Minimalist Lifestyle

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For Homeowners, the time to be a Minimalist is often associated with downsizing.

Having lived several years in Japan I was introduced to the simple beauty of minimalism in art and in the ceremony. If you allow yourself to slow down and experience the moment there is a definite beauty in the simplest act. The tea ceremony is a perfect example, calligraphy is another favorite of mine.

CONSUMERISM

Back in the Western world much of the bliss you can find in the small things has been lost to our overindulgence and consumerism. Our disposable economy and lifestyle have discounted the true value of many items. And with the constant barrage of ads promoting the best new gadget, we tend to become dissatisfied with last year’s models.  Everyone wants the latest and greatest even when the recently acquired ones are still working perfectly well. I suppose it fits into our hunter psychology to always be on the lookout for something good. It also does not help that things have become cheaper.

With this greed mentality driving our economy it’s not surprising that there is a genuine backlash on consumerism and our “wants over needs” culture. Trends in housing have seen a large following for smaller homes and an alternative to the huge houses with the huge mortgages we see in many neighborhoods.

PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS

There is also a real groundswell in the “pursuit of happiness”. With so much going on in our lives there seems to be little time to focus on the things that make us happy. This almost always involves experience or connection with those we love and the community that provides us with a sense of worth and value. These relationships and connections are what truly make us happy. Not the new boots I just bought myself.

To make room for this new pursuit it is recommended by the Minimalist to de-clutter, throw out, and recycle all the stuff you don’t use or need in your homes. For many, the project begins in the closet with the purging of clothes. For others, it starts in the kid’s room with old toys. This can be a real challenge for some as they value memories attached to possessions. This rear-view tendency has to be coaxed aside to create new space for adventures that will be equally as memorable.

Minimalist in the Home

For Homeowners, the time to be a Minimalist is often associated with downsizing. Getting rid of all of the stuff that has accumulated over the years can be very cathartic. For designers, it is the paring down of design elements to create an environment that has a terrific style with the bare minimum of fixtures. It is a common thread to have one great thing versus a trunk full. For a living space, this might be one great chair, or for the fashion lover only having two excellent sweaters rather than 50 on shelves in the closet.

The key point to all of this is in keeping things very simple and doing more with less. The sense of freedom when you manage to pull it off is well-documented. You free yourself of psychological burdens you did not know you even had simply by removing things from your life that you no longer use. There is a beneficial drop in your anxiety from having to deal with less.

100 POSSESSIONS

The new Minimalist tries to have only 100 items in their possession. For a family like ours, this would result in 400 things. Given our active lifestyle, this would be extremely difficult to accomplish, but I think we can all agree it would be easy to get rid of hundreds of things we no longer use.

To free up our homes from clutter is to free our minds from worry. This allows for more room emotionally to indulge ourselves with friends and family. It also creates more time as we have less to clean.

So for all of us who would like a little more time to pursue happiness and connect with those important to us in our communities try freeing up your “space” to allow for new experiences. Go through your house and toss all the stuff you no longer use and all the things you no longer need.  You might find that a simpler life is more fulfilling and you become happier. A Minimalist lifestyle might be the right choice.

Declutter your Home with These 7 Steps

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How to Get Started on Decluttering Your Kelowna Home

The idea of living in a clutter-free home is so intriguing but many start with the question “Where in the world do I start”. You think of the countless things you have gathered over the years, and the thought of less clutter, less to clean, less to maintain is starting to sound better and better! While we were showing homes over the weekend in the Lower Mission, we were so impressed by some of the home’s organization and cleanliness we just had to share some tips on how to declutter your home.

1.    Set your timer

This one seems so obvious but some will find that the easiest way to declutter your home is to set the timer for an hour or two and clean until the timer goes off. Devoting a full day to decluttering will set you up for failure. You know you will not completely declutter your home in a full day, set a realistic goal, go in increments that you are comfortable with, and make it fun!

2.    Divide and Conquer

Pick a room and declutter until you have finished that one room. If you start in the kitchen make your way into your bedroom and then into the dining room your house will get overwhelming and you’ll end up with a bigger mess than when you started!!

3.    12x12x12 Challenge!

This challenge is a great way to get your kids involved in decluttering their bedrooms or toy rooms. You assign each of them a room and give them the 12x12x12 challenge. They must throw 12 items away, donate 12 items, and put 12 items back to their proper homes! You’ll find that if you get your kids involved in a fun and entertaining way such as introducing challenges and games into the process, they will be more inclined to help!

