Saw the movie 2012 a few nights ago and give it 3/5 stars. The 3 stars are all earned for the graphics in this film. Which means that you should get out to the theatre to see it – unless you have a really big screen at home – I think it could be the only way to truly appreciate it.
Overall I found the movie to be a bit long. Previews started at 9:05 and we didn’t walk out until midnight. There were a few moments where it seemed to drag and like many movies of this length, they could have made some points a bit quicker (and I still bet there was tons on the cutting room floor!).
Although the idea behind the film is certainly interesting – I found that the film itself skipped over a lot of the interesting history behind the end of the Mayan calendar – would liked to have had a bit more of that. If you have an appreciation for great graphics – go see it in the theatre – otherwise – add it to your rental list.
Personally I think we may just be safe here in Kelowna – but never say never – so maybe a party with friends and family is in order on December 20th – Just in case!
For more information on Kelowna Real Estate and the Kelowna Area please visit Trish Wise & Teresa Smith at www.trishwise.com
November 2009 – Central Okanagan and Kelowna Real Estate Statistics
The Kelowna real estate market decreased this month from a price perspective. November 2009 average house price decreased 5.2% from $475,910 to $451,311 throughout the month. Average house price is down 2.10% from the November 2008 average of $460,992.
The number of Kelowna/Central Okanagan sellers has decreased. The number of total units listed in November is down 13.43% to 651 units over last year’s 752 units. How many SOLDS did we see? A huge increase compared to last year when the market was on its way down – with 303 units sold vs. the 150 units sold in November 2008. Days on market increased to 112. Residential Sell to Inventory Ratio decreased to 10.93% .
For more information on Kelowna Real Estate and the Kelowna Area visit Trish Wise and Teresa Smith at www.trishwise.com
(1) Source www.OMREB.com statistics – please verify if important
So is your “true love” worth $21,466 USD? That’s what it will cost you to purchase the items in the song 12 Days of Christmas this year (up $385 USD from last year). Based on the article from the Associated Press – here is the break down…
Partridge in a Pear Tree – $160
Two Turtle Doves – $56
Three French Hens – $45
Four Calling Birds – $600
Five Golden Rings – $500
Six Geese a Laying – $150
Seven Swans a Swimming – $5,250 (wow swans are expensive)
Eight Maids a Milking – $58 ($7.25 an hour?? Not sure how they calculated this one)
Nine Ladies Dancing – $5,473 per performance
Ten Lords a Leaping – $4,414 per performance
Eleven Pipers Piping – $2,285 per performance (pays to learn how to dance!)
Twelve Drummers Drumming – $2,475 per performance
There you have it! This research was done by PNC Financial Service Group – and although it’s all done in fun, they say that they to check Jewelry Stores, Dance Companies, Pet Stores and other sources to put their list together and get an accurate index based on today’s economic times.
Now you know what my “true love” is getting for Christmas (if I win the lottery that is!).
For more information on Kelowna Real Estate and the Kelowna Area please visit Trish Wise & Teresa Smith at www.trishwise.com
If you have never been to Chutney on Pandosy Street you must go! What a treat! For those of you who have never ventured out to try Indian Cuisine I highly recommend you give it a go (this is just my personally opinion). Although many of us think all the food will be spicy hot – they will cater to your liking and make each dish as hot or as mild as you like. The flavours and incredible and well worth getting a crowd together whether it’s a night out or take out! Order as many dishes as you can and share amongst you. Personally I like the saucy dishes as the Nan bread is the best for soaking it all up (probably not proper etiquette).
So here is what I recommend – start with some Veggie Samosas – they are yummy! Order Nan & Papadams & Rice to go with the following dishes. Butter Chicken, Vindaloo (your choice of protein), Tikka Masal (your choice of protein), Shahi Korma (your choice of protein) & if you like Lamb get the Lamb Rogen Josh. The Hotness scale runs from 1 – 6 (1 mild, 2 mild medium, 3 medium, 4 medium hot, 5 hot, 6 extra hot). Personally I stick to the 1 or 2 setting but if you like the heat – it’s available.
Try something new!
For more information on Kelowna Real Estate and the Kelowna Area please visit Trish Wise & Teresa Smith at www.trishwise.com
Well I must admit it’s perfect timing! Our Kentland Show Home is one of the homes featured in this weekend’s Home for the Holidays tour and a dusting of snow will definitely help the Holiday Feelings come alive.
Home for the Holidays is an annual fund raiser event put on by the Rotary Centre for the Arts. A few homes around Kelowna are decorated from Top to Bottom by local designers and teams of volunteers. It is a great way to see some new and trendy decorating ideas for the year as well as see the workmanship of the builders who kindly donate their homes for display.
