How would you like to get an inside look into the Okanagan’s economic development? 

In this episode, The Stone Sisters sit down with Krista Mallory— manager of the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission (COEDC). Krista shares the story of why she decided to call Kelowna home in 2006 and how she worked her way up to such a prestigious position. She explains the role the COEDC plays in the Central Okanagan and how they support a healthy and sustainable community and economy. 

Shannon and Tamara ask Krista to give an informed comparison of the Okanagan economy with other growing communities in BC. Krista reveals one of the fastest growing industries in Kelowna and how this industry will open up opportunities for incredible careers. The Stone Sisters and Krista talk about the different start-up costs for businesses in Kelowna vs. other cities in BC and Krista illustrates why the Okanagan is such a great spot to start a new venture. Want to connect with Krista?Check out her LinkedIn.Head to the COEDC website.To learn more about the Stone Sisters or to get in touch, visit www.stonesisters.com

To learn more about the Stone Sisters or to get in touch, visit www.stonesisters.com

Are you feeling hopeless due to the lack of affordable housing in BC? 

In this episode, The Stone Sisters sit down with Renee Merrifield, CEO of Troika Developments and an MLA for Okanagan-Mission. Troika is focused on building sustainable communities— both environmentally and economically. Renee shares the story of why and how she first started her phenomenal company. She opens up about some of the struggles she faced as a female entrepreneur in the late 1990s. 

The Stone Sisters and Renee examine the ever-changing landscape of Canadian politics and Renee describes what first attracted her to this industry. They discuss the current affordable housing crisis and how the economic climate is affecting real estate. The Stone Sisters get Renee’s political take on the current ‘cooling off’ period in BC.

Want to connect with Renee?Follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.Check out her website and the Troika website. To learn more about the Stone Sisters or to get in touch, visit www.stonesisters.com

To learn more about the Stone Sisters or to get in touch, visit www.stonesisters.com

Have you ever considered moving to a new city?In this episode, Tamara is joined by one of her partners Sharon and one of their past clients Tracy. Tamara asks Tracy to share her story of moving across the country from Ontario to Kelowna. Tracy outlines the rumours she heard about Kelowna and what enticed her and her husband to decide to call this sun-filled city home for good. They talk about the many perks of living in the Okanagan and the variety of real estate opportunities available to newcomers. Tracy opens up and shares her words of wisdom for making big life changes. To learn more about the Stone Sisters or to get in touch, visit www.stonesisters.comTo learn more about the Stone Sisters or to get in touch, visit www.stonesisters.com

Have you ever wondered how urban planning differs across Canada?In this episode, The Stone Sisters sit down with Martin Bell, the CEO of Urban Systems— a consulting firm that prides itself on building communities that are safe, sustainable, and prosperous. Martin and the Urban Systems team work with both local governments and indigenous communities on urban planning and development. Martin shares Urban Systems’ inspiring story and explains his role in this cutting-edge company. The Stone Sisters ask Martin to describe what he’s seeing in the Canadian real estate market and how the market differs across the country. They discuss how needs and wants in real estate differ between generations— which affects real estate trends. Martin gives his projection for where the Kelowna real estate market will be in 2040. Want to connect with Martin?Follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn.Check out the Urban Systems Website.To learn more about the Stone Sisters or to get in touch, visit www.stonesisters.comTo learn more about the Stone Sisters or to get in touch, visit www.stonesisters.com

Ready to get the inside scoop on the Okanagan real estate market? In this episode, the Stone Sisters divulge the unique opportunities available in the ever-changing Okanagan real estate market. They discuss the benefits of purchasing an older home in need of renovations and how this type of purchase affects buyers. The sisters consider the growing market for condos and the various opportunities they hold for buyers. They explain how GST is applied differently in new and used housing. Shannon and Tamara discuss the benefits and the drawbacks of building a new house from the ground up. They explain the competitive property ladder and why they urge everyone to get in on the market in whatever way they can. The sisters share their expert tips for first time home buyers and what they'd recommend when first entering the market.To learn more about the Stone Sisters or to get in touch, visit www.stonesisters.comTo learn more about the Stone Sisters or to get in touch, visit www.stonesisters.com

