All Blog Entries by Dave Kotler

When it comes to selling your home, first impressions matter. The exterior of your property is the first thing potential buyers see, and it sets the tone for their entire viewing experience. One cost-effective and impactful way to enhance your home's curb appeal is through a fresh coat of paint. The exterior paint not only serves to protect your property from the elements but also plays a pivotal role in captivating buyers' attention and pique their interest. Whether you're a seasoned homeowner or a first-time seller, read on to discover how painting your home can make all the difference in achieving a successful sale.

Know the Signs That It's Time To Paint

Painting the home is a big job, so it's not something most homeowners do unless

When buying a home, people need to know about their property tax obligations at every stage of homeownership. Homebuyers can get caught off guard without this knowledge as tax payments come due. To handle all property tax payments confidently, homebuyers can fill their minds with information about paying property taxes in Canada early and often. Become an expert on property taxes in Canada and create an accurate estimate of how much it costs to own a home. 

How Are Property Taxes Calculated?

Property taxes play a vital role in funding various essential services provided by local governments. The assessment of these taxes follows a well-defined process. Municipalities across the country determine property taxes based on the assessed value of

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but in real estate, pictures can also be worth thousands of dollars. Real estate photography, high-value home improvements, helps sell homes by attracting buyers, encouraging competition, and making a good impression before the buyer ever enters the home. If you're a homeowner thinking about selling your home sometime soon, here's what you need to know about real estate photography.

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

Buyers Like Attractive Listings

Online homebuyers are more likely to interact with attractive listings. When they see high-quality images, they often spend more time looking at it

Imagine living in a remarkable luxury home that is replete with the finest appointments and details that exude the feeling of opulence. Now, visualize having that home situated in front of the Pacific Ocean, a flowing river, or a recreational lake. Sounds great, right?

Not only can this dream be realized, but luxury homebuyers can optimize life along a shoreline by going in with eyes wide open and knowing the guidelines for water access. Read on to explore a few ways to get the most bang for your buck and boost the value of your luxury waterfront home with a few upgrades.

Enjoy Great Water Views in an Outdoor Living Space

Optimally, a pre-owned, semi-spec, or custom luxury home will be situated to maximize the waterfront views from the indoors

Downtown Kelowna is a thriving urban center in the heart of British Columbia's beautiful Okanagan Valley. Boasting a lively arts and culture scene, breathtaking natural landscapes, and a vibrant culinary scene, the downtown area is becoming an increasingly popular destination for homebuyers moving to Kelowna. This guide will explore some of the top perks of living in downtown Kelowna, from its bustling waterfront district to its world-class wineries and ski resorts. Whether you're a nature lover, a foodie, or an art enthusiast, downtown Kelowna has something to offer everyone.

The Peak of Walkable Living in Kelowna

People typically associate downtown districts with unrelenting traffic, imposing high-rise condominiums, and non-existent parking.

Having a well-stocked emergency supplies list is essential for homeowners to be prepared in the event of a natural disaster. Disasters can strike at any moment, and being ready with essential items can make all the difference in keeping your family safe.

Here are some common types of natural disasters that commonly occur in Canada, as well as guidance on what to include in an emergency supplies list. Learn how to prepare your home for a natural disaster, as well as what to include in an emergency kit and how best to store your emergency supplies so they are easily accessible when needed.

Common Types of Natural Disasters in Canada

Canada is no stranger to natural disasters, with a variety of events impacting homes and communities across the

Townhome communities provide options for those who want to own individual living space but may not want the responsibilities accompanying expansive yards or landscaping. Some consider such a community a hybrid housing type, but contemporary townhomes can also replicate past centuries' historic rowhouses built in posh neighbourhoods. Considering a townhome as your first property? Keep reading to discover what defines a townhome and why you should consider buying one below.

Table of Contents

• What, Exactly, Is a Townhome?
• Townhomes Offer More Privacy Than a Condo
• Townhome Owners Have Fewer Responsibilities Than Single-Family Homeowners
• Enjoy Interior & Exterior Flexibility
• Take Advantage of the Amenities
• Consider Townhomes

The wonderful climate in Kelowna allows for a wide range of outdoor activities all year. The Black Mountain neighbourhood in southeast Kelowna is exceptional in this regard. Black Mountain offers close access to sizable provincial and regional parks for residents to enjoy. Golfers will love one of the main courses in the neighbourhood, and residents can pick their own fruit at a local orchard each year during the growing season. Here are five of the best outdoor activities people can do daily in Black Mountain, helping make it one of Kelowna's best neighbourhoods.

Scenic Canyon Regional Park

The Scenic Canyon Regional Park is located in the south part of Black Mountain, near the Gallagher's Canyon Golf & Country Club. The entrances to this

Termites are pesky little critters. Despite their variety and widespread existence throughout the world, you might never see them until they have caused extensive damage to your home.

There are more than 2,000 distinct species, but only about 50 of them are found in the North America. Termites of one kind or another, however, are found in all 50 states (except Alaska) and many of the coastal provinces in Canada. Damage figures vary greatly, but it is estimated that termites cost homeowners between $1-7 million each year. Typically, a homeowner who discovers termite damage will spend approximately $3,000 for treatment and repair. Here are the pest control tips you need to deal with termites.

Termites 101

As odd as it may seem, termites "in

Having pests in a home isn't fun, and a homeowner who finds them will want to get rid of them quickly and keep them from coming back inside. Fortunately, there are many good DIY ways to keep pests at bay. While sometimes professional help is necessary, it can be costly. It's often easier and far less expensive to take the DIY approach to get pests out of your house. Whether you're dealing with rats or getting rid of termites, here are some of the most important things for any homeowner to consider when choosing DIY options for home pest removal.

There are DIY Options to Get Rid of Pests

Pest control is a home improvement project you can DIY in most situations. There are plenty of DIY chemicals and treatments to choose from. Most big box