10 Essentials for a Spellbinding Bar

It’s common knowledge that kitchens and bathrooms sell homes – however, a show-stopping bar is becoming more and more essential for the discerning entertainer.

 

Definitive Design and Complimentary Cabinetry

Whether you want hunting lodge rustic, 50’s futuristic, or European glitz, it’s important to have a dedicated design language.  And don’t forget to sweat the small stuff.  For instance, a beautiful hunting motif can be instantly ruined by using basic white power outlets.  Consider ordering an extra cabinet door to cover your bar fridge – wood, log, and a white fridge just don’t jive.

 

Creative Lighting

The Edison bulb is all the rage these days.  They work in the kitchen, they work in the bathroom, and they work in the bar.  In the current milieu of high tech everything, the Edison bulb is an irresistible throw back to the simpler days.  A romantic conversation piece that will draw anyone’s eye; they look stunning in any setting.  Speaking of high tech, LED lights are easily the most versatile option available.  They’re brighter than their conventional brethren, and use substantially less energy.  They can be hidden almost anywhere due to their tiny size, and an LED bulb can emit almost any color you can think of.   You can even control them remotely, or by an app.

 

Quality Glassware

Now that you have great cabinetry and some spellbinding lighting, it’s time to stock the glassware and show it off- and it’s got to be special.  That is not to say particularly expensive glassware, but if it is obviously cheap or tacky, it will ruin the whole night.  It doesn’t have to be Steuben or Swarovski, but the old faded glass that reads ‘Maui 1993’ is just not ideal for public display.   Be sure to have the correct option for each occasion.  Don’t get stuck serving an Old Fashioned in a beer mug!

 

Bold Bar Tops

Arborite?  Granite?  Butcher block?  Really there’s no wrong answer, but whatever you choose there are ways to make it unique.  Maybe it’s as simple as including a built-in waste chute to easily discard of unwanted lime stems.  Not your thing? My favourite bar simply utilizes a huge piece of highly polished driftwood – beautifully simple.

 

Powerful Prep Sink

There is a wonderful little development making the rounds in design circles, and it’s beautifully simple.   Take a sink, add a built in (and removable!) colander, and voile:  a perfect bar prep area.  More lime and more margaritas, more quickly.  It’s the small things that make life worth living, isn’t it?

 

Innovative Ice Maker

Most appliance manufacturers make dedicated ice machines for home use.  Having an endless and easily accessible well of ice isn’t just for restaurants anymore!  Get one, love it, thank us later.

 

Dedicated Dishwasher

Along with the ice machine, dedicated bar dishwashers (or glasswashers) are becoming more and more necessary.  No more ferrying used glasses upstairs and leaving them in the sink until they start growing moss.   Note:  Hidden is better!  Match it up to your cabinetry for extra brownie points.

 

Fashionable Fridge

Bar fridges are so common now they have lost their panache.  At this point, even 13 year old teenagers have a little Maytag in their rooms stocked with Mountain Dew.  To combat ‘Sameness Syndrome’, many designers have moved to camouflaging their major appliances – especially the fridge.  While you’re at it, ditch the bar size unit and grab a full standup (freezer is a bonus).  Your friends will thank you.

 

The TV (Yes, I’m talking to you)

At this point some of you will be rolling your eyes.  “TV’s are so passé” you might be thinking, “I don’t even like sports, what’s wrong with some good conversation?”  In a word, nothing.  But as stereotypical as it sounds, it is absolutely inevitable that at some point you’ll wish you had a TV built into your bar.  I know it, you know it.  If not for you, think of your poor friends, not knowing how Crosby is playing tonight!  The trick is to integrate it in to the area in a way that won’t disrupt the flow.  Hint:  Make sure to run your cables through the wall – no one wants to see that.

 

Sizzling Spirits, Local Libations!

Now you have a bar.  You’ve shopped, sampled, designed, and built it. Time to open your new speak-easy.  Good job you!  Now why not stock your bar with some unique, local libations?  Everyone knows the Okanagan for wine, but it’s also home to several amazing breweries, and even some wonderful distilleries.  Try Parallel 49, Tree Brewing, CRAFT spirits – none of them will disappoint.  Just remember, a dry martini means *less*vermouth.

 

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! 

5 Tips for a Smooth and Stress-Free Move

5 Tips for a Smooth and Stress-Free Move

Whether you’re an organizational queen or a procrastinator, let’s face it moving is stressful! With the housing market in Kelowna not slowing down, it is evident there are a few of you that are heading out the door of your old home and into the door of your new Kelowna family home! We are so excited for your new adventure. We want to ensure that the transition of the move is as smooth and stress-free as possible. Here are some tips to get you through it!

