NEW HOME Volume 2, Issue 2, May 2015
NEW Developments in the South Okanagan
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Wednesday, May 13, 2015 Penticton Western News
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The Real esTaTe market in the south Okanagan is up-and-coming according to real estate agents.
submitted
Hot housing market
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There’s a hot housing market in between Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake. “With the two lakes and close proximity to all four season recreation, plus the wine industry and the infusion of food and hospitality – the Okanagan has a lot to offer,” said Sally Kilburg, president for the South Okanagan Real Estate Board. “The South Okanagan in particular is a lot more relaxed, the quintessential Okanagan you would expect.” “The forest, the lake, the beaches, the outdoors – it’s just beautiful,” real estate agent Deborah Moore said, who decided to move to the Okanagan after attending a retreat through her employer Remax. “Everything I’ve ever hoped to have in my backyard. It took me a few years to get here, but I love the region and I’m still exploring.” Moore calls the South Okanagan’s real estate market up-and-coming, and sees strong potential over the next 20 years. Penticton, the largest community in the South Okanagan, is surrounded in every di-
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rection by lakes and mountains, which limits its ability to extend its geographical boundaries – but developers haven’t let that stop them from growing the city. Bruce Schoenne, owner of Schoenne Homes, comfortably densifies the city by taking over large homes and using the properties to construct several compact residences. “There’s a pent up demand for affordable housing in Penticton, and satisfying that demand can be achieved with more efficient living space,” he said. By converting pre-existing residences, he said that Schoenne Homes increases city’s tax base without having to expense new infrastructure. The south end of town is especially increasing in popularity. For young families, Skaha Lake Villas – a 50-townhouse development – began moving residents in at the beginning of 2015. The three-bedroom, three-bathroom units are all just a block-and-a-half from Skaha Lake, and begin under $300,000. See HOMES on PG. 3
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Market remains strong in Penticton From HOMES on PG. 2
Nearby Skaha Lake Villas – but more suited for emptynesters, the Regency Southwood Retirement Complex is nearing the completion of its second phase. The first phase featured 79 one and two-bedroom units, and phase two, which is expected to be completed in mid-August, will open up another 79 units. To put a deposit down on one of the units before they’re even available, those interested can call Southwood to book an early tour at 250-712-6363. “We have a very strong attraction to the retirement set,” Kilburg said. “Not necessarily people that are 80; we’re getting young, active retirees that are moving here.” Also on the south end of Penticton is Skaha Breeze, the perfect home and/or investment in the city that exudes luxury in an unparalleled living experience. Located just a stone’s throw away from Skaha Lake, minimizes parking hassles at the beach. The suites are also conveniently located within walking distance to all amenities imaginable. To rise further above sea level, Skaha Hills is also undertaking its second phase of
Penticton and the South okanagan have plenty of housing options to suite retirees to families. the president for the South Okanagan Real Estate Board
said because of the endless options and amenities the area has a strong market.
development. It’s first phase offered 47 resort-style homes, and its second will add another 47. The subdivision sits west of the airport, and prices begin in the mid-$400,000s. Once built out, the community may grow to be around 600 homes.
In its first phase is Sendero Canyon, which will become a community of 231 homes above the canyon it’s named after. The houses are spacious, and in a location that offers prime tranquility only minutes away from town. Lots prices range from
Submitted photo
$135,000 to $250,000. “Properties are getting built – people can look around and see projects on the rise,” Kilburg said. She said the majority of the transactions in Penticton are from buyers already living in the valley, but interest
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is regularly show from buyers in the lower mainland. “A lot of people thinking that with the price of oil that we would be losing our Alberta buyers, but that’s not the case – they’re still purchasing as strong as they have been in the past.”
Kilburg said consumer confidence took a hit after the Great Recession, but it’s been restored – and she’s been seeing gains in the local industry for the past two years. “Penticton is performing better than the expectations of the economists.”
