Top Golf Courses in Kelowna

Summer is ending and Fall is just around the corner. This also means, that golf courses in Kelowna are getting ready to shut their doors in the next few months and close for off-season. Squeeze in the last bit of golf this Summer by trying out these top golf courses in Kelowna.

Tower Ranch Golf Club

golf club about to hit a golf ball at a top golf course

Play golf in Kelowna at one of these top courses

Award-winning course that is sure to challenge even the best of golfers. This course is an 18-hole championship course and is located within a short drive of the Kelowna airport. This amazing golf course has narrow fairways and is a strategic course. Not only does Tower Ranch have an amazing golf course, they also have a Clubhouse which features over 10,000 square feet of amenities. Play a 18-hole game and finish off your day with dinner at the Carrington Restaurant & Lounge in the Clubhouse!  

http://www.golftowerranch.com

Kelowna Golf and Country Club

Another amazing golf course in Kelowna located in the heart of Kelowna near downtown. This semi-private golf course is surrounded by towering pine trees and colourful flower beds. Similar to Tower Ranch Golf Club, the Kelowna Golf and Country Club also features a spectacular clubhouse to enjoy after your round. Enjoy dining Thursday through Sunday nights at the St. Andrews Dining Room or in the clubhouse 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch or dinner! Finish your round and head on into the clubhouse for a dining experience you won’t forget!

https://www.kelownagolfandcountryclub.com

man putting on the green at one of the top golf courses

Enjoy the last bit of Summer with a round of golf

Gallaghers Golf and Country Club

Lastly, Gallaghers Canyon! Spectacular 18-hole golf course in Kelowna. The holes at this golf course in Kelowna is surrounded by amazing greenery and breathtaking views of the Okanagan. Not only does this course features 18-holes but it also has a driving range, putting green, chipping green and practice sand bunkers!

http://www.golfbc.com/courses/gallaghers_canyon

If you are looking to purchase real estate close to amazing amenities such as these top golf courses in Kelowna, it’s time to tee up a meeting with Quincy Vrecko and Associates. We are a dedicated team of professionals with years of experience ready to assist you in process of purchasing a Kelowna home. Contact one of our knowledgeable associates today, call 1-778-760-2860!

3 Reasons You Should Relocate to Kelowna

Are you looking for a change of scenery?  Are you looking to relocate to our beautiful city? Kelowna is an amazing city that is surrounded by beautiful trees, orchards and beaches! If you still haven’t made your mind up to relocate to Kelowna, check out our three reasons on why you should consider moving to this beautiful city.

The Weather

view from waterfront park located in Kelowna BC

Waterfront Park Kelowna BC

Kelowna gets approximately 2,000 hours of sun each year. That right there should make you want to move to our city. Mild winters and beautiful summers, we are sure you are going to enjoy out here. We have some of the best summers. Spend most of your summers outside and enjoying what nature has to offer. We have great hiking and biking trails you can enjoy all summer long. We also have an amazing Waterfront park with access to Okanagan Lake where you can go for a dip in the Lake. While you are downtown, test out all of the great food! 

You are living in vacation city

Kelowna is often to referred to as the California of Canada. You will feel like you are on a vacation! Whether you are looking to play the top golf courses, enjoy the outdoor scenery, shop, or partake in some amazing water activities, we have it all. Many come to Kelowna as a vacation and you are going to be living here! Enjoy all it has to offer and the many different activities throughout the summer and winter. Visit City of Kelowna’s website  for a list of full events happening all year round.

blue exterior of home with white accents and large green grassed yard

Beautiful Family Home

Home Prices in Kelowna

If you are looking to relocate from the west coast, rest assured you will get more bang for your buck  out here. Depending on what type of home you are looking for whether that be a townhome, family home, luxury home or waterfront, our team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates can help. With our years of experience in the real estate industry we are sure to find you something you and your family can enjoy!

If you are ready to take the next step and relocate to Kelowna, check out our handy Relocation Guide put together by our team of real estate agents. Our handy relocation guide is the inside scoop on Kelowna and all it offers. Welcome to our beautiful city, we hope you enjoy this new adventure!

Weekend Getaway Ideas in the Okanagan

The long weekend is slowly approaching and that means time for some good ol’ fashioned relaxing! If you don’t have any big plans for the long weekend, check out these great weekend getaway ideas in the Okanagan. They are sure to not only provide relaxation but also recharge your batteries as we prepare for the Fall season ahead of us.

