Add Colour to your Kelowna Outdoor Space

Do you find your outdoor space is lacking a pop of colour? Are you struggling to incorporate a fun way to add colour before Summer hits? Fear not, the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates have you covered with these 5 easy ways on how to add colour to your outdoor space.

1. Add Colourful Pillows

pop of colour by adding colourful pillows

Add some colourful pillows

We find that patio furniture comes in neutral colors. Grey, brown and white seem to be the most common colours of furniture for outdoors. So to lighten up the mood and add colour to your outdoor space with some fun patterned pillows.

2. Plant your Flowers in Painted Pots

Stay away from typical plant pots and spend the weekend with your girlfriends painting pots for your plants. Not only does this step get you outdoors but it gives you an excuse to open a bottle of Okanagan wine!

3. Plant your Kelowna Outdoor Space!

This step seems to be overlooked but is easily the quickest way to add colour to your outdoor space. Head to your local nursery and pick up different coloured plants. Simple and easy way to quickly add a pop of colour without spending a lot of time.

4. DIY Patio Table

2 pallets and a can of paint and you’ve got an easy way to incorporate color to your backyard. Even though your patio furniture may be nuetral, adding two pallets on top of each other and painting them a vibrant colour, not only adds a pop of colour to your backyard but also gives you that DIY table you’ve always wanted!

colourful table cloth with bright table settings in this Kelowna outdoor space

Cover up the table!

5. Cover Your Table

Don’t have time to make a DIY patio table? Do you have a current table you use but you just want to find a way to spice things up? Add a bright and fun table cloth! Great way to add that pop of colour and not break the bank!

Here are just 5 easy ways on how to add colour to your Kelowna outdoor space this Summer. If you are getting your Kelowna home ready to sell, the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates want to ensure your Kelowna home is in the best shape to set your sale up for success. Call one of our knowledgable real estate agents today to get started on selling your Kelowna home. Call 1-778-760-2860!

Finding a Kelowna Real Estate Agent

couple meeting with Kelowna real estate agent

Let’s find you the right Kelowna real estate agent!

This is an exciting time for you as a first time home buyer. You are taking a huge step and purchasing your first home! We are so excited for you, and want to ensure this process is as smooth as possible. From finding a Kelowna Real estate agent to help with the purchase to closing your first deal and everything in between, the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates are here to help you as a first time home buyer!

To find the perfect Kelowna real estate agent for you as a first time home buyer, check out these 5 tips!

As a first time home buyer, shop around!

There are hundreds and hundreds of Kelowna real estate agents out there that would love to help you in your first home purchase. Talk to a few agents that you feel could make the perfect fit and ask questions.

Look online at reviews/testimonials of each Kelowna real estate agent

Technology is huge now-a-days and it is very important to find someone who is established in your community and has great connections. Find someone who is well known and can ensure you are taken care of!

Attend a few Kelowna open houses

This is the best way to really see your potential agent in action. Don’t worry if the home is completely out of your budget. It is nice to take a look at different homes! It is also great to see what the agent business approach is when you view the home.

Drive around the neighbourhoods

Drive around the area you are looking to purchase. Who is on all of the signs? Who is making a statement in that area? This can help with making your decision as you know that the real estate agent is knowledgeable in that area.

first time home buyer standing outside their first Kelowna home

Move into your next Kelowna home!

There are plenty of different things that you can do to ensure you find the right real estate agent for you these are just a few that we find are the most important. If you are in the market to purchase your first home, the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates want to help! We want to ensure that this process is as smooth as possible. Don’t get stressed trying to find someone to help you find your first home. This process should be fun and exciting and we are devoted to finding you a home you will love. Contact the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates today 1-778-760-2860!

Kelowna Real Estate: Boost Your Curb Appeal

It’s that time of year, the grass is green the flowers are starting to bloom and the weather is warming up! Time to work on the front yard and boost your curb appeal for your Kelowna real estate.

In this hot Kelowna market, you would be surprised as to how many buyers will do a drive-by of your home before contacting a Kelowna realtor to view the inside. If you lack curb appeal for your Kelowna real estate, you could be missing out on potential buyers. So, here are ways to boost your curb appeal this Spring!

