Buy or sell your Kelowna home first?

If you own a Kelowna home, the first question that seems to pop into your head is “do we buy first or sell first?” This is a tricky question to answer as there are pros and cons to both of the situations. If you are struggling to figure out which route to go, consider these pros to both situations. It may help make up your mind.

Pros to Buying Kelowna Real Estate First

couple looking at Kelowna home with Kelowna real estate agent

Pros of buying Kelowna real estate first

If you are thinking of buying a Kelowna home first, here are some pros as to why that’s may be a smart move to make!

  1. It is less stressful. If you purchase a Kelowna home first, you are less likely to feel stressed trying to find a Kelowna home.
  2. You can take time to find the right home. If you are purchasing a Kelowna home first, you can take time to find the perfect house. There is no rushing to find something.
  3. If the deal collapses, you have time to find another home. It’s a known fact that deals can collapse. This means you did not remove all subjects and decided not to purchase the Kelowna home. If this happens, do not stress. You have the opportunity to keep looking as your Kelowna home isn’t sold yet.
couple standing in front of home with sold sign

Pros of selling Kelowna real estate first

Pros to Selling Kelowna Real Estate First

If you are thinking of selling your Kelowna real estate, here are some pros as to why that may be the smart move to may!

  1. You have time to negotiate and not settle for a low price. If you are rushed to sell your Kelowna home      because you have purchased a home, you may need to negotiate more or settle for a lower price.
  2. Allows for easy budgeting. After you have sold your home, you know exactly what you can now afford. You won’t purchase a Kelowna home you can’t afford now, knowing what your home sold for.
  3. Narrows down your search for a Kelowna home. Now that your Kelowna home is sold and you are ready to purchase another Kelowna home, you know exactly what you want, what you need and what you can spend. This allows you to narrow down your search and speed up the process of finding a Kelowna home.

If you are looking to start the process of either buying or selling a Kelowna home, contact the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates. Our team of dedicated real estate agents know the ins and outs of the real estate market in Kelowna. We have worked with plenty of Kelowna home buyers and sellers to find them exactly what they were looking for. If you don’t know whether to buy or sell first, our team of agents can point you in the right direction. All you have to do is call us, 1-778-760-2860!

March Agenda: What to do in Kelowna

Another month has come and is almost gone, we’re almost ready to welcome Spring! With a new month approaching comes a new agenda of things to do in Kelowna. If you are looking for something to do in Kelowna this March, check out our handy agenda for the month of March. Each month we feature 3 events happening locally in Kelowna, keep your eye out for the months to come!

Fondue Friday

cheese fondue with wine

Fondue Fridays

If you are looking for a fun weekly activity for March, and you love wine… then we have the perfect activity for you! Back by popular demand, every Friday in March from 5:00-7:00PM head over to the View Winery located in Kelowna, BC for a Fondue Friday evening! Enjoy rich cheese and chocolate fondues paired with estate grown wines. This weekly event is just $15 and is the perfect way to spend your cold weekends!

YLW Spring Travel Event

From 11:00AM to 3:00PM on March 3rd the annual Spring Travel Event is taking place. If a vacation is in the near future for you and your family, this is the event for you. Learn how easy it is to plan your vacation! This Spring Travel Events gives you information on flights out of Kelowna, hotels and travel packages. You can even enter for your chance to win a travel prize at the event by purchasing ballots. All funds are being donated to the Canucks Autism Network! You don’t want to miss out on this annual event in Kelowna.

homemade pasta in pasta roller

Homemade Pasta Workshop

Handmade Pasta Workshop 3.0 (Hands-On)

If you enjoy cooking or you are looking to learn a few new recipes, on March 29th we have the event for you. From 6:00PM to 9:00PM for only $75.00, you can learn how to make different homemade pastas at Start Fresh Kitchen. Grab your apron and you’ll learn how to make spinach gnocchi, basil tagliatelle and duck-stuffed agnolotti. Best part? After you are done cooking the pasta, you get to enjoy your masterpiece! Yum!

