Kelowna, BC - July 9th, 2009 The Central Zone of the Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board (OMREB) reported June 2009 sales activity of all MLS® property types continued to improve with a total of 438 sales – increasing by 15% from 381 sales in May and up 23% from 356 units sold in June 2008. While single family residential units sold in May increased by 16% from June, sales improved by 35% from this time last year – up from 189 units to 220 in June compared to the 163 single family units sold in June 2008. Brenda Moshansky, OMREB Director and REALTOR® in the Central Zone said “The year-over-year sales activity improved significantly this month and unit sales remain relative to 2000/2001 levels. Signs of greater market stability are helping to stabilize prices as we slowly move towards more balanced conditions,”
“Improved affordability and low mortgage rates are pushing unit sales higher and reducing inventory as first-time buyers continue to enter the market. However, banks are tightening up qualifications for financing and there is only so much home a first-timer can buy. “While we are still lagging behind the Lower Mainland where the condo market is recovering faster and the change of ownership is creating a lot of activity as sellers move out and up, we could see similar movement in the coming months,’” she adds, “especially as BC – the Okanagan in particular – continues to attract retirees, the largest demographic. The overall market is expected to strengthen once consumer confidence comes back and buyers are more comfortable with their personal economic situations.” Moshansky notes, “If a home is priced well, it will sell. The guidance of a REALTOR® to help determine market value in this competitive marketplace is important for both Buyers and Sellers.”
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
Melnyk, A Garage Sale and Propaganda
Vantage West Realty co-founders AJ Hazzi and Joel Sherlock recently played golf with Stanley Cup winning defenseman Larry Melnyk.
The relationship was forged at the Hockey Greats Fantasy Camp last August, where Larry was able to fulfill his fantasy by playing on a team with AJ.
They've been inseparable ever since.
The relationship was forged at the Hockey Greats Fantasy Camp last August, where Larry was able to fulfill his fantasy by playing on a team with AJ.
They've been inseparable ever since.
*****
Vantage has been taking an active role in the community lately, partnering more and more with local ventures that will bring people and money into the Okanagan Valley.
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The most recent relationship has been formed with Inspirative Promotions, and their "Garage Sale", that features over a dozen items such as boats (including the Miami Vice classic, MoJo), a vintage car, a new car, a plane, two motor-coaches, a custom motorcycle and four pieces of real estate (including an estate property at Sheerwater). Over 80% of the ticket prices for the event will be given to charity.
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That ticket takes care of your weekend. Food, drinks, live entertainment, transportation, you name it.
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For more information on this exciting event, check out http://www.the-garagesale.com/.
*****
Vantage West's clientele and property list, as you may have noticed by now, is both unique and distinct. Recently, this became so clear that Okanagan Life Magazine featured a press release on one of Vantage's listings for its distinct "swagger", a condo on Sunset Drive. The release was also picked up by the online magazine Red Mill Propaganda (http://www.redmillpropaganda.com/propaganda/home-with-big-city-swagger-available-in-the-okanagan/)
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Professional photography, classy customer care and a dogged work ethic has helped Vantage to continue to grow their business at a steady rate. Check out their office at 1329-2 Ellis St. to inquire about any and all of your real estate needs.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
New Developments
When the market started to hit the skids in 2008, Vantage West got creative.
Necessity creates innovation, and from necessity was born www.tradethishouse.ca.
This site has meaning for anyone looking to sell their home quickly, or for someone trying to find a new home that's tailored to their needs.
Essentially, it functions as a dating website would, minus the awkward "you look different from your picture" moment. Someone listing on the site would list the attributes of their own home from drop down menu's, as well as the attributes of a home they're looking for, and tradethishouse.ca scours it's vast database, and comes up with a couple matches.
Instead of risking buying before having your own home sold (and paying two mortgages), or selling before having somewhere to go, this work as a simultaneous buy and sell, partnered with someone looking to do the exact same, but has needs that can be met by your home.
Pretty sweet, right? Check it out.
And, at Vantage, the growth continues. As new bio's get put up on the website next to new listings (www.vantagewestrealty.com), there are rumblings of another new hire. Four-time Stanley Cup Champion Bob Bourne has recently met with one of the owners at Vantage West about partnering with the company to form an exclusive sales niche. More on that story as it develops.
Lastly, co-founders AJ Hazzi and Joel Sherlock have partnered with Bourne to sponsor this years "Hockey Greats Fantasy Camp" in Kelowna BC, August 5th through the 8th (www.bournevents.com). The camp brings 10 NHL stars of the past to town, who repeatedly fall in love with the town and threaten to move here.
Returning NHL Hall-Of-Famer Clark Gillies, a teammate of AJ Hazzi's in the 2008 edition of the vacation weekend has insisted on once again being linemates, as both men contributed four goal games at one point. Sadly, their team lost badly in the Cup final.
