Living Kelowna Podcast: Pros and Cons of Downsizing In this insightful podcast episode titled "The Pros and Cons of Downsizing Your Home," host Brandon Grass delves into the considerations surrounding the decision to downsize your home. He acknowledges that the prospect of downsizing can be both exciting and overwhelming, aiming to guide listeners through the pros and cons to help them make an informed decision. Brandon, a certified Senior Real Estate Specialist, draws on his expertise to provide valuable insights into the financial, lifestyle, and emotional aspects of downsizing. Highlights of Important Information: Free Up Some Money: Downsizing can result in a significant chunk of equity from a paid-off mortgage or a profitable home sale, offering financial flexibility for other pursuits like travel. Less Maintenance: Smaller homes require less upkeep, reducing cleaning efforts and maintenance. Brandon suggests living in a gated community can further simplify landscaping with professional services. Lower Utility Bills: A smaller home typically means lower utility costs, as it requires less energy for heating and cooling, offering both financial savings and increased comfort. More Affordable: Downsizing can make homeownership more affordable, with lower costs for purchasing, building, and maintaining a smaller home, along with reduced property taxes and insurance. More accessible to Declutter: Downsizing facilitates a more organized and serene living environment by encouraging the removal of unnecessary items, making the decluttering process more manageable. No More Stairs: Brandon highlights the appeal of a one-story home, eliminating the hassle of stairs, which is especially beneficial for those with mobility issues. May Need to Downsize Belongings: The challenge of downsizing includes selling or donating belongings to fit into a smaller space, potentially a hurdle for those emotionally attached to their possessions. May Not Accommodate Guests: Downsizing might pose challenges for accommodating guests, especially for those accustomed to larger living spaces or frequent entertaining. Key Takeaways: Financial Freedom: Downsizing offers the opportunity to unlock financial freedom through the release of home equity.Simplified Lifestyle: Smaller homes mean less maintenance, lower utility bills, and a potentially more affordable living situation.Embracing Change: Downsizing encourages decluttering and the possibility of a one-story living space, providing a chance for a more organized and comfortable lifestyle. Relevant Quotes: "Maybe you can take the trip you've always wanted.""How nice is that? No stairs to get to the primary bedroom, kitchen, living room, dining room, or laundry room.""The feeling of being overwhelmed is not something you have to face or worry about alone." Are you thinking about downsizing your home? Don’t go at it alone! Reach out to Brandon and the team to schedule your downsizing consultation today, and be sure to download a copy of our super helpful guide to downsizing your home without losing your mind. Download your Downsizing Guide now! Listen to the Living in Kelowna Podcast with Brandon Grass on your favourite podcast platform.   Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify Podcasts | Amazon Music     

Sage Creek West Kelowna: A Vibrant 45+ Community in Westbank All about Sage Creek West Kelowna Location and Surroundings Sage Creek, a gated age-restricted community for residents aged 45 and above, offers low-maintenance living in the heart of Westbank, specifically in the Westbank Centre neighbourhood. Situated on Westbank First Nations land, this leasehold titled property provides a unique living experience. Community Features and Benefits The community boasts proximity to Okanagan Lake, beaches, hiking/biking trails, Gellatly Park, and the Okanagan Wine Trail. Golf enthusiasts can conveniently enjoy Two Eagles Golf Course just across the street. As a buyer in Sage Creek, you'll appreciate the absence of Speculation Tax, BC Property Transfer tax, and GST for new homes sold in this development. The current lease fee for Sage Creek is $625.00, and the lease expires in 2106. Sage Creek Club House The state-of-the-art clubhouse offers a range of amenities, including a full-size gym, a well-stocked library, billiards tables, shuffleboards, and a fully functional kitchen for entertaining. Home Options in Sage Creek Sage Creek offers five distinct floor plans for its homes: Heron 1, Heron 2, Eagle, Raven, and Hawk. These homes range in size from 1,200 to over 1,500 square feet, featuring two bedrooms and two bathrooms or a two-bedroom layout with a den. Most homes in Sage Creek are prefabricated, constructed at a nearby factory and placed on a cement foundation, providing a convenient crawl space for additional storage. Notable Finishings Homes in Sage Creek feature gas fireplaces, open-concept living areas, spacious kitchens with islands, laminate or vinyl plank flooring, modern colour schemes, and well-thought-out floor plans. Convenient Location Sage Creek's location provides easy access to essential amenities, including grocery stores, medical clinics, and well-known retailers. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy nearby parks like Pritchard Park and Gellatly Bay, offering opportunities for outdoor recreation. Real Estate Market Over the past year, there have been fourteen sales at Sage Creek, with an average sale price of $620,536. The highest-priced sale was a two-bedroom and den, two-bathroom home with 1,590 square feet, which sold for $693,500. Monthly Lease Fee Inclusions The monthly lease fee includes snow removal, gate maintenance, and exclusive use and access to the clubhouse. Community Regulations Sage Creek is an age-restricted community; residents must be 45 or older. Pets are allowed with restrictions, and no rentals are permitted. The community is supplied with garbage and recycling collection, water, and sewer by Westbank First Nations. Notable Features at Sage Creek West Kelowna Age-restricted community 45+Gated secure entryNo GSTNo Property Transfer TaxPets allowed (with restrictions)Full-service recreation roomShopping and transit nearbyProximity to Okanagan LakeVariety of home optionsPrefabricated constructionLow maintenance yardsPerfect "Lock and Go" lifestyleLocation and Contact Sage Creek West Kelowna is situated at 2084 Elk Rd, Westbank, BC V4T 2G8, in the Westbank Centre neighbourhood of West Kelowna.  Sage Creek West Kelowna Video TourSage Creek Listing Video

Sonoma Pines West Kelowna Community Tour Learn all about Sonoma Pines West Kelowna Discover the remarkable Sonoma Pines development – the epitome of downsizing without compromise. Inspired by Arizona's stunning golf course communities with their low-maintenance yards, stucco exteriors, and serene lifestyles, Sonoma Pines captures the essence of that idyllic setting. Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Two Eagles Golf Course, this community offers unparalleled views of Okanagan Lake and the majestic surrounding mountains. Developed by the renowned Rykon Construction, a leading British Columbia home builder known for their exceptional projects over the past three decades, the homes in Sonoma Pines are nothing short of impressive. Strategically located at the heart of the Okanagan Wine Trail along Boucherie and Hwy 97, Sonoma Pines provides convenient access to many amenities. Everything you need, from large retail stores to medical clinics, transit options, and grocery shopping, is within reach. The Sonoma Pines community boasts a range of housing options, from charming bungalow-style one-level homes to three-story townhomes. Among the most sought-after are the walk-out ranchers, offering breathtaking golf course views, Okanagan Lake, and the distant mountains. As an added bonus, the community even provides on-site RV parking for those with recreational vehicles. Experience a lifestyle of unmatched beauty, tranquillity, and convenience at Sonoma Pines – where downsizing truly means upgrading your quality of life. Sonoma Pines is located in West Kelowna’s Westbank Centre neighbourhood. This development is on Westbank First Nations land and is a leasehold titled property. If you are still determining exactly what that is, listen to our Leasehold podcast here to learn more about what that means, and if you have any questions, always reach out to one of our team members today! The quick perks as a buyer are that you pay no Speculation Tax, no BC Property Transfer tax, and no GST for no new homes sold in this development. The lease fee for Sonoma Pines is $0.00 per month as this is a 100% secure, federally regulated pre-paid lease.  