Paint your Front Door

modern home with bright red front door

Paint your front door

The exterior of your Kelowna home should have three basic colours – one as the main colour, one accent colour for the shutters/trim and then one for the front door. Find a colour that will suit the exterior of your Kelowna home and not become an eyesore. Few of our favorite examples of colour schemes are,

  • White, Grey and Blue

  • Grey, Red and White

  • White, Black and Grey

Add a Home Number that will Stand Out

Ever get an invite to a friends house and you can’t seem to find their Kelowna home because you can’t see their house number? Been there and let me tell you it isn’t fun going up and down the street trying to figure out which house they live at. Eliminate that issue by installing your home number on the front of your home that will stand out! Try large dark numbers against a white home or white numbers against a dark home.

beautifully landscaped home

Add that pop of colour

Add a POP of Colour

Are you struggling to add colour to the front of your home? You want to add that extra pop of colour in some way? Highly recommend planting some flowers. It’s that time of year, flowers are in and blooming. Pick up some flowers from your local nursery and plant them out front. Not only will they add colour to the front of your home but will also smell delicious!


These are just a few ideas on how to boost your curb appeal for your Kelowna real estate. There are tons and tons of ways you can add to your Kelowna home. If you are looking for expert advice on how to set your home up for success during your sale, contact the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates today 1-778-780-2860!  

Kelowna Real Estate Market Statistics for April 2017

graph showing Kelowna real estate statistics for April 2017

Kelowna real estate market statistics

The Kelowna real estate market continues to remain strong going into the second quarter of the year.  As weather is heating up, it is anticipated that real estate sales will continue to follow suit.

Interesting statistics for the month of April, sales of single family residential has decreased 23% from this time last year.  This is directly related to the shortage of new listings hitting the market keeping our inventory of homes for sale in Kelowna much lower than average.  New listings to hit the Kelowna real estate market for the month of April is down 5% over this time last year, this means we are continuing to see a sellers market.

While sales have decreased, the average price has increased due to the high demand for property in Kelowna.  The average sale price of homes for sale in Kelowna is now $667 105 which is a 18% increase over this time last year.  Sellers are seeing their home sell in days and in some cases, only hours.  The average days on market is down to only 47 days making Kelowna one of the fastest growing real estate markets in BC.

Tracey Vrecko with Quincy Vrecko and Associates has been selling real estate for 15 years and has seen aggressive markets like this one before and urges buyers and sellers to ensure they are properly represented when both buying and selling real estate.

“Listings are at an all time low. This makes for a very competitive market so it’s important to have a real estate agent experienced with a seller’s market”.  Tracey Vrecko

Kelowna real estate sales numbers for the month of April :

Residental:

  • Units Sold – 255
  • New Listings – 420
  • Current Inventory – 719
  • Average Price is $677,105

Condos:

  • Units Sold – 162
  • New Listings – 199
  • Current Inventory – 347
  • Average Price – $336,139

Townhouse:

  • Units Sold – 82
  • New Listings – 127
  • Current Inventory – 223
  • Average Price – $453,658

Lots:

  • Units Sold – 44
  • New Listings – 83
  • Current Inventory – 380
  • Average Price – $345,177

Single family detached homes remain to be the most sought after properties in the Kelowna, follow by condominium and townhouses.  Lot sales are brisk as new home construction continues to rise, however, land is becoming more difficult to find.

With the strong start to the second quarter of the year, there is no sign of the Kelowna real estate market slowing down.  The team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates have a diverse team of real estate agents with experience in working in a sellers market.  Our team of real estate professionals can guide you through this complicated market. Call one of our knowledgeable real estate agents today 1-778-760-2860!

How to Eliminate Stress while selling your Kelowna Home

There’s no doubt that it can be stressful selling your Kelowna home. Whether it be because you have a special emotional attachment, you live out of the town your Kelowna home is listed in or you work out of your home. There are plenty of reasons why people get stressed! So we’re here to give you tips on how to eliminate stress during the selling process.

We believe the five easiest ways on how to eliminate stress during the selling process are,

Hire an Interior Designer to Stage your Kelowna Home

couple meeting with interior designer for Kelowna home

Hire an interior designer

It has been proven in our real estate transactions that a home will sell faster if it is staged properly by an interior designer. If you have a visual buyer coming through your home and they see a properly staged home, they can imagine how they can fit their furniture in a home.

Establish ahead of a time who is responsible for the animals

You get a call from your Kelowna realtor and congratulations! You have a showing at 2PM today! Rather than scrambling to find someone to pet-sit at last minute, have a schedule ahead of time. Each member of the family knows they are on duty that day. You get a last-minute call now, you are prepared and the person on duty can come grab your animal.

