February Agenda: What to do in Kelowna

Another month comes another agenda of things to do in Kelowna. February is a short month, so we have to cram more fun activities into less days. If you are looking for something to do to fill up your February calendar…Check out these three activities for fun things to do in the beautiful city this month.

Frozen in Time: the Musical

little girl dressing up as a princess

Enjoy Frozen in Time the Musical

On February 4th at either 1:00PM or 4:00PM head over to the Kelowna Community Theatre in Downtown. Join the Snow Queen as they tell a magical story of their journey through a winter adventure. This show is full of surprises! You can expect some interaction and of course sing-a-longs! If you are looking for an activity for your younger children, this is it! Have your little ones come dressed in their favorite princess and enjoy the show! For ticket information, click here.

Snowed in Comedy Tour

Another great event hosted at the Kelowna Community Theatre in Downtown Kelowna. On February 9th enjoy the 10th year of this Comedy Tour. This comedy tour has performed in Australia, the U.S., France and Switzerland. You do not want to miss this! One of Canada’s largest comedy tours, this show of international comedias brings you unique and hilarious content. For a full list of comedians in this tour and ticket information, click here.

hockey game of the Kelowna Rockets

Enjoy a Kelowna Rockets game

Kelowna Rockets

We have yet to mention heading to a local Kelowna Rockets game for one of our agendas… are we crazy? This February, head to the Prospera Center and cheer on our local hockey team. This month they are playing 8 home games that you and the family can enjoy! To purchase your tickets, see a full game schedule and for more information, click here.

If you don’t live in our beautiful city, you may not be able to enjoy these amazing monthly activities. Make this your next adventure. Kelowna features stunning beaches, amazing wineries and beautiful weather. If you are looking to make the move, contact the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates. Our team of dedicated real estate agents are ready to assist you with your Kelowna home purchase. Contact one of our knowledgeable real estate agents today. Call 1-778-760-2860! 

Luxury Real Estate: First $10M assessment in Kelowna

Did you recently discover your luxury real estate is worth more now than it was in 2017? Well, you wouldn’t be the only one. Homeowners all throughout the Okanagan discovered that exact same thing. With value properties in Kelowna going up 17% in 2017, according to BC Assessment, we hit a new record! Kelowna had it’s first $10M assessment on a single family luxury property. Where is this luxury real estate? What is the assessment value at? 

4358 Hobson Road Kelowna, BC

This luxury property sits on 1.76 acres and is right on the Lake Okanagan. This waterfront home is the first $10M single family assessment in the Thompson-Okanagan region. The assessed value of this luxury waterfront home came in at $10,029,000, an increase of $800,000 from 2016. Tracy Wall, the assessor for the Thompson Okanagan region states,

“BC Assessment looks at a number of factors when valuing a property. Things that can add value are the location, the size of the property, how large the home is…”

For her full quote, and what other things add value to luxury real estate, visit KelownaNow’s website.

It’s important to know that these are just the assessed values given by BC Assessment. They do not reflect the selling price of a luxury property. To know exactly what your luxury real estate is worth, it’s important to contact a Kelowna luxury real estate agent. They will meet with you and review all aspects of your home that can contribute to the listing price.

If you are interested in selling your Kelowna luxury property, contact Quincy with Quincy Vrecko and Associates. Quincy Vrecko has over 28 years experience of luxury sales. Quincy knows the luxury real estate market, he establishes a strategic marketing plan in order to sell your luxury property for top dollar. If you are looking for a luxury real estate agent who works for you and understands the luxury market then look no further. Contact Quincy Vrecko today. Call 1-863-8810!

Top 3 Luxury Home Sales 2017

For our last blog we wrote about the top 3 luxury waterfront home sales for 2017. You can find that blog here. Now let’s take a look at the top three luxury home sales for 2017. We have broken it down into Kelowna, West Kelowna and Lake Country. The top three luxury home sales for 2017 all came in over $2,000,000.

3591 Hart Road – Kelowna, BC

luxury home located in Kelowna, BC

3591 Hart Road – Listed by RE/MAX Kelowna and Caldwell Banker

This luxury home definitely has the WOW factor. Views of the Okanagan Lake and City of Kelowna and overlooking Harvest Golf Course. This 11 acre property features over 5900 sq.ft of living space with soaring 20’ ceilings. Sold for $5,297,000 and only 120 days on market, this piece of property even has a custom putting green! Cork flooring, custom stonework and beautiful geometric display wall are just a few key features of this luxury home in Kelowna, BC.

