Sometimes the hardest part of renovating your Kelowna home is figuring out how to budget properly. You have endless ideas of how to update the kitchen, add a bit of color to your family room, or rip out the carpet in the hallway but it all boils down to “how much is this going to cost?” If you are looking to do a Kelowna home renovation and are looking for ways how to budget properly, check out our top three tips and tricks.

Do your Research and Establish a Budget

couple planning their Kelowna home renovations

Do your research

One of the easiest ways to budget for your home renovations is by setting a budget in the first place. Here is the hard part… stick to it!! Every small thing you add can and will slowly add up in the end and you will end up way over what you initially budgeted for. Do your research on items you want to update and find out approximately what the renovations are going to cost. Stick to that plan and don’t go way over your budget because you see a set of handles for your doors that would look way nicer but are an extra $20 a handle.

Get Quotes for your Kelowna Home

Once you have an idea of what kind of things you want to update in your home, contact a company to get you a quote. If you have an idea of what you want, it will be way easier to quote you on the project. Don’t go to just one company, try to find three quotes for each project. For example, find three painters, three tile installers, etc. This will give you variety and will help when you are trying to stick to a budget.

painters in Kelowna home

Account for hidden costs

Account for Hidden Costs

When we budget for home renovations down to the penny, we often forget to add in some extra money just in case. Sometimes what can happen when renovating is you discover a hidden issue that has to be fixed. Most of the reason home renovations end up costing you more is due to those little hidden issues that arise during the middle of a renovation. To help with this, budget 10-20% of your budget towards unforeseen costs.

If you are in the process of beginning your home renovations, contact one of our Kelowna real estate agents first! Renovations can add value to your Kelowna home if done properly. We want to ensure that the money you are investing in your Kelowna home will only help you when it becomes time to sell. Speak to one of our knowledgeable real estate agents at Vrecko Real Estate Group today. Call 1-778-760-2860!

Just like that, we are officially in a new year – 2018! With a new year comes new resolutions. Sometimes our list of New Year’s resolutions can be longer than our weekly grocery list. The trick is knowing how to make these New Year’s resolutions stick. Look back at 2018 and be proud of crossing off your list of resolutions with these tricks.

Set Realistic Goals for New Year’s

set goals for 2018

Set realistic goals for 2018

If you are setting unrealistic goals for yourself, chances are you are not going to successfully reach those goals. Start with small realistic goals first. If you have never worked out before, don’t set your goal to workout 7 days a week. Start by setting your goal at 3-4 days a week. Then gradually get to working out 7 days a week. By setting realistic goals, you are more likely to reach them and in turn the resolution will stick throughout the year.

Break up your goals for the New Year’s

Is one of our New Year’s resolution to purchase a Kelowna home? Are you just $10,000 short of your goal? Instead of saying, I want to save $10,000 this year break it up into weeks or even days. For example… put a small amount per day into a savings account. Breaking up your goals into smaller goals will help when you are trying to save a large sum of money. Rather than saying, I need to put away $835 a month it sounds way easier to say you need to put $28 a day into savings. In the end, you get similar results but it may help by breaking up the goal.

set your New Year's resolution and do it with a friend

Have someone tackle your goal with you

Have someone do it with you

This is a great way to help stick to your New Year’s resolutions. If you are looking to obtain a goal this year, have someone keep you accountable. Try it with your significant other, friend or family member. Hey! Even make it a family challenge. Depending on what the goal is, it may be more fun to include more people and make it a group effort. Are you looking to give back to the community by donating to charity this year? Have a challenge with your family to see who can raise more money for charity. A little friendly competition and it gives back to our community.

2018 is a new year and a new beginning. Set your realistic goals, break them up and have someone do it with you. From the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates, we wish you all the best in 2018.

If one of your New Year’s resolutions for 2018 is to buy a Kelowna home, we can help! Our team of dedicated real estate professionals are here to assist you with your Kelowna home purchase. Whether this be your first, second or even fifth Kelowna home purchase, our knowledgeable team of real estate agents are here to help! Check off a New Year’s resolutions with our team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates today. Call 1-778-760-2860!

We’re only a week away from 2018! 2018 is going to be the best year yet. With a new year comes new adventures, goals and events in Kelowna! If one of your new year’s resolutions is to be attend more events in the community, our monthly agendas are perfect for you. Every month we feature 3 events that are happening in Kelowna. What is on our agenda for the month of January? Check it out!

Indian Cooking Class

indian spices for cooking class

Learn a new cuisine

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to learn to cook or learn to make new dishes, then this is perfect for you. On the 3rd Wednesday of every month, Poppadoms is hosting a Indian Cooking Class at Urban Fare. These classes are kept to 10 people and are approximately 3 hours in length (5:30-8:30PM). Learn how to cook with local Okanagan ingredients and add a few new recipes to your recipe book at the same time.

