Luxury Real Estate: How to Sell a Kelowna Waterfront Home

Selling a Kelowna waterfront property is much different than selling a Kelowna family home. A luxury home buyer views things a bit differently. When you walk into a Kelowna waterfront property as a luxury home buyer, you are looking for a few different things to catch your eye. As a luxury home seller, its beneficial to know exactly what to do when selling your Kelowna waterfront home. Getting an offer on your Kelowna waterfront home is not as easy as placing a sign on your front lawn and waiting for someone to call you.

Staging is Key

320 Poplar Point - wonderfully staged luxury waterfront home

Staging your luxury waterfront home is key

First off, if you are selling your Kelowna waterfront home, you have to stage it like a Kelowna waterfront home. When your home is listed with a luxury price tag, homebuyers want to feel that way the minute they step foot in your front door. Focus on the flow of the home, colours of the decor and don’t forget the artwork on the wall. Don’t stop at the interior of your Kelowna waterfront home, stage the “waterfront”. When homebuyers are looking to purchase a Kelowna waterfront home, it’s obvious they are looking at the “waterfront”.

Market with outstanding photography and videography

One of the first things your potential homebuyer will look at is online photos and videos of your Kelowna waterfront property. Ensure that the luxury Kelowna real estate agent you choose to market your Kelowna waterfront home markets your home with high-end videos and photography. First impressions are everything, you want to ensure that your home stands out from the rest. What makes your Kelowna waterfront home unique?

luxury waterfront home on Okanagan Lake

320 Poplar Point Drive – listed with Quincy Vrecko and Associates

Hire a Luxury Kelowna Real Estate Agent

One of the best things you can do to ensure your Kelowna waterfront home sells is to hire a luxury Kelowna real estate agent. It is incredibly important to work with a luxury Kelowna real estate agent who is experienced in selling waterfront homes in Kelowna. A luxury Kelowna real estate agent can provide you with knowledge and expertise for selling your Kelowna waterfront home. Luxury Kelowna real estate agents do an outstanding job with their marketing plans. They know exactly how to negotiate a multi-million dollar luxury property.

If you are looking to sell your Kelowna waterfront home, contact Quincy Vrecko with Quincy Vrecko and Associates. Quincy Vrecko has over 28 years of experience in luxury sales. He has strategic marketing plans for each of his luxury real estate listings. By doing so, we ensure you get the best possible price. Each of our luxury real estate listings receive high end videos, photos and a virtual reality tour. For more information, contact Quincy 250-863-8810!

Light Up Shows in the Okanagan

One of the best ways to kickstart the Holiday Season is gathering together as a community and enjoying the light up shows that the city has to offer. When are they happening? Where can I watch the city light up in beautiful colour? The team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates have put together a handy list of the light up shows happening this December. Take it with you and enjoy all that the Okanagan has to offer.

Downtown Kelowna Light Up

group of friends taking a selfie while watching city light up

Bring your friends and enjoy Downtown Kelowna

What better way to kick off December and the Holiday Season by heading to Downtown Kelowna for the Light Up. This free annual event is held in Stuart Park from 11AM – 5:30PM. Live entertainment, free activities, food and our favorite… Santa! New to the Light Up this year is the Winter Street Market happening on Water Street. Get a head start, or finish your Christmas Shopping all while enjoying local shops, great food and the community of Kelowna. What more could you ask for?

Big White Light Up

Now after you are done watching the Downtown Kelowna Light Up, you’ll have to rush up to Big White to see the Light Up show. The light up show and fireworks do not start until 6:30PM. Bring your friends and watch as Big White lights up! Enjoy carnival games, hot chocolate, delicious treats and of course the fireworks and light up show! Don’t forget to dress warm and enjoy all that Big White is about!

group of friends gathered watching the firework display

Gather at Silverstar for a firework display

Silverstar Light Up

Now don’t worry you don’t have to rush over to Silverstar on the same day! Head up to Silverstar on December 8th from 5 – 8 PM. This year not only is Silverstar celebrating the Holiday Season, they are also celebrating their 60th anniversary. This event will be amazing! Similar to Big White, enjoy fireworks and the light up show happening at Silverstar. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for a certain someone named Santa… they are expecting a visit at Silverstar.

With December comes festive activities, community events and beautifully decorated cities covered in lights. If you are not a resident of any of these beautiful areas, you’ll want to be. Light up shows are an annual thing in the Okanagan. Our community gathers and we enjoy the last month of 2017!

