All Blog Entries by Dave Kotler

Own a lakeside vacation home or short-term rental with canoes or kayaks for your guests? These lake house must-haves are huge draws, but you'll need a storage plan that works for long periods when you're away and keeps your equipment safe between guest visits. Winter storage is key for houses in colder climates, such as British Columbia.

This guide shows you exactly how to keep your canoes in great shape at your vacation property, whether they sit unused for months or are frequently used by rental guests. These practical tips will help you protect your investment and keep your water amenities ready for action.

How to Store Canoes & Kayaks: Quick Tips

• Proper canoe and kayak storage between guest stays can dramatically extend the life of your

Welcome to our exploration of the Central Okanagan real estate market! From Kelowna up to Lake Country and down through Peachland, this region is known for its wineries and beautiful outdoor activities. It's no wonder why so many people love to live here. Whether you want to join them or are simply curious, here's a breakdown of the market in April 2025.

We cover everything from median prices to inventory and sales for a range of property types. Primarily, these statistics cover residential properties and condos, but we also explore townhouses, lots, and mobile homes.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Central Okanagan Real Estate

Many people buy a luxury waterfront home for its location, so it's essential to make the outdoors as accessible and enjoyable as possible. Depending on location and access to amenities, there are a few key changes many property owners can make to see a marked improvement in their space and usage options. Keep reading for a closer look at a few lake house backyard ideas and design tips.

Landscaping & Design Ideas For Your Lake House

• Prioritize landscaping and layout by enhancing natural beauty with gardens, trees, and stone paths, while considering low-maintenance options like ground covers and drip irrigation.
• Maximize the view and relaxation with outdoor seating areas such as patios, gazebos, pergolas, and lounges—using weather-resistant,

Found out the previous owner did some home renovations without a permit? Don't panic. This happens more than you might think, but it's still something you need to address.

Unpermitted work isn't just about missing paperwork. It affects your home's safety, value, and can cause major headaches when you're ready to sell. Let's look at what you should do if you discover work done without a permit.

What Does Unpermitted Work Mean For New Homeowners?

Finding work done without a permit by the previous owner creates several challenges for homeowners:

• Your property might not be as safe as you thought
• You could face fines from your local city building department
• Your home insurance might not cover damages in areas built without a permit

Boat storage isn't just another expense you need to factor in—it's key to the long-term ownership experience. The right boat storage setup can prevent unnecessary wear and tear on the boat. Depending on your location, a popular storage option may be all wrong—especially for your wallet.

If you're storing a boat on the coast of British Columbia, salt water and air could be your main concerns. If you're in the lake-rich Okanagan Valley region, weather protection might be the top priority. Storing a boat in a big city? Security could top the list.

The truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to boat storage. Your best option depends on how often you use your boat, your budget, and where you live.

Quick Boat Storage Tips

• Check your boat

A cold ice cream cone hits different on a warm Kelowna day. Whether you're walking by the lake, checking out downtown shops, or need something sweet after visiting Kelowna’s world-class wineries, this Okanagan city has amazing ice cream spots waiting for you.

Need to know where to get the best ice cream in town? Here's your guide to the top spots for your next ice cream craving.

Tips for Your Kelowna Ice Cream Hunt

• Amore Mio makes real Italian gelato with local ingredients—try their outdoor seating
• Moo-Lix has the best salted caramel brownie and vegan options, too
• Parlour Ice Cream serves birthday cake flavour in fresh waffle cones
• La Diperie lets you customize with tons of dip flavours and toppings
• Marble Slab hand-churns its

Myra Canyon is one of the best places to hike near Kelowna, BC—but it’s so much more. The Myra Canyon Trail, also known as the Myra Canyon Trestles for its distinctive trestle bridges, follows the path of the historic Kettle Valley Railway.

Though trains haven’t run on this line since the late 1980s, its transformation into one of British Columbia’s most popular outdoor attractions has made it more popular than ever. 

With amazing views and cool sights, Myra Canyon feels like stepping back in time. Dive in and prepare for your epic adventure on the Myra Canyon Trail!

Tips for Your Myra Canyon Adventure

• Drive about 25 km southeast of Kelowna to reach Myra Canyon
• Get there early—parking spots at Myra and Ruth Stations fill up fast

Capital gains tax is the tax you pay on profit from selling property or investments. In simpler terms, this tax directly affects how much money you'll keep after selling your home.

In Canada, only a portion of your profit (currently 50%) gets added to your taxable income. This means if you sell an investment property and make $100,000 profit, only $50,000 gets taxed. The actual tax you pay depends on your income bracket. Higher earners pay a higher percentage on those profits.

The Principal Residence Exemption lets you sell your main home completely tax-free, which means capital gains tax becomes especially important for people with a second home or an income-earning property.

If you're getting ready to sell a home that may be eligible for

If you’re renting out an investment property or a second home, you'll need to fill out the T776 Statement of Real Estate Rentals. This form helps calculate your rental income and expenses for tax purposes. Getting it right means paying the correct amount of income tax—no more, no less.

Think of the T776 form as your rental property's financial report card. It shows the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) exactly how much rental income you earned and what your net rental income (or loss) was during the tax year.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with an attorney, tax, or financial advisor before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

7 Quick Tips to Stay on Top of Real Estate Rental Taxes

• Keep ALL receipts for repairs,

If you're craving a glass of wine with a view that stops you in your tracks, head to Lake Country in the Okanagan Valley—just a quick drive from Kelowna and packed with charm. 

The town is home to cozy, family-run wineries, award-winning vintages, and rolling vineyards. Whether you're into crisp whites, easy-drinking reds, or that perfect summer rosé, you'll find a sip that hits just right. And you don’t need to live in Lake Country to enjoy its wineries (though you may want to afterward!).

It’s the kind of place where wine tasting feels like a mini vacation—and you’ll want to come back again and again.

Highlights of Lake Country Wineries

• Lake Country sits between hills and Okanagan Lake, creating unique terroir for stellar wines.
• If