Discover Open Houses in Kelowna – By Virtual Reality

VR Goggles – New 3D Technology

Are you looking for real estate in Kelowna?  Thanks to the newest technology in selling real estate in Kelowna, you can now tour open houses in Kelowna without leaving the comfort of your own home by using Virtual Reality.

Forget the traditional ways of visiting open houses in Kelowna thanks to the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates and their new virtual reality experience. This cutting-edge technology, allows users to walk through a home room by room by using specialized viewing goggles. This experience puts the user inside the home virtually and movesVirtual Reality with you as you look around.

What is Virtual Reality?

Virtual Reality is the use of computer technology to create a simulated environment for the user. The virtual reality headgear is compatible with a mobile device to view this 3D environment. Without the headgear, the user can still experience a 360-degree environment and navigate through the home with the use of a mobile device, tablet or desktop computer.

Over the years, technology has played a major role in the way Kelowna properties are marketed. There was a time where print marketing was the only way to advertise an open house in Kelowna. According to Statistics Canada, print advertising has seen a 13% decrease in the past 5 years thanks to the rise of online marketing tools. Virtual reality is a new wave of technology and Google has reported that global search interest for virtual reality has grown by 4X in the last year.

With the use of virtual reality to showcase an open house in Kelowna, it can be beneficial for both the Buyer and Seller:
  • Saving time driving from home to home
  • Help in the selection process
  • Reduces stress on the sellers
  • Can be viewed at anytime
  • And not to mention, it’s really cool

Quincy Vrecko and Associates in the first real estate team in the Okanagan to be using this advanced technology.

“I am always trying to think outside the box and we are always looking for new ways of doing real estate in the Okanagan. It’s important to stay ahead of the curve when selling real estate. This technology is widely used in the US and other international markets and we wanted to be the first to offer this service to our clients in Okanagan to give our sellers the advantage”. Quincy Vrecko 

The virtual reality experience is not limited to showcasing an open house in Kelowna. It can be used to show the neighborhood features, views up and down the street and could include a bird’s eye view of the home.

Quincy Vrecko and Associates will be hosting a grand reveal of the Virtual Reality Open Houses

Kelowna on March 4th at the Downtown RE/MAX Office at 1391 Ellis Street from 10-4PM. This event will be open to the public and they invite everyone to come and experience the newest in real estate technology.

Virtual RealityTake a sneak peek of this Quincy Vrecko and Associates listing at 763 Kuipers Crescent located in Kelowna’s Upper Mission. Don’t have a pair of VR Goggles? Don’t worry, you can view this 360-virtual realty tour by using your mobile device, tablet or desktop computer! This spectacular family home offer an in-ground pool, great lake views, and city views and…… well see for yourself!

https://360-grad-immobilien.com/tour/1104998?accessKey=587c

Quincy Vrecko and Associates are group of professional Kelowna real estate agents with RE/MAX Kelowna Downtown. This professional Kelowna real estate team has extensive knowledge and experience in the Kelowna real estate market with a proven track record for success.  Quincy Vrecko and Associates diverse team covers every aspect of the real estate market in Kelowna including, waterfront properties, luxury homes, family houses and townhouses, condominiums, recreational and investment properties.

First-time Homebuyer – Things you need to know

First Time Homebuyers Moving Into New Home

Before you get started with shopping and falling in love with your perfect first BC home, there is some fine print to get through. Some of it is unpleasant, but some of it will make you happier than a kid on Christmas!

1. Provincial Property Transfer Tax (PPT)

This can be a big one folks – the PPT can sneak up unsuspectingly and ruin your day – but not after you read this!  In BC, the PPT applies to all real estate transactions with a select few exceptions.  Luckily, as a first-time homebuyer, you can take advantage of one of these exceptions.  If you are a first-time homebuyer purchasing a home under $450,000 there are rebates available that relieve of that particular concern.  If your first home is over $450,000, you may be responsible for a part or all the PPT.  The other exception is on new-build properties.  New construction is exempt from PPT for prices up to $750,000 for all buyers, first time or not.  Note:  The PPT must be paid upfront, so you cannot usually roll it into your mortgage

2. GST

Speaking of new builds, always be aware that any new build in BC will be subject to federal sales tax.  Yes, our old friend GST pops up everywhere, and the property is no exception.   In British Columbia, most listed new-build prices do not include GST, so it’s always safe to assume that you will need to add that 5% to the price.  Luckily lenders and banks allow you to include GST in your mortgage, so you won’t have to come up with that 5% out of pocket!  Once again though there is some relief if your purchase price is below $400,000 – partial rebates are available in these cases.  Cha-ching!