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Bighorn Mountain Estates has rural allure Dale Boyd
Western News Staff
Those looking to settle down and create their dream home might find just what they are looking for at Bighorn Mountain Estates, just 15 minutes from Okanagan Falls and Penticton. Project manager Ron Dyck said over 70 per cent of the development properties have been sold with lot prices range from $112,000 to $200,000. He said that buyers enjoy the customizable aspects of the homes, helping bring the home of their dreams to reality. Those dream homes can include anything and everything. “You name it, we can produce it. They are all over the map,” Dyck said. Standard features include
painted shaker millwork and doors as well as oak flat panel shaker-style cabinets. The homes generally come with two bedrooms on the main floor with a four-piece ensuite and four-piece main bath and a finished basement entry and laundry area. Most home plans can be adapted to allow for full-sized, inground basements, or walkout basements and all homes come with attached double garages. In the Okanagan, you can always expect a good view too. “We’ve got enormous views. We’ve got lake views and we’ve got valley views. They have some have huge views of the lake,” said Dyck. Every home has a patio and many have spectacular views.
He said the allure of the area is the feeling of being in the countryside while remaining not too far away from the amenities of places like Penticton. “We’re on a mountainside outside of Okanagan Falls. It feels like we’re in the country. A lot of fresh air around us, we have big horned sheep and deer around us.” Two thirds of buyers tend to come from out of town, usually from the Calgary or Edmonton areas, Dyck said. There have been spec homes built this year as well. Several homes are completed and ready for occupancy in the price range of $400,000 to $650,000. Monthly fees on the bare land strata development are around $350 annually which goes towards road maintenance, street lighting, water
Big Horn Mountain EstatEs offers sweeping views of okanagan Falls and skaha Lake.
Western news file photo
costs and a nearby children’s park. Show homes are open ev-
ery day from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., no appointment necessary. For more information
call the office at 250-4977122 or visit www.bighornmountainestates.com.
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Take the stress out of relocating the family Submitted
Did you know the average person moves 11.4 times in his or her lifetime? Various factors prompt people to move, from job opportunities to the desire to be closer to family members to wanting to live in a nicer climate. Moving is seldom an easy task, and is often ranked among the most stressful events in a person’s life. The Employee Relocation Council cites it as the third most stressful event in life, following only death and divorce. That stress is only heightened when an entire family is making the move and an adult is starting a new job simultaneously. Despite the potential headaches involved with moving, an estimated 43 million Americans move each year. Those moving are often married couples between the ages of 25 and 44 with one or two children between the ages of two and 11. To make the process go more smoothly, consider the following tips. 1. Gradually introduce the concept of moving. Moving is a decision to be discussed with the whole family, even with young children who may not fully understand the pro-
Relocating a family can be stressful but involving kids in the process can families adjust more easily.
Submitted photo
cess. Kids who are involved in looking at new homes or voicing opinions about which amenities they desire in a new neighbourhood will feel empowered and in control. 2. Research potential new neighbourhoods
carefully. Finding a new residence is not entirely about buying a home that fits the family and its needs. It also is about finding a desirable neighbourhood and community. A good school district is an important factor, as is proximity to recreation, local culture and transportation. Drive around a neighbourhood during different times of the day to gauge how active it is. Investigating businesses in the area can also help gauge the personality of a given neighbourhood. 3. Work with an experienced agent. A real estate agent who is familiar with a variety of communities is a great asset. A buyer’s agent will find homes and negotiate on the part of the buyer, having your best interests in mind. Because the agent will be paid a commission on a portion of the sale price, which doesn’t come out of your pocket, it is in the real estate agent’s best interest to help you find a home you can call your own. In addition, the agent will handle many of the tasks that may be overwhelming if you were doing them on your own, such as scouring available listings, waiting for inspections or filling out pertinent paperwork. With a real estate agent handling these
tasks, families can remove some of the stress from the moving process. 4. Pack children’s rooms last. Young children who see favourite items disappearing into bubble wrapping and boxes may start to feel anxious. It’s not uncommon for preschoolers to act out or experience nightmares during the moving process. Maintain a sense of normalcy in the home as long as possible. Begin by packing nonessential items, only packing kids’ items when your moving date is right around the corner. Let children say good-bye to familiar haunts and even to their old home. 5. Plan a school orientation. Take advantage of any programs schools offer to acclimate kids to their new environment. Kids often leave friends behind when moving to a new home. The faster they get back to a normal routine, the better it will be for them. Schools are where children will make new friends and participate in social occasions, so tour their new schools before the school year begins, and meet with a few residents and current students to learn about special programs that may make a move less stressful for youngsters.
