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Kelowna, BC Real Estate News

By Mark Walker, Kelowna Condo Specialist
(C21 Assurance Realty)
Buying a condo for your child's university years can be a great real estate investment, especially for students attending Universities like UBCO, where off-campus housing is very hard to find. This guide covers some things you should consider when purchasing a condo near the University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus.  Determine Your Financial Capability Budgeting: When budgeting, compare the costs between renting and owning. Make sure to include costs such as condo fees, property taxes, insurance, and maintenance. If you have more than one bedroom, you can add 1000-1200 per month income to your budget if you plan to rent out a room. Mortgage Pre-Approval: Prior to looking at condos, get a mortgage pre-approval to know what your payments will be. Investment Consideration: Think abou...
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By Living Spaces, Interiors, Local Support, Global Concerns
Lois Lane Retro and Antique Warehouse has moved from it's Ellis Street location in Kelowna to an old warehouse on Clement Avenue & Ethyl Street. Lois's signs are very visible at this funky old place along Clement.   What's old is new. It is sustainable wise practice to purchase previously used furniture and accessories. If you haven't visited yet it is well worth the experience, previously posted HERE. If you love carefully preserved retro, you will love Lois's...  remember to say hello for me! Lois loves Superman and you will find Superman memorabilia in her shop,  including a belt she wears - if you're lucky enough to find her wearing it!   "There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." -- Albert Einstein ...
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By Living Spaces, Interiors, Local Support, Global Concerns
Redesign Also known as redecorating Cost effective re-arrangement with maximal effect Keep what works; Sell or Donate what doesn't Can't do it yourself? Hiring a professional is very economical Can be as simple as a one day job! Reduces carbon footprint, consumerism and waste New Wave Designer Retro and Antique Shops are wonderfully full of delicious delights!!     A heritage house Redesign started with yellow paint to brighten a dingy poorly lighted space.  To create height due to a low ceiling, floor to ceiling drapery was used, as well as ceiling color a tint lighter than the walls.  Notice the use of lamps to accentuate height and enhance the  space.      Living Spaces Design's favorite style of project is using the owner's belongings, perhaps removing a few items that don't work an...
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By Living Spaces, Interiors, Local Support, Global Concerns
Purchasing Wisely and Sustainably  ·        I am all for reducing consumerism, finding my environmental concern a challenge to integrate with my profession ·        Sustainable decor is perfectly possible. My concern for the state of the earth, personal belief in living 'green' with as small a carbon footprint as possible and my Scottish grandmother's plain old fashioned good sense, have all created something of a conflict for me between my profession and beliefs in what is most expedient for the times we live in.  To reconcile I have long been most apt to recommend to  clientele that we use as much of what they have as possible, minimizing new purchase. Spot and avoid trends Avoid buying on impulse Consider buying previously owned       Question your purchases: ·        How long will I...
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By Living Spaces, Interiors, Local Support, Global Concerns
  Living Spaces Design was please be invited to deliver a seminar 'Elements in Home Design" to a filled room for the Partners Program of the APEG Conference in Kelowna, BC Friday, October 17.   APEG is the Association of Professional Engineers & Geoscientists of BC       The seminar was held in the 'Selkirk Room' - with a wonderful autumn garden view, at the Grand Okanagan Resort and Conference Center. The topics related the need for understanding the Elements of Design, especially lighting; spotting and avoiding trends as well as considering sustainable interiors. Interestingly, some of the conference topics included environmental sustainability. Many thanks to the organizers for inviting me, and to the participants who were wonderfully receptive. I had a terrific time - hope you all ...
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By Living Spaces, Interiors, Local Support, Global Concerns
------------- DISCONTINUED ------------- Kelowna Women Midlife Meditation Fall Session   Mondays Starting Sept 15 Bell Call to Meditation 6:45 pm * Drum Start 7 pm    (Donation is much appreciated by Master Ru as we head into cooler with increasing heating costs) http://activerain.com/blogsview/687220/Kelowna-Meditation-Classes-Yitung       "There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." -- Albert Einstein YOUR OWN WEBSITE    Deborah Pearce is a Kelowna Business Woman & webmaster established with locals and internationals in various aspects of Interiors, Art, and Business for over 20 years. LIVING SPACES features over 140 ARTICLES on Staging, Art and Interiors. Deborah's blog frequently features interior desi...
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By Living Spaces, Interiors, Local Support, Global Concerns
Beginner Chan (Chinese Zen) Meditation Classes Led by William Tsao of Taiwan currently visiting the Chan Community Canada Tsao is an Accredited Chan Teacher, Student of Sheng-yen (Sheng-yen is one of 9 co-chairs of the United Nations Council of Religious Leaders and has written over 90 books)   Classes will be held at Yitung Buddhist  Temple (Donation Appreciated) 1370 Lawrence Ave Kelowna  Saturday Sept 27 and Sunday Sept 28 10am - 12 pm * 1:30 - 3:30  to preregister call 250-860-9130 evenings only http://activerain.com/blogsview/687230/Kelowna-Meditation-Midlife-Women     "There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." -- Albert Einstein YOUR OWN WEBSITE    Deborah Pearce is a Kelowna Business Woman & webma...
