Happy holidays, and best wishes to you and your family!

This year has brought great things into my life.  I was able to close a new personal record of sales for my clients.  Which has also allowed me to focus more time and energy on building

my business.  I decided to take some time and finish schooling for my carpentry apprenticeship, which I started way back in 2007!  I am now a ticketed carpenter, which will help me tremendously with real estate, and construction.  Ultimately, helping to serve you better! This year, I was able to help many individuals, couples and families achieve their goals, which allowed me to achieve many of the goals that I set for myself at the start of this year!
 Taking some time to enjoy the wonderful world and myself we live in, I went on a few short trips, as far as Ontario and for a week to Jamaica!  Down in Jamaica, we were able to enjoy a friend of mine getting married.  My brother, Greg, and his girlfriend, Jennifer, were on the trip with Ashley and I. There were 55 guests for the wedding, all staying at the same resort for the week.  We had an excellent time!
 My girlfriend Ashley, and I moved into a cozy little home in the Lower Mission area of 

Our backyard!

Kelowna, where we grew a beautiful, all organic vegetable garden.  Our first harvest out of this garden was tremendous.  The soil made for excellent growing conditions.  Some of the tomatoes grew taller than me, and we almost had too many to handle.  Everything from the beets, to the zucchini, and butternut squash turned out big and tasty. We are still eating from it!
 The Kelowna housing market continues to be strong.  Sellers are benefiting from slight price appreciation around the valley.  As well, the buyers are taking advantage of the historically low interest rates.  Investors are also taking advantage of the extremely low vacancy rates, with residential vacancy rates below 1%.  This is causing rents 

Jager and some zucchinis from our garden!

to slowly increase.  New home construction is also seeing an increase in activity, which means for an all round good real estate market to be in right now!
 Clearly, I don’t get enough opportunity to say “thank you!” even know I am thankful everyday.  Yet at this special time of year, I want to express my deepest appreciation for placing your confidence in me, and supporting my business with your friendship and referrals.
 Looking forward to many new exciting endeavors this upcoming year.  I will be challenging myself to improve my skills in real estate marketing and contract negotiations.  As well, I will be trying to find as many people as possible to serve and help with everything real estate!
 I always enjoy hearing from family, friends and clients, whether it’s simply to catch up, or if you have a real estate question or “need”.  As always, if you, a friend, or family members are thinking of selling, buying, or renovating a home, I would be happy to help!
 Wishing you very happy holidays. May the joy of the holidays extend to you and those close to you, now and throughout the coming year! I’m looking forward to hearing from you!
 Your Personal Real Estate Agent,

 Derek Weatherhead
 PS, You can call me at 250 864 3325, or email me at derekweatherhead@me.com

Top Reasons to Buy Real Estate Over the Holidays

11 Reasons To be Buying Real Estate over the Holidays!

SOLD!! 1822 Cardinal Creek Road.
Contact me today for more great homes.

1. There is little or no chance of multiple or competing offers for the buyer.
2. Buyers can expect better service from all service providers like the agents, banks, insurers etc. Most are not as busy this time of year.
3. Sellers are very motivated at this time of year if they're still trying to sell from summer or fall.
4. Sellers are willing to negotiate, especially if they've been on the market for some time now. Give and take.
5. Buyers can shop the expired listings market, which has the largest selection this time of the year.  Many home owners try and sell during the summer, and take they're home off the market in the winter.  When contacted, most of these sellers are still very interested in selling.  Which can turn out to be a great deal for the buyer.
6. Good time of year to make an offer and do the due diligence, buyers can move at their own pace, and have the flexibility to create a smooth closing.
7. Easier for sellers to find alternative housing, there is not as much pressure finding a rental vs. trying in  the really busy spring and summer season.
8. Perfect time for buyers to make contingent “Subject to the Sale” offers, and get them accepted and movement on the price.  This way coming into the new year, you can be in a great position.
9. Easier time for a buyer to move and find help and services like movers, cleaners, storage.  Most service providers are slower during December, which gives them the opportunity to give better quality service.
10. Better timing for buyers on completions with lawyers, banks land registry. Not that busy and they have time to attend to you now.
11. December generally has less competition for the same property from other buyers on the deals that pop up this time of year. Some people really need to sell, and this means you really need to buy!

If you're thinking of buying a home now, or in the future, or have questions regarding our real estate market, give me a call @ 250-864-3325 or send me and email to derekweatherhead@me.com!

12 Reasons to List your Home During The Holidays!

5508 Lakeshore Road, Kelowna BC - MLS #10092535

1. People who look for homes during the holidays are serious buyers!
2. Serious buyers have fewer houses to choose from during the holidays and less competition means more money for you!
3. Since the supply of listings will dramatically increase in January, there will be less demand for your particular home! Less demand means less money for you!
4. Houses show better when decorated nicely for the holidays!
5. Snow makes your hard look beautiful and fresh with little yard work during the holidays!
6. Buyers are more emotional during the holidays, so they are more likely to pay your price!
7. Buyers have more time to look during the holidays than they do during a working week.
8. Some people need to buy before the end of the year for tax reasons!
9. January is traditionally the month for employees to begin new jobs.  Since transferees cannot wait until spring to buy, you must be on the market to capture those buyers!
10. You can still be on the market, but you have the option to restrict showings during the six or seven days during the holidays!
11. You can sell now for more money, and we will provide for a delayed closing or extended occupancy until early next year!
12. Buy selling now, you may have the opportunity to be a non-contingent buyer during the spring, when many more houses come on the market for less money! This will allow you to sell high and buy low!

If you're thinking of selling your home now, or in the future, or have questions regarding our real estate market, give me a call @ 250-864-3325 or send me and email to derekweatherhead@me.com!