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.

Need Some Sun? Direct flights from Kelowna to Warm Destinations

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Are you getting tired of Winter? Does the cold weather have you dreaming of a warm vacation? Well then, it’s time to leave your Kelowna home and jet off on a direct flight from Kelowna to a warm destination such as Mexico, Phoenix or Las Vegas.

sandy beach right on the ocean

Fly Kelowna to Cancun

As the population of the city of Kelowna grows, so does the demand for more non-stop flights to sunny destinations when winter goes on a little too long.  These direct flights from Kelowna to warm destinations will be sure to give you the jolt of heat you need.

Kelowna to Cancun

The direct flight from Kelowna to Cancun Mexico is only 5 hour and 45 minutes to paradise and averages only $600 per person return (plus taxes and fees).  This area is a popular destination for travellers with beautiful sandy beaches and crystal blue waters.  The average high temperature in the Spring is 32.  Cancun offers best of both worlds with local culture and high end shops and restaurants making this warm destination an easy decision.  There are many options for accommodations from rustic, eco chic to luxury resorts to pamper your senses.

Kelowna to Phoenix

Phoenix is a popular destination for Canadians, with a desert like climate and active real estate market.  In the downturn of the US housing market this area was a popular place to buy winter home where snowbirds come 6 months of the year.  This warm destination in the Spring has a high of 29 and this 3 hour flight averages $360 return (plus taxes and fees).  Phoenix has a great lifestyle to offer and sprawls over 8 suburbs,

  • Chandler
  • Gilbert
  • Queen Creek
  • Anthem
  • Avondale
  • Glendale
  • San Tan Valley
  • Goodyear

There are amazing golf courses, shopping, great restaurants and nightlife and not to mention a relaxing laid back environment.  This is the place to go to relax and enjoy the sun where you can still enjoy city life.

view of Las Vegas

Kelowna to Las Vegas

Kelowna to Las Vegas

If it’s a little excitement you’re after, Las Vegas is the place to go.  For just $580 per person return (plus taxes and fees), this direct flight from Kelowna is only 2 hours and 35 minute where you can rest for the exciting vacation ahead.  Temperatures in Las Vegas range in the Spring are around 26 but guaranteed to sizzle.  Choose from the many resort and casinos for your stay all catering to the senses with over the top displays and amazing food choices.  Las Vegas is humming with activity.  You can experience this warm destination by walking the Vegas strip, lounging by the pool, out on an excursion or shopping in the open malls.  If you have been once, you will be planning to come back, as you know the saying “what happens in Vegas, staying in Vegas”.

If you are looking for a quick direct flight out of Kelowna, then Cancun, Phoenix, or Las Vegas may be the trip for you! Get the jolt of heat that you need before the Spring hits. Who can say no to a beautiful vacation, beautiful beaches and over 20-degree weather with no snow?

 

Xeriscape Ideas for Your Kelowna Home Garden

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I know many avid gardeners and homeowners start making plans this time of year to design and budget for projects outside for spring & summer. Ideas for the yard and garden get sketched out and material lists for patios, gazebos, outdoor pizza ovens, flower beds, gardens, pools, water features, tool sheds, and more make it to the list. If water conservation is a priority often Xeriscape options are considered.

In one of our previous articles, we talked about green roof options and the benefits of rooftop gardens. These included selecting plants for living roofs that are hardy and easy to maintain. In the Okanagan, this concept transfers over to Xeriscape as well (Xeri is Greek for dry). Hardy native plants that are drought-resistant are good choices for the Kelowna homeowner when designing a garden that can withstand the lack of rainfall and high temperatures.  Xeriscape gardens like the one in front of the H20 recreation center are good examples of gardens where the water required is 50% to 75% less than of an average garden.

Water conservation in Kelowna is a big concern for the city. We waste more water than almost every other city in Canada. Talking to staff at the Kelowna waterworks department the biggest use of this is underground sprinkler systems that have been installed for lawns and gardens. Our peak consumption rate in Kelowna is between 4 – 6 AM when sprinkler systems are activated for homes.

We all know our drinking water is a precious commodity so reducing its use through good gardening techniques is a wise choice.

