Guide to Creston & Kootenay Lake
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About the Real Estate Market in
Creston Valley and the East Shore Kootenay Lake

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Conveniently browse through all current local listings, regional listings and featured listings by selecting the LISTING tab at www.CrestonRealtor.com

Featured Listings

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How can you downsize and be delighted with the change?
Here is a low maintenance modern house on a pleasant residential Creston street only steps away from downtown shopping. This home makes downsizing an upbeat experience. Level entry without stairs, plus secondary suite or home based business potential are great bonus features. Plus it's available for immediate possession!
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Yes, it is possible to mix business with pleasure!
How about this home-based business with the pleasure of Creston Valley living every day? Or how about having that dream shop for your own use PLUS a comfy 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom bungalow on a nice Erickson property with gardening, fruit trees, and more?
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This is a great opportunity to own a substantially renovated 4000 square foot commercial building in the revitalized and desirable Creston downtown core. Featuring multiple tenancies including a large beauty salon, a nails and aesthetics business, and alternative health care providers, this property is ready to use for your own business or operate as an investment with some or all of the existing tenancies.
Great Views and Great Neighbourhood! This is an excellent opportunity to stake your claim and own this fully serviced .22 acre south-facing view lot in the desirable Hawkview subdivision. Get ready to enjoy great valley and mountain views from this sloping lot. Close walking distance to all Creston shopping and amenities. Sharply priced well below assessed value. Don't wait - bring your dream home plans and take advantage of this great buy before it's too late!

Average Real Estate Prices

A year ago to April 19/18

In Town Creston Homes
Average  of 3 bedrooms 2 baths
Listed $169,000 to $450,000
Average of 2 bedroom 1 bath
Listed $95,000 to $248,000

Rural Creston Valley Homes
Erickson, Canyon, Lister, West Creston, Lakeview/Arrow Creek, Yahk, Wynndel
Average of 3 bedroom 2 baths + 1 acre
Listed $256,000 to $615,000
Average of 3 bedroom 2 baths + 5 or more acres
Listed $265,000 to $615,000
Cheap rural 2 bedroom 1 bath
Listed $74,000 to $330,000

East Shore Kootenay Lake Homes
Kuskanook, Twin Bays, Sanca, Boswell, Mountain Shores, Gray Creek, Crawford Bay, Kootenay Bay, Riondel
Average is 1920 sq ft 3 bedrooms 2 baths
Listed at $406,453 and sold for $373,579

In Town Creston Lots
Average sold for $91,975

Rural Creston Valley Lots
Erickson, Canyon, Lister, West Creston, Lakeview/Arrow Creek, Yahk, Wynndel
Average sold for $124,398

East Shore Kootenay Lake Lots
Kuskanook, Twin Bays, Sanca, Boswell, Mountain Shores, Gray Creek, Crawford Bay, Kootenay Bay, Riondel
Average sold for $154,009

November 15, 2017 stats
MLS Listings
Phone or text:
1-250-428-6439


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Central Kootenay
Real Estate Options

As you may have noticed the Creston Valley and East Shore Kootenay Lake residential housing options are diverse.

The desirability of the different locations change according to the needs of those moving to the area. Presently there are new retirees moving here who are putting a demand on in town housing. We have also experienced a few younger families moving to Creston and to surrounding farms.

When the national economy is doing well there is a greater demand for recreational property on the lake and hobby farms. Generally speaking real estate prices remain fairly stable through different national economic climates with few dips or peaks, nothing like Calgary real estate market experiences.

Housing inventory on the market here for sale is low compared to the provincial average. This makes homes here more affordably priced compared to the rest of the province. The primary type of home found in Creston is single family resident which is considered small to average in size by Canadian standards. These homes are in highest demand. Their smaller size and price point is most attractive to retirees. The architectural style of the local heritage homes is primarily from the Art Deco era. 
Other architectural styles include: Log Homes, Timber Frame, Modern, Conventional. Presently there is a very low rental vacancy rate. Renters are advised to begin their search for rental accommodations early. Rental investors may find this an opportune time to purchase rental housing.

Types of property and housing available here:
  • Small to average size of houses mostly in established neighbourhoods.
  • Larger homes located mostly in new subdivisions or on acreages
  • Apartments 
  • Condos and Townhouses
  • Mobile homes in parks
  • Low Cost Housing
  • Senior Facilities
  • Working Farms
  • Hobby Farms
  • Rural Homes on large lots
  • Commercial buildings some with apartments
  • Vacant lots and acreage
  • Some industrial land 
  • Lakeshore properties with cabins or houses

New Rules for Purchasing property in BC and how you could be affected

If you are looking to move to BC or within BC you will want to consider how the new rules being introduced March 15th 2018 by the Office of the Superintendent of Real Estate (OSRE) will affect your shopping for property experience (such as the need for additional scheduling, more relaying of information, and the need to change your Realtor for different viewings).
Update: Decision has been delayed to June 15, 2018.

