Kelowna Real Estate: How to Decorate your Bookshelf like a Pro

Bookshelves – a love hate relationship. Something that you looks like it came out of a movie or a place to store clutter. It’s time to get your bookshelf organized and styled properly! Here are 4 tips on how to decorate your bookshelf like a pro for your Kelowna real estate!

bookshelf with decorative objects and books

Add decorative objects

Add Decorative Objects

Unless you are going for a library look, adding decorative objects can often split up the look to make it look more modern and chic. Some great ideas we have seen are

  • World Globes

  • Pictures of your Family

  • Light up letter of your last initial

  • Using two objects as bookends

Emphasize One Colour

If you have a ton of books in one certain colour or the room your bookshelf is in is lacking that extra POP! Then try emphasizing on one colour in the bookshelf. Go for a bold colour so it stands out and keep it the same throughout.

Create a Colourful Bookshelf

Adding a pop of colour will liven up that boring and dust collector bookshelf in your Kelowna real estate. Try adding a splash of colour to the inside backs of the shelves. You can go bold and try one solid colour or go for a fun patterned look. Either way this will totally add that special touch that will keep you wanting to grab for a great book!

modern bookshelf in Kelowna real estate

Turn books on their side

Turn Books on Their Side

A typical approach to styling a bookshelf would be to place the books ride side up and fill up each shelf. Time to start styling with a modern approach! Turn some of their books on their side to create a more laid back and fun approach to reading. Stack some decorative objects on top of the books and your bookshelf will look like it was styled like a pro in no time!

Follow these simple 4 steps and it’ll look like your bookshelf was styled by a pro! If you are still struggling to find ways to decorate your bookshelf, contact the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates. On top of giving you expert advice on the Kelowna real estate market, we also want to ensure your home is in the best shape to set your sale up for success. w one of our team members today 1-778-760-2860!

Why Should I Get Pre-approved for a Mortgage?

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Congratulations! You are in the process of buying a home. Whether you are looking for your first home, downsizing, or in search of a family home, it is important to get pre-approved for a mortgage before beginning your home search!

The pre-approval process is as simple as follows,

  • Find a mortgage broker who you can trust to get you the best rate, we work with some of the top mortgage brokers in Kelowna who we highly recommend. We believe that working with a mortgage broker is far better than with one bank as the mortgage broker will shop around for the best rate for you rather than being stuck with one rate at a bank.

  • Once you sit down with a mortgage broker, they will go through the different mortgage options with you. (fixed versus variable rates, payment options, etc.)

  • Fill out an application with important personal information which will help the banks determine the amount you are approved for

  • Your mortgage broker will then do a credit check

  • Your mortgage broker will let you know approximately how much you can afford

  • Then they will advise you of any documents that you may need once you have found a home that you love!

With the hot housing market, you do not want to miss out on any opportunities when you find the home you love. That is why getting pre-approved for a mortgage is important as you do not have to go through searching for a home to find out that you are not looking in the correct price range.

Still not convinced why you should get pre-approved for a mortgage? Here are three points to try to convince you…

  • You will save a lot of time house-hunting as you know exactly what you can afford and what you will be approved for at the bank.

  • You know ahead of time what your payments will be for your mortgage as your mortgage broker has already gone over this with you.

  • You save money! Isn’t that what we all want? If you get pre-approved for a home and you know exactly what you can afford you can go about the subject removal process with ease. Schedule your home inspection, sign the documents needed, and find yourself a great Kelowna Lawyer to do your conveyancing. You do not want to find yourself spending money on due diligence to find out that you can not get the proper financing for the home you are interested in.

Now you shouldn’t have to ask yourself, why should I get pre-approved for a mortgage? To begin the process, contact the team at Vrecko Real Estate Group. Aside from giving you expert advice on the Kelowna real estate market, we are here to guide you through the process of buying your home. Call us today – 1-778-760-2860!

 

15 Questions to Ask your Kelowna Realtor

An important part of selling a home is finding a Kelowna realtor to help with your sale. With the amount of realtors in Kelowna, you may be finding yourself reading countless testimonials, looking at thousands of websites and trying to make a decision on who to choose. That is why the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates put together a list of 15 questions to ask your Kelowna realtor.

The questions you should ask your Kelowna realtor are,

  1. How long have you been a realtor?

  2. Do you work solo or do you work with a team?

  3. What is your marketing techniques?

  4. How will you keep in touch with me regarding my sale?

  5. What services do you include when listing my home?

  6. What are your realtor fees?

  7. Which neighbourhoods are you known in?

  8. On average, how close is the sale price to your list price on your listings?

  9. Why should I list with you?

  10. Do you take HD video and photos of my home?

  11. What other technology do you use to market my home?

  12. Will you go through all documents with me before I need to sign?

  13. What do you think the negatives on my home are?

  14. Do you have an answering service or do I get your direct cell phone number?

  15. What separates you from your competition?

We could go on and on with questions to ask your Kelowna realtor, better yet – just give us a call! Our team can answer any questions you may have and guide you through the process of selling your Kelowna home. We want to ensure this process is as smooth and successful as possible. So, if you are struggling to find a Kelowna realtor, the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates are here to help! If you are in the market to sell your Kelowna home, check out our 8 differences to find out what separates us from our competition or contact our team today 1-778-760-2860!