If you are looking for real estate in the Okanagan, contact the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates. The team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates are a dedicated team of real estate professionals with years of experience selling real estate in Kelowna. Call 1-778-760-2860 today! 

What is going on at Lakeshore Road?

The city of Kelowna is a popular tourist city. Tourists from all over BC and Canada travel to Kelowna to enjoy all it has to offer. Waterfront vacation properties, Okanagan Lake for your boating needs and great local parks. If you have been to Kelowna recently or you are a local to our beautiful city, chances are you are wondering what is going on at Lakeshore Road?

What is going on at Lakeshore Road?

aerial shot of Lakeshore Road in Kelowna, BC

What is going on at Lakeshore Road?

So what really is going on at Lakeshore road? The City of Kelowna has purchased 2.9 acres of beautiful waterfront property. This 12 million dollar land purchase is huge for the City of Kelowna. 

“The purchase of this waterfront property is truly a legacy for our city” says our Mayor, Colin Basran.

What is the plan for the new park?

The City of Kelowna has plans for this new park along Lakeshore Road. This waterfront park will feature 705 feet of sandy beachfront. This park will also have access to washrooms, parking, food and other amenities not yet released by the City of Kelowna. The City of Kelowna has also not released the construction start date, that’s another blog coming your way.

aerial view of Bluebird Beach Park

New park and a new name

New Name for Lakeshore Road Park?

With the purchase of this property comes a new name… The City of Kelowna recently had a council meeting on October 2nd and released the name. The park along Lakeshore Road will be called “Bluebird Beach Park”.

We are so excited to see how this new park develops and what the City of Kelowna has in mind. For more up-to-date information regarding this outstanding project, stay tuned to our website. As information becomes available we will post about it and keep all of Kelowna residents and residents elsewhere updated.

If you are looking for waterfront property close to Lakeshore Road, contact Quincy Vrecko. Quincy Vrecko specializes in selling Kelowna waterfront homes and luxury properties. Quincy has over 28 years of luxury sales experience and is very knowledgeable in the luxury real estate market. He can assist you with purchasing your next Kelowna waterfront home or luxury property. Call Quincy himself, 1-250-863-8810 today! 

3 Ways to Increase the value of your Kelowna Home on a Budget

Are you looking to list your Kelowna home but want to make a few upgrades first? Are you looking to increase your Kelowna home value but are on a bit of a budget? Don’t worry, we totally get it! When people think of adding value to their home, they instantly think of large renovations that take time, effort and a LOT of money. Not everything you do to your Kelowna home has to cost a lot of money. A few small upgrades can change the look of your home and can add value. Do it the right way and you’ve got yourself a whole new look and congratulations, you did it all on a budget.

Fresh Coat of Paint

couple painting their room white

A fresh coat of paint for your Kelowna home

A simple yet effective way to increase your Kelowna home value is by adding a fresh coat of paint. Out with the old floral print wallpaper and in with some modern and eye catching walls. A coat of fresh paint can really transform a room. From dark and crowded areas to bright and open living, a fresh coat of paint could be all our home is longing for.

Clean your Kelowna home

Cleanliness is key when your Kelowna home is up for sale. Old saying, you only get one first impression is very true. Make your home sparkle the minute that your potential home buyer walks through your Kelowna home. You can hire a Kelowna cleaning company that can do a deep clean of your house for you. Depending on the size of your Kelowna home, they are generally inexpensive to have done.

maintained front lawn with flowers and landscaping

Tidy up your front lawn

Tidy up your Front Lawn

Lawn maintenance is everything for your home. You would be surprised as to how many Kelowna home buyers will do a quick drive-by before calling their Kelowna realtor to view your home. If your home doesn’t jump out at them during their first drive-by they may not take the time to check out the interior of your home. Some Kelowna home buyers are very visual. They drive by your home and the first thing they think of is… work! The amount of work they are going to have to do to make the front lawn more appealing.

The best thing you can do to find out what you need to do to increase the value of your home is to call a Kelowna real estate agent. A Kelowna real estate agent is able to come and take a look at your current situation and give you a few ideas of what you may be able to do to help increase the value of your Kelowna home. If you are looking for a Kelowna real estate team to assist you, call the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates. Our team of professional real estate agents have years of experience selling homes in Kelowna and are ready to give you some great advice to increase the value of your home. Call 1-778-760-2860 today!

Oct/27 Kelowna Market Stats

Graph showing statistics of Kelowna real estate market October 2017

What was the Kelowna real estate market up to this October?