Sparkling Hill Resort and Spa

spa essentials such as rocks, soaps and essential oils

Relax at the amazing spa located at Sparkling Hill Resort in the Okanagan

If you live in the Okanagan, you’ve probably heard of the amazing luxury Sparkling Hill Resort and Spa. Located in Vernon and built in 2010, this amazing resort is the premier wellness resort spa destination in North America. It is also surrounded by Swarovski crystals. This resort offers breathtaking views of Lake Okanagan. With over 140 rooms and amazing penthouses this was sure to make the list. While you are there, check out the 40,000 square feet KurSpa for total relaxation.

Hotel Eldorado

If you want to just enjoy the weekend but don’t have time to head out of town, then the Hotel Eldorado might just be the perfect fit for your Weekend Getaway! This hotel has been around since 1926 and their bar has won Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. The guest rooms have spectacular views of the lake and range from smaller guest rooms with one king or two queens and Vista Lake View Suites located on the fourth floor of the hotel with sweeping views of the Lake.

view of lake blue waters in Okanagan

Amazing views of Lake located in the Okanagan

Spirit Ridge at Nk’Mip Resort

This spectacular resort is located in the South Okanagan on the slopes of Anarchist Mountain. Enjoy the high end services and amenities while being surrounded by breathtaking vineyards. Spirit Ridge has amazing views of the Okanagan from every room. On top of providing you with guest services, they also are home to conferences, weddings and meetings. Enjoy Osoyoos and all it has to offer at this amazing resort!

The Okanagan is in no shortage of amazing resorts that are sure to provide total relaxation. If you are looking for more ideas for this upcoming long weekend, contact the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates. On top of giving you expert advice on the Kelowna real estate market, we know the ins and outs of the Okanagan and can provide you with great recommendations of places to visit. Let’s face it, we all deserve a relaxing weekend! Call 1-778-760-2860 today!

Save Money on your next Kelowna Home Purchase

Purchasing a Kelowna home is expensive, it’s probably going to be one of the most expensive purchases you make in your lifetime. That being said, it’s normal to want to save money where possible. Good news! There are certain things you can save money on when purchasing a Kelowna home.

Find a Kelowna realtor

couple with child sitting down with real estate agent

Find yourself a great Kelowna realtor

Did I just confuse you reading that? I bet I did! You are probably thinking to yourself, it costs me money to hire a real estate agent? Won’t I lose money on my next Kelowna home purchase rather than save money? You are right to some extent. Yes, it costs money to work with a Kelowna realtor. On the flip side, a great Kelowna realtor with years of negotiating skills can save you thousands of dollars on your next Kelowna home purchase. A Kelowna real estate agent is working with you on your home purchase, they want to ensure you get the best price for the home you are in search of. It may cost money to work with a Kelowna realtor but in the end you could be saving thousands on your home purchase.

Search for the best mortgage rate for your Kelowna home

Next comes your mortgage. Mortgage rates are a key factor to purchasing your Kelowna home. Even the smallest reduction in an interest rate can save you thousands in the grand scheme of things. The team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates highly recommend going through a mortgage broker for your next mortgage. When you go through a bank you are locked into that amount. When you go through a mortgage broker, they work with plenty of different banks and offer you the best rate possible for your next home purchase.

living room with modern furniture

Keep your eye out for future projects

Keep an eye out for future projects

Lastly, when looking to purchase a Kelowna home take a look at the tiniest things in the home. You may fall in the love with the colour of the walls, the layout of the home or the neighbourhood but in the end, if it needs a lot of repairs you are going to be dipping into your pocket probably more than you had hoped. Check for everything before putting in an offer. Did you notice any problems with the flooring, walls or ceiling? For a second set of eyes, after putting in your offer ensure you get a home inspection done. It is important to get a home inspection as there may underlying issues that can not be seen on the surface.

In the end, it is normal to want to save money on your Kelowna home purchase. Purchasing a home can be stressful. The team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates want to help. If you are in search for your next family home, townhome, condominium or you are looking to downsize contact the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates. We are a team of highly professional and experienced agents ready to assist you in this next big purchase.