13708 Townsend Drive – Lake Country, BC

13708 Townsend Drive is luxury living at its finest! This rancher style luxury home is on 1 acre of property located in Lake Country. 1378 Townsend Drive features 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms and over 6200 square feet of living space. Sold for $2,725,000 and only 52 days on the market. Kitchenaid Pro-Line Series appliances, luxurious ensuite, full gym, and custom closets are just a few main features of this luxury home.

luxury home located in West Kelowna

1543 Vineyard Drive – Listed with Royal Lepage Kelowna

1543 Vineyard Drive West Kelowna, BC

Last but certainly not least is 1543 Vineyard Drive located in West Kelowna. Sold for $3,000,000 and 226 days on market. This luxury home has unprecedented views of Lake Okanagan and the beautiful vineyards. Over 7800 sq.ft of living space, 4 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, this luxury home is truly a entertainer’s dream! In-ground pool, large windows to take in the natural light, and spectacular outdoor living are just a few key features of this home.

If you are looking for luxury real estate similar to these in Kelowna, contact Quincy Vrecko with Quincy Vrecko and Associates, RE/MAX Kelowna. Quincy is a luxury real estate agent with Quincy Vrecko and Associates. He is knowledgeable in the luxury real estate market and has over 28 years of experience in luxury sales. If you want a luxury real estate agent who works for you, knows the ins and out of the luxury real estate market and is experienced buying and selling luxury properties in Kelowna, contact Quincy Vrecko today. Call 1-250-863-8810 today!

Top 3 Luxury Waterfront Home Sales in Kelowna for 2017

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2017 was an amazing year for luxury real estate in Kelowna. The top three luxury waterfront sales in Kelowna for 2017 all sold for over 5 million dollars. Let’s take a look into what the three registered luxury waterfront sales were for 2017. We have broken it down into Kelowna, West Kelowna, and Lake Country.

5570 Lakeshore Road – Kelowna, BC

luxury waterfront home located in Kelowna

5570 Lakeshore Road – Listed with Caldwell Banker Horizon

First up is 5570 Lakeshore Road in Upper Mission. This luxury home in Kelowna sold for $5,975,000 after 274 days on the market. This little piece of paradise features over 500 feet of private waterfront and is set on 3.18 acres of privacy. Sandy Beach, a licensed dock, and boat moorage are just a few key features of this waterfront luxury home. This luxury property features a main home and a secondary home perfect for visiting family, or guests both complete with 3-car garages. 

16414 Carrs Landing Road – Lake Country, BC

Next up is 16414 Carrs Landing Road located in Lake Country. This luxury home in Kelowna sold for $6,400,000 after 30 days on the market. An interesting fact about this home is that is it one of the only two in BC to be recognized by Global TV as one of the top waterfront properties in Canada. Proximity to the Okanagan Lake, and one of the finest lakeshore property in Kelowna. Featuring over 7500 square feet of living space, 6 bedrooms, and 7 bathrooms, you can not duplicate this internationally recognized private lakeshore home in Kelowna.

luxury waterfront home located in West Kelowna

1475 Pritchard Drive – listed with Caldwell Banker Horizon

1475 Pritchard Drive – West Kelowna, BC 

Last but certainly not least is 1475 Pritchard Drive which sold for $7,000,000 after 152 days on the market. This luxury waterfront home is located in West Kelowna and is less than 20 minutes from Downtown Kelowna. The outdoor living area is complete with a saltwater pool, hot tub, outdoor kitchen, and 284 feet of beachfront on Lake Okanagan. This luxury home features 5 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, and over 4500 square feet of living space. Vaulted ceilings, open concept, breathtaking views, and a kitchen with high-end appliances are just a few features of this luxury waterfront home.

