Take a look at our ultimate golfers’ guide for above-par golf courses near some of Kelowna’s most stunning luxury real estate.

The perfect weather, the lengthy golf season, the breathtaking scenery, and the abundance of immaculately kept fairways are just some of the reasons why luxury real estate homeowners choose to live in the Okanagan. If you’re an avid golfer new to the Okanagan golf scene, be sure to peruse our ultimate golf guide.

Predator Ridge

Designed by the legendary Les Furber and Doug Carrick, Predator Ridge has raised the bar for golf courses across Canada. This golf course features stunning lake and mountain views, rolling hills, and never-ending greens. This course is home to 36 holes of championship golf.

If you’re looking for the ultimate Okanagan golfing experience, book a tee time here. The course has hosted the World Skins Game twice. It has also featured some of the most respected names in golf will not disappoint. This course also offers almost 600 stunning luxury real estate homes in a relaxed and secluded community. 

Kelowna Golf & Country Club

This traditional golf course has lovingly become known as Kelowna’s favourite course. Surrounded by beautifully aged Ponderosa Pines and perfectly placed water hazards, this course is a must play!

Located in the heart of Kelowna, both members and non-members alike find solace on the immaculately groomed greens. All without having to drive all over the city in search of the best course.

The Harvest Golf Club

The Harvest sits on 251 acres of true Okanagan land. With five acres dedicated to an apple orchard and another five home to grapes grown exclusively for Gray Monk, it’s littlewonder how this golf course earned its name. Designed by a passionate golf-loving architect firm, this masterpiece caters to golfers of every skillset. 

Because practice makes perfect, this course has also dedicated 16,000 square feet to grass tees, target areas, and putting greens. This course also is accompanied by CGA professionals, to help you master your skills and lower your handicap.

Black Mountain Golf Club

Masterfully sculpted into a mountainside, this course offers unparalleled views, challenging elevation changes throughout each hole, and flawless fairways and greens. This course sets itself apart from the rest by offering a signature island green to create a memorable golf experience.

Tower Ranch Golf Club

The Tower Ranch is a golfer’s dream destination. With a rugged layout that features quick true greens and near perfect conditions, this Kelowna favourite has been hailed as one of the Top 3 Best New Canadian Golf Courses.

This semi-private championship course offers 18 holes of spectacular vistas and challenging shots. Designed by Thomas McBroom, this course mixes both modern and classic elements to bring you the best of both worlds. Whether you’re a golf pro or just starting out, you’ll fall in love with everything this course has to offer.

If you’re in the market for luxury real estate that neighbours some of these above-par golf courses, check out our previous post: Luxury Real Estate Neighbourhood Spotlight: Lower Mission.

If you’re ready to tee up a meeting with a real estate agent that has many years of experience in the luxury industry, contact the team at Quincy Vrecko & Associates. Besides introducing you to the best courses in the Okanagan, we can provide advice and direction on some of the best listings in Kelowna. Call 250-863-8810.  

If you’re thinking about downsizing from your Kelowna properties, consider these five helpful suggestions first.

 

There comes a time in everyone’s life when the thought of downsizing their Kelowna properties sounds appealing. Maybe the kids have finally flown the coop, or the landscaping and yard maintenance has become overwhelming. Whatever the reasons may be, there are a couple of the things you should seriously consider before downsizing. 


1. Take Your Time

Downsizing is a big decision. It’s a change you’ll likely only make once in your life, so there’s no need to rush it. Find a real estate agent you trust, make a list of the things you absolutely must have in a new home, and take your time checking out new places.  

Finding a new home that meets all the criteria on your list may take some time, but waiting to find it will help take away any negative feelings you may have about leaving your current home. 


2. Determine Your Financial Future

Another major reason for downsizing is finances. Get well acquainted with your finances, especially with what they’ll look like in the coming months and years. If you’re ready to retire, but haven’t saved up as much as you had hoped, downsizing can help. By selling your current home and moving into something smaller, you can tuck away the profits from the sale of your house for your retirement. 

If you’re having trouble sticking to your budget, check out our previous post for a little budget-friendly assistance: 8 Ways to Make Your Budget Stick: From a Kelowna Real Estate Team


3. Examine the Real Estate Market
 

Do a little digging into the ebb and flow of the real estate market. Is now the right time to sell? Answer: Yes. Sales are up, and so are prices: The average MLS® residential price in Kelowna was up 13.4 per cent to $459,595 compared to April 2015. Interested in learning more? One of the professional sales agents at Quincy Vrecko & Associates would be happy to explain Kelowna’s current, and projected, real estate market trends. 


4. Switch it up

You’ve heard the saying, “the grass is greener on the other side” before, but you’ve never really put a lot of thought into it. If your home is on an acreage, but you’ve always wondered what city life would be like, this might be a great chance to find out. The easy access to things like culture, medical care, and fantastic restaurants and shopping boutiques might help your transition into a smaller home go smoother than anticipated. 