CRIS Kelowna Polar Bear Dip

What a great way to start 2018! Head over to Tugboat Beach on January 1st from 1:00PM-3:00PM and participate in the Polar Bear Dip. This year it is hosted by UBCO JDC West Team. This popular activity helps raise funds for CRIS Adaptive Adventures. Dip by donation! Come as a spectator or come to do the dip. Regardless, it is a great event. Warm up with some treats from Peter Ze German Street Food, Bare Taco and Canoe Coffee Roasters.

organic labelled green onions at a market

Earth to Table Vegan Market

Earth to Table Vegan Market

Are you looking to change up your diet in 2018? Looking to eat more plant based food? Head over to the Earth to Table Vegan Market at the Laurel Packing House in Downtown Kelowna. This market brings together local vendors making it easily accessible to give vegan products a try. There is everything from food to personal care and cosmetics at this market. From 10:00AM-4:00PM enjoy all this market has to offer. A portion of this market’s proceeds will be donated to Twin Hearts Sanctuary.

Well there you have it, your January 2018 agenda for Kelowna. From the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates of RE/MAX Kelowna, we hope that 2018 is the best year yet. Filled with joy, laughter and new adventures.

If you are looking to relocate to our beautiful city to enjoy all of what our city has to offer, contact the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates. Our dedicated team of real estate agents have years of selling real estate in Kelowna and are ready to assist you with your next home purchase. Call 1-778-760-2860 today! 

 

With a new year approaching comes new home trends for Kelowna real estate. Each year we see new paint colours, accent furniture and the list goes on. So with January right around the corner, what will 2018’s biggest home trends be for Kelowna real estate? Here is what is predicted for 2018…

Bold Kitchens for Kelowna Real Estate

modern kitchen with bold accents

Bold Kitchens for Kelowna Real Estate

One of the trends we are starting to see make a return is colourful and bold kitchens. Now we don’t mean go and paint your kitchen walls a bright green and call it a day. Kitchens are becoming more modern looking featuring white cabinets, light walls, grey accents and then adding a pop of colour. Most popular ways of adding a pop of colour is with colourful bar stools or with decorative objects.

Unique Accents

Forgo the traditional silver brushed faucets and it’s time to bring out the unique brass faucets and handles. Brass was popular in 2016 and it is about to make a return in 2018 again. If you are a bit hesitant to introduce brass accents in your home, try adding it slowly. Think small accents such as vases and decor pieces. You do not need to start with large accent pieces in order to introduce this trend into your Kelowna real estate.

modern bedroom with calm neutral tones

Calm and Modern Bedrooms

Calm and Modern Bedrooms

Contrary to the previous point, 2018 is the time for calm and modern bedrooms. Neutral tones such as grey, whites and greenery are making a statement this upcoming year. Not only are calm and modern bedrooms in this year but also the minimalist lifestyle is as well. Large arm-knit blankets, light grey and white bedding, soft neutral tones for furniture are sure to keep your home on trend for 2018.

Well, there you have it! These are just a few home trends predicted for 2018 Kelowna real estate. If you are looking for a home in Kelowna to add these 2018 home trends to, contact the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates. Our dedicated team of real estate agents have years of experience selling Kelowna real estate. One of our knowledgeable real estate professionals can assist you with your next Kelowna home purchase. Call 1-778-760-2860 today!

The Okanagan is an amazing spot in British Columbia. Surrounded by beautiful parks, sandy beaches, Okanagan Lake and award-winning wineries. Are you thinking of making the move to Kelowna?  What does this beautiful city have to offer you? What are some things we are known for? If you are considering making the move to our beautiful city, here are just a few reasons why you should…

Housing in Kelowna

stunning Kelowna home located in Wilden

183 Lost Creek Court – previously listed with Quincy Vrecko and Associates

Kelowna has a wide range of housing. We feature everything from affordable condominiums, family homes, waterfront homes and luxury real estate. The Kelowna real estate market is continuously growing. New developments are being built to keep up with the strong real estate market. There is something for everyone and in everyone’s price range. 

Lake Okanagan

Lake Okanagan is one of the main features for our beautiful city. If you love any sort of water activity, you will love it out here then. In the summer months, you will find people boating, swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking and much much more! It was also just announced that there is going to be a new park named “Bluebird Beach Park” on Lakeshore Road in the near future. Check out more information about this park here.

lady sitting on top of Knox Mountain

Beautiful summer weather

Beautiful Weather

If you have ever visited Kelowna in the summertime, you are well aware of the beautiful weather we get! In the summer months, it is paradise! Forget going away on a tropical vacation, you’re living in Canada’s California. Long hot summer days and beautiful cool summer nights. You’ll often find a lot of activity in Downtown Kelowna over the summer nights. It is the perfect temperature over the summer time!