4.    Try the Oprah Winfrey Closet Hanger Experiment

Great way to get rid of clothes that you may be holding onto. Put your clothes on the hanger so the hanger faces back to front. For the next 6 months, every time you use a piece of clothing return it to your closet with the hanger facing the correct direction. After the six months is up, you will see which items you no longer wear and can donate them to a local charity.

5.    Have a Game Plan

If you have an A-type personality and you know you would be lost without your to-do list then this step is perfect for you! Distinguish ahead of time which rooms you would like to conquer today and make a list of them. Once you are done with a room, cross it off the list and then head to the next one. Not only are you decluttering your home but you have a great sense of accomplishment by looking at that to-do list at the end of the day as well.

6.    DONATE!

This is the best time of year to start donating to your local charities. A great way to declutter your home is to give one item away each day. This is also a great way to involve your children, have each person take one thing they do not need anymore and put it in a bag. At the end of the week, go as a family to your local charity to donate it! Not only are you giving back to the community but you are spending your weekend as a family which is a plus!

7.    Organize Now, Buy Later

The biggest mistake people will make when trying to declutter their home is they buy things before donating/throwing out the stuff they no longer need. Declutter your room/home first and then go out and buy things to organize the rest. You will not know how many containers, baskets, or new shelving you may need until you find out how much you have left after you have gotten rid of the unnecessary items.

You will find the process of decluttering your home to be an uplifting experience. It is a proven fact that having less stuff around you to worry about gives you a sense of freedom. It also feels good to donate things and pass them forward for someone else to enjoy. If you like this article you might also like our piece on the Minimalist movement in the US. This takes decluttering your home to a whole new level.

Are you getting your home ready to sell? Take advantage of the time and advice given by our expert Kelowna real estate team, which ensures your home is in its best shape to set your sale up for success. Get in touch! 1-778-760-2860.

Is it a Good Time to Sell?

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As we approach the winter months, some sellers elect to hold onto their properties for the perceived advantages of showing in the spring and summer months.  However, with a realty team as knowledgeable and practiced as Vrecko Real Estate Group, you can be confident selling your home even in the winter months.

There are a few key advantages of selling your home in the slower seasons:

The Benefits of Slow-Season Selling

Good Time

Across Canada, it’s conventional to see lulls in inventory during the late fall and winter months. Most homeowners choose to wait till spring to list their properties. Those who strategically take advantage of the resulting reduction in inventory can access incredible benefits.

When inventory is low, buyers have a smaller selection of choices and a greater sense of urgency to choose. With fewer properties available, prospective buyers have a reduced ability to ‘shop around’ for alternatives.  Buyers know that if they take too long to decide on a property, another buyer will snatch the property.

For this reason, we consistently see houses sell closer to their list price, with significantly fewer showings, during the slow season. It’s a simple reality that with reduced supply comes an increase in demand from buyers.  This is most prominent with listings that include pools, which are difficult properties for buyers to find in the winter.

Good Time1502 Pinot Noir Drive

Don’t believe us?  Take a look at this recent listing for all the evidence you might need.

1502 Pinot Noir is a perfect example of a property that sellers may be discouraged from listing during the slow season. It is a 5300 sqft 5 bed/6 bath home with rich wood accents, a media room, and a heated in-ground pool.

Successfully selling in winter requires a special touch; a unique understanding of market conditions and knowledge of how to take advantage of them. It is precisely this touch that distinguishes Quincy Vrecko as the leader in Kelowna luxury real estate.

Vrecko & Associates were able to sell this listing nearly at the list price, in a very short period using their Kelowna real estate expertise.

If you’d like to hear more about the opportunities available for selling luxury Kelowna properties during the slower season, get in touch with Quincy, or give the team a call at 250-863-8810.

Luxury Real Estate: 4 Hottest Waterfront Areas in Kelowna

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When it comes to waterfront property, there are many luxury real estate opportunities in the Kelowna area.

Kelowna is ripe with luxury real estate investment opportunities. Of all the high-end properties available on the local market, waterfront continues to be one of the most desirable options.

However, there are several distinct neighborhoods with waterfront on Okanagan Lake, each with its unique characteristics and amenities. Our Kelowna realtors are here to break down the most popular areas to help you choose which one suits your lifestyle.

1. Lower Mission

The Lower Mission offers the type of luxury real estate Kelowna residents and summer homeowners have enjoyed for decades. Located just six kilometers south of Highway 97 (along Pandosy Street or Gordon Drive), the area offers tremendous upscale living opportunities.

The area is ideal for families as there are many schools in the neighborhood, plus there are many sports fields, arenas, and recreation complexes such as:

There are many public beaches in the Lower Mission, as well as a full-scale marina. People investing in Kelowna high-end real estate also love the Lower Mission area because it’s flat. This makes it easy to get around on a bike, or foot. 

