2012 has started out to be a busy year! It seems the positive news keeps coming.

Last week saw the Province of BC announce new HST Transition Rules. These rules are very positive for new home buyers.

The Government has announced new relief measures that will benefit purchasers of new homes. The B.C. new housing rebate threshold will be increased to $850,000, meaning more than 90 per cent of newly built homes will now be eligible for a provincial HST rebate of up to $42,500. In addition, purchasers of new secondary vacation or recreational homes outside the Greater Vancouver and Capital regional districts priced up to $850,000 will now be eligible to claim a provincial grant of up to $42,500 effective April 1, 2012.

Both of these are welcome improvements to the taxation of new housing. If you are in the market for a new home in Kelowna, 2012 is an even better time to buy!

Email us at sales@southwindatsarsons.com or call us at 250.764.4444 to schedule your private tour, we look forward to meeting you.

With the combined team of G Group Developments and Sothebys International Realty Canada, we aimed to bring a new approach to marketing real estate in 2011. At our current project, Southwind at Sarsons in the Lower Mission, 2011 represented a good opportunity to wrap up the second phase of this condo and townhome project. And what a year it has been!

We wanted what every project wanted – catchy headlines, sharp advertising, a great sales crew and an abundance of new homeowners. We wanted to achieve these objectives, but did not want to replicate the overused advertising style from back in the pre-2008 real estate boom. We did not want flashy smiles of people playing in a park; we wanted to “sell the truth”. This means just what it sounds like; tell the world why we are offering what we are offering, and why it is in their interest to be part of this community. In our case, we wanted to sell the balance of the homes built back in the boom in order to progress onto our next projects.

The approach has worked. Since April, we have helped 19 couples find a good new fit for a home. With nearly one new homeowner each week, these savvy buyers took advantage of the benefits that Southwind could offer them.

Those benefits are numerous. For one, interest rates continue to be at all time lows. Pricing for new homes is the best it’s been in nearly half a decade, but the quality of construction and finishes are still premium. These advantages combined with the onsite amenities and the great location makes Southwind at Sarsons a quality community. Walking distance to the beach, groceries and shops without a long or congested commute downtown, and no neighboring highways, Southwind’s location benefits everyone.

This may lead you to think that the homes remaining may be priced too high, or are the least favorable. This isn’t the case. We have several variations of 2 bedroom plus den homes remaining, one last townhome and a few vaulted penthouses left. The size of our remaining homes range from 1245 to over 2200 square feet, fitting the needs of all family types.

We’re grateful for all of these great new homeowners in 2010 and 2011, and they can’t be wrong. If you have considered downsizing without moving to an urban or highway oriented location, you need to come visit Southwind. If you have ever thought that taking advantage of this market to downsize represents a once in a lifetime opportunity – you’re right – and you need to come visit Southwind.

Let us help you find the best fit for your next home at Southwind. We are open 7 days a week, 11:00 am through 5:00 pm and are happy to take appointments that fit your schedule. Conveniently located at 4388 Lakeshore Road, in the Lower Mission. Call us at 250.764.4444, visit our website at www.SouthwindAtSarsons.com or drop by. We’re excited to meet you!

Thanks for all of your recent questions, comments and information inqueries.

When you leave us a message or post, please leave the best method to get back to you. Alternatively you can also send us an email at sales@southwindatsarsons.com Your posts are private, so if you can leave us an email address or phone number, we will be sure to contact you!

Our sale studio is open 7 days per week, 11am through 5pm. We also welcome appointments at your convenience out of those times. Our sales studio is located at 4388 Lakeshore Road, and our phone number is 250-764-4444.

Thanks!

We are trying to emphasize this in our messaging this year, but stating that we are offering 2008 quality at 2011 pricing may not be perfectly clear to everyone.

In 2008 as the market was heating and growing significantly, customer’s began to demand higher standards in much of Kelowna’s real estate. While this was initially driven by the out-of-town purchaser, Kelownians too became accustomed to a higher level of finishing and amenities with their new homes. Developers responded to these demands by building ever-increasing quality into their homes and condos. Enter Southwind.

Our construction of the second phase began in 2008, right at the height of the market. We designed and built Southwind to the market demanded, high-end specifications. These specifications include standards throughout such as hardwood flooring, solid granite kitchens, full tiled bathrooms, oversized custom commercial windows, and Kohler bathroom and kitchen fixtures throughout.

Now as the market has changed, prices have adjusted, and developers are bringing more affordable offerings to the market. This is great, but what is even better is what Southwind has. Southwind has all of the old-market luxury, with this new market pricing. The best of both worlds, in all of the 18 remaining homes.

Take a peek at some of this luxury in our photo gallery – or even better, visit our friendly Sotheby’s sales team at Southwind. Give them a shout at 250-764-4444 or stop by at 4388 Lakeshore Road, Kelowna BC.

Many developers (we’re guilty of this, too!) discuss their homes in terms of the finishes and quality of product. They typically take a focus on visual features – the materials that comprise the portions of the home that you can see. While finishes, durability, and often simply the appearance can make a big difference in one home to another – there are specifics that are unique to each community that should be highlighted.

Classic one: location. With real estate its location, location, location, right? While location is key, consider what you personally need out of your location. What is a priority for you – beaches? Shopping? Conveniences? Maybe close proximity office space.

Consider what you do with your past time. Is the home you are moving to a good fit? If you are a bicyclist, is there ample opportunity for you to use your road bike? If you have a dog, are there good locations such as a dog park, or walking areas? Is the home located in an appropriate area to recreate, or is it alongside a highway.

How about the neighborhood. If you have children, are there schools nearby? What about if you dont have children, and want a quieter more mature atmosphere? Again, ensure the fit is right.

At Southwind, and for that matter when we site any of our projects, these items are a key consideration. The interior finishes can be replicated anywhere at any community; locational and other community cultural aspects cannot.

Come visit our community and learn about Sarsons Beach, the Heritage behind the community site, and the great neighbourhood the Southwind community is part of. We look forward to meeting you and introducing you to these irreplacable features that you can call home.

Give us a call at 250.764.4444 or stop by the studio. We’re open 7 days a week, from 11 am through 5pm at 4388 Lakeshore Road.