Don’ts for Remodeling

You’ve heard the stories about sellers remodeling doing a bit of painting here, some landscaping there, and being able to increase their home’s list price by thousands of dollars. If you’re getting ready to sell Kelowna real estate, head into pre-listing renovation mode with caution: Not all renovations yield big returns.

In fact, your remodelling efforts could actually have the opposite effect by decreasing the value of your home, and/or making it harder to sell.

Here then, are six reno approaches to pause on if you’re about to sell your home:


1. Cheap or poorly installed flooring

You might think there couldn’t be anything worse than that faded, dated and stained blue carpet in the family room, but you would be wrong. 

Cheap laminate or poorly installed laminate—or any type of flooring done DIY—is a no no your real estate agent will likely have to overcome by dropping the price, because if a homeowner walks in and sees lovely tiles surrounded by sloppy grouting, the first thought that comes to their mind is: project. The second thought is: No thanks.


2. Elaborate additions

Have you always dreamed off a sunroom off the back kitchen? A hot tub oasis above the retaining wall? Extending the garage to fit the motorhome? While these reno projects may suit your lifestyle and tastes, a Kelowna realtor will be quick to tell you that these types of grand and specific changes won’t appeal to many potential buyers, some of whom would say that fancy new pool is actually a deal-breaker.


3. Forget first impressions

As homeowners, we spend so much time inside our homes, and in our backyard, that when it comes to getting a house ready to sell, we focus on what we can see: bedrooms, the kitchen, the yard. And yet when it comes to selling Kelowna real estate quickly and for top dollar, it’s the front yard curb appeal that can often turn homebuyers into homeowners. 

For tips about which areas to focus on, read our post Kelowna Houses for Sale: 5 Landscape Tips to Add Value.


4. DIY decks

Yes, you and your friends know how to swing a hammer. Yes, you know how to buy lumber. Are you carpenters who will be able to build a flawless deck? While calling in favours with friends might seem like a great way to save money and increase your return, be sure to hire a professional. Shoddy workmanship, if your friends are not carpenters, can completely turn off homebuyers. Buyers could wander down the block and spot a really similar home with a beautiful, professionally built deck. No nails sticking out or loose boards! 


5. Walls that won’t stop

You’ve always had a thing for yellow, or maybe you’ve just always thought cherry red would suit your dining room, and that now’s the time to head to the paint store. Stop! Remember you’re not selling your home to you. You’re trying to sell to dozens of people with widely different tastes. The best way to make your home feel fresh, spacious and bright, is to use neutral tones. Neutral tones appeal to home buyers are also more apt to suit their furniture.

Shades of white, gray and beige might not seem nearly as fun, but you’ll be the one smiling when your home sells sooner and for more money than if you’d gone ahead with the red.

Even if you’re six months away from selling, it’s best to consult with your Kelowna realtor early. Your realtor can give you advice about which remodelling projects to tackle or to scrap. Let us help you reach your list price goals in less time.

 

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. 

8 Ways to Make Your Budget Stick: Tips from a Kelowna Real Estate Team

Are you creating a home budget? Or do you need help sticking to one? Check out these eight Kelowna real estate agent-approved tips.

 

After weeks, or maybe just days, of touring through homes with your Kelowna real estate agent, you’ve finally found your dream home. It’s in a great neighborhood. It’s got just the right amount of room. It called your name. And then you made the calculations. It might be tight, but with a solid ‘I’m going to stick to this’ budget, you think you can do it. 

Before taking the steps to qualify for a mortgage, it’s a good idea to get your finances in order by building up a monthly budget. As a rule of thumb, financial institutions have determined that no more than 30 percent of your gross annual income should go towards your mortgage expenses. This includes:

  • Principal
  • Interest
  • Property taxes
  • Heating costs
  • Strata fees

Now that you’ve got your budget all set up, here are some tips that’ll keep you on the right budget-maintaining track.

1. Keep and review receipts weekly.

This is a great way to figure out exactly how much money you’re spending each week and where it’s going. 