 

Start Early

As soon as you know the possession date on your new home, start getting your things together and pack slowly. It is way easier to slowly pack up than to leave everything till the night before the movers arrive. This is just a recipe for disaster! Leave a few boxes in every room of the house and start packing up things you know you will not use between now and the time of possession.

 

Use your Linens to Wrap up Delicates

Moving costs money, and lots of it! To help cut costs during your big move, instead of buying special wrapping paper or bubble wrap, use linens such as comforters and towels to wrap up your delicates. Not only does it help your wallet but it also saves space when you move as the linens have to come anyways!

 

Keep Your Clothes on the Hanger

Rather than taking everything off of the hanger and then having to put it on the hanger again when you get to your new place. Transport your clothing on its hanger! There are two different ways that you can do so. First, you can buy the boxes that have a pole along the top and you can just hang your clothing in the boxes. Then when you arrive at the new place just take your clothes out and put them directly in the new closet. Second, you can tie garbage bags around the clothing. If you are going this route, just ensure you gather the clothing from the bottom, lift the bag the clothing and tie it securely over the bunch of hangers.

 

Take Photos of your Wall Art/Bookshelves

The worst part about moving to a new place is forgetting how all of the stuff was organized at the old place. If you really like the way you have the bookshelf designed or the photo collage that is placed in the hallway of your home, take photos! When you get to your new place, look back at the photos of how everything looked and you can easily replicate it! No more wondering how you had that bookshelf organized or where that photo came from!  

 

Keep your Necessities Easily Accessible

The worst part of the first night in the new house is not being able to find anything! Keep the things that you may need for the first night and morning with you so it is easy to find everything you may need. Put together a basket of cleaning supplies that you may need to clean up spills, dirty floors of people going in and out or just to wipe things down before you load your items in. Keep another basket of things you may need i.e. toilet paper, towels, snacks, makeup, etc.

 

At Quincy Vrecko and Associates, we always have our client’s best interest in mind. To speak to one of our knowledgeable associates, call 778-780-2860 today! 

Choosing the Right Luxury Real Estate Agent to Sell your Luxury home

There are important factors to consider when choosing your Luxury Real Estate Agent to sell your Luxury home. It’s more than just your typical real estate services.

Without a doubt, Luxury Real Estate attracts a certain type of buyer and needs to be marketed differently than an average family home in the Okanagan.  A marketing plan should be designed to not only target the features of the home and surrounding area, but to feature the lifestyle associated with living in that Luxury home.

The right Luxury Real Estate Agent understands what is takes to attract a Luxury home buyer and knows what features and benefits to highlight when creating the marketing plan for that Luxury home.

Consider a luxury real estate agent who;

  • Specializes in Luxury home marketing
  • Is knowledgeable with the complexities of a Luxury home purchase
  • Do they have experience working with Luxury home Buyers?
  • Has a state of the art marketing platform with global reach
  • Has experience selling Luxury homes
  • Proven negotiation skills

We recently sold 428 Audobon Court in Kelowna’s Upper Mission.  This large beautiful home has some of the most amazing features! Some of those features include a pool, incredible lake views and superior finishing work. Our target marketing attracted the buyer quickly resulting in fewer days on market and close to list price.

Whether you are selling a waterfront home, recreational property, large Lakeview home, sprawling estate it is important to determine the best selling features to attract the right Luxury buyer.  Don’t trust just any Kelowna real estate agent to sell one of your largest assets, trust a Kelowna Luxury Real estate agent who will ensure you are maximizing on your investment.

When considering selling your Luxury home, consider Quincy.  Quincy has over 30 years of experience in the luxury Industry and understands the Luxury clientele.  He is strong in Luxury Marketing, a true salesman and skilled in negotiations.  He is RE/MAX Kelowna’s #1 Luxury Real Estate agent. Quincy has proven time and time again it is important to hire a Luxury Real Estate agent to sell your Luxury home. Call 250-863-8810 to speak with Quincy today!

Downsizing your Home, Think Small but Go Big

Downsizing to Kelowna is a Popular Trend this year

We are very fortunate to live and work in the Okanagan. For many couples living in Vancouver, Calgary or Edmonton the lifestyle we have is something they have only experienced on vacation. So when the opportunity in retirements occurs, where they can leave the big city and downsize to Kelowna, it is a dream come true.

