Okanagan Real Estate Umbrella - Vernon BC REALTOR Brenda Ellis, aka Brell

Sutton Group - Lakefront Realty Vernon BC

Vernon BC Salvation Army Food Drive Dec. 7, 2011 Please Help Us Help Them.

2011-12-01T11:56:00.001-08:00

Here is a recent post from our Facebook Page about an event I hope you will take part in:

Gearing up for the North Okanagan Realtor Food Drive! Bags to be dropped off next Tues, fill them & leave on your doorstep for next Wed night & we'll be by to pick up! If Wed doesn't work simply drop off any non perishable food items to Sutton & we'll get them to the food bank!

I found this in my seach for information on the need for contributions this year for the Vernon BC ( and surrounding areas too) Annual Realtor Food Drive, which gears up to go next week... and I wanted to encourage you to support this very real need in our community.

Food bank demand climbs 87 per cent

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star

Published: November 06, 2011 1:00 AM

There appears to be more local residents struggling to put food on the table than elsewhere in Canada.

Between 2008 and 2011, the number of people using the Salvation Army food bank in Vernon climbed 87 per cent, while demand at food banks across the country rose 28 per cent during the same period.

“It’s hard to imagine,” said David MacBain, the Salvation Army’s community ministries director.“We are significantly higher than the national average.”

In March 2008, the local agency assisted 600 people while that climbed to 1,100 in March 2011. “That doesn’t include the people who come in and get bread from us every day,” said MacBain.

Nationally, 38 per cent of those helped by food banks are children under 18 years old while it is 30 per cent in Vernon. “When we’re talking 1,000 people in total, that (30 per cent) is a lot of kids affected,” said MacBain.

Eleven per cent of the local households seeking help are living on income from current or recent employment.

While the client base is up significantly from 2008, it is virtually unchanged from 2010, but MacBain says the large number of people walking through the door continues to strain resources. The recession is partially to blame for steady demand, but it’s not the primary reason. “The root of most of it is low income,” said MacBain.

“People are working when it’s a $8.50 or $9 an hour job, you need more than one to make ends meet.”

A complicating factor is the high cost of housing.

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation states the average rent for a bachelor suite in Vernon was $514 this spring (down from $524 in April 2010), while it was $781 (down from $787) for a two-bedroom apartment and $809 (down from $840) for a three-bedroom unit.

MacBain says he knows of a woman who is getting $616 a month on social assistance and her rent is $500, not leaving her much left to buy food. “She’s looking for alternate housing,” he said.

MacBain hopes the public will continue to think of those in need and provide donations to North Okanagan food banks.

“We definitely need the same support as last year,” he said.

Gonna try to embed this video too:

Is he asking for Change, or is he asking for CHANGE?
Follow a man as he affects multiple peoples' lives with just one dollar, proving that it doesn't take much to be the change in someone's life.

Here is a link in case the embed does not work as I hope: Change for a Dollar

It does not take much to make a big difference. I hope you be moved to give this holiday season, like you never have before. We have so much to share.

Thank you for taking time to read and consider these global challenges and for acting locally where you can!

It's our Community.

2011 Birth of a new Christmas Tradition

2011-11-29T17:00:00.001-08:00

Got this in my inbox today... we've already made a committment to a Homemade, Handmade, Local Holiday and are busy making things and planning and having fun doing both.

Brell

Good idea!!!

Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Canadians with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of Canadian labour .

This year will be different . This year Canadians will give the gift of genuine concern for other Canadians . There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by Canadians hands .

Yes there is!

It's time to think outside the box, people . Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?

Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut . How about gift certificates from your local Canadian hair salon or barber? Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement . Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, Canadian owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates . Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the Benjamines on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course . There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint .

Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Canadian with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open .. How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the Canadian working guy? Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day . My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running . OK, you were looking for something more personal .. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves . They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes . Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip . And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre . Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands .Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of lights, about fifty cents stays in the community ..

If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip .. You see, Christmas is no longer about draining Canadian pockets so that China can build another glittering city .

Christmas is now about caring about us, encouraging Canadian small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams .

And, when we care about other Canadians, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.

THIS is the new Canadian Christmas tradition . Forward this to everyone on your mailing list -- post it to discussion groups -- throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section in your city -- send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations, and TV news departments . This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn't that what Christmas is about?

