Kelowna Events June 10th-11th

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A Weekend of Adventure: Explore Kelowna’s Vibrant Events

Get ready for an action-packed weekend in Kelowna, British Columbia! This picturesque city is bursting with thrilling events on June 10th and 11th that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re a nature lover, an art enthusiast, or simply looking for unique experiences, Kelowna has something special in store for you. Join us as we dive into three extraordinary events that will make your weekend an unforgettable one.

Event 1: Big White Mountain Community Cleanup

Date: June 10th

Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Website: https://www.tourismkelowna.com/event/big-white-community-clean-up/31189/

Kickstart your weekend with the Big White Mountain Community Cleanup, a chance to give back to the local community while preserving the natural beauty of Big White Mountain. Join enthusiastic volunteers in clearing away debris and garbage hidden beneath the winter’s snow. This impactful activity not only helps the environment but also allows you to connect with fellow community members who share your passion for this beautiful mountain.

 

Event 2: Kelowna Bonsai Club’s 40th Anniversary Event

Date: June 11th

Time: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Website: https://www.tourismkelowna.com/event/kelowna-bonsai-clubs-40th-anniversary-event/31201/

Step into a world of delicate artistry at the Kelowna Bonsai Club’s 40th Anniversary Event. Celebrating four decades of dedication to bonsai, this free public gathering invites you to Kasugai Garden Park. Admire the intricate bonsai trees on display and delve into the rich tapestry of Japanese culture through vibrant performances and traditional demonstrations. Prepare to be mesmerized by the beauty and tranquility of these miniature masterpieces.

 

Event 3: Bee Tour & Tastings – Wine, Honey, Gardens, Lunch!

Date: June 10th

Time: Starting at 11:30 AM PDT

Website: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/bee-tour-tastings-wine-honey-gardens-lunch-tickets-634321230877

Embark on a captivating journey through the world of bees at the Bee Tour & Tastings event. Explore a local farm, take a guided interactive tour, and witness the fascinating life of these remarkable pollinators at Meadow Vista Honey Wines. Indulge in wine tastings featuring award-winning Honey Wines and savor the unique flavors of raw, unpasteurized honey and infused honeys. For an extra treat, enjoy a farm-to-table lunch on the idyllic patio Bistro. This immersive experience promises to be a delight for all your senses.

 

Kelowna awaits you with an exhilarating weekend of adventure and discovery. From the Big White Mountain Community Cleanup to the Kelowna Bonsai Club’s anniversary event, and the Bee Tour & Tastings, each offers a unique experience. Connect with the community, appreciate artistry, and explore nature’s wonders. Get ready for an unforgettable weekend in Kelowna, where excitement and endless possibilities abound.

We post weekend events every Thursday on our Instagram! @Vreckorealestate

 

And of course, if you have any questions about the real estate market – Contact us here

Kelowna Events June 3rd-4th

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Experience Kelowna’s Vibrant Weekend Events: Wine, Art, and Community Spirit.

Get ready to embark on an unforgettable weekend, full of amazing events in Kelowna, British Columbia, where the air is filled with excitement and adventure. From raising a toast at the Okanagan Spring Wine Festival to immersing yourself in the vibrant art scene at Grizzli Winery’s Art Launch, and showing your support at the lively Gutsy Walk fundraiser, this weekend promises a blend of fun, excitement, and a touch of elegance. Let’s dive into the details of these extraordinary events happening on June 3rd and 4th.

 

Event 1: Okanagan Spring Wine Festival

Date: June 3rd

Time: 12:00 PM onwards

Website: https://winterwinefest23.ca/

Calling all wine enthusiasts! Prepare to have your taste buds tantalized at the Okanagan Spring Wine Festival, presented by Valley First. This weekend, it’s time to Sip into Summer and embrace the beauty of BC wine country. Kick-start the festivities with the WINE Garden Party, held at the picturesque Cove Lakeside Resort in West Kelowna. Picture yourself sipping exquisite wines from renowned local wineries, all while enjoying the enchanting tunes of live music. Indulge in mouthwatering bites from two food stations that perfectly complement the wines. It’s an event where sophistication meets pure enjoyment—a wine lover’s dream come true!

