Yes...There are Angels

This is just an update to the blog I posted below on Dec 10th. As of Dec. 10 the Be an Angel Campaign had only reached $15,756.75 as of Dec.26th they not only reached their goal of $100,000.00 the passed it! They reached a total of $111,675.00 all thanks to the generous people of the Okanagan.

The Kelowna Daily Courier has launched their 17th Annual Be an Angel Campaign on December 1st,  2012.  

 

Last year they were able to help over 265 families, and in total 850 people, to have a brighter holiday season!! The families were so appreciative, thankful and it made such a positive difference to kids and families that they felt this was clearly where they wanted their 2012 campaign funds to go this holiday season!

The Daily Courier's Be an Angel campaign is in partnership with Feed the Valley in support of the Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs and Okanagan food banks. The are 4 ways in which you can contribute. Drop by the Daily Courier office weekdays between 8:30 am - 4:30 pm to donate by cash, cheque, debit or credit card or you can use your credit card on line at kelownadailycourier.ca click on the be an angel logo on the home page or call the Courier at 250.470.0776 to use your credit card. You can also contribute at any Valley First Credit Union Branch

The goal is $100,000.00 and so far they have reached $15,756.75 so if you can be an angel.

Merry Christmas

Wishing all my family, friends and clients a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year!

Help the Burn Fund

By chipping your Christmas tree. There will several location in the Okanagan where the firefighters will be chipping Christmas trees on January 5th and 6th to raise money for the B.C. Firefighters Burn Fund. Chipping of the Christmas trees will be done from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Kelowna Fire Department stations on 2255 Enterprise Way or 619 DeHart Road and at the West Kelowna Home Depot 3550 Carrington Road.

Donations to the burn fund will be accepted at all locations. Great way to get rid of your Christmas tree and help the firefighters burn fund at the same time!

Don't Drink and Drive

MADD and the RCMP joined forces for safer roads here in the Okanagan. Some people still are not getting the message that it is not okay to drive after drinking. RCMP are encouraging people to call 911 when they see dangerous and impaired drivers. Police say it is okay to be driving and call 911 only if you have too.

Some signs of impaired drivers to watch for are, people who drive unreasonably fast or slow, drift in and out of lanes, tail-gate or change lanes frequently, disregard traffic lights, drive without head lights, leave turn signals on or drive with their windows open in bad weather.

In attempt to reduce accidents RCMP are placing bumper stickers on their cars that read Report Impaired Drivers Call 911 and MADD plans to erect signs in Kelowna with the same message. The holiday season is upon us, there are more RCMP on the road watching for drunk drivers. Now is the time for other motorists to blow the whistle, police say. People aren't calling the police until it is too late. We want to stop this before a crash happens. If/when you call 911 you should describe the offending vehicle and have its licence plate number.

Don Saved....

...our butt. We have a rental house here in West Kelowna and the other morning my wife receives an email from our tenant. She said the furnace has gone out, her husband looked at it and can start it but the fan won't run so it just goes back out. I figured it was a broken fan belt. I call the tenant and ask him to check the fan belt well he couldn't even find a fan belt. Apparently newer furnaces don't even have fan belts! I give Don Sheets of Pro-Temp Mechanical Services a call explain the problem and he tells me what he thinks the problem is. He tells me to try cleaning of the flame rod and then try starting it again. Well sure enough it started and is working just fine.

Don didn't have to tell me what to do he could have came out to the house and charged me for a service call, cleaned the rod and then charged me for his time out there. Thank you Don!

If your furnace or air conditioning is in need of servicing don't hesitate to call:
Don Sheets at Pro-Temp Mechanical Services phone 250-862-6724 or email pro-temp@telus.net

Matching Be an Angel Donations

Tom Budd a Kelowna philanthropist who has already agreed to donate 25 cents for every dollar raised by The Daily Courier's 17th annual Christmas campaign. Has now said for this week starting Monday December 17th at 6 am until midnight on Sunday December 23rd he will match the larger donations of $500 or more up to a maxium of $10,000. Mr Budd will match these donation dollar for dollar. These donation have to be made by an individual on his or her own not in a group or corporation for him to match them. These one to one donations are then not eligible for the 25 cents for every dollar donated. 

A big Thank You goes out to Mr. Budd for generosity and helping Kelowna's less fortunate.

Bo.ttega Christmas Market

The second annual Bo.ttega Christmas Market is being held this weekend Saturday December 15th and Sunday December 16th from 11 am to 4 pm both days. Bo.ttega is located at 4485 Sallows Rd. in South East Kelowna. The market promises fun for the whole family with 35 vendors, wineries, food crafters, artists and crafters. All proceeds will go to the food bank.

In addition to the market Bo.ttega is presenting a Christmas concert on Sunday at 7:30 pm, tickets for the concert are $15 plus tax available in advance at Streaming Cafe and Mosaic Books with proceeds from this concert going to the food bank as well.

Christmas carols will echo through the halls, courtesy of local musicians. Admission is $2 for adults children are free. For more information or directions visit their website at bo.ttega.com

Be an Angel

The Kelowna Daily Courier has launched their 17th Annual Be an Angel Campaign on December 1st,  2012.  

 

Last year they were able to help over 265 families, and in total 850 people, to have a brighter holiday season!! The families were so appreciative, thankful and it made such a positive difference to kids and families that they felt this was clearly where they wanted their 2012 campaign funds to go this holiday season!

