Kelowna Real Estate Marketing – Print vs. Digital

Like many other industries Kelowna real estate marketing campaigns have evolved from window signs and newspaper advertising to dynamic digital marketing strategies across multiple platforms. This transformation is necessary now that most consumer activity takes place online. There are many advantages to online marketing.

Target Markets

kelowna real estate marketingA recent poll found that 100% of active home buyers used digital media when searching for a home. In contrast only 28% used traditional print media in the Kelowna home search.

While print media is constrained to a specific readership, Kelowna real estate agents have numerous tools at their disposal to ensure digital campaigns reach the target audience. Digital advertising is targeted by location, age, income, interests and many other demographics. These criteria ensure that Kelowna real estate advertising is more likely to be viewed active buyers.

Monitored and Modified

Digital campaigns allow you to experiment and constantly adjust audiences and other features of the campaign based on how people are responding to it. Online Kelowna real estate ads are monitored for reach, impression, and actions. This real time information allows advertising to be modified and improved with immediate effect. Print advertising does not allow for this flexibility.

virtual reality in kelowna real estate Multi-Media

Digital campaigns use videos and virtual tours as well as photography, allowing you greater creativity and versatility. A print campaign is limited to just photography and graphic design. Kelowna real estate marketing that uses a variety of media engages potential buyers and provides a well-rounded representation of what your home offers.

 

Home owners looking to sell their property in the Kelowna real estate market should look for agents that are savvy about digital marketing. The team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates advertise homes for sale across multiple digital platforms. A personalized and dynamic marketing plan is created for each home and all forms of media used including virtual reality.

If you’re considering selling your Kelowna home your first call should be to Quincy Vrecko and Associates to arrange for your free market evaluation. Reach us at 778-760-2860 today.

October Agenda – Events in Kelowna

If you can believe it October is just days away. Autumn in the Okanagan Valley is a beautiful place with lots of fun events to keep you busy. If you’re looking for October activity ideas you’re in the right place. Check out our three top ideas of events in Kelowna this October.

Sip & Carve at Buvez Wine Bar

autum events in kelowna

Pumpkin Carving & Wine at Buvez

These fun pumpkin carving events in Kelowna kick off on October 3rd and extend all  month long as long as the pumpkins last. The pumpkins are cleaned for you and the seeds roasted up tasty. Create your own festive pumpkin while sipping on some tasty wine, cocktails, or even vegan ‘Baileys’ and hot chocolate. The event is by reservation while supplies last so reserve early.

https://www.buvezwinebar.com/events-1/sip-carve-2

Fork & Spoon Gala – October 13th

charity events in kelowna

Fork & Spoon Gala on October 13th

9 Chefs, 9 Courses, 1 Warehouse. This inaugural event to benefit the Central Okanagan Food Bank brings together 9 of the top chefs in the valley to create a delectable multi-course tasting menu using only the ingredients available in the Food Bank warehouse. This one of a kind dining experience takes place in the new Central Okanagan Food Bank facility at 2310 Enterprise Way. A fantastic new tradition to add to fall events in Kelowna. To purchase tickets or provide sponsorship head to the Fork & Spoon Gala website https://trellis.org/campaign/The%20Fork%20and%20Spoon%20Gala/5b6c8496414d544161c1153d

Spooktacular Halloween Candy & Wine Pairing – October 27th & 28th

candy events in kelowna

Halloween Candy Pairings

Head on over to The View Winery and Vineyard in your spooky best costumes for this unique event. The third annual Spooktacular Halloween Pairing joins candy treats with delicious wines and ciders. Head out to South East Kelowna from 12-5pm each day to enjoy the fall flavours and maybe event win a gift for your fabulous costume.

Kelowna is full of great outdoor and indoor activities. There are endless events in Kelowna year round. Keep yourself going and entertained through this beautiful fall weather. Enjoy it while it is here as winter is not far from making an appearance.

If you are looking for Kelowna real estate within close proximity of fun activities indoor and outdoor, contact the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates. Our team of professional Kelowna real estate agents is ready to assist you with your next Kelowna home purchase. Call 1-778-760-2860!