Event 2: Art Launch at Grizzli Winery

Date: June 3rd

Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Website: https://www.exploretock.com/grizzliwinery/event/414464/summer-art-launch-grizzli-art-gallery

Unleash your inner art connoisseur and step into a world of creativity at the Art Launch held at Grizzli Winery. Experience the grand unveiling of the stunning Summer art installment, ‘EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN,’ in their Art Gallery. As you explore the captivating artworks created by local artists from the Federation of Canadian Artists – Central Okanagan Chapter, let the melodies of the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra Duo transport you into a realm of inspiration. Indulge in exquisite wine and charcuterie pairings as you mingle with the talented artists, discovering the stories behind their masterpieces. Be sure to participate in the lively silent auction, where you can bid on remarkable art pieces, with 100% of the proceeds supporting the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra. It’s an art extravaganza that promises to ignite your senses and leave you in awe.

Event 3: Gutsy Walk Fundraiser

Date: June 4th

Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Website: https://www.tourismkelowna.com/event/kelowna-gutsy-walk-for-crohns-and-colitis-canada/31224/

Gear up for a morning of community spirit and make a difference at the Kelowna Gutsy Walk! Join forces with fellow supporters as you walk to raise funds for Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, the largest single-day fundraiser of its kind. Head to the lively Kelowna City Park and be part of this inspiring event. Feel the sense of togetherness as you walk side by side with individuals impacted by Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. By participating in this uplifting walk, you contribute to vital research and patient support programs, showing the world that nobody faces these conditions alone. Lace up your shoes, unleash your enthusiasm and be a part of this incredible journey towards a future free from Crohn’s and colitis.

 

So, grab your friends, unleash your excitement, and join in the celebration of wine, art, and community spirit. Kelowna is calling, and it’s time to make memories that will linger long after the weekend ends. Cheers to a remarkable weekend ahead!

Preparing Your Home for Sale

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Spring is just around the corner and if you are thinking of selling, this is the time you want to start preparing your home for sale in Kelowna.

This can seem like a daunting task, especially if you lived in your home for quite some time. But it doesn’t need to be! Think of it as pre-packing. So leave yourself enough time so you are not feeling the pressure. Here is a timeline you can follow to pace yourself and ensure it’s all done on time.

2-4 weeks before listing your home

Declutter and Pre-pack

Pick up some boxes from U-haul or Home Depot and get packing. This pre-packing stage will save you time when you are ready to move. This stage of preparing your home for sale will allow you to keep only things you want to bring to your new home.
As you sort through items in your home, sort in piles of what you want to keep, things you would like to sell, and things you want to give to charity.

The items you would like to keep but don’t need for the sale of the home can be boxed up and stored in the garage or storage unit. These items could be:

  • Seasonal clothing
  • Personal items you will not need until you move
  • Small decorative art
  • Memorabilia and personal photos
  • Books
  • Larger equipment you are not using

539 Metcalfe Back Patio EntranceWhile your home might feel a little depersonalized to you, a new buyer needs to see their belongings and their lives in the home.

To lighten up rooms, if there are excess or large furniture pieces, move them into storage if you are keeping them, and if not, sell or pass them on to a local charity. Less is more!

Paint and touch-ups

Touch up all the wear and tear on the home. The easiest way to do this is to paint. Patch up any nicks and dings in the walls and either touch up with the same color or if it hasn’t been painted in quite some time or is a bolder color, take the opportunity to repaint the home in a neutral tone. It’s amazing what a fresh coat of paint will do, so it’s worth the time when preparing your home for sale.

Don’t forget the baseboards! Use a bright white for baseboards and trim. Over the years, the vacuum cleaner does a number on the baseboards and they need to look bright white.

