VA NC O U V E R ’ S U R B A N W E E K LY
Increased selection helps maintain balance in Greater Vancouver housing market Home sales in March trended below the 10-year average in Greater Vancouver while home listing activity outpaced what’s typical for the month.
N E W S • E N TE R TAI N M ENT • LIFE
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The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in Greater Vancouver reached 2,874 on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in March 2012. This represents a 12.9 per cent increase compared to the 2,545 sales recorded in February 2012, a decline of 29.6 per cent compared to the 4,080 sales in March 2011 and an 8.4 per cent decline compared to the 3,137 home sales in March 2010. March sales in Greater Vancouver were the second lowest total for the month in the region since 2002 and were 16.8 per cent below the 10-year sales average for the month. Continued on page 2
REAL ESTATE REVIEW DOWNTOWN, YALETOWN, GASTOWN, WESTEND, COAL HARBOUR, KITSILANO, KERRISDALE, SOUTH GRANVILLE, FALSE CREEK, POINT GREY, MOUNT PLEASANT, COMMERCIAL.
LADNER
Westham Island
“Park Your Boat at Home” Expansive 2,638sf strata float home includes moorage for a 42’ boat beside your home, 2 covered parking and extra storage.
“Sunrise & Sunset”
$715,000
Views come with this 830sf 1 bdrm float home. Sturdy construction, positive flotation, some interior finishing needed.
JUDY ROSS • 604-878-0680 • www.vancouveruniquehomes.com
$112,000 Royal LePage Westside
Increased selection CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
“Home sellers have been more active than buyers the first few months of the year, but we continue to see a relative balance in the total supply of homes for sale and current demand in the marketplace,” Eugen Klein, REBGV president said. New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totalled 5,843 in March 2012. This represents a 5.2 per cent increase compared to February when 5,552 homes were listed and a 14 per cent decline compared to March 2011 when 6,797 homes were listed for sale on the region’s MLS®. Last month’s new listing total was 4.5 per cent above the 10-year average for listings in Greater Vancouver for March. At 15,236, the total number of residential property listings on the MLS® increased 8.4 per cent in March compared to last month and increased 16 per cent from this time last year. “The total number of properties for sale in Greater Vancouver has increased each month since December, which means there’s more selection to choose from as we enter what’s traditionally the busiest season of the year in our market,” Klein said. The MLS® HPI benchmark price for all residential properties in Greater Vancouver currently sits at $679,000, up 5.3 per cent compared to March 2011 and an increase
STEPHEN BURKE
of 1.1 per cent compared to February 2012. The benchmark price for all residential properties in the Lower Mainland is $607,700, an increase of 4.8 per cent compared to March 2011. Sales of detached properties on the MLS® in March 2012 reached 1,183, a decline of 34.1 per cent from the 1,795 detached sales recorded in March 2011, and an 11.5 per cent decrease from the 1,336 units sold in March 2010. The benchmark price for detached properties increased 9.2 per cent from March 2011 to $1,056,400. Sales of apartment properties reached 1,191 in March 2012, a decline of 26.6 per cent compared to the 1,622 sales in March 2011, and a decrease of 4.9 per cent compared to the 1,252 sales in March 2010.The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 2.2 per cent from March 2011 to $375,100. Townhome property sales in March 2012 totalled 500, a decline of 24.6 per cent compared to the 663 sales in March 2011, and an 8.9 per cent decrease from the 549 townhome properties sold in March 2010. The benchmark price of a townhome unit increased 0.9 per cent between March 2011 and 2012 to $480,900. This story is from the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver, an association representing more than 11,000 REALTORS® and their companies. The Board provides a variety of member services, including the Multiple Listing Service®.For more information on real estate, statistics, and buying or selling a home, contact a local REALTOR® or visit www.rebgv.org.
