What’s Hot in the Kitchen?

High-end kitchen appliances such as Fisher & Paykel’s Double DishDrawer have become increasingly popular on the Kelowna luxury real estate market.

 

Kitchens are one of the most important selling features for homes listed on the Kelowna luxury real estate market. Having high-end appliances allows homeowners to prepare gourmet meals that rival those in upscale restaurants. For people who like to pamper their own palates and entertain guests in fine style, this is a must. 

These days, the technology manufacturers pack into kitchen appliances is remarkable. Whether it’s a refrigerator that notifies you via text message that you’re low on milk, or a dishwasher that operates so quietly you don’t even know it’s running, they’re constantly coming up with new innovations.

Here are some of the ones our Kelowna realtors think you’ll find desirable in your kitchen.

Double Dishwashers 

For luxury homeowners with large families, or those who entertain on a regular basis, having double dishwashers is a blessing. Sometimes the capacity of a single unit isn’t enough (i.e. Thanksgiving dinner for 17 people). A second dishwasher can manage the overflow, including any larger pots and pans, freeing you up to spend more time with your guests.

For people who have smaller homes in Kelowna luxury real estate, something like Fisher & Paykel’s ingenious Double DishDrawer Tall is a brilliant idea. It features two separate dishwashing drawers that function independently so different wash cycles can operate simultaneously.

Beverage Centres

There are beer fridges, and then there are beverage centres. The latter is a much more sophisticated option for people who like to have their drinks close at hand, and enjoy them at precisely the right temperature.

Take the U-Line Modular 3000 Series, for example. Its handy U-Select Control allows you to set the perfect storage environment for a variety of food and beverages:

• Beverage (beer or pop)
• Deli
• Market
• Pantry
• Root cellar
• Sparkling wine
• White wine
• Red wine 

By having a dedicated beverage centre, it frees up considerable space in your refrigerator. There are many under-counter models available that are ideally suited for luxury homes with kitchen islands. 

Built-in Coffee Makers 

There’s nothing like savouring your morning cappuccino, prepared exactly the way you like it, while you scan the news headlines from the comfort of your home. It’s one of the reasons you’ll find built-in coffee makers in high-end homes on the Kelowna luxury real estate market.

Models like Miele’s CVA 6805 Coffee System retail at $5,399 and can be plumbed directly into your home’s water system so you don’t even have to fill it up. All you need to do is feed it some beans once in awhile.

Other handy features include:

• Touch display operation
• Prepare two beverages simultaneously
• Built-in milk dispenser
• Cup height sensor
• Automatic rinse
  

If you have a luxury home that could use an update, read our post: How to Modernize an Older Luxury Home with Kelowna Appliances.

Are you searching for Kelowna luxury real estate with the best amenities? Quincy Vrecko & Associates can show the best homes in the most desirable Kelowna neighbourhoods. Call us to discuss what your ideal luxury home looks like.

There are many factors that go into choosing Kelowna real estate that suits your family’s needs.

There’s a lot that goes into choosing Kelowna real estate. Obviously, budget plays an important role in that decision, but there are so many other factors that need to be considered when selecting a property for you and your family.

For example, a recently retired couple will likely have a drastically different perspective on what constitutes the ideal property in the Okanagan compared to a family with young children.

If you’re on the market for a new home for your family, here are some things to bear in mind.

Neighborhood

Where you live can greatly impact your quality of life, and that of your family’s, in so many ways. Finding a neighborhood with a blend of families that have similar lifestyle values is important, and it’s something that’ll help you develop a sense of community quickly.

Here are a few questions your Kelowna realtor might be able to help you answer:

• Are their other families with children of a similar age living in the neighborhood?
• Are there parks, playgrounds and easily accessible recreation facilities nearby?
• Do typical properties in the area have enough yard space for young children to play?

For more area-specific information, read our post: Choosing a Neighbourhood in Kelowna.

Proximity of Amenities

Rural living has its perks, but if you choose a location that’s overly isolated, you might quickly discover just how burdensome it can become to drive your daughter to hockey practice in the morning. On the other hand, living in a city center can be noisy and the increase in traffic has its own risks.