Kelowna Real Estate Market Statistics for July 2017

graph showing real estate market trends for Kelowna July 2017

Kelowna Marketshare Report July 2017

 

The temperatures in Okanagan are heating up! Yet, the Kelowna real estate market showed a slight cool off for the month of July.  This raising questions from buyers and sellers; “is the market starting to show a shift away from the strong sellers market?”

The Kelowna real estate market has been a seller’s’ market for over a year. This is due to a lower number listings and a strong demand by buyers. Which forces large increases in the average sale price for a single family home Kelowna. While listing inventory remains low, for the first time in a long time, the housing market is starting to see price reductions from the original listing price.

July posted a small 6% decrease in sales from June numbers. 961 sales registered as reported by the Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board (OMREB). The average sale price for a single family home in Kelowna now sits at $692,838, only a slight decrease from June values.  

Tracey Vrecko, a top Kelowna Realtor with RE/MAX Kelowna, says these statistics are typical for this time of year, and comments,

“while the summer is a busy time for tourism in Okanagan, homes sales are usually a little quieter than the spring.”  

Year to date, the Kelowna Real estate market has seen an increase of 11% in home values over this time last year.  

While signs still point to a seller’s market, is is possible the fall could show a shift to a more balanced market, which would be welcome change for buyers looking at buying a home in Kelowna. There has been an increase in price reductions over the last 30 days. This shows that those strong increases over the past few months could be coming to an end.

Looking ahead to the fall, there are some factors that have, and could continue to affect the Kelowna real estate market.  The recent hike in interest rates, change in government and recent environmental threats such as fires and floods.  

Watching any changes to the real estate trends is important when marketing a home for sale. The team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates provide an advanced web marketing platform to all of their listings in Kelowna. This includes detailed analytics.  The advantage of the of these analytics are to track where the buyers are coming from on each listing. That way an effective target marketing strategy can put in place.  

With the strong increases in property values in Kelowna, it is still a great time to sell you home. Values remain strong. A more balanced Kelowna real estate market could mean there will be more to choose from.  Then you won’t feel the pressure when selecting a home.

 

First Time Home Buyer: Avoid these Mistakes

Buying your first Kelowna home is a very exciting time. You have probably been looking forward to the day you begin the process of finding your first Kelowna home. For many, this time is not stressful. On the flip side, it can be very stressful without the right tools! In order to ensure this process is as smooth as possible, avoid making these mistakes as a first time home buyer.

Working on your own

couple sitting in front of real estate agent reviewing documents

Couple working with agent reviewing real estate documents

The process of purchasing a Kelowna home is very complex. If you are unaware of how this process works as a first time home buyer, it can be a daunting task. The best thing you can do to ensure this process is as smooth as possible is to hire a Kelowna real estate agent. A Kelowna real estate agent is working with your best interest in mind. As this is your first time purchasing a home, you want to ensure that you understand everything in order to close your sale.

Not getting pre-approved

We highly recommend as a first time home buyer you get pre-approved for a mortgage. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage will show you exactly what range you need to stay within. The worst thing that could happen would be you begin this process only to find out that you do not qualify for a mortgage. For more reasons on why you should get pre-approved, check out why should I get pre-approved for a mortgage?

couch in middle of room beautifully decorated with accent wall behind

Beautifully decorated home

Purchasing items before finding your Kelowna home

Furnishing your first Kelowna home can be hard. You will not know exactly what you need until you have closed your first home. This can make purchasing furniture and items very difficult. We understand this can be a very exciting time and also very expensive. So, we have made things a bit easier for you. Check out decorating your first Kelowna home for 3 great tips!

If you are ready to begin the process of purchasing your first Kelowna home, contact Quincy Vrecko and Associates. We are a team of professionals ready to assist you in this exciting time of your life. On top of giving you expert advice and guiding you through the process, we want to ensure you, as a first time home buyer, are as comfortable as possible during this process. Contact one of our real estate agents today 1-778-760-2860!

Boat Moorage Options in Kelowna and Area

If you live in the Okanagan, there is a high probability that you own a boat. Tired of towing it every time you are looking to go on the water? There are permanent and temporary boat moorage options in Kelowna and area.  

Boating on Lake Okanagan is a popular pastime, but having to hook up the boat and wait in line at the boat launch can take time away from your day on the water.   There are several boat moorage options in Kelowna and area, and they offer a heck of convenience.

