Kamloops Real Estate Age Restricted Adult & Seniors 45+ Living

Kamloops has a number of 45+ adult and seniors living complexes and gated communities. Most Seniors living is comprised of apartment or condominium living although there are a couple of townhouse developments, bare land developments (detached units) and mobile home parks dedicated to the 45+ age group. Here is a list of complexes that specialize in 45+ through to 55+ living in Kamloops.

Brocklehurst

Desmond Manor: 840 Desmond Street: This seniors orientated townhouse development is located with in minutes of shopping and transportation. Each unit is self contained with a parking stall out front. Pets are allowed in this complex. Most units are two bedrooms and one bathroom with over 1,000 square feet of living space on one level. This is a smaller strata with only 7 units in total.


Orchard Court: 860 Nicolani Drive: This seniors orientated complex is located in a nice area of Brocklehurst. It is close to transportation, shopping and McArthur Island. There is an admittance intercom, elevator, community room and secure parking. Included with each unit is a enclosed garage or carport. The strata fees include digital cable. There is a rental restriction and one cat or one dog is allowed.

To view all the homes for sale in the Brock area click here.

Downtown/South Kamloops

Ashley Court: 338 Nicola Street: This sought after complex is centrally located. There is an admittance intercom, secure parking, an elevator, community room and is suitable for the disabled. There are no rentals or pets allowed in this complex. Units in this building consist of one bedroom, one bathroom to the larger two bedroom two bathroom. This strata is located two blocks from the hospital and minutes to all downtown amenities and professional offices.

Desert Gardens: 554 Seymour Street: This very popular complex has a seniors’ community centre that holds daily activities and clubs. The complex also features secure parking, an elevator and is suitable for the disabled. Units range in size from a one bedroom with one bathroom, to a larger two bedroom and a den with two bathroom unit. Pets are allowed with restrictions.

Manor House: 360 Battle Street: This 55+ Seniors orientated complex is in a great location, walking distance to numerous down town activities including the YMCA/YWCA. There is secure parking, admittance intercom and an elevator. There is also a community room for activities. The units in this complex range in size from a one bedroom, one bathroom to three bedroom two bathroom units. There are no pets or rentals are allowed in this complex.

Windsor Apartments: 411 Nicola Street: This seniors complex is close to all downtown amenities. There is secure parking, an elevator, a fitness facility, a sauna, a whirlpool and admittance intercom. Units range in size from one bedroom, one bathroom to two bedrooms and two bathrooms. There are no rentals or pets allowed in this complex.

To view all the homes for sale in this area click here.

North Kamloops

Golden Vista Suites: 375 Cherry Avenue: This is a newer seniors development in North Kamloops close to shopping, medical clinics and transportation. This 46 unit strata consists of modern studio and one bedroom suites. There is a common community room and patio in this complex for the residents to enjoy as well as admittance intercom and elevator. This condo development is located only a 5-10 minute drive from downtown Kamloops and the hospital.

The Willows: 120 Vernon Avenue: This complex is located very close to shopping, transportation and medical clinics. Units range in size from one bedroom to two bedrooms and include storage lockers. Pets are allowed with restrictions. This complex has an admittance intercom and an elevator. The Willows rarely come up for sale on MLS, they are often handled in house or through private sales.

Riverdale Mobile Home Park: North Kamloops: This is a popular 55+ park for seniors. Close to downtown, transportation, walking trails and shopping. All units are detached mobile homes on a rental pad. This park does not allow pets or rentals.

To view all the homes for sale in these areas click here.

Valleyview

Curlew Gardens: 1975 Curlew Road: This seniors 55+ townhouse development is centrally located in Valleyview. Each unit has an open design with two bedrooms and two bathrooms on the main floor with nearly 1,200 square feet of living space and a full basement. There is also an enclosed single garage. There are no pets and restricted rentals are allowed in this complex.  The complex has limited RV parking. Located only a few minutes drive to both the Valleyview shopping district and Downtown amenities.

Valleyview Place: 2169 Flamingo Drive: This centrally located Valleyview complex is within walking distance of shopping and transportation. There is an admittance intercom, elevator, extra storage and secure parking. The units range in size from one bedroom, one bathroom to a larger three bedroom two bathroom layout. There are rental and pet restrictions in this complex. This complex is located steps from Save-on-foods, Shoppers Drug Mart and a number of other shopping and professional offices.
To view all the homes for sale in the Valleyview area click here.

