By Sean Phillips, REALTOR®, Strand resident ·
Most people picture lakeside condos in July, with the beach full and boats in every slip. But plenty of buyers shop for a home at The Strand Lakeside in October, November and through the winter — and seeing the building in its quiet season can tell you a lot.
Why look in the off-season?
Fall and winter show you what everyday life at The Strand is like when the summer crowds are gone. You'll get a feel for the building on a regular weekday, how quiet the courtyard is and how the homes feel with the lake in winter light. If you plan to live here full-time, that's the version of The Strand you'll experience most of the year.
What to check on a fall or winter showing
Heated underground parking
The Strand's underground parkade is heated and secure — something you'll appreciate on a frosty morning. Ask which stall and storage come with the home.
The amenities that run year-round
The pool is seasonal, but the hot tub is open year-round. The courtyard's gas fire pits make the shoulder seasons enjoyable too. See the amenities guide.
Snow removal and upkeep
Snow removal and landscaping are covered by the strata fees, along with natural gas, water, sewer and garbage. Owners pay their own cable, internet and hydro, plus home contents and liability insurance and property taxes. Details: Strand strata fees explained.
The marina
If a boat slip matters to you, remember that slips are held separately from the homes and can be bought, sold or rented between owners only. Off-season is a good time to ask what's available before spring. See boat slips and the marina.
Do your homework on the strata
Whatever the season, review the Form B, the depreciation report, recent council minutes and the strata insurance before you remove subjects. These guides help:
- Form B information certificate
- BC strata depreciation reports
- Condo insurance and the strata deductible
- Home inspections for condos
Planning to rent it out?
The Strand's strata permits both short- and long-term rentals, subject to its bylaws, and the building qualifies for the strata-hotel exemption from BC's principal residence requirement. Owners still need a City of Vernon short-term rental business licence, provincial short-term rental registry registration and commercial rental insurance. Read Strand rental rules and Airbnb before you buy.
Winter living nearby
Downtown Vernon is about a 10-minute drive, and SilverStar Mountain Resort is about 30 to 40 minutes up the hill — so a Strand home can be a ski-season base as well as a summer one. See winter in a lakeside condo and the SilverStar ski-and-lake lifestyle.
Frequently asked questions
Is the pool open in winter?
The pool is seasonal. The hot tub is open year-round.
Can I see recent Strand sales?
Yes — see Strand selling prices and home sales, or text me for the latest numbers.
How far is The Strand from SilverStar?
About 30 to 40 minutes' drive.
See The Strand this fall
I live in the building and can show you around any time this season.
Text Sean: 778-363-0542
Call or text Sarah, my 24/7 info line: 604-227-4810
This is the personal website of Sean Phillips, a licensed real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Executives Realty, an independently owned and operated brokerage. It is not the official website of the Strand strata corporation (KAS3310); owner information is at strandlakeside.com.
General information only, not legal, tax or financial advice. Confirm details for your situation with the appropriate professional.
