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!

 

Must Haves for Luxury Home Gyms

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Luxury home gyms are growing in popularity.  Along with the latest and greatest in workout equipment, there are some luxury items to add to the list. After a hard workout, you need to spoil yourself.

sauna in luxury home gym

Add a sauna to your luxury home gym

Top Kelowna personal trainer, Leigh Carter, has recommended these top 3 must-haves for the ultimate Luxury home gyms:

1. Infrared Saunas

Infrared saunas use infrared heaters to create even heat that is absorbed by the skin.  The heat penetrates deep into the tissue dissolving toxins and activating sweat glands to increase metabolism.  There are a wide range of health benefits including detoxification, relaxation, weight loss, anti-aging, improved circulation, and pain relief.  These units range in size and start at $2500 for the smaller models.  The warmth of the sauna is the best way to end a workout and soothe tired muscles.

2. Massage Chairs

The day after a workout can be grueling with sore and tired muscles, so the addition of a massage chair is a must in your luxury home gym.  Chairs can range in price starting at $2500 for a basic model to $8000 for a higher-end model offering more options and settings.  The most effective chairs are models that offer a Shiatsu or Swedish massage. The higher-end models have heat settings, vibration, and sound making your massage enjoyable and relaxing.  Add in a flat-screen TV to create your own luxury home gym lounge.

3. Beverage centre:

assortment of glasses filled with smoothies and juices

Rehydrate after your workout at your beverage station

Forget the old-fashioned water cooler, every Luxury home gym needs a proper beverage center.  Stocked with fresh produce you can create protein smoothies and fresh pressed juice to give you the vitamins and energy you need to enhance your workout.  To complete your beverage center, you need an ice box, a small refrigerator, have filtered water on hand as rehydration is key for your muscles to recover after a hard workout.

These luxury additions to your luxury home gym will complete your workout and help you look forward to your next one. Choose the ones that are right for you and take the time to use them.  Reward yourself for the time you set aside for your workout and enjoy the relaxation it brings.

Before making any modifications to your luxury home, call Quincy Vrecko with Quincy Vrecko and Associates. Quincy can give you advice on the impact on resale value for your Kelowna home. Quincy is a luxury real estate agent with RE/MAX Kelowna with over 28 years of experience in luxury sales. His knowledge and expertise in the Kelowna real estate market can guide you in the right direction for luxury gym must-haves to increase the value of your Kelowna home. Call 1-250-863-8810 today!

 

Home Automation & Smart Homes

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When buying or building luxury Kelowna real estate, a home automation and smart home system is a must. Technology has come a long way over the years. Quincy Vrecko and Associates is here to guide you through the best of what the market has to offer.

Crestron

Creston has been in the home automation business since 1974 and is geared toward the luxury Kelowna real estate market.  With an amazing reputation in home automation and smart home systems, there is a price tag that comes with that.  Crestron is known for its high quality, and like all smart home systems, it can be controlled from both mobile devices and built-in panels.  The capabilities are endless controlling virtually every component of your home.

Their equipment is elegant, high quality, and reliable with touch screen and voice recognition software.  Their customer service is impeccable which is why this brand is one of the market leaders in home automation and smart home systems.

Control 4

This highly complex home automation system is one of the best in the luxury Kelowna real estate market for smart home technology features.  Control 4 stays ahead of the trends with cutting-edge technology with voice recognition and a fully customizable interface.  This complicated system takes weeks to set up which is expensive for the homeowner, but once working, is an easy system to control.  Like other systems, you can control the smart home system from your smartphone, remote, or keypad.  Once programmed this will allow you to perform most tasks just with the touch of a button.

Savant

This smart home system is user-friendly and works like an Apple product.  This system is not only found in luxury Kelowna real estate but many family homes in Kelowna.  Although still requires professional installation, this system enhances energy efficiency and suggests ways to help cut back on home costs.  A unique feature it offers is voice communication directly from your phone to your home’s intercom.

Selecting a home automation and smart home system when buying luxury Kelowna real estate can be an important decision considering resale value.  The team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates can help you choose a system that meets your needs. All while maintaining the value of the luxury home. Call Quincy Vrecko, an experienced luxury real estate agent. Quincy has over 28 years of experience in luxury sales. For expert luxury real estate advice, call Quincy at 1-250-863-8810! 

Top 4 Hiking Trails in Kelowna

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It’s that time of year, the snow has melted, the grass is starting to look a little bit greener and it is supposed to be 14 degrees tomorrow! Take advantage of the Spring weather by exploring some of the amazing hiking trails in Kelowna. Whether you are looking for an evening stroll with the family or a moderate hike to replace going to the gym, we’ve got the top 4 hiking trails in Kelowna for you to explore this Spring.