Redemption, apparently, is on the horizon.
Necessity creates innovation, and from necessity was born www.tradethishouse.ca.
This site has meaning for anyone looking to sell their home quickly, or for someone trying to find a new home that's tailored to their needs.
Essentially, it functions as a dating website would, minus the awkward "you look different from your picture" moment. Someone listing on the site would list the attributes of their own home from drop down menu's, as well as the attributes of a home they're looking for, and tradethishouse.ca scours it's vast database, and comes up with a couple matches.
Instead of risking buying before having your own home sold (and paying two mortgages), or selling before having somewhere to go, this work as a simultaneous buy and sell, partnered with someone looking to do the exact same, but has needs that can be met by your home.
Pretty sweet, right? Check it out.
And, at Vantage, the growth continues. As new bio's get put up on the website next to new listings (www.vantagewestrealty.com), there are rumblings of another new hire. Four-time Stanley Cup Champion Bob Bourne has recently met with one of the owners at Vantage West about partnering with the company to form an exclusive sales niche. More on that story as it develops.
Lastly, co-founders AJ Hazzi and Joel Sherlock have partnered with Bourne to sponsor this years "Hockey Greats Fantasy Camp" in Kelowna BC, August 5th through the 8th (www.bournevents.com). The camp brings 10 NHL stars of the past to town, who repeatedly fall in love with the town and threaten to move here.
Returning NHL Hall-Of-Famer Clark Gillies, a teammate of AJ Hazzi's in the 2008 edition of the vacation weekend has insisted on once again being linemates, as both men contributed four goal games at one point. Sadly, their team lost badly in the Cup final.
Redemption, apparently, is on the horizon.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
How to get more Money for your Home…
Home Staging.
1. Take Home More Money.
Fact: Staged homes generally sell for more when compared to those left in "as is" condition.
2. Speed up that Sale.
Fact: Staged homes typically sell faster than un-staged homes. A home that doesn't show well and sits on the market longer. Homes that get stale result in thousands of lost dollars through price reductions. Put yourself in the buyer’s shoes, sellers need to put your best foot forward and stage first!
3. Get the advantage on your competition.
With the abundance of inventory in the Okanagan valley you need to every advantage to set yourself apart from the competition. The purchase decision often starts with an emotional connection between the buyer and their new home. You want to leave the buyer feeling that your home can feel like their home.
4. Your taste may be exceptional, but it’s still exactly that … Yours?
It's difficult to be objective with your personal belongings. A stager looks at your home through the eyes of a buyer - taking into account functionality, flow, selling features, colors and style to appeal to a larger audience.
5. The cost of home staging is not what you think.
Staging often results in selling your home for more thus recovering your staging costs. This means allocating a very small % of your home investment towards staging less than 1%. This could mean a huge difference between profit and loss, take a chance and stage your home.
6. One-stop shopping.
Staging services offer a turn-key solution, quality furniture, design concepts and setup, all in one.
7. Your most valuable commodity, Time.
Using a professional home stager will take the guesswork out of staging. Our stagers have the experience and local resources to meet your deadline.
8. Few buyers can visualize the potential of a space.
An empty room can seem much smaller without appropriate furniture, and buyers might not imagine how beautiful and stylish a space could be. Staging can eliminate many questions/concerns buyers may have about a home. More importantly, staging can excite a buyer about living their dream lifestyle in your home - leading to an offer (is that not what were looking for?)
9. A well cared for home is a more valuable home.
Buyers view a staged home as a well cared for property. Simple … any questions please ask.
10. Are you doing everything in your power to sell fast and for top dollar!
Why wouldn't you do everything you could to protect your investment? Is selling your home the largest transaction you will be doing this month? Using all the tools and resources available to sell your home is the best way to go. In this challenging market and there are many variables, use everything in our toolbox.
1. Take Home More Money.
Fact: Staged homes generally sell for more when compared to those left in "as is" condition.
2. Speed up that Sale.
Fact: Staged homes typically sell faster than un-staged homes. A home that doesn't show well and sits on the market longer. Homes that get stale result in thousands of lost dollars through price reductions. Put yourself in the buyer’s shoes, sellers need to put your best foot forward and stage first!
3. Get the advantage on your competition.
With the abundance of inventory in the Okanagan valley you need to every advantage to set yourself apart from the competition. The purchase decision often starts with an emotional connection between the buyer and their new home. You want to leave the buyer feeling that your home can feel like their home.
4. Your taste may be exceptional, but it’s still exactly that … Yours?
It's difficult to be objective with your personal belongings. A stager looks at your home through the eyes of a buyer - taking into account functionality, flow, selling features, colors and style to appeal to a larger audience.