Kelowna real estate sales remain strong going into the fourth and final quarter of 2017

Despite the small decrease posted in October, sales of Kelowna single family home decreased slightly from this time last year and are at par from the previous month.  

“It is typical for this time of year to see a slight slowdown in new listings and sales. I really enjoy the fall market as it allows us to spend a little more time with homebuyers.” says Tracey Vrecko, a top Kelowna real estate professional with RE/MAX Kelowna.

The inventory of Kelowna homes for sale remain a challenge for buyers. The fall market allows for some breathing room compared to the hot summer market.  There were 878 new listings in October compared to 1118 in September. The average days on market have rising from 72 to 82 day to sell.  While these number are all very common for this time of year, there is one irregularity.

The average price for a single family Kelowna home is up to $526,418. This is a 16% increase from this time last year.  This irregularity is due to the increase in sales of Luxury homes in Kelowna. This includes the sale of the most expensive waterfront property this year posted at 6.4 million.

“The fall luxury real estate market has been very strong this year. When it comes to these types of properties, they don’t follow the typical sales cycles.” notes Quincy Vrecko, the top luxury real estate specialist with RE/MAX Kelowna.

In the month of October there were 6 sales of waterfront homes in Kelowna compared to only 2 in the hot July summer market.  Overall, there were 11 luxury homes that sold in Kelowna and surrounding area for over 2 million in the month of October. These higher priced properties have raised the average single family home sales for the month.  

As home buyer demand remains strong even in the fall/winter months, the Kelowna real estate market continues to grow.  To ensure you are keeping on top of the changing market conditions, hire a professional Kelowna real estate agent. Quincy Vrecko and Associates is one of the top real estate teams with Re/Max Kelowna. Our team of professional real estate agents can help through the home buying process, giving you expert advice.  If you are looking for a Kelowna family home, condominium, penthouse or a luxury waterfront home call 1-778-760-2860! 

Sensitive Santa is back!

Sensitive Santa is coming back for his 3rd year thanks to a team of Kelowna realtors!

For the third year in a row, a special kind of Santa visit is happening at Orchard Park Mall.  Sensitive Santa is an event for families with children living on the Autism Spectrum. Children living on the Autism Spectrum can be sensitive to the noises and lights of a typical Santa visit.  Kelowna Realtors, Tracey and Quincy Vrecko started the Sensitive Santa event 2 years ago. They recognized this family tradition was hard on their son who has Autism Spectrum Disorder.

“We could see he was going into sensory overload. He would cover his ears and try to hide his face, it seemed like it was  torture for him to be there”.  says Vrecko 

Long lines, bright lights and loud music over the hustle and bustle of the Christmas shopping crowd can be overwhelming for anyone, let alone, a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (known as ASD).  ASD is a neurological disorder affecting 1 in 68 children.  It is common for children with ASD to have  a heightened sensitivity to sound, lights and touch. A family event, such as a Santa visit, slowly can turn into a disaster. 

Tracey and Quincy Vrecko have 2 boys, one of whom has been diagnosed with ASD.  They were desperate to make this family tradition a happy experience for everyone. So they came up with a solution to their son’s sensory needs and created Sensitive Santa.

What is Sensitive Santa?

With the help of Orchard Park Mall and Autism Okanagan, the Vreckos have been bringing this new family tradition to Kelowna for 3 years now. Special Santa visits are appointment only and done after mall hours to ensure a controlled environment.  With the music off and lights dimmed, each family has 5 whole minutes with the big man himself.  

“It’s a magical experience. Parents would tell me they just gave up on trying to visit Santa until now.  Watching the smiles on everyone’s face is so heartwarming” says Quincy, who admits to tearing up throughout the evening.  

With such an overwhelming response to the event last year, a third day will be added.  These special Sensitive Santa visits will be held at Orchard Park Mall on December 3rd, 10th and 17th from 6pm-8pm.

This year we are also expanding into Vernon!  Visits in Vernon will be held at Village Green Centre December 3rd from 9am-11am.

To schedule a time with Santa, visit SensitiveSantaOkanagan.ca or call 778-760-2860.

 

Should I list my Kelowna home for sale now or wait for the spring?

Leaves are off the trees and snow is starting to fly, should you list your Kelowna home for sale now or wait for the spring?  This is a question we often get from Kelowna home sellers at this time of year and our answer is always the same….an absolute yes!  This is a good time of year to list your Kelowna home and here are 3 good reasons why.  