3. BC HOME Partnership

The provincial government has recently introduced a $700,000,000 program to help first time home buyers with their down payments (full info here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2016MNGD0104-002895).  Basically, the government will help loan you the amount of your down payment, to a maximum of $37,500.  The only catch is you need to have already saved your down payment, and then you can apply to have that amount loaned to you by the province.  As you can imagine, there is lots of fine print and the program isn’t ideal for everybody, but worth looking into!

4. Choosing your team! 

Buying a property is a big investment! Like all big investments, you’re going to want some help along the way.  You need good people on your team.

 – Realtor

Choosing a great realtor is important.  A great Kelowna realtor isn’t just one who can get you a good price.  Education on the market, supporting you through the process, and post-purchase follow up is so important.  Some Kelowna real estate agents even specialize in working with first time home buyers.  Choose wisely!  Check out https://quincyvrecko.com/about/ to find someone amazing.

– Mortgage Broker

Especially for first time home buyers, we always recommend getting an opinion from a broker instead of applying only at your bank branch.  Mortgage brokers have access to dozens of lenders and types of financing options.  Getting the lowest rate isn’t the only thing to consider – there are so many other things to consider, and a high-quality mortgage broker will be worth their weight in gold.

– Lawyer
Usually real estate transactions are smooth from a legal perspective, but we always recommend obtaining the services of an experienced real estate lawyer.  There are a lot of things that happen behind the scenes during a purchase or sale, so get someone who can handle it all!
– Home Inspector

Home inspections are great insurance against unseen issues with a property.  There are a lot of moving parts in a home, from heating systems, plumbing, irrigation, roofing – the list goes on.  Hiring a quality home inspector who is familiar with the specific considerations of your neighborhood is some of the best money you’ll ever spend.

 

There’s some stuff to get you started if you are looking for your first Kelowna Home. The best option is really to call us for all the juicy information – there are lots to know and we’d love to chat. Our team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates are dedicated to finding you the right home for the right price. Contact us today – 778-780-2860!

Considering Investing in Kelowna Real Estate?

It’s no surprise that investing in Kelowna real estate is on the rise.  Dubbed the Hawaii of Canada, the climate in Kelowna is one of best in the country making this area highly desirable.

This incredible city has transformed from a small resort town to a vibrant city.  With a population of over 127,000 and growing, Kelowna is attracting people from all over the world with great job opportunities and those looking to retire in this beautiful city. The summer months brings sun seekers out to enjoy the beaches of Lake Okanagan. This influx of residents and visitors makes investing in Kelowna real estate a good idea.

Investing in Kelowna real estate is on the rise and for good reason. With the vacancy rates at all time lows, growing tourism industry and influences from other real estate markets, it is the best time to be investing in Kelowna Real Estate. Here are some things to consider when choosing the right investment property:

1.Invest in land in areas of redevelopment

property with coins in front of it

Invest in land!

Kelowna is a growing city and some of the older areas of town are under redevelopment.  The city is encouraging this development and have been rezoning these “inner city” communities to allow for higher density making it desirable for developers. These areas include:

  • Kelowna North
  • Kelowna South

These areas are sought after by Kelowna developers for the proximity to amenities and Lake Okanagan which positively affects values. The investment properties with the best potential are larger lots with older homes. These can be rented out to cover costs and kept as a holding property for future development.  These lots are desirable for Kelowna developers who are subdividing and building downtown luxury homes selling for over 1million.  Unlike many major city centres, these inner city areas are transforming and they have strong potential for a great return investment.