Kelowna Waterfront Sales 2018

Kelowna waterfront home sales are having a banner year. With stunning weather, beautiful views, and miles of lake shore it is no surprise that the Kelowna real estate market remains a hot one. Kelowna waterfront sales are up more than 50% over the same period over last year and show no sign of slowing down. We have rounded up three notable Kelowna waterfront sales from this year for your review.

Notable Sales :

 

quincy vrecko kelowna waterfront

320 Poplar Point Drive – Recently sold by Quincy Vrecko

320 Poplar Point Drive – $5,050,000

This spectacular Kelowna waterfront estate has over 100ft of shoreline with a large licensed dock and lift. The home is nearly 5000 sqft with 4 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. The living spaces boasts 16ft vaulted ceilings and walls of glass to capture the panoramic views. Outdoor living space is abundant with a private deck off the master suite as well as a large cantilevered deck off the living space.

abbott kelowna waterfront quincy vrecko

1986 Abbott Street. Recently listed with RE/MAX Kelowna

1986 Abbott Street – $5,745,000

In the popular Abbott Street Corridor this Kelowna waterfront home provides a 4 bedroom and 5 bathroom main home as well as a 1 bedroom carriage house. Sitting on a level 0.6 acre lakefront lot in Kelowna South the property offers clean modern styling, a home gym, wine cellar, large master suite, and gourmet kitchen. Iron gates ensure privacy and security.

Swick kelowna waterfront quincy vrecko

165 Swick Road. Recently listed with Coldwell Banker Horizon Realty

165 Swick Road – $6,802,300

This 10,000 sqft home sits on nearly 2 acres of Kelowna waterfront in the Upper Mission. It boasts 5 generous sized bedrooms including a palatial master suite with private balcony overlooking the lake. High end features include the heated 10 car garage, home theatre, wine cellar, and butler’s pantry. Outdoors enjoy the extensive grounds, large dock, private lagoon, waterfalls, and salt water pool.

 

Kelowna waterfront homes are a specialty of the realtors with Quincy Vrecko and Associates. Be sure to call Quincy at 250-863-8810 before you start you search for the perfect lakeside luxury home and have a look through our waterfront listings to see what is currently available.

How to Successfully Handle an Offer for your Okanagan Property

When you put a for sale sign up on your Okanagan property, it’s safe to say, you are looking for a good offer. The problem that we see nowadays is Kelowna home sellers take one look at the price and if it is not up to what they want, they just decline and walk away. Well, we are going to look at three things you should do in order to successfully handle an offer for your Okanagan property. It’s much more than just a price tag.

Review the conditions

couple reviewing conditions on contract

Review all the conditions

An important part of your offer is the conditions. Is it subject to sale? Is it subject to financing? It’s important to take a look at every condition on the contract as that may affect your answer to accept or not. The way the conditions are written can really determine how strong of an offer it is. This is something your Kelowna realtor should review with you in detail!

Review the dates

Have you purchased a Kelowna home and have a closing date for that property already? If you need to be out of your Kelowna home by a certain date, let your Kelowna realtor know. This can make the moving process go by a lot smoother. Move from one house to another! No need for you to own two Kelowna homes at the same time!

buyer and seller shaking hands on a deal

Don’t be too quick to throw in the towel

Don’t be too quick to throw in the towel

When you get an offer on your Okanagan property, don’t throw in the towel too quickly! Remember, even though it may not be the best offer to start, it’s a starting point for negotiation! Take the time to review it with your Kelowna real estate agent and if it is worth negotiating, it may end up being an offer you want to accept!!

If you are looking to sell your Okanagan property, contact Quincy Vrecko and Associates! Our team is made up of knowledgeable and dedicated real estate agents who have helped plenty of Kelowna home sellers list and sell their homes. We can help you too! All you have to do is pick up the phone, we will take care of the rest for you! Call 1-778-760-2860 for your free market evaluation today!

Okanagan Waterfront Feature – Whiskey Cove

Okanagan Lake provides us with miles of beautiful shoreline and with that some stunning waterfront luxury homes. If you are looking for a one of a kind Okanagan waterfront estate we have the perfect one for you. A short drive north takes you to 15870 Whiskey Cove Road and an incomparable piece of Okanagan waterfront.

