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Buyers · Areas served

Do you only work in Summerland, or other areas too?

Summerland is Stephanie’s home base and primary focus, but many clients buy and sell in nearby communities as well. She regularly helps buyers in Penticton, Peachland, and other parts of the South Okanagan.

If you’re considering a move anywhere between Penticton and West Kelowna, Stephanie can help you understand how each area compares in terms of pricing, lifestyle, and long-term potential.

Buyers · Property types

What types of properties do you help buyers with?

Stephanie works with a full range of residential and small-scale investment properties — single-family homes, townhomes, condos, acreages, and selected commercial opportunities.

In a smaller market like Summerland, it’s common for one Realtor® to handle “a bit of everything.” Stephanie’s local background helps her flag zoning, servicing, and neighbourhood details that might not be obvious from the listing sheet alone.

Buyers · Getting started

I’m just starting to look — what’s the first step?

The best place to start is a quick conversation about your budget, ideal timeline, and what “home” looks like to you. From there, Stephanie can put together a tailored list of areas and property types to focus on.

If you haven’t spoken to a lender yet, she can connect you with local professionals for pre-approval, then set you up with alerts and tours so you can get a feel for the market at your own pace.

Buyers · Financing & pre-approval

Do I need mortgage pre-approval before we start looking at homes?

For most buyers, getting pre-approved is the best first step. A pre-approval gives you a realistic price range based on your income, down payment, and other financial details, so you’re not wasting time on homes that aren’t a fit.

In a competitive Okanagan market, being pre-approved can also strengthen your offer. Sellers and their agents can see that a lender has already reviewed your finances, which helps your offer stand out when there are multiple buyers interested in the same property.

Buyers · Multiple offers

What happens if the home I want has multiple offers?

When several buyers are interested in the same home, the seller may review all offers at once. Stephanie will walk you through recent comparable sales, your budget, and your comfort level so you can decide how competitive you’d like your offer to be.

She’ll help structure your offer terms — price, deposit, dates, and conditions — to balance your protection with your chances of being accepted, and will communicate clearly with you as updates come in from the seller’s agent.

Buyers · Subjects & conditions

What conditions should I include in my offer?

Common conditions in British Columbia include financing approval, a satisfactory home inspection, review of title and property disclosure statements, and in some cases strata documents or zoning checks.

Which subjects you include depends on the property and your comfort with risk. Stephanie will explain what each condition does, how it affects your offer, and what timelines make sense for removing those subjects once you have the information you need.

Buyers · Out-of-town & relocation

Can you help if I’m buying from out of town or relocating to Summerland?

Yes. Many buyers Stephanie works with are relocating from other parts of British Columbia or across Canada. She can arrange virtual tours, send neighbourhood videos, and provide local insight that doesn’t show up in online listings.

She’ll also walk you through practical details such as commute times, schools, amenities, and seasonal traffic patterns, so you can feel confident choosing an area even if you’re not here in person for every showing.

Buyers · New builds vs. resale

Should I buy a new build, or an older resale home?

Both options have pros and cons. Newer homes often offer modern layouts, updated systems, and lower immediate maintenance, while older homes may have larger lots, established trees, and more character.

Stephanie will help you compare total cost of ownership, potential renovation work, and how each option fits your lifestyle, budget, and long-term plans in the Okanagan.

Sellers · Pricing & valuation

How do you determine what my home is worth?

Stephanie combines recent comparable sales, active competition, and the unique features of your home — view, updates, location, and condition — to arrive at a suggested pricing range.

Because she grew up in Summerland, she can also account for micro-market factors: which streets move faster, which pockets are most in demand, and how seasonal patterns affect showings and offers.

Sellers · Preparing to list

What should I do to get my home ready to list?

Before you spend money on major changes, Stephanie will walk through your home and recommend the simple things that matter most — decluttering, minor repairs, curb appeal, and any small updates that photograph well.

She can also connect you with trusted local trades and services if you’d like help with cleaning, staging, or maintenance before photos and showings.

Sellers · Timelines

How long does it usually take to sell in this market?

Timelines depend on price point, property type, and time of year, but Stephanie will walk you through current days-on-market statistics for homes like yours so you know what to expect.

