Hottest Indoor Activities for Winter in Kelowna

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Well, the snow has officially made its appearance. Looking at the weather forecast, it looks like the snow may be here to stay! With the cooler weather, it’s often hard to find things for your little ones to do that’ll keep them out of the cool weather and into warm weather! Yes, we all wish we were going on a hot vacation and sitting on a beach bathing in the warm summer heat. This winter in Kelowna, have a few fun activities up your sleeve for your little ones to do if the weather stops you from going outside!

Create an Indoor movie theatre

three children sitting in indoor movie theatre

Create an indoor movie theatre

Don’t let winter in Kelowna get you down! Create an indoor movie theatre in your Kelowna home. If you are looking for an inexpensive and fun idea for you and the family, this is it! Start by gathering the little ones, this one will for sure help set up! Grab blankets, pillows, and whatever else you may need to assemble this indoor movie theatre. Pick a movie the whole family will love and enjoy this time that you have with your little ones!

Fire and Hot Chocolate

The best part of this weather is cozying up to the fireplace and grabbing a nice hot cup of cocoa! This is probably the hottest indoor activity and we mean it! You can do plenty of things while sitting by the fire with hot chocolate. Play a game with your family, share fun memories of 2017, or just sit and enjoy the beautiful fire and time spent with family in your Kelowna home.

family baking until winter in Kelowna is over

Bake until Winter in Kelowna is over!

Bake until winter in Kelowna is over!

One way to heat your Kelowna home and warm some of your little one’s bellies is by baking! There are so many different things you can bake to keep your home warm and make winter in Kelowna go by quickly! Check out Pinterest for great recipes for holiday baking! This is a fun way to get the family together. Have fun decorating cookies or eating freshly baked brownies… don’t forget to share!

Winter in Kelowna is officially upon us! Don’t let the cool weather get you down. Try one or all of these hottest indoor activities with your family this winter. Enjoy the next few months of cool weather and snow. Spend time with your little ones, enjoy family time, and keep warm in your Kelowna home.

If you are looking to relocate to Kelowna, contact the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates. Tracey Vrecko is an experienced real estate agent. She has years of experience selling Kelowna real estate and is ready to assist you with your next home purchase. Call Tracey today at 1-778-760-2860!

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!

 

Why Should I Get Pre-approved for a Mortgage?

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Congratulations! You are in the process of buying a home. Whether you are looking for your first home, downsizing, or in search of a family home, it is important to get pre-approved for a mortgage before beginning your home search!

The pre-approval process is as simple as follows,

  • Find a mortgage broker who you can trust to get you the best rate, we work with some of the top mortgage brokers in Kelowna who we highly recommend. We believe that working with a mortgage broker is far better than with one bank as the mortgage broker will shop around for the best rate for you rather than being stuck with one rate at a bank.

  • Once you sit down with a mortgage broker, they will go through the different mortgage options with you. (fixed versus variable rates, payment options, etc.)

  • Fill out an application with important personal information which will help the banks determine the amount you are approved for

  • Your mortgage broker will then do a credit check

  • Your mortgage broker will let you know approximately how much you can afford

  • Then they will advise you of any documents that you may need once you have found a home that you love!

With the hot housing market, you do not want to miss out on any opportunities when you find the home you love. That is why getting pre-approved for a mortgage is important as you do not have to go through searching for a home to find out that you are not looking in the correct price range.

Still not convinced why you should get pre-approved for a mortgage? Here are three points to try to convince you…

  • You will save a lot of time house-hunting as you know exactly what you can afford and what you will be approved for at the bank.

  • You know ahead of time what your payments will be for your mortgage as your mortgage broker has already gone over this with you.

  • You save money! Isn’t that what we all want? If you get pre-approved for a home and you know exactly what you can afford you can go about the subject removal process with ease. Schedule your home inspection, sign the documents needed, and find yourself a great Kelowna Lawyer to do your conveyancing. You do not want to find yourself spending money on due diligence to find out that you can not get the proper financing for the home you are interested in.

Now you shouldn’t have to ask yourself, why should I get pre-approved for a mortgage? To begin the process, contact the team at Vrecko Real Estate Group. Aside from giving you expert advice on the Kelowna real estate market, we are here to guide you through the process of buying your home. Call us today – 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.

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?