BUY CANADIAN - BE CANADIAN - The job you save might be your own

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A Clue to the North Okanagan Real Estate Market: Sept. 2011 Residential MLS Stats

2011-10-07T11:04:00.001-07:00

NORTH Okanagan Real Estate Market Update for September 2011


Condo / Apartment
Listings Sold	10
New Listings	16
Current Inventory	158
Absorption Rate	6.33%
Days to Sell	277
Range	59 - 834
Average Price	$155,250
Median Price	$148,000
Range	$65,000 -$349,000
Hottest Neighbourhood	35^th Ave


Condo / Townhouse
Listings Sold	10
New Listings	40
Current Inventory	250
Absorption Rate	4.00%
Days to Sell	143
Range	24 - 411
Average Price	$232,640
Median Price	$246,250
Range	$58,900 - $370,000
Hottest Neighbourhood	Okanagan Landing


Building Lot
Listings Sold	8
New Listings	44
Current Inventory	327
Absorption Rate	2.45%
Days to Sell	118
Range	27 - 191
Average Price	$171,613
Median Price	$170,000
Range	$27,900 - $340,000
Hottest Neighbourhood	Bella Vista / Okanagan Landing

2 parcels were acreages


Residential
Listings Sold	46
New Listings	134
Current Inventory	816
Absorption Rate	5.64%
Days to Sell	119
Range	11 - 488
Average Price	$401,684
Median Price	$363,500
Range	$60,000 - $810,00

A Splash of Red contributes $12,000 + to Caetani Cultural Centre in Vernon BC

2011-10-02T19:04:00.001-07:00

So happy to see this update in my inbox today! This was such a wonderful evening! A Sell Out in year one!!

The organizers of "A Splash of Red" Angelika Jaeger, Michelle Loughery and Judy Rose, presenting Patrick Allen and Judy Katalinic of the Caetani Cultural Centre with just over $12,000!! The inaugrual event that was held at the Caetani gardens on Aug 25th was an overwhelming success.
The goal was to raise funds for the CCC to use for restoring the structural integrity of the historical Caetani house as well as bring focus to Sveva's legacy.
The event will take place once again next year, and the organizing committee sincerely thanks the artists, the public, the sponsors and the volunteers for their support.

Check out the upcoming edition of the ICON magazine for a spread on the 'SOR' event!!

and if any of you are on Facebook - we are "Splash O'Red" - come 'friend' us!!

see you next year!

Visit our Website Blog for this same synopsis on individual region real estate.

Okanagan Shuswap Residential Real Estate: Weekly MLS Stats and Sold Report Sept 11 ,2011 available now

2011-09-19T11:28:00.001-07:00

Seven more residential real estate sales occurred in the Okanagan Shuswap Region (Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board) in the week of September 5^th, to September 11.2011 inclusive compared to the week prior.

The increase value traded inched up from $38,589,396 to$38,907,325. The makeup of the sales saw an increase in Manufactured Homes, Apartments and Townhomes, and a decrease in Single Family Homes, which is reflected in the drop in the average sale price. Here are the stats:


Okanagan Shuswap Residential Properties Sold (110)
		List Price	Sold Price	DOM	Beds	Total Baths	Finished Floor Area
	Min	$29,900	$20,000	1	1	1
	Max	$2,295,000	$2,050,000	814	7	6	6688
	Avg	$372,974	$353,703	127	3	2	1770
	Sum	$41,027,188	$38,907,325

Of the 110 real estate transactions, they broke down in to the following categories:

· Lots and Acreage 8 sold

· Manufactured Home 14 sold

· Recreation 0 sold

· Single Family Residence 53 sold

· Apartments 22 sold

· Townhouse 13 sold

Here is a look at the overall sales volume for each zone in the region


Central Okanagan Properties: Sold (66) $25,782,510
Visit our Central Okanagan Real Estate Stats Page for more information


North Okanagan Properties Sold: (26) $25,782,510
Visit Our North Okanagan Real Estate Stats Page for more information

Shuswap Properties Sold: (18) $5,153,015

Visit Our Shuswap Real Estate Stats Page for more information

If you’d like to chat about Real Estate by the Numbers, feel free to contact us. When it comes to market stats and trends, “We’ve got you covered!”

FYI: Phoenixr real estate market update - a mixed bag.. (Update from a colleague)

2011-09-14T09:57:00.001-07:00

I got this following from a colleague online today and thought it would be good to pass it along just because it is "from the horses mouth". I find it is always interesting to get the perspective from a Realtor on the ground who is not a part of the media and has access to the numbers! Hope you do to!