2. Make meal plans a routine.

Dining out a couple of times every week can be a huge expense. Make a meal plan every Sunday and do your shopping based on the meals you’ve scheduled. This will eliminate food waste and stop you from heading to your favorite restaurant when you can’t decide on what to make for dinner, or from over-spending on multiple trips to the grocery store every week.

3. Set attainable goals. 

If you’ve been struggling to pay more than just the interest on your credit card balance, setting a goal with a reasonable amount of time attached to it can help you relieve financial burdens. 

4. Save for a rainy day.

Always allocate a set amount each pay period to your savings. Consider it a bill, and don’t skimp out! You can even set up a timed direct deposit that will funnel money right into your savings account.

5. Include a weekly allowance.

You work hard for your money, so make sure you set aside a little ‘fun’ money each week. Just be careful: If you spend it all on a Monday, you might be scrounging for change for the rest of the week.

6. Overestimate your necessary monthly expenses.

Like clockwork, groceries, car fuel, and utility bills need to be paid each month. Any Kelowna realtor will tell you to tack on an extra 10 percent for each expense when drawing up a budget. The difference can act as a safety net if one bill gets a little carried away.

7. Get everyone involved.

If you’re drawing up a budget, make sure your partner has access to it. If your kids are old enough, let them in on it too. Not only can everyone work together to make sure spending stays within the boundaries of the budget, but everyone will also be held accountable for their purchases.

8. Utilize online software and free apps. 

If you’re always on the go and the idea of punching every expense into a budget seems unattainable, download a budgeting app straight to your smartphone. That way, you can update it whenever you’ve got a few minutes to spare regardless of where you are. And it’ll seem like less of a chore. Kelowna real estate agents swear by the Mint personal budget app. 

Now that you’ve mastered your monthly finances, master the art of tidying up your home by checking out our previous post: The Magic of Tidying-Up Kelowna Houses for Sale.

 

If you’re looking for the perfect house that’s also the perfect fit to your budget, the friendly and professional Kelowna real estate team at Quincy Vrecko & Associates can help. We can show you some of the best budget-friendly listings in Kelowna that will meet your financial requirements. Call 1-778-760-2860.

Luxury Real Estate Neighborhood Spotlight: Lower Mission

On the eastern shore of Okanagan Lake sits one of the most desirable districts in Kelowna: the Lower Mission. It’s an established neighbourhood that offers luxury real estate situated on expansive lots. Even more, every Lower Mission home is just steps away from great shopping and dozens of little beaches. If your family loves the water as much as they like shopping, exploring, and trying out great new restaurants, this is the perfect neighbourhood for you to call home.   

The Original Mission

In October of 1859, a group of missionaries arrived in the Okanagan. After touring around the area, the trio established the Immaculate Conception Mission on the eastern shore of Okanagan Lake. The rolling hills surrounding the newly constructed lakeside building soon became known as Okanagan Mission. As more settlers took up residence in the Okanagan Valley, the mission quickly became one of the focal points for social and religious gatherings. It also doubled as the first school to open its doors in the Okanagan.

As more and more settlers arrived and Kelowna began to take shape, the Okanagan Mission community continued to thrive. In 1974, the once separate community officially became a part of Kelowna. Now, locals refer to the area as Mission, home to some of the most beautiful luxury real estate in Kelowna. With such a rich history, it’s no wonder why so many luxury real estate Kelowna homeowners prefer to live in this beautiful, convenient and well-established neighbourhood. 

The Neighbourhood Boundaries

From K.L.O Road to Barnaby Road and Lake Okanagan to Gordon Drive, nestled in between you’ll find Lower Mission.

The Neighbourhood Highlights

Highlights of Lower Mission

Summerhill Pyramid Winery features organic and biodynamic wine grown in the beautiful Okanagan Valley in Kelowna, British Columbia.

