Pay off your mortgage quicker with these simple tricks

Purchasing a Kelowna home is a great accomplishment but one of the biggest accomplishments after the fact is to pay off your mortgage. If you are looking to pay off your mortgage quicker than you have come to the right place! The team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates have some great tips on how to pay off your mortgage!

Add onto your monthly payment by rounding up

hand stacking coins on a table

Round up your monthly payments

One of the ways you can pay off your mortgage quicker is by rounding up your monthly payments. For example, if you are paying $1270 per month, round up your payments to $1300 a month. That is only an extra $30 a month that you have to put away which is not even a dinner out for two! The more you can put away each month the better, but even the smallest amount of money can make the difference!

Put away extra money to pay off your mortgage quicker

Did you get a raise from work? Just received a generous birthday gift? Did you win the lottery (okay, I know, we all wish). Put any extra money into your mortgage. This money is extra that you were not necessarily expecting and you may have not budgeted for. This adds up, it will help pay your mortgage off quicker!

sitting at computer looking for ways to pay off your mortgage quicker

Look for ways to pay off your mortgage quicker

Switch to Bi-Weekly Payments

One of the easiest ways to pay off your mortgage quicker is by switching to bi-weekly payments rather than sticking to monthly. By switching to bi-weekly payments you will pay more times per year and resulting in a decrease of how long it takes you to pay off your mortgage. You know what that means right? You are paying off your mortgage quicker!

If you are looking for more ways to help pay off your mortgage quicker contact the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates. We work with some of the top mortgage brokers in Kelowna. We recommend before making any changes your mortgage options, consult with a mortgage broker to ensure that it is the right move for you and your mortgage!

Moving to Kelowna with children

Moving is hard.  Not only on you as the designated packer, organizer, cleaner and mover but also on the whole family. Change can be good for everyone especially your little ones! One of the hardest things for moving to Kelowna can be preparing your children for what is to come. The team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates have great tips on how to prepare your children for your next move.

Discuss what is coming up before moving to Kelowna

parents and son unloading moving truck

Discuss what is coming up before moving to Kelowna

One of the best things you can give your children during this move is information. Is this the first time they are moving? They may not know what to expect. Inform your children why this is important for your family at this stage in life. If the move in within the city, take your children to the neighborhood and show them around. Bring them to a nearby park or nearby attraction! If the move is a distant move and you can’t show them the city until the move use the internet! Show photos of the Kelowna neighbourhood, use Google Maps to show the street your new Kelowna home is on and view videos of parks and attractions.

Keep them busy!

Are you planning on redoing the children’s rooms? Something that can keep your children busy during a move is letting them plan what they want their new rooms to look like. Give them some control over what they want it to look like. Narrow down some colour ideas for the walls and let them decide what colour they like best. Even though you narrowed down what you want the room to look like, they feel like they have some say if they can have the final decision.

couple walking in door of home

Narrow down your home choices and then involve your children

Involve your children in the process

If you have older children, it may be a great idea to involve them in the house hunting process. Get them excited for what is to come. If you have narrowed it down to one or two choices, excite them by showing them what could be their new room or playroom. If you are planning on renovating the house, tell them the fun ways you plan on doing it! Do you plan on knocking a wall down or fixing the yard so there is room for a trampoline? These kind of ideas can excite your children and also let them have something to look forward to.

Moving can be stressful especially when you are relocating to a new city. If you are planning on moving to Kelowna, check out our handy relocation guide. There is so much to do in the Okanagan so use our guide to get yourself familiarized with the city! From our team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates, welcome to the city of Kelowna.

Tips on How to Buy a Home in your Twenties

Some may say that one of the biggest accomplishments is to buy a home. They dream of the day the real estate agent hand over keys to their new home. Some may never get to experience that, some may experience that later on in life. The team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates have some great tips on how to buy a home in your twenties.