South Thompson Valley

Sienna Ridge @ 641 Shuswap Road East. This is a newer development started in 2017 that is fully gated and is adult oriented community. Each home is fully detached with a double garage and level entry. The homes feature full basements that some residents finish while others leave unfinished storage. Each unit has a yard space. There is on site RV parking at this development.  Click here to view more info about this property.

Westsyde

Oakdale Mobile Home Park: 2400 Oakdale Way: This park is split into two sections, the family section and seniors 55+ section. The Oakdale Park is very well maintained sought after park. It is situated close to the rivers trail and transportation. Homes in this park range in size from smaller single wide modular homes to larger double wide homes. Each home is on a small piece of property and usually has some private yard space.

To view all the homes for sale in the Kamloops area click here.

If you are looking for opportunities to purchase in other seniors facilities such as Riverbend, Berwick on the Park, Kamloops Seniors Village or Ponderosa Place contact the facility direct as these properties are not listed for sale on the MLS®.

CMHC to Limit Mortgage Insurance Product Offerings Effective May 30; CMHC Will Stop Offering Mortgage Insurance on Second Homes

This article appeared on CBC.ca on April 26th, 2014.  CMHC to limit mortgage insurance product offerings Effective May 30, CMHC will stop offering mortgage insurance on second homes

CMHC Canadian Mortgage and Housing CorporationCanada Mortgage and Housing Corporation will no longer offer mortgage insurance on second homes, the crown corporation said on Friday.

It will also discontinue selling mortgage insurance to self-employed people without third-party income validation. The new limitations mean borrowers will also no longer be able to act as co-borrowers on other applications.

These changes, which will take effect on May 30, are part of the ongoing review of the mortgage loan insurance business. CMHC said self-employed Canadians can still qualify for insured financing with a validation of their income using traditional methods.

As well, the two products will still be available to those who submit requests prior to May 30, regardless of the closing date of the home purchase.

CMHC said these two products account for less than three per cent of its insured business volumes in units. “Given the limited use of these products, their discontinuation is not expected to have a material impact on the housing market,” CMHC said in its release.

The changes come as Canadian home buyers face an increase in mortgage insurance premiums.

In February, CMHC announced it would hike premiums for default insurance by an average of 15 per cent effective May 1. The increase would hit buyers who have a downpayment of less than 20 per cent.

Top 20 Grants and Rebates for Home Buyers and Property Owners

There are ways that property owners and home buyers can save money. On February 25th, 2011 the Vancouver Sun created a list of the Top 25 Grants and Rebates which I have adapted to only include those available in the Kamloops area.

1. HOME BUYERS’ PLAN

Qualifying home buyers can withdraw up to $25,000 (couples can withdraw up to $50,000) from their RRSPs for a down payment. Home buyers who have repaid their RRSP may be eligible to use the program a second time. For more information click here. Enter ‘Home Buyers’ Plan’ in the search box.

2. GST REBATE ON NEW HOMES

New home buyers can apply for a rebate of the federal portion of the HST (the 5% GST) if the purchase price is less than $350,000. The rebate is up to 36% of the GST to a maximum rebate of $6,300. There is a proportional GST rebate for new homes costing between $350,000 and $450,000. For more information click here.  Enter ‘RC4028’ in the search box.

3. BC NEW HOUSING REBATE (HST)

Buyers of new or substantially renovated homes priced up to $525,000 are eligible for a rebate of 71.43% of the provincial portion (7%) of the 12% HST paid to a maximum rebate of $26,250. Homes priced at $525,000+ are eligible for a flat rebate of $26,250. For more information click here.

4. BC NEW RENTAL HOUSING REBATE (HST)

Landlords buying new or substantially renovated homes are eligible for a rebate of 71.43% of the provincial portion of the HST, up to $26,250 per unit. Click here for more info.

5. BC PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX (PTT) FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS’ PROGRAM

Qualifying first-time buyers may be exempt from paying the PTT of 1% on the first $200,000 and 2% on the remainder of the purchase price of a home priced up to $425,000. There is a proportional exemption for homes priced up to $450,000. For more information click here.

6. FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS’ TAX CREDIT (HBTC)

This federal non-refundable income tax credit is for qualifying buyers of detached, attached, apartment condominiums, mobile homes or shares in a cooperative housing corporation. The calculation: multiply the lowest personal income tax rate for the year (15% in 2010) x $5,000. For the 2010 tax year, the maximum credit is $750. For more information click here.

