Feng Shui 101 – Kelowna Realtor Explains the Ancient Philosophy

Designing according to ancient principles may do more than put your Kelowna real estate in balance – it may enhance your life.

 

You’ve heard it before,  “it’s the perfect time for a little feng shui revitalization at home”. But, what does that even mean? Yes, you’re not the only one left scratching your head – so, alas, it’s finally your time to understand the art of feng shui, and how to even incorporate it into your Kelowna real estate.

The History of Feng Shui

Translated from Chinese, Feng Shui (pronounced fung schway) means ‘Wind Water’.  This ancient Chinese philosophy is a unique mixture of art, science, design, metaphysics, intuition, common sense and superstition. Encompassing a wide variety of applications, it was originally thought to be used as a useful tool in choosing beneficial plots of land.

Understanding the Concept of Chi

Integral to the understanding of Feng Shui, is the concept of Chi (pronounced chee).  Chi is energy, and energy can be described as a nonphysical life force. Everything is made up of energy.  Feng Shui focuses upon the flow of Chi providing insight into its movement as well as our connection to and relationship with that movement. While the study and application may vary by tradition, there is a common underlying theme; working with, and aligning to Chi, provides many benefits.  Contemporary Western Feng Shui focuses primarily on creating and enhancing beneficial, supportive and auspicious environments. People are often seeking happy, healthy and prosperous lives.

The Art of Feng Shui in the Home

You home knows and feels like we do. When our energy is drained we feel either uplifted or let down. Do our homes uplift us by reflecting our personal growth and aspirations? Conversely, are they mirroring an image that is keeping us, and the Chi, stagnant?   Whether we are aware of it (or not), we have a rather intimate relationship with this invisible cohabitant.

The ‘Art of Placement’

Feng Shui places particular importance upon the placement of items.  The intention behind this placement is key in aligning with the desired movement of the Chi as well as is its symbolic meaning.  Symbols have the effect of cutting through various thought and belief systems providing a link to a deeper message. For instance, a light in a dark place can represent clarity…while a plant may provide a message of aliveness.  Likewise, fresh artwork inspired with the colors of spring can reflect new beginnings and growth, and the placement, with intention of an intimate sculpture or curios item, can invite the essence of love, intimacy, and romance.  The personal connection with these symbols and messages can have the effect of softening resistance and encouraging receptivity. The intention is for allowing for an improved state of being.

Vibrations

Similar to tuning vibrations in a piano, a Feng Shui practitioner assists in tuning a home and/or an office.  A home shaped to encourage good Chi possess the sense of positive flow to greet and nurture us. We can tap into the beauty and power of this transformative energy through Feng Shui.

So, whether you are hoping to implement a few feng shui techniques to improve the flow of your Kelowna real estate, or thinking about hiring a feng shui consultant to give your home a complete energy makeover, learning more about this ancient art is sure to enhance your life at home. And, if you’re up for some more home improvement projects this summer, you can always read our latest blog, ‘Home Improvement: 4 Projects to Add Value to Kelowna Real Estate‘.

Blog by: Peggy Morrison
Kelowna Realtor® & Feng Shui Enthusiast

 

 

Are you considering selling your home? Discover the difference it makes to have a professional Realtor® with an outstanding track record on your side. Call the Quincy Vrecko Kelowna real estate team. 1-778-760-2860.

The Big Bar Affect: Luxury Real Estate & The Lounge

When you’re in these luxury real estate bars, you might just forget you’re in someone’s home.

 

Your home is your castle, and for many luxury real estate homeowners, it’s also the local sports pub or hotel lounge. With scads of day and weekend guests who’ve discovered your Kelowna address and a trend towards the convenience and privacy of entertaining at home, home bars are going big. Where they were once tucked into a nook of the basement, many luxury homeowners are replicating their favourite bars—in size and style. 

Here are our tips for creating the lounge/man-cave/pub of your dreams right at home: 


Do: Add Multiple Big-Screen TV’s

Family Room, Home Theater and Bar

It’s safe to say that when you or your mister has the guys over, this is where they’ll watch the game. Multiple smaller flat-screens near the liquor shelves are great for guests perched on bar stools (but don’t place them too high or everyone will have sore necks!). One larger flat-screen on an opposing wall are perfect for those playing billiards or seated on sofas during a five-hour NFL marathon.