For more information on these top three luxury waterfront homes sold in Kelowna or any luxury real estate listings, contact Quincy Vrecko. Quincy Vrecko is a luxury real estate agent. He has over 28 years of experience in luxury sales. Whether you are looking for a luxury waterfront home, penthouse, or luxury real estate, Quincy is knowledgeable in all aspects of the luxury real estate market and can assist you with your next luxury home purchase today. When you are purchasing luxury real estate in Kelowna, work with a professional who knows the luxury real estate market. Call Quincy directly, at 1-250-863-8810!

Kelowna Real Estate: Why Can’t I get a Mortgage?

One of the first steps to purchase a Kelowna home is to get approved for a mortgage. Before you start your search for Kelowna real estate, it’s important to talk to a Kelowna mortgage broker to determine how much you can afford. If you have been turned down for a mortgage before, it could be due to one of these 3 reasons. By changing a few things, you could go from no mortgage to purchasing your very own Kelowna real estate. So what are the three main reasons people get turned down for a mortgage?

Low or Bad Credit Score

calculating balance owning on credit card

Improve your credit score

One of the main reasons people tend to get denied a mortgage is due to their credit score. The great thing about this is that your credit score can be improved! So even if you have no credit at all or you have a bad credit score, don’t worry! Fix your credit score by starting off paying off your debt. Catch up on your late payments, pay off whatever you owe on your cards, pay off high interest cards first and voila! Not only are you paying off your debt, but you are also helping your mortgage application.

Not enough money saved for Kelowna real estate

If you are looking to purchase Kelowna real estate, it’s important to have money saved. In order to purchase Kelowna real estate, you need to have a down payment. In order to determine exactly how much you need to put down, speak with your Kelowna mortgage broker prior to writing an offer on Kelowna real estate. Once you know exactly how much you need to put down, speak with your Kelowna realtor to be aware of closing costs. Again, the positive thing about this point is that that doesn’t mean you can never qualify for a mortgage. Start saving today and develop a plan in order to save exactly what you need to!

Too Much Debt

paying off debt to purchase Kelowna real estate

Do you have too much debt?

One last reason why people don’t qualify for a mortgage is due to them having too much debt. If you are trying to qualify for a mortgage, try paying off your debt first. This goes hand and hand with the credit score point, as most debt is on credit cards. Knock two points off in one! Pay off your debt and increase your credit score all in one! Similar to the first point, set a budgeting plan and figure out exactly how much per month you need to put aside to pay off your remaining debt.

 If you are looking to purchase Kelowna real estate, we recommend going to see a Kelowna mortgage broker to begin your mortgage application. From there, you will know exactly how much you can qualify for and if you need to make any improvements before purchasing a Kelowna home. We work with some of the top mortgage brokers in town who we highly recommend. Contact one of our knowledgeable real estate agents today to begin your home buying process today. Call 1-778-760-2860!

West Kelowna: What to Do + Where to Go

West Kelowna is just a hop, skip and a jump across the bridge from Kelowna. Home to orchards, wineries, parks and beaches with access to Lake Okanagan. If you live in West Kelowna or are looking to relocate to West Kelowna, here are some of the top places recommended by the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates.  

Drink Here → Mission Hill Estate Winery

view of winery in West Kelowna

Mission Hill Winery

One of our favourite wineries in Lakeview Heights is Mission Hill Estate Winery. Taste some of their amazing award-winning wines. Not only can you taste some of the most amazing wine in the Okanagan at Mission Hill Estate Winery, you can also dine in their amazing restaurant. The Terrace Restaurant is only open for the summer. So you can’t get a taste of what they offer quite yet, but come May 2018 you can enjoy all this restaurant has to offer.

Get your Heart Pumping Here → Johnson Bentley Memorial Aquatic Centre

If you are looking for a fun indoor facility to get your heart pumping, we’ve got the perfect place for you! The Johnson Bentley Memorial Aquatic Centre is a perfect spot to beat the cool air in West Kelowna this winter. They have a multipurpose recreational facility that offers amenities such as, 25 meter pool, soaking pool, hot tub, steam room, fitness centre and much much more! This is the perfect spot for you and your family!!

salad rolls on a plate

Bamboo Chopsticks

Eat Here → Bamboo Chopsticks in West Kelowna

Are you looking for a different idea for dinner tonight? Bamboo Chopsticks in West Kelowna could be the perfect dinner date for you! This Vietnamese restaurant offers many different options for dinner. Their menu has different options such as Pho, Stir Fries, Vermicelli Bowls and much much more! Don’t worry, our mouths are watering too. Head to Bamboo Chopsticks today.

