Michael Hughes - REALTOR® for Vernon Real Estate BC

An alternative look at the HST ( Harmonized Sales Tax )

2009-08-26T10:25:00.000-07:00

Check out this alternative look ath the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) in BC: http://www.century21.ca/michael.hughes/Blog/A_different_look_at_the_HST_Harmonized_Sales_Tax_in_BC
let me know what you think.

New HST Harmonized Sales Tax information regarding Real Estate

2009-08-07T09:15:00.000-07:00

Here is a great bit of information regarding the new HST, Enjoy the read!

HARMONIZED SALES TAX
On July 23, 2009, Premier Gordon Campbell and Finance Minister Colin Hansen announced that, effective July 1, 2010, BC will adopt a Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), combining the seven per cent Provincial Sales Tax (PST) with the five per cent federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) for a single sales tax rate of 12 per cent.
An additional seven per cent tax will be charged on a variety of real estate related services, including commissions, appraisals and other services that are currently exempt, as well as adding thousands of dollars in additional costs to new home purchases.
Looking to offset the increase in costs, the Government of BC plans to offer a partial rebate of the provincial portion of the HST for new housing to ensure that new homes up to $400,000 will bear no more tax than under the current PST system, while homes above $400,000 will receive a flat rebate of about $20,000.

What does this mean for REALTORS®?
As proposed, the HST will increase the cost of buying or selling a home and becomes essentially an additional tax on home ownership. Under the HST, REALTOR® commissions will be subject to a 12 per cent tax, replacing the five per cent GST now charged. New home sales over $400,000 will be dramatically impacted, as buyers will now have to pay an additional seven per cent tax (even with the $20,000 flat rebate). This will act as a disincentive to buyers of new homes in the short term.

Next Steps
Although no consultation occurred before the announcement, BCREA is working on recommendations to keep the impact of the HST as neutral as possible with respect to housing attainability. BCREA President John Tillie is preparing an opinion editorial for publication in the Vancouver Sun on Wednesday, July 29.
More information will be available once the BCREA Board of Directors, staff and member boards have had a chance to review and analyze potential strategies.

Real estate boards, real estate associations and REALTORS® may reprint this content, provided that credit is given to BCREA by including the following statement: "Copyright British Columbia Real Estate Association. Reprinted with permission." BCREA makes no guarantees as to the accuracy or completeness of this information.
Copyright © British Columbia Real Estate Association
1420 – 701 Georgia Street West
PO Box 10123, Pacific Centre
Vancouver, BC V7Y 1C6
Phone: 604.683.7702Fax: 604.683.8601
www.bcrea.bc.ca bcrea@bcrea.bc.ca

Great article about a Lake View Home For Sale

2009-06-30T11:05:00.000-07:00

The following article was written about this lake front home for sale at 8160 Okanagan Landing Road. Enjoy!

The Art of Living (Well)
-Johanna Ward

B.C.’s Okanagan Valley is renowned worldwide for its relaxed outdoor lifestyle – visitors and residents alike flock to the region to enjoy warm sunny summers, world-class vineyards and golf courses, sailing and swimming, while the mild winters attract skiers and snowboarders to the powder-filled local mountains. Centrally located a few hours from Vancouver, this friendly, laid-back region is fast becoming a top destination.

This appeal has led to a period of growth and evolution in the real estate market, with new homes and condominiums cropping up across the region. A grass-roots movement to encourage harmony between buildings and their surroundings has taken root, and the result has been a flowering of innovative architecture throughout the valley.

A stunning new residence near Vernon that has recently come onto the market is a shining example of this trend. Already attracting attention from buyers, agents and architects alike, this two-story lifestyle residence nestled into the hillside overlooking Lake Okanagan seems at first glance to be a part of its surroundings.

Built in 2008 and boasting over 2,000 feet of living space, this spectacular three-bedroom family home offers lake and mountain views from every window, and every modern amenity available. Reached by a private driveway, the structure’s modern design welcomes visitors with its warm ochre stucco and green hillside backdrop.

Click here to take a virtual tour

As you enter through the front door, you are embraced by the open-concept layout, blending functionality and beauty in perfect harmony. A modern gourmet kitchen features every amenity, from granite-topped counters and top-of-the-line appliances to a breakfast bar and high-efficiency stainless hood exhaust.

The family chef can chat with guests or family members in the open living and family rooms overarched by a vaulted ceiling and floodlit by double-height, high-efficiency windows. A traditional fireplace divides the kitchen from the central living area, making it a perfect gathering place for cool winter evenings, while the adjacent dining room offers unrestricted views of the nearby lake.