Do: Make Use of Your View

Pfuner Design, Oceanfront Penthouse

Who says bars should be relegated to the lower level? If you’ve got a stunning view of the lake or city, an opulent bar on the main level is the perfect place to ensure you and your guests get to take in that view, and linger in that holiday-hotel feel.


Do: Go for a Long Bar with Plenty of Seating

Luxury Bar

It’s human nature in the 21st century to congregate at the bar. Something in us just wants to pull up that stool, lean on our shoulders, sip, and gab. Make your bar stand out and ensure home entertaining is easy by creating a plus-size bar with more than enough stools featuring comfortable fabrics. We’ve seen a number of luxury real estate bars featuring granite countertops because they tend to make for easy maintenance as the night goes on!


Do: Add Billiards

Ashburn Contemporary Basement - Pool Area & Bar

Even the most die-hard sports fans sometimes struggle to sit in a chair for three, four or five hours straight. And watching athletes competing often inspires our inner competitor. The solution? Billiards. Custom pool tables and dart boards are a welcome addition in any bar. Don’t forget the poker table! 


Do: Take the Bar Outside

Beach House at The Strand, Dana Point, CA

Here in the Okanagan, the outdoor living season is at least seven months long. Extend the bar in your lower level walk-out to your patio, and give your guests another eye-catching and comfortable place to relax and enjoy each other’s company.

We love how these homeowners, like many Kelowna luxury real estate homeowners, have replicated a Mediterranean-resort feel in the design, and let the neutral materials become secondary to a stunning landscape. And, of course, the two TV’s to keep up with the scores!

Now that you’ve got the bar covered, go all out in the men’s and ladies rooms with inspiration from our post 5 Luxury Real Estate Bathroom Trends We Love.

  

Or would you rather simply find the home of your dreams with a gorgeous bar and bathrooms already there to use? Set yourself up for success with the Quincy Vrecko listings and Kelowna’s luxury Realtor®, Quincy Vrecko. Call 250-863-8810.

Kelowna Real Estate Neighbourhood Spotlight: Glenmore

Almost exactly 130 years ago, a settler by the name of Frederick Brent rode up to the arid hills of the Okanagan Valley and staked his claim near Mill Creek in an area he and the other settlers would call ‘Dry Valley.’  Today, we call it Glenmore, one of the most-loved neighborhoods in Kelowna real estate.

What’s to love? Let’s explore what drew settlers here, and why so many families choose to live in Glenmore now.


Big beginnings

Photo Courtesy of Glenmore Ellison Improvement District

With only about 12 inches of rain, homesteaders discovered the Glenmore valley was best used for cattle ranching and logging. By 1905, powerful development corporations saw another purpose for the Mill Creek area: growing fruit. The Mission and East Kelowna are other areas where this was true. Fortunately, there were also dozens of wealthy eastern Canadians only too happy to buy an orchard-sized parcel with the belief that money grew on trees in the Okanagan.  Advertisements at the time promised “good roads, good people, good schools, telephone, electric light, and daily mail” (Source: Glenmore Ellison Improvement District). All still true today, and then some.

Over the years, as irrigation ventures went forth, fruit blossomed and families grew. Glenmore became the beloved Kelowna real estate district it is today. Find undulating hills, traces of orchards, thickets of trees and beautiful Kelowna properties featuring homes that compliment the valley landscape. 


Where exactly is Glenmore?

The Glenmore Valley Community Association has a great breakdown of the boundaries for this lovely neighborhood.

North: McKinley Road west to Glenmore Road

South: Corner of Gordon Drive & Bernard Avenue; east on Bernard Avenue to Spall Road

East: Corner of Bernard Avenue & Spall Road to Summit Drive, along the base of Dilworth Mountain to Rifle Road/Longhill Road intersection, then to Mail Road/Reynolds Road intersection to the west of University Way and west of Quail Ridge neighborhood.

West: Intersection of Glenmore Road & McKinley Road, south along Glenmore Highlands Ridge (including Wilden Estates) to intersection of Clifton Road & Cara Glen Way, southeast of Magic Estates and Knox Mtn. to the west end of Royal Pine Drive & Royal View Court, along Royal View Court to Mt Royal Drive, down the embankment to Gordon Drive, then south to Bernard Avenue.


What are some of the features and amenities Glenmore residents love most?