  • Lakeshore with 145’ of Shoreline

    okanagan waterfront quincy vrecko real estate

    Deep water access on the Okanagan waterfront

  • 1.75 acres of Level Property
  • 4 Bedroom & 6 Bath Main House
  • 2 Bedrooms Guest Cottage
  • Private Gated Driveway
  • Panoramic Lake Views
  • Deep end of the cove
  • Large Dock with Boat Lift
  • Oversized Garage with RV parking

“Just such a rare piece of land.”

okanagan waterfront estate quincy vrecko

Open space for the family to enjoy

The current owners were drawn the property due to its location on the Okanagan waterfront as well as for the landscaping and other natural features that surround the home. At the dead end of a quiet road the property spans a level 1.75 acres boasting established landscaping with fruit trees, perennial gardens and open grassy areas to enjoy. This park-like setting provides endless enjoyment for the whole family, who often uses the open spaces for sports games and family reunions.

“Classic Beach House”

waterfront okanagan beachfront quincy vrecko

Beach house inspired design

The two-bedroom guest house is the original structure build on the land while the four-bedroom main home came later. When time the property was purchased by the current owners it needed a major renovation. For a family who enjoys renovation projects it was the chance to create the Okanagan waterfront home of their dreams.

Stripped down to the studs the functional layout of the main home was left untouched. Redesigned using a classic beach house as inspiration, maximizing the view was the topmost priority. The orientation of the home at the deep end of the cove means that it faces south. This allows for a view that extends for miles, much like an ocean view.

“Inspiring Landscape”

Beautiful artwork throughout

Much of the artwork in the home are originals painted by one of the owners. The acrylic pieces are inspired by the natural landscape and the ever-changing view of Okanagan waterfront.  They stand out boldly among the more muted tones of the home’s décor. The owners’ favorite piece is an action scene of five boys in soccer uniforms jumping off the dock along with their dog.

 

 

Are you searching for the perfect home on the Okanagan waterfront? The team of luxury real estate agents at Quincy Vrecko and Associates specialized in Okanagan waterfront properties. Contact the team at 778-760-2860 and take the next step towards owning your own piece of waterfront heaven.

How to Create Privacy for Your Kelowna Downtown Condo

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If you live in a Kelowna downtown condo, you know what we mean when we say that privacy is minimal! If you are living in a Kelowna downtown condo and you are looking to create some privacy, you’ve come to the right place! Check out our three tips on how to create privacy for your Kelowna downtown condo!

Add bookshelves

Kelowna downtown condo with bookshelf in living room

Add a bookshelf

If you are looking to add some privacy to your Kelowna downtown condo, one way to do it is to add bookshelves! Carefully stage the bookshelf so that it doesn’t make your small Kelowna downtown condo look crowded! Adding a bookshelf to your Kelowna downtown condo, will not only add that extra bit of decor but will also separate rooms and add that privacy you are longing for.

Take advantage of privacy screens

Another easy way to add privacy to your Kelowna downtown condo is to add privacy screens. These screens are easy to use and can easily block off a section of your Kelowna downtown condo! Tick off “add privacy” on your to-do list with ease! Voila, a simple task and you’ve got the privacy you have been waiting for! 

large green plant in Kelowna downtown condo

Add greenery to your condo

Tall plants

A modern approach to adding some privacy to your Kelowna condo is by adding tall plants. Adding tall and green plants is a great way to add privacy and every home needs a bit of nature! There are plenty of great large plants to purchase, a few of our favorites are aloe Vera, palm, and rubber trees. These great plants are easy to maintain and great to add to your downtown Kelowna condo.

If you are looking for a Kelowna condo, contact the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates. Our team of dedicated real estate agents can help you find exactly what you are looking for. We have helped many Kelowna home buyers purchase real estate in Kelowna and we can help you too! All you have to do is pick up the phone, and leave the rest to us! Call 1-778-760-2860 today!