2.Summer vacation rentals in Kelowna

Kelowna is a destination spot for summer vacation.  Kelowna’s population triples in the summer and for good reason. The soaring temperatures, beautiful landscape and crystal blue lakes makes this one of the most sought after areas for summer vacation. With the strong demand on accommodation, summer vacation rentals go for a premium during the summer months.

The most desirable properties for summer vacation rental offer amenities like pool and recreational and is close to restaurants and the shores of Lake Okanagan. While some of these properties rent for $3,000 a month in the off season, they could rent for $3,000 a week in the summer months.

3.Kelowna waterfront properties

curve showing Kelowna real estate market increase

Invest in Kelowna waterfront homes

If your plan is to retire in Kelowna, explore of the shores of Lake Okanagan and invest in a Kelowna Waterfront property. Kelowna waterfront properties have always been considered as prime real estate in Kelowna and has continued to hold it’s value. To be able to secure a Kelowna waterfront property, the price tag starts at 1.6 million. However, history shows buying on water is a solid investment. With property values on the rise, it would be a good investment to buy a Kelowna Waterfront property. A Kelowna waterfront property can bring in a strong rental income while is appreciates in value.

Kelowna’s real estate market continues to grow with a positive forecast for the coming months.  According to Statistics Canada, Kelowna is the fastest growing city in BC, and for good reason.    Amazing wineries, beautiful landscape, crystal blue lakes and sandy beaches makes this four-season playground one of the best cities in Canada.

To learn more about investing in Kelowna real estate, contact Quincy Vrecko and Associates. This award-winning Kelowna real estate team is a group of professional real estate agents. They are focused in finding their clients the right properties, for the right price. Contact us today 250-863-8810!

Tackle Your Garage in One Weekend

Snow is starting to melt, the need for snow pants and the big Winter coats is dwindling. Are you getting your Winter attire ready to be stored away but walk into the garage of your Kelowna home and just cringe at the sight of pure disorganization and an utter mess? You start dreaming of the day you walk into your garage and can fit your vehicle inside without hitting the kids’ bikes over. If this sounds all too familiar, it is time to get the whole family involved in a little weekend organization!

Distinguish the Main Purpose of your GarageGarage

Have you always dreamed of the ultimate workshop in your garage or do you just want to be able to fit your car into the garage without hitting everything along the way? Before even beginning to touch anything in the garage distinguish what the main purpose will be. This makes the planning process of how you can go about organizing way easier.

Use the Walls/Ceiling

This is something you can’t normally do inside your home but in your garage, it is totally acceptable. You have a ton of wall space and ceiling space that can be used for storage. Are you a biking family? Does your family like to Ski/Snowboard? Big items like bikes, paddleboards, skis, and snowboards are great for storing on the ceiling and/or on your walls. Install proper hooks to keep these items off the ground and your garage will already start to feel less cluttered.

Declutter, Donate and Throw Out!

Great time to get rid of things you have not used all year and start 2017 off right! While you are going through the items in your garage, think to yourself… “Have I used this in the past 12 months?” If the answer is no, then donate it or throw it out! If the thought of decluttering your garage is already stressing you out, we have 7 great steps on how to Declutter your Home.

Create a Space for Each Family Member

Do your kids throw their boots, snow jackets, skis or snowboards wherever they can find floor space in your garage? It’s time to dedicate each of them a space to keep their items. Try installing fun lockers or shelving units that are labeled with each family member’s names so they know where they can store their items and makes things easily accessible.

GarageKeep the Tools to One Area, One Toolbox

Does your husband have an abundance of tools that you have seem him use a handful of times but they are taking over your garage? Invest in one big rolling toolbox these are great to keep in your garage as they will roll around depending on where you need them and also keep your tools organized. You can also dedicate a wall of your garage to keeping his tools organized. No more tripping over tools!

Whether you have a complete mess in your garage or just a few things you want to be able to organize to get ready to Spring, these tips are sure to help you tackle your garage in one weekend. Get the kids involved and have fun organizing!

 

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 the best shape to set your sale up for success. Get in touch today 1-778-760-2860!

Central Green | Kelowna Townhome Project

Central Green Development

Central Green is located on the old Kelowna Secondary School location on Harvey Avenue and Richter Street in Kelowna. The original property was over 13 acres and featured Kelowna’s Senior Secondary School until it move to its new location beside Okanagan College on Raymer Ave in 2002.