Well there you have it Kelowna, a few great events happening this month. If you are looking for full list of things to do this month, visit Tourism Kelowna’s website. They feature all weekly, monthly or annual events and you can search for whatever month you desire! If you are not a resident of the beautiful city of Kelowna and want to make this city your home, contact one of our real estate agents at Quincy Vrecko and Associates RE/MAX Kelowna. One of our knowledgeable real estate agents can assist you with your home purchase. All you have to do is pick up the phone to start your home search. Call 1-778-760-2860 today!

Listing Checklist for Kelowna Home Sellers

Are you looking to put your Kelowna home up for sale? Before the “for sale” sign goes up on your lawn, there are a few things to do to ensure your home is in tip top shape for showings and photography! It is important to ensure your home is in good condition before potential home buyers come through. Set your sale up for success by checking these things off the list!

Outside of your Kelowna Home:

  1. Clean up your flower beds
  2. Cut your lawn, if listing in the Spring, Summer or Fall
  3. Remove any damaged furniture
  4. Driveways and sidewalks free of snow, if listing in the Winter
  5. Children’s toys, such as bikes, stored neatly and out of the way

Kitchen of your Kelowna Home:

  1. Dirty dishes put away and out of the sink/off of the counter
  2. All surfaces are cleaned off and wiped down
  3. Remove spoiled food from the refrigerator
  4. Sinks cleaned and faucets are leak free
  5. Floors are vacuumed and  windows are wiped down and clean

Bedrooms of your Kelowna Home:

  1. Beds are made and linens are clean
  2. Floors are vacuumed and  windows are wiped down and clean
  3. Remove any excess furniture that may make the room look cluttered
  4. Children’s toys are stored neatly and out of the way
  5. Closets are organized, clothes are hung up and off the floor

Bathrooms of your Kelowna Home:

  1. Bathtub and shower are cleaned thoroughly
  2. Toilet cleaned and working properly
  3. Towels are clean and hung up
  4. Floors are vacuumed and  windows are wiped down and clean
  5. Countertops are free of clutter and personal items

This list just covers some main areas of your Kelowna home. For a full list of things you should do before listing your home, contact our team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates! Our team of real estate agents are experienced with selling Kelowna real estate and know how to properly set your Kelowna home up for photography and showings. One of our knowledgeable agents are ready to assist you with your Kelowna home. Call 1-778-760-2860 today!

Kelowna Checklist for Home Buyers

If you are looking to purchase Kelowna real estate, our team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates have put together this handy checklist for you. Home buying is a process and takes a lot of little steps to make it happen. Don’t forget a step by keeping this handy buyers checklist at your side when you are in the process of purchasing Kelowna real estate.

The Kelowna real estate process starts with…

  1. Figure out how much you can afford.
  2. Find a Kelowna real estate agent to work with you.
  3. Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Check out our blog on why this is important!
  4. Determine your wants and needs in a home.
  5. Research what neighbourhood you may want to live in. Are you a family that needs to be close to schools? Do you enjoy walking to work? All things to consider!
  6. Begin your home search. Based on what your wants and needs are and what type of neighbourhood would best suit your family and/or lifestyle, your Kelowna real estate agent will do up a list of available homes to go and look at.
  7. Write an offer on Kelowna real estate! One step closer to closing this deal…
  8. Work on your subjects. Hire a home inspector, start your financing process with your mortgage broker, speak with your lawyer etc.
  9. Remove subjects, congratulations you purchased Kelowna real estate… you aren’t done yet…
  10. Research moving companies and start packing up! Check local ads for moving boxes to help save on moving costs.
  11. Sign your paperwork with your Kelowna lawyer.
  12. Meet with your Kelowna real estate agent to hand over keys!
  13. Unpack, unwind and relax. You did it! You purchased your very own Kelowna real estate. Congratulations!!

This 13-step guide will give you a good idea as to what the process looks like when you are looking to purchase your Kelowna home. To begin your process of purchasing a Kelowna home, contact the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates. Our team of dedicated real estate agents are ready to assist you with this next big purchase! We will be there every step of the way to ensure that nothing is missed. Rest assured, you are in good hands! Contact one of our team members today. Call 1-778-760-2860!

