Erika Makauskas

In the news: The South Okanagan market saw the largest growth out of all the real estate markets in the province last year. The single biggest month in our area was September, which saw 304 residential properties sold for a whopping $162,219,872! So far there are no signs of a slow down. ... My advice for success in a busy arena like the South Okanagan's is to make sure to have a mortgage pre-approval in place before going house hunting. Not only will it help you and your realtor stay competitive, but it will make it easier to get offers in swiftly and accepted by the seller faster. Getting pre-approved is a simple process. I offer an easy online application, which you can complete from the comfort of your own home. Reach out today and I'll get you on your way!

It’s Feature Friday! Today I’d like to introduce you to Sara Longfellow of Century 21 Amos Realty! She’s from Fort Qu'Appelle, SK and has been a Realtor for 7 years.... Now a local in Penticton, she services the entire South Okanagan. She’s been awarded Century 21’s Masters Silver Award for 3 years running Fun fact: Most people don't know that Sara’s previous career was in film and television. She was a Set Decorator for 14+ years! Her background is in design and decorating. Her favourite things to do in the Okanagan are: Hiking Paddleboarding Kayaking Biking and wine tasting of course! Her mission is to deliver the Gold standard in Canadian Real Estate. Reach out to Sara with any questions about the current market or to request her services. She's a gem to talk to! The best way to reach her is to TXT/Call (778) 531-1555 or Email: [email protected].

Happy New Year! I blinked and it's already Fri-yay! Woah. I dove headfirst into a busy post-holiday work week with a steadfast focus on my 2021 goals. I always view this time as a perfect opportunity to recalibrate and I find it easier to recommit to routines with the fresh, clean slate that the New Year brings. I like to start with short term objectives. This week I wanted to eat clean and get lots of sleep. Next week I’m going to add more fitness to my daily routine. By th...e end of the month, I’d like to tackle a few bigger items, such as narrowing down a guest list for our wedding and reviewing our insurance policies (talk about adulting!). My Mortgage anniversary is in the spring, so next month I’ll begin to look ahead at my prepayment options. Whatever your 2021 goals may be, I encourage you to include Mortgage Goals on your list too. If your mortgage is up for renewal soon, now is the perfect time to speak with a mortgage professional to discuss your options. You may want to consider some different terms and options than you chose in the past. The pandemic has changed many peoples’ circumstances and you may have contrasting needs now. Make the call and have a conversation with a mortgage professional before signing your renewal letter. I can assess your financial situation and see if I can find you a better rate, help reduce your monthly mortgage payment, or find a product that is better suited for your lifestyle!

Setting goals for the New Year? It's an ideal time to re-evaluate your mortgage. "The rates are so low, in fact, that in many cases they will offset the penalty incurred by breaking your mortgage term early to refinance."... Let's have a conversation to discuss your mortgage options to see what you could save!

My brokerage firm, Xeva Mortgage, is one of the Top 10 Firms in Canada (awarded by CMP Magazine in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019)! Being part of a Top 10 firm means their lender volumes grant me access to some of the best rates in the industry. Their top tier volume status also means I have access to the widest variety of products so I can find a fit for each person's unique situation.... Find out more about why YOU should choose a Xeva Professional, like me, for all your mortgage financing needs in the video below!