7. BC HOME OWNER GRANT

Reduces school property taxes by up to $570 on properties with an assessed value up to $1,150,000. For 2011, the basic grant is reduced by $5 for each $1,000 of value over $1,150,000, and eliminated on homes assessed at $1,264,000. An additional grant reduces property tax by a further $275 for a total of $845 for seniors, veterans and the disabled. This is reduced by $5 for each $1,000 of assessed value over $1,150,000 and eliminated on homes assessed at $1,319,000+. For more information click here.

8. BC PROPERTY TAX DEFERMENT PROGRAMS

Property Tax Deferment Program for Seniors. Qualifying home owners aged 55+ may be eligible to defer property taxes. Financial Hardship Property Tax Deferment Program. Qualifying low-income home owners may be eligible to defer property taxes. Property Tax Deferment Program for Families with Children. Qualifying low income home owners who financially support children under age 18 may be eligible to defer property taxes. For more information click here and enter ‘Property tax deferment’ in the search box or contact your municipal tax office.

9. CANADA MORTGAGE AND HOUSING (CMHC) RESIDENTIAL REHABILITATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (RRAP) GRANTS.

This federal program provides financial aid to qualifying low-income home owners to repair substandard housing. Eligible repairs include heating, structural, electrical, plumbing and fire safety. Grants are available for seniors, persons with disabilities, owners of rental properties and owners creating secondary and garden suites. For more information click here.

10. CMHC MORTGAGE LOAN INSURANCE PREMIUM REFUND

Provides home buyers with CMHC mortgage insurance, a 10% premium refund and possible extended amortization without surcharge when buyers purchase an energy efficient mortgage or make energy saving renovations. For more information click here.

11. ENERGY SAVING MORTGAGES

Financial institutions offer a range of mortgages to home buyers and owners who make their homes more energy efficient. For example, home owners who have a home energy audit within 90 days of receiving an RBC Energy SaverT Mortgage, may qualify for a rebate of $300 to their RBC account. For more information click here.

12. LOW INTEREST RENOVATION LOANS

Financial institutions offer ‘green’ loans for home owners making energy efficient upgrades. Vancity’s Bright Ideas personal loan offers home owners up to $20,000 at prime + 1% for up to 10 years for ‘green’ renovations. RBC’s Energy Saver loan offers 1% off the interest rate for a fixed rate installment loan over $5,000 or a $100 renovation on a home energy audit on a fixed rate installment loan over $5,000. For information visit your financial institution.

13. LIVESMART BC: EFFICIENCY INCENTIVE PROGRAM

Home owners improving the energy efficiency of their homes may qualify for cash incentives through this provincial program provided in partnership with Terasen Gas, BC Hydro, and FortisBC. Rebates are for energy efficient products which replace gas and oil furnaces, pumps, water heaters, wood stoves, insulation, windows, doors, skylights and more. The LiveSmart BC program also covers $150 of the cost of a home energy assessment, directly to the service provider. For more information click here.

14. BC RESIDENTIAL ENERGY CREDIT

Home owners and residential landlords buying heating fuel receive a BC government point-of-sale rebate on utility bills equal to the provincial component of the HST.

15. BC HYDRO APPLIANCE REBATES

Mail-in rebates of $25 – $50 for purchasers of ENERGY STAR clothes washers, refrigerators, dishwashers, or freezers until March 31, 2011, or when funding for the program is exhausted. For more information click here.

16. BC HYDRO FRIDGE BUY-BACK PROGRAM

This ongoing program rebates BC Hydro customers $30 to turn in spare fridges in working condition. For more information click here.

17. BC HYDRO WINDOWS REBATE PROGRAM

Pay no HST when you buy ENERGY STAR high-performance windows and doors. This offer is available until March 31, 2011.

18. BC HYDRO MAIL-IN REBATES/ SAVINGS COUPONS

To save energy, BC Hydro offers rebates including 10% off an ENERGY STAR cordless phone. Check for new offers and for deadlines. For more information click here.

19. TERASEN GAS REBATE PROGRAM

A range of rebates for home owners include a $50 rebate for upgrading a water heater, $150 rebate on an Ener-Choice fireplace (both good to March 31, 2011) and a $1,000 rebate for switching to natural gas (from oil or propane) and installing an ENERGY STAR heating system (good to Feb. 29, 2012). For more information click here and in the search box enter ‘rebates’.

20. TERASEN GAS EFFICIENT BOILER PROGRAM

For commercial buildings, provides a cash rebate of up to 75% of the purchase price of an energy efficient boiler, for new construction or retrofits. For more information click here and in the search box enter ‘gas efficient boiler program.