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By Craig Cook
(Crown Staging Inc.)
This is a great time to realize the benefits of having your home professionally staged.  The market in the Greater Vancouver area is on a slow trend and houses are beginning to sit on the open market longer and longer.  To help get your house sold faster and realize the full potential of the sale of your home, have it staged.  Professional home stagers at Crown Staging Inc.  can come to your home and within a short time have it SOLD READY!  What this means is using proper furniture placement and a WOW factor we can turn your stagnant sale into the sold your want.  Staging comes with great statistics and those who use professional home staging companies know the benefits especially in a tough market like we are experiencing.  Don't allow your home to sit on the market to long, call us to...
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Tango Argentino Art PrintAlvarez, Pedro In the dance community several years, I've seen great dancers, good dancers, dancers with steps but no style or technique, and many people trying because they just love it - these make me feel happiest. I've also noted great technique with little passion, no life. Granted, focus is key in learning - but letting the music take you should kick in at some point. Cubans I spoke with say we look like ballet dancers when we dance latin!  It is rare to experience a truly passionate dancer who allows the music to move through soul, into sinew and limb in lead and follow with the strains of rythm. I've had the opportunity very few times to dance this way, often with men untrained in structured dance.    (Now I am not without flaw here! I often find myself...
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By Kym Tarr, Its all in the details!
(Prep This House Interiors Inc.)
ShoeString Home Staging Real Estate marketing has a new weapon it its arsenal! It is called Home Staging. The old adage that you only get one chance to make a first impression is especially true when it comes to real estate. In today’s competitive market, many homeowners are wondering what they can do to ensure that their home stands from among the growing number of houses for sale. The answer is “Home Staging”. People imagine they can look past ugly decor or empty rooms and see 'potential', but usually they can't! That's why successful builders use Show Homes to sell their projects. People start house hunting with a logical list of “requirements”, but the home they actually buy is chosen largely for emotional reasons. The principal aim in a home staging project is to allow potential b...
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By Living Spaces, Interiors, Local Support, Global Concerns
 Kelowna British Columbia..... God's country many are wont to call it. Spectacular Mountain & Lakeview Scenery has attracted from the start, travellers from all over the world, now more than ever. Long famous for a climate conducive to growing fabulous fresh fruit, shipping internationally, a thriving internationally acclaimed wine industry has evolved on perfect valley slopes. Kelowna, an international vacation hub, & central BC business center has spread it's irresisitible appeal worldwide.  Internationals & Canadians relocate here for the various amenities, hot summers & mild winters. Many purchase vacation, golf & ski resort properties as second & main residences. The retirement population along with the weather has earned the region the nick-name, "Miami North". Scaling from that c...
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By Living Spaces, Interiors, Local Support, Global Concerns
Construction has boomed over the past several years. Reaching a feverish pitch with a labour shortage, the provincial government made agreements with other countries (ie: Jamaica) to bring in specialized labor - electricians, plumbers,etc.  A long period of provincial economic lows & the international exchange rate, supported & encouraged international investment interest creating development flow in the nineties. The low Canadian dollar made it very appealing to BC's immediate neighbors Washington State & Alberta residents, as well as many internationals to invest in Okanagan recreational properties.This is where I started staging in the nineties (decorating we called it then!) properties for developers' & internationals'  vacation & resort properties. Being a resort area, the Okanagan...
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By Living Spaces, Interiors, Local Support, Global Concerns
Monday Meditation at Yitung Buddhist Temple Everyone Welcome Experience the wonderful calm of meditation and supportive sharing in this wonderful facility. Do you need to be Buddhist? Not at all - and expected in no way, although many are interested in learning more of the practice. When and Where? 1370 Lawrence Ave. Yitung Temple Mondays 7pm  Wear comfortable clothing. All levels welcome. There is no charge. Free will donation if you wish to support this beautiful peaceful facility.      Deborah Pearce is a Kelowna Business Woman, established with locals and internationals in various aspects of Interiors, Art, Sales and Business for over 20 years. Also find over 140 freely accessed public service ARTICLES at LIVING SPACES on Staging, Art and Interiors. Deborah's blog frequently feature...
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By Living Spaces, Interiors, Local Support, Global Concerns
A fact of home selling is the belief that if the price gets low enough, the property will sell. Unfortunately this strategy is used by successful established realtors because it's true and does create action.Pricing is definitely an important part of the strategy. However pricing should be correctly assessed and implemented accurately along with all other selling factors. Why should you expect the lowering of price as a main strategy? In fact it relates to backwards thinking and faulty selling strategy.   Sure price lowering will get the property sold but what if there is a more profitable way? Property Presentation - (Home Staging)looks better online, on printed materials, and in real viewingputs the listing at the head of the pack, makes it stand outgets homes short-listed by prospect...