Here are a few things to consider if you’re thinking about a Xeriscape project this year  (Visit Okanagan Xeriscape for more details):

  1. Planning & design
  2. Practical turf areas
  3. Soil preparations
  4. Efficient irrigation
  5. Appropriate plant selection
  6. Mulching
  7. Maintenance

Xeriscape plants are also pest-resistant and require low maintenance.

Top picks for draught-resistant plants for your Kelowna home garden or rooftop patio include

  • Moonshine Yarrow
  • Heatwave Mint
  • Purple Coneflower
  • Sea Lavender
  • Golden Sage
  • Giant Lamb’s Ear
  • Golden Sword Yucca
  • Blue Oat Grass
  • Rose Carpet Sedum
  • Lilac Tree
  • Blue fescue
  • Hen & Chicks
  • Alpine Daisy

There are many other beautiful plants available. The concept is to build gardens that replace water-hungry turf and create a more natural and friendly landscape.  If you use natural mulch over stone mulch you will also reduce the heat storage found in rock gardens.

Best of luck with your Gardening plans and look to water conservation as a guiding principle. In the Okanagan, these low-maintenance gardens are smart choices and add value to your Okanagan home.

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 with Quincy Vrecko 250-863-8810 today!

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.

Green Roof Options

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We can look to more energy-efficient Green Roofs for our homes in the Okanagan if we are building or planning on replacing our roofs. There is a strong movement for green roofs in urban areas and a trend toward metal roofs. Other options exist with tile, slate, composite, and other products. For this article, we will focus on the two more popular choices that replace asphalt shingles with living roofs and metal roofs.

Most roofs in the Okanagan are asphalt shingle roofing. These are dependent on our oil industry and are not the most environmentally friendly choice. The good news is asphalt shingles are recyclable as the materials used are petroleum-based with fiberglass or paper reinforcing.

Trends in environmentally friendly building techniques have seen a rise in urban areas for Eco roofing options. These are ideal for flat roofs on commercial buildings, condosGreen Roof, and some custom residential construction. The problem for most green roofs with living plants and biomass is the cost to create them. ( $18 per sqft and higher). The green roof involves a watertight membrane and then a system of trays, growing medium, and plants to create a grass or plant rooftop.

The benefits of these types of Green Roof are significant and include:

  • Reducing wastewater runoff
  • Lowering the cooling needs of a building in the summer by 50 to 90%
  • Lowering the Urban heat island effect of our cities
  • Creating a Carbon sink for our cities
  • improving air quality

Newer systems have wind anchors to help prevent the plants and vegetation from being damaged in high winds.

For many urban homes and higher-density Kelowna condos, the trend is to build flat-roof houses. We have a fairly small snow load in the valley and green roof options are becoming more common as rooftop patios and green spaces are desirable for homeowners. A blend of rooftop patio spaces with planters and green roofing systems is generating a lot of interest.

For those homes with a sloped roof at a 4/12 pitch (18.5 degrees) and up to 12/12 (45 degrees) pitch the option for steel or aluminum roofing is very attractive.  Metal roofing material can be installed in a number of different ways and can feature a hidden strip for fastening the roof. Aluminum comes in a variety of styles and widths and is anodized to provide for safe water runoff.

Green RoofMany people may not consider a metal roof as a more ecologically sound option but it is. The type of material a roof is constructed of plays a role in the environmental footprint of a building. Steel shingle roofs are more durable than Aluminum and can have a life of 100 years. Aluminum usually comes with a 50-year guarantee which is double most asphalt shingle warranties.

Metal roofs have many benefits and include:

  • Recyclable steel and aluminum
  • Highly durable
  • Can be installed over shingles
  • Reflects more energy in summer
  • Ideal for water collection

If you are considering a new roof or looking to build a new home in Kelowna take a close look at green roof options. It is one area where you will see a positive return on your investment in heat and cooling savings over the years. You will also have a smaller carbon footprint by not relying on petroleum-based asphalt shingles for your roofing needs.  You may also contribute to your community by creating a home that generates less heat from the solar energy absorbed into our urban buildings and roads.

Green roof options have lots of resources online. Check out a few favorites at

Greenroof. Org

Houzz.com

Nats Nursery.com

Inhabitat.com

Vicwest Steel Roofing

 

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! 1-250-863-8810! 

 

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.