Central GreenThe Central Green site was originally slated for a large development featuring three high-rise towers up to 18 stories on Harvey with a 5 acre park on Rowcliffe Ave. The condominiums and townhouses in the towers would be complimented with low-rise developments in and around the park. This development unfortunately never made it to the construction stage as the market crashed in 2008 with the recession.

LEED Designs

Years later and two local developers have taken over the bulk of the residential project. Lead by Al Stober Construction and Mission Group Homes the new Central Green has fallen back to a more conservative urban building formula. The new community plan now features low rise townhomes, condominiums and townhouses built to new LEED standards. The Leadership Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) combines green building practices with urban density and development principles.

This approach for a planned community has become a big success as people value a more liveable neighbourhood. It is a well know with urban planners that city housing developments that follow height restriction of four stories make for much more liveable communities. With the opportunity to develop Kelowna townhomes at this central location the new master planned community is selling well.

Some key development features are:

  • 15 per cent of the site will be dedicated to affordable housing
  • Future pedestrian overpass to the downtown core
  • 5 acre Rowcliffe Park with community garden, Parks Alive stage and playgrounds
  • Central Green Plaza with shops and cafes
  • Walking and cycling paths as a pedestrian community
  • LEED condominiums and townhomes
  • Heritage brick inspired lofts with 9 ft ceilings
  • Central parking for home owners

View this short video on the Mission Groups building concept for the site. Currently selling are 9 townhomes at Parkview at Central Green. Prices for these townhomes start at $359,900 for a 2 bedroom townhouse.

For more information on Kelowna townhomes, townhouses and condominiums please call Tracey and her team Quincy Vrecko & Associates – 778-760-2860

Buying a Kelowna Foreclosure Property: Is It Worth It?

With the red hot real estate market in Kelowna, I often get the question, is buying a Kelowna foreclosure property really a good deal after all?

There are many factors to consider before going through the foreclosure process.  Not to mention there are many risk associated with the transaction that buying a Kelowna foreclosure would not be recommended for the first time home buyer.

A foreclosure is also known as a court ordered sale.  When a homeowner defaults on the terms of their mortgage, the lender can apply to the court to order the home for sale to try to collect their loan.  Once a lender is granted a conduct of sale, a Kelowna foreclosure property is offered for sale under the terms of the court order.

When a Kelowna foreclosure property is offered for sale, the home is listed on the MLS and marketed by a Kelowna Realtor.  When an offer is written, it is presented to the lender and price, terms and conditions are agreed upon.  Once the Buyer has completed their due diligence, they remove their subjects, and at that time, a court date is set.  The final step to the foreclosure process is that the sale needs to be approved by the court.

So what are the risks?

  • No disclosures.
    • There is little information about the home.  As a buyer, you are left to do your own research.  Where a traditional Okanagan house for sale would have a property disclosure statement, no such document is available for a Kelowna foreclosure property.
    • The property is sold “as is”.
      • This means there are no warranties and guarantees on how the property if left at the time of possession.  The risk is higher when the home is still occupied.  You must agree to take the home in whatever condition it is in the day of possession.
      • Other offers could be presented on the court date and you could lose out.
        • The accepted price of the home is public knowledge and anyone can bring an offer on the day of the court hearing.  The property could sell for higher than the price that was originally accepted.

There are some good deals out there in a Kelowna foreclosure property but you need to be a savy buyer.  Not all foreclosures are the big deals that they may seem.  Know the market, know the risks.

Before deciding on buying a Kelowna foreclosure property, talk to an experienced agent who knows what to do when buying a foreclosure an can to give you good advice on how to proceed.  The team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates are experienced real estate agents that have worked with many buyer navigating through the foreclosure process.

Indoor Forts for your Kelowna Home | Quincy Vrecko Real Estate

Blanket Fort with Twinkling Lights

Another week of snow and sub-zero weather has the kids moving indoors looking for adventure. In an attempt to keep them off the I-pod and computer games consider building an indoor fort. There fun, creative and engaging and make a great place to read a book, play a game, turn the dog into a superhero and other fun stuff.