News and Views

Spring 2018

"Things have jumped into high gear with an early start in February March for Creston Valley real estate marketplace. The East Shore has been a bit slower due to our extended winter and wet early spring, but with low prices relative to other lakes in the province, these should also benefit from buyers' new-found enthusiasm.

The interest in the Creston Valley has been a leap forward from the past couple of years. Buyers have apparently found our secret hideaway ... Sales prices over the past couple of years have been steady with some modest increases in 2016 and 2017... According to recent MLS stats, the supply of husing in terms of months of inventory within the Town of Creston have dropper by more than half... Sales to date are up about 10% in numbers and sale prices are getting closer to list prices.

Listings that were overpriced according to buyers last year and lingering on the market, are now looking reasonable, even very attractive to buyers coming from other areas with higher priced offerings there to compare with...

Complimentary excerpt from News and Views at CrestonRealtor.com

Making dreams a reality. 

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Featured Realtor - Lee Johnson

"We found our dream home in Gray Creek...Our experience with Lee Johnson of Creston Valley Realty went above and beyond what we expected, we have dealt with many Realtors in the past as we have purchased quite a few properties in Calgary and in the US...Lee has a great sense of humour, as well it was a pleasure doing business with Lee." 
- Ron and Gail Fry (Calgary Alberta)

Please find more testimonials below.

Helping to make your dream a realty.
For those of us who are fortunate to live in what we refer to as “Shangri La”, there is a desire to share this experience.

Surprisingly, it is also a very affordable choice. Of course, the best way to personally know what the locals know is to become one. Most people who are ready and able to make the move to our area are: retirees, families who bring their own work/business with them, telecommuters who work from home, or they could also be people who are mobile workers and the Creston Valley can be their home base. 

Many new residents jump right into the lifestyle and purchase property to fulfill their desires, including (to name a few):
Continued - read on

Realtor Lee Johnson's Bio
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Things to consider before a purchase:

In all rural communities there are conditions to consider when choosing where you want to buy. Here are a few:
  • Type of fire protection
  • Type of community water system  (if there is one)
  • Type of sewage system (if there is one)
  • Zoning
  • Road traffic
  • Sunlight
  • Pests (including bears)
  • Agriculture near by
  • Ground water and run off
These are but a few insights that an informed caring Realtor can help you learn about and determine if they present a problem for your enjoyment and usage of your future property.

For more detail on this subject read Things to Consider category in our blog.
Contact Lee

Relocating Experiences

Lee:
Carol and I would like to express our sincere appreciation for your wonderful service in helping with the sale of our lake home and for the finding of our new home.  We found you as a person of integrity and with a great knowledge of the market.  You were honest and transparent, carefully explaining the pros and cons of the options we considered.  You were patient with us when we had concerns and were caring and prompt in finding answers. You kept on top of things with dispatch, were a caring listener, committed and hard working.

I short, we were so pleased and satisfied with the way we were treated and would highly recommend you (five stars) to our friends and acquaintances.

Gratefully, Sid and Carol
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Dear Lee,
My daughter and I wish to thank you for all your help in getting our house sold.  I always think about how, in our first meetings, you were so assiduous at learning what I considered most important.  From that point on, you were tirelessly fighting to get me what I wanted.  For me, selling the place quickly was more important than getting a higher price.  You told me where I needed to range my asking price if I wanted to move it in 100 days, or less, and that’s just what happened.  There were a lot of hurdles once you found me a buyer, but you managed to find a sufficiently motivated purchaser in the first week of the listing!  That kind of thing rarely happens in this valley.  Perhaps my priority was the less difficult one.  Maybe it’s more of a challenge to find people willing to pay BC house prices in the Creston Valley but I’m certain that, even if I had tasked you with getting the optimum price in a year or two on the market, you would have found a way to achieve that too.
It has been a joy dealing with you and we’re impressed by the work that you do.
Leaf and Ylena McClary
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Lee Johnson, you made this long and arduous deal gratifying . Thank you.
 
