Jayme McKillop
5603 27th St. Vernon, BC, Canada

Supporting local businesses is one of my favourite things to do, so I definitely wasn't going to let today go by without celebrating National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day; a special day to appreciate the long hours, hard work and dedication it takes to run a small business. According to http://nationaltoday.com, the holiday was established by Rick and Margie Segel in honour of their parents and the successful hat shop they opened in 1939 - which grew into a 10,000 square foot, $2 million dollar clothing shop! Let's celebrate the incredible small business owners in our community by tagging them below to give thanks for all their dedication! Scroll through the tagged businesses in the comments below to discover some great local places we can all support together!

When my clients are able to get one step closer to achieving their long term goals, regardless of the ups and downs within the process of getting them there, it makes everything worth it! And it's reviews like this one that solidifies my passion for helping people with their real estate needs. "We worked with Jayme during the first spring of the pandemic lockup, a time of ever changing regulations and public health warnings. Nothing any of us had been through befor...e, yet working with Jayme was an absolute pleasure. She was extremely professional but easygoing and fun. She watched over our kids while we did a thorough walk-through of the house we purchased and I feel went the extra mile to ensure we felt like we had seen the property enough times. She didn’t sugar coat anything about the property and didn’t try to make it seem better then it was, never did we ever feel rushed or pressured. She cared deeply about our long term goals and satisfaction with the home and if she didn’t have the answer to anything she found the person that did and put us in direct contact with them. Jayme has great relationships with professionals in the community and as a client I felt very taken care of through out the whole process of purchasing our home from the initial showing to the extermination professional she had meet with us to the lawyers we signed the final documents with. I definitely would recommend Jayme as your agent and personally look forward to working with her again." - Crystal

What are your thoughts on bold accent features for your home? From colourful furniture to patterned area rugs, the decor possibilities really are endless when you let your creativity run wild! Do you have any neat statement pieces in your own home that you love? Photo credit: made.com

Happy National Gardening Day! I take HUGE pride in my garden - and when I'm not out with my clients helping them buy or sell in this crazy real estate market, you'll likely find me puttering in my garden and basking in all the beauty that nature provides to us! Here's a few photo from my garden last year; from gorgeous blooms to delicious herbs, it's so satisfying to be able to cook with fresh produce that we grow in our very own backyard!... Did you know that traditional Basil Pesto only needs 5 ingredients? Here's a quick recipe for you to enjoy: 2 cups of fresh basil leaves 1/3 cup of pine nuts 3 cloves of garlic 1/2 cup of grated cheese (Romano or Parmesan are great) 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil You can add salt and pepper to taste as well, if you want more flavour. First, pulse the basil and pine nuts in your food processor, then toss in the garlic and cheese. Slowly add the EVOO while the processor is running - and presto, you have fresh basil pesto! What are your favourite things to grow in your garden?

NEW LISTING - This is the first time this condo has been offered for sale, since it was built! A lovely south-east facing 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom unit, this space offers large windows and a great view of the city and hillside. Bathed in sunlight year round, this home is ripe for someones updating ideas and sits close to town and amenities. Immaculately kept, with a large master bedroom, a great walk in closet and large ensuite, a second bathroom adjacent to a bright second b...edroom, and a well appointed kitchen and living room space. The patio is covered - and even offers a glimpse of the lake! As a bonus, there's a storage unit on the main floor of the building and a parking space in the underground parking. Tidy and manageable, this suite offers a great opportunity to live in the heart of downtown Vernon! Jayme McKillop 250.307.8137 [email protected] 3320 Centennial Drive #202 Vernon, BC $355,000 MLS #: 10229257

Congratulations to my lovely clients on buying this gem of a home in a very desirable neighbourhood on Middleton Way! One of the most enjoyable parts of my job as a REALTOR is that each client I work with has their unique home needs - and that makes it fun to find a great fit for what each individual is looking for. It’s important for me to deliver the best service, education, and support to every client I have the privilege of working with.

3 Things to Consider when Viewing a Home Online Did you know your real estate agent can show you homes in-person or virtually? Online showings have been around for some time now and are becoming increasingly popular. This can be a great way to start your search while you narrow in on your top picks. With every virtual viewing, there are three important things to look for in addition to your own list of must-haves and wants:... 1 Natural Light - Without being there in person, pay special attention to window placement in the images. 2 Potential Fixes - Pay close attention when it comes to areas that stand out as something you’d like to alter. 3 Outdoor Space - Picture yourself in the space and what you’ll need to make it work for you. Looking for a professional REALTOR to help you with your home search? I'm here for you - connect with me today! Jayme McKillop Phone: 250.307.8137 Email: [email protected] RE/MAX Canada

As I take some time to reflect on the last year, both personally and professionally, I am humbled, grateful and optimistic for the new year ahead. These 9 little photos are just the tip of the iceberg - a small celebration of the year we're closing out. Through what was the most unpredictable year, we found new connection, long-lost hobbies, new ways to support local, a re-energized love of the outdoors and in many ways we were given an opportunity for growth. To my clients; ...thank you for the opportunity to assist you in such monumental life changes! From celebrating on closing day with an incredible client that beat adversity, who came here as an immigrant and never thought he would buy a house, to a 90 year old client that we were able to get sorted and sell his house quickly so he could stay safe through this global pandemic, and every single client in between - you are amazinggggggg! And to our beautiful community; let's remain united in 2021. Let's find ways to support magical iconic places like Caravan Farm Theatre and incredible organizations such as those close to my own heart; OK Learns, Star Fish Pack and Vernon Boys and Girls Club. It's becuase of my amazing clients working with me, that I can be able to give graciously to these organizations that really need support! Thank you to everyone who contributes both monetarily and with their time to local causes. I'm sending you the warmest thoughts and best wishes for a Happy New Year! May peace, love, and prosperity follow you, always. Cheers to 2021!