Until you actually live in an area, it’s difficult to get a feel for how convenient it is to get around. Some of the typical amenities and facilities you’ll want close at hand include:

• Groceries
• Gas
• Library
• Medical center
• Entertainment (Movie theatre, restaurants, etc.)
• Recreation facilities (pools, gyms, ice rinks, sports clubs)

Schools

If you intend on living in a particular area for a while, it’s worth doing some extra research to determine what the local schools are like. You should also figure out how your children will get there:

• School bus
• Walk
• Drop them off and pick them up on the way to and from work
• Carpool with other neighbors

One point worth noting is that neighborhoods with nearby schools—especially ones for elementary-aged students—tend to be safer in terms of traffic calming and children using crosswalks.

Are you searching for Kelowna real estate that’s family-friendly? Quincy Vrecko & Associates will help you find a property that checks all the boxes and is within your budget. Call us to discuss what your ideal home looks like.

Keeping a tidy yard is a great way to boost curb appeal when selling Kelowna real estate in the fall.

Next to spring, autumn is the best time of year to sell Kelowna real estate. Most families have returned from summer vacation, the kids are back in school and life for most people returns to some semblance of ‘normal’. Also, other than Thanksgiving, you don’t have to worry about any major holidays disrupting the status quo.

There’s usually a flurry of activity this time of year in luxury real estate, so if you plan on listing a property, you need to ensure you’re well positioned and that you’ve done everything possible to give your home a chance to sell quickly, and for top dollar.

Our Kelowna real estate specialists have come up with a handy to-do list to get you on potential homebuyers’ shortlists.

1. Maintain your yard

With the onset of autumn comes the dropping of leaves. Your yard is one of the first things homebuyers will notice when they pull into the driveway, and here are a few maintenance items that’ll help you make a good first impression:

• Rake leaves
• Keep lawn manicured
• Clear paths of overgrown vegetation
• Prune trees and shrubs
• Dig up gardens and flowerbeds as needed 

It’s particularly important to keep your lawn clear of leaves and debris as a buildup of mulch and organic matter can kill grass, which will lead to unsightly brown spots.

2. Add colour with flowers

If you have a green thumb, or know someone who’s adept at gardening, adding a splash of colour to your property with fall flowers is a great way to make your home stand out. 

Certain varieties of chrysanthemums (also known as mums) bloom as late as October, while hydrangea shrubs are known to keep their vibrant blue and purple blossoms until the first frost. 

Placing fall flowers such as marigolds, mums and cone flowers (aka Echinacea) in pots along walkways or by entranceways gives homes a warm, welcoming feeling. Add pumpkins to the arrangement for the complete harvest motif.

3. Inspect the HVAC system

If you haven’t already started using your HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning) to heat your house, it wouldn’t hurt to test it before you place your home on the Kelowna real estate market. It’s likely been months since you last used it in spring, so at the very least you should check the filter and replace it.

The last thing you want if for a potential homebuyer to walk through and notice a dusty smell when your furnace kicks in.

 4. Clean the fireplace of your Kelowna Real Estate

If your home uses either a wood or gas fireplace as a main or supplemental heat source, it would be a good idea to give it a thorough cleaning to remove cobwebs and make the glass inserts sparkle. 

To give your home a cozy feeling, turn your gas fireplace on when people are walking through.

For other helpful pointers when selling Kelowna real estate, be sure to read our Home Staging Tips.

Are you preparing to list your luxury property on the Kelowna real estate market? Come and talk to the experts at Quincy Vrecko & Associates. We have the knowledge and experience to list your home competitively to ensure you receive maximum value on your investment.

Having a friend or neighbor who’ll water your plants while completing a home inspection of your luxury real estate is a huge help while you’re away on vacation. 

Safeguarding Your Luxury Home

Vacationing at your luxury real estate property in Kelowna requires a certain amount of preparation. There’s the small matter of arranging flights, deciding what to pack and, of course, planning your activities during your getaway. One thing that often gets overlooked is your primary residence and what you can do to protect it in your absence.

If you’re sneaking off for a quick weekend retreat to your Okanagan vacation property, that’s one thing. But if you’re going to be kicking back for more than a few days, there are a number of things you should put on your to-do list before you leave.

Here are a few helpful tips that’ll keep your home safer while you’re gone.

 

1. Arrange a home inspection

While you’re busy taking full advantage of the Okanagan sun at your luxury real estate, it’s always good to know there’s someone back home keeping an eye on your home. In many cases, arranging a weekly home inspection in your absence will be a requirement of your insurance provider. 