5. The cost of home staging is not what you think.
Staging often results in selling your home for more thus recovering your staging costs. This means allocating a very small % of your home investment towards staging less than 1%. This could mean a huge difference between profit and loss, take a chance and stage your home.
6. One-stop shopping.
Staging services offer a turn-key solution, quality furniture, design concepts and setup, all in one.
7. Your most valuable commodity, Time.
Using a professional home stager will take the guesswork out of staging. Our stagers have the experience and local resources to meet your deadline.
8. Few buyers can visualize the potential of a space.
An empty room can seem much smaller without appropriate furniture, and buyers might not imagine how beautiful and stylish a space could be. Staging can eliminate many questions/concerns buyers may have about a home. More importantly, staging can excite a buyer about living their dream lifestyle in your home - leading to an offer (is that not what were looking for?)
9. A well cared for home is a more valuable home.
Buyers view a staged home as a well cared for property. Simple … any questions please ask.
10. Are you doing everything in your power to sell fast and for top dollar!
Why wouldn't you do everything you could to protect your investment? Is selling your home the largest transaction you will be doing this month? Using all the tools and resources available to sell your home is the best way to go. In this challenging market and there are many variables, use everything in our toolbox.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Playgrounds Abound
Big things at Vantage West folks. Big things.
As company expansion continues, a niché slowly forms.
Vantage has become home to multiple big listings that are tailored to a new crowd, a crowd that seems to be waking up from its vanilla and beige slumber.
For future homeowners looking for something different, Vantage stands out like a flamingo in March of the Penguins. A Highpointe palace and a Sunset Drive penthouse crackle with the type of fresh life that Kelowna is trending towards. This infusion of vivacity should serve to remind us all that just because you live in a safe, respectable community doesn't mean you can't have fun.
Wetbars, rec rooms and colours that range from sultry to spicy make these homes perfect for summer entertainment, and perfect for the rock-star in us all.
As Vantage matures into its founder’s vision, success has become apparent for a host of reasons, all of which work because of one main focus:
Service.
A company unequalled in work-ethic and attention, clients of Vantage West have experienced their exceptional marketing and luxury service since its inception.
And, as the weather has warmed, some special opportunities have presented themselves to Kelowna's fastest growing real estate company and its clients – apparently adults need playgrounds too.
To go with the movement towards the high-end listings, the company has proven to work with all price ranges, earning an endless string of positive testimonials.
Check out the website for a peek at the type of life you could be living, at http://www.vantagewestrealty.com/.
As company expansion continues, a niché slowly forms.
Vantage has become home to multiple big listings that are tailored to a new crowd, a crowd that seems to be waking up from its vanilla and beige slumber.
For future homeowners looking for something different, Vantage stands out like a flamingo in March of the Penguins. A Highpointe palace and a Sunset Drive penthouse crackle with the type of fresh life that Kelowna is trending towards. This infusion of vivacity should serve to remind us all that just because you live in a safe, respectable community doesn't mean you can't have fun.
Wetbars, rec rooms and colours that range from sultry to spicy make these homes perfect for summer entertainment, and perfect for the rock-star in us all.
As Vantage matures into its founder’s vision, success has become apparent for a host of reasons, all of which work because of one main focus:
Service.
A company unequalled in work-ethic and attention, clients of Vantage West have experienced their exceptional marketing and luxury service since its inception.
And, as the weather has warmed, some special opportunities have presented themselves to Kelowna's fastest growing real estate company and its clients – apparently adults need playgrounds too.
To go with the movement towards the high-end listings, the company has proven to work with all price ranges, earning an endless string of positive testimonials.
Check out the website for a peek at the type of life you could be living, at http://www.vantagewestrealty.com/.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Spring has Sprung at Vantage West
The trees are budding and the flowers are blooming. Spring has come to the Okanagan.
Vantage West is in bloom too. After a successful 2008 in what was described as a "tough market", our small but expanding company has continued it’s torrid pace, expanding both our sales and our staff.
Thriving with a small office of eight licensees in an industry that boasts over 800 on the Okanagan Mainline Realty Board, Vantage West took a substantial 14% of the market share last month. Our office has become a group of young and hungry agents, people proving themselves to be capable of working harder, faster and smarter than their competitors.
That’s under 1% of the people doing 14% of the work. Somehow, Vantage West became that smart kid in class that got put in with the group of slackers. Everyone knew he’d be doing more than his share, but in the end, he’s the one people want to hire.
The rising prominence of Vantage West in the valley has brought new buyers, new sellers, and with them, new work. To maintain diligence in keeping customer care our priority, we wanted to take further measures to meet the growing demand, and that’s lead to one thing: new staff.