Start with your Credit 

person sitting in front of desk on calculator looking for ways to improve credit to buy a home

Start improving your credit score

One of the hurdles that people in their twenties reach is having little to no credit. So, begin working towards improving or building up credit. Best way to avoid this is to apply for a credit card with a low balance and just continue to pay it off every month. Start using your credit card rather than your bank account for things and establish a credit score rather quickly! Make sure you pay your balances on time to keep up with the credit score you are working towards!

Get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy a home

There is no sense on beginning to look for homes without knowing exactly what you can afford. Once you are pre-approved, you will know what you can afford. We strongly recommend getting pre-approved for a mortgage for a few reasons, check out why should I get pre-approved for a mortgage for more information.

mason jar with coins inside with sign "down payment"

Start saving now!

Save for the next year, no excuses!

If you are truly serious about buying your first home in your twenties, it will require a lot of savings. Start now, no excuses! Start by figuring out how much you need to save up in order to make your dream to buy a home come true. Once you know approximately what you should save, divide that by how many months you want to and you have what you should be putting away each month. It is all worth it!

If you are ready to take the next step of buying a home, contact the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates. Our team of real estate agents have years of experience assisting people with purchasing a Kelowna home. We are ready to help you with this big step! Call 1-778-760-2860 today! 

Things to do in Downtown Kelowna this September

We’re into the second week of September. Are you struggling to find things to do in Downtown Kelowna this September? We have put together a great list of things such as where to eat or where to take the kids for a hike! No more searching countless websites for ideas, the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates have you covered!

Hike Here → Knox Mountain 

lady sitting on top of a mountain with her hands behind her head taking in the view

Knox Mountain in Downtown Kelowna

If you have lived in Kelowna or currently live in Kelowna, you are most likely aware of Knox Mountain. Knox Mountain has stunning views from their two lookouts. Located in Downtown Kelowna, this hike is moderate depending on where you decide to start from. Regardless of where you begin or end, you are sure to see some amazing views of all of Downtown Kelowna.

Shop Here → Downtown Kelowna on Bernard 

Summer is coming to an end but that doesn’t mean shopping Downtown has to! Take advantage of the nice fall weather about to come and stroll down Bernard this September. Home to lots of family run and small businesses. Support local! 

Eat Here → Krafty Kitchen + Bar

Located on Lawrence Street in Downtown Kelowna is Krafty Kitchen + Bar. More on the high end of restaurant’s in Downtown Kelowna. This farm to table restaurant is home to Kelowna’s only duck fat fryer… yes you read that right. For a full menu check out, https://kraftykitchen.ca

Sip Here → Sandhill Winery

If you are looking for a great winery to sip on local wine, head over to Sandhill Winery. Located in the heart of Downtown Kelowna down on Richter Street is this stunning winery. Act fast, the tasting room is only open until September 30th from 10:30-5:30PM.

http://sandhillwines.ca/Tasting-Room/

boardwalk with view of Okanagan Lake in Downtown Kelowna

Waterfront Boardwalk in Kelowna

Walk Here → Waterfront Boardwalk

This is a given, if you want to take an afternoon or evening stroll after dinner head to Waterfront Boardwalk. The boardwalk downtown is great for everyone in the family. You can walk for quite a while on the boardwalk and to top it all off it is along the Okanagan Lake the whole time!

Summer is coming to an end and the weather is going to start to drop more than it has already. Enjoy all that is left of this warm weather and take advantage of all that Downtown Kelowna has to offer. If you are interested in making a change in your lifestyle to accommodate the Downtown Kelowna living, contact the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates. Our team of real estate agents have years of experience and are ready to help you find your next Downtown Kelowna home. Call 1-778-760-2860 today!

Importance of staging your Kelowna home

Are you looking to put your Kelowna home up for sale? One of the most important things you can do to your Kelowna home is have it professionally staged. Staging a home can take your home up to the next level and attract your potential buyer.

