Kelowna’s Top Liveability Factors

There is no question that Kelowna and the rest of the Okanagan Valley is a true four-season playground, with endless activities and amenities to enjoy year-round. These features factor into Kelowna’s liveability factors, which is a huge attraction for people looking to buy in the city. If you’re considering making the move to Kelowna, take a look at Kelowna’s liveability factors to determine if it’s the right community for you.
We’ve highlighted some of Kelowna’s top liveability factors to help you get a feel for the Okanagan Valley and everything it has to offer!
Kelowna Liveability: Get Outdoors
Tourism is very popular in the Okanagan Valley. This means that Kelowna and the surrounding area offer a diverse range of outdoor activities for locals and visitors alike. While the hot summer months are popular with people looking to spend time at the beach, go boating, or golfing at one of the many popular golf courses, the winter months also provide endless outdoor entertainment. Big White Ski Resort and Silver Star Mountain Resort are both short drives away from Kelowna and are fantastic locations for ski and snowboard enthusiasts. Snowshoeing is also a popular winter activity and a great way to enjoy the great outdoors and explore everything Kelowna has to offer.
Eat and Drink
If the Okanagan Valley is known for one thing in particular, it’s wine. Kelowna is considered the birthplace of winemaking in British Columbia, which makes it a popular spot for people looking to experience some of the many incredible wineries that call the Okanagan home. Kelowna boasts five unique wine trails, with over 40 wineries to visit in just a 20-minute drive. Many wineries have restaurants attached, making them a great place to spend an evening sampling fantastic food and drinks with friends or family, whether you’re a local resident or are just visiting.
Explore The Beaches
The gorgeous Okanagan Lake is the heart of the Okanagan Valley and spans a whopping 135 kilometers from Vernon in the north to Penticton in the south. Regardless of where you’re at in the valley, you’re bound to find a beach to enjoy the refreshing water during the hot summer months. Many beaches are equipped with bathrooms, playgrounds, and other amenities such as various sports courts and concessions, making them a great place to spend the whole day with friends and family. Whether you’re looking to get out on the boat, explore the shoreline in a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, or simply lounge and soak in the sun, you won’t regret checking out one of over 30 beaches in the region. If you look hard enough, you might even catch a glimpse of the elusive Ogopogo!
Popular Neighbourhoods
If you’re considering moving to Kelowna but aren’t quite sure which neighbourhoods to search in, here are a few that boast great liveability features that might be worth checking out. The Capri Landmark area is great if you’re looking to be close to work, as it is one of Kelowna’s major employment hubs and there are plenty of great apartments in the area. Lower Mission is a popular neighbourhood for those looking for easy access to trendy shops, restaurants, and the lake. There are lots of new apartments and townhomes being built in the area, making it popular with current home buyers. Finally, the heartbeat of Kelowna lies in the Downtown core, where you will find shopping, transit, and more!
Whether you’re already familiar with Kelowna or are new to the area and are looking to put down roots, these liveability factors will help you determine the best place to start looking for your perfect home in the Okanagan Valley!
Are you ready to find your Kelowna home? We can help! Contact Max Carbone today to be connected with one of our experienced real estate agents!
Why It’s Important to Know the Value of Your Home

Regardless of whether you are a current homeowner, an investor, or are looking to enter the housing market for the first time, understanding the value of your home or a home you’re looking to purchase is incredibly important. There are several different factors that can determine the value of your home, or the replacement value of your home, so make sure you take everything into consideration. Working with a real estate professional can help you better understand the current market and how it could impact your home’s value.
We’ve highlighted some of the key factors that are used to determine the value of your home.
Value of Your Home: Current Housing Market
One of the biggest factors in determining the value of your home is the current housing market. It is constantly changing with inventory levels constantly shifting, so working with a real estate agent is vital in getting a pulse on what is happening in your local market and where your home might fit within it. Taking a look at comparable properties in your area can help you get an idea of what your home might be worth, but don’t forget to factor in the type of home, square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and any updates that might set your home apart from others. An experienced real estate agent will have knowledge of the current market and your neighbourhood and will be able to help you put a number to your home’s value.
Size of Your Home
Size matters, especially when it comes to determining your home’s value. The square footage of the property itself is important to keep in mind, but it’s also a good idea to factor in the size of the lot as well. Many buyers are looking for more space, whether it’s to accommodate a home office/flex space or multiple generations living under one roof. Generally speaking, the larger a home’s footprint or the bigger the lot, the higher the resale value will be in the future.