Besides sought-after properties, Lower Mission is also home to some amazing activities and attractions. Take a stroll through the string of trendy boutiques and shops that line the streets in Lower Mission. Then, once you’ve worked up an appetite, sit down to an impressive meal at some of Kelowna’s best restaurants. You can also check out some of these places:  

Gyro Beach – Known as the most popular beach in Kelowna, Gyro Beach offers rental shops, food trucks and snack shacks, volleyball courts, playgrounds, and picnic areas.

Summerhill Winery – If you’re looking to fill your wine cellar with some of the best wines in Kelowna, the Summerhill Winery is just steps away.

H2O Adventure and Fitness Centre – During the cool winter months, you and your family can still enjoy fun times in the water without leaving your neighbourhood.

Michaelbrook Ranch Golf Club –  Surrounded by beautiful vineyards that the Okanagan and Lower Mission are famous for is this 18 hole BCGA-rated executive golf course.

A Family-Friendly Neighbourhood

Even with access to many lakefront parks, beaches, and playgrounds, there are still many more reasons why Lower Mission is a favourite for families. One of the biggest attractions that luxury real estate homeowners enjoy most about Lower Mission is the ease of access to many popular schools. With a reputation for having the best of the best, Lower Mission is home to these great schools:    

  • Anne McClymont Elementary
  • Dorothea Walker Elementary
  • Casorso Elementary
  • Okanagan Mission Secondary
  • K.L.O Middle School
  • Kelowna Secondary School
  • Okanagan College

Typical Neighbourhood Listings 

luxury real estate listing in Lower Mission

1001 Westpoint Drive – listed with Quincy Vrecko and Associates

Luxury real estate listing in the mission: 

Less than a five-minute drive to downtown and the Kelowna General Hospital, Lower Mission is ideally located. In addition to lakefront living, eclectic boutiques, and rave-worthy restaurants, Lower Mission is full of absolutely stunning lakefront homes. Tucked amongst the deep-rooted trees of Lower Mission, luxury real estate exists in many forms:

 

  • Single family homes
  • Character homes
  • Condos
  • Townhomes
  • Lakefront homes

If you’re looking for Kelowna luxury real estate that checks off every item on your must-have list, take a look at the homes in Lower Mission. This vibrant, perfectly located neighbourhood will definitely exceed your expectations.

Are you looking for your dream home that’s located in a lakeside neighbourhood and perfect for the entire family? The luxury real estate experts at Quincy Vrecko & Associations can help you find the home you’ve always wanted in the location you’ve always dreamed about. Call 1-778-760-2860

What’s Hot Right Now

Gone are the days of retreating to your home for alone time and private reflection. Instead, luxury real estate homeowners are now opting for welcoming spaces that encourage their friends and family to visit often. By focusing their attention on creating entertainment areas that cater to everyone, homeowners are beginning to choose welcoming, useful spaces over private ones.

Whether you enjoy entertaining or just prefer to follow what’s hot and what’s not, transforming these six spaces in your Kelowna luxury home will keep you on point with the hottest real estate trends.

1. Calm and Comforting Courtyards 

Bordeaux Residence

Photo by Stocker Hoesterey Montenegro – Look for contemporary exterior design inspiration

Courtyards are taking the luxury real estate market by storm. In high demand, front-entry courtyard designs make for a serene, relaxing space that will instantly brighten your mood before you even step foot in the front door. Outdoor fireplaces, eye-catching landscaping, cozy seating and soothing water features make an instant and lasting impression. 

2. Paradise-Worthy Backyard Pools

Viewbank Project

Photo by Apex Landscapes & Pools – Search contemporary pool design ideas

Although swimming pools in the Okanagan are incredibly common, many luxury homeowners are now more interested in resort-style pools. In-pool seating, swim-up bars, and cozy lounge areas are the most popular features requested and sought after by homeowners. 