Professional stagers bring out the best in your Kelowna home

magnifying glass being held over a living room

Professional Staging companies bring out the best in your home

Professionals may notice things that you have overlooked. Maybe there is a unique way to decorate your living room to make the space look larger! Regardless of the home, professional staggers are there to bring out the best in your Kelowna home.

They stage your home to attract a wider audience

When you have a professional staging company stage your Kelowna home, they look for ways to attract a wider audience of potential buyers. You style your Kelowna home so it is convenient for you living in it every single day. A potential buyer is looking for their dream home, new family home, vacation home for themselves. Having your home professionally staged can attract your potential buyer who is looking for something different.

grey couch in living room clutter free

Professionally staged home that is clutter free

Professional Stagers take away the clutter

You may think your home is perfectly organized and clutter free but some may say otherwise. You may be blind to the fact that your home needs a facelift and a professional stager can do just that. Back to our first point, they bring out the best in your home. Professional stagers are there to clear clutter and find the best way to show your home. This may mean boxes of stuff will be put in your garage and away until your home sells! Be prepared, your home will look way better.

In most of our transactions, having a Kelowna home staged either sells the home quicker and/or for top dollar! If you are looking for a great staging company, contact the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates. We would love to recommend great companies in Kelowna to stage your Kelowna home. Once your home is ready to be placed on the market, our team of real estate agents are ready to assist you with your real estate transaction! Call one of our knowledge associates today! 1-778-760-2860

Top Golf Courses in Kelowna

Summer is ending and Fall is just around the corner. This also means, that golf courses in Kelowna are getting ready to shut their doors in the next few months and close for off-season. Squeeze in the last bit of golf this Summer by trying out these top golf courses in Kelowna.

Tower Ranch Golf Club

golf club about to hit a golf ball at a top golf course

Play golf in Kelowna at one of these top courses

Award-winning course that is sure to challenge even the best of golfers. This course is an 18-hole championship course and is located within a short drive of the Kelowna airport. This amazing golf course has narrow fairways and is a strategic course. Not only does Tower Ranch have an amazing golf course, they also have a Clubhouse which features over 10,000 square feet of amenities. Play a 18-hole game and finish off your day with dinner at the Carrington Restaurant & Lounge in the Clubhouse!  

http://www.golftowerranch.com

Kelowna Golf and Country Club

Another amazing golf course in Kelowna located in the heart of Kelowna near downtown. This semi-private golf course is surrounded by towering pine trees and colourful flower beds. Similar to Tower Ranch Golf Club, the Kelowna Golf and Country Club also features a spectacular clubhouse to enjoy after your round. Enjoy dining Thursday through Sunday nights at the St. Andrews Dining Room or in the clubhouse 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch or dinner! Finish your round and head on into the clubhouse for a dining experience you won’t forget!

https://www.kelownagolfandcountryclub.com

man putting on the green at one of the top golf courses

Enjoy the last bit of Summer with a round of golf

Gallaghers Golf and Country Club

Lastly, Gallaghers Canyon! Spectacular 18-hole golf course in Kelowna. The holes at this golf course in Kelowna is surrounded by amazing greenery and breathtaking views of the Okanagan. Not only does this course features 18-holes but it also has a driving range, putting green, chipping green and practice sand bunkers!

http://www.golfbc.com/courses/gallaghers_canyon

If you are looking to purchase real estate close to amazing amenities such as these top golf courses in Kelowna, it’s time to tee up a meeting with Quincy Vrecko and Associates. We are a dedicated team of professionals with years of experience ready to assist you in process of purchasing a Kelowna home. Contact one of our knowledgeable associates today, call 1-778-760-2860!

Weekend Getaway Ideas in the Okanagan

The long weekend is slowly approaching and that means time for some good ol’ fashioned relaxing! If you don’t have any big plans for the long weekend, check out these great weekend getaway ideas in the Okanagan. They are sure to not only provide relaxation but also recharge your batteries as we prepare for the Fall season ahead of us.