We offer a wide choice of housing options in Kelowna, more so than other Okanagan cities with a large number of condo developments and townhomes being built in 2016 and scheduled for 2017. Two major high rise developments are underway with The Monaco in the cultural district and 1151 Sunset Drive just one block from the beach. Both offer big city class but are right here in our Okanagan resort community.

Moving from a hot real estate market like Vancouver up to Kelowna has some nice advantages for the retiring boomer couple. Selling a modest home at the coast affords a luxury property in Kelowna. And while this might not always be downsizing the trend is to buy a home that requires less maintenance, has fewer bedrooms and bigger living spaces. Open kitchens, great rooms, vaulted ceilings, lake and mountain views are just a few of the common features that can be found.

According to Tracey a big motivation is the quality of life we have here. la dolce vita, the sweet life as they say in Italy.

“For the boomers the focus shifts from work and raising children to enjoying what life has to offer and Kelowna has it all with excellent restaurants, entertainment, wineries, parks, sports and activities”

Additional Kelowna Perks

Downsizing to Kelowna has some additional benefits along the way. Kelowna has excellent healthcare facilities and the new Hospital. There is a lot to do with golf, skiing, hiking, biking and boating. One example is the new Okanagan Rail Trail which will offer one of the most unique linear parks in Canada travelling 48 km along the shores of Woods and Kalamalka Lake. The Kelowna area features over 30 golf courses, 5 ski hill and 6 amazing lakes all within a 2 hours drive. We also have fantastic theatres, live events and of course our two hockey teams the Warriors and Rockets. It is a year round playground and perfect for those with time on their hands.

Kelowna Condo and Townhome choices

Condos and townhomes in Kelowna can range in value from the low $400,000 up to well over $1,000,000 for penthouse suites. Current projects like Cameron Mews by Sandpiper and Green Square Townhomes by Troika in the desired Lower Mission have sold at record pace. Information on projects like these and new construction is available from Tracey and her team at QVA Homes.

If you are planning to downsize to Kelowna and would like to learn more about what is new in the Kelowna Real Estate Market please call us. There is a lot going on in Kelowna and with over $480 million in construction underway or completed this year there will be excellent choices available. Check out our Relocation Guide to learn more about moving to the Okanagan Valley.

Decorating for the Holidays

Should I decorate my home for the Holidays when it is on the market?

When you are selling your home over the winter months, decorating for Christmas is something to consider.  The question is to “Deck the Halls” or to not “Deck the Halls”.

Christmas is a wonderful time of year and many families enjoy decorating their homes, making them festive for the holiday season.  You may be hesitant to bring out your Holiday decorations if your home is listed for sale as you want to reduce clutter.

With the Holidays just around the corner, we often get these questions from our sellers:

  • Can I decorate for Christmas?
  • Should I “tone it down” this year?
  • How early can I decorate?

It is important to continue family traditions and especially during the holidays.  Your life should not but put on hold when you are selling your home.  A buyer coming through the home may enjoy the festive feel and it could help them picture their family celebrating Christmas in the home in the years to come.  Buyers are also aware that the sellers are still living in the home and would expect some seasonal decorations.

Here are some tips for decoration this holiday season while your home is up for sale:

  • Keep it simple, this will make it easier to pack up when you home sells
  • Don’t cover up any key features in the home with decorations
  • Keep exterior decorations to a minimum, this would include inflatables

William Morris said “All rooms ought to look as if they were lived in, and to have so to say, a friendly welcome ready for the incomer.” In the end, it’s the holidays and if you like to get festive then go for it.  Enjoy your last Christmas in your home before it sells and look forward to decorating for the Holidays in your new home next year.

At Quincy Vrecko and Associates we understand this time of year is unique when selling your home.  We are here to help you navigate through the season and secure a sale on your home in the winter months.  Call Tracey Vrecko at 250-575-6448 to discuss tips for selling in the Winter season.

If you are considering listing your home in the winter months, then check out the main reasons why it is a good time to sell.

Big Living At Big White

Big Living: Sometimes, vacation means laying on a beach somewhere warm and letting the sun melt away your stresses and anxieties.

Other times, vacation means a warm sweater, friends and family, and an incredible view off the side of a snowy mountain.

If you consider yourself an avid outdoors person that enjoys skiing and or snowboarding then it’s time you hear about the advantages of Big White.