5. Make a Plan

Although staying in your current home may seem easier than packing everything up, that might not be the case. Think about things like the annual property tax and insurance, the maintenance required to keep the house in good shape, the frequent yard work in the summer, and the snow removal in the winter. 

If you’re unable to take care of these things, is there someone in your family that can help? If not, you should probably consider downsizing your Kelowna properties sooner rather than later. 

Are you ready to downsize your Kelowna properties now? Take advantage of years of experience and contact the Kelowna real estate experts at Quincy Vrecko & Associates. We’ll make sure you receive the best price for your home. Call 1-778-760-2860.

To help you make the most out of your summer in Kelowna, we’ve compiled a QVA Agenda of what to do and where to go this August. Whether you’re a Kelowna luxury real estate homeowner or out-of-towner, Quincy Vrecko & Associations are the luxury real estate professionals – and, in turn, understand the coupled luxury lifestyle.

EAT HERE  Raudz Regional Table

Raudz is located in the downtown core. They take pride in their commitment to working in partnership with regional farmers, ranchers and artisans – vividly reflected in their dishes. Guided by Chef Rod Butters, Raudz has officially raised the bar for restaurants in Kelowna. Some of our favorite dishes include the Seared Scallops, Mussels, Braised Bison Brisket, and Raudz Signature Dessert, ‘Double-Chocolate Mashed-Potato Brioche’. 

Hint: With raving reviews, ensure you go early as Raudz operates on a first come first serve seated basis!

SHOP HERE  LBV Lifestyle 

Located in the Lower Mission, and close to many Kelowna luxury houses, LBV Lifestyle is passionate about design and fashion. Owner, Tracey Wikenheiser, travels the world to bring home the best brands from London, Australia and Los Angeles – everything from Alexander Wang, Iro, Zadig & Voltaire, Rebecca Taylor, Ronny Kobo, Vince, Anine Bing and Zoe Karssen. While simultaneously supporting and housing local designers, such as Jason Matlo. LBV offers a lifestyle to their clients. To experience this one-of-a-kind store, stop in while you’re visiting the Lower Mission shops.   

BIKE HERE  Kettle Valley Railway Trail

Whether you want to bike a few kilometres or 600, the KVR trail won’t disappoint. This stunning abandoned railway offers countless trestles and tunnels and spectacular views. Because the grades never exceed 2.2 per cent, this trail is perfect for the whole family looking for an easy day of cycling while sightseeing. 

HIKE HERE  Carrot Mountain Bluffs

If you’re looking for an adventure just 10 minutes from downtown, hike the Carrot Mountain Bluffs. A challenging uphill ascent will get your heart racing and blood pumping. Don’t worry—the payoff is well worth the effort. You get an absolutely stunning view of West Kelowna, Shannon Lake, and Okanagan Lake. You’ll also pass a waterfall, a charming vista, and lush greenery.

GRAB A SCOOP HERE  Moo-Lix Ice Cream

If you’re ready to scream for decent ice cream, head over to Moo-Lix. A Kelowna luxury real estate homeowners’ favourite since 1998, this sweet little parlour dishes out over 40 flavours of ice cream. They even offer vegan and gluten-free options. Besides proudly serving the best scoops around, they also make their own waffle cones in-house. Your nose will lead the way! 

If you’re looking to relocate to a neighbourhood that’s close to all these fantastic attractions, check out our post Luxury Real Estate Neighbourhood Spotlight: Lower Mission.

For excellence in the Kelowna luxury real estate market, contact the knowledgeable professionals at Quincy Vrecko & Associates. Besides introducing you to the best local attractions, we can also provide information and advice on the best neighbourhoods in Kelowna. Call 250-863-8810

You’ve heard the stories about sellers remodeling doing a bit of painting here, some landscaping there, and being able to increase their home’s list price by thousands of dollars. If you’re getting ready to sell Kelowna real estate, head into pre-listing renovation mode with caution: Not all renovations yield big returns.

In fact, your remodelling efforts could actually have the opposite effect by decreasing the value of your home, and/or making it harder to sell.

Here then, are six reno approaches to pause on if you’re about to sell your home:


1. Cheap or poorly installed flooring

You might think there couldn’t be anything worse than that faded, dated and stained blue carpet in the family room, but you would be wrong. 

Cheap laminate or poorly installed laminate—or any type of flooring done DIY—is a no no your real estate agent will likely have to overcome by dropping the price, because if a homeowner walks in and sees lovely tiles surrounded by sloppy grouting, the first thought that comes to their mind is: project. The second thought is: No thanks.


2. Elaborate additions

Have you always dreamed off a sunroom off the back kitchen? A hot tub oasis above the retaining wall? Extending the garage to fit the motorhome? While these reno projects may suit your lifestyle and tastes, a Kelowna realtor will be quick to tell you that these types of grand and specific changes won’t appeal to many potential buyers, some of whom would say that fancy new pool is actually a deal-breaker.