Updates & Renovations
When determining the value of your home, it’s important to take into account any renovations or updates that have been made to the space, as these could help improve your home’s overall value. While some homeowners take on large renovations such as redoing kitchens or bathrooms to help increase their home’s value, while others keep it simple and opt to give the walls a fresh coat of paint or update flooring in certain rooms to help freshen up the space. Even small updates that might not seem like much can have a huge impact when it comes to appealing to potential buyers and boosting your home’s value.
Location
Like the current housing market conditions, the location of your home is going to have a huge impact on its overall value. Neighbourhoods that are close to amenities such as schools (public, private, and French), shopping, and green spaces are often times going to be more appealing to potential buyers who are looking to be close to those things. Considering your home’s location and proximity to different liveability factors can be a huge help when determining its overall value. An experienced real estate agent will also be able to give you information on what other homes in your area might be selling for, which can help you better understand your home’s value.
Whether you’re looking to put your home on the market or are just wanting to stay up-to-date with what is happening in the current market, it’s always important to understand the value of your home.
Curious about what your home might be worth? We can help! Contact Max Carbone today to be connected with one of our experienced real estate agents!
Finding the Right Neighbourhood in Kelowna

The home-buying process can be a stressful one, especially if you are a first-time home buyer who is going through the process for the first time. While it’s important to have your finances in order and find a knowledgeable real estate agent, one factor of home-buying that sometimes gets overlooked is choosing the right neighbourhood. Kelowna is unique in that it is a true four-season playground, with no shortage of things to do, however, you’ll want to carefully choose your ideal neighbourhood to get the most bang for your buck.
We’ve highlighted a few things to consider when choosing the best neighbourhoods in Kelowna when purchasing a home.
Decide What Type of Property You Want
One of the first things you should consider when beginning your home search is the type of property you want to live in. This can have an impact on the neighbourhood you choose. If you’re looking for a smaller condo that boasts fantastic views and great amenities, then consider one of the many new buildings going up in Kelowna’s downtown area. If you’re looking for a single-family home with a great yard, then Rutland or Glenmore are definitely neighbourhoods to check out.
Consider Affordability
Affordability is arguably one of the most important considerations when deciding which neighbourhood to live in. If you are working with a smaller budget, then consider looking at neighbourhoods like Rutland and Black Mountain, which are further from the downtown core but offer fantastic, family-friendly amenities that are appealing to those with children. Alternatively, you might want to consider looking at areas just outside of Kelowna, such as Westbank and Lake Country, which still give you the Okanagan lifestyle everyone loves without the high price tag that can often come with homes in Kelowna.
Look at Liveability Factors
Liveability factors refer to the different elements of a neighbourhood that make it a great place to live, such as proximity to different amenities, schools and parks. If you have school-age children, make sure to familiarize yourself with the different schools in the area. If you’re looking to spend lots of time outdoors exploring the beautiful Okanagan, then consider neighbourhoods like Glenmore, Wilden, and Dilworth. They are just a short drive from the downtown area and offer fantastic hiking trails right in your backyard! For those who have a higher budget and are looking to be close to the beach, then the Upper Mission and Lower Mission might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Whether you’re new to Kelowna or are simply looking for a change of pace, these tips will help you choose the right neighborhood for you and your family!
Ready to find your next home? We can help! Contact Max Carbone today to learn more!
Top Home Improvements To Tackle Before Selling Your Home

If you’re planning to put your home on the market in the next few months, it might be worthwhile to consider some home improvements before selling. While making improvements to your home before selling might seem counterintuitive, it can actually be a great way to boost your return on investment. Making a few simple upgrades can help attract potential buyers and help you get top dollar for your home.
We’ve selected a few top home improvements to make before selling your home.
Home Improvements for Selling: Upgrade Kitchen Fixtures
Home improvements, such as replacing the roof or updating flooring throughout your home can be quite costly, but there are other improvements you can make that won’t break the bank, such as upgrading the fixtures in your kitchen. Taking the time to update the hardware on your cabinets or swap out an old faucet for a new, more modern one can make a huge difference in the overall look and feel of the room, which can help catch the attention of potential buyers.
