This blog deals with things that may be of interest to those looking at Relocation or Real Estate in the Canada, and specifically the Okanagan area of BC. When it comes to real estate and okanagan living - we've got you covered.
Enjoy!
Brell
There appears to be more local residents struggling to put food on the table than elsewhere in Canada.
Between 2008 and 2011, the number of people using the Salvation Army food bank in Vernon climbed 87 per cent, while demand at food banks across the country rose 28 per cent during the same period.
“It’s hard to imagine,” said David MacBain, the Salvation Army’s community ministries director.“We are significantly higher than the national average.”
In March 2008, the local agency assisted 600 people while that climbed to 1,100 in March 2011. “That doesn’t include the people who come in and get bread from us every day,” said MacBain.
Nationally, 38 per cent of those helped by food banks are children under 18 years old while it is 30 per cent in Vernon. “When we’re talking 1,000 people in total, that (30 per cent) is a lot of kids affected,” said MacBain.
Eleven per cent of the local households seeking help are living on income from current or recent employment.
While the client base is up significantly from 2008, it is virtually unchanged from 2010, but MacBain says the large number of people walking through the door continues to strain resources. The recession is partially to blame for steady demand, but it’s not the primary reason. “The root of most of it is low income,” said MacBain.
“People are working when it’s a $8.50 or $9 an hour job, you need more than one to make ends meet.”
A complicating factor is the high cost of housing.
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation states the average rent for a bachelor suite in Vernon was $514 this spring (down from $524 in April 2010), while it was $781 (down from $787) for a two-bedroom apartment and $809 (down from $840) for a three-bedroom unit.
MacBain says he knows of a woman who is getting $616 a month on social assistance and her rent is $500, not leaving her much left to buy food. “She’s looking for alternate housing,” he said.
MacBain hopes the public will continue to think of those in need and provide donations to North Okanagan food banks.
“We definitely need the same support as last year,” he said.
Gonna try to embed this video too:
Is he asking for Change, or is he asking for CHANGE?
Follow a man as he affects multiple peoples' lives with just one dollar, proving that it doesn't take much to be the change in someone's life.
Here is a link in case the embed does not work as I hope: Change for a Dollar
It does not take much to make a big difference. I hope you be moved to give this holiday season, like you never have before. We have so much to share.
Thank you for taking time to read and consider these global challenges and for acting locally where you can!
It's our Community.
| Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New TraditionAs the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Canadians with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of Canadian labour . This year will be different . This year Canadians will give the gift of genuine concern for other Canadians . There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by Canadians hands . Yes there is!It's time to think outside the box, people . Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper? Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut . How about gift certificates from your local Canadian hair salon or barber? Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement . Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, Canadian owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates . Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the Benjamines on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course . There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint . Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Canadian with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open .. How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the Canadian working guy? Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day . My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running . OK, you were looking for something more personal .. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves . They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes . Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip . And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre . Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands .Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of lights, about fifty cents stays in the community .. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip .. You see, Christmas is no longer about draining Canadian pockets so that China can build another glittering city . Christmas is now about caring about us, encouraging Canadian small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams . And, when we care about other Canadians, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine. THIS is the new Canadian Christmas tradition . Forward this to everyone on your mailing list -- post it to discussion groups -- throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section in your city -- send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations, and TV news departments . This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn't that what Christmas is about? BUY CANADIAN - BE CANADIAN - The job you save might be your own |
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NORTH Okanagan Real Estate Market Update for September 2011
| Condo / Apartment |
|
| Listings Sold | 10 |
| New Listings | 16 |
| Current Inventory | 158 |
| Absorption Rate | 6.33% |
| Days to Sell | 277 |
| Range | 59 - 834 |
| Average Price | $155,250 |
| Median Price | $148,000 |
| Range | $65,000 -$349,000 |
| Hottest Neighbourhood | 35th Ave |
| Condo / Townhouse |
|
| Listings Sold | 10 |
| New Listings | 40 |
| Current Inventory | 250 |
| Absorption Rate | 4.00% |
| Days to Sell | 143 |
| Range | 24 - 411 |
| Average Price | $232,640 |
| Median Price | $246,250 |
| Range | $58,900 - $370,000 |
| Hottest Neighbourhood | Okanagan Landing |
| Building Lot |
|
| Listings Sold | 8 |
| New Listings | 44 |
| Current Inventory | 327 |
| Absorption Rate | 2.45% |
| Days to Sell | 118 |
| Range | 27 - 191 |
| Average Price | $171,613 |
| Median Price | $170,000 |
| Range | $27,900 - $340,000 |
| Hottest Neighbourhood | Bella Vista / Okanagan Landing |
2 parcels were acreages
| Residential |
|
| Listings Sold | 46 |
| New Listings | 134 |
| Current Inventory | 816 |
| Absorption Rate | 5.64% |
| Days to Sell | 119 |
| Range | 11 - 488 |
| Average Price | $401,684 |
| Median Price | $363,500 |
| Range | $60,000 - $810,00 |
Seven more residential real estate sales occurred in the Okanagan Shuswap Region (Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board) in the week of September 5th, to September 11.2011 inclusive compared to the week prior.
