Thanks for waiting for the next modern architecture article. The architect that I mentioned is Florian Maurer who was so kind to lend his masterpiece of a home to my photo crew to work their magic. An adventure arose as we proceeded with my re-branding project. Here are some pics of this nationally recognized and featured home in Naramata. Overlooking beautiful Okanagan lake this home is set on a gorgeous rock. To Allen and Maurer architects the landscape design is an essential part of their practice.

Florian talks about how form follows function and his philosophy is as follows:

Humanity is at a crossroads; we must redesign the way we live or we will completely degrade the world around us. Everything we do, we make, must ultimately fit into a way of life that is in harmony with the world around us.

To read more on his philosophy please visit his website www.allenandmaurer.com you can also browse his gorgeous projects online.

Architects create the highest form of art, these people are true artists, bringing art to life for the homeowner. I really think this form of modern architecture is the way of the future, to preserve the nature we have left. This is especially important for the Okanagan as we only have so much precious land and developers continue to rip our mountains apart for pure profit, building tightly squeezed cookie cutter homes with little to no privacy. If you are lucky enough to build your own home please consider hiring Allen and Maurer and reap the rewards of good karma, indulge in the benefits offered and enjoy something truly unique and functional. One of my favorite things about Allen and Maurer’s work is the dedication to landscape and working with the natural surroundings to truly take full advantage of the outdoor living so many of us move here for.

What I love about this modern architecture:

• No trees were cut down
• No rocks were blasted
• No contours remodeled
• 4 small buildings surrounded by existing trees
• A beautiful, tranquil garden

More great photos Here.

In pursuit for some local modern-contemporary architecture in the South Okanagan, I started out asking some colleagues and friends of buildings they suggested I visit, yet no one could off the top of their heads think of anything residential or commercial. Let my mission begin, I grabbed my oats (I am on the eat clean health kick) and started to cruise all the neighborhoods which could potentially be the home to the architectural style that I was seeking.

I started my lurking along lake shore drive, nothing…. The public bathrooms were more contemporary than the million dollar properties passing by. Confused, I kept thinking I’m a Realtor and I see hundreds of homes a month; why can’t I pinpoint some extraordinary homes… and it dawned on me that most of the homes have updated renovated interiors with older exteriors. Ok, that’s my problem. I go through so many beautiful homes but the exterior are all very heritage. These waterfront homes have been here for decades the exteriors even with a fresh coat of paint and stamped concrete, they are still very traditional.

To continue my mission, I ‘facebooked’ some interior designers and still no one could recall a modern contemporary exterior. I am looking for gorgeous beams, unique angles, all glass walls to take advantage of the gorgeous lakeviews Penticton has to offer.

I made my way out the Naramata where I had sold a listing earlier this year. Sure enough on Noyes Road there was this unique modern architecture calling my name.  I circled the home several times before getting the courage to pop out and check it out. I met a really nice gentleman named Harrison, he had me contact Florian Maurer who is the architectural genius who’s work I was admiring. I went by the Noyes Road Property and found Florian working on this masterpiece red exterior wall. I introduced myself and discovered a few more projects that Florian was working on. I had the opportunity to visit and take some photos of his extraordinary property. I liked it so much that I had a photo taken for my new business picture! I will upload the pictures taken  in my next blog….stay tuned!!

HST is in full effect and I know potential real estate buyers in BC wants to know how it will affect their home purchases. Here are the most commonly asked questions and the right answers.

Does the HST apply to all housing?
The HST only applies to “new” residential housing; used (i.e., resale) residential housing is not subject to HST.

Is BC providing a rebate for new housing?
BC will provide a rebate for new housing purchased as a primary residence to ensure that, on average, purchasers of new homes up to $525,000 do not pay any additional tax due to harmonization. That is, they will pay no more in provincial HST than is currently embedded as PST in the price of a new home.
The rebate is available whether the new housing is to be owner occupied or rented.

How much is the new housing rebate?
The rebate will be 71.43% of the provincial portion of the HST, up to a maximum rebate of $26,250.
Purchasers of eligible new homes above $525,000 will be eligible for a rebate of $26,250 (i.e. a rebate on the first $525,000 of value).

Which types of housing are eligible for the rebate?
The BC new housing rebate will be available for all types of housing currently eligible for the federal GST/HST new housing rebate and will be subject to the same eligibility conditions.
Qualifying housing generally includes newly constructed and substantially renovated homes used as a primary place of residence by an individual (or qualifying relation of the individual).

Is there any rebate for new rental housing?
To support affordable rental housing in the province, BC will also provide a new rental housing rebate of 71.43% of the provincial portion of the HST, up to a maximum rebate of $26,250 per unit.

Who is eligible for the new rental housing rebate?
The new rental housing rebate will be provided to landlords who construct or substantially renovate their own rental housing and, as a result, are required to self–assess and pay HST under the self–supply rules.
The rebate will also be provided to landlords who purchase newly constructed or substantially renovated rental housing in BC and pay HST on the purchase.