Although they make it look easy – having witnessed first hand the process that goes in to setting up one of these homes – I can tell you that it’s far from it. The number of hours that goes in to planning, getting decorations, directing volunteers, putting up decorations, adding lights, having it all co-ordinated with a theme and getting the sparkles out of the carpet – it’s huge!
Barbara Katnich is our Home Stager that we have used for years. This year she has teamed up with Kentland Homes to create a spectacular transformation well worth the price of a ticket. There are 6 homes in total and it’s a self guided tour – fun to get the girls together and head out either Saturday or Sunday afternoon or make it a girl’s night out and take in the lights on Friday or Saturday evening. All proceeds go to community programs run by the Rotary Centre – a great cause.
We hope to see you all out there!
For more information on Kelowna Real Estate please visit Trish Wise & Teresa Smith at www.trishwise.com
October 2009 – Central Okanagan and Kelowna Real Estate Statistics
The Kelowna real estate market increased slightly this month from a price perspective. October 2009 average house price increased 2.5% from $464,131 to $475,910 throughout the month. Average house price is up 2.96% from the October 2008 average of $462,239.
The number of Kelowna/Central Okanagan sellers has decreased. The number of total units listed in October is down 14.02% to 889 units over last year’s 1034 units. How many SOLDS did we see? A huge increase compared to last year when the market was on its way down – with 417 units sold vs. the 173 units sold in October 2008. Days on market decreased to 95. Residential Sell to Inventory Ratio increased to 15.60% .
(1) Source www.OMREB.com statistics – please verify if important
For more information on Kelowna Real Estate visit Trish Wise & Teresa Smith at www.trishwise.com
Family Standards…Welcome to a home whose total design celebrates family. Everyone gets a room, with 4 bedrooms up, and guests are treated to their own space and privacy down. Friends will gather in this very entertaining kitchen–a kitchen that works for YOU. Slow down and catch up in a generous great room where you can lounge around and be together. The feeling of space extends outdoors with over 1/3 acre, room for a pool and then some. Take in lake views and “the lay of the land” from your deck. The kids will ride their bikes and play hockey out front, with this quiet cul-de-sac location. Walking trails, recreation, beaches and wineries right outside your door. Feel at home…5065 Treadgold.
For more information on Kelowna Real Estate visit Trish Wise & Teresa Smith at www.trishwise.com
Wow what great value. 3200 sq.ft., 5 bedroom, media room, rec.space, and all within walking distance to the new, high tech, “green” – Chute Lake Elementary!
Made to Order…You’ll be impressed from the moment you drive up to this family savvy home. Right from the easy flowing floor plan to the comfortable, relaxed feel where everyone has their own space.You’ll have the main floor master retreat, while upstairs, you’ll find dedicated space for the kids w/ 2 bedrooms, a bath & a place for homework or reading. The finished basement provides for 2 more bedrooms, a bath, ton-o-storage, a media area, wetbar & rec area. You will be entertained.The kitchen’s where all the best ingredients come together: food, fun, friends & family. An inviting, functional space for making everyday meals & a casual, comfortable spot for you, a cup of coffee & a good read. The kids will walk to school. Nice.
315 McCarren Ave. – in the Award winning community of Kettle Valley.
For more information on Kelowna Real Estate please visit Trish Wise & Teresa Smith at www.trishwise.com
Often sellers are worried about putting their home on the market in the fall. Gardens are done, colder weather is upon us and generally we don’t feel that our properties are at their best. But there are a few thing you can do to make your home more presentable in the changing weather.
The most important thing to remember is your first impression! Which means you’ve got to focus on the yard and curb appeal. Rake leaves, keep lawn trim, prune your garden, & clear gutters. Although things are no longer in bloom, the yard should look neat and trim. Some planted mums by the front door and a new door mat always add a bit of colour and comfort as prospective buyers walk up to your home.
Next – get it clean! Everything – especially windows. Since we have less natural day light this time of year you want to let as much light in to your home as possible. Make sure all your surfaces are q-tip clean – they will reflect light and make your home seem brighter.
Make the house smell nice – bake some cookies, use cinnamon in your coffee or boil a pot of water with some cinnamon stick in it just before your showing. These smells make buyers feel at home the moment they walk through the door.
If you are at home just before a showing, turn on all the lights, the gas fireplace ( if you have one) and turn some music on. All of these things will help give a good impression and make the buyers feel at home.
Remember – you only have one chance to make a first impression! Make Buyers feel welcome and show them how well you take care of your home.
For more information on Kelowna Real Estate visit Trish Wise & Teresa Smith at www.trishwise.com