The increase value traded inched up from $38,589,396 to$38,907,325. The makeup of the sales saw an increase in Manufactured Homes, Apartments and Townhomes, and a decrease in Single Family Homes, which is reflected in the drop in the average sale price. Here are the stats:
| Okanagan Shuswap Residential Properties Sold (110) | |||||||
| List Price | Sold Price | DOM | Beds | Total Baths | Finished Floor Area | ||
| Min | $29,900 | $20,000 | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||
| Max | $2,295,000 | $2,050,000 | 814 | 7 | 6 | 6688 | |
| Avg | $372,974 | $353,703 | 127 | 3 | 2 | 1770 | |
| Sum | $41,027,188 | $38,907,325 | |||||
Of the 110 real estate transactions, they broke down in to the following categories:
· Lots and Acreage 8 sold
· Manufactured Home 14 sold
· Recreation 0 sold
· Single Family Residence 53 sold
· Apartments 22 sold
· Townhouse 13 sold
Visit our Website Blog for this same synopsis on individual region real estate.
Here is a look at the overall sales volume for each zone in the region
| Central Okanagan Properties: Sold (66) $25,782,510 | |
| Visit our Central Okanagan Real Estate Stats Page for more information | |
| North Okanagan Properties Sold: (26) $25,782,510 | |
| Visit Our North Okanagan Real Estate Stats Page for more information | |
| Shuswap Properties Sold: (18) $5,153,015 |
| Visit Our Shuswap Real Estate Stats Page for more information |
If you’d like to chat about Real Estate by the Numbers, feel free to contact us. When it comes to market stats and trends, “We’ve got you covered!”
Brell - Your Okanagan Real Estate Umbrella
Brenda Ellis
REALTOR®
Sutton Group - Lakefront Realty
2749 30 Street, Vernon, BC, V1T 5C6
A growing team, a different approach
...we are better together!
Connect with Matt on: 
West USA Realty Revelation | 4050 S. Arizona Avenue # 4 | Chandler | AZ | 85248
Add mdtscoates@cox.net to your safe senders list. Click here for directions
%22tobrell@shaw.ca%22/%3E" border="0" height="1" width="1" /> The fall feel to the morning got me thinking about the Okanagan Fall Wine Festival, so I thought I would dig to see what info I could find about what events are going on this year. If you are unfamiliar with it the Annual Okanagan Fall Wine Festival is wonderful, sensory experience for all who love fabulous wine accompanied by great food & unique events.
Autumn in the Okanagan is the perfect time to watch the grapes ripen in the sun & indulge yourself in the harvest celebrations right in Wine Country! This is the only wine festival in North America that takes place during the heart of grape harvest. During this festival, experience vineyard tours, lunches, dinners, events & the fall wine harvest - there is no better way or time to visit Okanagan wine country.