Other things to consider looking at:

Loose door knobs
Burnt-out light bulbs
Weather stripping on doors
Any items that have broken or worn out over the years

1-2 weeks

It’s crunch time! But don’t let that get you nervous, all the really hard work is behind you. Now is the time to focus on being ready for photos. Keep in mind when preparing your home for sale, professional photography will happen about a week to 10 days prior to going live on the MLS.

Get outdoors

It’s time to focus on the outside. Touch up paint, and fix anything that needs tending to. Give some love to the garden beds with a fresh load of mulch or cedar chips. Good curb appeal leaves a good first impression. Do a fresh mow to the lawn just before photos.

Cleanliness is next to Godliness

Back inside, pull out the bucket, gloves, and cleaning materials, and get prepared for a deep clean. For photos, ensure all surfaces are clean and dust-free. If you are running out of time, there are great cleaning companies in town that can take this off your hands.

And don’t forget:

Air intake vents
Bathroom fans
Blinds and ledges
Cleaning carpets

It’s a good idea to call a window cleaning company to clean the windows inside and out. Most will do power washing as well to get rid of dust, debris, and cobwebs that accumulate over the winter.

Days before

Ok, you are almost there. You have worked hard preparing your home for sale and it’s about to pay off. Photos are done, the sign is up and you are ready to get your home on the MLS.
You may not recognize your home, but it is now ready for a new homeowner.

Extra tips:

For photos and showings, get rid of any evidence of pets
Avoid any strong smells when you have a showing
Move cars and toys out of the driveway

A few nice touches:

Get some fresh flowers
Use white bedding and towels for a fresh natural look
Find a playlist with soft music

Download our photoshoot prep guide and showing guide for extra tools when preparing your home for sale.

The Vrecko Real Estate Group offers a variety of services to help in preparing your home for sale. Reach out to one of the professional real estate agents to discuss your needs and they will be happy to help you through the process.

Happy Holidays from the Vrecko team

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We at Vrecko Real Estate Group wish you a happy holiday season!

 

holiday at Big White Snowy View

No matter what you are spending your holiday season doing, we hope it brings you the most joy! There are so many family activities to do during the holiday season in the Okanagan, with many indoor and outdoor options.

Big White Ski Resort

The Nutcracker

SilverStar Mountain Resort

Big White Ski Resort is the perfect getaway during the holiday season. Enjoy a stay in the breathtaking mountain area of Big White while you ski or snowboard down the slopes. Big White is the perfect spot to have a vacation property, Vrecko Real Estate Group loves working with clients to find their dream property at Big White Ski Resort. From your beautiful new property, you can enjoy Big Whites recurring firework show on Saturday nights! Contact our knowledgeable agents to inquire about properties at Big White.

is a holiday classic. Join the Mission Dance Centre & Company at the Rotary Centre for the Arts this season from December 22 – 23 to enjoy a beautiful ballet performance.

304-7700 Porcupine holiday Big White Deck ViewJoin SilverStar Mountain Resort in celebrating the holiday season with many exciting events. Beginning December 21st SilverStar is implementing ‘12 Days of Holidays” where you can win gifts while enjoying the slopes this season. SilverStar also offers many other events this season such as holiday movies, craft nights, and skiing with Santa! 

Whether you prefer to stay home, spend time with loved ones, or have an adventure, from us at Vrecko Real Estate Group we sincerely wish you the happiest of Holidays! We appreciate each and every one of our clients and look forward to the 2023 year with our clients!

Holiday Events in Kelowna

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November brings the preparation of holiday events in Kelowna! Christmas markets start in November, which makes it the perfect time to start holiday shopping. 

Holiday events in Kelowna often begin with the Christmas markets. Showcasing local vendors and makers, there are so many great markets to attend this November to jumpstart your shopping. Along with markets, there are lots of family-friendly activities and time to spend meaningful time with those closest to you. There are many holiday events in Kelowna during the holiday season that are in support of good causes, such as local charities and the BC Children’s Hospital.