Make your Waterfront Kelowna home Stand Out

Recently we wrote a blog on how to make your Kelowna home stand out. Now, as a follow up, we are going to focus on how to make your waterfront Kelowna home stand out. There are different ways you can attract a home buyers to your waterfront Kelowna home. The process of selling your Kelowna home versus a luxury waterfront home is totally different. So check out these three ways on how to make your waterfront Kelowna home stand out!

Staging is key

waterfront kelowna home whiskey cove

Staging is key!

When you are trying to make your waterfront Kelowna home stand out, it’s important to ensure your home is staged properly. These Kelowna home buyers are serious about your Kelowna waterfront property, they want to envision themselves sitting on the deck watching the sunset or enjoying a glass of Okanagan wine. It’s important to stage your Kelowna waterfront home, it truly does make a difference!

Access to the lake

When a Kelowna home buyers comes to check out your waterfront home, they want to check out the view! You are selling your home as a waterfront property. Sell the view! Ensure that the Kelowna home buyers have access to the shore or at least are able to see the shore from your deck. The view is one of the most important features of your Kelowna waterfront property, focus on it the most!

Luxury listing with Quincy Vrecko and Associates

Clean your windows

Clean your windows

As stated in the previous point, the view is one of the most important features for your Kelowna home, sell it! If your windows that feature the Okanagan lake are filthy, how are the Kelowna home buyers going to get the full experience? Hire a team of professional window cleaners in Kelowna and have your windows sparkly clean for your showings!

If you are looking for a luxury Kelowna real estate agent to sell your Kelowna waterfront home, contact Quincy! Quincy is the luxury real estate agent for Quincy Vrecko and Associates, RE/MAX Kelowna. He has over 28 years of experience in luxury sales and will be the perfect fit as your luxury real estate agent. All you have to do is call him directly to get started, he will take care of the rest! Call Quincy today 1-250-863-8810!

Property Transfer Tax – What? How? When?

Purchasing a home is a huge financial decision, be it your first Kelowna home or your fifth. There are many extra costs associated with buying a home that need to be considered, particularly the BC Property Transfer Tax. Many homebuyers ask what is it? How can I plan for it? Are there any exemptions?

What is the Property Transfer Tax?

The BC Property Transfer Tax is a one-time payment based on the fair market value of the home you are buying, ie. the purchase price. This Property Transfer Tax is charged every time you make changes to a property’s title, which is the case when you are buying a home, or even if you are just purchasing an interest in a property. The revenue collected is used by the provincial government to pay for essential services like education and health care.

property transfer tax faq quincy vrecko real estate

Know how to calculate your property transfer tax.

How is it calculated?

The BC Property Transfer Tax is calculated in an increasing scale depending on the value of the Kelowna property you are purchasing:

  • 1% on the first $200,000 of the purchase price
  • 2% on the value of the property above $200,000 up to and including $2,000,000
  • 3% on any value above $2,000,000
  • as of February 21, 2018 a further 2% is charged on the value greater than $3,000,000

Example:  The current median home price in the Central Okanagan is $672,500

1% on the first $200,000 = $2000

2% on the value above $200,000 = $9450 ($472,500 x 0.02)

Total Property Transfer Tax = $11,450

Is there any way I can avoid it?

The Property Transfer Tax can add up quickly on your Kelowna home purchase. The good news is that there are some exceptions and exemptions to this tax.

First time home buyers are exempt from the Property Transfer Tax if the value of the home is less than $500,000, and they are Canadian citizens or permanent residents that plan to use the property as their primary residence. If two individuals are purchasing a property together and only one qualifies as a first time home buyer, you may apply a partial exemption to the percentage of the value of the home that the first time home buyer will own.

Newly build homes may also be exempt from the Property Transfer Tax. If the value of the new home is less than $750,000, and the buyers are Canadian citizens or permanent residents that plan to use the home as their primary residence, they may apply for a Property Transfer Tax exemption.

You can find more information on exemptions on the BC Property Transfer Tax info page.

 

The experienced team of Kelowna real estate agents at Quincy Vrecko & Associates are well versed in the Property Transfer Tax and prepared to guide you through all facets of the Kelowna home buyer process. Contact us today to get started.