Well there you have it, if you are looking for something to do in West Kelowna then look no further. In order to enjoy these great facilities, it’s probably best you live within a close distance. If you are looking to relocate to West Kelowna, contact the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates. One of our knowledgeable real estate agents would be happy to assist you with your next West Kelowna home purchase. Look no further, our team of dedicated agents come with years of industry experience. We would be happy to help you find your next home in West Kelowna. Call 1-778-760-2860 to begin your home search today.

Purchasing a Vacation Home

Over the summer months, you have spent time in Kelowna. You and your family enjoy the warm summer days, the sandy beaches, and golfing at the beautiful golf courses. Are you considering purchasing real estate in Kelowna as a vacation home? If you and your family are considering buying a vacation home in Kelowna, here are a few points to ponder first!

How Often Will You Use your Kelowna vacation home?

The first thing to think of before purchasing a vacation home is, how often will you use it? Are you frequently in Kelowna during the summer months? Would you plan to be in Kelowna during the summer as frequently as you were if you didn’t have a vacation home? It’s important to think, how many times do you actually come and visit Kelowna overnight? If you are constantly driving in Kelowna, trying to book hotels and paying an arm and a leg for long weekends, it sounds like this is the right move.

Can you afford the extra expense?

When you think of purchasing  a Kelowna vacation home, you may only think of the initial expense of purchasing the home. Something to consider is the constant upkeep of the home as well. Utilities, cleaning, maintenance to name a few. If you don’t live near the city of Kelowna, you may also have to hire someone to do the upkeep of the home for you so budget for that expense too.

Will you Rent it out?

Maybe you are not planning on being in Kelowna as much during the winter months, but want to enjoy the beautiful city over the summer. This is totally understandable! Kelowna is a beautiful city in the summer, filled with tons of activities, nightlife and great events. If you are considering spending a lot of your summer in Kelowna, consider renting it out over the winter months.

If you are considering making the next step to purchasing your Kelowna vacation home, contact our team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates. Our dedicated team of real estate professionals have years of experience buying and selling Kelowna real estate. One of our knowledgeable real estate agents can assist you with your next Kelowna vacation home purchase. The only thing you now have to do is make the call… Call 1-778-760-2860 to start the process of purchasing your Kelowna vacation home today!

Kelowna Real Estate: Home Buying Expenses to be Aware Of

The time has come, you are ready to purchase some Kelowna real estate. The excitement hits and you are ready to find Kelowna real estate for you and your family. Before you start your search for Kelowna real estate, consider these few home buying expenses to be aware of. It’s not just about the purchase price, don’t forget to budget for the other home buying costs. These can come during, before or after you purchase your Kelowna real estate.

Lawyer Fees

Yes a lawyer costs money, and a lot of it! Do your research, find a Kelowna lawyer who can do the job and are affordable for you and your family. You will need a Kelowna lawyer to do the paperwork for your Kelowna real estate. It is also important to hire a Kelowna lawyer as they will review all paperwork associated with your upcoming purchase. For a list of recommended lawyers in Kelowna, contact our team!

Home Inspection for your Kelowna Real Estate

One of the home buying costs that Kelowna home buyers tend to forget about is a home inspection. This is a home buying cost you need to budget for. Home inspections range depending on the size of the home and any extra things your home inspector may add on. If you are purchasing Kelowna real estate, talk with your Kelowna real estate agent about the benefits of a home inspection. Each home is different, chat with your real estate agent today!

Moving/Packing Expenses

One most people forget to budget for is the moving expenses as they come after you purchase a Kelowna home. Don’t forget to budget for your moving truck, boxes, tape, bubble wrap etc. The small things do add up and when you are in the middle of making a big investment into your Kelowna home, keeping your expenses in tact will help.