Pamper Your Palate
| Time | Sunday, October 9 · 4:00pm - 7:00pm |
|---|---|
| Location | Grand Ballrooms - Best Western Vernon Lodge Hotel 3914-32nd Street Vernon, BC |
Okanagan restaurants and Okanagan wineries combine to offer a culinary masterpiece that is sure to "Pamper Your Palate"
Come taste wines from over 25 British Columbia Wineries and 12 over Vernons Best Restaurants. Come bid on silent auction items benefiting the "Vernon Music School"
Tickets - $40.00 includes HST
Available from the Ticket Seller in the Preforming Arts Centre
Online at www.ticketseller.ca
or by calling the box office
250-549-7469
BC Wine Awards Reception & Tasting
September 29, 7:00pm–9:00pm.
Rotary Centre for the Arts
$50 CDN
Join us for this rare treat event that includes the announcement of award winning wines from our 2011 Fall Judging Competition. Sponsored by Richards Packaging, Meyers Norris Penny, Farm Credit Canada and Container World, and judged by world renowned judges judging the wines produced by our member wineries. The reception includes fabulous tapas and canapés and the opportunity to be one of the few to taste a selection of some of these award-winning wines. Website www.OkanaganWineAwards.com.
Tickets at Select Your Tickets 250.717.5304
or www.selectyourtickets.com
........................................................................................
WestJet Wine Tastings
September 30 & October 1, 6:30pm–9:00pm
Rotary Centre for the Arts $65 CDN
Sip! Sample! Spit! This event is for those who want to explore some of the finest wines that are being produced right here in Okanagan Wine Country. A great event for those trying wines for the first time as well as those who want to expand their wine knowledge. There are over 40 wineries present and over 150 wines to sample. Ticket includes: souvenir wine glass, wine tasting, bread and cheese, a free taxi ride home and the wonderful fun culture of WestJet airlines. This event always sells out buy your tickets early!!
Tickets at Valley First Tix 877.763.2849
or www.valleyfirsttix.com
........................................................................................
Fortis BC Salute To Food and Wine
October 2, 6:00pm–8:30pm
Manteo Resort $85 CDN
An exciting new evening that will showcase the region’s leading culinary talents and great Okanagan wines. Join Chef Bernard from the Wild Apple, Mathew Batey from Mission Hill Family Estate and two other guest chefs as they prepare local cuisine in small plates paired with some of the most storied wineries in the Okanagan. Each chef will also conduct a live cooking demonstration using natural gas and patrons get to take home the chef ’s recipes. Inspired food, innovative wines, and spectacular views make this event a wonderful time for friends to celebrate together. This is a get home safe event, sponsored by BC Liquor Stores and the Johnston Meier Insurance Group.
Tickets at Select Your Tickets call 250.717.5304
or www.selectyourtickets.com
........................................................................................
Battle of the Wine Experts
October 4, 7:00pm
Rotary Centre for the Arts $50 CDN
For you wine lovers and those who have an insatiable curiousity, welcome to our first ever panel of wine experts who will argue, debate and
perhaps throw grapes at each other as they debate the merits of Meritage in the Okanagan. Taste and compare 6 different Red Meritage wines
from the Okanagan, ask questions of the panel as they offer their opinions of this wonderful red blend that has become a successful brand for Okanagan wineries worldwide. After the panel discussion, we will close the event with a food and wine reception to allow all panellists and guest to network and exchange their favourite stories. This is a get home safe event, sponsored by BC Liquor Stores and the Johnston Meier
Insurance Group.
Tickets at Select Your Tickets 250.717.5304
or www.selectyourtickets.com
........................................................................................
Alexis de Portneuf presents “The Young Chefs”
October 6, 6:00pm–8:30pm
Culinary Arts Centre at Okanagan College
$55 CDN
Never before has this been done! Alexis de Portneuf is challenging nine BC Interior young Chefs to get creative. The challenge is to create an appetizer, main or dessert course using cheese. Guests will sample these creations and will vote for their favourite. The Okanagan Chefs Association will also select the winner of the Saputo Top Young Chef Award. Join us as we see the best young culinary talent in action. This is a get home safe event, sponsored by BC Liquor Stores and the Johnston Meier Insurance Group.