I find it unsettling when someone says they don't want to use a real estate agent for their property deal. It makes me nervous about the bind-ability of the contract and the potential issues with the steps prior to signing title transfer and delivering payment. I have a working knowledge of contract law but no expertise in property law and especially the intricacies in estate transfers. I bought a house directly from the executrix of an estate who did not want to use a real estate agent.  Lee verified the market value of the property and helped me consider all my needs and wants, confirming that this property was right for me.  Lee Johnson ended up completing all the purchase documents and the many extensions over 4 months until probate was complete.  He is extremely practical, knowledgeable and really cares about his client's needs.  With his extensive knowledge in property insurance as a former brokerage owner, he understands risk and reward, commercial and residential values and the importance of the details in all the contracts.  He made sure that both parties met every deadline over the 4 months.  He responded to texts and emails promptly and with diligence. Plus, he's fun to work with. Always keeping things real and light-hearted.
 
I am so grateful for your personal and professional support through this process.
 
Warmly,
Amber McGregor
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When Susan and I were looking for a property we contacted Lee Johnson of Creston Valley Realty, who was recommended by a close friend. Lee showed us a property we saw online and presented us with all the information on the property and comparables.  He was personable, knowledgeable, answered all our questions in a professional manner, and was able to help us understand what the area was like. As it turned out the property was not what we were looking for. However after listening carefully to our needs, Lee was able to match us up with a property that was perfect for us, with the right location and the right deal.
 
I would highly recommend Lee Johnson to anyone looking for real estate.
 
Thanks Lee
 
Robert White, Kelowna, BC

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Hi Lee
I am well settled in my new home in Salmon Arm. I want to take this opportunity to thank you for assisting me in selling my home. When you came to do an appraisal of the home you were very professional, well prepared and able to give me helpful and appropriate feedback.  You gave personalized service by being very available to my questions and concerns and I never felt pressured to make a decision that was not right for me. My home sold very quickly which certainly was a pleasant surprise. Selling a home on my own was rather an anxiety provoking time but you smoothly guided me through the process.  All the best to you.  
 
Dianne Johnson
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"Lee Johnson is such an amazing realtor. He is a positive person, never a negative moment. With winter approaching and the on slot of subzero temperatures predicted, Lee helped make this transaction expedient. Good for the buyer, great for me. Lee was there every step of the way. It was such a relief when he called with a reasonable cash offer.
Thank you Lee, for helping me turn this page in my  life. I've never sold property before but yo walked me through the details.
After twenty years I leave the lake home of my dreams feeling fulfilled, honored and yes, it's ok to let go. I only hope the buyer is as pleased. May he create wonderful memories there as he now make it his new home."
Sincerely,
Sharon White
December 2016
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Thanks Lee. Everything was fantastic. We appreciate the savings and the ease of the sale. You did a great job for us and my uncle’s choice to have you handle the sale of our moms house was perfect.
 Thanks,
Todd Paulson
November 14, 2016
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Lee, Thank you again for everything.  The sale of our mother’s house went smoothly .  If anyone should ever need a realtor in the Creston Valley I will for sure recommend you !! 
I hope the new owners enjoy the view , it was a special little house. Thanks so much Lee. Take care and Happy New Year to you and yours .
Tami Garden And Family 
November 15, 2016
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To whom it may concern,


Like many people do when they decide to sell their home, I thought I would give it a try on my own. I placed an ad with an online listing company with pictures of my Creston home and had some calls and viewings, but no offers came in. Several weeks past and then Lee Johnson brought one of his out of town buyers to view my home (actually he was the only realtor who brought anyone). Even though these specific buyers didn’t commit to buying my home, Lee followed up with me on a couple of occasions and gave me some tips to help me show and sell the property.  A while later, when my own efforts proved unsuccessful and I felt I needed more help to get my property viewed by many more potential buyers, I knew Lee was the realtor of choice.

Lee was very attentive and an excellent communicator. He worked with me to determine an attractive listing price and outlined the plan for selling my home. Lee always kept me informed of what was being done to promote my property and the results of each of the showings we had on a regular basis. In addition to listing my home on the MLS system, Lee used other very creative means to sell my home.

I sold my home in short order (the first offer I received was signed in two weeks) for more than I ultimately expected to receive. And I certainly appreciated having Lee’s expertise in my corner in negotiating the contracts for my sale and helping me get the best price.

I would highly recommend Lee Johnson as a realtor you can trust and work hard to sell your property or help you buy a property.

Kim Harding

Creston, BC
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My husband and I were advertising our home for sale through Property Guys.com, when we were contacted by Lee, he told us he had people interested in viewing our home. All our interactions with Lee were very friendly, he kept us informed at all times, what was happening. We ended up selling our home to the first people who came to see it. Lee had an important part in this sale and we were happy with the final outcome. 

Sincerely,
Wayne and Margaret Johns

Lee was always very professional in our real estate search and subsequent purchase. He promptly followed up with anything we required and provided us with additional information in order to evaluate homes for sale in our area. We found that information extremely useful.