Of course - if you are considering buying in this area - Give Matt a call, and tell him Brell sent you!

Ciao for now,

Brenda Ellis

REALTOR®

2749 30 Street, Vernon, BC, V1T 5C6

A growing team, a different approach

...we are better together!

VIEW AS A WEBPAGE | SEND TO A FRIEND

Brell,

As we end the summer in Phoenix some pretty incredible things have happened with the real estate market. For one, the available inventory has shrunk to 20,000 homes for sale from 44,000 in November. The median home price is around $113,000. More closed sales are resulting from “normal” transactions and less from short sales and bank-owned foreclosure.

The buyer pool has increased substantially, as people are perceiving that the bottom has arrived or is very close. Investor activity remains strong, still accounting for almost half of all home sales. While this doesn’t speed up a recovery at least the homes are no longer sitting vacant. In June a record sales month for Phoenix was set with more than ......

Click here to read the rest of the article

Warm regards,

Matthew

Connect with Matt on:

West USA Realty Revelation | 4050 S. Arizona Avenue # 4 | Chandler | AZ | 85248

Add mdtscoates@cox.net to your safe senders list. Click here for directions

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The crispness in the morning mir means the countdown to Okanagan Fall Wine Festival is underway. Events Listed!

2011-09-14T07:33:00.001-07:00

The fall feel to the morning got me thinking about the Okanagan Fall Wine Festival, so I thought I would dig to see what info I could find about what events are going on this year. If you are unfamiliar with it the Annual Okanagan Fall Wine Festival is wonderful, sensory experience for all who love fabulous wine accompanied by great food & unique events.

Autumn in the Okanagan is the perfect time to watch the grapes ripen in the sun & indulge yourself in the harvest celebrations right in Wine Country! This is the only wine festival in North America that takes place during the heart of grape harvest. During this festival, experience vineyard tours, lunches, dinners, events & the fall wine harvest - there is no better way or time to visit Okanagan wine country.

Pamper Your Palate

Time	Sunday, October 9 · 4:00pm - 7:00pm

Location	Grand Ballrooms - Best Western Vernon Lodge Hotel 3914-32nd Street Vernon, BC

Okanagan restaurants and Okanagan wineries combine to offer a culinary masterpiece that is sure to "Pamper Your Palate"
Come taste wines from over 25 British Columbia Wineries and 12 over Vernons Best Restaurants. Come bid on silent auction items benefiting the "Vernon Music School"
Tickets - $40.00 includes HST
Available from the Ticket Seller in the Preforming Arts Centre
Online at www.ticketseller.ca
or by calling the box office
250-549-7469

BC Wine Awards Reception & Tasting
September 29, 7:00pm–9:00pm.
Rotary Centre for the Arts
$50 CDN

Join us for this rare treat event that includes the announcement of award winning wines from our 2011 Fall Judging Competition. Sponsored by Richards Packaging, Meyers Norris Penny, Farm Credit Canada and Container World, and judged by world renowned judges judging the wines produced by our member wineries. The reception includes fabulous tapas and canapés and the opportunity to be one of the few to taste a selection of some of these award-winning wines. Website www.OkanaganWineAwards.com.

Tickets at Select Your Tickets 250.717.5304
or www.selectyourtickets.com
........................................................................................
WestJet Wine Tastings
September 30 & October 1, 6:30pm–9:00pm
Rotary Centre for the Arts $65 CDN

Sip! Sample! Spit! This event is for those who want to explore some of the finest wines that are being produced right here in Okanagan Wine Country. A great event for those trying wines for the first time as well as those who want to expand their wine knowledge. There are over 40 wineries present and over 150 wines to sample. Ticket includes: souvenir wine glass, wine tasting, bread and cheese, a free taxi ride home and the wonderful fun culture of WestJet airlines. This event always sells out buy your tickets early!!

Tickets at Valley First Tix 877.763.2849
or www.valleyfirsttix.com
........................................................................................
Fortis BC Salute To Food and Wine
October 2, 6:00pm–8:30pm
Manteo Resort $85 CDN

An exciting new evening that will showcase the region’s leading culinary talents and great Okanagan wines. Join Chef Bernard from the Wild Apple, Mathew Batey from Mission Hill Family Estate and two other guest chefs as they prepare local cuisine in small plates paired with some of the most storied wineries in the Okanagan. Each chef will also conduct a live cooking demonstration using natural gas and patrons get to take home the chef ’s recipes. Inspired food, innovative wines, and spectacular views make this event a wonderful time for friends to celebrate together. This is a get home safe event, sponsored by BC Liquor Stores and the Johnston Meier Insurance Group.