If you are considering making the move to Kelowna, check out our handy relocation guide. The team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates want to make sure this move is as smooth as possible. Our team of real estate professionals have years of experience selling real estate in Kelowna. From condominiums all the way to luxury waterfront homes, our knowledgeable team of real estate agents are ready to assist you with your Kelowna home purchase. Contact one of our agents today 1-778-760-2860!

Quincy and I have 2 boys that just turned 8 and 10. As they grow up (boo, hoo) we wanted to transform their bedrooms from little babies rooms to ulitmate boys room.  Looking through hundreds of photos for the best decorating ideas for a boy’s room, we thought we should let our little men decide.

Starting with a clean slate, we re-painted out all the rooms white. Our oldest son Gabriel is really into Pokemon and was convinced this was how he wanted to decorate.  Not my choice for the best decorating idea for a boy’s room, however, we wanted to empower him to make his own choice.  After a few weeks of throwing ideas around, he decided on what I think is THE BEST idea I’ve ever heard of.

The best decorating idea for a boy’s room is…

He decided wanted a collage of all of his favorite things and wanted it done with graffiti.  I was impressed with his creativity!! So we began the search for a graffiti artist that could get the job done.  It’s harder than I thought to find such an artist and while everyone thought is was the best decorating idea for a boy’s room, they had no idea who could paint it.

We tried for 3 months placing ads on Castanet and Kijiji. With no luck, my son and I made up a flyer. We posted them at the skate park at Ben Lee Park in Rutland.  A week later, a graffiti artist contacted me and was excited to do the job.  He came and learned about my son’s interest and put together a preliminary sketch of what it would look like.  

In a day of and half, we had an original art wall shown here in time lapse.  

We were all very happy with end result.  The artist who completed my son’s wall in has incredible talent. Although we do not condone illegal graffiti,(this would be any graffiti done to property without consent), Quincy and I would encourage anyone to employ the services of a graffiti artist.  

Not only is graffiti the best decorating idea for a boy’s room, this art could be used for personal or business. Try personalizing a wall in your home, brand your vehicles or feature an outdoor murals for your local Kelowna business.  

If you are looking for a Kelowna home to add a graffiti wall to, contact Quincy Vrecko and Associates. Tracey Vrecko is a dedicated real estate professional with years of industry experience selling Kelowna homes, condominiums, and townhouse. If you are looking for real estate in Kelowna, call Tracey Vrecko today! 1-778-760-2860!

Well Kelowna, with another month comes another agenda. This is the last agenda for 2017! We are just one short month away from a new year, a new start and a new adventures. This December agenda is going to be the best one yet. How do you want to finish off your 2017? Check out one or all of these local events which are sure to put a great end to your 2017.

Cars and Toys 2017

local event in Kelowna held by August Motor Cars

Cars & Toys at August Motor Cars

Back for another successful year by August Motor Cars. Sunday December 3rd head to August Motor Cars on Harvey Ave and bring a unwrapped toy and give back to those in need this Holiday Season. Get your free photo with Santa, and take a look at their amazing supercars while you’re at it. How is Santa coming to August Motor Cars this December? You’ll have to look high up in the sky to find him… arriving in a helicopter! You do not want to miss out on this event!!

Big White Village Movie Series

New to Big White this year is the Village Movie Series. Head up to Big White on Wednesdays from 5-7:30PM to enjoy a free Christmas movie as they countdown to Christmas Day! Get the family together, dress VERY warm and enjoy a movie with your loved ones. What a great family idea after school on a Wednesday. Movie titles will be released soon by Big White! 

Christmas tree decorated for the Festival of Trees

Head over to the Festival of Trees

Festival of Trees in Kelowna

This amazing event is put on by Mission Hill Estate Winery. Mission Hill has partnered with the BC Children’s Hospital to host Kelowna’s “Festival of Trees”. This holiday event is put on to raise money for the Children’s Hospital. The Festival of Trees started on November 24th and goes until January 5th. Locals are encouraged to head over to Mission Hill and make a donation to vote for your favorite tree! What a great event put on by such a great winery.

Well Kelowna, there you have it, the last and final agenda for 2017. Stay tuned for our first agenda for 2018 in January. What will be the best events to head to in 2018? Keep an eye out on our blogs and you’ll soon find out. From the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates, we hope everyone had a great 2017. We are thankful for each and everyone of our past and present clients who made this year the best of the best.

 

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! 

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! 

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.