Are you a buyer riding the waves of the current real estate market? In this episode, the Stone Sisters share their expert tips when it comes to winning in a multiple offer situation. As multiple offers continue to be a trend we see across the country, Shannon and Tamara urge you to consider how you can give yourself a competitive advantage and stand out amongst the sea of buyers. They share fun, unique, and memorable ways for buyers to make their offer attractive, without paying more. The sisters consider the risk of going in under asking in this current market. They’ll also discuss the current trend of non-conditional contracts and why they’d veer away from an agreement like that. Shannon and Tamara talk about deposits, why they’re important in securing a real estate deal, and how much of a deposit you should expect to put down.To learn more about the Stone Sisters or to get in touch, visit www.stonesisters.comTo learn more about the Stone Sisters or to get in touch, visit www.stonesisters.com

What makes a luxury home?In this episode, the Stone Sisters define what a luxury home is in today’s market. They explore the above-average features buyers should expect when viewing luxury homes in the Okanagan—from vast square footage and hidden appliances, to high-end finishings and more. The sisters also discuss the soaring price range to expect when you’re in the market for a luxury home. They explore how the concept and cost of luxury has shifted over the years. To learn more about the Stone Sisters or to get in touch, visit www.stonesisters.comTo learn more about the Stone Sisters or to get in touch, visit www.stonesisters.com

Ever wanted to own on the water? In this episode, Shannon and Tamara discuss everything you need to know about waterfront property. They share 5 vital things for buyers to consider when it comes to waterfront property, specifically in Kelowna. Shannon and Tamara list the 4 different types of zones along Okanagan Lake and what this means for property owners. The sisters explain the differences between government property and personal property. Shannon and Tamara talk about the Okanagan flood zones and which areas of Kelowna need to worry most about flooding. The sisters think back to Kelowna’s grave experiences with flooding over the past few years. They discuss the ecological factors to consider with flooding and how it affects wildlife. The sisters share the level of flooding they expect to see in the Okanagan this year and how it will affect property owners. To learn more about the Stone Sisters or to get in touch, visit www.stonesisters.comTo learn more about the Stone Sisters or to get in touch, visit www.stonesisters.com

Wondering what the next big interior design trends are? In this episode, The Stone Sisters interview Trisha Isabey, owner and interior designer of Isabey Interiors in Kelowna, BC. Isabey Interiors is an award-winning design company that specializes in both residential and commercial projects. Trisha talks about her background in the finance world as a stockbroker and why she changed directions and started her interior design business. The Stone Sisters ask Trisha to share upcoming design trends and what trends she expects to be on the way out in 2022. Trisha lists the pros and cons of being on trend when it comes to interior design and how different designs can affect the market value of your home. Trisha explains the psychology behind design choices and how different design techniques can have a positive effect on mental health. Trisha dives deep into what she recommends you prioritize when remodelling your home and she shares the number one thing she would invest the most money in. Want to connect with Trisha?Head to her website.Follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.Connect with her on LinkedIn.To learn more about the Stone Sisters or to get in touch, visit www.stonesisters.comTo learn more about the Stone Sisters or to get in touch, visit www.stonesisters.com

The Stone Sisters Are Back With Episode 14 of Real Estate for Real People! In this episode, the sisters interview Michael J. Ballingall, Senior Vice President of Big White Ski Resort in Kelowna, BC. Michael has been an integral part of growing Kelowna’s hospitality and tourism industry and making Kelowna the top tourism destination that it is today. Michael talks about his background and how he began his exciting career at Big White Ski Resort. Shannon and Tamara ask Michael to share the unique history of Big White and how it played a part in making Kelowna’s development what it is today. Michael gives us an inside look into what truly makes Big White special in comparison to other well-known ski resorts. The Stone Sisters and Michael discuss the expansion of Big White and what Michael envisions for its future, and what this means for the future of Kelowna.Want to connect with Michael?Head to his LinkedIn.To learn more about the Stone Sisters or to get in touch, visit www.stonesisters.comTo learn more about the Stone Sisters or to get in touch, visit www.stonesisters.com