Tickets at Select Your Tickets call 250.717.5304
or www.selectyourtickets.com
........................................................................................
Battle of the Wine Experts
October 4, 7:00pm
Rotary Centre for the Arts $50 CDN

For you wine lovers and those who have an insatiable curiousity, welcome to our first ever panel of wine experts who will argue, debate and
perhaps throw grapes at each other as they debate the merits of Meritage in the Okanagan. Taste and compare 6 different Red Meritage wines
from the Okanagan, ask questions of the panel as they offer their opinions of this wonderful red blend that has become a successful brand for Okanagan wineries worldwide. After the panel discussion, we will close the event with a food and wine reception to allow all panellists and guest to network and exchange their favourite stories. This is a get home safe event, sponsored by BC Liquor Stores and the Johnston Meier
Insurance Group.

Tickets at Select Your Tickets 250.717.5304
or www.selectyourtickets.com
........................................................................................
Alexis de Portneuf presents “The Young Chefs”
October 6, 6:00pm–8:30pm
Culinary Arts Centre at Okanagan College
$55 CDN

Never before has this been done! Alexis de Portneuf is challenging nine BC Interior young Chefs to get creative. The challenge is to create an appetizer, main or dessert course using cheese. Guests will sample these creations and will vote for their favourite. The Okanagan Chefs Association will also select the winner of the Saputo Top Young Chef Award. Join us as we see the best young culinary talent in action. This is a get home safe event, sponsored by BC Liquor Stores and the Johnston Meier Insurance Group.

Tickets at Select Your Tickets 250.717.5304
or www.selectyourtickets.com
........................................................................................
All You Need Is Cheese... and Some Wine.
October 5, 7:00pm–9:00pm
Watermark Beach Resorte
$55 CDN

Cheese lovers rejoice! Sure to please any cheese lover; join Dairy Farmers of Canada and Okanagan Wineries as you walk about the Okanagan Heritage Museum visiting our cheese and wine stations.
Guests will enjoy Canadian cheeses paired with fabulous wines. This event will be fun, relaxing, educational and guaranteed to have you leaving with a shopping list of your new favourite cheeses. This is a get home safe event, sponsored by BC Liquor Stores and the Johnston Meier Insurance Group.

Tickets at Select Your Tickets 250.717.5304
or www.selectyourtickets.com
........................................................................................
Valley First Grand Finale Consumer Tastings
October 7 & 8, 6:00pm–9:00pm
Penticton Trade & Conv Centre
$62 CDN

Valley First brings you the oldest and largest event of the fall wine festival. This is a wine tour under one roof!!! This event is for those who want to explore some of the finest wines that are being produced right here in our back yards. A great event for those trying wines for the first time as well as those who want to expand their wine knowledge. There are over 60 wineries present and over 240 wines to sample. Ticket includes: enjoyable live entertainment,
souvenir wine glass, all your wine tasting, bread and cheese and a free taxi ride home. This is a get home safe event, sponsored by BC Liquor Stores and the Johnston Meier Insurance Group.

Tickets at Valley First Tix 877.763.2849 or valleyfirsttix.com

Cheers!

Brenda Ellis

REALTOR®

2749 30 Street, Vernon, BC, V1T 5C6

A growing team, a different approach

...we are better together!

Visit our Website Blog for this same synopsis on individual region real estate.

Over $38,500,000 in MLS Residential Property value traded. What Sold in Okanagan Shuswap Real Estate? Sept. 4, 2011 edition

2011-09-11T10:51:00.001-07:00

Ten fewer residential real estate sales in the Okanagan Shuswap Region ( Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board) in the week of August 29 – September 4^th, 2011 compared to the week prior resulted in drop in value traded from $46,220,372 to$38,589,396 . Here are this weeks numbers:

Okanagan Shuswap Residential Properties Sold (103)
		List Price	Sold Price	DOM	Beds	Total Baths	Finished Floor Area
	Min	$44,900	$41,500	10	1	1
	Max	$2,125,000	$1,935,000	498	6	6	6367
	Avg	$396,807	$374,654	110	3	2	1826
	Sum	$40,871,095	$38,589,396