The Daily Courier's Be an Angel campaign is in partnership with Feed the Valley in support of the Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs and Okanagan food banks. The are 4 ways in which you can contribute. Drop by the Daily Courier office weekdays between 8:30 am - 4:30 pm to donate by cash, cheque, debit or credit card or you can use your credit card on line at kelownadailycourier.ca click on the be an angel logo on the home page or call the Courier at 250.470.0776 to use your credit card. You can also contribute at any Valley First Credit Union Branch

The goal is $100,000.00 and so far they have reached $15,756.75 so if you can be an angel.

Did you Know?

That RE/MAX Kelowna has had a mobile website for over two years! While many businesses are just catching on to the explosion of mobile website use…We, at RE/MAX Kelowna, have you covered!
Not only have we had a mobile website, but we also offer instant access to all of our listings through our Texting Service. Just text 65656 and insert MAX in the subject line and you will immediately be sent a link to our mobile website and have the ability to download our FREE APP.
On our mobile website, you can quickly search properties, view photos and request the services of our highly experienced sales professionals.

November's Housing Market

November proved steady though slightly off pace in comparison to last November. With 566 properties being listed in the Central Okanagan which represents a 1.22% decline. The trend of fewer listings has been a continuous theme during this year as inventory levels declined with 9,926 properties being listed which is down 4.82% from last year’s 10,429. Our existing inventory was reduced by the 271 properties that traded hands in November which is down 4.91% from the 285 units sold in November of 2011. Bucking the trend however is year-to-date unit sales which are up 7.65% with 3,717 units sold this year in comparison to the 3,453 that occurred last year. Sales volume trended similarly to unit sales in that it too is up 7.97% year to date at $1,459,386,762. Sales volume continues to be bolstered by record setting affordable interest rates.

The average sale price of single family residential homes in November was $470,578 which is up slightly from our year-to-date average of $468,157. If we include all types of residential properties, such as condominiums, townhomes, mobile homes and duplex’s, average sales for the month of November were $418,654 which is quite strong in comparison to our year-to-date average of $401,821.
Another notable trend is the extended marketing times that our local market is experiencing. Last November, it took 116 days to sell a property while this November it took 131 days to sell, which is up a significant 17.59%. Year to date it has taken 116 days to sell on average in comparison to 2011’s 105 days which is up 10.87%.

Increased year-to-date sales in Duplex’s – 38.46%, Triplex & Fourplex – 25%, Farms – 25%, Multi-family – 33% and Residential and Commercial Land – 26% & 25% are positive market indicators of increased consumer confidence locally. Now if we could just get our recreational/secondary buyers back!

Home Maintenance

When we think of home maintenance we often think of spring and fall home preparation however, there is much that needs to be done in the winter to ensure the safety and comfort of our families.

Consider these tips to keep your home systems running optimally and that you rest easy this winter!
-Replace smoke detector batteries.
-Check and clean or replace furnace air filters each month during the heating season.
-Have your fireplace cleaned and inspected by a professional to prevent chimney fires.
-Vacuum fire and smoke detectors, as dust or spider webs can prevent them from functioning.
-Check fire escape routes, door and window locks and hardware, and lighting around outside of house; ensure family has good security habits.
-Check electrical cords, plugs and outlets for all indoor and outdoor seasonal lights to ensure fire safety; if worn, or if plugs or cords feel warm to the touch, replace immediately.
-Keep snow clear of gas meters, gas appliance vents, exhaust vents and basement windows.
-Test plumbing shut-off valves to ensure they are working and to prevent them from seizing.
-Clean humidifier two or three times during the winter season.
-Vacuum bathroom fan grille.

Did you Know?

You Could WIN 24 ROCKETS TICKETS! RE/MAX HOME TEAM CONTEST WINNERS SECTION
RE/MAX Kelowna agents want to send you and your group to enjoy some great local major junior hockey action. RE/MAX® is proud to support the Western Hockey League and excited to offer fans a chance to win a group of 24 tickets to see your
local WHL team in an upcoming game! By offering this promotion we want you to know that we appreciate your business in the communities in which we live and work. To enter your group, click on the link below and fill out the form for your
chance to be sitting in the RE/MAX® Home Team Contest Winners Section!

Contest Rules:
1. Contestants may apply as many times as they like and must be 12 years or older to apply.
2. Winners will be chosen at random draw
3. WHL will follow up with the winner directly
4. Tickets are only available in Canadian Markets
5. Please note group tickets of 24 are not available in Medicine Hat.
For a chance to win 4 tickets to each Tigers home game, visit http://www.facebook.com/whltigers
to enter or go to www.RemaxKelowna.com.
Compliments of your local RE/MAX® agents.
RE/MAX. Official Realtors of the WHL.
Should you have any questions, please contact Alyson Chambers at chambersa@whl.ca
RE/MAX® is an Official Partner of the WHL.

Setback Your Thermostat

A setback thermostat gives the user the option of changing the temperature setting automatically at night and also during the work day when the occupants have left the house. A setback thermostat can help reduce overall household energy consumption.

The more you reduce the thermostat setting, the greater the possibility for savings.
Generally, a drop of 2°C (3.6°F) will lead to some savings and little risk. Some householders reduce temperatures 4°C – 6°C (7°F – 11°F). However, temperature differences this large create potential comfort and moisture problems.

Research from the Canadian Centre for Housing Technology shows that winter setbacks for the houses tested would result in heating cost savings of five to fifteen per cent. The highest savings came with a setback of 6°C (11°F).

