be aware of this as this will be search criteria. If you need a yard, this will shift your search to single-family residential and away from strata properties.

Parking: How many cars do you have? Any toys? These are all great things to know as it is a factor in deciding if your new home is the right fit for you!

When moving cities, provinces, or countries, it is very hard to get the timing of the sale of your home and the possession of your new home to line up. Figuring out your timeline before you commit to the move is very important and can save you a fortune!

 

Having an experienced, local realtor is extremely important. You are going to want someone who knows the area and can fit your lifestyle with your neighborhood.  If you are looking for an active, social lifestyle then a more central location is going to be your go-to but if you want a more retirement and residential lifestyle, Lower Mission or Glenmore would be a great fit. These are all things that make using a Kelowna Realtor so important when relocating to Kelowna.

Hiring a real estate company’s relocation expert can take the sting out of many details involved in the transition and bring better solutions at a faster pace than if you try to relocate on your own.

 

Contact us for more information on relocating to Kelowna.

2021 Real Estate Market in Kelowna

Yes, the current real estate market is red hot, but what does that mean to you as a buyer or as a seller? What are your options? How do you navigate this crazy market to make it work for you?

The state of Real Estate: This real estate series is an inside look and professional advice on what the heck is going on in this 2021 market! The current real estate market is certainly interesting and unpredictable. The Kelowna real estate market is changing on a daily basis and is proving to be frustrating for both buyers and sellers. Where common catchphrases of this past year include the “new normal” and “social distancing”, in the real estate world, these phrases are “multiple offers” and “seller’s market”. However, one common phrase they both have in common …unprecedented.

 

“The New Normal”

How is this “new normal” changing the face of real estate as we know it? We reach out to each team member at Quincy Vrecko and Associates to discuss their professional thoughts on every aspect of how the market is changing and their experience with the current real estate market.

 

In this series we will cover:

• Multiple offers from the perspective of the buyer and the seller
• Relocating to Kelowna
• New home construction and lot sales
• Luxury housing market
• Condominiums and townhouses

 

Over the last year, the pandemic brought some unexpected changes. What was about to happen following the lockdown was clearly unpredictable to even to the best of those in the know. In March 2020, CMHC forecasted an 18% decrease in property values and warned of a crash in the real estate market.

What a difference a year makes…

Fast forward to March 2021 and the current real estate market is registering record-breaking sales week after week. With the average price of single-family homes hitting an astonishing $900 000 sellers are in the driver’s seat and buyers are being left in the dust.

 

Sellers

As a seller, while the market is in your favor, you should not just have anyone representing your largest investment. Setting up the listing for success is the key to realizing the top dollar for your home. Photos and virtual tours are key tools to present your home not only with restrictions due to Covid but to a large number of out-of-town buyers. Currently, out-of-town buyers make up 41% of our overall homebuyers in the Okanagan.

 

Buyers

If you are a buyer in this market, it is more important than ever to have proper representation. An experienced agent on your side making sure you have the upper hand at securing a property over other bidders. An experienced agent with a strong connection will give you the upper hand in getting you in the right home at the right place.

 

 

 

 

Check-in each week as we discuss topics related to the current real estate market situation and answer questions from buyers and sellers. We look to the experience and expertise of the team members at Quincy Vrecko and Associates, one of the top teams for Re/MAX Kelowna. Every team member will offer their advice and suggestions on how to stay sane in this truly crazy real estate market.