Canada Day in Kelowna

Happy 150th Canada! Canada Day is just around the corner and it’s a big one this year! Are you struggling to arrange a plan for this big day? The team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates have done some digging and found the following great ideas for you and your family to enjoy this Canada Day.

Start your day off by heading over to the Prospera Place and enjoy folk styling dancing & singing! Don’t take off yet, enjoy some amazing German sausages and desserts from all over the world. Did I say dessert? Sure did, a birthday wouldn’t be a birthday without an amazing cake! Wish Canada a Happy Birthday after the amazing performance by enjoying a delicious piece of cake around 1:00PM.

Now if you are still not full from the amazing food held at Prospera Place, head on over to Water Street where they will be featuring some of the best 18 food trucks in Kelowna! Take a delicious bite of food and stroll through Made in Canada Marketplace. Support local companies by purchasing Canadian arts and crafts from some amazing locals.

Are you looking for activities for the young ones? Not to worry, take them over to Pioneer Gardens where there will be a Kids Zone with inflatable bouncers! Head over afterwards to the Kelowna Art Gallery to partake in some chalk art and paint-a-box!

Other amazing activities this year all over Downtown Kelowna are,

  • Ki-Low-Na Friendship Centre “Blanket Exercise”

  • Great Canadian Colour’in provided by Opus

  • Parks Alive – Power Stage

  • TD Beach Stage

Even though the Canada Day fireworks have been postponed for August long weekend, there are tons of great activities to partake in this year to wish Canada a big Happy Birthday! Enjoy these activities and more this Canada Day in our beautiful city!

Are you looking to purchase a home in our beautiful city Kelowna? Contact the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates. Aside from providing you information on what to do this Canada Day, the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates are here to provide you information on the Kelowna market to prepare you to purchase your home. Contact a team member today 1-778-760-2860!

 

Benefits of an Open House

Your Kelowna home is up for sale and your Kelowna realtor starts asking you what date works best for an open house? You instantly pause and think, what is the benefit of an open house? Well, the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates have some secrets to share… Get your Kelowna home sold faster in this red hot market.

Bulk of people through your home

Open houses tend to run for 2-4 hours and are generally on the weekend. For all of those people who have a full time job and have children who are in extracurricular activities, it makes it hard to view homes during the week. A family who is looking to find a home may find it easier to view a bulk of homes on a Saturday afternoon. This benefits you as the seller as you will have a group of people go through your home at once. This will alleviate the stress of having plenty of showings sporadically during the week.

It gets people interested in your home

Hosting an open house, you may get people through your home who were just driving through the neighbourhood and stop in. They may not even be looking to purchase a home yet but they see your home, it ticks off their boxes and they may be considering moving now. On the other side, it gets people in your home who may be unmotivated to book a showing as they don’t feel they are a serious buyer. People coming through your home interested or not, still benefits you as a seller.

You choose your own time and date!

If you work with a great Kelowna realtor, they tend to ask you what date and time works best for you schedule. They may have a great recommendation but you have the final say when you want people coming through your home. You can choose when it works best for you to have a large group of people through your home. Take your family out on great bike ride through Kelowna’s top biking trails and enjoy the scenery while your home’s selling.

In the end, an open house is sure to benefit you as a seller. These are just three benefits of an open house that we shared with you. To learn more contact the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates today 1-778-760-2860!

 

Unique Ideas to Add to your Kelowna Home

It is becoming more and more popular to add unique finishings to your Kelowna Home. Whether it be to the living room, kitchen, dining room or master bedroom – it’s important to personalize the home you live in! The team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates are here to help with these great unique ideas to add to your Kelowna home.

Install a Paneled Refrigerator in your Kelowna Home

Looking for a way to take your kitchen to the next level without redoing it all? Look into installing a paneled refrigerator. A kitchen isn’t a kitchen without appliances but that doesn’t mean your kitchen can’t look great at the same time! A paneled refrigerator makes it look like your refrigerator is flush with your cabinetry. What a great unique way to add to your Kelowna home without breaking the bank!

Purchase a Indoor Home Herb Garden

Don’t have an abundance of space in your backyard to have your own garden? Have you always dreamed of using fresh herbs from your garden but don’t know where to begin? We’ve got you covered. It’s time for an indoor herb garden! These great inventions look similar to a kitchen bar fridge but they grow your herbs! Now your dreams of gardening at home have come true!

Create a Spa-inspired Bathroom

Have a long day? First thing you want to do is put your feet up! Why not put your feet up in your spa-inspired bathroom! Our favorite unique idea to add to your bathroom is a soaker tub. Soaker tubs instantly make your bathroom feel luxurious and they add that unique touch that we all dream of!