Own a Kelowna Home before you’re Thirty

Buying a home is one of the biggest purchases you will ever make in your life. You may be itching to get your hands on you first set of keys. You want to experience what it is like to sign your subject removals and hear “congratulations you have officially purchased your first home!” If you have a goal in mind to purchase your very first home, our three tips can help you attain that goal.

Meet with a Mortgage Advisor

couple being handed keys to their first Kelowna home

Meet with a mortgage advisor

The very first thing you should do when you are looking to purchase a Kelowna home is to meet with a mortgage advisor. It is key to find out exactly what you could afford and how much you need to save. You may be surprised as to how fast you could purchase your first home. Don’t waste your money on rent, purchase your first Kelowna home today.

Save, Save and Save!

The hardest part of purchasing your first Kelowna home is coming up with the down payment. It can be intimidating how much you need to put down in order to qualify for a home. Don’t worry! If you need some ideas on how to start saving up for your down payment, check out our blog Smart Saving Tips: Save your Down Payment.

sold sign in front of home

Start small and work your way up!

Start small

The best thing you could do is get into the real estate market. However you can get into it, do it. Come to realization that the first Kelowna home you buy isn’t going to be the last. If you need to, purchase something small and affordable for you to start. It’ll be such a great feeling once you sell your first Kelowna home and realize the next home you could purchase. Don’t get disappointed, getting into the market is the smartest thing you could do.

If you are looking to purchase a Kelowna home, get in touch with Quincy Vrecko and Associates. Tracey Vrecko has years of experience assisting first time home buyers in Kelowna. She is knowledgeable in the real estate market and can assist you with your big purchase! Tracey is dedicated to finding you Kelowna real estate you will enjoy living in. Contact Tracey Vrecko today to begin your home search. Call 1-778-760-2860 today!

Luxury Real Estate: First $10M assessment in Kelowna

Did you recently discover your luxury real estate is worth more now than it was in 2017? Well, you wouldn’t be the only one. Homeowners all throughout the Okanagan discovered that exact same thing. With value properties in Kelowna going up 17% in 2017, according to BC Assessment, we hit a new record! Kelowna had it’s first $10M assessment on a single family luxury property. Where is this luxury real estate? What is the assessment value at? 

4358 Hobson Road Kelowna, BC

This luxury property sits on 1.76 acres and is right on the Lake Okanagan. This waterfront home is the first $10M single family assessment in the Thompson-Okanagan region. The assessed value of this luxury waterfront home came in at $10,029,000, an increase of $800,000 from 2016. Tracy Wall, the assessor for the Thompson Okanagan region states,

“BC Assessment looks at a number of factors when valuing a property. Things that can add value are the location, the size of the property, how large the home is…”

For her full quote, and what other things add value to luxury real estate, visit KelownaNow’s website.

It’s important to know that these are just the assessed values given by BC Assessment. They do not reflect the selling price of a luxury property. To know exactly what your luxury real estate is worth, it’s important to contact a Kelowna luxury real estate agent. They will meet with you and review all aspects of your home that can contribute to the listing price.

If you are interested in selling your Kelowna luxury property, contact Quincy with Quincy Vrecko and Associates. Quincy Vrecko has over 28 years experience of luxury sales. Quincy knows the luxury real estate market, he establishes a strategic marketing plan in order to sell your luxury property for top dollar. If you are looking for a luxury real estate agent who works for you and understands the luxury market then look no further. Contact Quincy Vrecko today. Call 1-863-8810!

Top 3 Luxury Home Sales 2017

For our last blog we wrote about the top 3 luxury waterfront home sales for 2017. You can find that blog here. Now let’s take a look at the top three luxury home sales for 2017. We have broken it down into Kelowna, West Kelowna and Lake Country. The top three luxury home sales for 2017 all came in over $2,000,000.