  • Craft Culture Holiday Magic Market

With over 60 vendors, the Craft Culture Holiday Magic Market at the Rotary Centre for Arts on November 12 and 13th is a must for holiday events in Kelowna. The market will be full of handmade local items, which make gift-giving or even a gift for yourself so special. The market’s admission is by donation only with partial proceeds going to the local charity, Mamas for Mamas; poverty relief for mothers and caregivers in crisis. 

  • East Kelowna Market Christmas in the Country

The tranquilizing feel of country life meets the South East Kelowna market this November. On November 13th and 27th, you can venture to the South East Kelowna Hall to enjoy a country Christmas market with over 45 local vendors. Ranging from food, music, crafters, and artisans there are attractions for everyone. 

  • Festival of Trees

In support of the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation focusing on funding pediatric diabetes research, the annual Festival of Trees is essential for holiday events in Kelowna. Hosted at the Delta Grand Okanagan and Mission Hill Family Estates, it is an all-day, free event starting on November 18th and going into the new year ending on January 3rd. Take pleasure in the beautifully decorated trees for a good cause and vote on your favorite tree. 

  • Family Winter Fest

On November 26th, another holiday event in Kelowna starts at the Parkinson Recreation Centre. With a variety of indoor and outdoor events, photos with Santa, food trucks, and a holiday craft fair this is a free festive event to enjoy!

These holiday events in Kelowna during November are just the start of the joyful holiday season. Supporting locals is a key value at Vrecko Real Estate Group. Support your local realtors this holiday season when selling or buying a home.

Fall activities in Kelowna

The beautiful brisk fall weather is here which means fall activities in Kelowna! 

From hikes, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and haunted walks, you will want to add these events to your list of fall activities in Kelowna

1. Hiking

Kelowna is home to many fantastic hiking spots for all abilities.  Hiking fulfills the nature lover’s venture of fall activities in Kelowna.  The Myra Canyon Trestles are the perfect hike with a flat elevation and the ability to go the distance you please while soaking up the astounding views of the Okanagan lake, Kelowna and West Kelowna.  “City on the Edge of Forever and Daze of Roses Loop” is a longer, more challenging hike that offers beautiful forestry, mountain, and lake Okanagan views.

2. Pumpkin Patches

Kelowna is full of local farms that sell fresh fruit, vegetables, and of course pumpkins!  A favorite fall activity in Kelowna includes everything pumpkins!  Various farms throughout the Okanagan have pumpkin patches where you can enjoy a walk through the patches and offer pre-picked and u-pick to take home and carve!  Patches that offer u-pick include McMillan Farms Pumpkin Patch and Gambell Farms.

3. Corn Mazes

Corn Mazes are one of the must-do fall activities in Kelowna.  Offering many corn mazes, including spooky haunted-themed mazes.  If you stop by Mcmillian Farms for the Pumpkin Patch they also have a corn maze, hay rides, animals, and more!  Farm Scene Investigation at Kelowna is home to the biggest corn maze in Kelowna which provides you with an interactive mysterious experience.  If you are a fan of spooky activities, the Kelowna Corn Maze offers your regular, enjoyable maze walk then after dusk… the screams begin!  The Kelowna Corn Maze also has an outdoor theatre to enjoy a movie after going through the maze!

Endless options are available to explore for fall activities in Kelowna.  Options such as hiking, local farms and pumpkin patches, and corn mazes are among the vast fall activities in Kelowna. If you’re in the market for a new home come and check out Vrecko Real Estate Group’s beautiful listings at our open houses this fall.

Real Estate Tips From the Pros

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Real Estate Tips from the Pros

The real estate market in Kelowna has seen a shift like never before.  So whether the market is up or down, there are some fundamentals to real estate that never change.  The team at Vrecko Real Estate Group has seen it all and shares with you professional tips to help navigate any market.  