 

Must Haves for Luxury Home Gyms

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Luxury home gyms are growing in popularity.  Along with the latest and greatest in workout equipment, there are some luxury items to add to the list. After a hard workout, you need to spoil yourself.

sauna in luxury home gym

Add a sauna to your luxury home gym

Top Kelowna personal trainer, Leigh Carter, has recommended these top 3 must-haves for the ultimate Luxury home gyms:

1. Infrared Saunas

Infrared saunas use infrared heaters to create even heat that is absorbed by the skin.  The heat penetrates deep into the tissue dissolving toxins and activating sweat glands to increase metabolism.  There are a wide range of health benefits including detoxification, relaxation, weight loss, anti-aging, improved circulation, and pain relief.  These units range in size and start at $2500 for the smaller models.  The warmth of the sauna is the best way to end a workout and soothe tired muscles.

2. Massage Chairs

The day after a workout can be grueling with sore and tired muscles, so the addition of a massage chair is a must in your luxury home gym.  Chairs can range in price starting at $2500 for a basic model to $8000 for a higher-end model offering more options and settings.  The most effective chairs are models that offer a Shiatsu or Swedish massage. The higher-end models have heat settings, vibration, and sound making your massage enjoyable and relaxing.  Add in a flat-screen TV to create your own luxury home gym lounge.

3. Beverage centre:

assortment of glasses filled with smoothies and juices

Rehydrate after your workout at your beverage station

Forget the old-fashioned water cooler, every Luxury home gym needs a proper beverage center.  Stocked with fresh produce you can create protein smoothies and fresh pressed juice to give you the vitamins and energy you need to enhance your workout.  To complete your beverage center, you need an ice box, a small refrigerator, have filtered water on hand as rehydration is key for your muscles to recover after a hard workout.

These luxury additions to your luxury home gym will complete your workout and help you look forward to your next one. Choose the ones that are right for you and take the time to use them.  Reward yourself for the time you set aside for your workout and enjoy the relaxation it brings.

Before making any modifications to your luxury home, call Quincy Vrecko with Quincy Vrecko and Associates. Quincy can give you advice on the impact on resale value for your Kelowna home. Quincy is a luxury real estate agent with RE/MAX Kelowna with over 28 years of experience in luxury sales. His knowledge and expertise in the Kelowna real estate market can guide you in the right direction for luxury gym must-haves to increase the value of your Kelowna home. Call 1-250-863-8810 today!

 

How to Decorate your Small Bedroom

How to Decorate your Small Bedroom

Do you have a small bedroom? Are you having trouble trying to find ways to make it look presentable without countless clutter all over the floor or things shoved in every place possible? Well, the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates have 5 great tips on how to decorate your small bedroom.

1. Take advantage of your wall space 

When a bedroom is large, people tend to use the blank wall space for large prints. When your bedroom is small you don’t want to take up that precious wall space for unnecessary items! Use that vertical space for storage. Install floating shelves over your desk to help with the clutter or install hooks for hanging your jackets.

2. Stay away from large pieces

Wouldn’t it be nice for everyone to be able to fit a king sized bed in their bedroom? As much as it would be a dream come true, try to stay away from bulky and big furniture. You want to be able to have enough room to walk all around you bed, be able to open your dresser drawers open all of the way.

3. Buy multifunctional pieces

If you are living in a small bedroom chances are you are lacking tons of storage. Trick is to buy multifunctional furniture! Buy end tables that you can put baskets underneath for additional storage or buy a bed with drawers underneath for extra room for your clothes.

4. Baskets, Baskets and more Baskets!

Baskets are a versatile product which is great for small bedrooms. You can store them inside each other when they aren’t being used, you can fold them up and put them under your bed or you can put them in your closet for additional storage. Whatever you may need to store in your bedroom, chances are a basket will do the trick!

5. Add Mirrors!

Mirrors give the illusion that your bedroom is larger and isn’t that what we all want when we are trying to decorate a small bedroom? Try adding a cluster of mirrors to the wall by your door or add a large mirror over your desk/vanity!

If you are still struggling on how to decorate your small bedroom, give the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates a call! On top of giving you expert advice on the Kelowna real estate market, we also want to ensure your home is in the best shape to set your sale up for success – call one of our team members today 1-778-760-2860!