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By Living Spaces, Interiors, Local Support, Global Concerns
Talks With Xhing Ru What Do We Need? Interview part 1 Master Xhing Ru, along with her associate Xhing Hai came to Canada in 1995. Wanting to work with Canadians and learn western ways, they first lived in White Rock BC, a beautiful seaside location. Soon White Rock became "..too 'Chinese'", says Ru, with many associations of that persuasion. Zhing Ru wanted to learn Canadian customs, so then moved to Richmond - we know of course of the influx of Chinese there. "I want to learn Canadian, western ways. .. can't with so many Chinese - too many!" she exclaimed, shrugging shoulders draped in the gray robe. "Canadians are open. They are calm - they don't rush around!" Well as a westerner I don't have the point of comparison that Ru does, but never particularly thought of our rushing-around wi...
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By Living Spaces, Interiors, Local Support, Global Concerns
Spring is approaching! A wonderful way over the last bit of winter doldrums before spring gardening time actually arrives, is the cleaning out and refreshing of home interiors. Thoughts begin to turn toward cheery colors, accents, painting and redecorating. Meadow Suite I Art Print Novak, Shirley Affordable Art Prints Along with these inspirations also some questions arise as to how to pull it off. Often simple changes can make a big difference:Cushion toppers and table linens in fresh colors that make you happySlipcovering furniture is an old tradition for creating a separate look for summer and winterNew art pieces featuring springtime freshnessWindow Coverings create happy cheery freshness framing the sunshine and greenery that will be appearingThe bathroom is easily renewed from the...
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By Living Spaces, Interiors, Local Support, Global Concerns
January and February is when home sellers begin thinking of listing their homes for spring sale. It's a time for also readying the property for the market. March is now quickly nearing!Perhaps the property has been on the market for some time. The local Okanagan and Kelowna market has become very competitive in the strength of recent years. It has also meant that extra efforts need be established to get to the head of the pack. Meadow Suite II Art Print Novak, Shirley Buy Affordable Art Prints The right time to stage is before listing. Property Presentation (staging) is becoming the established 'norm' for home selling that is both quicker and more profitable. Is it time to really 'get in the market' and seriously step up into 'the times'? STAGE Right...... Stage From The Start........ S...
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By Living Spaces, Interiors, Local Support, Global Concerns
The February full moon signals the final celebration of 4 weeks of Chinese New Year. At Yitung Temple the ceremony took place Sunday. The Chinese New Year Celebrations make so much sense relating to intention, clearing out, making way for new things. The 4 weeks offers good time for evaluation and reflection of priorities and desired intentions. Light Offerings a significant part of the service, the candlelight symbolizes  enlightenment.  Buddha taught that all are enlightened needing only to find and nurture the divine life within. each person lit their candle from the large gold one on the altar then, returning to the altar offered a personal wish (intention), placing the burning candles on the altar Master Xhing Ru, then offered the lights once again on behalf of all - her blessing o...
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By Living Spaces, Interiors, Local Support, Global Concerns
PART TWO   *  (Part One)  'Restore The Earth....' (P Three)  (P Four) YAY FOR COMPOST!! It's another sunshiny Okanagan morning. The earth really is so very wise all on its own - it does everything right. I said composting is easy - and it is - there are things that need to be understood to achieve success - or remain in the mystery of compost failure. So a few more preliminaries first.  All we need to do is learn is how the earth does it best. The biggest frustration I find is that people see it as a big 'mystery' "Well I put the stuff in the bin and it looks the same a year later" "It doesn't break down, I just have a growing heap of stuff." "oooo! - There are rodents in the compost!" Whether you have a plastic bin or a heap or side by side bins, compost all works the same - nature doe...
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By Living Spaces, Interiors, Local Support, Global Concerns
PART ONE     (P TWO)  (P Three)  (P Four) Sunshine and the thaw of the mild temperatures had me thinking spring and compost already this morning!  I love compost - people used to think I was a little nuts when I'd give them a tour of my yard and gardens - then the compost bins!  When you collect all your kitchen waste separately from the garbage that gets thrown out, you truly get to see what it amounts to. I live alone downtown and fortunately take part in the Kelowna Community Gardens. My waste is put into one of those plastic salad bins that you buy organic greens in. It fills often in 2 days!   Here's the paradox. We're throwing food into landfill. Yet at the same time the earth's growing soils are exhausted. Don't you think there is something wrong with this picture?  If you live o...
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By Living Spaces, Interiors, Local Support, Global Concerns
Monday Meditations are now open to everyone - 7pm Mondays.   If you are a woman at midlife, there is no question that there are adjustments required to improve the quality of life and health at this time.  While there is increased awareness and helpful information, it can be difficult to access needed support. Solid Professional assistance can be lacking in knowledge and understanding of progressive integrative medicine & what is truly helpful.  Each woman must find her way - a time to call deeply into our own inner wisdom. For some the transition is a lonely journey. Let's join our strengths together!   A longing for joining,support and understanding is at our core finding the new life of this process.  Meditation is a valuable tool promoting physical, mental and spiritual benefits. A ...
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