Tickets at Select Your Tickets 250.717.5304
or www.selectyourtickets.com
........................................................................................
All You Need Is Cheese... and Some Wine.
October 5, 7:00pm–9:00pm
Watermark Beach Resorte
$55 CDN
Cheese lovers rejoice! Sure to please any cheese lover; join Dairy Farmers of Canada and Okanagan Wineries as you walk about the Okanagan Heritage Museum visiting our cheese and wine stations.
Guests will enjoy Canadian cheeses paired with fabulous wines. This event will be fun, relaxing, educational and guaranteed to have you leaving with a shopping list of your new favourite cheeses. This is a get home safe event, sponsored by BC Liquor Stores and the Johnston Meier Insurance Group.
Tickets at Select Your Tickets 250.717.5304
or www.selectyourtickets.com
........................................................................................
Valley First Grand Finale Consumer Tastings
October 7 & 8, 6:00pm–9:00pm
Penticton Trade & Conv Centre
$62 CDN
Valley First brings you the oldest and largest event of the fall wine festival. This is a wine tour under one roof!!! This event is for those who want to explore some of the finest wines that are being produced right here in our back yards. A great event for those trying wines for the first time as well as those who want to expand their wine knowledge. There are over 60 wineries present and over 240 wines to sample. Ticket includes: enjoyable live entertainment,
souvenir wine glass, all your wine tasting, bread and cheese and a free taxi ride home. This is a get home safe event, sponsored by BC Liquor Stores and the Johnston Meier Insurance Group.
Tickets at Valley First Tix 877.763.2849 or valleyfirsttix.com
Cheers!
Brell - Your Okanagan Real Estate Umbrella
Brenda Ellis
REALTOR®
Sutton Group - Lakefront Realty
2749 30 Street, Vernon, BC, V1T 5C6
A growing team, a different approach
...we are better together!
Visit our Website Blog for this same synopsis on individual region real estate.
Ten fewer residential real estate sales in the Okanagan Shuswap Region ( Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board) in the week of August 29 – September 4th, 2011 compared to the week prior resulted in drop in value traded from $46,220,372 to$38,589,396 . Here are this weeks numbers:
| Okanagan Shuswap Residential Properties Sold (103) | ||||||||
| List Price | Sold Price | DOM | Beds | Total Baths | Finished Floor Area | |||
| Min | $44,900 | $41,500 | 10 | 1 | 1 | |||
| Max | $2,125,000 | $1,935,000 | 498 | 6 | 6 | 6367 | ||
| Avg | $396,807 | $374,654 | 110 | 3 | 2 | 1826 | ||
| Sum | $40,871,095 | $38,589,396 | ||||||
Of the 103 real estate transactions, they broke down in to the following categories:
· Lots and Acreage 10 sold
· Manufactured Home 6 sold
· Recreation 0 sold
· Single Family Residence 62 sold
· Apartments 16 sold
· Townhouse 9 sold
Here is a look at the overall sales volume for each zone in the region
| Central Okanagan Properties: Sold (64) $26,011,396 | |
| Visit our Central Okanagan Real Estate Stats Page for more information | |
| North Okanagan Properties Sold: (22) $8,041,200 | |
| Visit Our North Okanagan Real Estate Stats Page for more information | |
| Shuswap Properties Sold: (15) $4,536,800 |
| Visit Our Shuswap Real Estate Stats Page for more information |
If you’d like to chat about Real Estate by the Numbers, feel free to contact us. When it comes to market stats and trends, “We’ve got you covered!”
Brell - Your Okanagan Real Estate Umbrella
Brenda Ellis
REALTOR®
Sutton Group - Lakefront Realty
2749 30 Street, Vernon, BC, V1T 5C6
A growing team, a different approach
...we are better together!