Of the 103 real estate transactions, they broke down in to the following categories:

· Lots and Acreage 10 sold

· Manufactured Home 6 sold

· Recreation 0 sold

· Single Family Residence 62 sold

· Apartments 16 sold

· Townhouse 9 sold

Here is a look at the overall sales volume for each zone in the region


Central Okanagan Properties: Sold (64) $26,011,396
Visit our Central Okanagan Real Estate Stats Page for more information

North Okanagan Properties Sold: (22) $8,041,200
Visit Our North Okanagan Real Estate Stats Page for more information

Shuswap Properties Sold: (15) $4,536,800

Visit Our Shuswap Real Estate Stats Page for more information

If you’d like to chat about Real Estate by the Numbers, feel free to contact us. When it comes to market stats and trends, “We’ve got you covered!”

Brenda Ellis
REALTOR®

2749 30 Street, Vernon, BC, V1T 5C6

A growing team, a different approach
...we are better together!

Visit my site

Add me on Google+

Follow me on Twitter

Join me on Facebook

HST and Real Estate Purchases - Latest Okanagan Update

2011-09-09T15:31:00.001-07:00

Just got this update from OMREB about HST... No real answers yet.. but we are working on it:

"On Tuesday, September 6th, OMREB Representatives met with local MLAs including Stewart, Letnik, Thompson, Foster which was also attended by various stakeholders related to the industry including Canadian Home Builders – Central Okanagan Chapter, Urban Development Institute, Chamber of Commerce and Southern Interior Construction Association.

In that meeting, we all impressed that government needs to get something figured out fast and that we cannot wait for answers regarding establishing transitional rules. We asked them to impress to the Finance Minister that strong and decisive leadership is needed now. Projects are on hold and many consumers are taking a wait and see approach. In that meeting, there were a number of proposals and ideas put forth regarding what might stimulate consumers to action, and various formulas were discussed whereby government could mitigate the negative impact of unraveling the current tax system making way for the reintroduction of the PST and GST.

Last week, BCREA contacted the Minister of Finance urging the speedy creation of transition rules and asked for clarification on whether PST will apply to new homes and how real estate commissions will be taxed. Real Estate Boards and REALTORS® across the province are getting lots of questions. It is difficult for a REALTOR® to offer professional counsel to their clients in light of these circumstances.

As the transition is not expected to be complete until March 31, 2013, this means some potential new home buyers may put off their purchases until that time if they sense that there is not a concrete plan and transition rules set forth. In particular, we know well that our market in this region is particularly sensitive to these issues of taxation given our recreational and secondary home markets for both new construction and resale."

Will keep you posted!

Visit our Website Blog for this same synopsis on individual region real estate.

Okanagan Shuswap Real Estate MLS Market Report: What Sold? August 28, 11 weekly stats update

2011-09-09T10:15:00.001-07:00

Here is an overview of the sale of residential real estate sold in the Okanagan Shuswap Region (Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board) in the week of August 22-28 inclusive:


Okanagan Shuswap Residential Properties Sold (113)
		List Price	Sold Price	DOM	Beds	Total Baths	Finished Floor Area
	Min	$35,900	$35,900	10	1
	Max	$7,480,000	$7,550,000	486	6	4	4502
	Avg	$427,087	$409,030	131	3	2	1585
	Sum	$48,260,866	$46,220,372

Of the 113 real estate transactions, they broke down in to the following categories:

· Lots and Acreage 14 sold

· Manufactured Home 6 sold

· Recreation 0 sold

· Single Family Residence 61 sold

· Apartments 19 sold

· Townhouse 13 sold

Here is a look at the overall sales volume for each zone in the region


Central Okanagan Properties: Sold (64) $31,643,672
Visit our Central Okanagan Real Estate Stats Page for more information

North Okanagan Properties Sold: (34) $11,092,800
Visit Our North Okanagan Real Estate Stats Page for more information

Shuswap Properties Sold: (15) $3,483,900

Visit Our Shuswap Real Estate Stats Page for more information

If you’d like to chat about Real Estate by the Numbers, feel free to contact us. When it comes to market stats and trends, “We’ve got you covered!”

Brenda Ellis
REALTOR®

2749 30 Street, Vernon, BC, V1T 5C6

A growing team, a different approach
...we are better together!