Here are a few ideas you might like for your indoor fort. You may even consider converting the closet under the stairs into a permanent little people hideaway. A peek-a-boo window is a good addition if you are thinking along these lines. Here are some temporary fort ideas

The Cardboard Box Fort

It is an easy stop at an appliance store to pick up a fridge box and get started. You can use these to build your main room by laying it on the side and cutting in windows and doors. Or break it open and use the cardboard to build kid-size walls in the corner of a room and create a walled-in fort for play. These long walls can quickly turn into Castles. A cardboard drawbridge is easy to do with a bit of rope and duct tape.

For Windows cut in a sideways H, add some knobs or cut round finger holes so the kids can open and closed the “shutters”.

With a few cuts and some crayon work, you’ve got the perfect brick Castle wall.  Keep the corner flaps from the end of the box attached and use these to create a return on the end of the wall. This will keep it from falling over. Use duct tape to fasten the end flaps together.

Teepee Forts

A stop at the hardware store to pick up some 1×2 finished lumber can be the beginnings of a teepee. Here is a quick plan.

  • Buy five or seven 8 foot lengths, 50ft of cord and a dozen big clothes pegs or paperclips. I like the big steel ones if you can find them.
  • Grab 2 old sheets from your closet
  • Cut the 1×2 down to 7-foot lengths
  • Tie the tops together teepee style. Loop around and over starting with 3 and add in the remaining poles. You should be able to have one section a little wider for the door.
  • Use the big heavy-duty clips to fasten your sheets to the bottom of the 1×2. You can tie the tops with a piece of cord.
  • If your floor is slippery use the cord to tie the bottoms of the 1×2 in a big loop about six feet across. The ring will stop them from sliding out.

Throw in some pillows and string up some LED Christmas light and you have the perfect indoor teepee hideaway.

Lots of quick and easy indoor fort plans can be found online. Other forts include using sheets or blankets to build walls for under the table, between couches and across the back of chairs. Use stacks of books to weigh down corners and go get the flashlights and sleeping bags for some cozy night-time fun.

Check out Pinterest for images and ideas and read other articles in our Okanagan homes and lifestyle blog.

 

 

Xeriscape Ideas for Your Kelowna Home Garden

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I know many avid gardeners and homeowners start making plans this time of year to design and budget for projects outside for spring & summer. Ideas for the yard and garden get sketched out and material lists for patios, gazebos, outdoor pizza ovens, flower beds, gardens, pools, water features, tool sheds, and more make it to the list. If water conservation is a priority often Xeriscape options are considered.

In one of our previous articles, we talked about green roof options and the benefits of rooftop gardens. These included selecting plants for living roofs that are hardy and easy to maintain. In the Okanagan, this concept transfers over to Xeriscape as well (Xeri is Greek for dry). Hardy native plants that are drought-resistant are good choices for the Kelowna homeowner when designing a garden that can withstand the lack of rainfall and high temperatures.  Xeriscape gardens like the one in front of the H20 recreation center are good examples of gardens where the water required is 50% to 75% less than of an average garden.

Water conservation in Kelowna is a big concern for the city. We waste more water than almost every other city in Canada. Talking to staff at the Kelowna waterworks department the biggest use of this is underground sprinkler systems that have been installed for lawns and gardens. Our peak consumption rate in Kelowna is between 4 – 6 AM when sprinkler systems are activated for homes.

We all know our drinking water is a precious commodity so reducing its use through good gardening techniques is a wise choice.

Here are a few things to consider if you’re thinking about a Xeriscape project this year  (Visit Okanagan Xeriscape for more details):

  1. Planning & design
  2. Practical turf areas
  3. Soil preparations
  4. Efficient irrigation
  5. Appropriate plant selection
  6. Mulching
  7. Maintenance

Xeriscape plants are also pest-resistant and require low maintenance.

