Really - you can't afford the most critical element of a great REALTOR®.

You really cannot afford the most critical element of a great REALTOR. It is not for sale, at any price. That most priceless element is trustworthiness. It is a priceless find, in any field, but most especially in the area where you likely will spend WAY more money than anywhere else.

When I speak with an auto service station I, of course, want a talented mechanic. I want to have any repair or improvement done that is legitimately in my jeep's (Ruby's) best interest. What I need, what I really, really need, is a trustworthy mechanic that will give me the honest goods -- whether it serves their best interest or not.

And, you're like me, right? You just want the truth from your professional.

If a furnace technician comes to my home, I want to hear about what is needed to keep my furnace happy and running for years to come. What I do not need is to be up-sold into a system I don't really need. And I certainly don't want someone to try to scare me into a decision not in my best interest.

When I go to my bank teller, I'd like to be honestly told what other services may be of help -- but not hear someone who has been instructed to sell me a product I don't need; or increase my credit limit when I don't use the current amount available even.

And vets. My goodness; how we need one who is sensible, clear, compassionate and understands money does factor in. Who else has felt shamed at their vet's office for not spending more money on testing or unnecessary shots or treatments? We just want the honest truth, don't we? Even if that is a hard truth. 

Next time I buy a horse (there will be a next time, right?) I really want the seller to be up front and honest with me. When I ask for steady Eddie I don't want "most of the time." It is, quite literally, my neck at stake.

I want my professional money manager to be forthright and clear about my options. It would break my heart if he sold me something because he got an extra bonus and not because he believed it would be of great benefit to my portfolio.

Is your lifetime REALTOR just as quick to tell you a home is not a good buy as they are to point out the benefits? Do they honestly run through your options with you even, and especially, if it means they will not profit from your decision? If so, keep close to that professional!

Words like transparency, ethics, integrity and honesty all fit under the banner of trustworthy. And, if your REALTOR is the real deal they would simply be unable to sleep or live with themselves if they put their paycheck ahead of your best interest. If you have the slightest doubt about any professional you're working with, run -- run out the door.

When you find a professional in any field -- but most especially in real estate -- that is trustworthy to the core AND great at what they do....well, that is gold, pure and simple. You will profit. They will profit. You will sleep. They will sleep.

Predicting 2017 Real Estate in North Okanagan

Happy New Year, my friends!

Here I go stepping out into speculation....surely if I had a perfect crystal ball I'd be a zillionairess, but I'll share the benefit of my educated opinion on what to expect of our market this year in the North Okanagan.

2016 saw great economic development in our area: a high rise going in downtown Vernon, glass plant being purchased and re-purposed in Coldstream, building permits soaring, expansion at Predator Ridge, the old Legion building downtown Vernon being purchased, several retirement community units going in at north end of Vernon.....the list goes on.

Traffic in Kelowna -- for us more country loving folks -- is becoming too thick for comfort and Lake Country is going gangbusters so there is a natural push toward the North Okanagan where wildness and small town living still feels like an option.

Based on evidence and based on non-evidence I predict a solid year in real estate. I think prices will continue their gradual rise, vacancy rates will stay very low (encouraging rental housing investment), new building will continue apace and we'll see more "fix and flips" this year.

People who purchased in the 07 frenzy can now recoup their investment and more. 

I expect to see lakefront pricing getting higher and some more luxury homes going in on lake front and lake view lots. Given our fortune in having Okanagan, Kalamalka, Swan and many smaller lakes in the North Okanagan....well, this is a complete draw in it's own right!

And the Okanagan Rail Trail is happening! This is going to bring an uptick in tourism (already at record highs with our great Silver Star and world class golf and lake lifestyle.) More people will see; and inevitably fall in love with our most amazing area.

If you're looking for economy......greatest rental buy right now in my opinion is in the Mountainview Apartments if you're looking for a rental. The entire building inside and out has been renovated and strata is doing a superb job at keeping costs low and lifestyle appreciated. (Full disclosure, I have a rental unit in there.) This building was getting a bit shop worn but is now a gem with easy walking to all amenities. Prices are soft in there and I expect them to rise significantly over the next year.

Best lot value is The Rise with many view lots at bargain prices. The new golf course owners seem to be going full steam ahead on a new club house and the owner/investors have built out "The Bellagio" so hammers are swinging. This was another development that got caught in the 08 economic downturn and 1st developer woes. I expect over the next few years this property will get its groove back.

Single family housing gets less expensive both in the inner city and also the further out you go. I'd love to see more residential downtown -- lofts above businesses and the like!

Whitevale is one area that is often overlooked -- the back road between Lavington and Lumby. It is a beautiful valley with affordable housing options.

That's it for now!! Enjoy home. There really is no place like it.