 

Add Colour to your Kelowna Outdoor Space

Do you find your outdoor space is lacking a pop of colour? Are you struggling to incorporate a fun way to add colour before Summer hits? Fear not, the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates have you covered with these 5 easy ways on how to add colour to your outdoor space.

1. Add Colourful Pillows

pop of colour by adding colourful pillows

Add some colourful pillows

We find that patio furniture comes in neutral colors. Grey, brown and white seem to be the most common colours of furniture for outdoors. So to lighten up the mood and add colour to your outdoor space with some fun patterned pillows.

2. Plant your Flowers in Painted Pots

Stay away from typical plant pots and spend the weekend with your girlfriends painting pots for your plants. Not only does this step get you outdoors but it gives you an excuse to open a bottle of Okanagan wine!

3. Plant your Kelowna Outdoor Space!

This step seems to be overlooked but is easily the quickest way to add colour to your outdoor space. Head to your local nursery and pick up different coloured plants. Simple and easy way to quickly add a pop of colour without spending a lot of time.

4. DIY Patio Table

2 pallets and a can of paint and you’ve got an easy way to incorporate color to your backyard. Even though your patio furniture may be nuetral, adding two pallets on top of each other and painting them a vibrant colour, not only adds a pop of colour to your backyard but also gives you that DIY table you’ve always wanted!

colourful table cloth with bright table settings in this Kelowna outdoor space

Cover up the table!

5. Cover Your Table

Don’t have time to make a DIY patio table? Do you have a current table you use but you just want to find a way to spice things up? Add a bright and fun table cloth! Great way to add that pop of colour and not break the bank!

Here are just 5 easy ways on how to add colour to your Kelowna outdoor space this Summer. If you are getting your Kelowna home ready to sell, the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates want to ensure your Kelowna home is in the best shape to set your sale up for success. Call one of our knowledgable real estate agents today to get started on selling your Kelowna home. Call 1-778-760-2860!

Finding a Kelowna Real Estate Agent

couple meeting with Kelowna real estate agent

Let’s find you the right Kelowna real estate agent!

This is an exciting time for you as a first time home buyer. You are taking a huge step and purchasing your first home! We are so excited for you, and want to ensure this process is as smooth as possible. From finding a Kelowna Real estate agent to help with the purchase to closing your first deal and everything in between, the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates are here to help you as a first time home buyer!

To find the perfect Kelowna real estate agent for you as a first time home buyer, check out these 5 tips!

As a first time home buyer, shop around!

There are hundreds and hundreds of Kelowna real estate agents out there that would love to help you in your first home purchase. Talk to a few agents that you feel could make the perfect fit and ask questions.

Look online at reviews/testimonials of each Kelowna real estate agent

Technology is huge now-a-days and it is very important to find someone who is established in your community and has great connections. Find someone who is well known and can ensure you are taken care of!

Attend a few Kelowna open houses

This is the best way to really see your potential agent in action. Don’t worry if the home is completely out of your budget. It is nice to take a look at different homes! It is also great to see what the agent business approach is when you view the home.

Drive around the neighbourhoods

Drive around the area you are looking to purchase. Who is on all of the signs? Who is making a statement in that area? This can help with making your decision as you know that the real estate agent is knowledgeable in that area.

first time home buyer standing outside their first Kelowna home

Move into your next Kelowna home!

There are plenty of different things that you can do to ensure you find the right real estate agent for you these are just a few that we find are the most important. If you are in the market to purchase your first home, the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates want to help! We want to ensure that this process is as smooth as possible. Don’t get stressed trying to find someone to help you find your first home. This process should be fun and exciting and we are devoted to finding you a home you will love. Contact the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates today 1-778-760-2860!

Kelowna Real Estate: Boost Your Curb Appeal

It’s that time of year, the grass is green the flowers are starting to bloom and the weather is warming up! Time to work on the front yard and boost your curb appeal for your Kelowna real estate.

In this hot Kelowna market, you would be surprised as to how many buyers will do a drive-by of your home before contacting a Kelowna realtor to view the inside. If you lack curb appeal for your Kelowna real estate, you could be missing out on potential buyers. So, here are ways to boost your curb appeal this Spring!

Paint your Front Door

modern home with bright red front door

Paint your front door

The exterior of your Kelowna home should have three basic colours – one as the main colour, one accent colour for the shutters/trim and then one for the front door. Find a colour that will suit the exterior of your Kelowna home and not become an eyesore. Few of our favorite examples of colour schemes are,

  • White, Grey and Blue

  • Grey, Red and White

  • White, Black and Grey

Add a Home Number that will Stand Out

Ever get an invite to a friends house and you can’t seem to find their Kelowna home because you can’t see their house number? Been there and let me tell you it isn’t fun going up and down the street trying to figure out which house they live at. Eliminate that issue by installing your home number on the front of your home that will stand out! Try large dark numbers against a white home or white numbers against a dark home.

beautifully landscaped home

Add that pop of colour

Add a POP of Colour

Are you struggling to add colour to the front of your home? You want to add that extra pop of colour in some way? Highly recommend planting some flowers. It’s that time of year, flowers are in and blooming. Pick up some flowers from your local nursery and plant them out front. Not only will they add colour to the front of your home but will also smell delicious!