1. Great schools: Bankhead Elementary, Dr. Knox Middle School, Glenmore Elementary, North Glenmore Elementary, Watson Road Elementary.

UBC-Okanagan isn’t technically within Glenmore boundaries. Given its incredibly close proximity, it would only take you a few minutes (on foot or by car) to get there. 

2.  Great golf. Two of the valley’s most renowned courses fall within Glenmore district’s boundaries: The Quail Course at Okanagan Golf Club, and the Kelowna Golf and Country Club.

3. Attractions. If you love to hike, bike or walk, you won’t have to go far. The treasured Knox Mountain Park, which rewards you with stunning views from the peak, and Brandt’s Creek Linear Pathway are both found within Glenmore.

If you love to travel, you’ll love being just minutes away from the Kelowna International Airport. Thanks to development in the area around the airport, Glenmore is now also home to some fantastic restaurants, hotels, and stores. 


What kind of properties will you find in Glenmore?

Glenmore

 

Glenmore offers city amenities closeby surrounded by beautiful countryside landscape and a range of properties to choose from. This includes condos coveted by students, family homes, hobby farms, and luxury estates. If you’re looking for a Kelowna home in these categories certainly put Glenmore at the top of your list.  

 

Are you in the market for the perfect home and the perfect neighborhood? Let the Kelowna real estate experts at  Quincy Vrecko & Associates help you discover the area and the home that suits your lifestyle. 1-778-760-2860

Coffee with Quincy Vrecko: Meet our Luxury Real Estate Agent

As the selling and listing agent for the kind of luxury real estate Kelowna’s wealthiest covet, Quincy Vrecko spends a lot of time driving to stunning properties. You might be surprised by his vehicle and neighbourhood of choice.

 

How does a national gymnast become an award-winning Kelowna luxury real estate agent? Where does he live? What does he drive? Find out in this instalment of Coffee with Quincy Vrecko.   


Q: I understand you were quite the athlete growing up. What was your sport and how did the life influence you?

A: I was a national level gymnast. I competed nationally. I think it taught me dedication, drive, not taking no for an answer. It’s really influenced who I am today. My father was my coach. He was a national level gymnast too and that was my life growing up because he ran gymnastics clubs.


Q: How did retiring from gymnastics lead you into selling luxury real estate, focusing on that market segment in particular?

A: I’ve always sold high-end things. I understand the buyer and the cycle. While working at the BMW dealership here in Kelowna and I thought there was a need for it. I saw how luxury real estate was being sold and I thought there was an opportunity to provide an elevated experience specifically for that segment. 


Q: What is that buyer really like? What stereotypes could we dispel?

A: A lot of times they are Type A and they like to win, and a lot of the time they’ve been working really hard all their lives and this is the big payoff—getting into a luxury home in the Okanagan.  


Q: Given your background in luxury auto sales, and that you spend a lot of time driving around to viewings and to meet clients, what do you drive?

A: I drive a Fisker Karma EcoChic (a rare luxury electric vehicle). I wanted something different, but from an environmental aspect, being a realtor, I really enjoy the fact that we are leaving a very small footprint on the environment. This car will travel about 80 kilometres a day on pure electricity. So, it’s a nice thing to have because we do spend a lot of time in our cars. (Other eco-friendly features include reclaimed wood dashboard, man-made suede seats and a solar panel roof).

I’ve driven everything—Porsches, Lamborghinis and Ferraris—and I wouldn’t choose anything else. It’s got great torque

(For all the gearheads out there, the Karma does 60 miles per hour in 7.9 seconds and features a fairly impressive 960 pounds per square foot of torque. The Fisker Karma was designed by Henrik Fisker, the legendary designer of the BMW Z8, and two Aston Martins.) 


Q: You and your car pull up regularly to the most beautiful homes in the valley. How did you find your home, and how do you stay there?

A: To me, it’s all about the community and the neighbourhood. And the yard, because we spend a lot of time outside with our kids. We really wanted a pool but the view wasn’t as important. For us, it was really about the neighbourhood. Tracey and I used to move every two years before we had kids. We’ve stayed in the same home in the Lower Mission for eight years now because we think it’s important for the kids to grow up in a family home.


Q: What kinds of things do you and your family do when you’re not at home? 

A: We’re pretty outdoorsy people. We like to go camping, snowboarding, wakeboarding. Spending time with our boys. They’re six and eight-year-old so it’s really important to make time for them. 