Big White Mountain

Offering world-class skiing and snowboarding within minutes of Kelowna, Big White has an incredible balance of skiing, snowboarding, and modern conveniences. Canada’s largest ski-in ski-out resort, you and the kids have the opportunity to ski straight up to the doorstep. Big White provides everything that you need for that amazing snowy getaway. Whether it is single-family living, a place to host friends and family, or a corporate retreat, Big White offers unparalleled value and enjoyment.

381 Rockridge

Consider all the benefits that Big White can offer with one of its flagship properties, 381 Rockridge Road listed by Royal LePage.

Featuring over 5,100 square feet of living space, 4 bedrooms, and 5 bathrooms, the luxuries and conveniences offered by 381 Rockridge are too many to list comprehensively.

Jutting off the side of Big White, this structure takes advantage of its unique positioning to offer its residents maximum value.

Designed to take full advantage of the views and conveniences only mountain living can offer, not only does 381 Rockridge offer ski-up living and incredible mountain vistas, but also a swim-out hot tub.

381 Rockridge is an undoubtedly beautiful piece of architectural art. From your property, you can take in the full breadth of its incredible beauty. From beyond your property, its design is such that it is nearly impossible not to notice.

If you consider yourself one who enjoys the kind of vacation that includes skiing, snowboarding, roaring fires, and being surrounded by family and friends, then you need to look no further than the slopes of Big White.

No matter your tastes or preferences, if it’s a luxury property in Kelowna or the Okanagan you’re looking for, you need to look no further than Quincy Vrecko and Associates to find the perfect property to suit your needs. With decades of experience in luxury sales and over 60 million dollars in property sold to date, whether selling or buying, there is no better way to get the best deals than with Quincy Vrecko and Associates.

 

Kelowna Homes – Buy and Sell with Tracey Vrecko

With November beginning, the supply of affordable homes for sale in Kelowna hits a seasonal low. If you’re looking to buy or sell a home in Kelowna, it pays to ensure you get the most of this opportunity by relying on the best in the business, Quincy Vrecko & Associates.

725 Cantina Court

Consider 725 Cantina Court, an example of the market demand for homes priced $650,000 and below.

725 Cantina Court was on put on the market by Quincy Vrecko & Associates, and was sold in just over 2 weeks and for 99% of the list price. Coming in well under the average of 42 days for Kelowna homes under $650,000, its quick sale can be attributed to the expertise of Tracey Vrecko, and the unique changes to  Kelowna real estate market resulting from Canada’s new mortgage rules.

On October 17th, Canada’s new mortgage rules came into effect. In turn, the sub-$650,000 segment of the Kelowna real estate market is experiencing a substantial surge in demand.  Home buyers in every segment have experienced a significant reduction in their purchasing power since these rules came into effect, resulting in an increase in the population of buyers in Kelowna’s sub $650,000 market. This surge has come just as the supply of these homes hits a seasonal low, creating a unique situation for Kelowna home buyers and sellers.

Make the most of these unique circumstances with Tracey Vrecko, our expert on Kelowna’s sub-million home market.

 The Advantage of Expertise with Tracey Vrecko

If you’re in the market to sell, it pays to go with the expert who can take advantage of this exciting market. Guarantee the best experience possible by leveraging the power of her knowledge and expertise by getting in touch with Tracey Vrecko. This surge in demand and reduction in supply provides you an incredible opportunity, made better by accessing the unique edge Tracey brings to the table. Nobody knows the market better, and can do more for you than Tracey Vrecko.

Tracey Vrecko is the Quincy Vrecko & Associates expert on buying and selling homes in the sub-million-dollar market. An expert in this segment, there is nobody in Kelowna who knows more about the current trends and opportunities available to those looking to buy or sell Kelowna Homes than Tracey Vrecko.

If you’re buying or selling, Tracey has the expertise to guide you smoothly through the process. An industry leader in Kelowna and the Okanagan, she dedicates her life to comprehensively understanding the evolving Kelowna real estate market, now and into the future. To leverage her knowledge and expertise, give her a call at 1-250-575-6448.

2016 Marketshare Report

New Federal Regulations Make Kelowna Rental Properties a Strong Investment

New Federal Regulations Make Kelowna Rental Properties a Strong Investment

According to the CMHC, as of October of last year, Kelowna’s vacancy rate was amongst the lowest for any municipality in Canada at a staggering 0.7% across the board, and 0% for rentals with three or more bedrooms.