Sparkling Hill Resort and Spa

spa essentials such as rocks, soaps and essential oils

Relax at the amazing spa located at Sparkling Hill Resort in the Okanagan

If you live in the Okanagan, you’ve probably heard of the amazing luxury Sparkling Hill Resort and Spa. Located in Vernon and built in 2010, this amazing resort is the premier wellness resort spa destination in North America. It is also surrounded by Swarovski crystals. This resort offers breathtaking views of Lake Okanagan. With over 140 rooms and amazing penthouses this was sure to make the list. While you are there, check out the 40,000 square feet KurSpa for total relaxation.

Hotel Eldorado

If you want to just enjoy the weekend but don’t have time to head out of town, then the Hotel Eldorado might just be the perfect fit for your Weekend Getaway! This hotel has been around since 1926 and their bar has won Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. The guest rooms have spectacular views of the lake and range from smaller guest rooms with one king or two queens and Vista Lake View Suites located on the fourth floor of the hotel with sweeping views of the Lake.

view of lake blue waters in Okanagan

Amazing views of Lake located in the Okanagan

Spirit Ridge at Nk’Mip Resort

This spectacular resort is located in the South Okanagan on the slopes of Anarchist Mountain. Enjoy the high end services and amenities while being surrounded by breathtaking vineyards. Spirit Ridge has amazing views of the Okanagan from every room. On top of providing you with guest services, they also are home to conferences, weddings and meetings. Enjoy Osoyoos and all it has to offer at this amazing resort!

The Okanagan is in no shortage of amazing resorts that are sure to provide total relaxation. If you are looking for more ideas for this upcoming long weekend, contact the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates. On top of giving you expert advice on the Kelowna real estate market, we know the ins and outs of the Okanagan and can provide you with great recommendations of places to visit. Let’s face it, we all deserve a relaxing weekend! Call 1-778-760-2860 today!

Smart Saving Tips: Save Your Down Payment

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Are you beginning the process of finding your first home? First things first, the biggest thing you need to worry about right off the bat is… down payment!! Are you looking for different ways on how to save for your down payment? Do you want to begin the process of purchasing your first home? Then, you’ve come to the right place! Our team has come up with these great smart saving tips to get you started in this home-buying process.

Open a bank account

person working at computer opening up a new bank account

Open up a separate bank account to show what you have saved

First things first, open a separate bank account.  Start by separating your bank accounts, you can clearly distinguish what is being put aside for what. If you use one bank account for all of your savings, you could hit the goal amount but empty your savings. This will then in turn leave you nothing for emergencies. Keep things separate!

Prioritize!

Are you a serious buyer? Have you become very motivated to purchase your first home? Then, it is time to prioritize. It is time to put aside money you would be spending eating out, shopping, and going out on a weekend towards your down payment. You would be surprised as to how much money you can accumulate if you put that money towards your down payment rather than spending it elsewhere.

Pay off your Debt

calculating debt that is owed on a calculator

Pay off existing debt before saving for a down payment

You can’t save money in your bank account if you are also stacking up interest on a credit card. When you are trying to put money aside, consider paying off your high-interest credit cards first. This will then in turn pay off your debt and also put you in the positives for savings! You are almost ready to purchase your first Kelowna home! 

If you are ready with your down payment and are eager to begin now the search for your Kelowna home, contact the knowledgeable real estate agents at Quincy Vrecko and Associates. We are a team of highly trained professionals with strong negotiating skills ready to help you find your first Kelowna home. Contact us today at 1-778-760-2860!

The Process of Selling a Kelowna Home

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This past week we wrote a blog on the process of buying a Kelowna home, so to do a follow-up, the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates have outlined the process of selling a Kelowna home. If you are in the market to sell a Kelowna home, we’ve got great tips for you!