The great room opens onto a large covered terrace, which acts as an extension of the home and overlooks beautiful Lake Okanagan. The terrace flows into a fully landscaped yard, featuring a large barbecue area and is ideal for family dinners or entertaining friends. The yard also features a putting green where golfers can hone their short game, and a large six-person hot tub, the perfect place to sit and watch the sun set while sipping chilled white wine from one of the area’s many vineyards.

The large master suite is located on the ground floor, and features a walk-in closet and luxurious en-suite bathroom with a separate double shower and soaker tub. Upstairs, there are two more large bedrooms, each with their own private deck, and another luxury bath. A family media room completes the second floor, and provides a great place for children and visitors alike to relax undisturbed, watch television, or listen to music on the built-in sound system.

The home’s structural wiring is set up to accommodate high-speed Internet, cable, and a security system, and can readily be transformed into a “smart” house, if desired. High efficiency heating and cooling systems keep energy use to a minimum, and the tankless, on-demand hot water system means the home’s environmental impact is kept to a minimum. The house also features a high-efficiency washer-dryer in the roomy utility room and low-consumption lighting.

An unexpected amenity is the “flex room” found off the covered parking area. Reached by a separate entrance, this large room offers a huge range of potential – gym, home office, or studio. A heated crawl space provides additional storage.

This residence’s private and secluded location belies its proximity to nearby amenities – boating and sailing enthusiasts can be at the Vernon Yacht Club in just a few minutes, the Rise Golf Course is nearby, and hiking, swimming and other recreation is close by at Paddlewheel Park and Kin Beach.

For more information on this unique property, or to arrange a tour, please contact Brell or Michael @ 250-549-2103

Written by: http://www.johannaward.com/

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Bella Vista neighbourhood info Vernon BC

2008-05-30T12:09:00.000-07:00

Bella Vista is a gorgeous neighborhood with great views and is close to everything. It has Schools, Shopping, and plenty of things to keep you busy. There is Davison Orchards & Farm Market Open Mid-May through to October 3. Summer: 8 am - 8 pm Starting Mid-September 8:30 am - 5:30 pm. Also Planet Bee World, with Extended Summer Hours Website: http://www.planetbee.com/ , are two places to enjoy your neighborhood. We also have the Bella Vista Farm Market which is open June to November, Summer: 8 am - 8 pm Winter: 8 am - 6 pm. Here is a link to many of the things we offer here in the Vernon area:http://www.virtualvernon.com/see-and-do/agri-tourism.php?HSC=FARM

Bella Vista has a Weather Station and this link will take you to the Average Temperatures, Rainfall, and the Maximums from this station and others in the entire Okanagan area:http://www.growers-supply-co.com/weather_network.htm

Vernon is one of the communities in the Okanagan Valley. Vernon has been shaped by gold rushes, ranching, orchards, adrenaline seekers as well as, business visionaries. This is the place where you can ski in the morning and play golf in the afternoon, see a concert or ballet in the evening and visit a brewery or winery the next day. It has all the services of a large centre (The Vernon Jubilee Hospital is the largest for any town its size in Western Canada), and still retains its heart as a pure small town. All of these services are a few minutes from your front door in the Bella Vista area. If you want to be a part of this incredible neighborhood give me a call and I will help you find your home!

Enhancing Your Curb Appeal

2008-04-11T10:12:00.000-07:00

You don't get a second chance to make a good first impression.The same holds true for people trying to sell their homes. Would-be buyers may not make up their minds based on curb appeal, but many don't even bother to come inside if they are turned off by how a house looks as they pull up to the front door. In other words, all the emphasis on interior home staging, or "prepping a home's interior for maximum appeal "could be for nothing if you ignore the home's exterior. You have only a few key moments to spark someones interest, so it pays to put your best facade forward.

The good news is that you can beef up your home's exterior for less than $500 and a weekend's worth of time. And if you want to go whole hog by replacing the siding, adding a porch or replacing your old, worn-out windows, you should be able to recoup most of your cost. According to the 2007 "Cost vs. Value Report" from Remodeling magazine, a trade publication, the projects offering the greatest return on investment involved what could be called "curb-scaping", new siding, a deck and new windows. The payback for siding and decks was greater than that for remodeling a kitchen, and the payoff for replacing windows was just a few percentage points behind.But you don't have to go to all that trouble to make your home's exterior more inviting. All it takes is a critical eye. In order to make a house appealing to prospective buyers, it is important to create attractive finishing touches that make it stand out from the curb.