How's the Market

Last month we asked the question…Is the market
taking a pause?... following Septembers sales numbers
dropping 19% in comparison to the previous year.
We are pleased to report a respectable showing of
MLS® unit sales for the month of October, down only
slightly, 1.12%, with 266 residential properties trading
hands in comparison to 269 in October of 2011 as
reported by OMREB.
Other noteworthy results include Westbank First
Nations Residential sales up 400% last month and
39.13% YTD. Apartment and Townhome unit sales
are up 10.54% and 10.73% YTD, respectively.
Year To Date, acreage unit sales are up 28.57%. Lot
unit sales up 23.31%, Westbank First Nations lot sales
are up 200%, total lot unit sales are up 100% and the
sale of Commercial Land units are also up 400%.
These results reveal increased consumer confidence
locally.
The Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board (OMREB)
is on track to post its best year for MLS® residential
sales since 2009. Home sales are expected to finish the
year up over last year. Currently total residential sales
are up 7.20% year to date.
“Recovery in consumer demand is being bolstered by
improved affordability, resulting from lower unit
prices and persistently low mortgage interest rates.
Market conditions in the OMREB area continue to
favour home buyers. However, the inventory of homes
for sale has trended lower in recent months as new
listings activity slowed.” Reports BCREA.
Currently, listing inventory is down 3.21% year to
date. The reduction in new inventory will help our
market return to a more balanced market in 2013 as
unabsorbed inventory will be reduced.
The BC Real Estate Association forecasts that the
average residential sale price is to remain relatively
unchanged this year and increase just under 2% in
2013. The Residential Average Sales Price year to
date is $400,464 down 1.12% over last year.
Home market values depend on a variety of factors
such as location, inventory, condition and competition.
We invite you to contact our office to receive your
complimentary market evaluation.
Courtesy of
Deborah Moore
Managing Broker
RE/MAX Kelowna

Stand Up Paddler is Still Going Strong

Last December I blogged about Bob Purdy and how at the end of December 2011 he will have paddled for 365 days. Well Bob is still at it! The past Friday Bob the avid paddler has paddled for 700 consecutive days on the water for his Stand Up for the Planet Environmental campaign.

Bob has paddled in all four seasons, in all kinds of weather snow, rain, the hot sun, the wind, battled the waves to change the way we live on the planet. Bob has been invited to Florida for the international celebration World Paddle for the Planet Day which is actually held over four days October 10-13th.

If you would like to see what Bob is up to you can find updates on him at facebook.com/pftplanet

Avalanche Risks are Here

It is that time of year again when avalanche risks are a danger. Right now in the South Columbia region which includes the Okanagan the risk is considerable say the Canadian Avalanche Centre. This ranking is a step below HIGH so that means those of you venturing into the back-country should exercise extra caution when picking your route.

The centre warns that natural avalanches are possible and human triggered avalanches are likely. With the healthy amount of snow that has fallen throughout the last week, the centre warns that a process of freezing and thawing has increased the danger. If you decide to travel in the back-country please use added caution to keep yourself safe.

Kelowna to Light Up on Saturday

It is called the Downtown Kelowna Light Up, but it is so much more than just lighting up the Christmas Tree at Kerry Park tomorrow Saturday December 1st. Light Up is an all day event with activities for the whole family to take part in all over the downtown area. Come downtown and check it out you can skate on the outdoor rink at Stuart Park or play street hockey on the plaza just outside Prospera Place or go up in a hot air balloon at Kerry Park. You can also make a paper lantern light at Kelowna Art Gallery or have the kids write a letter to Santa or have their picture taken with him, take in the movie Polar Express at the Paramount Theatre, get your face painted and see the clown at Towne Center Mall, eat cookies I mean decortate cookies at the Laurel Building or take the kids to story time at the library and maybe you can sneak in a much needed rest, I am sure you will need if you take all this in!

Make sure you save some energy to see Santa arrive and the tree light up at 6 pm!

For more detailed schedule of events check downtownkelowna.com

Vernon set to Light Up

Vernon downtown is set to light up Friday, the Christmas lights will be turned on today! The annual downtown celebration will take place from 5:30 -8:30 pm with the official Christmas tree lighting to take place at 5:15 pm in front of the CIBC on the corner of 30th avenue and 32nd street(Highway 97)

Kids can visit Santa Claus at his shop in the 3100 block of  30th Avenue near the UPS store and National Bank. There will be a wide variety of activities and entertainment for the kids and families. So head to downtown Vernon tonight!

Christmas Light Tours

This year there will be a Distinctly Kelowna Tours first Christmas Charity Light Tours which will be held on Sunday December 16th with 2 tours, the first tour beginning at 5:30 pm and the second tour beginning at 7:15 pm each tour will be 90 minutes long. The tour will begin and finish at the Delta Grand Hotel on 1310 Water St. The tour will be held on a 24 passenger seat bus with hot chocolate and cookies. .

Admission is a new unwrapped children's gift or a suggested donation of $15 with proceeds going to the Kelowna Community Food Bank. To make a reservation you can call 250.979.1211 or by emailing info@distinctlykelownatours.ca

Interested in Japanese Culture

If you are interested in Japanese culture, it will be on display this Sunday Dec 2nd at the Parkinson Recreation Centre from 1 - 4 pm. There will be Japanese calligraphy, martial arts and Taiko drumming will be on display during this fundraiser for the Kelowna-Kasugai Sister City Association.

The association's Taste of Japan 2012 will also feature food, tea, origami and other demonstrations of Janpanese culture. Tickets for this event are $2 and will be on sale at the door, or in advance from Komatsu Japanese Market 1855 Kirschner Rd.

Breath of Life Day

On Saturday Dec. 1st you are invited to A/W in support of Cystic Fibrosis Canada. There will be visits by the Great Root Bear so come hungry! A/W will donate one dollar from every burger sold, plus 100% of all donations received to Cystic Fibrosis Canada to help you Canadians with Cystic Fibrosis.