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First residents move to Skaha Hills Submitted
The first five homes are now complete and homeowners have taken possession of their new residences at Skaha Hills. Located in south west Penticton on rolling Okanagan bench lands, the first phase represents a refreshing new look for Penticton’s first resort-style, residential community. A B.C. local and Penticton resident for six years, Matt Taylor was one of the first residents to move into a new home at Skaha Hills with his fiancé and three month old son. “We’re really enjoying the view of Skaha Lake from our four bedroom home,” says Taylor, resident at Skaha Hills. “We moved up to the hillside because of the vistas, the fantastic price point and the quality of the build. My fiancé and I look forward to raising our family at Skaha Hills and enjoying everything the resort-style community has to offer once construction is complete.” Built by Greyback Construction, a partner in Skaha Hills, the four homes are now occupied and a show home remains vacant for homebuyers to visualize life in a master-planned community with resort-style amenities. Residents at Skaha Hills will enjoy unparalleled views of the Penticton area, spanning from Okanagan Lake, over Skaha Lake to Okanagan Falls. Designed to maximize those views, the site plan features single loading, with all homes being constructed on
We moved up to the hillside because of the vistas, the fantastic price point and the quality of the build. — Matt Taylor
the same side of the street. Residents of Phase One homes enjoy rancher style walkout residences with refreshing modern architecture. “This is a huge milestone for Penticton. We’re a landlocked city with lakes on either end and mountains on either side and we’re growing,” says Curt Jansen, vice president sales and marketing, Skaha Hills. “Our partnership with the Penticton Indian Band has created new opportunity for homebuyers. The first four built homes are now occupied. Residents can say that they are the first to ever live in a home on this hillside with spectacular views of Skaha Lake and Penticton, which is a special and rare entitlement.” See SKAHA on PG. 7 The Taylor family is welcomed into their new home at Skaha hills.
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Skaha hillS is currently completing four homes every month and plans are moving forward as scheduled for construction on the $5.2 million winery.
Mark Brett/Western News
Phase Two homes selling at competitive pricing From SKAHA on PG. 6 While the first five homes are completed, construction is currently underway on more than 20 Phase One homes. “We’re completing approximately four homes every month and we’re hoping all 47 Phase One homes will be completed by early Spring 2016,” says Jansen. “Plans are moving forward as scheduled and construction on the $5.2 million winery from Stage West Hospitality is soon to begin.” The Skaha Hills Development Corporation is launching its second phase of 47 homes known as ‘The Ridge at Skaha Hills’.
Featuring a mix of home designs and floor plans, Phase Two home styles include one level ranchers and ranchers with walkout lower levels. All offer main floor living and the option of courtyard entrances. Ten floor plans are available and vary in size from 1400 sq. ft. to 3500 sq. ft. Starting in the $400,000’s, Phase Two homes at Skaha Hills will be sold at very competitive price points for the Okanagan. Phase Two has a refreshing new look but the same contemporary feel. “We’ve added five new open concept floor plans, and the views get even better,” says Jansen.
Quality finishings are accompanied by integrated indoor / outdoor living, large double garages with optional golf cart parking. Amenities at your doorstep will include golf, beachfront access, boat moorage, exceptional hiking trails throughout the resort community, pools, clubhouse and sports courts. Interested parties should register at www. skahahills.com for information on the Phase Two sales selection dates scheduled for May. Skaha Hills is also finalizing details on a new terraced rancher-style townhome and is preparing to preview this new Phase Three concept in May as well.
The 550-acre property at Skaha Hills was released for development by the Penticton Indian Band in 2013 to new partners, Greyback Developments. The Skaha Hills Limited Partnership consists of Greyback Construction, one of the Okanagan’s most respected builders and the Penticton Indian Band Development Corporation (PIBDC), a for-profit corporation owned by the Penticton Indian Band. Homeowners receive a divided and deeded title to a fully secured, pre-paid Crown Registered Lease. It is the first of its kind to be designated for a 150-year term.
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