  1. Downtown Kelowna Marina (http://www.kelownadowntownmarina.com/)

    marina in downtown Kelowna with mountains in background

    Beautiful Downtown Kelowna Marina

In the heart of Kelowna’s downtown core, this is a great catch all for general boating and watersport enthusiasts.  There are 68 moorage slips available for long or short term rental (seasonal all the way down to hourly boat moorage options in Kelowna), along with full service fuelling facilities and convenient shops.  Additionally, this is your access for party boat charters plus boat (and even jet ski) rentals.  It’s a one stop shop, and you can walk back to your downtown hotel in minutes.   If you’re feeling like making a real plunge and have some patience for a wait list, you can explore the Kelowna Yacht Club. Located just minutes away for a premium Kelowna boat storage/moorage experience.

 

  1. Aqua Marine Valet (http://www.missiongroup.ca/aqua-marine-valet/)

Located directly on the lake next door to Hotel Eldorado and Manteo Resort in Kelowna’s sought after Lower Mission, this a very unique opportunity to maximize the enjoyment of your boating life in Kelowna.  Just download their app, and they will fuel up your boat and have it in the water ready to go shortly thereafter.  Once you’re finished for the day simply toss your keys to the attendance and head home, knowing your boat is safe and sound.  Boat storage couldn’t be easier or more convenient outside of a slip at a marina.  Luckily, Aqua Marine Valet is much, much cheaper.  Bonus: They will completely winterize and wrap your boat for off season storage at their large lakeside facility, where they also have full fueling and detailing services.

 

  1. Shelter Bay Marina (http://www.shelterbaykelowna.com/)

view from dock of sailboats and the mountains

Breathtaking Views from Marina

For those with larger vessels, this marina in West Kelowna is the ideal option.  Shelter Bay has 450 boat moorage slips which can accommodate boats up to 60 feet in length. They also benefit from significantly deeper water than most facilities on the Eastern shores of Lake Okanagan. This is ideal for larger sail boats.  Amenities include mechanical servicing and parts, detailing, wrapping, a full watersport shop, and so on.  No stone left unturned.

As a community built around amazing lake experiences, Kelowna’s locals and tourists have lots of great options for aquatic sports. Boat storage and maintenance is a huge part of the picture.  Boating might not be the least expensive hobby, but at least you won’t get caught double-bogeying the 18th hole.

Smart Saving Tips: Save Your Down Payment

,

Are you beginning the process of finding your first home? First things first, the biggest thing you need to worry about right off the bat is… down payment!! Are you looking for different ways on how to save for your down payment? Do you want to begin the process of purchasing your first home? Then, you’ve come to the right place! Our team has come up with these great smart saving tips to get you started in this home-buying process.

Open a bank account

person working at computer opening up a new bank account

Open up a separate bank account to show what you have saved

First things first, open a separate bank account.  Start by separating your bank accounts, you can clearly distinguish what is being put aside for what. If you use one bank account for all of your savings, you could hit the goal amount but empty your savings. This will then in turn leave you nothing for emergencies. Keep things separate!

Prioritize!

Are you a serious buyer? Have you become very motivated to purchase your first home? Then, it is time to prioritize. It is time to put aside money you would be spending eating out, shopping, and going out on a weekend towards your down payment. You would be surprised as to how much money you can accumulate if you put that money towards your down payment rather than spending it elsewhere.

Pay off your Debt

calculating debt that is owed on a calculator

Pay off existing debt before saving for a down payment

You can’t save money in your bank account if you are also stacking up interest on a credit card. When you are trying to put money aside, consider paying off your high-interest credit cards first. This will then in turn pay off your debt and also put you in the positives for savings! You are almost ready to purchase your first Kelowna home! 

If you are ready with your down payment and are eager to begin now the search for your Kelowna home, contact the knowledgeable real estate agents at Quincy Vrecko and Associates. We are a team of highly trained professionals with strong negotiating skills ready to help you find your first Kelowna home. Contact us today at 1-778-760-2860!

3 Steps to an Organized Kitchen for your Kelowna Home

Many may agree that the kitchen is the most used room in the house. That being said, it is also the most disorganized! If you find that your kitchen is very disorganized… then follow these 3 steps and you’re on the road to an organized kitchen! Doesn’t that sound like a dream? You mean I can have an organized kitchen and save time on cooking and cleaning. Sign me up! Organize your kitchen with these three easy steps courtesy of the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates!

