For more than 30 years, Lisa Salt has helped thousands of people relocate to Vernon and the North Okanagan. While she has stepped away from day-to-day trading as a licensed REALTOR®, she still loves helping people learn about the community she calls home.

And one of the biggest mistakes she sees relocation buyers make is falling in love with Vernon before they have actually experienced what it's like to live here.

Buying the wrong house is expensive. Buying in the wrong neighbourhood is even more expensive. But buying into the wrong lifestyle can be the most expensive mistake of all.

That's why, before committing to an $800,000 home, it can be worth spending roughly $1,000 on a few days actually living in Vernon.

Don't Just Visit Vernon. Live Here for a Weekend.

It's easy to visit Vernon for an afternoon, see a few homes, fall in love with the lakes, and decide that you've found the perfect place.

But living somewhere and vacationing somewhere are entirely different experiences.

Instead of simply touring homes and attractions, book a hotel and pretend you've already moved here. Give yourself three or four days to experience what your everyday life could actually look like.

Go grocery shopping. Grab a coffee. Drive around during busier times. Walk through the neighbourhood you're considering. Visit Kalamalka Lake and Okanagan Lake. Eat at local restaurants. Browse downtown Vernon. Visit the parks, schools, recreation facilities, or other places that matter to your lifestyle.

In other words, don't be a tourist. Live that weekend like a local.

Pay Attention to the Things You Can't See in a Listing

The biggest surprises about moving to Vernon aren't necessarily the things that attract people here in the first place.

Of course, the lakes are spectacular. The mountain views, sunshine, recreation, and outdoor lifestyle are major reasons people fall in love with the North Okanagan.

But the things that can make the biggest difference to your everyday life are often much simpler.

There is less traffic. Commutes are shorter. You may have more evenings outside, more time with family, and more time simply enjoying your surroundings.

Those lifestyle changes are difficult to understand when you're only visiting for a few hours. Spending several days here gives you an opportunity to experience them for yourself.

The $1,000 Weekend Could Save You From an $800,000 Mistake

Spending a little money before making a major real estate decision can be one of the smartest investments you make during your relocation.

That weekend could save you from making the wrong $800,000 decision. Or, just as importantly, it could confirm that Vernon is exactly where you belong.

If you're considering relocating to Vernon or anywhere in the North Okanagan, take the time to experience the community as a resident rather than simply seeing it as a visitor.

And when you're ready to start exploring your options, the licensed REALTORS® at RE/MAX Vernon Salt Fowler are here to help.

Start Your Vernon Relocation Research

If you're considering a move to Vernon, download the free Vernon Relocation Guide at vernonrelocation.com to learn more about the community and what to expect when making the move.

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About the Author: The article above, The Best $1,000 You'll Ever SPEND Before Buying a Home in Vernon, BC, was provided by Lisa Salt (unlicensed), an authority on Vernon BC and area real estate and a leader in the field of real estate blogging and vlogging.  Lisa and her group have helped literally helped thousands of families buy and sell homes since 1993. 

Looking to buy a home in the Vernon/North Okanagan area?  Check out "Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Home" article. It’s free of charge and will save you a ton of time!

Looking to sell?  We use the latest technology to get our clients’ homes sold quickly and for as much money as possible.

We help people buy and sell real estate in the following Okanagan/Shuswap areas: Vernon, Armstrong, Enderby, Lake Country, Lumby, Westside and Salmon Arm/Shuswap.

Call or Text 250-549-7258 or email webinfo@saltfowler.com