Refresh The Bathroom
Similarly to updating your kitchen, making a few, inexpensive changes to your bathroom can have a huge impact and make your home stand out on the market. Kitchens and bathrooms are high-priority rooms for many buyers, so updating the cabinet hardware or adding a fresh coat of paint is a great way to update the space and attract attention to some of your home’s special features.
Add A Fresh Coat of Paint
Potential buyers want to be able to visualize themselves living in whatever home they are viewing, and sometimes homes with bright, bold paint colours can make it difficult for buyers to do so. If you want to make a few simple upgrades before selling but don’t want to break the bank, try adding a fresh coat of paint to the walls to brighten the space and make it a blank canvas for potential buyers. Choose a light, neutral paint colour, as it will help bring light into your home and create a clean slate for whoever ends up purchasing your home.
Update Your Front Porch
The curb appeal of your home might be one of the last things you think about when it comes to making home improvements before selling, but it can actually make a huge impact. The front of your home will be the first impression, so taking the time to tidy up the front porch is a great way to make potential buyers feel welcome in the space. Make sure walkways are clear of debris and ensure that outdoor furniture is tidy and there are no tripping hazards. Adding a fresh, bright coat of paint to the front door and adding a flower pot or two will add personality to your porch and create a warm welcoming feel to your home.
While these home improvements may seem simple, they’re a great way to boost the return on investment of your home and help attract the best buyer for your space.
Are you thinking about putting your home on the market but aren’t sure what you can do to get top dollar? We can help! Contact Max Carbone to learn more.
Real Estate Report: January 2023

Local Residential Market Sales Sees Slower Than Usual Start to Year
KELOWNA, B.C. – February 6th, 2022.
Residential real estate sales started the year off with nearly half as many sales activity compared to the same month the year prior, reports the Association of Interior REALTORS® (the Association).
A total of 552 residential unit sales were recorded across the Association region in January representing a 48.6% decrease in sales compared to the bustling market of January 2022.
“This dampening in sales activity is not unexpected given current market conditions. Specifically, the cost of borrowing has risen over the course of the year and weighs heavily on homebuyers’ plans,” says the Association of Interior REALTORS® President Lyndi Cruickshank, adding that “demand is still strong, but high interest rates will likely continue to make for a slow first quarter in real estate activity.”
New residential listings saw a slight uptick of 7.1% within the region compared to January 2022 with 1,430 new listings recorded. Overall inventory saw a healthy increase of 99.8% with 6,208 units currently on the market at the close of January.
“Despite an increase in inventory, there is still a lack of affordable housing which is compounded by the high interest rates,” notes Cruickshank, adding “we are seeing buyers and sellers holding off on their real estate intentions as their money just doesn’t get them as far as what it used to.”
The benchmark price for single-family homes in the Central Okanagan, North Okanagan, South Okanagan and Shuswap/Revelstoke regions all saw some modifications in year-over-year comparisons, with a mix of increases and decreases depending on the various home types. The benchmark price for single-family homes saw decreases across all areas compared to January 2022, with the highest percentage decrease in the Central Okanagan; down 7.9%, coming in at $976,800.
The average number of daysto sell a home, always a good barometer to watch, increased to 86 days compared to last month’s 75 days. It’s important to note that the average of days on market is for the entire Okanagan region and that the indicator will vary depending on home type and sub-region.
Given the high stakes on such a significant financial transaction, home sellers and buyers can benefit from the knowledge and skills of a practiced REALTOR®. Contact your local REALTOR® to find out more about the real estate market and how they can help you achieve your real estate goals.
The Association of Interior REALTORS® is a member-based professional organization serving approximately 2,600 REALTORS® who live and work in communities across the interior of British Columbia including the Okanagan Valley, Kamloops and Kootenay regions, as well as the South Peace River region.
The Association of Interior REALTORS® was formed on January 1, 2021, through the amalgamation of the Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board and the South Okanagan Real Estate Board. The Association has since also amalgamated with the Kamloops & District Real Estate Association and the Kootenay Association of REALTORS®.
Contact your local REALTOR® to find out more about the real estate market
and how they can help you achieve your real estate goals.
5 Questions You Should Ask When Hiring a Real Estate Buyer’s Agent

Purchasing a home is likely one of the largest and most significant purchases you will make in your lifetime, so finding the right real estate agent is essential. Not only will they help walk you through the entire home-buying process from start to finish, but they will also advocate for you when it comes to negotiating and finding the perfect home. When it comes to hiring a real estate agent, taking the time to interview a few is key to finding the right one for you.