There is also an increasing number of beachfront restaurants that make the Lower Mission a fun place to be, day or night.

2. Downtown Kelowna

For those who want to be in the middle of everything, it doesn’t get much better than Downtown Kelowna. While it has everything an active city has to offer year-round, Kelowna truly comes to life when the sun is shining and the temperature rises.

Luxury real estate in Downtown Kelowna has everything you could want in an active urban lifestyle as you are within walking distance of:

  • Restaurants
  • Shopping
  • Pubs
  • Cultural events
  • Nightlife

Plus, you’ll have City Park and its beautiful beaches, boardwalk, and wildlife sanctuary right on your doorstep.

3. Westside Road

If privacy is your thing, then the waterfront properties along Westside Road are sure to please. Located on the west side of Okanagan Lake, across the William R. Bennett Bridge, this region features several Kelowna luxury houses built in natural settings that offer stunning views of the lake. 

Several private gated communities along Westside Road offer exclusive living at its finest. 

4. Lakeview Heights

Stretching from Casa Loma Resort all the way south to Peachland, Lakeview Heights features properties with some of the most spectacular views in the entire Okanagan. The area also boasts many custom-built, award-winning homes that exemplify luxury living.

There are many well-established wineries in the area, including:

Before you hunt for Kelowna luxury homes, read our post: 6 Tips for Buying Kelowna Luxury Real Estate on the Water.

Are you searching for luxury real estate on the waterfront in Kelowna? Call the Kelowna realtors at Vrecko & Associates. We’ll show you the top properties in the most desirable areas to suit your lifestyle.

5 Advantages of Listing Kelowna Houses for Sale in Winter

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There are several surprising benefits to listing Kelowna houses for Sale in the Winter months.

Are you waiting until the weather improves to place your home on the Kelowna real estate market? You’re not alone in this way of thinking. However, when it comes to Kelowna houses for sale, there are several distinct advantages to listing in winter.

No matter what time of year it is, people are constantly looking for homes to buy. You might just be pleasantly surprised with the results if you list now instead of waiting until spring. Our Kelowna realtors are here to help explain why:

1. Winter Buyers Are Motivated Buyers

People generally don’t drive around in winter unless they have to. So if they’re out in the cold looking at Kelowna houses for sale, there’s a high probability that they’re serious about buying.

To avoid driving around unnecessarily, house shoppers around this time of year typically take more time to prepare. That means:

  • Researching the types of homes they’re looking for
  • Only viewing homes they’re serious about
  • Putting in solid offers when they find the right place

So, while you can expect fewer showings in winter, the ones you do get will be by more qualified buyers.

2. Lower Inventory

As mentioned, many homeowners who are looking to place a Kelowna real estate listing prefer to wait until spring. If you’re listing in winter, that automatically works in your favor. And the more people who wait, the lower the inventory remains.

As a result, you’ll be competing with fewer listings in your:

  • Neighborhood
  • Price range
  • Housing type

This gives your property more of an opportunity to stand out among a smaller pool of Kelowna houses for sale.

3. Holiday Wish List

Some families want more than a present under the tree for Christmas. Sometimes they want (or need) a new home and the holidays are an ideal time to do some reconnaissance. The kids are already out of school and work-life tends to slow down in many industries, making it an opportune time to see what’s available.

4. New Year’s Resolution

The New Year causes people to make big changes in their lives, and moving into a new home would certainly qualify as a fresh start. 

5. Get a Head Start on Spring

If you plan on buying a new home after you sell your old one, this is an ideal time to do it. By closing a Kelowna real estate deal in winter, you’ll be ready for action when the market picks up again in spring. This benefits you in several ways:

  • You’ll have a clear understanding of your financial situation
  • You can make offers without restrictions (i.e. pending the sale of your house)
  • There will be more Kelowna houses for sale to choose from

For home staging tips around this time of year, read our post: How to Stage Kelowna Real Estate During Winter Months. 

Listing Kelowna houses for sale in winter can help you take advantage of a smaller real estate inventory. To discuss your options, come and talk to the experts at Vrecko Real Estate Group.

How to Stage Kelowna Real Estate During Winter Months

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When staging Kelowna real estate in winter, a good strategy is to make your home feel warm and cozy.

When the subject of staging Kelowna real estate comes up, most people agree that the less-is-more approach works best. By keeping rooms clean and free of clutter, it helps buyers see homes for their true potential. However, when it comes to winter, there a number of other ways homeowners can create a warm, cozy feeling to add sales appeal.

