Recent Blog Posts by Jason Neumann

November 2011 Residential Sales for Kelowna and Central Okanagan

Kelowna/West Kelowna and Central Okanagan Real Estate Stats - November 2011   Ratio of Sales vs. Total Inventory = 6.59% Condo -- Sales = 52 Condo -- New Listings  = 119 Condo -- Current Inventory = 851 Condo -- Sell/Inv. Ratio = 6.11% Condo -- Days to Sell = 113 Average Price: $250,545 Average Median Price: $219,500   Townhouse -- Sales = 31 Townhouse ...

October 2011 Sales for Kelowna and the Central Okanagan

Kelowna/West Kelowna and Central Okanagan Real Estate Stats - October 2011   Ratio of Sales vs. Total Inventory = 6.38% Condo -- Sales = 50 Condo -- New Listings  = 200 Condo -- Current Inventory = 889 Condo -- Sell/Inv. Ratio = 5.62% Condo -- Days to Sell = 118 Average Price: $250,707 Average Median Price: $210,625   Townhouse -- Sales = 37 Townhouse ...

Kelowna and Central Okanagan Foreclosure Sales October/November 2011

The Central Okanagan foreclosure inventory levels continue to show steady increases from month to month as 2011 comes to a close.  Buyers ask me all the time if I foresee a huge influx of court ordered sales to the Kelowna real estate market? In my opinion, having watched how the local banks and lenders handle the foreclosure process the answer would have to be...no I don't. Reason being ...

Halloween Safety Tips for 2011

Below are some practical safety tips (found on Halloween Web) to keep you and your little ghouls safe during the excitement and anticipation of trick or treating: Halloween Costume Safety • Wear flame retardant costumes. • Make sure your Halloween costume is colour-fast so the colour doesn't run onto your other clothes if it rains. • Try on costumes before Halloween to ...

Kelowna,BC Central Okanagan Current MLS Listing Inventory and Sales for January 2010

Current Active Central Okanagan MLS Listing Inventory as of February 8,2010: Single Family Dwellings - 1523 properties (a 15.12% increase from January) including 17 pending offers ranging in value from $284,900 to $999,000   Strata - Condos - 931 properties (a 1.48% decrease from January) with 1 pending offer at $174,800 Strata - Townhomes - 369 ...

Kelowna,BC and Central Okanagan Foreclosure Listing Information for February 2010

There are currently 61 foreclosures (as of February 7,2010) amongst the entire listing inventory for the Central Okanagan.  That is a decrease of 14 properties (-22.95%) in the foreclosure inventory from last month. The foreclosure inventory breakdown is as follows: 2 Lots and Acreages (both at $115,000) with no pending sales 2 Manufactured Homes ($79,000 ...

Household tips for the last weeks of winter

It’s now February in the Okanagan and the sun has begun to shine on those winter blues.  However, February weather can still pack a chilly punch! Here are some tips for protecting yourself from ballooning heating bills, freezing pipes and other household emergencies in these last weeks of winter.  Inside: Keep doors and heating vents closed to rooms that are not ...

A Movie Guide to Valentine's Day

Did You Know?  According to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated one billion Valentine cards are sent each year, making Valentine’s Day the second largest card sending holiday of the year.  Now that's a whole lot of cards! For those celebrating a quiet Valentine’s Day at home, History.com brings you a list of notable romantic films suited for a variety of moods.  ...

Fighting Mold - A Homeowner’s Guide

Mold can be a serious health risk to any homeowner and the sooner it is detected the better.  Having personally lived in a home that had mold in the laundry room I can tell you first hand that it is not something to take lightly.  To remediate and repair the affected areas I had to rip out out all the drywall and insulation in the entire room.  This work had to be done as ...

Local teen wins Xap/Bridges video contest

Rethink Everything by Steven Cresswell After watching this video I can see why this young man was so deserving of the top prize of $2500 from Xap/Bridges for his efforts.  Steven sent a mesasage of hard work pays dividends and that we are shaped by our experiences in life.  This sort of message is what we can all glean something from and apply it to our everyday lives.  ...

Kelowna,BC and Central Okanagan Foreclosure Listing Information for January 2010

There are currently 75 foreclosures (as of January 10,2010) amongst the entire listing inventory for the Central Okanagan.  There was a slight decrease of 3 properties in the foreclosure inventory from last month. The foreclosure inventory breakdown is as follows: 4 Lots and Acreages ($115,000 to $590,000) with no pending sales. 32 Single Family Residential ($199,000 ...

12 Tips to Slash Your Energy Bill

  Utility bills seem to get higher and higher every year. But you can save energy-and money-with these tips to make your home more energy-efficient. Get a home energy survey from your local utility. Many will do a free analysis of your home and provide specific ways to save money on your utility bill. Replace old furnaces and air conditioners with newer ones that are more energy efficient. Install ...