There will be free root beer refills, fun for all. Here are the participation locations,Kelowna Westbank, Winifield, Armstrong, Vernon, Salmon Arm, Kamloops and Ladysmith on Vancouver Island. If you are out on Saturday why not stop by A/W grab yourself a burger and help out a worthy cause! I know we will be!

Kelowna the City that keeps on Giving

One of the things I really like about Kelowna is it is small city with a big heart! People here just seem to give no matter what the charity or cause is.

On November 4th more than 25 runners took part in a 100 kilometer (62 miles) relay from West Kelowna to Enderby. This was the 8th Annual Great Big Run for Africa raising funds for Partners In the Horn of Africa, they raised more than $20,000. The funds will go to support women and families in Ethiopia allowing them to start micro-businesses in their villages, which will create a sustainable future for these families and the communities where they live. The $20,000 is enough to support more than 200 women and their families to start their own micro-businesses, feed their families and change their lives forever.

Christmas for the Needy

The Salvation Army in Kelowna will now be accepting applications for family Christmas toys and food hampers at it's Community Life Centre at 200 Rutland Rd. Many of the parents who have already registered are under employed or working for minimum wage. They are working hard to make the best of a difficult situation, but they just need that extra help at Christmas.

When you pass a Salvation Army kettle throw some spare change in if you can, as every little bit helps. For more information, go to www.kelownasalvationarmy.ca or call 250.765.3450

The Carma Project in Kelowna

The Carma Project is the brainchild of Bruce Stranaghan. Bruce is the owner of Intergra Tires here in Kelowna, he started the Carma Project which is named after the Eastern Religion concept of karma in which a person's deeds affect their future lives. However, in this case it is spelled with a "c" because it involves a car give away. Bruce wanted to give back and something to do with automobiles was obvious for me, he said.

So he started talking to others and fixing up a car with the plans of giving it to someone in need. The Carma Project was born, it gave away it's first car last December and immediately set it's sights on making the give away an annual event. This year a unnamed donor provide the used car that was given to a single mother of 3 yesterday. But before the car was turned over to the winner Carla Miles it had it's brakes redone, engine overhauled, tuned up and was detailed.

Congratulations to Bruce Stranaghan for giving back and Carla Miles for winning the car.

An Upcoming Event

At Kelowna Gossip Mission they are holding an Open House.
They want you to know how much they appreciate and value your support, so they have invited you come to their Open House and let them show you around. Ever wonder how they care for their clients and how your donation helps? Or really how big our kitchen is? Or maybe you've never seen our state of the art dental clinic? 

Stop by 251 Leon Ave on Saturday Nov 24th from 10am - 3pm. Staff will be on hand to answer your questions, and they will have some tasty treats for you to enjoy. 

Stunning Home in Dilworth!

The first thing you will notice is the Amazing Street Appeal when entering the Cull-De-Sac. WOW! And it keeps getting better! This Gorgeous Home has an Incredibly Private Yard on more than a Quarter Acre and with Great Views. Vaulted Ceilings, Cherry Hardwood Floors, Granite, Heated Ensuite Tile. Huge 2 Tier Sun Deck. Unique layout. Formal Living & Dining Rooms plus a Main Floor Family and Office. You can easily add 500 more Square Feet by finishing the basement. The Location is Ideal in Prestigious Dilworth. 5 Minutes to Downtown and 10 Minutes to the Airport. This home is priced to sell. There isn't a better deal around. Hurry. Call Steve for your private viewing. 250-864-7893.

Happy Halloween.......

to all my family, friends and clients!! Have a great day!

Stuff the Bus for Kelowna Gospel Mission

On Saturday November 3rd Kelowna Gospel Mission is having a STUFF THE BUS event, please come down to the Kelowna Walmart and help stuff the bus! Kelowna Gospel Mission is asking that you come down and stuff the bus with your gently used clothing. Any winter coats, hats, mitten, gloves and scarves would be great too. They are trying to make sure that everyone is safe and warm during the cold winter months.

So come down on Saturday and help stuff that bus! If you can't make it, you can always drop the  items off at 251 Leon Ave. They are always grateful for donations anytime!

Monster Bash

This Sunday October 28th. will be a family fun filled day. The city of Kelowna will be holding it's Monster Bash from 1 - 4 pm at the CNC on 4105 Gordon Drive.

There will be several different types of games and activities, including obstacle courses that will probably be pretty scary, face painting, Halloween themed stations, cookie decorating and free public skating. The free skate will go from 1 - 3:30 pm. There will be skate rentals available. A non perishable food donation is welcome.

Pack up the the ghosts, goblins, witches and head down to the CNC for a scary good time.

770 Cactus Rd. Kelowna $319,000.00

Excellent 4 bedroom, 2 bath home. 2 bedroom suite down. This home would be great for first time home buyers or as an investment property. Close to schools, shopping & parks. Dining room french doors lead to lg deck. Corner lot with fully fenced yard with beautiful landscaping. Cherry, Plum, Peach and Walnut tress along with flower beds that stop cars! Jetted tub, new blinds and curtains throughout.Recent reno's include roof, gutters, windows & shutters, garage door with remotes. New insulation and shelves in garage. Tile shower and new kitchen in basement. Water tank new 3 years.Much of the furniture can be included in the sale making for a great starter home. Quick possession possible. This won't last. Call Steve Higgins to view 250-864-7893. Click on link below to see more of this home. http://marketing.remaxdesigncenter.com/95/128095/1697480/index.ipv

Learn about Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's is a disease that affects many families. On Thursday October 25th you can learn more about this disease by phone. There is good news about research on Alzheimer's disease that will be revealed in a tele-workshop. Advances in research are providing new tools that may allow doctors to diagnose Alzheimer's disease earlier and with more certainty, the Alzheimer's Society of BC says.

