Advice & Tips

June 7, 2025

Buying Land in British Columbia: What to Know Before You Commit

Michael A. Jones – PREC* | Royal LePage Kelowna

Scenic land in British Columbia

Buying land in British Columbia can be one of the smartest long-term real estate moves—if done right. It’s not the same as buying a home. It comes with zoning complications, hidden costs, and servicing hurdles. Whether you’re planning to build in Kelowna …

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June 1, 2025

BC Home Owner Grant:How to Apply & Who Qualifies in 2025

Michael A. Jones – PREC* | Royal LePage Kelowna

BC Home Owner Grant explained

If you’re living in your primary residence in Kelowna, West Kelowna, Peachland, Lake Country, or Vernon — and your home’s assessed value is under the current threshold — you may qualify for the BC Home Owner Grant.

The grant reduces the amount …

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May 30, 2025

Can You Use Your RRSP to Buy a Home in Kelowna?

Michael A. Jones – PREC* | Royal LePage Kelowna

Using your RRSP to buy a home in Kelowna

Buying your first home in Kelowna or the Central Okanagan can feel out of reach — especially with today’s prices. But if you’ve been contributing to a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), there may be a way to unlock that money tax-free …

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May 23, 2025

How Some Kelowna Homeowners Are Making Their Mortgage Tax-Deductible

Michael A. Jones – PREC* | Royal LePage Kelowna

The Smith Manoeuvre explained for Canadian homeowners

Mortgage interest isn’t tax-deductible in Canada — unless you use a financial strategy called The Smith Manoeuvre™. Originally developed by Fraser Smith, this approach has helped some Canadian homeowners gradually convert their mortgage debt into tax-deductible investment loans.

If you're a …

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May 23, 2025

Navigating Kelowna’s 2025 Market: Tips From a Trusted REALTOR®

Michael A. Jones – PREC* | Royal LePage Kelowna

Model house held with backdrop of Central Okanagan real estate landscape

The 2025 Kelowna real estate market is a mix of new opportunities and lingering challenges. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just watching from the sidelines, understanding what’s happening locally can help you make a smarter move.

What’s Happening in Kelowna’s Market Right …

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May 20, 2025

Insured vs Uninsured Mortgages in Kelowna BC: What Buyers Should Know

Michael A. Jones – PREC* | Royal LePage Kelowna

Kelowna mortgage options: insured vs uninsured

If you're buying a home in Kelowna — or anywhere in British Columbia — one of the first mortgage decisions you'll face is whether your mortgage will be insured or uninsured. Even buyers with more than 20% down should understand …

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May 18, 2025

BC Home Buying Process: From Offer to Completion Explained

Michael A. Jones – PREC* | Royal LePage Kelowna

Step-by-step BC home buying process

Whether you're buying a home for the first time or it's just been a while, one of the most common questions is:

"What happens once I find a home I like?"

This guide walks you through the full process of …

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May 13, 2025

What Every Buyer Needs to Know About Strata Living in BC

Michael A. Jones – PREC* | Royal LePage Kelowna

Strata ownership concept diagramBuying into a strata in British Columbia isn’t just buying a unit — it’s joining a community with shared responsibilities and long-term commitments. Whether you're considering a condo in Kelowna, a townhome in Lake Country, or a bare land strata in …

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May 12, 2025

Should You Buy a Home with Poly-B Plumbing? The Local Perspective

Michael A. Jones – PREC* | Royal LePage Kelowna

Polybutylene piping — known as Poly-B — was used in thousands of Canadian homes from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s. In Kelowna, West Kelowna, and Lake Country, homes built in this era often still contain Poly-B. So, what should buyers know …

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May 12, 2025

Looking for a Great REALTOR® in the Okanagan? Here’s What to Watch For

Michael A. Jones – PREC* | Royal LePage Kelowna

Whether you're buying a lakeview home in Kelowna, selling your acreage in Vernon, or investing in Peachland, choosing the right agent matters. The Okanagan is a diverse and competitive real estate market—and working with someone who truly knows it can make …

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