The federal government has instituted new regulations concerning the approval process for mortgages, resulting in an approximate 20% loss in purchasing power for first time home buyers. This will result in a massive increase to an already overpopulated market of renters.

While unfortunate news for those looking to purchase their first home in Kelowna, these circumstances are ideal for those interested in purchasing investment properties in Kelowna and throughout the Okanagan.

Rental PropertiesThe Current Kelowna Rental Situation

Previous to this month’s change; Kelowna was already enjoying the lowest vacancy rates in Canada.

Demand for rentals has been growing aggressively as a massive market is displaced from Vancouver, due to soaring property values.

The technology industry in Vancouver is known for recognizing that much of the worldwide talent it seeks to recruit is simply incapable of affording Vancouver’s enormous cost of living, and these renters are looking for alternatives beyond Vancouver.

With a substantially lower cost of living, businesses and renters alike are attracted to Kelowna, and have both flocked to the city in tremendous numbers. The city has been struggling to keep up with demand for new home rentals and properties, and the government’s changes to mortgage rules are set to only exacerbate the situation.

Outlook on the Future

A report from Kelowna city council shows the city has responded to this bleak situation for renters by approving the construction of 1430 new residential units, but this measure is not likely to impact rental availability for several years.

Those looking for 3-4 bedroom rental accommodations are the hardest hit, a 0% vacancy rate in that category making it nearly impossible to find vacant rentals, which makes now a perfect time to purchase a investment property.

While the new federal mortgage rules unfortunately disadvantage those seeking to buy their first home, a large benefit can be drawn for those looking to invest in Kelowna properties, especially those in the 3-4 bedroom range.

Rental PropertiesCapitalize with Quincy Vrecko

If you are interested in the possibility of taking advantage of this historically unprecedented opportunity, then there is no-one better to guide you through the ins and outs of the Kelowna real-estate market than Quincy Vrecko.

With over 28 years in luxury sales and over 60 million dollars sold in Kelowna real-estate, Quincy and his team represent the ultimate authority on the Kelowna market. For up-to-the-minute information on the opportunities available throughout the Okanagan for investment properties, get in touch with Quincy and his team, or call 250-863-8810.

 

New Mortgage Rules – Great News For Purchasing An Investment Property

New Mortgage Rules ~ Effective Monday October 17, the federal government announced changes to the process of mortgage qualifications that have been sending shockwaves throughout real-estate market Canada-wide.

In Kelowna, these changes are unfortunate news for millennials looking to buy their first homes. As of Monday, the changes instituted by the federal government reduce their purchasing power by up to 20%.

While this has unfortunate repercussions on the lower end of the market, it holds fantastic opportunities for those who are able to purchase an investment property in Kelowna or the Okanagan.  There will be an increase in the number of local renters, making now a great time for investors to purchase a rental property and take advantage of the new situation.

The Kelowna Luxury and Investment Property Situation

In Kelowna, the luxury and investment property market is seeing a wave of baby-boomers looking to retire or purchase investment properties in the area and move from Vancouver due to prohibitively high property values there.

Many of these soon-to-be retirees are buying their properties 2-5 years in advance of retirement, taking advantage of the massive year-over-year gains to property values in Kelowna and the Okanagan.  Many of them are renting their properties out to young families until they are ready to move in.  Purchasing an investment property and renting it out prior to retirement is a great way to earn some passive income, especially with the newly changed mortgage rules.

Incredible Investment Property Opportunity

Before Monday October 17, Kelowna was already enjoying among the lowest rental vacancy rates in the nation at a jaw-dropping 1%. As of Monday, a significant portion of the lower end of the buyer’s market just became part of the renters market.

This is great news for those who are looking to enter the Kelowna investment property market before retirement. Not only are there considerably more renters available as of Monday, but each and every one of these new renters are extremely high-quality. These renters (until Monday) have been in the process of home purchasing, suggesting they have jobs with consistent income and a level of maturity ideal for renting your future retirement home.

Navigate the Market With Quincy Vrecko & Associates.

When it comes to navigating the ins-and-outs of the Kelowna and Okanagan luxury/investment property market, there is no better guide than Quincy Vrecko & Associates.

With over 60 million dollars in Okanagan luxury and investment properties sold to date and over 28 years of experience in Luxury Sales there is no better source of information and guidance than Quincy Vrecko.

If you’re looking to take advantage of this historically unprecedented opportunity to purchase an investment property, or looking to learn more about the effects of the recent mortgage rules change, call Quincy Vrecko and his team at 250-863-8810.