Visit my site

Add me on Google+

Follow me on Twitter

Join me on Facebook

Visit our Website Blog for this same synopsis on individual region real estate

A Toast to Hester Creek Pinot Gris on Wine Wednesday

2011-09-07T12:51:00.001-07:00

HI!

I was introduced to this wonderful local wine by clients from Edmonton, who are considering moving to the Okanagan to indulge there love of Wine, great views and good times. We shared a bottle of this out at Alexander's Beach Pub with lunch.

It was a perfect crisp and refreshing choice, and I will buy it again to pair with my next salmon dinner!

I was surprised to see the color of the grape was so blueish .. and thus where it gets its gris (french for grey) and learned that the grapes can vary in color. The wines produced from this grape also vary in colour from a deep golden yellow to copper and even a light shade of pink.

When I learned that the clone of the Pinot Gris grown in Italy is the Pinot Grigio my surprise at my immediate fondness for the wine was explained, as I am a huge Pinot Grigio fan!

The vines of pinot noir and pinot gris are so similar that the colouration difference is the only thing that tells them apart, and it is believed that the colour difference is derived from a genetic mutation that occurred centuries ago. The DNA profiles are reported to be remarkably similar.

Here is a hearty Cheers! to the Hester Creek Pinot Gris! Put it on your list of wines to try!

Ciao,

Brell

HC%20Pinot%20Gris%202010.pdf Download this file

Okanagan Wine Case Special at Bonitas

2011-09-03T18:18:00.001-07:00

Here is the latest update from Bonita's... Great wine and great people! Love the Merlot and the Rosa... And many others! Taste a few and find what you like!
Cheers!
Brell

Not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. <http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=652b4fc3cbe95a7724af63937&id=ec964e9359&e=96450aa6df>
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You asked us to bring back this special deal.....

and we listened!

This September Long weekend only

Our case special

BUY 1 CASE OF REGULAR PRICED WINE,

GET 1 BOTTLE FREE

(Up to a maximum of $21.00)

Bonitas Bistro is open 7 days

a week for lunch.

Full course dinners coming soon!

Please visit www.bonitasbistro.com <http://bonitaswinery.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=652b4fc3cbe95a7724af63937&id=40ea8a8fb3&e=96450aa6df>

Hope to see you here!

Our mailing address is:
Bonitas Winery
20623 McDougald Road
Summerland, BC V0H1Z6

Okanagan Shuswap Real Estate Market Update August 27, 2011 edition

2011-08-28T20:20:00.001-07:00

August 27, 2011

In the week of August 15 to 21 ^th, 102 residential properties sold in the Okanagan Shuswap region. This includes the sale of lots, land, homes, recreation or vacation homes and properties, townhomes, condos apartments and manufactured homes. Total number of real estate sales was up, but the dollar value was down dramatically and reflects in the types of properties purchased as well as the zone or location.

Okanagan Shuswap Properties Sold August 15-21 (102)
		List Price	Sold Price	DOM	Beds	Total Baths	Finished Floor Area
	Min	$59,000	$57,000	-4	1	1
	Max	$780,000	$765,000	522	5	4	4091
	Avg	$334,042	$319,601	109	3	2	1681
	Sum	$34,072,299	$32,599,302

along with a break down as to the types of property classification sold in each zone.

Central Okanagan Properties: Sold 59 totalling $20,699,302
Visit our Central Okanagan Real Estate Stats Page for more information

North Okanagan Properties: Sold 24 totalling $7,050,500
Visit Our North Okanagan Real Estate Stats Page for more information

Shuswap Properties Sold: 19 totalling $4,849,500

Visit Our Shuswap Real Estate Stats Page for more information

Brenda Ellis
REALTOR®

2749 30 Street, Vernon, BC, V1T 5C6

A growing team, a different approach
...we are better together!

Click here to read the whole post about what is going on in this part of Okanagan real estate in 2011

Hyper Local: Adventure Bay Vernon Real Estate 2011 so far Market Report Stats

2011-08-27T14:32:00.001-07:00

I have embarked on a Hyper Local Stat journey... and hope you will enjoy the trip with me! Yesterday, I wote about what the Adventure Bay area of Vernon BC real estate looks like so far in 2011. The post covers the make up of the current inventory of land, homes and multi family properties for sale, and also a look at what has sold.