Couple standing beside a sold sign of a home with keys in hand

Hire a Kelowna Realtor

When you start to have thoughts of putting your Kelowna home on the market, it’s time to think of what Kelowna realtor you will hire. If you are going back and forth about whether you should hire a Kelowna realtor or do it yourself, check out, why should I hire a Kelowna realtor.

Prepare your Kelowna Home for Sale

One of the most important steps in selling a Kelowna home is preparing it. Preparing your Kelowna home for sale will not only attract buyers but could result in a great sale. Some ways you can prepare your Kelowna home for sale are,

  • Boost your curb appeal

  • Get rid of unnecessary clutter

  • Hire a professional staging company

Sign your Paperwork

Similar to a home-buying process, you are just signing the paperwork to list your Kelowna home. Your Kelowna realtor will go through all the necessary paperwork needed to list your Kelowna home. If you have any questions, ask away. This is your time to familiarize yourself with all of the contracts and paperwork!

Schedule an Open House

The first two weeks your home is on the market tend to be the busiest. That is why it is important to have your Kelowna realtor do an open house within the first few weeks of your Kelowna home hitting the market. You will attract the most potential buyers at once and can in turn drive a sale!

Accept an Offer

Congratulations! You have received an offer on your home. First things first, review the offer with your Kelowna real estate agent. You want to make sure you look over every page to ensure that you know exactly what the offer entails. Once you have accepted the offer, the buyer will go about removing subjects and you can just sit and wait for the good news!

SOLD!

The best thing to hear from your Kelowna real estate agent is, “They have removed subjects, congratulations, your home is now sold!”. We are so happy for you and for the next adventure, you are about to partake in. Now, start packing, cleaning, and decluttering so you are ready to go for your next home!

The process of buying and selling a Kelowna home can be quite different but one thing is common, you’ll need a great Kelowna real estate agent to help with your sale. Tracey Vrecko from Quincy Vrecko and Associates is ready to get your home SOLD! Call Tracey to begin the home selling process today, at 1-778-760-2860!

 

Why Should I Hire a Kelowna Realtor

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You’re getting ready to sell your Kelowna home and the thought hits, Kelowna realtor or private sale? Trust me, we get it! The thought of how much money you can save starts going through your head. The vision of selling your home privately is starting to sound more and more appealing. Well, we’re here to tell you the truth about private sales and why we think you should hire a Kelowna realtor!

Professional Marketing

home with for sale in front of it

Professional marketing for your Kelowna home

You may get some action from posting a sign out front and putting ads in the local newspaper. On the flip side, when you list with a Kelowna realtor, you will obtain way more action from their professional marketing. Each listing at Quincy Vrecko and Associates will have an HD video/photos taken of their home and the newest in technology… a 3D Virtual Reality Tour. We don’t just pop a sign in front of your home, we are here to help market your Kelowna home to potential clients and the public.

It’s More Work

Most of you have a full-time job, raising kids, and trying to still have a social life. Selling a home takes time and that is why realtors have a full-time job doing it! Realtors have so much knowledge of the market as they study it daily and are here to guide you through the process of selling your home. Let’s face it, I can’t come into your position and become an expert, leave it up to us to help you get top dollar for your home!

small home with coins in front of it

You don’t save that much money

You don’t save that much money!

I bet you fell off your seat reading that point, but it is true! You may think, but I am not paying for commission if I am listing with a Kelowna realtor. I must be saving a ton of money by just doing it myself. Well, for one, it takes a lot of time to sell a home. It takes time in your day or organize showings and market your home. In most cases, a realtor can get you enough to cover their commission. Sometimes they also put more money in your pocket.

A Kelowna realtor who is willing to work hard to market your home is Tracey Vrecko from the team at Vrecko Real Estate Group Tracey can provide you with expert advice on the Kelowna market. She is here to make sure the process of selling your Kelowna home is as smooth and successful as possible, give her a call today at 1-778-760-2860!