Is part of your New Year's Resolutions to feel healthier and stronger? Then you'll want to check out Iron Heart Gym (located at #2-5400 24th Street) + Iron Heart Studio (located at 3204 29th Street) in Vernon! @ironheartgymvernon is known for being friendly, spotlessly clean and having a welcoming vibe that’ll make you feel right at home. They’ve got something for everyone - from brand new to experienced gym-goers - and group fitness classes are designed for all ages and le...vels of fitness. They also carry a fantastic selection of protein powders, pre-workouts, and bars, plus delicious smoothies! Iron Heart Gym + Iron Heart Studio offers everything you need; all the equipment, knowledge and support to get healthy and strong this year! I love their welcoming, connected, and inspiring community. It really is more than a place to work out; it’s where people come together to become the best versions of themselves - together. So grab your gym buddy and book a workout time as a team! Find them on Facebook: @ironheartgymvernon

Beautiful Home for Sale in Okanagan Landing This 2 storey grand executive style home offers you great outdoor living spaces and an incredible view of Okanagan lake as you sit and enjoy your morning cup of coffee. The unique design provides you with large rooms, high ceilings with ample storage, an impressive kitchen - plus an oversized granite island! ... This home has a lot to offer, so call 250.307.8137 today to schedule your private home showing! 1029 Longacre Place Vernon, BC MLS#: 10201781 $895,000

Professionals Involved in a Real Estate Transaction: Your Mortgage Broker The main advantage of using a mortgage broker is that they deal with dozens of lenders and hundreds of products, which means you’re more likely to find the best mortgage product that suits your individual needs. Some other key benefits of using a mortgage broker are listed below as well. Free service: When you work with a mortgage broker, in most cases you won’t have to pay them a dime. That’s because y...our broker is usually compensated directly by the lender. You get unbiased mortgage advice at zero cost to you! Save time and money: By using a mortgage broker, not only can you save money, but you can save time. When you shop on your own for a mortgage, you’ll need to apply for a mortgage at each lender. A broker, on the other hand, should know the lenders and be able to hone in on the lender that’s best for you, saving you time and protecting your credit score from being lowered by applying at too many lenders. Negotiate on your behalf: Your broker can negotiate on your behalf with various lenders to help find you the best mortgage solution. Be sure to ask your broker how many lenders they deal with, as some brokers have access to more lenders than others and may do a higher volume of business than others, which means you’ll likely get a better rate. By working with a mortgage broker, you’ll better your chances of negotiating a better deal on your mortgage with a lender of your choosing. Reach out today at [email protected] and I can connect you to some of my trusted mortgage partners to help you find the best mortgage product for you and your family. (Article courtesy of https://canadianmortgagesinc.ca/)

Baby, it’s cold outside and inside, too, if you’re standing close to a drafty window, door, or mysterious source of outside air! If you’ve got a persistent draft, it's time to solve it - and you could also save yourself a bundle in home heating and cooling costs throughout the year too, so that's a bonus! LOCATING A DRAFT Run your hand along the trim where the door or window meets the wall. Check that you’ve got a solid caulk bead all along your trim, even on the bottom o...f the window. Examine outlets. Did you know cold air can come in through outlets on your exterior walls? It’s easier to find these by taking the cover off (turn your breaker off first). Check your chimney. If your damper isn’t closing properly, you may have a draft coming down through the chimney. FIXING AIR LEAKS Temporary solutions that help eliminate drafts while you wait for a professional energy audit and weatherproofing include items like: Layering window treatments Door draft stoppers You can try your hand at sealing common sources of air leaks for more permanent solutions, which include: Removing trim and installing gap-filling foam Replacing door sweeps Caulking trim work (Tips courtesy of http://homekeepr.com)

Did a friend or family member make a baby announcement over the holidays? Get them a congratulations gift from Little Plum Children's Boutique! @littleplumboutique is a sweet little community-focused shop in the heart of downtown Vernon that carries maternity and children’s consignment, as well as #handmadeinvernon clothing, crafts and pottery. Their inventory is constantly changing, so there's always products you can find for less than half of what you’d pay new. It's the ...perfect place to support local, while saving money on great gifts too! Visit Little Plum Children's Boutique at 3014 30th Ave, Vernon BC or call ahead to pick up your curbside order: 250.307.0922. Facebook: @littleplumvernon

Professionals involved in a real estate transaction: Your Real Estate Lawyer Whether you're buying or selling a home, you want to have a qualified team of professionals by your side to help guide you long the way; including a Real Estate Lawyer. Role of a real estate lawyer as a BUYER:... Review the Agreement of Purchase and all other legal documents Ensure there are no claims listed against the property Arrange for Title Insurance Ensure you have a valid title upon closing Ensure property taxes are up to date Calculate the land transfer tax due on closing Draw up the mortgage documents Close the transaction and ensure all legal and financial conditions are met Exchange legal documents and keys with the seller’s lawyer Role of a real estate lawyer as a SELLER: Review the Agreement of Sale and other legal documents before you sign Assist you with the negotiation of the terms and conditions Prepare the deed to your house Deal and remedy title issues as they occur Close the transaction Ensure all legal and financial conditions have been met Exchange legal documents and keys with the Buyer’s lawyer Now that you have a better understanding of the job of a Real Estate Lawyer, it’s time to choose one that will best represent you throughout the transaction. To make sure you're well taken care of, I'm happy to provide you with the contact information of my trusted partners that I work with often. Reach out today at [email protected].