We were excited to have the opportunity to bring aboard three new employees, Veronica Campbell, formerly of Coldwell banker, Lucas Jackson from Sarras Marketing in Calgary, and Justin Bourne from Creative Fire.
When you have the opportunity to hire young talent, you take it – just ask the Canucks. Veronica Campbell has two years of productive service under her belt, so when the opportunity to lure her to Vantage West came about, we did our best, and sure enough she made a smooth transition to joining the our team.
Veronica is ready to help us meet the demands of our clients. She knows Kelowna inside and out, is well connected in town, and is willing to put in the hours needed to keep up with the hectic pace of the Kelowna market.
But there’s more: In a clever move for the future of the company, we managed to pick up Lucas Jackson to be a part of our marketing team. He’s a perfect fit for the feel of our office: ambitious, talented, and hell-bent on doing a good job.
Lastly, we brought in a copywriter who can bring life and color in capturing the unique traits of our clients properties. Justin Bourne, who plays hockey better than most writers and writes better than most hockey players, has built a following in The Hockey News, Max Hockey and his own personal blog, which has been recognized by the New York Times as must-read material. But above all, he is a product of the Okanagan who understands what makes every property special – and has the words to convey that to others.
So, with a long winter behind us here in the Okanagan, we turn our focus to spring. The sun is scrapping its way through the clouds to give us golf weather while the Canucks are in the thick of a playoff run full of promise.
How could you not be excited? We look forward to seeing you in Kelowna this summer!
Vantage West is in bloom too. After a successful 2008 in what was described as a "tough market", our small but expanding company has continued it’s torrid pace, expanding both our sales and our staff.
Thriving with a small office of eight licensees in an industry that boasts over 800 on the Okanagan Mainline Realty Board, Vantage West took a substantial 14% of the market share last month. Our office has become a group of young and hungry agents, people proving themselves to be capable of working harder, faster and smarter than their competitors.
That’s under 1% of the people doing 14% of the work. Somehow, Vantage West became that smart kid in class that got put in with the group of slackers. Everyone knew he’d be doing more than his share, but in the end, he’s the one people want to hire.
The rising prominence of Vantage West in the valley has brought new buyers, new sellers, and with them, new work. To maintain diligence in keeping customer care our priority, we wanted to take further measures to meet the growing demand, and that’s lead to one thing: new staff.
We were excited to have the opportunity to bring aboard three new employees, Veronica Campbell, formerly of Coldwell banker, Lucas Jackson from Sarras Marketing in Calgary, and Justin Bourne from Creative Fire.
When you have the opportunity to hire young talent, you take it – just ask the Canucks. Veronica Campbell has two years of productive service under her belt, so when the opportunity to lure her to Vantage West came about, we did our best, and sure enough she made a smooth transition to joining the our team.
Veronica is ready to help us meet the demands of our clients. She knows Kelowna inside and out, is well connected in town, and is willing to put in the hours needed to keep up with the hectic pace of the Kelowna market.
But there’s more: In a clever move for the future of the company, we managed to pick up Lucas Jackson to be a part of our marketing team. He’s a perfect fit for the feel of our office: ambitious, talented, and hell-bent on doing a good job.
Lastly, we brought in a copywriter who can bring life and color in capturing the unique traits of our clients properties. Justin Bourne, who plays hockey better than most writers and writes better than most hockey players, has built a following in The Hockey News, Max Hockey and his own personal blog, which has been recognized by the New York Times as must-read material. But above all, he is a product of the Okanagan who understands what makes every property special – and has the words to convey that to others.
So, with a long winter behind us here in the Okanagan, we turn our focus to spring. The sun is scrapping its way through the clouds to give us golf weather while the Canucks are in the thick of a playoff run full of promise.
How could you not be excited? We look forward to seeing you in Kelowna this summer!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Great Line I had to Post.
I recently came across this great line as I was getting my daily intake of real estate newsletters and books... This may be a little pointed but the point he is crystal clear. Enjoy!
A BUYERS MARKET SHOULD BE JUST THAT – A Buyers Market. It’s not a fence sitting, waiting, loitering, delaying, doddling, postponing, vacillating, hesitating, wavering, faltering, pussy footing, foot shuffling market. It’s a buyer’s market. By its very name it means buyers should be doing one thing and one thing only, Buying! So where are these buyers and why aren’t they buying.
So Lets go BUY.
Joel
A BUYERS MARKET SHOULD BE JUST THAT – A Buyers Market. It’s not a fence sitting, waiting, loitering, delaying, doddling, postponing, vacillating, hesitating, wavering, faltering, pussy footing, foot shuffling market. It’s a buyer’s market. By its very name it means buyers should be doing one thing and one thing only, Buying! So where are these buyers and why aren’t they buying.
So Lets go BUY.
Joel
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