A great way to start is to take a step back. Walk across the street, turn around and look back at your place from a wide view, searching for positive features that could be highlighted and negative elements that need to be hidden from plain sight or corrected. It will also help to take a photograph of your house, which can be used as a basis for the improvements you might want to make. But opt for black and white rather than color, as suggested by a landscape designer , because color can affect your perception of problem areas.

Before and After

A fresh coat of paint is always a good idea. Nothing creates impact more than color. But because different people have different tastes, it's always a good idea to use neutral tones and earth tones as the main color with stronger colors to accent, like the doors and windows for example. Keep in mind, though, that two or three hues are usually enough to make a statement. If painting the exterior isn't an option, painting just the shutters or front door to add a little pop, or even just the door and window frames.

The front door should be visible from the front street. If it isn't, consider adding an arbor or some other landscape element to point visitors in the right direction. Because would-be buyers show up just as often after dark as in the daytime, replace your front-door light fixtures with new, brighter, shiny ones. Also, consider adding landscape lighting. And remember to keep them lit in the evening. You never know when a potential purchaser might drive by for a quick look. If you have a front porch, clean or replace whatever furniture you might have out there, and put out some new throw pillows. Give visitors a place to stop and enjoy the front door. Adding a new polished door-knocker is a good way to give your entryway a little character and charm. Accenting the doorway with decorative pots or planters also can add vitality and life.

If you have a garage, treat the doors in the same way. If they are in bad shape, consider replacing them. In some houses, garage doors take up half the front or more. The http://www.garagewownow.com/ website demonstrates how garage doors can spruce up curb appeal. And remember to keep the doors closed at all times so visitors will see the full effect not to mention it will help to hide the clutter that is usually inside. Don't forget the walk and driveway, either. They need to be clean and free of cracks or weeds. Also, remember to put the kids' toys, the hose and other gardening tools away and out of sight.

Fresh grass or sod is another cost-effective way to dress up your homes exterior. Seeding is the least-expensive way to go, but it is more time-consuming than sod, if only because it could take several months for a mature lawn to grow in. Sod is a much faster way to go, but it is far more costly, especially if you have to hire someone to do the work. Either way, though, make sure that you start the process long before your house is put on the market. The last thing you want visitors to see is a bunch of stakes and ropes that cordon off freshly planted areas and signs that warn folks to "keep off the grass." Chances are you already have trees and shrubs, so you won't have to reinvest in those key design elements. If you don't, consider adding them. If you do, make sure they are trimmed and tidy. Fresh mulch will make them stand out even more, and remove dead leaves and debris that tend to detract from the overall effect. If your house is going on the market in the growing season, adding flowers is another minimal investment with a maximum payoff by adding colour and life to your home.

Fences and gates are far more expensive, but they are an excellent way to frame your entire yard and set it apart from your neighbours. They also help differentiate between the public versus private areas of your home.Before you start a project of this magnitude, though, it's always a good idea to reconfirm your property lines and clue in the neighbors about your plans. The last thing you want is to overstep your boundaries or anger the folks next door.

You can enhance your home's curb appeal almost instantly by:

Applying a fresh coat of paint, or adding color to trim and shutters for extra visual effect.
Replacing your light fixtures and front-door knob with new, brighter, shiny fixtures. Leave the lights on in the evening.
Cleaning or replacing front-porch furniture, and putting out some new throw pillows.
Accenting the front door with decorative pots or planters.
Cleaning the driveway and repairing cracks.
Put the kids' toys and the garden hose out of sight.

