I Love Kelowna Real Estate

Sarah Lindsay is a realtor with Royal LePage in Kelowna. She started her love of real estate at an early age. Instead of playing with her friends on the weekend she would ask her father to take her to local open houses in the neighborhood. Today she keeps up her passion by specializing in helping first-time home buyers find the right home for them. Contact Sarah Lindsay Web: sarahlindsayhomes.com Phone: 250-718-3454 E-mail: sarahlindsayhomes@gmail.com Facebook Instagram

Ryan Donn is a Kelowna City Councillor, Cultural Development Coordinator in Lake Country, community builder, digital storyteller, event producer, and songwriter. Elected to Council in November 2014, Ryan has utilized his passion for the city of Kelowna and its people, combined with his experience and expertise in creative development, to further grow the city and its communities. He shares about the effects of taxes and upcoming changes relevant to the people of Kelowna. References Property Tax Estimator Contact Ryan Donn Web: ryandonn.com Phone: 250-878-1254 E-mail: rdonn@kelowna.co Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

Nate Flavel is a realtor with RE/MAX Kelowna. His team specializes in the luxury and commercial real estate market. He started his journey as a promotions director in the radio industry and co-founded Kelowna Actors Studio, the valley’s only licensed dinner theatre and performing arts school. Nate has called Kelowna home for the past 20 years, and has become a significant member of the business community with extensive experience in media, marketing, and the arts and cultural sectors. Contact Nate nathanflavel.com Tel: 250-979-8310 Linkedin

Becky Lapierre is a realtor with Mark Jontz and Associates, located in Kelowna, BC. As one of the top 1% real estate agencies in Canada with Royal LePage and the top team with Royal LePage Kelowna since 2009, Mark Jontz and Associates have developed a business model which most effectively helps clients earn top dollar and save thousands on their home purchases. Their approach to long-term financial stability and high-quality service have solidified their spot as one of the best agencies in the country. Becky has been with the team for more than 4 years. She gives insights for first-time home buyers on what steps to take and what mistakes to avoid. Contact Becky Lapierre Mark Jontz and Associates Office: 250-861-6002 Becky Mobile: 250-863-4925 E-mail: mjservice@shaw.ca Becky E-mail: b.l.lapierre@gmail.com Facebook LinkedIn

This week we take a look at the new BC Home Partnership Program which “assists residents of British Columbia who are eligible first-time homebuyers by providing repayable down payment assistance loans.” This government program helps new homebuyers get into the real estate market and provides them with a loan which matches their down payment up to 5% of the purchase price. Contact Chad Weninger Snap NOA I Love Kelowna Real Estate Office: 250-878-4247 E-mail: chad@chadweninger.ca Facebook LinkedIn

Mark Ritchey is a realtor with Sage Executive Real Estate, based in Kelowna, BC. With a passion for service and working with people, Mark is an expert in the Okanagan Valley real estate market. He specializes in profit-generating real estate. Guided by over 30 years of work experience, spanning across retail management, not-for-profit service, and roles in property investment, Mark hosts various seminars for home-buyers, backed by expertise and knowledge in the trade. Mark shares about his upcoming 2017 seminar series and gives insights to common mistakes made by new home buyers. Contact  Web: kelownainvestmenthomes.ca Mobile: 778-215-6411 Office: 250-861-5122 E-mail: mark@realestatesage.ca Facebook Twitter LinkedIn YouTube

Ivan Dorie is a Financial Advisor with Sun Life Financial, based in Kelowna, BC. As a husband and father, Ivan is passionate about working with others to ensure the best care for them and their families. He regularly volunteers for the local hospital since receiving hospital support for the birth of his daughter. Through his role as an advisor with Sun Life, he helps individuals and families achieve lifetime financial security. Ivan discusses the major differences between mortgage and life insurance, flexible options available through Sun Life, and how to wisely invest for the future. Contact Ivan Dorie Sun Life Financial Ivan Dorie – Sun Life Financial Phone: 250-300-4826 E-mail: Ivan.Dorie@sunlife.com Facebook LinkedIn