Empty everything out

kitchen cabinet empty ready for organization

Begin by emptying everything out

Start by emptying out the cabinetry. This will help with organizing your cabinets in a timely matter. Once you have emptied everything out you will have a clear understanding of not only how much stuff you really have but how much stuff you could get rid of! Let the organized kitchen begin…

Establish a plan for your cabinetry

Now that everything is taken out and you have a bunch of empty cabinets you can clearly establish a plan for how you want everything to look. Are you tired of walking across the kitchen to grab your oven mitts? Not a problem, make it that your oven mitts and other heat protecting items by the oven. Tired of having to go into the pantry for spices you need when cooking? Again, not a problem. Install an easy spice rack beside your oven and stove for easy access! Taking everything out of your cabinets will make it easier to establish a plan to make your life easier in the kitchen! 

Use containers to help organize

organized cabinet with mason jars and Tupperware

Use other jars and containers as an organization tool

The worst part of taking the time to organize your kitchen is the few weeks later that it turns right back to what it was before. To avoid this, take the time to really focus on how to make things stick this time around. Instead of having a junk drawer, fill the drawer with dividers and color coordinate where bills can go in each drawer. This will force you to keep things organized as you can’t just throw it into the drawers. Same goes for tupperware and pots/pans. Start by, installing dividers in your cabinetry, this makes it easier for you to keep everything organized and in its place. Now you have an organized kitchen and it’ll hopefully stay this way! 

Make life easier for you and keep up with your newly organized kitchen! These are just three easy steps that can take your kitchen to the next level. If you are looking for ways to spruce up before listing your home in this red hot market… then contact the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates.  Call 1-778-760-2860!

Kelowna Luxury Real Estate Past and Present

The 2017 Kelowna luxury real estate market is booming and with strong sales, there has been large increases in property values in the Okanagan Valley.  So the question is, what does 1 million dollars buy you these days?

When you think of 1 millions dollars, it seems like a lot of money.  Thinking back when it seemed outrageous for property to cost that much, it is now the reality in our market.  Kelowna luxury real estate is in high demand which is forcing prices to go even higher.

Now jump back 20 years to 1997…

exterior of luxury home

Luxury real estate home located at 492 Carona Crescent

When Leonardo DiCaprio was the “king of the world” in Titanic and Spice Girls were heating up the charts, the Kelowna Luxury real estate market meant something very different than it does now.  A home in Kelowna for one million dollars was an anomaly.  In 1997, there were only only 2 sales over 1 million dollars for the entire year.  Back then, a Kelowna waterfront home on Hobson would only cost you mere 1.2 million.  Now that that same waterfront property would be worth over 3 million dollars and that is just for the land.

Now let’s go back only 10 years ago to 2007…

While the launch of the very first Iphone is was making headlines along with the news of crashing US real estate market, the Kelowna luxury real estate market had certainly seen an increase.  There were 203 sales over 1 million dollars back in 2007.  Back then, one million dollars would buy you a large 4200 square foot family home in Crawford Estates in Upper Mission, on a half acre lot with an inground pool.  That home now would now be worth nearly 1.5 million.

interior of luxury home with dark walls and blue and white accent pieces

455 Lakepointe Drive listed with Quincy Vrecko and Associates

Jump to 2017, our current market…

So what does 1 million dollars buy you today?  With the increase in Kelowna luxury real estate market, you may think there is no chance of getting what you want.  The good news… one million dollars still gets you a great home in Kelowna.  Currently listed with Quincy Vrecko and Associates at 999 000, 455 Lakepointe is located in a cul-de-sac in the award winning community of Kettle Valley in Kelowna’s Upper Mission.  This family home was built in 2013 and offers over 3900 square feet, 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, built in 2013 with top of the line finishings.  

Over the last 20 years the Kelowna Luxury real estate market has changed dramatically.  What history will tell us, is that real estate is a good investment.  With the ups and downs in the real estate market, property values in always increase over time.  When buying a home in Kelowna or the surrounding area, it is important to use the services of a professional real estate agent. This can ensure you are making the right investment for the next 20 years.  

Quincy Vrecko and Associates are one of top real estate teams in Kelowna.  With a group of licensed professional real estate agents specializing in a wide range of real estate including Kelowna Luxury real estate, family homes in Kelowna and area, condominiums and townhouses, new builds and developments and recreational property.