These are just a few ideas on how to boost your curb appeal for your Kelowna real estate. There are tons and tons of ways you can add to your Kelowna home. If you are looking for expert advice on how to set your home up for success during your sale, contact the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates today 1-778-780-2860!  

Kelowna Real Estate Market Statistics for April 2017

graph showing Kelowna real estate statistics for April 2017

Kelowna real estate market statistics

The Kelowna real estate market continues to remain strong going into the second quarter of the year.  As weather is heating up, it is anticipated that real estate sales will continue to follow suit.

Interesting statistics for the month of April, sales of single family residential has decreased 23% from this time last year.  This is directly related to the shortage of new listings hitting the market keeping our inventory of homes for sale in Kelowna much lower than average.  New listings to hit the Kelowna real estate market for the month of April is down 5% over this time last year, this means we are continuing to see a sellers market.

While sales have decreased, the average price has increased due to the high demand for property in Kelowna.  The average sale price of homes for sale in Kelowna is now $667 105 which is a 18% increase over this time last year.  Sellers are seeing their home sell in days and in some cases, only hours.  The average days on market is down to only 47 days making Kelowna one of the fastest growing real estate markets in BC.

Tracey Vrecko with Quincy Vrecko and Associates has been selling real estate for 15 years and has seen aggressive markets like this one before and urges buyers and sellers to ensure they are properly represented when both buying and selling real estate.

“Listings are at an all time low. This makes for a very competitive market so it’s important to have a real estate agent experienced with a seller’s market”.  Tracey Vrecko

Kelowna real estate sales numbers for the month of April :

Residental:

  • Units Sold – 255
  • New Listings – 420
  • Current Inventory – 719
  • Average Price is $677,105

Condos:

  • Units Sold – 162
  • New Listings – 199
  • Current Inventory – 347
  • Average Price – $336,139

Townhouse:

  • Units Sold – 82
  • New Listings – 127
  • Current Inventory – 223
  • Average Price – $453,658

Lots:

  • Units Sold – 44
  • New Listings – 83
  • Current Inventory – 380
  • Average Price – $345,177

Single family detached homes remain to be the most sought after properties in the Kelowna, follow by condominium and townhouses.  Lot sales are brisk as new home construction continues to rise, however, land is becoming more difficult to find.

With the strong start to the second quarter of the year, there is no sign of the Kelowna real estate market slowing down.  The team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates have a diverse team of real estate agents with experience in working in a sellers market.  Our team of real estate professionals can guide you through this complicated market. Call one of our knowledgeable real estate agents today 1-778-760-2860!

Home Automation & Smart Homes

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When buying or building luxury Kelowna real estate, a home automation and smart home system is a must. Technology has come a long way over the years. Quincy Vrecko and Associates is here to guide you through the best of what the market has to offer.

Crestron

Creston has been in the home automation business since 1974 and is geared toward the luxury Kelowna real estate market.  With an amazing reputation in home automation and smart home systems, there is a price tag that comes with that.  Crestron is known for its high quality, and like all smart home systems, it can be controlled from both mobile devices and built-in panels.  The capabilities are endless controlling virtually every component of your home.

Their equipment is elegant, high quality, and reliable with touch screen and voice recognition software.  Their customer service is impeccable which is why this brand is one of the market leaders in home automation and smart home systems.

Control 4

This highly complex home automation system is one of the best in the luxury Kelowna real estate market for smart home technology features.  Control 4 stays ahead of the trends with cutting-edge technology with voice recognition and a fully customizable interface.  This complicated system takes weeks to set up which is expensive for the homeowner, but once working, is an easy system to control.  Like other systems, you can control the smart home system from your smartphone, remote, or keypad.  Once programmed this will allow you to perform most tasks just with the touch of a button.

Savant

This smart home system is user-friendly and works like an Apple product.  This system is not only found in luxury Kelowna real estate but many family homes in Kelowna.  Although still requires professional installation, this system enhances energy efficiency and suggests ways to help cut back on home costs.  A unique feature it offers is voice communication directly from your phone to your home’s intercom.

Selecting a home automation and smart home system when buying luxury Kelowna real estate can be an important decision considering resale value.  The team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates can help you choose a system that meets your needs. All while maintaining the value of the luxury home. Call Quincy Vrecko, an experienced luxury real estate agent. Quincy has over 28 years of experience in luxury sales. For expert luxury real estate advice, call Quincy at 1-250-863-8810!