3. Fully Stocked Outdoor Kitchens

2012 New American Home

Photo by Phil Kean Designs – Browse contemporary patio ideas

Another must-have trend popping up all over the Kelowna luxury real estate market is the addition of outdoor kitchen areas. Outdoor kitchens are the perfect space for entertaining. In addition to custom grills, homeowners are adding in things like: 

  • Wine coolers
  • Refrigerators
  • Sinks

This allows them the freedom to stay outside while entertaining company. Why spend time inside when you can enjoy the company of friends and family while enjoying the great outdoors? 

4. Attention-Grabbing Game Rooms

New Build South Yorkshire 2

Photo by Carolyn Parker Interior Design Ltd. – Look for contemporary family room design inspiration

Surging in popularity, game rooms are making their appearance on must-have real estate shopping lists. Some of the features highly desired are billiards tables and wet bars complete with wine coolers and refrigerators. Don’t forget about the little ones either. Children-sized seating complete with built-in shelving for board games is just as popular.  

5. High-End Home Theatres

luxury home theatre with dark seating and large screen tv

Photo by Gramophone – Look for contemporary home theater design inspiration

Home theatres are the next big thing in the Kelowna real estate market. With stadium-style seating, high-tech sound systems and monster movie screens, home theatres are the perfect place for inviting guests to an evening of entertainment. Accessories like theatre-style popcorn makers, shelves stocked with treats, and soda dispensers and beer taps bring the complete movie-going experience home.  

6. Spiritually Refreshing Meditation Rooms

Meditation Space

Photo by Siol – More modern family room photos

 

Although meditation rooms are not necessarily entertaining guests, they boost the comfort appeal in any luxury home. This new trend is taking off, and homeowners are either requesting these spaces when searching for luxury real estate or else transforming their current spaces. Bamboo flooring, piped in nature sounds, soothing tabletop water fountains, indoor hot tubs, built-in yoga mats, and shelves stocked with candles, incense, and books on natural healing are popular items used to transform a regular room into a meditation room.

For other property trends to keep an eye out for this year, have a look at our previous post: 5 Luxury Real Estate Trends to Look for in 2016.

Are you looking for luxury real estate that encompasses these trendy features while still catering to your must-have list? Call our luxury real estate agent, Quincy Vrecko! He’ll show you the trendiest and most desirable homes in the luxury real estate Kelowna market. Call 1-250-863-8810

The Magic of Tidying-Up Kelowna Houses for Sale

When adding your home to the list of Kelowna houses for sale, follow these tips to discover the magic of Tidying-Up.

 

After spending the day tidying up and organizing your home, there’s something absolutely therapeutic about putting your feet up and admiring the results. It’s almost magic. And it’s also the perfect way to set apart the best homes from the rest when digging through the many Kelowna houses for sale on the market. A clean and clutter-free home stands out and intrigues potential buyers.

If you’re looking for ways to bring the tidy trend into your home, we can help.


1. Set a Goal

Write it down. You can even draw a picture—just make sure you set your organizational goals in stone and make them happen. Close your eyes and picture your home the way you want it to look. If you can visualize a tidy and organized home, you’re a lot more likely to follow through with it.


2. Categorize and Conquer

Because clutter can occur anywhere and contain items from all over the house, it’s best to sort by type rather than by room. For example, maybe you have more than one linen closet. It would be best to tackle all the linen at once instead of organizing each closet one at a time.


3. No More Storage 

A lot of people think that organizing involves complex storage solutions and units. It doesn’t. Once you’ve gone through your possessions category by category, you might find that you decide to purge more items than you originally thought you would. 

Alternatively, you may find that by sorting and tidying each type of item, you’re able to combine them into one location—a single bench, cupboard, bin or drawer. This will free up other locations for more storage. Some modern Kelowna properties don’t have heaps of additional storage space, but they still feel light, airy and orderly because everything is so well organized. 


4. Get it Done

One of the tricks to finishing the tasks you originally set out to do is to complete it all within a reasonable period of time. Allot a reasonable amount of time to get through the entire house, and then finish it within that timeframe. If you don’t accomplish this goal, you might risk retreating back into the old clutter-accumulating habits you once had. If you need a little extra push, take a look at some of the other Kelowna houses for sale on the market that you appreciate.  