Q: Where do you like to go out for meals in Kelowna? 

A: One of my favourite’s is Krafty’s (KRAFTY kitchen + bar). I like the atmosphere and the food.  I like BNA (Brewing Co. and Eatery). The El Dorado is nice too. Sometimes I just like going to Creekside for wings with my friends. I’m a big proponent of supporting local businesses.


Q: You’re also a big proponent of giving back to the community. Can you talk a little about that?

A: I help with coaching gymnastics every once in a while when something big is coming up. Last December Tracey and I sponsored Sensitive Santa, which gave kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) a chance to sit on Santa’s knee and have their picture taken when the mall was closed, in a calm environment. We have a six-year-old who is non-verbal autistic so that was really meaningful for us.

 

Are you in the market for an honest and reliable professional Realtor® who specializes in the Kelowna luxury real estate market? There’s one name, and one number: Quincy Vrecko. 250-863-8810.

How the Toronto, Vancouver and Kelowna Real Estate Markets Compare

Following the steep curve of its cousins in Vancouver and Toronto, in April the Kelowna real estate market smashed its all-time residential sales record.

 

While Calgary, and Alberta in general, is seeing home prices and demand fall, and fall hard, three Canadian cities are on an upswing with seemingly no end in sight. Here is a closer look at what’s happing in the Toronto, Vancouver and Kelowna Real Estate markets.


The market:Kelowna Real Estate (Moving like it’s 2007)

What’s happening: At the beginning of 2016, industry experts predicted BC would see a flood in home sales. They were wrong. The increase in home sales in Kelowna has been a landslide with no end in sight.

In fact, according to a recent Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board (OMREB) report, April saw an all-time record of residential sales with 1,069 sales posted to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS®). The previous record took place in May 2007, when 1,015 unit sales were recorded. 

Sales are up, and so are prices: The average MLS® residential price was up 13.4 per cent to $459,595 compared to April 2015.

What’s driving the storm of activity in the Kelowna real estate market? Part of it can be attributed to the fallout of Alberta’s oil slump, low interest rates and locals, and out-priced buyers. Buyers are coming from the Lower Mainland and beyond to make the dive for more affordable housing.

What the market means for sellers: Without question, any Kelowna realtor will tell you this is a good time to be a seller. 

“Record consumer demand combined with the fewest active residential listings since 2007 has created sellers’ market conditions in many neighbourhoods and across most home types,” says Anthony Bastiaanssen, OMREB president and active Realtor®. “This imbalance is leading to upward pressure on home prices in the region.”

What the market means for buyers: Fewer options for higher priced homes means buyers set on making a purchase this summer could pay a little more to get into the right home, and they may have to act a little more quickly. As the potential for bidding wars rises, it’ll be all the more important to have a professional Realtor® who understands Kelowna real estate guiding the process to help ensure sound decisions.


The market: Vancouver Real Estate (Still Riding an Enormous Wave)

What’s happening: Reports from the real estate board in Vancouver also shows gains rarely seen before. In March, Vancouver’s benchmark price spiked 23.2 per cent compared to the same month last year. Many industry experts suggest there’s a bit of a panic-buying bubble happening here. This phase, as a Maclean’s article suggests, often sees people “throwing caution to the wind” so they don’t miss out on investment opportunities. Hence the cycle of more demand and higher prices.

What that means for sellers: Yeah, this is a seller’s market. So far, rising prices and increased demand (with sales growth outpacing new listings) hasn’t cooled things down. Instead, prices simply continue to go up.

What that means for buyers: Higher prices than you might have hoped for and considering other neighbourhoods. Having a real estate agent who knows what’s for sale before it’s listed is key.


The market: Toronto (Welcome to the Jungle)

What’s happening: It takes homebuyers months, or seconds, to land their home. They have to consider other neighbourhoods, or stay where they are and renovate. Especially if they’d been hoping of upsizing into a detached home. Finding and finalizing the paperwork on ‘the right home’ requires the luck of lotteries, alignments of stars, first and second-born sons…

Needless to say, home prices are still soaring (benchmark prices here recently spiked 11.6 per cent compared last March). While more condos are being added to the market, detached homes in desirable neighbourhoods are still diamonds in the rough.