These are just a few expenses associated with purchasing Kelowna real estate. To start your search for a Kelowna home, contact our team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates. It’s really important to have a great real estate agent on your side who can not only explain the process of purchasing a Kelowna home but can also walk you through expenses and upcoming costs you may not be aware of. Tracey Vrecko with Quincy Vrecko and Associates is dedicated to helping you find Kelowna real estate. Whether it be your first time or tenth time, Tracey’s knowledge in real estate can help you through the process of finding your Kelowna home. Call 1-778-760-2860 and speak with Tracey today!

Top 3 Luxury Vacation Spots from Kelowna

With the cold weather upon us, it’s safe to say everyone is trying to get out of this weather and to somewhere warm and tropical. That being said, the million dollar question is… where do we go? If you are looking for a perfect vacation spot to travel to from Kelowna, look no further. What are our top three luxury vacation spots from Kelowna?

Bora Bora

over the water bungalow

Bora Bora

The ultimate luxury destination! Perched above the beautiful ocean you will find guest bungalows. If you are searching for ultimate relaxation and breathtaking views of the ocean then this is the perfect spot for you. You’ll be happy to know the average temperature this time of year hits around 30 degrees. Soak in the sun rays, take in the spectacular views from your over the water bungalow and enjoy all this island has to offer. Luxury at its finest!

Phoenix

When most people say they are getting away for the winter, they tend to head down south to Phoenix. Phoenix is known for their hot temperatures! This is the perfect spot if you are looking to get away from the cool weather in Kelowna. Bring your golf clubs down, enjoy a round or two at some of the best golf courses. Good news! You can even fly direct to Phoenix from Kelowna. What are you waiting for?

sandy beach luxury vacation spot

Hawaii

Hawaii

Why choose one luxury destination when you can choose eight? The state of Hawaii is home to eight beautiful islands. Park it on one of the eight islands or feel free to island hop and enjoy more on your luxury vacation. Plant your feet in the sandy beaches, snorkel with turtles and fish, and enjoy the best polynesian food on these islands. The best part of travelling to Hawaii this time of year is the Whales! This time of year is considered whale season and you can often see whales breach very close to the shores of Maui in Kaanapali. Do we need to say anymore? Book your ticket now!

Well there you have it! If you are looking for a hot luxury destination from Kelowna, then Bora Bora, Phoenix or Hawaii may be your best bet! These hot luxury destinations are sure to give you that jolt of heat you need right before spring hits. I don’t know about you but I can’t say no to hot vacations, no snow and a little relaxation!

Kelowna Real Estate: How to Budget for Kelowna Home Renovations

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Sometimes the hardest part of renovating your Kelowna home is figuring out how to budget properly. You have endless ideas of how to update the kitchen, add a bit of color to your family room, or rip out the carpet in the hallway but it all boils down to “how much is this going to cost?” If you are looking to do a Kelowna home renovation and are looking for ways how to budget properly, check out our top three tips and tricks.

Do your Research and Establish a Budget

couple planning their Kelowna home renovations

Do your research

One of the easiest ways to budget for your home renovations is by setting a budget in the first place. Here is the hard part… stick to it!! Every small thing you add can and will slowly add up in the end and you will end up way over what you initially budgeted for. Do your research on items you want to update and find out approximately what the renovations are going to cost. Stick to that plan and don’t go way over your budget because you see a set of handles for your doors that would look way nicer but are an extra $20 a handle.

Get Quotes for your Kelowna Home

Once you have an idea of what kind of things you want to update in your home, contact a company to get you a quote. If you have an idea of what you want, it will be way easier to quote you on the project. Don’t go to just one company, try to find three quotes for each project. For example, find three painters, three tile installers, etc. This will give you variety and will help when you are trying to stick to a budget.

painters in Kelowna home

Account for hidden costs

Account for Hidden Costs

When we budget for home renovations down to the penny, we often forget to add in some extra money just in case. Sometimes what can happen when renovating is you discover a hidden issue that has to be fixed. Most of the reason home renovations end up costing you more is due to those little hidden issues that arise during the middle of a renovation. To help with this, budget 10-20% of your budget towards unforeseen costs.

If you are in the process of beginning your home renovations, contact one of our Kelowna real estate agents first! Renovations can add value to your Kelowna home if done properly. We want to ensure that the money you are investing in your Kelowna home will only help you when it becomes time to sell. Speak to one of our knowledgeable real estate agents at Vrecko Real Estate Group today. Call 1-778-760-2860!