5. Admire the Effect

Once you’ve got your home tidied up and organized, take a few days to tour and inspect each room. Do you love the way the remaining items look? Do they make you smile? Is there a secret joke or a special meaning behind some of the visible items? If you answer no to these questions, pitch them. Once you can eye up everything in your home and absolutely love it, you can sit back and enjoy the magic that you’ve created.

Now that you’ve got everything just the way you like it, why not incorporate a little Feng Shui into your tidy and newly organized home? Have a look at our previous post for inspiration: Feng Shui 101 – Kelowna Realtor Explains the Ancient Philosophy.

 

For more tips on how to get your Kelowna real estate organized and ready for the market, call the friendly professional real estate team at Quincy Vrecko & Associates. We can provide expert advice and make sure your Kelowna houses for sale get the attention they deserve. Call 1-778-760-2860.

13 Ways to Make Kelowna Houses for Sale Look Trendy

Many Kelowna houses for sale embody some of these 13 features to help speed up the number of days on market.

 

Flipping through home design magazines, it always seems to be the same décor themes that stand out: sophisticated home furnishings, fancy feature walls, and unique eye-catching details. Kelowna houses for sale that feature these characteristics don’t seem to spend a lot of time on the market before they sell.

If you’re looking for affordable ways to add drama to your home before listing it, we’ve got a list of tips to help you out.

1. Reupholster dated and worn-out furniture.

If your furniture has seen better days, a quick reupholster job could bring it back into the twenty first century.

2. Apply marble contact paper to flat surfaces.

For a quick pop of elegance, apply marble contact paper to desktops and tabletops.

3. Add faux wainscoting.

Wainscoting adds a touch of elegance to any room. Using recycled chair rails, wooden frames, and white paint, you can easily increase the appeal of any room in your home.

4. Create the appearance of built-in bookcases.

Without doing any major renovations, you can use old bookcases and crown moulding to create an eye-catching faux built-in.  

5. Re-vamp lifeless light fixtures.

A can of metallic spray paint (we recommend copper) can change the appearance of outdated light fixtures in less than 15 minutes.  

6. Replace or repaint kitchen and bathroom hardware.

It’s amazing how something as simple as changing these little details can increase the value of Kelowna houses for sale.   

7. Distress your furnishings.

By distressing some of the furnishings in your home, you can add unique character to your home.

8. Update your window trim.

Bold trim that’s freshly painted is the perfect frame to showcase the beautiful views outside.    

9. Use recycled wood to make accent walls and headboards.

One of the most popular emerging trends in Kelowna houses for sale is the use of barn wood and other recycled wood to make feature walls, backdrops and décor items. 

10. Strategically place wallpaper in unexpected places.

Add a little dash of elegance by incorporating sophisticated wallpaper in your favourite rooms.   

11. Give your cabinetry a facelift.

A little sanding and a coat of paint on already existing cabinets can go a long way. Add a little luxury by choosing a trendy colour that compliments your current appliances.

12. Update boring bathroom mirrors.

By adding trim around your bathroom mirrors, you can add the illusion of fancy finishing without removing the mirror from the wall.

13. Boost that curb appeal.

Another really popular way to improve the value of your Kelowna properties is to boost the curb appeal. By boosting the curb appeal, you’ll find yourself with more interested buyers excited to tour the interior of your home.

For tips on how to do this, take a peak at our previous post: Kelowna Real Estate: Boosting Your Home’s Curb Appeal.

 

If you’re ready to list your home on the Kelowna real estate market, have a chat with the professional expert team at Quincy Vrecko & Associates first. With our experience and attention to detail, we can help you get your home ready to enter the marketplace. Call 1-250-863-8810.    

The Top 5 Luxury Real Estate Trends to Look for in 2016

Take it from us: When seeking out luxury real estate trends, old is new again.