KITS BEACH 2 LEVEL - VIEW
S U T T O N G R O U P - W E S T C O A S T R E A LT Y
www.stephenburke.com
604-551-4190
GARDEN SUITE
FALSE CREEK 2 + 2
RETIRE UBC
NEW LISTING
Panoramic water, City & mountain view Steps to Kits Beach, close to W 4th shops 2 level 2 BR 1 1/2 bath home North of 4th
1271 sq.ft + covered outdoor deck Split level living and dining, Wood burning FP New Stainless Steel & Silestone kitchen
PARKSIDE 2 + 2
BOY TOYS
1620 BALSAM
NEW LISTING 2 BR 2 full bath 1023 sq.ft. co-op Gorgeous park and water views!
2055 PENDRELL
1100 sq ft 2 BR 2 bath strata garden level 270 sq ft Private patio garden in private courtyard All rooms face your private garden oasis Huge 21’x12’ LR for grand piano, 21’x10’ MBR 0XVW VHH WKLV YLGHR Bring your decorator!!
1230 HARO 2
April 5, 2012
Seawall, Market, Parks, at your door RENO’D 960 SF + extra large private patio 5HDO RDN +: ÀRRUV WKURXJKRXW Upgraded kitchen w/ cherry cabinets Rental permitted and pet friendly too
Fully upgraded 2 BR 2 Bath approx.1200 sf Sophisticated traditional elegance All windows face Pacific Spirit Park Close to grocer, hospital, parks. 2 Parking Serene NW corner treed outlook, 2 balcs
$598,000 1530 MARINER WLK $499,000 5657 HAMPTON
$998,000
D SOL
Sunny SW corner concrete 1 BD leasehold 640 sf fully renovated pad, w/ all the toys
$729,900 1251 CARDERO
$295,000
WEST DENMAN T’HOUSE
PANORAMIC VIEW
Oh so rare and West of Denman. Big Deck 2 level 2 bedroom 1 1/2 bath townhouse
Unobstructed ocean view from all rooms 270o view from NS mountains to Van Island
PENDING
$749,900 1019 GILFORD
$749,900
2055 PENDRELL
$595,000
WEVancouver.com
DEXTER ASSOCIATES REALTY Yaletown 604-689-8226 Kerrisdale 604-263-1144
www.dexterrealty.com
timhiltz.com mail@timhiltz.com
Elite Club
604-263-1144
801-1499 PENDER ST.
Principled • Proven • Professional
1103-1020 HARWOOD ST
HUGE VIEWS!
$638,000
1202-1252 HORNBY ST
$459,900
RARE CORNER UNIT 1 bdrm plus den, 700sq.ft in Pure development. Excellent outlook, lots of natural light and open, functional plan with gourmet kitchen. Practical pluses include: secure underground parking, oversized balcony, fully loaded building with recreation facilities, and reasonable maintenance fees ($313/ mo). Walk to work and all downtown amenities. View photos online and call for a private viewing. Tenant to vacate Mar. 31.
FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY to get into this large, NW facing, 2 bed 2 bath West End suite with fabulous English Bay and mtn views from every room. Huge 177sq.ft. balcony for BBQ and sunsets. Impeccably kept by original owner—in original, but move in condition. Extra large parking stall between 2 pillars, and storage locker. Absolutely worry-free building. Priced for quick sale! NOTICE: 24 hr notice required.
Marcus Maia 604-263-1144
Chris Spotzl 604-263-1144
maia@dexterrealty.com spotzl@dexterrealty.com
408-1275 HAMILTON ST. 1904-1020 HARWOOD ST
NEW LISTING
$1,349,000
REBUILT IN 2010. Stunning 1677sq. ft., 3 bed, 2.5 bath in what will be a brand new building in 2013 after its COMPLETE REMEDIATION—inside and out! Own now at a reduced price. Huge 242 sq.ft. view balcony, Miele, Sub Zero, Bosch, marble. An entertainer’s dream! Quality craftsmanship. Pets & rentals OK. 4 s x s parking!