Low Inventory for Kelowna homes for sale

snow filled backyard in Kelowna home for sale

Don’t worry about your snow filled backyard

At this time every year, the number of Kelowna homes for sale decreases.  There are typically 25% fewer listings than in the Kelowna spring/summer market, making an already tight market, even tighter.  A concern sellers seem to have is the outdoor living space not looking it’s best.  We say, it’s all relative.  Every Kelowna home on the market is in the same condition.  The advantage to lower inventory levels, is that you have fewer Kelowna homes to compete with buyer demand remains strong.

Serious Buyers

A big misconception sellers have is that they feel their window of opportunity to attract a buyer has passed as summer comes to an end.  I can say with confidence, this is not the case.  In fact, in the fall/winter real estate market we see more serious buyers that are having to move in what is typically an off season.  Kelowna homes for sale in this season will see longer days on, however, fewer showings to produce an offer.  

moving day circled on a computer screen calendar

Benefit from a longer possession

Longer possession

No one likes to move during the holidays which is why buyers looking for a Kelowna home for sale at this time of year, are typically wanting a longer possession.  A longer possession date will give you more time to organize and plan out your next Kelowna move so you are not feeling rushed to move out.   

If these 3 reasons don’t convince you to list your Kelowna home for sale now, maybe these statistics will help:

In June 2017, in the “peak” of the Kelowna real estate market, there were 1200 new listings and 684 sale transactions.  In October of this year, in what people say is an off-season market, there were 800 new listings and 563 sales transactions.  So if you compare July to October that is a 33% decrease in new listings (which means less competition to you) and only a 18% decrease in sales.  That’s some pretty good odds for you as a Kelowna home seller.  

So if you are now convinced, call one of the best real estate teams in Kelowna at 1-778-760-2860, or start here with a Market Evaluation of your Kelowna property. Our team of expert real estate professionals will guide you through the home selling process and position your Kelowna home to sell, in any market! 

Downtown Kelowna: What to do + Where to go?

Downtown Kelowna is the place to be! Downtown Kelowna has great shopping, mouth-watering food and fun activities. During the Summer, it is packed with locals and visitors from all over. During the Winter months you will find fun activities, a skating rink, and the trees lit up by beautiful Christmas lights! If you haven’t yet, head Downtown Kelowna to see what it is all about.

sign on door of curious cafe located in downtown Kelowna

Curious Cafe in Kelowna, BC

Eat Here → The Curious Cafe

Just a hop, skip and a jump away from our office is the Curious Cafe. This multi-room restaurant is the perfect spot for a delicious breakfast, afternoon lunch or a mouth-watering dinner. 

Drink Here → Calona Vineyards

Located in Downtown Kelowna is the Calona Winery! This award-winning winery is dedicated to quality and value. Something unique about this winery is their labels. Each label features wonderful art on it that is placed carefully for the way it brings out the the flavour of the wine.  

Dessert Here → MooLix Ice Cream

If you have ever walked in Downtown Kelowna, you have smelt the delicious Moolix Ice Cream shop! They serve over 40 delicious flavours, there is something every family member will love! What is that great smell coming from Moolix? It is waffle cones… freshly made ones to be exact… drop everything, head over!! It’s never too cold for a great icecream cone!

posh jewelry store displaying jewelry in cases

Posh Jewelry located in Downtown Kelowna

Shop Here → Posh Jewelry

Are you looking for a Christmas present? Do you need something to cheer you up this week? Head over to Posh located in Downtown Kelowna. This stunning jewelry store is next door to our office and we find it hard every day not to buy a beautiful piece of jewelry! Unique designs and that comes from all over the world, you are sure to be the best gift giver ever… Or you can wrap it and give it to yourself, we won’t say anything!

If you are looking for Kelowna real estate in Downtown Kelowna, contact the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates. Our dedicated team of Kelowna real estate agents are ready to assist you with your next Kelowna home purchase. Downtown Kelowna has so much to offer, your next Kelowna home is waiting… Call 1-778-760-2860 today!

November Agenda: What to do in Kelowna

Well it feels like we were just writing your October Agenda, and yet another month comes and goes. November is here and so is the cool weather! With a new month comes a new agenda of things to do in Kelowna. Check out our three ideas of things to do in Kelowna this November.