Minimums, maximums and averages are displayed for list price, sold price, days on the market, bedrooms, bathrooms and finished floor area.

Check out our Adventure Bay Real Estate Page for more info about living in this Okanagan area and to see the historical real estate statistics

Brenda Ellis
REALTOR®

2749 30 Street, Vernon, BC, V1T 5C6

A growing team, a different approach
...we are better together!

Check out Vernon BC Real Estate or learn about other Vernon and North Okanagan Neighbourhoods

Visit our Website Blog for this same synopsis on individual region real estate

It's a great day for a Chardonnay!

2011-08-24T14:55:00.001-07:00

While it is a tricky grape to grow, and the way it is grown and the soil it grows in all impact the taste of the wine, there is no denying that Chardonnay is a favorite among fans of the single varietal white.

Many of the local vineyards and wineries in the Okanagan cultivate and produce a Chardonnay as it is almost a formal rite of passage for a wine producing region to produce this wine in order to be seen as a player on the world stage.

Chardonnay is also an important component in many sparkling wines.

A small sample of some of the local options is pictured below, escallating in value from left to right

Okanagan Valley Cellars
Inniskillen
Gray Monk
Meyer

Grab a bottle of each and do a brown bag tasting! See how they compare and the differences in taste within the different wineries!

Cheers!

Brell

Okanagan Shuswap Real Estate Market Update: The Weekly Sales Stats Aug 14, 2011

2011-08-21T14:07:00.001-07:00

August 21, 2011

In the week of August 8 to 14^th, 95 residential properties sold in the Okanagan Shuswap region. This includes the sale of lots, land, homes, recreation or vacation homes and properties, townhomes, condos apartments and manufactured homes.

Okanagan Shuswap Residential Properties Sold (95) totaling $38,948,749
		List Price	Sold Price	DOM	Beds	Total Baths	Finished Floor Area
	Min	$49,900	$42,500	3	1	1
	Max	$1,950,000	$1,800,000	706	6	5	5290
	Avg	$429,940	$409,987	114	3	3	1867
	Sum	$40,844,300	$38,948,749

along with a break down as to the types of property classification sold in each zone.

Central Okanagan Properties: Sold 64 totalling $28,342,749
Visit our Central Okanagan Real Estate Stats Page for more information

North Okanagan Properties: Sold 21 totalling $8,182,300
Visit Our North Okanagan Real Estate Stats Page for more information

Shuswap Properties Sold: 10 totalling $2,423,700

Visit Our Shuswap Real Estate Stats Page for more information

Brenda Ellis
REALTOR®

2749 30 Street, Vernon, BC, V1T 5C6

A growing team, a different approach
...we are better together!

VERNON'S VITAL SIGNS SURVEY #VernonBC

2011-08-18T13:02:00.001-07:00

HI,

If you are part of the community in Vernon BC, please consider taking part in this survey from the North Okanagan Community Foundation about our area. The link is below.

Warmest regards,

Brenda Ellis

REALTOR®

2749 30 Street, Vernon, BC, V1T 5C6

A growing team, a different approach

...we are better together!

From the office of Dave Fletcher, Executive Director

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO DISTRIBUTE THIS SURVEY REQUEST TO OTHER PEOPLE OR ORGANIZATIONS

WE REQUEST THIS SURVEY BE COMPLETED BY MONDAY, AUGUST 22^ND, 2011, THANK YOU

Please use this link to access the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/7JH7V8H

Community Foundation of the North Okanagan

VITALSIGNS ®

Your Views Count! Remember - this opinionnaire is not about your in-depth knowledge of your community, rather it’s more about your thoughts about and opinions of your community.

Vital Signs is a program being undertaken by the Community Foundation of the North Okanagan that will review the “Social Health” of our Community. The Vital Signs report card, to be released October 4, 2011 will present data and perceptions on 11 key areas of our community life – areas that are critical to our region’s quality of life and well-being.

This is your invitation to share your views as a Vital Signs Grader for the

Community Foundation of the North Okanagan’s Vital Signs 2011 report!

The Survey: Please complete the survey that follows. The survey asks you to rate 11 key areas of community life. Each of the key areas will provide examples, but feel free to add your own perspectives on our City. We’re also asking you to suggest two priorities for community action in each area.

The City: As you do the grading, please think about Vernon as a whole, geographically, and including all our residents and civic institutions – our businesses and commercial services, community services, our local governments, school districts, health authority and police services, our voluntary sector organizations, including recreation, sports, arts and culture, our neighbourhoods and neighbours, and our residents.