What that means for sellers: Toronto sellers, many of whom are skipping out of Ontario to buy Kelowna real estate (exchanging their townhomes for luxury homes), also have the upper hand, often with a stack of offers to choose from within hours of going on the market. 

What that means for buyers: Good luck! And with your professional real estate agent, bring a very, very big down payment.

 

Are you looking to take advantage of the times and sell or invest in Kelowna real estate? Make sure you’re getting sound advice backed by results and testimonials of buyers and sellers like you. Find a Kelowna realtor you can trust at Quincy Vrecko & Associates. Call 1-250-863-8810.

Home Improvement: 4 Projects to Add Value to Kelowna Real Estate

When you’re getting rid to list your home among the Kelowna houses for sale, consider a reno project that will not only add value, but make your home stand out.

 

If you’re thinking of adding your address to the mix of Kelowna houses for sale, there couldn’t be a better time to take on home improvement projects that will help your listing garner top dollar. 

It’s spring, and that almost always means the Kelowna real estate market is buzzing, but this year is already seeing near-record activity. It’s also the time of year when taking on some of the most impactful improvements is much easier. 

So, how can you really add value and make your property stand out on the block? 

1. Kitchen

The Great Spaces! Kitchen Add Value


Let’s face it, this is the room where families spend the most time. Particularly the member of the family who tends to wear the oven mitts…and the pants, so to speak.

By renovating your kitchen to appeal to the cook, he or she will fall in love with the house if for no other reason. And he or she will barely open the double oven before they’ll be saying, “Phil, I want this house.”

If you’ve got a good bit of capital to invest in this pre-sale reno, consider new:

  • Stainless steel appliances, including a gas range, double oven and silent dishwasher
  • Cupboards in a colour that keeps the kitchen feeling warm and bright
  • Countertops. Have you ever heard anyone say, “Shoot, the countertops are granite”? If marble’s not quite in the budget, an update of any kind will definitely be noticed during viewings. 

If you’ve really got some money to spend, consider having a contractor knock down a wall to open up the kitchen and create the highly coveted ‘open concept’ so many buyers are looking for in Kelowna houses for sale.

Repainting or refacing existing cupboards, and the walls, as well as updating the lighting will go a long way if you don’t have the budget for a total overhaul!


2. Extra bathroom

Shuswap Add Value


Does your house have five bedrooms, but only one-and-a-half baths? What if we told you increasing the number of bathrooms, or even remodelling the basement bathroom that’s more like a closet could garner huge returns? The fact is, discerning homebuyers appreciate the convenience of multiple bathrooms close by. Try to get the number of bathrooms close to the number of bedrooms.

Simply being able to increase the number of bathrooms in the features section of your listing will draw more eyes, and you’re apt to see a return of between 80 and 100 per cent on your investment!


3. Beautiful deck

Add Value


Where Alberta homeowners have to have garages, Okanagan residents have to have great backyards. Specifically, a great deck.

A new decking surface—whether you choose wood, composite, or concrete—will instantly revitalize your outdoor area. Considered a third room here because people spend several months of the year outdoors. For the most part, though, homeowners really want something that’s maintenance free, so keep that in mind when you’re looking into decking options. 

Other additions, from gazebos and greenery to glass railings and lighting will only heighten the appeal.

If the buyer isn’t already picturing themselves unpacking in your house, they’ll definitely be seeing themselves lounging right there in that last stream of afternoon sun. 


4. An extra…attic/loft/office/

Add Value


Do you have a dead zone in your home that could be converted into a usable and appealing place? This would also help your home stand out and increase the square footage of your home. Consider overlooked nooks in the basement or attic that—with a little flooring, some walls and staged furniture—could pose as an extra study, studio or guest suite. 

Unique and unexpected little rooms such as this give your home a differentiating factor among ‘comps’ in your neighbourhood! “You know, honey, the one with the A-frame attic that could be your office.”

Whatever types of remodels you choose to invest in for your Kelowna real estate, whatever the neighbourhood, be sure to keep the style consistent throughout your home. A magazine-worthy ultra modern kitchen with imported Italian tile backsplash won’t do you near as many favours if the adjoining living room is still in the nineties with dusty rose wallpaper.

 

Are you ready to add your home to the mix of Kelowna houses for sale? Expert advice from professional Realtors® at the outset helps ensure you receive the best price for your home. Call the Quincy Vrekco & Associates team. Call 250-863-8810.