3. Forget first impressions

As homeowners, we spend so much time inside our homes, and in our backyard, that when it comes to getting a house ready to sell, we focus on what we can see: bedrooms, the kitchen, the yard. And yet when it comes to selling Kelowna real estate quickly and for top dollar, it’s the front yard curb appeal that can often turn homebuyers into homeowners. 

For tips about which areas to focus on, read our post Kelowna Houses for Sale: 5 Landscape Tips to Add Value.


4. DIY decks

Yes, you and your friends know how to swing a hammer. Yes, you know how to buy lumber. Are you carpenters who will be able to build a flawless deck? While calling in favours with friends might seem like a great way to save money and increase your return, be sure to hire a professional. Shoddy workmanship, if your friends are not carpenters, can completely turn off homebuyers. Buyers could wander down the block and spot a really similar home with a beautiful, professionally built deck. No nails sticking out or loose boards! 


5. Walls that won’t stop

You’ve always had a thing for yellow, or maybe you’ve just always thought cherry red would suit your dining room, and that now’s the time to head to the paint store. Stop! Remember you’re not selling your home to you. You’re trying to sell to dozens of people with widely different tastes. The best way to make your home feel fresh, spacious and bright, is to use neutral tones. Neutral tones appeal to home buyers are also more apt to suit their furniture.

Shades of white, gray and beige might not seem nearly as fun, but you’ll be the one smiling when your home sells sooner and for more money than if you’d gone ahead with the red.

Even if you’re six months away from selling, it’s best to consult with your Kelowna realtor early. Your realtor can give you advice about which remodelling projects to tackle or to scrap. Let us help you reach your list price goals in less time.

 

Are you getting your home ready to sell? Take advantage of the time and advice given by our expert Kelowna real estate team, which ensures your home is in its best shape to set your sale up for success. Get in touch! 1-778-760-2860. 

Are you creating a home budget? Or do you need help sticking to one? Check out these eight Kelowna real estate agent-approved tips.

 

After weeks, or maybe just days, of touring through homes with your Kelowna real estate agent, you’ve finally found your dream home. It’s in a great neighborhood. It’s got just the right amount of room. It called your name. And then you made the calculations. It might be tight, but with a solid ‘I’m going to stick to this’ budget, you think you can do it. 

Before taking the steps to qualify for a mortgage, it’s a good idea to get your finances in order by building up a monthly budget. As a rule of thumb, financial institutions have determined that no more than 30 percent of your gross annual income should go towards your mortgage expenses. This includes:

  • Principal
  • Interest
  • Property taxes
  • Heating costs
  • Strata fees

Now that you’ve got your budget all set up, here are some tips that’ll keep you on the right budget-maintaining track.

1. Keep and review receipts weekly.

This is a great way to figure out exactly how much money you’re spending each week and where it’s going. 

2. Make meal plans a routine.

Dining out a couple of times every week can be a huge expense. Make a meal plan every Sunday and do your shopping based on the meals you’ve scheduled. This will eliminate food waste and stop you from heading to your favorite restaurant when you can’t decide on what to make for dinner, or from over-spending on multiple trips to the grocery store every week.

3. Set attainable goals. 

If you’ve been struggling to pay more than just the interest on your credit card balance, setting a goal with a reasonable amount of time attached to it can help you relieve financial burdens. 

4. Save for a rainy day.

Always allocate a set amount each pay period to your savings. Consider it a bill, and don’t skimp out! You can even set up a timed direct deposit that will funnel money right into your savings account.

5. Include a weekly allowance.

You work hard for your money, so make sure you set aside a little ‘fun’ money each week. Just be careful: If you spend it all on a Monday, you might be scrounging for change for the rest of the week.

6. Overestimate your necessary monthly expenses.

Like clockwork, groceries, car fuel, and utility bills need to be paid each month. Any Kelowna realtor will tell you to tack on an extra 10 percent for each expense when drawing up a budget. The difference can act as a safety net if one bill gets a little carried away.

7. Get everyone involved.

If you’re drawing up a budget, make sure your partner has access to it. If your kids are old enough, let them in on it too. Not only can everyone work together to make sure spending stays within the boundaries of the budget, but everyone will also be held accountable for their purchases.

8. Utilize online software and free apps. 

If you’re always on the go and the idea of punching every expense into a budget seems unattainable, download a budgeting app straight to your smartphone. That way, you can update it whenever you’ve got a few minutes to spare regardless of where you are. And it’ll seem like less of a chore. Kelowna real estate agents swear by the Mint personal budget app. 

Now that you’ve mastered your monthly finances, master the art of tidying up your home by checking out our previous post: The Magic of Tidying-Up Kelowna Houses for Sale.

 

If you’re looking for the perfect house that’s also the perfect fit to your budget, the friendly and professional Kelowna real estate team at Quincy Vrecko & Associates can help. We can show you some of the best budget-friendly listings in Kelowna that will meet your financial requirements. Call 1-778-760-2860.