Sunken Living Room

The living room is a place for gathering, relaxing and of course enjoying a nice glass of Okanagan wine so why not wow your guests by creating a sunken living room. This idea easily separates the kitchen from the living room and yet still connects the home together with a unique touch.

If you are looking for more unique ideas to add to your Kelowna home, contact the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates. Aside from giving you the best advice on the Kelowna real estate market, we are here to help ensure your home is in the best shape. One of our knowledgeable associates are always ready to answer any questions you may have. Whether it be about how to get your home ready to sell or just general inquires on what the market is up. Contact us today 1-778-760-2860!

 

How to Prepare your Kelowna Home for Sale

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Is your Kelowna home for sale? It is very important to ensure your Kelowna home is in the best shape to set your sale up for success. Let’s face it, first impressions are everything in life. So when your potential buyer walks into your home, your home must be in the best shape it can be! The team at Vrecko Real Estate Group has 3 great ways how to prepare your Kelowna home for sale.

Get Rid of Unnecessary Clutter

The first thing your potential buyer does not want to see in their future Kelowna home is clutter. Clutter in your home could be hiding the key selling features of your Kelowna home that your potential buyers may not see in the 15 minutes they are viewing your home. Think of it this way, you have 15-30 minutes to sell your home to its potential buyer, is it in the best shape? If you need some tips on how to declutter your home, check out 7 tips on how to declutter your home. 

Hire a Staging Company

The best decision you can make when getting your Kelowna home ready to sell is to hire a staging company. You would be shocked as to how they can make your home look like it came out of a magazine. They come into your home with a fresh approach and can easily take your home up to the next level. We work with some of the best staging companies in town who we highly recommend!

Fragrances for your Kelowna Home

The first thing people do when they walk into your home is breathe. When you are looking at a Kelowna home for sale you use most of your senses. One of the most important senses you will use is your sense of smell. Don’t use the old-fashioned sprays, they will not only temporarily mask the smell but most of the time sprays are very strong and can only make it smell worse. Try using essential oils or a stick scent diffuser. Either would work and gradually make your home smell amazing!

These are just some tips on how to prepare your Kelowna home for sale. There are plenty of little things you can do to ensure your Kelowna home is ready to sell. For more expert advice on how to prepare your Kelowna home contact the team at Vrecko Real Estate Group. One of our knowledgeable real estate agents would love to chat, call 1-778-760-2860 today!

 

Kelowna Real Estate Market May 2017

Kelowna real estate graph showing market trends for may 2017

Kelowna real estate market graph for May 2017

New statistics released by the Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board (OMREB) for May shows the Kelowna real estate market is still red hot going into summer.

Sales of single family homes in Kelowna soared with 1132 sales registering in the month of May. This is a 38% increase over April, however a 6% decrease over the same time last year.  The decrease is directly related to the lack of homes for sale in Kelowna.

“Our current market conditions are driven by simple, supply and demand.  We are going to need more active listings before we see a more balanced Kelowna real estate market, until then, it remains very much a seller’s market.” Vrecko comments 

To show the changes from year to year, the data below shows the inventory over the last 3 years for the month of May:

Residental

2017: 719

2016: 859

2015: 1213

Condos

2017: 347

2016: 399

2015: 627

Lots 

2017: 380

2016: 44

2015: 497

The current Kelowna real estate market conditions is resulting in an increase in average house prices and a decrease in days to sell.  The average price for a home in Kelowna has risen to $667,105 and taking only 42 days to sell.  This is a 17% increase over the average home prices last year of $563,020.

When will listings increase?  In the past years, as we approach the summer months where the grass is green, flowers are in bloom and pools are open, sellers are now ready to list their Kelowna home.  An increase in homes for sale in Kelowna will ease the demand and give the buyer’s more selection.

“It’s a great time to be a selling a home in Kelowna. Homes are selling for top dollar in a shorter period of time meaning less hassle for the sellers” – Vrecko 

Tracey Vrecko is a licenced real estate agent with Quincy Vrecko and Associates with over 15 years of experience.  As a Realtor in Calgary in 2006 she experienced a market very similar to the current Kelowna real estate market with multiple offers and homes selling is hours.  It can be very intimidating and mistakes are made if not careful.

Vrecko stresses the importance of using an experienced real estate agent when buying or selling real estate in Kelowna.  A real estate transaction is complex and you should have a professional working for you and protecting your largest investment.

If you are looking to sell your Kelowna real estate, contact Tracey Vrecko today 1-778-760-2860!

 

Inexpensive Kelowna bathroom updates

Tired of looking at the same dated Kelowna bathroom? Looking for ways to spruce things up that won’t break the bank? It’s time to update your Kelowna bathroom. The team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates have these 5 great inexpensive bathroom updates that are sure to bring your bathroom from boring to beautiful!