Top picks for draught-resistant plants for your Kelowna home garden or rooftop patio include

  • Moonshine Yarrow
  • Heatwave Mint
  • Purple Coneflower
  • Sea Lavender
  • Golden Sage
  • Giant Lamb’s Ear
  • Golden Sword Yucca
  • Blue Oat Grass
  • Rose Carpet Sedum
  • Lilac Tree
  • Blue fescue
  • Hen & Chicks
  • Alpine Daisy

There are many other beautiful plants available. The concept is to build gardens that replace water-hungry turf and create a more natural and friendly landscape.  If you use natural mulch over stone mulch you will also reduce the heat storage found in rock gardens.

Best of luck with your Gardening plans and look to water conservation as a guiding principle. In the Okanagan, these low-maintenance gardens are smart choices and add value to your Okanagan home.

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 with Quincy Vrecko 250-863-8810 today!

Guide to the Ultimate Man Cave for your Kelowna Home

Ultimate Man Cave Located in Garage

The Super Bowl is around the corner, and it’s time to impress your neighbours.  How you ask?  By creating the greatest man cave on the block, that’s how.  But what do you include?  What do you leave out?  How are you going to maximize the envy of that nosey Bill from four doors down?  Worry not, we’ve got you covered. Here is our guide to the Ultimate Man Cave for your Kelowna Home.

Glossy, Glassy Floors

For this one let’s assume you are using your garage to create this urban escape.  Garage floors are mostly just exposed concrete, splotchy and dusty, cold and uninviting.  We’re not designing a Fairmont Hotel ballroom here, but c’mon, you can do better than that!  Enter flooring epoxies.  You can choose from pretty much any color you like, even including metallic flecks or aggregate rock.  Whatever you choose it will make cleaning a breeze and resist staining, plus it will supply a bit more warmth for those chilly Sunday game days, and it just looks amazing.

Positively Ponderous Power

To create a legendary space, you’re going to want power – and lots of it.  You don’t want to be tripping over extension cords and clunky power bars, so make sure you incorporate lots of wall outlets.  Most everything – TV’s, lights, fridges, and all the other paraphernalia – you want to make it into a home away from home require Edison’s favourite substance.  While you’re at it, why not incorporate a 220V outlet to charge your future electric vehicles?  Think big!

Eye-catching Car Lift

It’s a dream for many of us gear heads, now make it a reality!  If you’ve got the height and the space, definitely consider adding a lift to you garage/man cave.  There’s no better way to showcase, repair, or modify your 1969 Camaro SS then with a modern lift.  You’ll be the envy of the block, and best of all they’re not as expensive as you might think.

Slick Stools and Chairs with Flair

If all goes well, you’re going to want to be spending a lot of down time here.   Bar stools are a given, and can be found with almost any branding you prefer, from NFL teams to transmission manufacturers.  Get yourself at least a couple of cool lounge chairs for the low-key days.  Tip:  Try to track down a company that repurposes old materials into modern designs – old wood, scrap metal, etc.  My favourite?  Arm chairs crafted from WWII fighter plane fuselages.

Cavernous Cabinetry

Storage is going to be important here.  Tools, ski gear, motorcycle helmets.  So many options, the best advice is just going with what works for your space.  Hang them on the wall, hang them from the ceiling going hi tech and stainless?  Simple inexpensive built-ins from the hardware store will suffice.  Make sure to include lots of useable work space.  For the more discerning outdoorsman, consider again repurposed materials.   A quick search online will find some awesome ideas with old shipping pallets!

A Swanky Bar

The best part about designing your own man cave is that it can be genuinely multi-purpose.  A place to work on the car?  Yes!  But you’ll also need a spellbinding bar. All of those rules apply here too.  Fridges, cool lighting, awesome glassware, and a nice big TV are the absolute musts – get creative!    Extra points if your setup allows you to add a sink and a dishwasher.  Many garages are located conveniently close to the main plumbing lines in your home; it’s a breeze to add the required plumbing from there.  If you can work in a small keg fridge, you’ve sealed the deal.  Welcome to your own sports bar.

Now that you have a guide to the ultimate man cave for your Kelowna Home, it’s time to get to work! Install that eye-catching car lift, go out and find those slick stools and chairs with flair. You’ve got the guide to make it an ultimate man cave, now the world is your oyster. Have fun and enjoy your new or updated space.