 

When it comes to the top luxury real estate trends in 2016, modern tech is out and old world is in. As smart phones, smart apps, and smart technology devour the world we live in, homeowners are starting to look for a place to unwind and unplug.


Elegant and Chic Dining Rooms

Beachwood

One of the emerging trends to keep an eye out for in 2016 is a separate formal dining room. Families are starting to feel the void caused by TV and cellphone use during dinnertime. With the impending availability of smart appliances invading kitchens, a separate dining area is a sought after addition. Sometimes you need to disconnect in order to reconnect.


Cozy, Tech-less Family Rooms

Bridge Street Residence Family Room

If you’re looking for family-friendly luxury real estate, search for a home that offers both a living room and a multimedia room. Many buyers are opting for both so that they can keep the family room tech-free but still have a room available for movie and sitcom watching. Pull out some cards or a board game and get to know the ones you love the most by spending time together in your tech-less family room. 


Spaces that Bring the Outdoors In

Home Design - The Bayfield

Another hot luxury home trend emerging in 2016 is the combination of outdoor and indoor living areas. Large corner windows can help bring the beauty of the outdoors into your home. Homes with accordion or pocket doors can also blend the divide between your backyard and your indoor living space. Glass rooms that offer wide open doors on either end create a seamless flow between the outdoors and your home. With so many options to pick from, it’s easy to see why this trend is making its rounds in 2016. 


Brag-Worthy Bathrooms

Back Country Estate

Keeping in line with the tech-less wave that’s taking over the luxury homes scene, spa-like bathrooms are becoming another trend you’ll want to look for. If you can imagine spending hours in your master bath, you’ve found yourself a trendsetting bathroom. Adding in cozy features like plush chairs and fresh flowers will also add to the appeal of retreating to your favourite room to unwind and unplug. 

For more ideas to make the master bath the best room in the house, check out our previous post: 5 Luxury Real Estate Bathroom Trends We Love.


Kitchens that Wow

Contemporary Shaker Kitchen

Stunning kitchens have always been something homebuyers are attracted to. From custom cabinetry to the latest appliances, kitchens are definitely the heart of the home for good reason. This classic trend has pushed the envelope this year. Look for kitchens with mismatched cabinetry, dramatic yet functional islands, and touches of copper. These are the trends that luxury real estate Kelowna homebuyers search for the most.   

 

If you’re looking for your dream home that’s on point with the hottest luxury real estate trends, contact the professional Realtors at Quincy Vrecko & Associates. We specialize in helping buyers find properties that suit your lifestyle. Call 250-863-8810.

Kelowna Houses for Sale: 5 Landscape Tips to Add Value

Landscape Tips: When buyers are browsing through Kelowna houses for sale, they’re probably looking for these five elements.

 

If you’ve been thinking about adding your home to the list of Kelowna houses for sale, you know how important a well-cared for yard is. The curb appeal, the warm and welcoming front door, and the privacy of the outdoor living area can help turn interest into a sale. If you’re considering listing your house in the Kelowna market, consider some of these landscaping tips to help increase the value of your home.


1. Focus on the Exterior

Landscape Tips
Photo by Dean Thomas Architectural Design – Look for contemporary exterior pictures


Curb Appeal. It’s a term you’ve heard a bunch of times, but what does it even mean, and why is it important? A home that has curb appeal can increase the value of your home by up to eight percent. This is because a home that makes an outstanding first impression can attract more buyers. Think about it this way: Buyers will usually drive by theKelowna houses for sale that they’re interested in before making an appointment for a viewing. If your home looks attractive on the outside, potential buyers will be more eager to take a peek inside.


2. Spruce up the Front Yard

Landscape Tips
Photo by Mitchell Construction Group – More traditional exterior ideas


Another way to add instant curb appeal to your home is to make the front yard and front door welcoming. Add a cozy little seating area, paint your front door an inviting colour, and add a decorative welcome mat to the front stoop. You can also add flowers and shrubbery, but try to keep them in planters instead of planting them directly into the yard. Potential buyers love cheery looking homes, but may not be excited about the prospect of maintaining overflowing flowerbeds.