The update on Dementia Research tele-workshop runs from 7-8 pm, residents can access it via telephone, with optional online slides. A few minutes before the session participants can dial toll free 1-866-994-7745 then enter the pass code of 1122333. To use the website, go to momentum.adobeconnect.com/alzheimerbc and enter as guest.

Thank You.

Just over a year ago Tracy and I moved to Kelowna, I started a new career here in Real Estate. I have to say we couldn't be happier, we both love it here. Kelowna is a beautiful city with great weather, people and so many things to do there is never a due moment. We have come across so many great businesses that have given us great service, we would just like to mention and thank them.

Lynn Hainstock with Edgecombe Builders she was very good to us and helped us out when we first arrived. 
APlus Automotive, Steve Braconnier was great getting our cars in to have the BC safeties done and doing any minor repairs that were needed . You can find them at 2165 Rutland Rd. 250-491-1360
Red Carpet Cleaners, David was able to come on a moments notice and did a great job cleaning the carpets. If you need your carpets cleaned give David a call at 250-769-1441 He has 24 hr emergency flood service.
Pro-Temp Mechanical Services, having trouble with your heating or air conditioning give Don Sheets a call, Don works from Vernon, Kelowna and  Pentiction. You can reach him at 250-862-6724
Valley Glass, we needed a screen custom made took in our measurements and Rob Rulens had it made for us by the next day! You can find Rob at 350 Spedding Court, or call 250-763-1719
Knife and Slice Cafe, Nav makes the best cakes we have ever tasted. His desserts are as Tracy puts it "heaven"! Nav ran into some horrible luck, his cafe had a pretty bad fire so I am not sure if he has reopened yet. Give him a call 250-861-8883
Waterbouy Keeping it Simple, Dave Polz. If you are looking for someone to open your irrigation next spring give Dave a call at 250.317.9468 

Thank you for the great service you have provided to us. I am sure as time goes on we will be adding to this list!

Apple Fair

The 24th Annual Apple Fair is back at the Laurel Packinghouse. Fall is in the air which means the Okanagan's pioneer fruit has been picked and is ready to make it's appearance at the Apple Fair here in Kelowna. On Saturday October 24th from 10 am - 3 pm this family friendly event will be held at the historic packinghouse.

The Apple Fair is a good way to not only learn about the different varieties of apples available here in the Okanagan but to also taste the apples, there will be more than 24 varieties available to taste. There will be live entertainment and other vendors such as Rocky Mountain Chocolate, Spinners and Weavers, Okanagan Tree Fruits and the Women's Shelte to name a few.

Admission at the door is $2.00 per person or $5.00 per family.

Now that is SERVICE!!

We needed a screen for a window at our rental house after driving all over the place looking for one, we find out the screen has to be custom made. Steve remembers a place that he found last year when we were looking for parts for a screen, who gave him great service at that time so off we went and once again Rob Rulens provided that same great service. We had our custom made screen in no time. Thank you Rob!

If you are looking for a company that is friendly, easy to deal with and provides excellent service then please head down or call Rob at Valley Glass.

Check them out, here is all the info you may need:

Valley Glass
350 Spedding Court
Kelowna
250-763-1719
valleyg@silk.net
www.valleyglass.ca

New Price 206-265 Snowsell St Reduced to $205,000.00

Immaculate & Spacious. Enjoy Garden Views from the Glassed-In Balcony. 2 large Bedrooms & 2 Baths & Bonus room. Gas Fireplace in Bright Living Room. In-Suite Laundry. Strata includes Gas & Hot Water. 1 Indoor parking space included. Owners rent 2nd space for $15.00/mth. Outdoor parking free. Community Room and Gym. Suite faces private garden. Call Steve for private Viewing 250-864-7893 Click on link for virtual tour.
http://marketing.remaxdesigncenter.com/95/128095/1755275/index.ipv

Has this happened to you?

If so what would you do?

I have clients that I am showing homes, they had requested to see a certain home so I booked an appointment, through our  touch base system. I did this on Saturday for a Sunday morning showing at 11:30. By mid/late afternoon I had not heard back from the agent so I sent another touch base, by Saturday evening I still had not heard from him. I then called his office and had him paged, it is now 8 am on Tuesday morning and I still have not heard back from him. My clients never got to see this house and his clients may have lost out on a sale. It is not like we have a sellers market here, houses are sitting on the market anywhere from 90 days and up. I just sold my clients home after 150 days on the market and it is a beautiful home. Beautiful homes are sitting a long time on the market here, it is not just the ugly ducklings waiting to be sold!

My thoughts go to his sellers, are they aware that their agent is not returning calls? Are they aware that their agent is not representing them to the best of his abilities? One would think in this market that if you get a request for a showing you would do everything you could to accommodate that request. Of at least return the phone call indicating the property can be view at the time requested or indicate that time does not work and give us a different time, is that not the right thing to do for your clients and as an agent??