Move out before you list

Now this may not be an option for everyone, but if it is an option for you then highly consider it. No more worrying about getting countless phone calls about showing requests, your Kelowna realtor now knows the home is vacant and can be shown anytime. This can in turn drive more potential buyers as they can go in anytime to view your home rather than being rejected a showing due to circumstances.

lady vacuuming Kelowna home

Keep your home clean

Keep your home clean

You are expecting me to keep my house clean constantly? I have children, pets and a husband! We get it, and that is why we strongly believe in having your home somewhat clean constantly. General rule, keep it around 15-30 minutes away from being spotless. You are at the grocery store and you get a call from your Kelowna realtor… You can run home, clean for 30 minutes and have it ready to go for your showing!

Plan to be gone on the first two weekends

The first two weeks of your home being on the market is the busiest. So, if you can, schedule activities for the first two weekends. Not only for showings but also for open houses. This is the busiest time for your home it is important to get as many people through the home in the first two weeks possible. The weather is finally starting to warm up, so it’s a great time to take your family on a nice hike, here’s a guide to the best hiking trails in Kelowna.

The Kelowna real estate team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates always have our clients best interest in mind. We want to ensure that the process of selling your Kelowna home is as smooth as possible. Call us today 1-778-760-2860!

Kelowna Waterfront Homes

4944 Lakeshore Road Previously Listed with Quincy Vrecko and Associates

In recent years there has been a steady increase in the prices of Kelowna waterfront homes. There is a limited supply of Waterfront properties in the Okanagan and especially neighborhoods close to Kelowna. As a result, we have seen an increase in older Kelowna waterfront homes being torn down and new luxury homes going in.

West Kelowna Neighbourhoods

In West Kelowna a steady development push up Westside Road has been underway, large resort style projects like West Harbour are in this area. Off of Boucherie Road just south of the main shopping district there has been a steady increase in multimillion dollar luxury homes. As well as luxury condominium resorts on the waterfront.

Lake Country Neighbourhoods

Approximately 25 minutes north of the Airport in Lake Country, where more affordable waterfront opportunities use to exist in Carr’s Landing area, there has been tremendous growth on Okanagan Lake. Most of these Kelowna waterfront homes have been bought, rebuilt and have followed the renewal process that has been reshaping the waterfront in Kelowna for years. It is a quiet neighbourhood with excellent wineries!

If we take Mark Twain’s advice to “Buy land, their not making it anymore” this holds true even more for Waterfront homes and properties. With pressure on Kelowna waterfront properties increasing and a tight supply of available properties we are seeing prices go up in 2017. We also see a trend in planned communities that offer waterfront amenities to homes in the development. A good example of this approach is in Lakestone and the West Harbour Resort.

Kelowna waterfront home prices

Currently there are several Kelowna luxury waterfront homes on the market that will impress the choosiest of buyers.  The top of the list is a 124 acre estate with 1400ft of lakefront for just under $20 million. For a more practical lakefront home there are several larger 1 acre estates. These executive homes are in the $10 million to $6 million dollar range. These are world class luxury Kelowna homes. At $5 million to $3 million you will find homes on large lots in the areas we have mentioned above.

There are also opportunities to buy waterfront lots but these are becoming less common close to Kelowna. Often it is the result of rezoning and allowing for an infill opportunity. These lots are usually in the $2 to $3 million dollar range. They offer a rare chance to build your Kelowna waterfront dream home.

For more information on waterfront homes please contact Quincy Vrecko. Quincy Vrecko is our luxury real estate agent with Quincy Vrecko and Associates. Quincy has over 28 years experience in luxury sales. He would be delighted to learn more about what you are looking for in a Kelowna luxury waterfront home. Better yet, he will even help you find the perfect Kelowna waterfront home. Call 250-863-8810 today! 

Understanding the Kelowna Market

The Kelowna real estate market it hot and, and as a seller,  this is best time to be selling a home.  But in this hot market, what does that mean for Buyers when buying a home in Kelowna.  Quincy Vrecko and Associates is here to help you understand the current Kelowna real estate market.

What is a Sellers’ market?

Kelowna real estate agent greeting couple outside Kelowna home

Are we in a sellers market?