3591 Hart Road – Kelowna, BC

luxury home located in Kelowna, BC

3591 Hart Road – Listed by RE/MAX Kelowna and Caldwell Banker

This luxury home definitely has the WOW factor. Views of the Okanagan Lake and City of Kelowna and overlooking Harvest Golf Course. This 11 acre property features over 5900 sq.ft of living space with soaring 20’ ceilings. Sold for $5,297,000 and only 120 days on market, this piece of property even has a custom putting green! Cork flooring, custom stonework and beautiful geometric display wall are just a few key features of this luxury home in Kelowna, BC.

13708 Townsend Drive – Lake Country, BC

13708 Townsend Drive is luxury living at its finest! This rancher style luxury home is on 1 acre of property located in Lake Country. 1378 Townsend Drive features 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms and over 6200 square feet of living space. Sold for $2,725,000 and only 52 days on the market. Kitchenaid Pro-Line Series appliances, luxurious ensuite, full gym, and custom closets are just a few main features of this luxury home.

luxury home located in West Kelowna

1543 Vineyard Drive – Listed with Royal Lepage Kelowna

1543 Vineyard Drive West Kelowna, BC

Last but certainly not least is 1543 Vineyard Drive located in West Kelowna. Sold for $3,000,000 and 226 days on market. This luxury home has unprecedented views of Lake Okanagan and the beautiful vineyards. Over 7800 sq.ft of living space, 4 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, this luxury home is truly a entertainer’s dream! In-ground pool, large windows to take in the natural light, and spectacular outdoor living are just a few key features of this home.

If you are looking for luxury real estate similar to these in Kelowna, contact Quincy Vrecko with Quincy Vrecko and Associates, RE/MAX Kelowna. Quincy is a luxury real estate agent with Quincy Vrecko and Associates. He is knowledgeable in the luxury real estate market and has over 28 years of experience in luxury sales. If you want a luxury real estate agent who works for you, knows the ins and out of the luxury real estate market and is experienced buying and selling luxury properties in Kelowna, contact Quincy Vrecko today. Call 1-250-863-8810 today!

Kelowna Real Estate: Why Can’t I get a Mortgage?

One of the first steps to purchase a Kelowna home is to get approved for a mortgage. Before you start your search for Kelowna real estate, it’s important to talk to a Kelowna mortgage broker to determine how much you can afford. If you have been turned down for a mortgage before, it could be due to one of these 3 reasons. By changing a few things, you could go from no mortgage to purchasing your very own Kelowna real estate. So what are the three main reasons people get turned down for a mortgage?

Low or Bad Credit Score

calculating balance owning on credit card

Improve your credit score

One of the main reasons people tend to get denied a mortgage is due to their credit score. The great thing about this is that your credit score can be improved! So even if you have no credit at all or you have a bad credit score, don’t worry! Fix your credit score by starting off paying off your debt. Catch up on your late payments, pay off whatever you owe on your cards, pay off high interest cards first and voila! Not only are you paying off your debt, but you are also helping your mortgage application.

Not enough money saved for Kelowna real estate

If you are looking to purchase Kelowna real estate, it’s important to have money saved. In order to purchase Kelowna real estate, you need to have a down payment. In order to determine exactly how much you need to put down, speak with your Kelowna mortgage broker prior to writing an offer on Kelowna real estate. Once you know exactly how much you need to put down, speak with your Kelowna realtor to be aware of closing costs. Again, the positive thing about this point is that that doesn’t mean you can never qualify for a mortgage. Start saving today and develop a plan in order to save exactly what you need to!

Too Much Debt

paying off debt to purchase Kelowna real estate

Do you have too much debt?

One last reason why people don’t qualify for a mortgage is due to them having too much debt. If you are trying to qualify for a mortgage, try paying off your debt first. This goes hand and hand with the credit score point, as most debt is on credit cards. Knock two points off in one! Pay off your debt and increase your credit score all in one! Similar to the first point, set a budgeting plan and figure out exactly how much per month you need to put aside to pay off your remaining debt.

 If you are looking to purchase Kelowna real estate, we recommend going to see a Kelowna mortgage broker to begin your mortgage application. From there, you will know exactly how much you can qualify for and if you need to make any improvements before purchasing a Kelowna home. We work with some of the top mortgage brokers in town who we highly recommend. Contact one of our knowledgeable real estate agents today to begin your home buying process today. Call 1-778-760-2860!