SOLD!! Beautiful 300 Rialto Drive

Immaculate Condition in a park like setting makes this large 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 2135 sq. ft property on .25 acres, a great place to call home. Many upgrades and updates. Everything you need. Just move in! Your search is over. Next to Blair pond park with walking trails nearby. Tennis courts right beside this house at the end of a cul-de-sac. New kitchen counter top & granite composite sink. Luxury fixtures throughout the Kitchen & Bath. Jetted Tub and Glass Shower with Porcelain tile. Hot tub, shed and slate tile in private and peaceful back yard. 2 gas fireplaces in Living and family rooms. Hardwood floors, glass brick and much more. Well maintained furnace, central air and irrigation system. New roof in 2006. This house has been well cared for. This is a beautiful home and a must see. You won't be disappointed. Call Steve at RE/MAX Kelowna 250-864-7893 for Private showing. Click on link below for virtual tour
http://marketing.remaxdesigncenter.com/95/128095/1702680/index.ipv

Costume Swap Saturday October 13th

Okanagan4kids.com is presenting a Kelowna Costume Swap as part of National Costume Swap Day Canada. Come spend this Saturday morning October 13 from 9 am - 11:30 am, looking for a new costume for your kids. Also bring in any costumes and accessories that you don't plan to use again for other families to use. Items to be traded can be dropped off at 8 am on the day of the event at Martin Avenue Community Centre. When you bring in your old costumes to trade with the group, you will get an exchange ticket at the door for every costume you bring in. The ticket allows you to go home with a new to you costume for your kids. If you come without a costume to trade you will be able to buy a costume for $10 cash only.

This event will be held at the Martin Avenue Community Centre with all proceeds of the event going to benefit the Okanagan Boys and Girls Club.

New Guest Blogger

Hi, I would just like to mention that we will have a guest blogger on about once a month. His name is Scott Jennings he is a Residential Mortgage Specialist with TD Canada Trust. Scott will share his knowledge on  the world of lending.

I hope your summer has gone well and you all enjoyed it. It still feels like summer here in Kelowna, it has cooled off a lot but we are still reaching temperatures in the 20's, here and  it is almost the middle of October. We sure are happy about that! Enjoy your fall.

Cops for Kids Ride

On Sunday September 16th marked the return to Kelowna of the 2012 Cops for Kids Ride presented by the Thomas Alan Budd Foundation. Tired but smiling, the riders made their way into town to an eagerly waiting group of family, friends, sponsors and a number of Ambassador families of children that have benefited from the assistance of Cops for Kids.

The twenty-one riders and six support members from local RCMP detachments and law enforcement agencies rode across southern BC as part of this annual fundraiser. To raise money for kids in medical, physical or traumatic crisis. In the end they raised a record breaking $215,000.00 for local kids in crisis. Way to go Cops for Kids!!

Mission Creek Greenway

The Mission Creek Greenway is expanding. Last Friday the province announced that it is providing 2.83 hectares of parkland to allow the city of Kelowna to complete a network of trails running along the creek side.

The land from the BC government is being provided through the provincial sponsored Crown grant program. The land has an assessed value of $473,700 it will fill the gaps in the Mission Creek Greenway Regional Park and it allows the city to expand the popular walking, biking and running trails.

If you have never been to the Mission Creek Greenway you really should head down there, it is a beautiful place. Here is a photo of Mission Creek Greenway.

A View from Mission Hill Winery

Okanagan Marathon

It is the 18th Annual BMO Okanagan Marathon in support of The Sunshine Foundation of Canada. There will be a 42.2 km marathon walk/run, 21.1 km walk/run, 10 km walk/run, 5 km fun walk/run, BMO ABC kids run, free Running Room Friendship walk/run and a Free Sports Expo and Kids Zone. The marathon will be held on Saturday October 6th and Sunday October 7th at City Park 1600 Abbott St. here in Kelowna. Please drive slowly and carefully you can visit kelowna.ca/roadreport for complete driving details.

Volunteers are needed, no experience necessary if you can help out give them a call at 250.681.5047 or www.okanaganmarathon.ca

Upgrade planned for Rose Valley Trails

Great news for hikers! A major trail upgrading project is planned for this fall and coming spring in Rose Valley Regional Park. The eight kilometres of trails in the three large looped sections will be upgraded and levelled. Markers and trail maps are being installed along with tank type restrooms that are being constructed. Hazardous trees are being removed. The above view from one of the trails in Rose Valley Regional Park.

Don't throw away your old Glasses

Do you have old eyeglasses that you are not using any longer don't throw them away, take them down to Dr. Specs Optical. Dr. Specs Optical locations are Orchard Plaza here in Kelowna and Penticton Plaza in Penticton. The owner of Dr. Specs Optical is collecting the used eyeglasses to take on a Rotary Club mission to Cameroon. The eye glasses can be reading glasses, prescription and non-prescription sunglasses, bifocals, progressive and distant lens glasses. Please drop all eyeglasses of by October 10th.

Please help out a Worthy Cause

This Thursday October 4th Buck LaRoche a local man who appreciates the life saving treatment he required is holding a car wash. Mr. LaRoche will provide car washes from the basic to full polish this Thursday from 9 am - 5 pm at Auto Trim Line 264 Leon Ave.  Mr. LaRoche wants to give back to the hospital for keeping him alive. Proceeds from the car wash will go to the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation. LaRoche's first car wash last month raised $230.00 for the rehabilitation centre. 

If your car is dirty and needs a wash why not head down to Auto Trim Line and see Mr. LaRoche and help out a worthy cause.

Myra Canyon

Myra Canyon is part of the Trans Canada Trail, only a short distance south of the Kelowna city limits. The Myra Canyon has 16 wood trestles, two steel spans and two rock tunnels. It is a perfect place to hike or bike and bring out of town visitors. If you have never been you really must go see the beauty the Canyon has to offer, it is breathtaking. The man made tunnels are also amazing,  it makes you wonder how many men, dynamite and days it took to dig through those mountains. Pictured above are two of the trestles. The second picture is the opening of a tunnel.

