6 Tips for Buying Kelowna Luxury Real Estate on the Water

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When searching the Kelowna luxury real estate market for waterfront properties, it’s important to choose one that reflects your lifestyle preferences.

Photo credit: TourismKelowna.com

You can already imagine laying on your private beach, sipping an ice-cold beverage while enjoying a great book, the waves lazily lapping at the Okanagan Lake shoreline. Kelowna luxury real estate can have that effect on people who are searching the market for the perfect slice of waterfront heaven.

But before you dive in headfirst, several considerations play a part in selecting the lakefront property that’s right for you. Some might be obvious, but others could easily be overlooked during your property search. Keeping these pointers in mind will simplify the process and help you find an Okanagan waterfront property you’ll enjoy for years.

1. Beach Access

Just because you’re buying waterfront property doesn’t mean you can expect to find a nice sandy beach. The shoreline along Okanagan Lake can vary greatly, and sometimes there’s no accessible shoreline at all (for example, cliffs).

2. Lake Access

Similar to your beach, you should also investigate the access to the water in front of your property. Questions you should ask yourself include:

  • Does the water depth gradually increase, or is there a quick dropoff?
  • Is it rocky or silty underfoot?
  • Deep enough to park a boat?
  • Is there room for a dock?

3. Views and Exposure for Luxury Real Estate

The vast majority of waterfront properties on the Kelowna luxury real estate market have stunning vistas. Okanagan Lake is huge, so chances are you’re not going to notice what’s on the opposite shore.

A more important consideration is the exposure of your property. Are you going to be in full sun for the entire day? If so, are there trees or pergolas to provide shade?

4. Lifestyle

It’s important to ask yourself how you intend to spend your time on the property. The type of property you choose should reflect the types of activities you enjoy:

  • Swimming
  • Boating
  • Fishing
  • Towed water sports
  • Beach parties and entertaining
  • Relaxing

5. Lot Access

Waterfront terrain typically slopes down towards the shoreline, with the level of steepness varying from property to property. Finding one on a level lot with reasonable access—one that doesn’t require elaborate maneuvering while driving—will save you a lot of hassle every time you come down the driveway.

6. Privacy

If you’re buying Kelowna luxury real estate, solitude is probably on your list of priorities. You certainly don’t want to be surrounded by noise, either from a constant stream of traffic along the roadway or by your boisterous neighbors.

If you’re buying a summer home in the Okanagan, you want to be able to detach from the hustle and bustle of your everyday life. The last thing you want is to buy property next to the local marina or a campsite.

Once you’ve chosen your waterfront property, be sure to read our post Ask a Kelowna Realtor: Tips for a Hassle-free Move into Your New Luxury Home.

There are plenty of waterfront properties available on the Kelowna luxury real estate market. To find the one that’s right for you, come and talk to the experts, we can help you refine your search to find a home that suits your lifestyle and budget.

Kelowna Homes for Sale: How Do You Choose the Right Floor Plan?

When you’re touring the various Kelowna homes for sale with your Kelowna realtor, you can usually get a pretty good idea of whether they’re laid out to your liking. The specific reason might not jump out at you right away, but subconsciously a home’s floor plan will have an effect on how comfortable you feel inside it.

These first impressions are important to recognize. Sometimes, it’s something minor and other times, the layout is so off-putting you turn around and walk out the door.

It’s good to trust your instinct in these situations, as buying Kelowna real estate is a long-term investment. Here are some questions you should ask yourself that’ll help you choose a floor plan to suit your specific needs:

What Is Your Lifestyle?

The living requirements of homeowners will vary greatly depending on many factors and personal preferences, including:

  • Whether they’re single, couples, or families
  • Age of the inhabitants
  • Stage of lifecycle (i.e. a growing family or retirees)
  • Activity level
  • Need for privacy

For example, the design elements that a newlywed couple would look for among the Kelowna homes for sale would vary quite a bit from those of a retired couple looking to settle down.

A more active family might require more storage space for things like:

  • Sports equipment
  • Tools
  • Outdoor camping gear

They might even convert a room into a dedicated fitness area.

If you are looking for Kelowna homes for sale, contact one of our agents at Quincy Vrecko and Associates, RE/MAX Kelowna. One of our knowledgeable agents can help search for the perfect Kelowna home that suits your lifestyle. Whether it be a single family home, condominium, penthouse, a waterfront home or luxury real estate, our dedicated agents can assist you with your home search. Call 250.868.3602 to begin your Kelowna home search today.

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Safeguarding Your Luxury Real Estate While You’re on Vacation

Having a friend or neighbor who’ll water your plants while completing a home inspection of your luxury real estate is a huge help while you’re away on vacation. 

Safeguarding Your Luxury Home

Vacationing at your luxury real estate property in Kelowna requires a certain amount of preparation. There’s the small matter of arranging flights, deciding what to pack and, of course, planning your activities during your getaway. One thing that often gets overlooked is your primary residence and what you can do to protect it in your absence.

If you’re sneaking off for a quick weekend retreat to your Okanagan vacation property, that’s one thing. But if you’re going to be kicking back for more than a few days, there are a number of things you should put on your to-do list before you leave.

Here are a few helpful tips that’ll keep your home safer while you’re gone.

 

Safeguarding1. Arrange a home inspection

While you’re busy taking full advantage of the Okanagan sun at your luxury real estate, it’s always good to know there’s someone back home keeping an eye on your home. In many cases, arranging a weekly home inspection in your absence will be a requirement of your insurance provider. 

There are a number of inspection options available to most homeowners:

  • Neighbour
  • Friend
  • Family member
  • Property management service 

Just make sure they take the time to go room by room, checking for any potential problems. In particular, they should ensure your heating/cooling system is operational, and check sinks, toilets, the hot water tank and other water sources for leaks.

It might cost you a bottle of Okanagan merlot, but you might also be able to convince them to:

  • Water your plants
  • Feed your pets
  • Pick up your mail and newspapers
  • Mow the lawn
  • Turn on faucets, flush toilets and run the dishwasher

Safeguarding3. Turn off the water

No one wants to come home from a relaxing vacation to find a plumbing leak. You can cut the problem off at the source by turning off your main shutoff valve before you leave. 

Safeguarding

3. Check your pool and hot tub

Make sure the pool pump is running properly to avoid algae buildup. For hot tubs, turn down the thermostat. Also, check the chemistry for both is ideal.

If you’re going to be away for a longer period, have a neighbor or pool service check the pool periodically to make sure the pump is working properly.

Safeguarding4. Set your thermostat

No matter where your primary residence is, having your home set to just the right temperature has a major influence on your overall comfort. Whether it’s your air conditioning unit in summer or forced-air furnace in winter, they are an essential modern convenience.

However, in your absence, there’s no need to have these units running at full capacity. Instead, set your air conditioner a few degrees higher, or your furnace a few degrees lower (depending on the time of year). That’ll save electricity, protect the environment and prolong the life of these units.

If you’ve already got your home sorted out and are looking for outdoor activities in the Okanagan, read Ask a Kelowna Realtor: 5 Easily Accessible Hiking Trails Near the City.

Luxury real estate in the Okanagan is a tremendous investment opportunity. Call the experts at Quincy Vrecko & Associates to discover some of the most sought after properties in the most desirable neighborhoods.