In this series, the professional real estate agents with Vrecko Real Estate Group cover topics related to buying and selling real estate.  They answer questions and give real estate tips on how to make your next real estate transaction a smooth one.  

Part one of the series covers topics related to buying a home.  Whether you are a first-time home buyer or you are a seasoned home buyer and have bought and sold many homes, these tips will help you with your next purchase.  

Part two dives into selling a home.  There are so many important things to consider when selling a home in Kelowna.  The goal when selling a home is to sell for top dollar in a reasonable amount of time and make the process as streamlined as possible.  And these real estate tips for selling will help you meet those goals.  

Part One – Selling a Home

  • Choosing a Realtor 
  • Do you sell before you buy
  • Preparing your home for sale
  • Disclosures, warranties, and representation
  • Showing your home
  • The offer, counteroffer, and acceptance
  • Preparing for the move

Part Two – Buying a Home

  • Choosing the right real estate agent
  • Steps to starting your search
  • Mortgage Broker vs Bank
  • The offer process from beginning to end
  • Preparing for your new home
  • Moving day
  • Building a home

Each series will have real estate tips and advice from members of the Vrecko Real Estate Group.  This team of Kelowna Realtors has an average of 20 years of experience and are experts in sales, communication, and negotiating.  Tracey Real Estate Agent

“We hope you find this information helpful.  Our team is here to help and guide you through every step of the way.  Our phone is always on!”

Tracey Vrecko, Kelowna Luxury Realtor with 17 years in the industry. 

Stay tuned for the first installment- Buying a home: Choosing the right real estate agent.  

Kelowna Offers The Finer Things In Life – Including Luxury Living

Your Luxury Home & Dream Lifestyle Awaits

If you’re looking for a luxury lifestyle encompassing the finest in waterfront living, Kelowna is the place to be. With gorgeous high-rise condos that capture breathtaking lake and valley views, modern high-end townhouses, and luxury lakeshore homes of every style, Kelowna is the ideal destination for those in pursuit of the finer things in life.

Yes, Kelowna real estate is a little pricier than other parts of the country but it’s easy to see why…and fall in love with all the city has to offer.

  • Kelowna has a spectacular lake with easy access to sandy beaches.
  • If you like to be active outdoors, numerous boating, biking, hiking and golfing adventures await you.
  • Want to get creative? Find your perfect beachfront or mountain lot and build your dream house. 

Maybe you love red, white…or bubbles. The valley plays host to more award-winning wineries than you could ever hope to visit while breweries and cideries are soaring in popularity. Downtown luxury townhouses and condos near or on the water are just steps away from a huge variety of fine restaurants serving fresh and local ingredients. Those same steps will take you to a downtown cultural district featuring high-quality theatre shows, museums, and art galleries. For the sports fan in you, Kelowna plays host to a competitive junior hockey and football team. 

Luxury living in Kelowna doesn’t end there. The list of attractions is endless and our expert real estate team is here to help you find your luxury dream Luxury Hone in Kelowna home here. No matter what you seek, we can help you explore the different neighbourhood features … and get a feel for what you fancy! Arriving from somewhere else? Our relocation guide and intuitive real estate agents will walk you through what you need to know. Let us put our Kelowna realty industry knowledge and passion to work for you today in finding your perfect home. 

We can’t wait to meet you! Get ready to settle in and enjoy the finer things in life. 

Become a Vrecko client. Call one of their professional real estate agents for any of your real estate needs.

Things to do in Kelowna

Summer is finally here! From wineries to gorgeous beaches and mountain trails the Okanagan has all the summer activities you’d need! With so many things to do in Kelowna, we handpicked a few activities you can indulge in this season just by yourself or with your friends and family!