For more ideas, see the Curb Appeals website http://www.curbappeals.com/

"Table 24", definatelythe place to eat in the Okanagan

2008-04-07T17:00:00.000-07:00

This is a question that I always find myself asking. I want a place with Great Food, Great Atmosphere and Great Service. I happened across such a place. It is called "Table 24" and is located at 20 Hudson Avenue NE, Salmon Arm. The Atmosphere was very comfortable and welcoming as was the first member of staff that greeted us. Her name was Gina and she had a big smile on her face as she welcomed us in. We had our choice of where we wanted to sit and chose a window seat. The Restaurant is in an old city building and we were told we were sitting in what was once the old Sheriff's office. It was nice that there was a knowledge of the history that surrounded us. We ordered some red wine and looked at the menu. "The menu changes seasonally so that we keep everything fresh" said Gina as she poured our wine smiling. She then told us about the specials and gave us a few moments to look things over. The menu was quite varied and we settled on the Smoked chicken with a beet rizotto and the Duck in a blackberry con-fit. Sounds incredible right? Let me assure you it was! Just after ordering we were presented with an "amuse bouche" which was a bruschetta in a puff pastry (all made on site). It was delightful! The portion size was perfect, not too big not too small. the flavours were very fresh and full. After we had out main course we indulged in the dessert. Chocolate mousse and creme brule. Now I am a huge fan of creme brule and have had many a serving! This was one of the best. If it wasn't rude I swear I would have licked the plate! If you ever want a first class night out, take the time to head to Salmon Arm and visit Gina at Table 24, It is completely worth the drive! Check out the website at http://www.table24.ca/

Colour - still more

2008-04-07T16:58:00.000-07:00

Brown
The colour of Mother Earth, brown brings a sense of stability which can alleviate insecurity. Light brown implies genuineness. However, it can also relate to bottling up of emotions, a retreat from or a fear of the outside world, and also narrow-mindedness. Brown can also be sad and wistful which often results from a lack of self-worth.
Gold
Very much like yellow, gold is associated with the sun and is therefore related to abundance and power, higher ideals, wisdom, and understanding. It is said to be mentally revitalizing, energizing, and inspiring, and helpful for fear, uncertainty, and lack of interest. Pale gold is an excellent colour for combating depression and sharpens the mind.

Colour info continued

2008-04-07T16:55:00.000-07:00

White
The colour of ultimate purity. White is an all-round colour of protection, bringing peace and comfort, alleviating emotional shock and despair, and assisting with an inner cleansing of emotions, thoughts and spirit. If you require time and space to look back on your life, white can give you a feeling of freedom and uncluttered openness. Too much white, however, can be cold and isolating, because white separates us from other people.
Black
This colour can be comforting, protective, and mysterious. It is associated with silence, the infinite, and the feminine life force - passive, uncharted, and mysterious. Black also may prevent us from growing and changing. We often surround ourselves in black to hide from the world. Black also implies submission.
Gray
Associated with independence, self-reliance and self-control; gray can act as a shield from outside influence. However, gray in general has a negative feeling like thick gray clouds, fog, and smoke. Gray is the colour of evasion and non-commitment since it is neither black nor white. It relates to blocking everything off, remaining separated, uncommitted, and uninvolved, inevitably leading to loneliness. It also denotes self-criticism.
Silver
Silver is the colour of the moon, which is ever-changing. It relates to the feminine principle and the emotional, sensitive aspect of the mind. It creates balance, harmony, and is said to be mentally cleansing.

Colour and more colour

2008-04-07T16:53:00.000-07:00

Indigo, Violet, and Purple
Indigo, violet and purple have been known to have a deep affect on the psyche and have been used in psychiatric care to help calm and pacify patients suffering from a number of mental and nervous disorders. These colours stabilize and balance the mind and can also help transform obsessions and fears. Indigo is a powerful, psychic colour associated with the right side of the brain, and stimulates intuition and imagination. It is also a strong sedative. Violet and purple are colours of transformation at a very deep level, bringing peace and combating shock or fear. They have a cleansing effect on emotional disturbances. They are also connected with artistic and musical impulses, as well as, mystery, and sensitivity to beauty and high ideals, stimulating creativity, inspiration, sensitivity, spirituality, and compassion. The color of royalty, purple carries overtones of luxury, wealth, and sophistication.
Magenta
Magenta draws us out of feelings of despondency or worry about our condition, as well as, feelings of anger or frustration, and lets our spirits soar. It is known as a spiritual colour but also with many practical overtones, associated with a compassion, support, and kindness. From a negative perspective, magenta, like violet, makes us desire to be lifted out of the demanding world and avoid challenges. It can also be too relaxing. So avoid magenta if you are chronically depressed or introverted.