Paul’s Tomb

lady sitting on a hiking trail located in Kelowna

Knox Mountain – Kelowna, BC

An easy to moderate hike, only a 3 km round trip, and in Downtown Kelowna, this hike has very little incline. Walk your dog (on a leash) while taking in the breathtaking views of Lake Okanagan. This is a great place for an evening stroll or an afternoon picnic with the family. Paul was a Kelowna Pioneer and in the early 1990’s he decided to build a large tomb for his family. This tomb can be viewed near the end of your hike. Not interested in the history behind the tomb Paul built? Enjoy the beach at the bottom of the hike, let your dog grab a quick drink of water, and begin your travel back to the start.

Knox Mountain

Similar to Paul’s tomb, this trail is in Downtown Kelowna with access from Ellis Street. This moderate to difficult hike is only a 1-5km round trip depending on when you decide to turn around! Dogs are allowed but only on leash. If you reach the very top of the hike, take in the spectacular views of Lake Okanagan and the City of Kelowna. If you decide to just go halfway, enjoy the views and finish your hike with a stroll down Paul’s Tomb!

Waterfront Boardwalk

Are you looking for an easy stroll through the City of Kelowna? Then head downtown, park anywhere in City Park, and take your dog (on leash) to Waterfront Boardwalk. This trail can connect you to the Rotary Marshes Wildlife Park. An amazing area where it is common to see eagles, herons, or beavers hanging around! Not only does Waterfront Boardwalk have a ton of things to see but you can also stop by Bernard Street and enjoy all of the local shops and restaurants Kelowna has to offer. If that is not enough reason why this is in our list of top 4 hiking trails in Kelowna list, I don’t know what is!

Kettle Valley Railway

couple biking Myra Canyon Trestles in Kelowna

Myra Canyon Trestles

An easy hike with the opportunity to bike the trails, you do not want to miss out on the Kettle Valley Railway. Over 20km round trip, 18 trestles, and 2 tunnels, this is a hike you do not want to cut short. Take your time and enjoy the views of Myra Canyon. Great family outing on a weekend, as this is something the kids will enjoy as well. Check out the Myra Canyon website for information on the trail and downloadable maps/brochures!

Still looking for a unique adventure? Check out Tourism Kelowna’s website for a full list of hiking trails in not only Kelowna but also West Kelowna, Peachland, and Lake Country. These top 4 Hiking Trails in Kelowna are sure to fill your desire for an evening stroll or to replace your gym workout.

Are you in search of your forever home? Are you looking for a home with access to hiking and biking trails? Contact the team at Vrecko Real Estate Group at 778-760-2860 today!

Okanagan Winery List You Need to Visit!

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The beautiful weather is officially here and for some of us, that means time to start exploring the great outdoors. Whether that be walking along our beautiful Okanagan Lake, enjoying the downtown nightlife, or visiting our spectacular wineries. Did I just say wineries? Sure did! We didn’t get the name “Wine Country” for nothing! If you need something to do this weekend,  here are 5 wineries you need to visit in the Okanagan.

Mission Hill Winery

winery located in the Okanagan

Mission Hill Winery

Family-owned and located in the community near Lakeview Heights, is the spectacular Mission Hill Family Estate. Take in the beautiful breathtaking Okanagan views from the Terrace Restaurant where they source local, sustainable, and seasonal food, or sample some of the award-winning wines with their knowledgeable associates. In 1984 this winery won the coveted Avery Trophy for “Best Chardonnay in the World” at the International Wine and Spirit Competition.

Quail’s Gate Winery

Just a short drive from Mission Hill Winery, you will find the amazing Quail’s Gate Winery. Enjoy the expansive views from the outdoor patio and sip on some sublime wines. The family-owned estate is known for its national wine brand and its exceptional wines that are fresh and rich in color and flavor.

Tantalus Winery

Located in the community of South East Kelowna is this spectacular 75-acre single vineyard site. Known for their 1978 Riesling and 1985 Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this winery was established in 2004 by Eric Savics. This winery hosts amazing events, such as a dinner cooked by the Top Chef Canada Alumni.

Summerhill Pyramid Winery

Purchased by the Cipes Family in 1986, this winery has been practicing organic winemaking. Summerhill Winery has been committed to producing 100% organic wine and in 2012 received Demeter Biodynamic certification. In 2007 the cellar achieved the Certified Organic Status allowing this amazing winery to display the organic logo on their bottles. If you are wondering why this winery chose to go organic check out their website for a short video.

view of Lake Okanagan from winery

Breathtaking views

Sandhill Winery

Located in the community of Downtown Kelowna is this amazing winery that dedicates its techniques to not interfere with the natural flavors of the wine but enhance them. The grapes used for the wine come from six different BC Vineyards which makes this winery very unique. They source out the best and unique combination of soil composition, slope, and sun exposure to ensure they create a wine that is unlike the others.

Needless to say, we are in no shortage of amazing wineries in the Okanagan. These are just 5 wineries you need to visit in the Okanagan this Summer. Aside from having spectacular varieties, awards, and breathtaking views of the Okanagan, these wineries are sure to excite your taste buds.