  • Taste some local wine and cider

Kelowna is the birthplace of BC wine. Kelowna and surrounding areas feature eight separate wine-making regions. The modern lake city is just minutes from Kelowna’s five wine trails with award-winning wineries. Grapes to Grains is Kelowna Downtown’s self-guided tour of wineries, breweries, distilleries, and a cidery. The BC Tree Fruits Cidery is in the heart of downtown and something you should not miss as one of your summer activities!

  • Prospera Place

The Prospera Place is home to the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League and attracts major entertainers and events to the heart of our Cultural District. Visit their website to check all the upcoming events this season. 

  • Golfing

Kelowna is an incredibly picturesque setting in which to play one of the oldest sports in the world. There are many world-class golf courses here and Kelowna is known to have one of the longest, driest golf seasons you can find. With over 2000 hours of sun annually, you can often play for 7-8 months out of the year. Gallagher’s Canyon and the Harvest Golf Clubs were ranked as two of the top 15 courses in BC by SCOREGolf and the other courses are no slouch either.

  • Hiking 

Kelowna is known for all sorts of outdoor activities with trails galore. Try bicycling, hiking, or walking along the Mission Creek Greenway that runs through town or head up to Myra Canyon along the trestles of the old Kettle Valley railroad.

  • Water Sports

Have a paddle in a kayak, on a SUP, or simply take a swim at one of Kelowna’s many beaches. Launch your boat or sea-doo from one of the public areas, or find a local rental company at the Downtown Marina where you can rent boats & watercraft.

 

Kelowna is the largest city in the Okanagan Valley, boasting all the amenities of a major city – fine dining, unique shops and vibrant cultural life – yet orchards and vineyards thrive within a 10-minute drive of the downtown core. When you are buying property in Kelowna and surrounding areas, you are buying a lifestyle. No matter what your budget is, the Vrecko Real Estate Group can help you find your piece of paradise. Keep up to date on Real Estate market statistics and read about the different areas of Kelowna and its neighborhoods.

Staging A Home In Winter

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Staging A Home In Winter

Although the winter months are a not-so-popular time to sell a home, many benefits will be favorable towards selling one during this season. A huge plus is reduced competition. At a time when demand is high for homes in Kelowna, you are more likely to sell yours within a short period. Here are a few tips for you to stage your home during the winter season and make your property a show-stopping spectacle for potential buyers.

Keep your abode cozy

During a showing, it’s always important to keep the house warm for potential buyers. Raising the temperature to 70 degrees will maintain a comfortable climate inside your home. This can help potential buyers to focus on the property’s features more comfortably. 

The curb appeal still matters

Winter months are hard to rely on flowering plants to have that perfect curb appeal. One option is to have cold-weather plants. You can jazz up your front door by giving it a fresh coat of paint and have some outdoor furniture that looks cozy and inviting on the front porch as the eyes of anyone visiting your home will naturally focus on what’s at your entrance.

Clear walkways and driveways

As a seller, it’s important to keep the walkways and driveways clear especially if it has snowed during the winter. It’s important to put down salt if there is excessive ice on the ground. Ensuring the safety of potential buyers during a viewing is very important when selling your home.

Lots of lighting

The first impression of a home at all times is a home with natural light in abundance. This can be a challenge during a gloomy winter day. It’s essential to have the spaces well-lit where natural light is difficult to reach. 

Get Organised

Winter can be tough on your floors. No one wants to see muddy footprints during a viewing. Have lots of floor mats to wipe the mud off the shoes or choose to provide disposable shoe covers for viewers. It is also essential to store your winter gear in an organized manner. Having your coats hung and shoes laid on racks will go a long way. Through occasional sweeping, vacuuming, and a mop between viewings, you can make your home look the best for every prospective buyer.

 

Winter months are a perfect time to sell your home as real estate agents are less busy and could give you additional attention and help market your property at a time when competition is less. If you are thinking of selling your home Quincy and Vrecko Associates are happy to provide you with an evaluation at no cost! To learn more about the benefits of listing with us, click here.