The lease for this community expires in 2102 Clubhouse and Ammentieis in Sonoma Pines West Kelowna The clubhouse includes a billiards table, a fully equipped kitchen, and a gym with a great selection of machines, benches, and free weights. Well-stocked library, dance floor,  Types & Styles of Homes in Sonoma Pines West Kelowna Built by the Tommie award-winning builder Rykon Construction, these quality homes were constructed between 2004 and 2019 throughout twelve phases in this master-planned community with a total of 350 homes to choose from. The homes here offer buyers a wonderful selection from smaller one-level bungalows to two-level walkout ranchers and two-story walk-ups. If you are searching for a home with a view, this is the spot to be. With homes here perched on the hillside above Okanagan Lake, many of the homes offer lake, mountain, valley and golf course views. Exteriors are finished in a timeless stucco and painted in a vibrant Arizona-themed colour palette.  Inside, you’ll find high-end finishings throughout, with rounded corners, extra tall ceilings, gas fireplaces, natural gas BBQ hookups, oversized garages, beautifully appointed kitchens with large spacious islands, open concept living, dining and kitchen areas. Many of the homes here feature main floor primary bedrooms, full 6-piece ensuite bathrooms with separate bathtubs and full-size stand-up showers. Floor plans range in size from just over 1100 square feet to over 3000 square feet. These homes will either offer 2, 3 or 4 bedrooms, and many offer an additional den perfect for the home office.   Garages, you will find either a single or double-car option, with some offering a bonus area for your own golf cart parking in behind their own separate door. How cool is that! The location of Sonoma Pines Close to transit, minutes away from retail shopping, Gellatly Bay Park, Okanagan Lake, grocery stores, drugstores, medical clinics, and doctors' offices. If you are a golfer, you’ll love living in Sonoma Pines, situated around Two Eagles Golf Course. This executive par 65 course is ready to welcome you. They have a fabulous men's and women's night with great food and prizes. The Sonoma Pines West Kelowna Real Estate Market Over the last 12 months, the Sonoma Pines real estate market in West Kelowna has witnessed a total of 22 properties being sold. The minimum listing price during this period was $574,900, with the corresponding sold price reaching $550,000. These properties took an average of 62 days on the market (DOM) to find buyers. The range of bedrooms varied from 2 to 4, with the average property featuring 3 bedrooms. Similarly, the total number of baths ranged from 2 to 3, with an average of 3 baths per property. In terms of finished floor area, the properties spanned from a minimum of 1,140 square feet to a maximum of 2,891 square feet, with an average of 1,948 square feet. Overall, the Sonoma Pines West Kelowna real estate market has shown a strong performance in terms of sales, with competitive pricing, quick turnover, and a variety of property sizes to cater to different buyer preferences. Rules & Bylaws All ages are welcome in this community, as there are no age restrictions. The current pet restrictions for Sonoma Pines are as follows: No more than two dogs or two cats or one cat and one dog.  The current rental restrictions for this community are as follows: No rentals for less than 60 consecutive days. No short-term rentals are permitted. Notable Features of Sonoma Pines West Kelowna One and Two levels Rancher Style Homes Two, three, and four-bedroom floor plans Spectacular view homes of the golf course, lake and mountains. 4 foot Cement Crawl Spaces Fully finished walkout basements Additional RV/Boat Parking  No Age Restrictions Living on Two Eagles Golf Course Wonderful Amenity centre Fully equipped gym with exercise machines and free weights Minutes away from shops, stores, restaurants, medical and Okanagan Lake Transit Nearby Recreation Nearby, like Johnson Bentley Aquatic Center Construction: Wood Frame - Acrylic stucco Year Built 2006 - 2018 The community of Sonoma Pines is located at 3999 Sonoma Pines Drive West Kelowna, BC V4T 2C4, in the Westbank Centre neighbourhood of West Kelowna. Sonoma Pines West Kelowna Video Tour

Bay Vista West Kelowna - Community Tour West Kelowna's Bay Vista Gated Community is the perfect place to downsize and purchase your retirement home. This lovely community offers a wide range of homes to choose from, each with its unique features and steps from Okanagan Lake. If you're looking for a comfortable place to spend your golden years, look no further than Bay Vista! Today, we are in West Kelowna's Westbank Centre neighbourhood. The location here is genuinely terrific. In one direction, you have Okanagan Lakeshore, which hosts various things to do in the summer. Gellatly Bay Waterfront Park is a popular local swimming spot, or you can take a wonderful stroll along Gellatly Bay.  