Many home sellers assume winter is a slow time for real estate. Compared to spring and fall, it isn’t as busy, but there are always people searching for Kelowna houses for sale. Here are a few tips from our Okanagan realtors that might just convince someone to buy your home.

Regular Staging Rules Still Apply

Before you do anything, your home should still be staged like it would any other time of year. That includes: 

  • Decluttering rooms of unnecessary knickknacks
  • Cleaning floors and dusting furniture
  • Storing personal effects (dishes, laundry, etc.)
  • Repairing any issues (replacing light bulbs etc.) 

For more detailed information on staging, read our post: How to Do Home Staging Well: Tips from our Kelowna Realtors.

Maintain a Festive Atmosphere

Even though the holidays have come and gone, you can still present your Kelowna real estate with a little seasonal cheer. Keeping your Christmas lights up a little longer than normal, or leaving a bowl of pinecones as your kitchen table centerpiece, are just two examples of how you can charm potential buyers.

Don’t Go Overboard

An important distinction to make here is that while a few tasteful decorations can entice the senses, too many can quickly overwhelm them. So, before you consider leaving your laser light display (complete with synchronized Christmas carols), think of how distracting that might be to buyers.

Get Cozy by the Fireplace

If homebuyers are out viewing Kelowna real estate on a cold winter night, they’ll appreciate the warm glow of your fireplace the moment they set foot inside the door. This creates an inviting feeling, which encourages them to stay longer, giving them more time to discover what your home has to offer.

To make your home as welcoming as possible, you can also:

  • Set your thermostat slightly higher than normal
  • Turn on the interior lights
  • Place area rugs on hard surfaces

Take Advantage of Natural Light

Daylight is limited in the winter months, but when possible, it’s a good strategy to schedule visits while the sun is up. By opening your curtains and blinds, you’ll allow natural daylight to infiltrate your home to show it in its best possible condition. 

Summer Potential

Visitors won’t be able to see your prized rose garden when it’s covered in a foot of snow. A great way to highlight it and other outdoor selling features is to leave a photo album showing things like: 

  • Gardens
  • Ponds
  • Landscaping
  • Curb appeal

Are you considering listing your property on the Kelowna real estate market? Come and talk to the local experts at Quincy Vrecko & Associates. With our experience and strong marketing skills, we will promote your home effectively.

6 Tips for Buying Kelowna Luxury Real Estate on the Water

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When searching the Kelowna luxury real estate market for waterfront properties, it’s important to choose one that reflects your lifestyle preferences.

Photo credit: TourismKelowna.com

You can already imagine laying on your private beach, sipping an ice-cold beverage while enjoying a great book, the waves lazily lapping at the Okanagan Lake shoreline. Kelowna luxury real estate can have that effect on people who are searching the market for the perfect slice of waterfront heaven.

But before you dive in headfirst, several considerations play a part in selecting the lakefront property that’s right for you. Some might be obvious, but others could easily be overlooked during your property search. Keeping these pointers in mind will simplify the process and help you find an Okanagan waterfront property you’ll enjoy for years.

1. Beach Access

Just because you’re buying waterfront property doesn’t mean you can expect to find a nice sandy beach. The shoreline along Okanagan Lake can vary greatly, and sometimes there’s no accessible shoreline at all (for example, cliffs).

2. Lake Access

Similar to your beach, you should also investigate the access to the water in front of your property. Questions you should ask yourself include:

  • Does the water depth gradually increase, or is there a quick dropoff?
  • Is it rocky or silty underfoot?
  • Deep enough to park a boat?
  • Is there room for a dock?

3. Views and Exposure for Luxury Real Estate

The vast majority of waterfront properties on the Kelowna luxury real estate market have stunning vistas. Okanagan Lake is huge, so chances are you’re not going to notice what’s on the opposite shore.

A more important consideration is the exposure of your property. Are you going to be in full sun for the entire day? If so, are there trees or pergolas to provide shade?

4. Lifestyle

It’s important to ask yourself how you intend to spend your time on the property. The type of property you choose should reflect the types of activities you enjoy:

  • Swimming
  • Boating
  • Fishing
  • Towed water sports
  • Beach parties and entertaining
  • Relaxing

5. Lot Access

Waterfront terrain typically slopes down towards the shoreline, with the level of steepness varying from property to property. Finding one on a level lot with reasonable access—one that doesn’t require elaborate maneuvering while driving—will save you a lot of hassle every time you come down the driveway.