She’ll also outline strategies for adjusting price or marketing if the right buyer doesn’t appear as quickly as expected.

Sellers · Timing the market

Is there a “best time of year” to sell in Summerland?

Spring and early summer often see more buyers in the Okanagan, especially for homes that show well with gardens and outdoor spaces. That said, serious buyers are active year-round, and some property types do very well in the fall and winter when there’s less competition.

Stephanie will look at what’s happening in your specific price range and neighbourhood right now, and help you weigh the pros and cons of listing sooner versus waiting for a different season.

Sellers · Pricing strategy

How do you decide on a pricing strategy for my home?

Pricing isn’t just about picking a number from recent sales. Stephanie will consider current inventory, buyer demand, your ideal timeline, and how your home compares to other options on the market.

Together, you can decide whether a “priced to attract strong interest” strategy or a more traditional list price makes sense, and she’ll adjust the plan if market feedback suggests a different approach.

Sellers · Staging & photos

Do you help with staging and professional photography?

Yes. First impressions online matter, especially in resort-style markets like the Okanagan. Stephanie will help you decide what to declutter, rearrange, or lightly stage so your home shows at its best in photos and in person.

She works with professional photographers who understand how to capture views, natural light, and key selling features, and can coordinate any extra services you may need ahead of listing day.

Sellers · Offers & negotiation

How involved are you in negotiating offers on my home?

Stephanie guides you through each step of the negotiation process — reviewing the terms of every offer, explaining your options, and discussing likely outcomes before you accept, counter, or decline.

Her goal is to help you make confident decisions, not rush you. She’ll advocate for your interests while keeping communication professional and constructive with the buyer’s agent.

Sellers · Selling & buying together

Should I sell my current home before I buy my next one?

That depends on your finances, risk tolerance, and the current market. Some sellers prefer to sell first so they know exactly what they have to work with; others buy first if the right home appears and they have the ability to carry both temporarily.

Stephanie will look at how quickly homes like yours are selling, what you want to buy next, and how your lender views the situation, then outline options so you can choose a plan that feels manageable and realistic.

Working with Stephanie · Approach

What is your approach to working with clients?

Stephanie’s focus is to truly understand your goals and comfort level, then guide you step-by-step without pressure. She brings the same enthusiasm and energy to every client, whether you’re buying your first condo or selling a long-time family home.

With a family background of over 40 years in Summerland real estate, she also places a high value on confidentiality, privacy, and trust — your information and plans stay between you and your real estate team.

Working with Stephanie · Communication

How do you prefer to communicate during a purchase or sale?

Stephanie adapts to what works best for you — phone, email, or text — and will confirm how often you’d like updates before you get started together.

During active negotiations or time-sensitive stages, she stays closely in touch so you never feel like you’re wondering what’s happening behind the scenes.

Working with Stephanie · Fees

How do Realtor® fees work, and what should I expect?

Commission structures can vary by brokerage and property type. Stephanie will outline the fee structure clearly before you sign any paperwork so you know exactly how she is compensated and what services are included.

For buyers, compensation is typically paid from the seller’s side as part of the transaction; for sellers, fees are built into your listing agreement and only payable when the sale completes.

Working with Stephanie · Local expertise

How does being born and raised in Summerland help your clients?

Growing up in Summerland means Stephanie understands more than just MLS® data. She knows which streets are quieter, which pockets are in transition, and how factors like school catchments, traffic, and seasonal tourism affect daily life.

That local insight helps her flag things that might not be obvious from listing photos alone, and gives you a clearer picture of what it’s like to actually live in each neighbourhood.

Working with Stephanie · Family experience

What is Larry Young’s role as your unlicensed assistant?

Stephanie’s father, Larry Young, brings more than 40 years of Summerland real estate experience. As an unlicensed assistant, he supports Stephanie behind the scenes with market insight, logistics, and client care, while all licensed real estate services are handled directly by Stephanie.

Together, they combine decades of local knowledge with modern marketing and communication, so you benefit from both experience and up-to-date strategies.

Working with Stephanie · Confidentiality

How do you handle confidentiality and privacy?

Stephanie understands that real estate decisions often involve personal finances, family situations, and long-term plans. She treats your information as confidential and only shares the details necessary to negotiate effectively on your behalf.