We’ve put together a list of 5 questions that you can ask when hiring a real estate agent to help you get started in your interviewing process.
Hiring a Real Estate Agent: How Long Have You Been In Real Estate?
A real estate agent that has been in the business for a long period of time will likely have more experience than a newer agent and will be able to better anticipate any problems that may arise during the home-buying process. This isn’t to say that you can’t work with a less-experienced agent, but getting a feel for how long an agent has been working in the real estate industry is a great way to start your interview. Another benefit of working with an experienced agent is that they likely have established solid relationships with other real estate services professionals, such as home inspectors, and will be able to refer you to them if needed.
What Is Your Area of Focus?
Another great question to ask your prospective agent is what their area of focus, or expertise, is. While some agents are looking to work for all sorts of clients, some have specialized focuses, such as first-time home buyers or those looking to downsize. These agents will likely have more experience with certain pain points you might experience during the home-buying process and will be able to inform and help you navigate any challenges or frustrations that you may feel.
Are You Familiar With My Desired Neighbourhood?
Finding a real estate agent that is knowledgeable about your desired area is also incredibly important, especially if you’re moving to a new city that you’re not familiar with. It’s a real estate agent’s job to know what is going on in their local market, so they will be able to help you either find a neighbourhood that will suit your needs, or give you as much information as they can on the neighbourhood you have in mind. Liveability factors play a huge role in day-to-day life, whether it be proximity to schools, transit, or other amenities, so finding an area that fulfills those requirements is key to finding your ideal home. Working with an agent who is familiar with your desired neighbourhood will also allow them to give you accurate information regarding home values in the area. This will help you get an idea of what other homes in the area have sold for and can help you determine whether or not you’re paying the right price for a property.
Can You Explain The Home-Buying Process?
You want to make sure that you end up working with a real estate agent who knows what they’re doing, which is why you should ask them to explain the entire home-buying process to you. Buying a home can be stressful and complicated at times, so working with an agent who understands the ins and outs of the process is key to making your buying experience as stress-free as possible. There are a lot of different rules and regulations when it comes to buying a home, so your real estate agent will be able to explain and help you understand everything that goes into the buying process.
Do You Have References or Reviews?
One of the most common ways that people find real estate agents is through referrals from friends and family, so you likely already have one review to rely on, but it’s always a good idea to seek out more when possible. Reviews from past clients are a great way to gauge whether or not an agent is going to be the right fit for you, so don’t be afraid to ask for more references if needed. Most agents will have reviews displayed on their website or in a Google Business profile, which makes them easy to find.
Regardless of whether or not you’re buying your first home or your fifth home, taking the time to find the right agent is essential to making sure the entire home-buying process goes smoothly and is as stress-free as possible.
Are you thinking about buying a home and want to get in touch with one of our experienced agents? We’d love to hear from you! Contact Max Carbone to learn more.
Real Estate Report: December 2022

Local Residential Market Closes the Year at Slower Pace
KELOWNA, B.C. – January 5th, 2022.
Residential real estate sales concluded 2022 with softened sales activity for the month of December, reports the Association of Interior REALTORS® (the Association).
A total of 572 residential unit sales were recorded across the Association region in December representing a 42.8% decrease in sales compared to the number of units sold during the unusually strong market of December 2021.
“After a very strong first half of 2022, we began to see market activity moderate amid consistently rising interest rates imposed by the Bank of Canada,” says the Association of Interior REALTORS® President Lyndi Cruickshank, adding that “although inventory levels remain tight, the high interest rates will continue to subdue market activity in the coming months.”
New residential listings saw a decline of 20.7% within the region compared to December 2021 with 651 new listings recorded. However, the overall inventory saw a 93.5% spike with 6,001 units currently on the market at the close of December 2022.
“Looking to 2023, we anticipate inventory will continue to accumulate, as compared to recent years, with all signs pointing to more balanced conditions with buyers and sellers benefitting equally,” notes Cruickshank, adding “real estate professionals will continue to support buyers and sellers as they navigate the real estate markets across the region.”