A Seller’s market is created when market conditions become more favorable to a seller rather than a buyer.  These conditions are mainly created due to a lack of homes for sale in Kelowna.  The buyer demand remains strong with an influx of people relocating to Kelowna from the Lower Mainland and Alberta putting pressure on an already tight Kelowna real estate market.  Homes in Kelowna are selling quickly and for top dollar due to these conditions, making it the best the time to be selling your home.  With a forecast of strong sales for 2017, this would be a good time for buyers to be investing in real estate.

How do get multiple offers when listing your home for sale?

Many sellers want to take advantage of this hot Kelowna real estate market and choose to list their homes in order to generate multiple offers.  When listing your home in this competitive market, you need the help of an experienced real estate agent to properly market your home to sell for top dollar in this aggressive market.  The team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates have years of experience marketing homes that generate multiple offers situations and can guide you through the process.

How do you compete in a multiple offer situation?

A seller’s market can generate multiple offer situations.  This is where buyers competing with other buyers for the same home.  With a lack of inventory in Kelowna real estate listings, this is becoming more are more common.  The most important thing you can do as a buyer to prepare for these situations. Have a professional real estate agent with experience in dealing with multiple offer situations on your side.  This can make the difference whether or not you are the winning offer on the home.  The team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates have agents who have won out on competing bids due to their experience and techniques in dealing with multiple offer situations. This complicated offer presentation takes skill of a professional real estate agent working for the buyer.

couple standing outside sold home

Low Inventory?

What does low inventory have to do market conditions in Kelowna real estate?

A low inventory of homes for sale in Kelowna and surrounding areas has direct effect on the current market conditions.  Buyers interest continues to climb putting more demand on the Kelowna real estate market creating what many call a frenzy.  Homes in Kelowna are selling for top dollar and in a very short period of time.  Particularly those for homes listed under $650,000.  With current market conditions, there would need be a considerable influx of new inventory to change it to a more balanced market.


Whether you are buying or selling real estate, navigating through this complicated market can be overwhelming. Hire a professional Kelowna real estate agent who is going to look after your needs. Also give you the advice to make the best decision.  The team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates have agents with experience working in a sellers market and dealing with multiple offers.  Work with one of our agents on your next real estate transaction. See firsthand the difference we offer, call the team at Quincy Vrecko today 778-760-2860! 

Town Homes in Kelowna

Town Homes in Kelowna

What can you expect in Kelowna this spring for town homes and condominiums with 2 or 3 bedrooms?

There is a beehive of activity in the building community in Kelowna. It seems that the cycle of boom or bust has swung strongly in favour of the boom. This is largely due to a number of factors we have mentioned in previous articles. The perpetually low interest rates, a shortage of homes for sale in the market and of course a very tight rental market with availability at less than 1%.

There is also a growing demand for affordable homes for younger couples who now make up the largest part of the home buying community. These first-time buyers are putting pressure on town homes and condominium sales and, as can be expected, prices are jumping up yet again as the new inventory of townhomes under construction is slow to hit the market.

Let’s look at three different properties available in the town home category.

Scuka Enterprises has a new project underway in the Lower Mission right across from Gyro Beach. This is a very desirable location and as can be expected these townhomes are fetching prices between $850,000 and $900,000. Definitely these are too expensive for most first-time buyers but affordable for empty nesters who are downsizing and selling their bigger family homes.

These 3 bedroom town homes with 3 bathrooms feature 2 car garages and beautiful roof top patios. These are also large 3 story town homes up to 1950 square feet.

In West Kelowna, there is a featured Tommie Award winning town homes at Peak Point Court. This is part of the 36 town home Lakeview Terrace development that was completed in 2016 and just off of Westlake Road.

A similar townhouse in this neighbourhood is priced at around $550,000. The floor plan also features approx 1900 square feet and has 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. It also includes a rooftop patio which is becoming a popular trend in Kelowna developments and a 2-car garage.

Third on our list is a town home built in 1990 off of Taylor Road in Rutland. This is a 2 bedroom and 2 bathroom rancher layout and has a very nice liveable floor plan. This town home is in Odaiyar Place which is an enclosed development project.  This style of construction was very popular twenty years ago where security was an issue with snowbirds heading south every winter. There is no age limit on this town home and has a strata fee of $177 per month.  A single covered parking space is included along with 5 appliances in this roomy rancher.

Condominiums and town homes are a desirable housing option this year as the demand from young couples and young professional continues to drive to market. For more information on what you can expect to see in the town home category please call the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates today 1-778-760-2860!