Add an Accent Wall

colourful accent wall behind bathtub in Kelowna home

Add an accent wall

Looking for a quick way to update your bathroom? Instead of painting the whole bathroom trying adding an accent wall. Focus on the wall by the bathtub or behind the toilet, these walls tend to have nothing going on and could use some updating! A great idea is adding a wooden accent wall over the bathtub to incorporate a rustic effect!

Change out your Decor

Simple easy and relatively cheap if you ask me! Simply changing out your old dated decor and sprucing things up can easily update your bathroom. Try to keep a consistent hue throughout and accent with a bold colour.

Switch out your Light Fixtures

A great way to spruce things up and a very inexpensive bathroom update is to switch out your light fixtures. Try adding a dangling chandelier over your bathtub or make a statement in the middle of the room with an over the top light fixture.

Stain your Vanity

A great inexpensive way to update your bathroom is to stain your vanity and save money by not buying a new one! Vanities can be expensive and not to mention a pain to replace so take the easy route by just staining the one you have currently! Take things up a notch by also updating your handles as well and you’ve got a new vanity and less than half the cost!

shower head in Kelowna home bathroom

Update your shower

Update your Shower

Instead of changing out your shower or bathtub, just install a new showerhead. Very inexpensive option but is a great way to update your shower without breaking the bank. There are plenty of different options to choose from and you can buy one from nearly any deptartment store!

If you are looking more inexpensive bathroom updates for your Kelowna home, contact the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates. On top of giving you expert advice on the Kelowna real estate market, we’re here to ensure your home is the best shape to set your sale up for success. Contact one of our knowledgeable associates today 1-778-760-2860!

 

Top Biking Trails in the Okanagan

The sun is shining the grass is green and Summer is just around the corner. Take advantage of this beautiful weather by biking through our amazing city. The Okanagan is surrounded by beautiful beaches and parks so whether you are looking for an easy trail to bike with your kids and family or a moderate/difficult trail to get your heart rate up, we’ve got the top biking trails in the Okanagan for you to explore.

view from mountain biking trail in the Okanagan

Biking trails in the Okanagan

Smith Creek Trail

Located in West Kelowna is this moderate biking trail. There are great beginner trails at near the bottom where you can bring the family. The higher you go up the more difficult and intense the trail gets. Spend around 1-4 hours here and enjoy a afternoon bike ride while taking in the great views of the Okanagan.

Mission Creek Greenway

Mission Creek Greenway is a easy biking trail that is perfect for the whole family. Over 16 km long and running parallel to the Mission Creek, this trail is sure to excite the whole family. Each day more than 1,000 people use this trail and it is open all year long. Bring the dog, pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic while enjoying some of Kelowna’s great views.

person biking on a biking trail

Bike through the Myra Canyon Trestles

Myra Canyon

Great trail for hiking but also for biking! What is also great about Myra Canyon is you do not have to have your own bike as they do rentals on the trail. Not only do they rent adult and youth bikes but they also rent child-trailers for your little ones to join along! Enjoy the 18 trestles, 2 tunnels and spectacular views at Myra Canyon and you’ll know exactly why this made the list of top biking trails in the Okanagan.

If you are in search for your forever home that are in close proximity to top biking trails in the Okanagan, contact the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates. Aside from giving you advice on the Kelowna real estate market, we want to ensure that your next Kelowna home ticks off all of your boxes. To begin your Kelowna home search, call Tracey Vrecko 1-778-760-2860!

 

Renos that Add Value to your Kelowna Home

Renovated your way into the Modern Era

Need a fun project to complete? Are you looking to add value to your Kelowna home? With the real estate market continuing to rise, a simple upgrade can set you apart from those dated homes and can in turn possibly drive a sale! Check out this 4 renos that add value to your Kelowna home.

Upgrade your Kitchen

A great way to add value to your Kelowna home is to upgrade your kitchen. This can be as easy as a brand new backsplash, new facing for your cabinets or a new set of high-end appliances. The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house, that being said if you had to pick one renovation to do, we recommend upgrading the kitchen!

 

716 Vance Ave Lower MissionAdd to your Living Space

This will definitely not be the cheapest option but it will substantially add value to your Kelowna home. If you have ever dreamed of expanding your Kelowna home, now is the time to do it! Adding to your living space will increase square footage and in turn drive the value of your home up!

Energy Efficient Home

When looking for a Kelowna home, we are seeing more and more people asking about energy-efficient homes. Set your home apart from the others by adding things to your home to make it energy efficient. A few great ideas are,

  • Windows

  • Toilets

  • Lighting

large soaker tub in a Kelowna home

Upgrade your master ensuite

Upgrade your Master Ensuite

Lastly, a great way to add value to your home is to upgrade your master ensuite. There are so many things you can do to upgrade your Master ensuite that will add value but our favourite is adding a soaker tub. Nothing says relaxing quite like walking into your master ensuite and seeing your large soaker tub. Grab a glass of Okanagan wine and enjoy your newest addition!