Her goal is to create a comfortable environment where you can speak openly about your goals, concerns, and boundaries, knowing that your trust is taken seriously.

Working with Stephanie · Availability

How available are you during the buying or selling process?

Real estate doesn’t always happen on a 9–5 schedule. Stephanie does her best to be accessible when you need her, especially during showings, negotiations, and subject removal deadlines.

At the start of your relationship, she’ll clarify the best ways and times to reach her so you know what to expect, and you’re never left wondering when you’ll get an update.

Working with Stephanie · First steps

What happens during our first meeting or consultation?

The first meeting is usually a relaxed conversation — in person, by phone, or virtually — where Stephanie listens to your goals, timelines, and questions. She’ll explain the buying or selling process, outline what’s happening in the current market, and suggest a plan for next steps.

There’s no obligation to commit at that stage. The goal is simply to see if working together feels like a good fit and to give you clear, honest information so you can make your own decisions.

Buyers · Summerland living

What makes Summerland different from other Okanagan communities?

Summerland feels noticeably quieter and more community-driven compared to larger centres like Penticton or Kelowna. Buyers often choose it for its slower pace, established neighbourhoods, and the strong sense of local identity.

The community is built around orchards, wineries, and lake access, giving it a rural-meets-resort feel while still being close to major amenities. It’s a popular choice for families and professionals who want a peaceful lifestyle without being too far from bigger city conveniences.

Buyers · Summerland neighbourhoods

What neighbourhoods in Summerland are best for families?

Areas like Prairie Valley, Lower Town, and the established pockets around Giants Head School are popular with families thanks to walkability, parks, and access to schools.

Stephanie can help compare neighbourhoods based on commute times, school preferences, and long-term investment potential — each has its own charm and advantages.

Buyers · Local market

How competitive is the Summerland real estate market?

Summerland is smaller than neighbouring cities, so inventory is typically tighter — especially for well-kept family homes and properties near the lake. Desirable listings can move quickly, depending on the season.

Stephanie monitors new listings daily and will alert you as soon as something that fits your criteria appears, helping you stay ahead in competitive segments of the market.

Buyers · Okanagan Lake access

What is lake access like in Summerland?

Summerland has several beautiful public lake access points, including Powell Beach, Rotary Beach, Peach Orchard, and smaller hidden spots locals love. The shoreline feels more relaxed and less crowded than major Okanagan centres.

Homes near Trout Creek or Lower Town offer walkable lake access and are some of the most sought-after properties in the area. Stephanie can help you target these pockets if lake proximity is high on your wishlist.

Buyers · Schools & education

How are the schools in Summerland?

Summerland is known for strong schools with supportive community involvement. Popular options include Giants Head Elementary, Summerland Middle School, and Summerland Secondary — all located within safe, family-friendly neighbourhoods.

Many families choose Summerland specifically for its school catchments and the smaller class sizes compared to larger Okanagan cities.

Buyers · Retirement living

Is Summerland a good place for retirees?

Absolutely. Summerland is popular with retirees who want a peaceful, scenic lifestyle with access to recreation, health services, wineries, and year-round outdoor activities.

The community offers condos, townhomes, and low-maintenance rancher-style homes, making it easy to downsize while still enjoying an active Okanagan lifestyle.

Buyers · Lifestyle & community

Is Summerland a quiet community or a busy one?

Summerland is known for being one of the quieter, more relaxed communities in the South Okanagan. Residents enjoy a slower pace, less traffic, and a friendly, small-town atmosphere.

Despite that, you’re still only minutes from Penticton’s big-box shopping, restaurants, and entertainment. Many buyers see Summerland as the perfect balance between calm living and convenient access.

Buyers · Housing options

What types of homes are most common in Summerland?

Summerland offers a wide range of properties, including family homes, lake-adjacent cottages, vineyard-area acreages, and low-maintenance townhomes. Many neighbourhoods feature larger lots, established trees, and quiet residential streets.

If you’re looking for space, privacy, or proximity to outdoor recreation, Summerland has options that are harder to find in nearby larger cities.

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Lakeside living in the heart of the Okanagan.

Surrounding communities

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