3. Invest in Outdoor Living Areas

Landscape Tips
Photo by Fredman Design Group – More contemporary patio ideas


Buyers looking through the lists ofKelowna houses for sale typically prefer to view homes that offer outdoor living spaces. With the wonderful weather Okanagan residents are privy to, many buyers look forward to spending their free time outside. By fixing up the deck or patio, installing an outdoor kitchen, or adding a gazebo, you can boost the property value while attracting more buyers. 


4. Exercise your Green Thumb 

Landscape Tips
Photo by – Search modern landscape pictures


A well-landscaped yard can increase the value of your home by five to 10 percent. Consider adding things like: trees, native plants, paving stones, and water features. Try to keep the landscaping stunning yet simple and use plants and trees that strike a seasonal balance.


5. Tidy Up your Garage

Landscape Tips
Photo by Garage Envy – Search traditional exterior design ideas


Although the garage doesn’t fall under the landscaping heading per se, it’s definitely worth talking about. Buyers are always looking for neat and tidy homes that allow them to envision themselves moving in. Remodeling your garage by adding shelving, fresh paint, and other details can increase the value of your home by up to six percent. When garage envy sets in, potential buyers may be more willing to make an offer. 

Now that you’ve got the exterior taken care of, check out our post for tips on increasing the value of your property on the inside: Home Improvement: 4 Projects to Add Value to Kelowna Real Estate.

 

If you’re ready to list your home, contact the Kelowna real estate experts at Quincy Vrecko & Associates. Our professional Realtors can help you achieve maximum value for your property. Call 250-863-8810.

Feng Shui 101 – Kelowna Realtor Explains the Ancient Philosophy

Designing according to ancient principles may do more than put your Kelowna real estate in balance – it may enhance your life.

 

You’ve heard it before,  “it’s the perfect time for a little feng shui revitalization at home”. But, what does that even mean? Yes, you’re not the only one left scratching your head – so, alas, it’s finally your time to understand the art of feng shui, and how to even incorporate it into your Kelowna real estate.

The History of Feng Shui

Translated from Chinese, Feng Shui (pronounced fung schway) means ‘Wind Water’.  This ancient Chinese philosophy is a unique mixture of art, science, design, metaphysics, intuition, common sense and superstition. Encompassing a wide variety of applications, it was originally thought to be used as a useful tool in choosing beneficial plots of land.

Understanding the Concept of Chi

Integral to the understanding of Feng Shui, is the concept of Chi (pronounced chee).  Chi is energy, and energy can be described as a nonphysical life force. Everything is made up of energy.  Feng Shui focuses upon the flow of Chi providing insight into its movement as well as our connection to and relationship with that movement. While the study and application may vary by tradition, there is a common underlying theme; working with, and aligning to Chi, provides many benefits.  Contemporary Western Feng Shui focuses primarily on creating and enhancing beneficial, supportive and auspicious environments. People are often seeking happy, healthy and prosperous lives.

The Art of Feng Shui in the Home

You home knows and feels like we do. When our energy is drained we feel either uplifted or let down. Do our homes uplift us by reflecting our personal growth and aspirations? Conversely, are they mirroring an image that is keeping us, and the Chi, stagnant?   Whether we are aware of it (or not), we have a rather intimate relationship with this invisible cohabitant.

The ‘Art of Placement’

Feng Shui places particular importance upon the placement of items.  The intention behind this placement is key in aligning with the desired movement of the Chi as well as is its symbolic meaning.  Symbols have the effect of cutting through various thought and belief systems providing a link to a deeper message. For instance, a light in a dark place can represent clarity…while a plant may provide a message of aliveness.  Likewise, fresh artwork inspired with the colors of spring can reflect new beginnings and growth, and the placement, with intention of an intimate sculpture or curios item, can invite the essence of love, intimacy, and romance.  The personal connection with these symbols and messages can have the effect of softening resistance and encouraging receptivity. The intention is for allowing for an improved state of being.