Top 10 Things Not to Do Before Closing

Buying a home can be stressful at times especially when it comes to obtaining suitable financing.  Mortgage Brokers warn of making radical changes to your finances during the due diligence period and prior to completing.  Here is some practical advice for Buyers to avoid causing themselves unneccessary headaches prior to completing their home purchase.  The Top 10 Things not ...

Some great Stock Market insights for Canadian Investors

Central banks around the world have pushed their lending rates to historic lows in an effort to stave off a total global financial and economic collapse.  As a result interest rates have remained for the most part at these low levels with many investors trying to take advantage of other's mistimed purchases. 2010 will likely be the year when everything changes... Here’s ...

Tips on "Winter-proofing" your home

Here are some tips to "winter-proofing" your home - or, at least, ways to keep the season from doing serious damage. Furnace Inspection Call an HVAC professional to inspect your furnace. Stock up on furnace filters and change them monthly. Consider turning on your furnace to make sure it works before you really need it. You may briefly notice a burning smell, don't panic right away; ...

Should You Buy a New or Existing Home?

Buyers have so many choices these days. But after narrowing down the location and selecting the type of home you want to purchase (single-family or condo) , there’s one more decision to make: Should you buy a new home or an existing one? The answer depends upon both your budget and lifestyle. Open up your local newspaper on any given day, and you’re likely to see ads from builders touting ...

BC Assessment - Property Owner's Checklist

Here's a checklist for BC homeowners: Have you received your new 2010 property assessment notice yet? If not, call toll free 1-800-668-0086 or contact them online. If so, be sure to review it carefully. If you have any questions go online or call your local assessment office. Go online to compare other property assessments using the free e-valueBC (TM) service website. If you disagree ...

Wine and Dine in the Okanagan is back!

The 7th Annual Wine & Dine Okanagan presented by Okanagan Strata Management starts on January 13,2010 and runs until January 31,2010.  With fifty restaurants (see BCRFA.com for more details) throughout the Okanagan Valley you are sure to enjoy a three-course prix fixe dinner for either $15, $25 or $35 (excludes tax, tip & beverages).  Be sure to enter to win ...

Citrus-O Carpet Care...the name says it all.

Citrus-O is a franchised carpet cleaning company that was established in 1982 and services cities across BC and now Washington State.  My wife and I were referred to their services from family members who were extremely pleased with their service.  The power of orange or citrus to be exact is what makes this clean so unique!  We have lived in our home for three and ...

Central Okanagan Real Estate MLS Listing Inventory and Foreclosures for August 2009

Current listing inventory as of August 28,2009: Single Family Dwellings - 2091 properties including 12 pending offers Strata - Condos - 1073 properties including 3 pending offers Strata - Townhomes - 505 properties including 8 pending offers Manufactured Home - 229 including 1 pending offers Lots/Acreages - 937 ...

Central Okanagan Real Estate MLS Listing Inventory and Foreclosures for July 2009

Current listing inventory as of July 27,2009: Single Family Dwellings - 2113 properties including 8 pending offers Strata - Condos - 1035 properties including 3 pending offers Strata - Townhomes - 533 properties including 6 pending offers Manufactured Home - 236 including 0 pending offers Lots/Acreages - 915 ...

Video Blog of West Kelowna Wildfires 2009

Some video footage I shot from the Tower Ranch Golf Course showing the wildfires in Glenrosa, Rose Valley and Fintry.

Help me raise $2,100 to send a "Kid to Camp" for a week this summer!

I committed to sending a "Kid to Camp" this summer and by golly I am going to get it done!  Don Lawby President of Century 21 Canada donated the first $2,100 to get the ball rolling and now it is my turn.  I have had the opportunity to visit the Easter Seals Camp in Winfield,BC and have seen first hand the difference this place is making in the lives of children.  Please ...

District of West Kelowna has conceptual logo in the works!

  There was much debate and even a vote as to what to name the former "Westside", "Wetsbank" of Kelowna and as a result the name "District of West Kelowna" was approved by the voting public!  One thing that is still missing is a logo for the Okanagan's and BC's newest municipality.  West Kelowna council now has a working logo (See Above Conceptual Logo) ...

50th Anniversary of Rutland May Days start May 15th

This year's 50th anniversary of Rutland May Days will run from May 15 to May 18 in Centennial Park.  Event's include: All-Star Wrestling, Bull Riding Championships, Karaoke, Youth Dances and an Amusement Park. Daily admission to various events is $2.  Breakfast will be served every morning from 8am.  Parade will begin Saturday, May 16 at 10:00am.  ...