Wondering what your Kelowna home is worth after completing these renos? There are many factors to consider when evaluating a home. The team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates are here to help! Our team of dedicated real estate professionals know the ins and outs of the Kelowna real estate market. Contact one of our knowledgeable real estate agents today to begin your Kelowna home evaluation process. 250.868.3602

Why Should I Hire a Kelowna Realtor

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You’re getting ready to sell your Kelowna home and the thought hits, Kelowna realtor or private sale? Trust me, we get it! The thought of how much money you can save starts going through your head. The vision of selling your home privately is starting to sound more and more appealing. Well, we’re here to tell you the truth about private sales and why we think you should hire a Kelowna realtor!

Professional Marketing

home with for sale in front of it

Professional marketing for your Kelowna home

You may get some action from posting a sign out front and putting ads in the local newspaper. On the flip side, when you list with a Kelowna realtor, you will obtain way more action from their professional marketing. Each listing at Quincy Vrecko and Associates will have an HD video/photos taken of their home and the newest in technology… a 3D Virtual Reality Tour. We don’t just pop a sign in front of your home, we are here to help market your Kelowna home to potential clients and the public.

It’s More Work

Most of you have a full-time job, raising kids, and trying to still have a social life. Selling a home takes time and that is why realtors have a full-time job doing it! Realtors have so much knowledge of the market as they study it daily and are here to guide you through the process of selling your home. Let’s face it, I can’t come into your position and become an expert, leave it up to us to help you get top dollar for your home!

small home with coins in front of it

You don’t save that much money

You don’t save that much money!

I bet you fell off your seat reading that point, but it is true! You may think, but I am not paying for commission if I am listing with a Kelowna realtor. I must be saving a ton of money by just doing it myself. Well, for one, it takes a lot of time to sell a home. It takes time in your day or organize showings and market your home. In most cases, a realtor can get you enough to cover their commission. Sometimes they also put more money in your pocket.

A Kelowna realtor who is willing to work hard to market your home is Tracey Vrecko from the team at Vrecko Real Estate Group Tracey can provide you with expert advice on the Kelowna market. She is here to make sure the process of selling your Kelowna home is as smooth and successful as possible, give her a call today at 1-778-760-2860!

 

What classifies a Luxury Home in Kelowna

With real estate prices soaring, property in Kelowna that were once selling under that 1 million dollar price tag, are now well over that.  So what really classifies a Luxury home in Kelowna?

logo for REMAX collection, fine homes and luxury properties

RE/MAX Collection

According to RE/MAX Collections, the Luxury division for the RE/MAX brand, a luxury home is classified as any home that is double the average price for that market.  In Kelowna the average home price year to date is $644,051. A luxury home in Kelowna would be a property with a list price of over $1,288,000.

Some other definitions of a luxury property would be a little more subjective.

A luxury home in Kelowna would typically have the following features to justify the luxury price tag:

  • Waterfront

  • Acreages

  • Lake Views

  • Large family homes

  • Luxury home finishings

  • Infinity pool

  • Luxury home gyms and media rooms

A luxury home in Kelowna located at 1070 Westpoint Drive was recently sold for 1.9 million. This Lower Mission home features unique architecture with flat roof and hard lines. Also featuring the use of brick, steel, concrete and wood made this in a league of it’s own.  Built as a large family home it backed onto a large vineyard and featured an infinity edge pool with sunken hot tub and had great lakeviews.

luxury waterfront home on the Okanagan Lake

320 Poplar Point – listed with Quincy Vrecko and Associates

An obvious example of a luxury property in Kelowna is a home located at 320 Poplar Point.  Tommie award winner for home of the year this waterfront home is one of kind. This home features stunning architecture, top of the line finishings and fixtures and has price tag of $6.7 million. This stunning home has state of the art home automation, imported linear fireplaces, custom furniture and fixtures and a one of a kind hand built wine cellar.

Whether you are buying or selling a luxury home, it is important to have the right Kelowna real estate agent working for you.  Most luxury homes or waterfront properties have unique features and the marketing must be tailored to attract the right buyer.

Quincy Vrecko of RE/MAX Kelowna exclusively deals with buying and selling luxury real estate in Kelowna. Quincy highly skilled in negotiating multi-million dollar transactions. He is very knowledgeable with the intricacies of luxury properties in Kelowna.  Quincy has 26 years in the luxury industry. As a luxury real estate agent, he understands the difference when working with luxury home buyers and sellers. Contact Quincy today 1-250-863-8810!