Still more about Colour

2008-04-07T16:51:00.000-07:00

Green
Green has a strong connection with nature, helping us connect with understanding the feelings of others and the natural world. The colour green is known to aid in concentration. Instinctively people seek it out when under stress or if they are experiencing emotional trauma. Green creates a feeling of comfort, laziness and relaxation, calmness and space, lessening stress which helps in balancing and soothing the emotions. It is the easiest color on the eye and has been known to improve vision. It's a calming and quite refreshing color. Dark green is helpful for emotional uncertainty with a masculine, conservative feel, and gives the implication of wealth. But when green becomes muddy, dull, or olive, it conveys decay. Just like fallen leaves when they return to the Earth, muddy green can give the representation of the onset of death, is nondescript and unassertive, and even a negation of life and joy. Lime and olive-green have been known to have a detrimental effect on both physical and emotional health since sickly yellows and greens are associated with the strong emotions of envy, resentment, and possessiveness.
Turquoise
People associate blue-greens with the refreshing and cool ocean. It is therefore seen as invigorating, cooling, and calming. Much like green, turquoise is good for mental strain and tiredness or feeling burnt-out. It is an elevating colour that encourages us to create a sparkling fresh start. Turquoise can also be helpful for dealing with feelings of loneliness, since it heightens communication, sensitivity, and creativity.
Blue
Blue is known to be a cool, calming colour and is associated with a higher part of the mind than yellow. It is a representation of the night, therefore it makes us feel calm and relaxed as if we are being soothed by the deep blue of the night sky. Light and soft blues, give us feelings of quiet and protection from all the bustle and activity of the day, and can alleviate insomnia and prevent nightmares. Peaceful, tranquil blue causes the body to produce calming chemicals, which is why it is often used in bedrooms. Blue also inspires mental control, clarity, and creativity. People are proven to be more productive in blue rooms as it helps to promote intellectual thought. Studies show weightlifters are able to handle heavier weights in blue gyms. Midnight blue has a strong sedative effect on the mind, allowing us an avenue to connect to our intuitive and feminine side. Too much dark blue can be depressing, however. Blue is also believed to help in weight loss by keeping hunger at bay.

More about Colour

2008-04-07T16:49:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more bits of information about colour for you.
Pink
Pink is emotionally soothing and calming, and gives a feeling of gentle warmth and nurturing. It can lessen feelings of irritation and aggression, enveloping us in a sense of love and protection. It can also alleviate loneliness, despondency, oversensitivity, and vulnerability. Pink is often associated with unselfish love. One of the most romantic colors, pink, is quite tranquilizing. Sports teams have been known to paint the locker rooms used by visiting teams bright pink so their opponents will lose energy.
Orange
Orange is the colour of Joy. It often frees and releases emotions and alleviates feelings of self-pity, lack of self-worth, and an unwillingness to forgive. It can stimulate the mind and renews interest in life; it is a wonderful antidepressant and lifts the spirits. Orange is also an aid in digestion. Apricot or peach colours are said to be good for nervous exhaustion.
Yellow
Yellow is a happy, bright, and uplifting colour, like a celebration of sunny days. Cheerful and sunny yellow is an attention getter. It is associated with the intellectual mind, and the expression of thoughts. It therefore can aid the powers of discernment and discrimination, memory and clear thinking, decision-making and good judgment. It also helps good organization, learning of new ideas, and the ability to see different points of view. It can build self-confidence and encourage an optimistic attitude. Yellow also enhances concentration, hence its use for legal pads. It is also used to speed metabolism. While it is mostly considered an optimistic color, people lose their tempers more often in yellow rooms, and babies will cry more. It is the most difficult color for the eye to take in, so it can be overpowering if overused. A dull yellow is said to be the colour of fear.

Colour and how it can affect us

2008-04-07T16:43:00.000-07:00

I have been asked many times, as many of us are, about colours for a home. I decided that i would start to write about different colours and some of their effects as they can help or hinder peoples feelings about a home they live in or may want to purchase. We have all known that colour can affect our moods in various ways. We find some colours can uplift and inspire us, and others make us feel a bit depressed. We sometimes use terms such as "feeling blue," yellow-bellied," "green with envy," and "seeing red" without thinking of the meaning behind these words. I decided to do some research and find out more.
All of our feelings and emotions are directly affected by the balance or imbalance of hormones in the body. Since this balance can be affected by colours, colours will also have a distinct influence towards our mood and feelings. Certain colours can soothe our minds, while others may stimulate it. Restoring a balance of colour energy that flows to the pituitary can also restore a metabolic and emotional equilibrium. This can help to alleviate stress, anxiety, tension, and depression. Using colour to alter emotional energy can also result in changed perceptions of the world, and also our experience of it. Here is the information about the first colour and i will add more new colour information in future blogs.
Red
Red is a powerful colour that has always been associated with vitality and ambition. It can help overcome negative thoughts. However, it is also associated with anger; if we have too much red in our system, or around us, we may feel irritable, impatient, and uncomfortable. The most emotionally intense color, red stimulates a faster heartbeat and breathing. Red can also stimulate appetite.