There is also a wonderful off-leash dog park for your four-legged friends to take a quick dip and cool off. West Kelowna's city center is up the hill, which includes all the essentials you'll need to live daily. In under five minutes, picture yourself driving to any essential shops from the gates of Bay Vista to get groceries, medical clinics, banks, coffee, Walmart, Royal Canadian Superstore, Canadian Tire, Home Depot, and so much more. You can golf a round or two before noon at Two Eagles Golf Course or spend a full day on the popular Shannon Lake Golf Course, just minutes away. If you love wine, look no further. Bay Vista is located on the Westside Wine Trail, and award-winning wineries like Quails Gate, Mission Hill, The Hatch, and Frind Winery await you. Your wine glasses will never run dry! The amenities at Bay Vista Are you looking for an amenity-rich community with a pool? Look no further than Bay Vista. The community features a pool, hot tub, clubhouse with a fully stocked kitchen for cooking, billiards table, library reading nook, and fitness center with elliptical, treadmill, and free weights. Plenty of other amenities are perfect for downsizers and home buyers.  The Homes at Bay Vista Bay Vista is divided into 73 total units, 43 condos, and 30 townhomes. This gated community is always gated so residents can feel extra safe and secure. The units inside of Bay Vista were constructed between 2003-2005 Now, let's talk about real estate at Bay Vista. Over the last year, there has been very little market activity, so we pulled up some market data from the past to give you a sense of the prices and what you can expect when house hunting here. There have been no recently sold townhomes in the last year. The most recent unit to sell was in September of 2021 and was a three bedroom, three bathroom 2400 sq ft unit which sold for $790,000. The apartment complex offers a range of units, from the smallest one-bedroom, one-bathroom, 934 sq ft units to three-bedroom, three-bathroom, 1761 square feet units. The most common units are two-bed and bath condos with 1300 SqFt of living space. There are two different floor plan options when looking at the townhomes in Bay Vista. You can get a 1775 SqFt two-bedroom, three-bathroom unit or a 2,779 sq ft three-bedroom, three-bathroom unit. The most common townhome units are three bedrooms and three bathrooms with 2200 sq ft of living space.  Over the past three years, from 2022 - 2020, the average sale price for a three-bedroom three bathroom townhome has been $701,133 Most of the townhomes here are walkout ranchers with fully finished basements.  All have main-floor primary bedrooms, but the only drawback is that laundry is downstairs in the basement, so if you are not 100% okay with stairs, this might not be the community for you.  All townhomes have standard size double car garages and excellent length driveways, no small sliver driveways, so if you've got a truck or a longer car, you're in luck! Inside the homes at Bay Vista, you'll find gorgeous updates to most homes that include engineered hardwood flooring, stainless steel appliances, quartz or granite countertops, vaulted ceilings, and big open windows to show off the beautiful lake, valley, and mountain views. Strata fees at the time of this blog post are currently $315  What does the monthly strata fee include at Bay Vista? It includes professional landscaping, clearing the roads of snow and ice, management, recreational facilities to access the pool, hot tub, gym, insurance, sewer, water, trash removal, and your contingency reserve. The savings account for the strata complex is for future repairs and maintenance. This community is age-restricted, and all residents at Bay Vista must be 55 years of age or older. Pets are allowed with restrictions as rules change so often. Please get in touch with me for updated information on strata rules and fees since the writing of this blog post. Notable Features of Bay Vista West Kelowna 1 part Townhome Complex 1 part Apartment Complex Bare Land Strata Rancher Walkout Style Homes Two and three-bedroom floor plans Fully Finished Basements Gas Fireplaces (upstairs and downstairs) No RV/Boat Parking Age Restrictions - 55+ Waterfront Nearby Semi Lakeshore Golf Nearby Public Transit Nearby Quiet Area Shopping Nearby Pool Hot Tub Recreation Nearby: Johnson Bentley Aquatic Center Construction: Wood Frame - Vinyl Year Built 2005-2006 The community of Bay Vista is located at 2100  Boucherie Road, West Kelowna  V4T 2X1, in West Kelowna's Westbank Centre neighbourhood. Bay Vista West Kelowna Video Tour