Justina LeeStolz is a realtor with Century 21 Assurance Realty in Kelowna, BC. Justina is passionate about the communities and surrounding areas in the Okanagan. Growing up in the area, she is well-experienced and understands the current trends in the market. She regularly volunteers with organizations such as Enactus, Right To Play, the Canadian Blood Donors Clinic, Festivals Kelowna, the Central Okanagan Food Policy Council, and other means of building up local communities. Justina shares insights into the top places to rent in Kelowna, tips for investing in real estate, and what she has learned in her experience as a real estate agent. Contact  Century 21 Assurance Realty Web: justinaleestolz.com Phone: 250-808-3638 E-mail: justina.leestolz@century21.ca Facebook LinkedIn

Timothy Kim is an Insurance Advisor with The Co-Operators Solve Insurance in Kelowna, BC. The Co-Operators is a full-service insurance company, providing products and services to best suit its clients individual needs. The Co-Operators was established in 1945. Guided by co-operative principles and the primary goal of providing excellent services to its clients, The Co-Operators is driven by long-term business decisions, strong customer relations, and providing for the needs of its members and their communities. Timothy has lived in Kelowna for the past 10 years. Passionate about providing for his family and building strong relationships with his clients. Originally licensed in 1991, Timothy began his own business in marketing and later transitioned to a career in insurance, utilizing his passion for working with people. He began his position with the Co-Operators in 2009. Timothy shares what sets The Co-Operators apart from other insurance companies, discussing how to find a reliable insurance agent and the importance of hard work. Contact  Web: cooperators.ca/Solve-Insurance Phone: 250-864-6787 E-mail: timothy_kim@cooperators.ca Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

Ryan Smith is the Community Planning Department Manager for the city of Kelowna, BC. He has been with the city for 15 years. He and his team review all of the applications which come through the city of Kelowna. Through his father’s role as a city planner, Ryan has learned from firsthand experience about leading community planning development. Ryan is passionate about the planning, design, and implementation of developments throughout the city of Kelowna. He specializes in community relations and improving the communication between the municipal government plans for development and the communities throughout the city. Chad and Ryan talk about the discussion on infill in Kelowna. Ryan also shares insights on how to effectively build a carriage suite and how some of the recent initiatives from the city have impacted the community and future developments. Contact Ryan Smith Web: civicinfo.bc.ca/people?id=10365 Phone: 250-469-8426 E-mail: rsmith@kelowna.ca Facebook Twitter LinkedIn YouTube

Peter Borszcz is a lawyer and solicitor with Pihl Law Corporation in Kelowna, BC. Pihl Law is a Kelowna based firm which provides legal advice and creates solutions for its clients. Their focus is on creating long-term relationships with clients, establishing trust and ensuring the best possible options for the needs of businesses and individuals. Peter is notably involved in education for the Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board. He teaches realtors on what to do and what not to do in the business in order to find further success. Peter has been on the Pihl Law Corporation team since 2009, and practicing for over 10 years. Growing up in the Okanagan and later graduating from the University of Alberta, Peter then returned to Kelowna to practice law. His passion for people and helping others achieve goals and milestones has brought him great success in the business. Peter addresses how to grow a business amidst difficult seasons, how the recent real estate rule changes and tax initiatives affect markets across the country, and how a lawyer can simplify the home buying process. Pihl Law Corporation Web: bcrealestatelaw.com Phone: 250-762-5434 Fax: 250-762-5450 E-mail: peter.borszcz@pihl.ca Facebook Twitter LinkedIn YouTube

Justin Miller is the owner and operator of Meadowridge Homes in Kelowna, BC. Founded in 1994, Meadowridge Homes provides its customers with personalized service for custom home design builds. Its highly experienced team of designers and carpenters deeply values the relationship between the buyer and builder, ensuring outstanding custom homes and projects. The Meadowridge Homes team is passionate about establishing comfortable and open communication with clients, alleviating the stresses commonly associated with the home building process. Justin is experienced in sales, quality assurance, and mechanical engineering. His expertise in these areas has greatly assisted in his transition to the home building industry. He is passionate about helping people develop the home of their dreams and bringing those ideas to life. Justin shares tips for those looking to build a custom home and common mistakes buyers make when designing a home. Contact  Web: meadowridgehomes.com Phone: 250-861-3344 E-mail: sales@meadowridgehomes.com Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