Which types of rental housing are eligible for the rebate?
The new rental housing rebate will be available for all types of new or substantially renovated rental housing currently eligible for the federal GST/HST rebate for new residential rental properties, and will be subject to the same eligibility conditions.

Why isn’t the rebate rate 100%?
New housing is not directly subject to PST (i.e. the purchaser of a new home does not pay PST on the purchase price). However, builders have to pay PST on most construction materials (e.g. wood, cement, plaster, nails, etc.) used to build a home. The PST is part of the cost of building the home and included (embedded) in the total selling price of the home. It is estimated that the embedded PST in new homes in British Columbia is – on average – equal to about 2% of the price.
Unlike with the PST, under the HST there will be no sales tax embedded in the price of new homes because builders, like most other businesses, will recover the HST they pay on their materials through input tax credits. Without a rebate, the provincial tax on new homes would have effectively increased from about 2% on average (embedded PST) to 7% (provincial portion of the HST).
The rebate rate was set to ensure purchasers of eligible new homes up to the $525,000 threshold pay no more provincial HST on average than under the PST.
Rebate rate: (7% BC HST minus 2% embedded BC PST) / 7% BC HST
Rebate rate = 5/7 = 71.43% of provincial portion of HST paid, to a maximum of $26,250.
Total Sales Tax Payable on New Homes

For more information contact Dori Munday today!!!

In celebrating the Subaru Ironman athletes and their families, Royal LePage is the title sponsor for this years Ironman Street Dance. With just as much community involvement Party Perfect is supplying this years events free of charge!!! Your kids can enjoy all the bouncy houses, rock climbing walls and dance in the streets!

Visit Ironman.ca

Skaha Lake is the lake situated between Penticton and Okanagan Falls, it is smaller and warmer than Okanagan Lake. I went boating on this beautiful lake with some friends a few weeks ago and it was quite the adventure! We went to the bluffs, which I had never been to, so I was encouraged to feel alive and take the opportunity to perform a graceful swan dive from the bluffs. On this crowded Sunday, with very brave teenagers sprawled all along the bluffs, I followed a friend to the edge of the rocks and was terribly petrified.

First I must say that there are different levels to jump from. You must boat in and swim to the rock face and then proceed to climb…rock climb this mountain face.  It is sharp and steep. I managed to get to the first jump spot after squeezing through about 12 teenagers, a few children with parents and some feisty eight year olds! I looked down and jumping sure looked better than tumbling down the steep scary cliff I just climbed (and barely made it up). Realizing that I didn’t have much opportunity to undo my decision, I had to face my fear of plunging into Skaha Lake. After my friend jumped, I looked out at the boat of our friends a 100 meters away, took the leap of faith went to plug my nose and realized I still needed to take another breath before hitting the water and breathing would definitely be a good option before I splashed. It wasn’t the most glamorous arm swirling nose plugging  jump known to the bluffs but at least now I can blog about it!!!

What a wonderful way to spend a day in the Okanagan.

Here are some lakeview listings for you to view.

I had the opportunity to scout out the remaining units left at Alysen Place. The Orange marks are units that have a firm and binding offer. The Yellow marks are units that are subject to court approval. Below the Pricing I have posted a link explaining what is offered for the strata fee. Currently the strata fee is set at .32 cents per square foot which makes them over $300/month. View a full list of Penticton Condos!

If you are interested in Aylen Place please contact Dori Munday for your personal viewing or view what is included in the Strata Fee?

Every year the JC’s put on their annual Mr. Muscle and Bikini Contest. If you missed this year, here are some recap photos. Luckily, I left just in time, my friends that were enjoying some beverages were heavily rained upon, I wanted to report back to you all so I left early!!!

Every year there is a Naramata fair. It is a beautiful small town fair with lots of entertainment for you and the little ones.

Having grown up in Lakeshore Highlands, now better known as Heritage Hills, I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy the best ice cream in the valley! Just a short drive into OK Falls, Tickleberries has grown with the Valley and become a full on adventure that any ice cream lover must experience. Here are some photo’s of what to expect. My favorite way to spend an hour. Nice drive, and good licks!

Every Saturday I have several Open House, but before I open the homes for public tours I run down to the local market. I am lucky because my office is one block up from the market. The Penticton  Market is help every Saturday. The downtown association blocks off traffic from the 300 block right to Lakeside Road. As long as I get to work early enough for parking I can enjoy a nice stroll to the market!!!

First thing I do every Saturday morning is go to the office and have a quick visit with Sheila, she is the Saturday office girl. She is so sweet and kind, she makes working on Saturdays fun!

Even if I don’t  have opens I get to work early to see Sheila and hit up the Farmer’s Market. Local vendors show off their goods and you can’t help but support the locals. The market is truly fun for the whole family, I had way too much fun taking pictures of the locals, pretending to be tourist in my own town. Here are some to enjoy! Bring your spouse, your kids and your pets.Maybe next time I will see you at the market!

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