Vibrations

Similar to tuning vibrations in a piano, a Feng Shui practitioner assists in tuning a home and/or an office.  A home shaped to encourage good Chi possess the sense of positive flow to greet and nurture us. We can tap into the beauty and power of this transformative energy through Feng Shui.

So, whether you are hoping to implement a few feng shui techniques to improve the flow of your Kelowna real estate, or thinking about hiring a feng shui consultant to give your home a complete energy makeover, learning more about this ancient art is sure to enhance your life at home. And, if you’re up for some more home improvement projects this summer, you can always read our latest blog, ‘Home Improvement: 4 Projects to Add Value to Kelowna Real Estate‘.

Blog by: Peggy Morrison
Kelowna Realtor® & Feng Shui Enthusiast

 

 

Are you considering selling your home? Discover the difference it makes to have a professional Realtor® with an outstanding track record on your side. Call the Quincy Vrecko Kelowna real estate team. 1-778-760-2860.

The Big Bar Affect: Luxury Real Estate & The Lounge

When you’re in these luxury real estate bars, you might just forget you’re in someone’s home.

 

Your home is your castle, and for many luxury real estate homeowners, it’s also the local sports pub or hotel lounge. With scads of day and weekend guests who’ve discovered your Kelowna address and a trend towards the convenience and privacy of entertaining at home, home bars are going big. Where they were once tucked into a nook of the basement, many luxury homeowners are replicating their favourite bars—in size and style. 

Here are our tips for creating the lounge/man-cave/pub of your dreams right at home: 


Do: Add Multiple Big-Screen TV’s

Family Room, Home Theater and Bar

It’s safe to say that when you or your mister has the guys over, this is where they’ll watch the game. Multiple smaller flat-screens near the liquor shelves are great for guests perched on bar stools (but don’t place them too high or everyone will have sore necks!). One larger flat-screen on an opposing wall are perfect for those playing billiards or seated on sofas during a five-hour NFL marathon.


Do: Make Use of Your View

Pfuner Design, Oceanfront Penthouse

Who says bars should be relegated to the lower level? If you’ve got a stunning view of the lake or city, an opulent bar on the main level is the perfect place to ensure you and your guests get to take in that view, and linger in that holiday-hotel feel.


Do: Go for a Long Bar with Plenty of Seating

Luxury Bar

It’s human nature in the 21st century to congregate at the bar. Something in us just wants to pull up that stool, lean on our shoulders, sip, and gab. Make your bar stand out and ensure home entertaining is easy by creating a plus-size bar with more than enough stools featuring comfortable fabrics. We’ve seen a number of luxury real estate bars featuring granite countertops because they tend to make for easy maintenance as the night goes on!


Do: Add Billiards

Ashburn Contemporary Basement - Pool Area & Bar

Even the most die-hard sports fans sometimes struggle to sit in a chair for three, four or five hours straight. And watching athletes competing often inspires our inner competitor. The solution? Billiards. Custom pool tables and dart boards are a welcome addition in any bar. Don’t forget the poker table! 


Do: Take the Bar Outside

Beach House at The Strand, Dana Point, CA

Here in the Okanagan, the outdoor living season is at least seven months long. Extend the bar in your lower level walk-out to your patio, and give your guests another eye-catching and comfortable place to relax and enjoy each other’s company.

We love how these homeowners, like many Kelowna luxury real estate homeowners, have replicated a Mediterranean-resort feel in the design, and let the neutral materials become secondary to a stunning landscape. And, of course, the two TV’s to keep up with the scores!

Now that you’ve got the bar covered, go all out in the men’s and ladies rooms with inspiration from our post 5 Luxury Real Estate Bathroom Trends We Love.

  

Or would you rather simply find the home of your dreams with a gorgeous bar and bathrooms already there to use? Set yourself up for success with the Quincy Vrecko listings and Kelowna’s luxury Realtor®, Quincy Vrecko. Call 250-863-8810.