Nathan Miller is the owner and operator of Bekins Moving & Storage in Kelowna, BC. Bekins is the biggest professional moving company in the Okanagan, providing moving services for local, national, and international locations. With a specialization and emphasis on local moves, Bekins currently does 40-50 moves on an average week. They also provide climate-controlled long-term storage, a unique specialization within the region. Nathan has nearly 20 years of experience in the moving industry. In 2015, when the company he worked for went bankrupt, Nathan took the opportunity to open his own branch of Bekins Moving & Storage. His passion for people and the business has led to success and exponential growth of his branch, expanding to 40 employees, 15 trucks, 50 pieces of complementary moving equipment, and a 20,000 square foot warehouse. Nathan shares how Bekins simplifies the moving process and provides personal customer service, ensuring a stress-free experience throughout the move. Contact  Web: bekinskelownamovers.com Phone: 1-250-766-1966 Toll-Free: 1-844-501-1966 E-mail: info@bekinskelowna.com E-mail Nathan: nathan@bekinskelowna.com Facebook Twitter LinkedIn  

Richard Davies is a Service Manager with Houle Electric in Kelowna, BC. He has been in the industry for over 30 years, and with Houle for more than 25. At an early age, Richard was taught the tools of the trade by his father. His firsthand experience and a love for the field has brought him to where he is today. In 2012, Houle Electric was recognized as one of the best managed companies in Canada. Houle Electric offers its clients decades of experience and 24-hour service. Richard discusses the importance of ethics and building relationships with clients. He also shares some energy-saving tips for homeowners, especially for people living in Kelowna. Contact Richard Web: houle.ca Phone: 250-765-9660 E-mail: rdavies@houle.ca Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

Jeff Michaud is a developer working on the Fairview Townhomes project in Kelowna, BC. Jeff originally began his career as a realtor part-time while working as a school a teacher. His love for the business led to him to take a leap into working in real estate full-time, first in Edmonton and eventually moving to Kelowna. The Fairview Townhomes project began less than two years ago. Jeff shares what makes Fairview Townhomes different. He also gives some tips for those looking to buy a townhouse or building a development. Contact Jeff Michaud Web:Jeff Michaud Web:Fairview Townhomes Jeff’s Office Phone: 250-717-5000 Jeff’s Mobile Phone: 250-575-8795 Jeff’s Fax: 250-860-0016 E-mail Jeff: jeff@fairviewtownhomes.com E-mail Saskia: saskia@fairviewtownhomes.com

Erin McGeachy is a window covering specialist with Normandeau Window Coverings located in Kelowna, BC. Originally from Alberta, Erin’s background is in new home sales. After having her first child, she talked with a friend in interior design about a more fitting means of working from home and still being connected with the housing business. She began her position with Normandeau in Calgary and Red Deer, then moving to Kelowna four years ago. Erin talks about the value which proper window coverings add to a home. She also discusses the personal service a specialist can offer.

Scott Peckford visits Kelowna City Hall to speak with Mayor Colin Basran. Scott asks about Colin’s opinions on urban densification in Kelowna, how you should buy/sell in this market, whether Kelowna’s housing developments should grow up or grow out, his plan for fewer cars on Kelowna roads, foreign buyers, and his thoughts on another bridge across Okanagan Lake, and whether it should by-pass Kelowna.

Scott Peckford hits the road to speak with Darcy Nyrose of Coldwell Banker Nyrose & Associates. Darcy shares how a buyer can ask questions when negotiating a purchase and making an offer on a new home.

FAQ Friday 001: Can I Buy a House and Add Renovations Costs to My Mortgage

Shane McLean speaks with Chad Weninger about how buyers can protect themselves when purchasing a home – by getting a thorough home inspection.