 

First Time Home Buyers – How to Buy your First Home

Are you tired of renting?  Are you busy paying someone else’s mortgage?

If you answered yes then it’s time to buy a home in Kelowna and start paying your own mortgage.  As a first-time home buyer, there are incentives to help you get into the Kelowna real estate market. Our team of Kelowna real estate agents have experience to guide you through the process of buying your first Kelowna home.  

The best place to get start when looking to purchase your first Kelowna home is to find out how much you can afford to spend. We have a great online mortgage calculator to use as a guideline as it will outline what your mortgage payment could be each month. We also work with some of the top mortgage brokers in Kelowna to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage.

Aside from getting a mortgage, there are other key factors to consider when buying a home in Kelowna or surrounding areas.  A professional Kelowna real estate agent from the team Quincy Vrecko and Associates will review the costs associated with buying a property.  Below is a list of closing costs associated with buying a home in Kelowna and surrounding areas,

  • Home inspection
  • Appraisal
  • Property taxes
  • Strata fees
  • Legal fees for conveyancing
  • Dispersement
  • Land transfer tax*
  • GST*

For a detailed description of what these closing costs are, check out things you need to know before purchasing your first Kelowna home.

Good news for you! The province of British Columbia offers several programs for first time home buyers to help with the home buying process.  The team of real estate agents at Quincy Vrecko and Associates can review if you qualify for any of these cost saving programs.

Whether you are new to Kelowna or grew up in the beautiful Okanagan, if you are buying a home in Kelowna, the best option is really to call us for all the juicy information – there is lots to know and we’d love to chat. Our team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates are dedicated to finding you the right home for the right price. Contact us today – 778-780-2860!

Kelowna Real Estate Market Statistics for March 2017

Market Statistics

While it doesn’t quite feel like Spring yet in the Okanagan, the Kelowna real estate market continues to heat up and is in full swing going into Spring. As we take a look back at the first quarter of the year, two of major factors were the unusually long Winter and the lack of homes on the market.

The Kelowna real estate market statistics for March 2017 shows an increase in residential house prices along with a decrease in inventory for this same time last year. As reported by the Okanagan Mainline real estate board, prices for a residential home rose to $640,513 which is a 13% increase over last year, bringing the year to date average to $633,104. This increase in property values is largely due to lower inventory of homes for sale in the Kelowna real estate market. Tracey Vrecko comments,

“This low inventory of homes for sale in Kelowna and surrounding areas continue to create a seller’s market and pushing home values up. “While this is great for the seller’s, it can be a frustrating market for buyers. Especially first time buyers looking to get into the Kelowna real estate market.”

Current active listings in Kelowna and surrounding area are down to an all time low of 659 single family residential homes and 340 condominiums and townhouses.

A Buyers’ survey for the Kelowna real estate market statistics for February 2017 showed 21.5% of the buyers were upsizing from their current home, tied with first time home buyers, while 17.5% making that lateral move and 11% of homebuyers were downsizing from their larger family homes.

Currently, most buyers are coming from within the Okanagan with 63.5% of sales to homebuyers already living in the Okanagan which is typical for the first quarter the year. The Lower Mainland and Vancouver accounted for 12% of the buyers and 10% were buyers out of Alberta.  The Kelowna real estate market has seen an increase in Foreign buyers over the past few months from 1% to 3% which is most likely a result of the Foreign buyer’s tax implemented by the federal government in late 2016.

The demographic of homebuyers was made up of:

  • Professional couples with no children 31%
  • Families with children 26%
  • Empty nesters 19%

With lower inventory levels and high demand from buyers, home sales will remain strong going into the second quarter of the year.  As we approach what is typically the busiest time in the Kelowna real estate market, inventory continues to be a concern. Vrecko comments,

“I have sellers ready to list their home for sale but are worried they will not find another home to buy”

With warmer weather on the horizon, there could be homeowners waiting to list their homes for when the grass is green and flowers are out.  Historically, inventory levels increase in the Spring and Summer months, which will be a welcome change to the Kelowna real estate market and Buyer.

When buying and selling real estate in Kelowna, it is important to use the expertise of a professional real estate agent who understands market trends and conditions to give you the advice you need.  Quincy Vrecko and Associates is one of the top real estate teams for RE/MAX Kelowna.  With 5 professional real estate agents experienced in the Kelowna real estate market, rest assured you would be well looked after.

Call the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates 1-778-760-2860 to stay up to date on the Kelowna real estate Market statistics each month.