Kelowna Jobless Rate Down

Busy summer tourism season has helped to drive the jobless rates down to all time lows. With workers retiring, tourists arriving filling up hotels and restaurants businesses felt more confident. All these factors combined helped to push the region's unemployment rates to all time lows. The new Statistics Canada figures showed Kelowna's jobless rate at a rock bottom 4.1 percent in August the lowest in the country.

Five percent is considered by many to be full employment, those who remain without jobs in such buoyant times are either going to find work very soon or have barriers to finding work,  such as no skills, mental or physical disabilities or difficult home and/or personal situations. All good news for Kelowna.

Burn Fund Scam

The scammers are at it again this time pretending to be the B.C. Professional Fire Fighter's Burn Fund. If you receive a call from a Mr. McGregor from Greater Victoria asking you for a contribution to the burn fund just hang up on him or anyone one else saying they are calling from the B.C. Professional Fire Fighter's Burn Fund as the burn fund does not participate in any type of phone solicitation made through phone calls.

The fund has learned that several people in the Kelowna area have received such questionable phone calls, do not give out any personal information. If you would like to donate to the B.C. Professional Fire Fighter's Burn Fund the best way is by calling them at 604.436.5617 or visiting their website www.burnfund.org.

Oktoberfest in Cawston Today

Crowsnest Vineyards in Cawston is hosting an Oktoberfest today beginning at 4 pm. The event is held in September to coincide with the original Oktoberfest that happen in Munich.

Everyone is welcome to stop by for some live traditional German music and food such as pork hocks, bratwurst and schnitzel. My favorite being the schnitzel!

For more information please call, 250.499.5129

Symphony Fundraiser

The Okanagan Symphony Orchestra is holding a fundraiser at Tantalus Vineyards on Saturday September 15th beginning at 6 pm. The fundraiser will include fine cuisine, wine, musical entertainment and some auction packages will also be available. Chef Roger Planiden will prepare the cuisine, it will be paired with wines from Tantalus. 

The cost of the event is $200 per person or $1,500 for a table of 8. You can purchase your tickets at okanagan.symphony.com or by calling 250.763.7544. There are only 120 seats available.

Kelowna Real Estate

The Kelowna real estate sales are up and continues to climb in August with sales and dollar values on the rise. Just released figures from the Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board shows that last month, sales of all kinds residential, commercial and institutional numbered 395 up from 305 in August of 2011.

The value of properties changing hands was $172.1 million a jump from the $121.2 million in August 2011. The growth that started in the spring has continued through the summer with real estate sales recovering. The average selling price of a single family home in August was $488,100 up from $472,700 in August 2011. Condo's average was $260,400 up from $241,000 and townhouses average up slightly $353,900 from $353,200 in August 2011

Kokanee Festival in Kelowna

Now there is something fishy about this festival! Today, Sunday September 9th is the annual Kokanee Salmon Festival. The festival promises to be bigger and better than ever! It will begin this morning at 11 am and go until 3 pm this afternoon. The public can come down to Mission Creek Regional Park and celebrate the return of the kokanee, a land locked salmon. There are a lot of free activities that you can participate in. 

Pack up a picnic basket, the family and head down to Mission Creek Regional Park for some fun this afternoon.

Volunteer Fair

Kelowna Community Resources presents it's 15th Annual Okanagan Volunteer Opportunities Fair on Saturday September 8th. The volunteer fair will run from 10 am - 3 pm at the Parkinson Rec Centre which is located at 1800 Parkinson Way in Kelowna.

Come out and visit displays hosted by the 80 non-profit organizations interested in meeting you, sharing their vision and passion for our community. Offering ideas about how you can make a difference. If you have ever want to volunteer but were not sure if it would be a fit for you, why not come down on Saturday and check it out.

SOLD!! After 91 days on the market!

You can find this home at 180-720 Commonwealth Road.
This home is in immaculate condition. ALL NEW appliances including ceramic top convection stove with built in microwave oven & fridge. Laundry rm with new front load washer & dryer. Huge kitchen with tons of cupboards and counter space. Dining area with built in buffet. Large Master bdrm & en-suite with new glass tile shower & good sized closet. 2nd bath is totally updated and has a nice soaker tub. 2nd bedroom has a separate entrance. Spacious Living room and bonus family room with French doors leading to large covered deck. Family room and Office can be used as extra bedrooms. New roof on addition as well as storage shed. Covered carport along with tons of additional parking. Maintenance free yard. Quiet 55+ adult street across from Holiday park with all the amenities. Great for seniors looking for nice sized home in great shape. Boating and golfing nearby. Just move in and enjoy your new home! Call Steve Higgins with RE/MAX at 250-864-7893 for your private showing. Click on link for virtual tour. http://marketing.remaxdesigncenter.com/95/128095/1716950/index.ipv

Wishmaker Walk

The second annual Wishmaker Walk will be held on October 13th in Kelowna at the Waterfront Park. The participants are raising money to grant special wishes to kids with life threatening illnesses. Several hundred people turned out last year for the inaugural event here in Kelowna.

Across Canada, the Children's Wish Foundation grants wishes to more than 1,000 Canadian kids each year.
For more information, see childrenswish.ca/wishmaker/

Buying or Selling in the Kelowna Area

Whether you are looking at Kelowna as a place for investments, a vacation spot or to make it your home, it will be a place you will want to come back to or live for the rest of your life. Not very many people who come to Kelowna or live in Kelowna ever want to go elsewhere. The people who live here say it is the "best city in the world". Everyone you talk to loves it here, they are so welcoming, friendly and helpful it is hard to believe that you can find that my friendly people in one place.