6. Privacy

If you’re buying Kelowna luxury real estate, solitude is probably on your list of priorities. You certainly don’t want to be surrounded by noise, either from a constant stream of traffic along the roadway or by your boisterous neighbors.

If you’re buying a summer home in the Okanagan, you want to be able to detach from the hustle and bustle of your everyday life. The last thing you want is to buy property next to the local marina or a campsite.

Once you’ve chosen your waterfront property, be sure to read our post Ask a Kelowna Realtor: Tips for a Hassle-free Move into Your New Luxury Home.

There are plenty of waterfront properties available on the Kelowna luxury real estate market. To find the one that’s right for you, come and talk to the experts, we can help you refine your search to find a home that suits your lifestyle and budget.

How to Do Home Staging Well

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When you’re selling in the Kelowna real estate market, consider some of the evolved home staging tips to help your home sell faster.

In just a minute and a half, statistics say, a potential homebuyer decides whether they feel like could drop their bags and move in, or if they want to move on to the next listing. Over the years, our Kelowna realtors have found while online tools can bring buyers to your listing, what you need for great photos and the kind of successful viewings that seal deals, is some home staging.

But not the original variety of staging that left spaces feeling like sterile store aisles. We’re talking about new-school staging in 2015, for real people who want a home and a lifestyle.

If you’re thinking about putting your home up for sale, today’s staging techniques will help you compete in the ever-active Kelowna real estate market, and that often translates to fewer days on the market and sometimes higher prices.

Whether you’re outsourcing home staging to a professional, or you’re keen to do it yourself, here are some tips that will help your home become someone else’s.

 

Home Staging1. Staging is a state of mind

The first rule of home staging, particularly for the sellers, is to remember that you need to let go of the space as “my home” and think of it as a property you want to sell. Detach and begin to pack. Only when you let go of it and show off your home’s best features will strangers begin to imagine themselves in the space, and that’s when the offers come in.

Homeowners often turn to professional Home Staging companies or even just advice from Kelowna realtors for this very reason—the objectivity needed to get rid of nick-nacks and well-loved throws to build a neutral nest that will appeal to your buyer.

 

Home Staging2. Stage with your buyer in mind

Let’s say you have a beautiful condo in downtown Kelowna. Take a look at your neighbors in the elevator. Your buyer is apt to be people starting in their twenties and thirties, or people downgrading later in life. What does that group like and look for in a property? Stainless steel appliances? Contemporary furniture and art? Then infuse your Home Staging with that.

If you’re among the homeowners selling Kelowna real estate that boasts stunning lakefront views, your luxury property is more likely to attract people in mid-life looking for a second home or a pre-retirement home. You’re selling a lifestyle, and your space needs to reflect that with high-end everything and little touches  (from original artwork to statement plants) designed for entertaining and enjoying the good life (and those views!).

 

Home Staging3. Don’t forget your yard

Imagine you’re in the backseat of your realtor’s car, making your way along Lakeshore Road into the thick of Upper Mission. The car stops. The home on the left has two cherry trees on either side of the front door, flanked by streams of begonias, hydrangeas, and decorative grasses. The house on the right has a lovely blue stone path and a green lawn. Which home are you drawn to?

First impressions count for everything. Remember when you’re considering Home Staging you need to include the impression your landscaping will make. To create a home that evokes warmth and permanency, add an array of trees of flowers that complement the style of your home.

 

When you’re ready to sell, what you need most are professionals committed to selling your property with all the tools available. Contact the experienced and award-winning Kelowna realtors at Quincy Vrecko & Associates.

What is a Free Market Evaluation?

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FREE MARKET EVALUATION

free market evaluationA free market evaluation is a great way to learn more about the value of your property in the real estate marketplace. If you are considering selling your home, a market evaluation can help you set a realistic list price for your property. We offer a free online market evaluation tool that can help us assess your home and determine what your home may sell for in the current real estate climate.

VALUATION POINTS

free market evaluation

Multiple factors are analyzed when assessing the market value of your property, including location, age, size, amenities, and comparable homes that are currently on the market or that have recently been sold. Price is arguably the most important aspect of selling a property and a well-priced home can attract a buyer quickly, without undercutting the value of the property. Having a free market evaluation can help you make a more informed decision when it comes to listing a property, giving you an idea of what your property may sell for in the current real estate market and financial climate.

ONLINE FORM

free market evaluation

You can start your free market evaluation with our convenient online form. It will help us make an initial assessment of your property’s value, and we can then work with you to get a more accurate market evaluation. To determine the most accurate price range for your property, we can also arrange to view it in person, at no cost and no obligation to you.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email the VREG team at [email protected]. We look forward to working with you!