The benchmark price for single-family homes in the Central Okanagan, North Okanagan, South Okanagan and Shuswap/Revelstoke regions all saw moderate decreases in year-over-year comparisons. The benchmark price in all other housing categories saw minor to moderate increases compared to December 2021, with the highest percentage increase in the townhouse category for the North Okanagan; up 13.8% compared to December 2021, coming in at $574,400.
The average number of days to sell a home, always a good barometer to watch, increased to 75 days compared to last month’s 65 days. It’s important to note that the average of days on market is for the entire Okanagan region and that the indicator will vary depending on home type and sub-region.
Given the high stakes on such a significant financial transaction, home sellers and buyers can benefit from the knowledge and skills of a practiced REALTOR®. Contact your local REALTOR® to find out more about the real estate market and how they can help you achieve your real estate goals.
The Association of Interior REALTORS® is a member-based professional organization serving approximately 2,600 REALTORS® who live and work in communities across the interior of British Columbia including the Okanagan Valley, Kamloops and Kootenay regions, as well as the South Peace River region.
The Association of Interior REALTORS® was formed on January 1, 2021, through the amalgamation of the Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board and the South Okanagan Real Estate Board. The Association has since also amalgamated with the Kamloops & District Real Estate Association and the Kootenay Association of REALTORS®.
Contact your local REALTOR® to find out more about the real estate market
and how they can help you achieve your real estate goals.
Festive Community Events In the Okanagan

There is something magical about wintertime in the Okanagan, which makes the holiday season a great time to get out and enjoy some of the festive events throughout the valley. If you’re looking for fun things to do in the Okanagan this holiday season, check out this list of upcoming events we’ve compiled that are perfect for the entire family to enjoy!
Festival of Trees @ Delta Grand
FREE EVENT
When: November 18th, 2022 – January 3rd, 2023
Where: Delta Grand Okanagan Resort, 1310 Water St.
What: Gather the family and come down to the Festival of Trees, a local community event where local businesses and organizations come together to support BC Children’s Hospital. Decorated trees are displayed at the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort & Mission Hill Family Estate Winery for members of the community to enjoy and vote on.
Candy Cane Lane Kelowna
FREE EVENT
When: Month of December 2022 | 5:00pm – 11:00pm
Where: Springvalley community, between Ziprick Rd, Springfield Rd & Gertsmar Rd | Kelowna
What: The 12th annual Candy Cane Lane is a grassroots, neighbourhood-driven celebration of holiday lights. Visitors are encouraged to bring a donation for their drop box, with donations being collected for the women’s shelter, Mamas for Mamas, and the Salvation Army. Donations also go towards the Springvalley Elementary breakfast program and a few select individuals who are going through hard times.
For more information, visit the Candy Cane Lane Facebook page.
Silverstar Annual Light Up
FREE EVENT
When: Saturday, December 10th, 2022 | 3:00 – 8:00pm
Where: SilverStar Mountain Resort, 123 Shortt St.
What: Spend an evening at SilverStar Mountain Resort and enjoy fireworks, fire spinners, light displays, the Polson Artisan Market, roaming entertainers, and more!
For more information & full schedule, CLICK HERE.
Merry & Bright: Winter Pop-Up Market
FREE EVENT
When: Sunday, December 11th, 2022 | 12:00 – 4:00pm
Where: Vice & Virtue Brewing Co., 1033 Richter St, Kelowna
What: Head over to Vice & Virtue for a festive, wintery pop-up market in their backyard! Grab a beer and shop local, handmade arts, crafts, decor, and more! A perfect opportunity to finish off any last-minute Christmas shopping.
Menorah Lighting & Display
FREE EVENT
When: Sunday, December 18th, 2022 | 5:00 – 7:00pm
Where: Stuart Park, 1430 Water St, Kelowna
What: Presented by Chabad Okanagan, this event will celebrate the first night of Hannukah. Watch as the first candle of the Menorah is lit and enjoy traditional holiday foods, as well as festive music and entertainment.
The Nutcracker – Presented by Mission Dance Centre & Company
TICKETED EVENT
When: December 22nd, 2022 | 7:30pm & December 23rd | 3:00pm & 7:30pm
Where: Rotary Centre for the Arts, 421 Cawston Rd, Kelowna
What: Experience the magic of the season with Mission Dance Company as they present The Nutcracker, featuring their talented and passionate dancers. Each show also offers a silent auction, photos, and poster signings by the stars, as well as a VIP after-performance.