West Kelowna: What to Do + Where to Go

West Kelowna is just a hop, skip and a jump across the bridge from Kelowna. Home to orchards, wineries, parks and beaches with access to Lake Okanagan. If you live in West Kelowna or are looking to relocate to West Kelowna, here are some of the top places recommended by the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates.  

Drink Here → Mission Hill Estate Winery

view of winery in West Kelowna

Mission Hill Winery

One of our favourite wineries in Lakeview Heights is Mission Hill Estate Winery. Taste some of their amazing award-winning wines. Not only can you taste some of the most amazing wine in the Okanagan at Mission Hill Estate Winery, you can also dine in their amazing restaurant. The Terrace Restaurant is only open for the summer. So you can’t get a taste of what they offer quite yet, but come May 2018 you can enjoy all this restaurant has to offer.

Get your Heart Pumping Here → Johnson Bentley Memorial Aquatic Centre

If you are looking for a fun indoor facility to get your heart pumping, we’ve got the perfect place for you! The Johnson Bentley Memorial Aquatic Centre is a perfect spot to beat the cool air in West Kelowna this winter. They have a multipurpose recreational facility that offers amenities such as, 25 meter pool, soaking pool, hot tub, steam room, fitness centre and much much more! This is the perfect spot for you and your family!!

salad rolls on a plate

Bamboo Chopsticks

Eat Here → Bamboo Chopsticks in West Kelowna

Are you looking for a different idea for dinner tonight? Bamboo Chopsticks in West Kelowna could be the perfect dinner date for you! This Vietnamese restaurant offers many different options for dinner. Their menu has different options such as Pho, Stir Fries, Vermicelli Bowls and much much more! Don’t worry, our mouths are watering too. Head to Bamboo Chopsticks today.

Well there you have it, if you are looking for something to do in West Kelowna then look no further. In order to enjoy these great facilities, it’s probably best you live within a close distance. If you are looking to relocate to West Kelowna, contact the team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates. One of our knowledgeable real estate agents would be happy to assist you with your next West Kelowna home purchase. Look no further, our team of dedicated agents come with years of industry experience. We would be happy to help you find your next home in West Kelowna. Call 1-778-760-2860 to begin your home search today.

Purchasing a Vacation Home

Over the summer months, you have spent time in Kelowna. You and your family enjoy the warm summer days, the sandy beaches, and golfing at the beautiful golf courses. Are you considering purchasing real estate in Kelowna as a vacation home? If you and your family are considering buying a vacation home in Kelowna, here are a few points to ponder first!

How Often Will You Use your Kelowna vacation home?

The first thing to think of before purchasing a vacation home is, how often will you use it? Are you frequently in Kelowna during the summer months? Would you plan to be in Kelowna during the summer as frequently as you were if you didn’t have a vacation home? It’s important to think, how many times do you actually come and visit Kelowna overnight? If you are constantly driving in Kelowna, trying to book hotels and paying an arm and a leg for long weekends, it sounds like this is the right move.

Can you afford the extra expense?

When you think of purchasing  a Kelowna vacation home, you may only think of the initial expense of purchasing the home. Something to consider is the constant upkeep of the home as well. Utilities, cleaning, maintenance to name a few. If you don’t live near the city of Kelowna, you may also have to hire someone to do the upkeep of the home for you so budget for that expense too.

Will you Rent it out?

Maybe you are not planning on being in Kelowna as much during the winter months, but want to enjoy the beautiful city over the summer. This is totally understandable! Kelowna is a beautiful city in the summer, filled with tons of activities, nightlife and great events. If you are considering spending a lot of your summer in Kelowna, consider renting it out over the winter months.

If you are considering making the next step to purchasing your Kelowna vacation home, contact our team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates. Our dedicated team of real estate professionals have years of experience buying and selling Kelowna real estate. One of our knowledgeable real estate agents can assist you with your next Kelowna vacation home purchase. The only thing you now have to do is make the call… Call 1-778-760-2860 to start the process of purchasing your Kelowna vacation home today!