Kelowna Real Estate Blog – Paige Guernsey

Townhomes with no STRATA CORP?

Posted by paige on November 10, 2011 | No Comments

STRATA REAL ESTATE

Kelowna has a healthy inventory of strata real estate properties available.  One of the biggest complaints I hear these days about strata is that there can be a heavy hand when dealing with pets and rentals.

MLS LISTINGS

When trolling through Kelowna’s listings you’ll almost always see some sort of rental restriction as well as a size restriction for pets. Sometimes no pets area allowed at all.  This can seriously affect your ability to sell your property when the time comes.  One may argue that you bought at a price that reflected these restrictions and because of this restriction it’s a wash when you go to sell.  If things were different, it may not be so.

RENTAL RESTRICTIONS

A primary issue for Strata’s is rental restrictions.  Strata corporations have the ability to limit or restrict rentals in not only Kelowna, but through BC under the Strata Property Act.  In parts of the US and Europe, their type of governing can be completely different allowing for individual units to be owned freehold without any governing body like the familiar Strata Council. Therefore making each and every owner responsible to city by-laws just like a regular single family dwelling.

PET RESTRICTIONS

Another concern for buyers and sellers of real estate is pet restrictions.  Interestingly in Vancouver, there are very few pet restrictions due to the fact that prices are so high and affordability is a huge issue forcing many buyers to be looking at strata units.   A large number of young people buying their first place, families, as well as older people with empty nests in have beloved pets that they won’t part with.  I also think most people will agree that pet owners, for the most part, are responsible owners who are respectful of those living, working, playing around them.

IMAGINE CHANGING THE GUIDELINES IN KELOWNA

Imagine if you could buy a zero lot line attached home with no strata fees or strata by-laws etc.  This would open up the potential buying pool for hundreds of sellers right now as well as increase affordability and inventory for those currently looking to buy with pets or rental requirements.  Investors could buy without concern about rental restrictions providing affordable housing for the many who find it difficult to find suitable rentals. Pet owners could choose from a wider inventory pool without owners who have no pets losing any ground to potential pet problems next door.  Sustainability is another key factor here.  With less urban sprawl, we can encourage more people to be living, working, playing, and commuting  in “downtown” areas with fewer restrictions. Check out this fantastic strata townhome listing at 6-1853 Edgehill, Kelowna that can be rented and allows pets with generous restrictions.

This interesting article in the Vancouver Sun illustrates how this can be down and how it can change how we look at Strata property. Check it out and see what you think!

VOTE FOR SUSTAINABILITY NOV 19TH

Also, with our civic elections around the corner, it might be interesting to put these ideas forward to our council.  There are many that have sustainability on their radar, but these three are my favorites. They have great ideas on how to create sustainable and environmentally friendly growth that benefits everyone in Kelowna or the Okanagan Valley. Check their sites out and be sure to vote on Nov 19th!

Angela Reid-Nagy ,

Colin Basran

Michele Rule

If you’re looking to buy or sell strata real estate in Kelowna, are thinking of making an investment, or are interested in sustainable real estate call Paige Guernsey direct at 250-862-6464.

Talk to you soon…

Paige

Here come the baby boomers

Posted by paige on October 25, 2011 | No Comments

“Easy and inexpensive”

I hear those words a lot from people 45 or better. They’re often looking for turn key living in smaller homes or townhouses in all different neighborhoods throughout Kelowna.  There are many properties available catering to the older demographic as well as those that target the 55+ age group. With recent changes to the Strata Property Act, it’s possible now to have a registered age restriction as one of your by-laws, and it doesn’t have to be 55 anymore! You can register any age at all.  This is great for folks who are looking for a quiet place to call home in Kelowna, and maybe have pets, or older children still living at home.

The 55+ restriction is still an all-time favorite with the security of knowing exactly who your neighbors are.  In Kelowna, properties with these benefits vary from condo style homes to townhouses, and fully detached homes in gated communities. Ammenities vary widely as well.

If you’re looking for the perfect place to retire and wondering about your options for properties in Kelowna, call Paige Guernsey direct at 250-862-6464.

Talk to you soon…

Paige

Great deals for buyers in Kelowna

Posted by paige on April 28, 2011 | No Comments

Although overall sales for Kelowna real estate are down, there’s been some healthy sales happening!  In the last 2 months we’ve had 7 homes sell under $400K in the Kelowna North, Glenmore neighborhoods.  This bright and cheery older home in Glenmore with new kitchen and windows sold for $365,000. There is a park, tennis courts and great schools nearby.

This newer home pictured below in North Glenmore recently sold for $375,000. Built in 1994, a few cosmetic updates will bring it up to date and the fenced private yard is fantastic!  Close to all ammenities including some easy to advanced walking/hiking trails, this house is a winner!

If you’re looking for something new with no HST and still have all the fantastic ammenities the above houses have, check this listing out.  Unique and beautiful open plan 2 bedroom 2 full bath townhouse with spacious deck, magnificent views, and upgraded interior. Concrete soundproofing, granite, stainless appliances, hardwood & tile are top notch for this very central location. 

Call me on my direct line to learn about successful strategies for buying a house at the best price possible. Paige Guernsey at 250-862-6464.

Talk to you soon…

Paige