The Grading: As you go through the survey, you’ll notice that the key areas we are asking you to grade are very broad, so we have provided some specific examples of what we’re thinking of in each area. We know this can make it difficult to grade because within a given area there will be some things that are going very well while others are going poorly. So please think about it all together as a package and assign the city a grade based on your opinion of the OVERALL performance in this area.

Vital Signs Marks: To do the grading we are using a five-point numerical grade: 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. The top mark is a “5” indicating that you feel Vernon is excellent in a given area and the lowest grade is a “1”, indicating that Vernon is failing and needs to significantly improve in a given area.

Community Priorities: Once you’ve assigned a grade to a key area, we want your opinion on the two top priorities for action you would like to see in that area. What would you do?

Thanks again for sharing your views. The North Okanagan Vital Signs 2011 report will be released on October 4, 2011 and will be available on the Community Foundation of the North Okanagan’s website at www.cfno.org.

Please use this link to access the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/7JH7V8H

See the full gallery on Posterous

Wine Wednesday - A look at Pinot Noir in 2010 and forcast for 2011

2011-08-17T15:14:00.001-07:00

Pinot Noir is both a grape varietal (a black grape variety from the species vitis vinifera) , and may also be applied to the wine made predominantly from Pinot Noir grapes. The name is French and refers to the way the fruit grows in cone shaped tightly clustered dark purple bunches.

The Pinot Noir grape is cultivated around the world, but it is a challenge to grow and to transform into wine. It generally prefers a cooler climate, and thus you will find Pinot Noir in many of the Okanagan vineyards. The cooler and later spring this year in 2011 bodes well for Pinot growers. Let's hope for a good harvest!

Here is a link to a report about the 2010 Canadian Wine Access 2010 Pinot Noir Winners

Pinot Noir is also grown for Champagne and sparkling wines. Maybe I'll talk about that in a later post.

Cheers,

Brell

Fabulous New Okanagan Art Event in #VernonBC in August at Caetani Cultural Centre

2011-08-04T09:14:00.001-07:00

As you may know, I am an ardent supporter of art in general, and all things Caetani!

Here is an intro to the latest and the coolest art event to hit Vernon and the Okanagan. hope to see you there! Thanks for taking time to read the note below about A Splash Of Red.

Brenda Ellis
REALTOR®
Sutton Group - Lakefront Realty
2749 30 Street, Vernon, BC, V1T 5C6
A growing team, a different approach
...we are better together!
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Dear Members,
The Caetani Society needs to raise funds to pay for the new roof. Plumbing and electrical upgrades are the next on the list, with the aim of eventually being able to open the house to the public.
Please lend us your support to maintain and preserve the Caetani house for the benefit of the community.
A group of Artists has arranged a unique fundraising event for you to get maximum enjoyment while giving us your support. Please come, and ask your friends to come and support the Caetani Centre, one of the gems in our community.

Judy Katalinic
Executive Director
Caetani Cultural Centre
www.caetaniculturalcentre.org
3401 Pleasant Valley Road
Vernon, BC

Simple Summer Supper: Shoyu Chicken, Mango Salsa & Basmati Rice

2011-07-31T21:07:00.001-07:00

A few evenings ago, we put together this easy, yet tantalizing combination. The recipe for the Shoyu Chicken can be found online at all recipes.com It is a simple marinade of soy sauce, brown sugar, water, garlic, onion, ginger black pepper and dried oregano, cayenne and paprika. We added the optional crushed red pepper (chillies in our case.) The recipe called for thighs but we had breasts on hand (no pun intended) and they were delish!

The Mango salsa was an ad hoc creation. I combined fresh mango, red onion, red pepper, a jalepeno, fresh cilantro and lime juice, and let it sit for awhile so the flavors could meld. We really liked this combo and hope you will too. This would pair well with a nice rose or a crisp cold white!

Bon appetite!
Brell

Sent from my iPad

Tuscan Style, Okanagan Living. Ask Me How.

2011-07-30T15:48:00.001-07:00

Imagine this was your view.

We can make that happen! Come live it up at The Rise, phenomenal Vernon BC real estate awaits.
Brenda Ellis,
Sutton Group - Lakefront Realty
250-308-4310
Www.okanaganrealestateumbrella.com

Sent from my iPad