There are a number of inspection options available to most homeowners:

• Neighbour
• Friend
• Family member
• Property management service 

Just make sure they take the time to go room by room, checking for any potential problems. In particular, they should ensure your heating/cooling system is operational, and check sinks, toilets, the hot water tank and other water sources for leaks.

It might cost you a bottle of Okanagan merlot, but you might also be able to convince them to:

• Water your plants
• Feed your pets
• Pick up your mail and newspapers
• Mow the lawn
• Turn on faucets, flush toilets and run the dishwasher
  

3. Turn off the water

No one wants to come home from a relaxing vacation to find a plumbing leak. You can cut the problem off at the source by turning off your main shutoff valve before you leave. 

3. Check your pool and hot tub

Make sure the pool pump is running properly to avoid algae buildup. For hot tubs, turn down the thermostat. Also, check the chemistry for both is ideal.

If you’re going to be away for a longer period, have a neighbor or pool service check the pool periodically to make sure the pump is working properly.

4. Set your thermostat

No matter where your primary residence is, having your home set to just the right temperature has a major influence on your overall comfort. Whether it’s your air conditioning unit in summer or forced-air furnace in winter, they are an essential modern convenience.

However, in your absence, there’s no need to have these units running at full capacity. Instead, set your air conditioner a few degrees higher, or your furnace a few degrees lower (depending on the time of year). That’ll save electricity, protect the environment and prolong the life of these units.

If you’ve already got your home sorted out and are looking for outdoor activities in the Okanagan, read Ask a Kelowna Realtor: 5 Easily Accessible Hiking Trails Near the City.

Luxury real estate in the Okanagan is a tremendous investment opportunity. Call the experts at Quincy Vrecko & Associates to discover some of the most sought after properties in the most desirable neighborhoods.

Understanding the law of supply and demand is important when buying or selling property on the Kelowna real estate market.

 

The decision to buy or sell Kelowna real estate is an important one. Market conditions constantly change and it can be difficult to determine the best time to list or make an offer on a property.

There are a number of factors that affect the market, not the least of which is the law of supply and demand. The basic theory dictates that when there’s an oversupply of housing, there’ll be a corresponding drop in price. And when there’s a low supply of housing, there’ll be a consequent rise in price.

Pricing is clearly affected, but supply and demand can also affect the length of time properties stay on the market. In a slower period, houses might stay weeks or even months without receiving much interest. In busy periods, it’s possible to see potential home buyers line up to for showings and get into bidding wars.

 

Exception to the Rule

It’s possible to have a larger-than-average supply of housing and still see Kelowna real estate prices rise. If the properties in question are in high demand—perhaps it’s a new luxury real estate development that just came on the market—buyers will be attracted to it and will be pay premium prices to get it.

 

 

The Location Effect

Another potential anomaly to the supply and demand concept is location. A less desirable neighborhood can extend the normal amount of time to sell even if the particular style of home is popular.

Conversely, a tiny fixer-upper in a hot location could sell extremely well and very quickly.

 

The Buyers’ Market

Generally speaking, an oversupply in housing often leads to lower prices, which is known as a buyers’ market. With multiple houses to choose from in their price bracket, buyers can be more selective when choosing from among property sellers’ offerings. They can also often dictate prices.

In turn, property sellers in this type of environment will often compete with each other for available buyers by lowering their prices.

 

 

The Sellers’ Market

In a hot market, activity tends to spike as potential buyers will sometimes make offers faster than normal. Buyers are quick so as to not miss out on a property. This can have a number of affects:

• Buyers need to be more prepared to commit to an offer
• Sellers can list properties at higher prices knowing there’ll be competition for them
• It can lead to bidding wars among buyers
• With less inventory to choose from, buyers might have to wait to find their ideal home

When buying or selling property, you should always consult a Kelowna realtor to gauge market conditions to get maximum value for your hard-earned dollar.

If you’ve already sold you’re home and are ready to move on to your next property, you should read Ask a Kelowna Realtor: Tips for a Hassle-Free Move into Your New Luxury Home.

 

Are you looking to buy some Kelowna real estate? The experts at Quincy Vrecko & Associates can help you find the ideal home for your budget in a number of desirable neighbourhoods. Call us to book an appointment.