There are many great places to live in or around Kelowna. What you will have to decide is do you want prime real estate that is right on the water, or would you like a nice home nestled on a hill overlooking a vineyard, the Okanagan Lake or the city of Kelowna? Could it be a condo on one of the many golf courses here or would you like an acreage outside of Kelowna?

Whatever your decision may be, it is important that you find the best real estate suited for your needs. Hire a knowledgeable Kelowna Realtor. It will make the entire process so much smoother if you have a real estate agent that knows what they are doing and is willing to work for "you" to get "you" the best price.

Fund Raising Tournament is Back

Last year was to be the final tournament that has raised $500,000.00 for the Kelowna General Hospital over the past 10 years. But it is back this year by popular demand! The popular tennis and bocce ball tournament will be held again this year at the lakeside home of Walley and Marietta Lightbody on Abbott Street across from the hospital. 

Starting September 14th the Lightbody's home will become the headquarters for the weekend fund raising sports event. They will erect stands that will hold 200 spectators on their front lawn. Highlights include matches between local doctors and lawyers, and some of the province's best tennis players are expected to attend. The plans also call for a dinner, silent auction and raffle, with a performance by singer Anna Jacyszyn. 

Proceeds from this year's event will be used to purchase a cardiac and respiratory monitors for the pediatric ward at Kelowna General Hospital. The units each cost $22,000.00

Registration for the tournament's opening events, dinner and competition can be done online at kghfoundation.com or by calling 250.862.4438

Not even in Canada

Target stores haven't even opened in Canada but they are hold a beach party! Today, from 9 am - 6 pm the beach party will be held at Kin Beach in Vernon. Target will hold the Bullseye Beach Event in keeping with it's red bullseye logo and signage.

Head down to Kin Beach for some beach volleyball, ring toss, sandcastle building competitions. There will also be an ice cream and juice lounge and a Bullseye Beach Shop. Target is holding four other similar events in Alberta and Ontario before it's big time launch into Canada.

Harvest Time in the Okanagan

Okanagan is the place to be in late summer if you like fruit. The plums, peaches nectarines, apricots and what is left of the cherries are being picked and ready to eat! The apples and pears are coming. The hot dry July and August weather is producing bigger and better apples and late season cherries. 

Apples are the Okanagan's largest tree fruit crop coming in at around 200 million pounds, cherries come in with around eight million pounds, while peaches come in at around three million pounds and nectarines are around seven hundred thousand pounds. It is no surprise that apples are the biggest cash crop, they were  first planted here 153 years ago by the first white settler Father Pandosy and have been grown ever since. With the Okanagan's hot dry summers, mild winters the weather is perfect for growing apple trees. When you are out and about stop by one of the many fruit stands you will come across and pick up some fresh picked fruit!

Medieval Fair

What are you doing on Saturday? If you have nothing planned then why not head to Camelot Vineyards as they will be hosting their third annual medieval fair this Saturday August 25th from 11 am to 4 pm. All ages are welcome. There is a charge for teens of $5, adult admission is $10 but that includes a glass of wine! And kids under 12 get in for free.

Camelot promises there will be sword fights, artisans, archery and general revelry. You will be able to purchase a lunch if you get hungry and free bottled water will be provided. Camelot Vineyards is located on East Kelowna Road.

Scammers at it Again in Central Okanagan

If you have people coming to your door looking for donations, be careful as scammers are out there claiming to be canvassers for a children's charity. I guess they feel if they use children, everyone is more likely to give. But what they are really doing is trolling for your personal information, say police. 

These people are showing up on your doorstep and claiming to be canvassing on behalf of UNICEF. They will tell you that you can only donate via debit card or credit card as they are carrying a portable card machine. Police suspect the machine is then capturing your financial information, including your personal identity number (P.I.N.). They are then using that information to make fraudulent cards and withdrawing money or buy things with the fake cards.

In some cases, the scammers will give you a realistic receipt and a Starbucks coffee after the exchange. The scammers may use other charities as well. If you are suspicious, politely decline their request for a donation close your door and report it to the police.

The Hard Luck Hoax

The hard luck hoax is back in Kelowna. The Kelowna RCMP are warning the public about people who want your hard earned money. The RCMP have received at least half a dozen calls of the hard luck hoax. What it is basically is a man approaches the potential victim and asks for money as he is having car troubles and needs to have his car towed. All of which is not true, they are just trying to get money from you. In some cases the suspect has offered to exchange a $100 US bill for $40 Canadian. The exchange is never made, as the suspect snags the cash and runs.

Several descriptions have been provided to police and it seems that there are at least three people involved in the scam. The suspects have even dressed up in hard hats or high visibility vests and carried jumper cables. This is not the first time these scam has been in Kelowna this summer so please be aware.

Apple Triathlon is this Weekend

The apple triathlon is celebrating it's 30th anniversary this weekend here in Kelowna. Due to the London Olympics there will be no Simon Whitfield, Paula Findlay, Kyle Jones or Kathy Tremblay. But this event will have a new cast of hopeful Olympians. For the first time the 2012 Kelowna Apple Triathlon will host a new race specifically geared to assist the development of potential future Olympians. This is a U16 race and will be held Saturday morning. If you are looking for something to do why not head down and take in the race.


Voted Best Triathlon in Western Canada!
Over 1500 readers of Get Out There Magazine voted for their favorite events and selected the Pushor Mitchell Kelowna Apple Triathlon as the best triathlon in Western Canada. 

But before you head down you might want to check out the road closures and parking. Below is a listing of the Road Closures/Detours for the 2012 Kelowna Apple Triathlon. Alternatively, please download the Road Closure list at http://www.appletriathlon.com/2012roadclosures.pdf.