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.

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!!!

Visit Ironman.ca

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.

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

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!

These Naramata homes will be 3 bedrooms or 2 large rooms and a den up, 2 baths up and 1/2 bath down. Equipped with en suites and walk in closets, an over-sized single car garage and visitor parking. The units should be about 712 sq ft per floor for a total square footage of 1424 with a full unfinished basement. Boasting 9ft ceilings and flooring includes laminate, and carpet. The complex will be family and pet friendly, rentals allowed. The units should be comparable to Skaha Bluffs at the South end of Penticton. This project will be built by Wildstone a well known, reputable local builder.  Disclosure should be filed soon, ground has been broken (leveled off) and the name as of today should be “Naramata Court.”  Estimated price point should be mid $300,000′s after the 10% reduction. Schoene appraisals will be doing the appraisals.