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Kamloops Real Estate: Advice on How To Pick a Realtor That Will Work For You

Kamloops Realtor Kirsten MasonIn a highly competitive real estate market it can be difficult to determine who the best Real Estate Professional would be for your needs. Currently the Kamloops and District Real Estate Association reports that there are just under 300 member Realtors. I have included some pointers below to help you figure out how to find the right professional for you.

1. Interview 2 to 3 Realtors: Analyze their differences and pick the one that you feel most comfortable working with and whom you feel will best represent your interests or needs based on their skill level and experience.

  • For Buyers, you want to ensure that the Realtor will take the time to show you properties when it is convenient for you and will make your search a priority. Go to open houses to informally meet Realtors and strike up a conversation, you will know who you feel comfortable working with after meeting a few professionals.
  • For Sellers, you want a Realtor that has a comprehensive, dynamic and aggressive marketing plan to get your home sold. Communication is paramount and it is important that your listing Realtor maintain open and continual feedback. The most common criticism is “the Realtor posted a sign and I didn’t hear from him/her for 3 months”.

2. Choose a Full Time Realtor: Some Realtors only work part time.  Your largest financial and emotional decision may only be a second career for that part time Realtor. Choose a professional who’s business it is to sell real estate. You wouldn’t choose a part time surgeon to operate on you. A full time Realtor means better market knowledge, better service, better marketing and better negotiating skills which means a better price for you, whether buying or selling.  Ask your potential Realtor:  How often will you hear from them?  Do they have support staff or a team to help them and help you? Are there any days or times during the week that they don’t work? Do they have a part time or other job?

3. Chose a knowledgeable Realtor:  The Realtor you choose should be able to explain the market as it relates to your sale or purchase. Questions you should ask are: Have they sold or listed homes in your area? Are they knowledgeable about the statistics and the direction the market is moving in (buyers or sellers market)?  They should take the time to educate you as to the present market conditions and show you the best way to sell or buy given those conditions and the competition.  They should back up their explanations with current market data and be honest with you in interpreting that data.

4. When listing, Do Not choose a Realtor based on price: When Realtors are competing for a listing, some will give an inflated price just to try to get the listing, only to ask you for a price reduction a few weeks later. Realtors don’t determine the price for your home, the market does that! Often, Realtor’s that don’t have much to offer in terms of experience tend to compete on price.  In other words, what you may gain on perceived higher valuation on your home, you will likely lose in overall sale price due to poor marketing and weak negotiating.  Part of a Realtor’s job is to interpret hundreds of sales as well as active listings. Therefore your prospective Realtor should be able to explain to you what your specific market range is for buying or selling. A good real estate professional knows that every house has a price range which is determined by the seller’s motivation to sell and the buyer’s need to buy. Did you know that 70% of whether or not a property will sell is decided when the price is established. The other 30% is based on the Realtor’s level of competence and negotiating skill.

5. Choose a Realtor based on their success rate:  All Real estate companies have good and bad Realtors. Don’t be afraid to ask a potential Realtor what their sales record was for the past year or two. The Realtor you hire should know how to successfully sell homes and the numbers never lie. You can ask: How many homes did they help their clients to buy and sell? How many days did the average home that they have listed spend on the market? Do they sell in your area or all over? What special awards or recognition have they earned? Do they have any testimonial statements from past clients? Each Realtor’s willingness to share this information with you will help with your overall decision.

6. When Listing, Choose a Realtor based on their marketing strategy:  How much time, how much money and what kind of marketing is your Realtor suggesting for your property?  Every property is different and needs a tailored marketing program to sell it and attract the best buyer willing to pay the highest price.  People don’t buy bricks and mortar, they buy a lifestyle, an environment where they can raise their kids or a location where they can retire in style, with amenities they can use and enjoy. Ensure your Realtor has a comprehensive marketing strategy that targets different medias such as internet, print, local advertising etc.

7. Choose a Realtor that has been recommended by family or friends: Family or friends who’ve had a good experience with a Realtor are your best referral source. A good Realtor will keep in contact with their past clients and ask them for referrals. This is a great place to start when choosing a Real Estate Professional.

8. For Buyers, Pick one Realtor to work with: It is in your best interest to choose one professional to work with. You will develop a relationship with your Realtor and that person will really understand what you want in a property.   You can’t expect a Realtor to give you 100% if you are not willing to commit to them. Realtors only get paid if you buy or sell a property with them, so if you are working with other Realtors all at one time you can’t expect outstanding service based on your lack of loyalty. Find someone that is honest and trustworthy, this will eliminate the need to want to work with other Realtors at one time.

Click here for a free, no obligation home evaluation.

To view all homes for sale in Kamloops click here.

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