Lee has excellent communication skills which make him very easy to work with. Lee is very personable and knowledgeable and I would highly recommend selecting him as your realtor if you are contemplating buying or selling a home in the Creston area.

Fiona and Jim

January 11, 2016

During our time with the listing of our property in Canyon, Lee Johnson communicated all viewing results and made efforts to recruit new leads in a small market.

Lee was very professional and responsible, was urgent at returning calls and answered all our questions with honesty. I would highly recommend him.

Karen Stahl, Cranbrook B.C

December 2015

Hi Lee, I know I thanked you verbally many times for the extra special effort you put into marketing our house and property for us, but feel that I should try to put it into an email for you as well.

You are the third realtor that we had listed with, but your effort far surpassed anything that we had seen to date. I feel that we were only successful because of the volume of work that you did to get the word out, especially since it was in the off season. It was almost unheard of to sell a high end property in the off season on Kootenay Lake, but we managed to come up with two competing offers largely due to your effort.

Thanks again. I would be happy to give you a personal reference if anyone wants to talk with me directly.

Best regards,

Ken Hoyle

March 4, 2016

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Our experience with Lee Johnson of Creston Valley Realty went above and beyond what we expected, we have dealt with many Realtors in the past as we have purchased quite a few properties in Calgary and in the US.

I had made contact with Lee in Nov 2014 to help my wife and I in our search for a waterfront property on the East Shore of Kootenay Lake BC. Immediately Lee was able to find us many more MLS listings than we had been able to find on our own, Lee went above and beyond with the searching and negotiations with the seller once we found our dream home in Gray Creek. Lee helped in many other ways as he made numerous trips to the Gray Creek Log home to get technical info off our furnace, hot water etc. Even after the purchase was complete he went back to change the locks for us as we were in Calgary and unable to do this for ourselves. Lee recommended numerous local companies that we needed services provided from to help us with our dream home renovations. (i.e. tree cutting, water well services, renovation contractor, home inspection company). All these companies were reputable and did a great job at a fair price. On most occasions Lee went back to our Gray Creek Home to meet with these contractors on our behalf as we were not able to get back down to BC each time a contractor was available. Lee had to travel 45 minutes each way from Creston, and return, on most all of these occasions. Lee alway did these trips to meet ourselves or contractors with a smile on his face. Lee has a great sense of humour, as well it was a pleasure doing business with Lee. We would not hesitate to recommend Lee Johnson and Creston Valley Realty. We highly recommend Lee to anyone looking for great realtor and propriety on East Shore of Kootenay Lake, Creston and surrounding area.

Ron and Gail Fry

On behalf of my wife Genevieve and myself, I would like to commend Mr. Lee Johnson on the excellent service he provided as our Real Estate representative. With Lee's help we recently (March/2015) purchased a property near Creston.

Our experience in dealing with Lee throughout the entire process was outstanding. He was at all times courteous, patient, and professional. At no time during the viewing of properties did we feel pressured or uncomfortable in any way. Lee took the time to really listen to what my wife and I were looking for and that was important to us.

Lee spent as much time as he could manage to take us around the community to help us familiarize ourselves with the area. He provided insightful information in regards to services, community organizations and businesses in the local area.

Were were impressed with Lee's knowledge of residential properties, both Urban and in particular the intricacies of owning Rural property.

We would highly recommend the service of Mr. Lee Johnson as a Real Estate Agent for anyone contemplating Real Estate dealings in the Creston Valley Area.

Lorry and Genevieve Laskowski

May 5, 2015

Maggie and I would like to thank you very much for selling our property so quickly in a difficult market. It had been on the market for several years with other realtors but within four months of listing with you, it was sold. You promoted our listing everywhere it seemed. We really felt that you were working for us. It was a pleasure working with you. Because we were not always around, the thing we most appreciated were your regular updates, not only on interest shown in our property but also on general movement in the local real estate market. Closing the sale took time and effort. You really earned your commission.

Thank you so much,

Marcel and Maggie Leal Valias

February 24, 2015

It was a pleasure working with Lee Johnson of Creston Valley Realty. His skill and accuracy to detail was most welcomed, as well as his availability to many questions and concerns we had during the selling and buying of our two properties. In our opinion his professionalism was unprecedented. We would highly recommend Lee. Wishing you Lee all the best and thank you again.

Les and Cathy Fiedler

February 26, 2015

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CONTACT INFO:


Phone or Text: 250-428-6439

Visit: Creston Valley Realty on Canyon Street (main street downtown) Creston BC
Contact Lee
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