Remembrance Day Parade in Kelowna

Wall of names of veterans with poppy all over it

Remembrance Day in Kelowna, BC

With November comes an important day, Remembrance Day. This year, like every year, visit Downtown Kelowna for the Remembrance Day festivities. The parade begins at 10:30AM. The parade starts at Kerry Park and will finish at City Park so grab a seat wherever you can find one. You won’t miss it! Following the parade, there is a ceremony at City Park. The ceremony begins at 11:00AM.

Opening Day at Big White

If all goes as planned, Big White is scheduled to open November 23rd! Head on up to Big White for opening day from 8:45AM-3:45PM. Enjoy the party at the Ridge Rocket Express. Live music, free hot chocolate and a ton of giveaways is just a few things you may see on opening day! Loose and Lucy Moose are also making an appearance welcoming you all back to the beautiful Big White!

4 wine glasses filled with red wine

Visit Intrigue Wines this November

Intrigue Wines Holiday Open House

It wouldn’t be a November agenda if there wasn’t one Holiday activity to do, now would it? Head over to Intrigue Wines on November 25th for their Annual Holiday Open House. This great event starts at 11:00AM and goes until 5:00PM. Enjoy treats, amazing wine and holiday specials! Do not miss out on this open house!

November is a great month, it is filled with family and friends getting together, holiday parties, opening day at Big White and much much more! This November make sure to get out there and enjoy all that Kelowna has to offer.

If you are looking to relocate to Kelowna this Winter, contact the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates. Tracey Vrecko is an experienced real estate agent with RE/MAX Kelowna. Tracey Vrecko specializes in selling homes and condos in Kelowna and is ready to assist you with your next home purchase. Call 1-778-760-2860 to speak with Tracey today!

Top Waterfront Communities in Kelowna

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Kelowna is a beautiful city, there is no doubt about that! What makes Kelowna so unique and beautiful? The Okanagan Lake! Okanagan Lake is over 130 kilometers long and approximately 4 to 5 kilometers in width. You can also enjoy over 30 stunning local beaches. Kelowna is in no shortage of great waterfront communities right on Okanagan Lake. What makes each waterfront community different? How do you know what waterfront community will fit your lifestyle? Well, let’s take a look at each of Kelowna’s waterfront communities. Let’s find the perfect fit for you. Follow our new series detailing the features of these unique areas of Waterfront in Okanagan. First up Kelowna north to Hobson Road.

Waterfront Communities in Kelowna, Abbott Corridor

Home listed with Jerry Geen – RE/MAX Kelowna

Abbott Corridor

Are you looking for a waterfront home in Kelowna with some historic charm? If so, the Abbott corridor is perfect for you! This waterfront community is located in the Heritage District of Kelowna.  The Abbott Corridor features local sandy beaches and new walking and bike paths making it pedestrian-friendly. In this Kelowna waterfront community, you will find flat lots that are very close to Downtown Kelowna. This waterfront community is in the Heritage Conservation area. This means if you love the older look of a Kelowna home, this waterfront community is where you should plant your roots.

Downtown and Kelowna North

The northern part of the waterfront in Downtown Kelowna is dominated by deep water. If you require deep moorage options, then Kelowna North is the waterfront community for you. Instead of sandy beaches, Kelowna North features steeper shorelines. This means your lot sits higher up. You get the luxury of privacy! On the flip side, on Manhattan Drive, also located in Downtown Kelowna, you will find flat lots and closer to the Downtown Core. Depending on what style of waterfront community you are looking for, Kelowna North has options to suit your lifestyle.

Hobson Road

Waterfront home located on Hobson Road

4264 Hobson Road – Previously listed with Quincy Vrecko and Associates

Now if you are looking for one of the most elite postal codes in Kelowna, then Hobson is your waterfront community. These estate-sized lots are some of the most expensive waterfront homes in Kelowna. Hobson has deeper moorage options as well. If you are searching for a waterfront community where you can walk out of your back door and step into Okanagan Lake, this prestigious waterfront community is the perfect fit for you.

For detailed pricing for each of these waterfront communities and a list of waterfront properties for sale in Kelowna, contact Quincy Vrecko. Quincy Vrecko is a luxury real estate agent with Quincy Vrecko and Associates RE/MAX Kelowna. Quincy Vrecko specializes in selling Waterfront homes and luxury properties in the Okanagan. With over 28 years of luxury sales experience, Quincy is knowledgeable in the luxury real estate market. Quincy can assist you with your next Kelowna waterfront home purchase. For up-to-date information on the Kelowna waterfront luxury real estate for sale, contact Quincy today. Call 1-250-863-8810!