$519,900
THE PERFECT BOUTIQUE YALETOWN FLAT. Designed by the awardwinning Alda Pereira, located in the heart of heritage Yaletown. A 1 bed/1 bath + office/den END UNIT. Many features not found in most Vancouver buildings incl. a/c, 9ft. ceilings, wood beams, walnut h/w flooring, tilt and turn windows, gas range and electric fireplace. Built-ins throughout, from the living room to the bedroom, with pot lights lighting up the open kitchen with a movable island, great for entertaining. Built in flatscreen TV and views to the south (David Lam Park and the Creek). Everything within steps of your door from the Canada Line, seawall, shopping, dining, parks and so much more. A must see! 1 secure parking and 1 storage. P/R friendly.
loftsvancouver.com
Ed Gramauskas & Reid Dewson Details & Photos of all lofts for sale in Vancouver Cell: 604-618-9727
WEVancouver.com
Paul Boenisch Lauren Phillips 604-263-1144
Tim Hiltz 604-789-1133
Dave Kenny B.A., ILHM
www.laurenandpaul.ca
phillips@dexterrealty.com • boenisch@dexterrealty.com
$1,138,000
This stunning 1,052sq.ft. two bed two bath (or one and den) has plenty of WOW factor. Well designed and luxuriously appointed with views to Coal Harbour Marina and North Shore Mountains from the generous terrace space. The upscale Dada kitchen features Gaggeneau and Subzero appliances and opens to the terrace. The open concept bathroom is distinctive and the second bathroom, with its retractable walls, would function well as a den/guest room. 24 hr concierge, 2 parking, guest suite, gym, pool and media room. Stanley Park, downtown Vancouver or just watch the yachts coming and going from the comfort of your living room.
621 JERVIS ST.
$763,000
Open concept, two level—one (very large) master suite (loft) and den—in vibrant Coal Harbour. 16’ ceilings, F2C windows with views to a classic heritage building—gives it a Manhattan feel. Well suited to the young urban professional or active retiree. Recent upgrades include radiant tile floor, glass and stainless handrails, new carpet in master, freshly painted. Steps to marina, park, shopping, seawall and restaurants – Coal Harbour is a sought-after location and an excellent community to call home. Esther Twerdochlib 604-689-8226 esther@dexterrealty.com
1507-980 COOPERAGE WAY
$879,000
Sipping your coffee, gazing south at blue water from your private patio; there is an unobstructed view. Steps away from Urban Fare, Yaletown, the seawall, Rogers Arena and Costco. Esprit City Club offers 16,000sq.ft. of amenities including indoor pool, gym, bowling alley, movie theatre, party room and option of canoes to paddle False Creek. Bright, sunny two bedroom, two bath and den is complete with in-suite storage. As this unit is tenanted, 24hr notice is required for viewing.
408-1146 HARWOOD ST.
$279,900
PEEK-A-BOO WATER VIEWS from this concrete 1 bed, 1 bath suite in the well-maintained “Lamplighter,” located right in the heart of the West End. Just 2 blocks from the beach and minutes away from some of Vancouver’s best shopping and restaurants. The suite receives plenty of natural light and has a nice south-facing balcony. Rentals allowed. Parking can be rented from strata for $35/month. Alix Brown Shona Hurst 604-263-1144 www.alixandshona.com
hurst@dexterrealty.com • abrown@dexterrealty.com
2301-428 BEACH CR.
$2,488,000
Spectacular panoramic views of False Creek, South, West and East, including city lights and English Bay. This unit is unlike any other in King’s Landing. Numerous designer upgrades: bamboo flooring, DC wiring and electric roller blinds both with computer control, extensive use of low voltage track lighting and ceiling pot lamps—Lutron Homeworks, custom den and kitchen walnut cabinets and upgraded appliances, built-in storage unit in kitchen, hall and bedrooms, master bedroom redesigned in last year. These units are coveted for their 9’ ceilings, a/c, great balconies with gas outlet, 2 parking stalls, PLUS a huge secured storage locker with work bench. Amenities include 24hr concierge, 70’ lap pool, sauna/steam room, gym, theatre and guest suites.
Commercial Real Estate Needs? Dexter Associates Realty’s commercial team will answer all of your questions and will help with all your commercial needs. Whether you need office space, somewhere to set up your business or retail store, or are looking to buy an investment property we can help you. Call us at 604-689-8226 today. April 5, 2012
3
Pied a Mer THE SLIGHTLY is the only NEW two bedroom and den 1158 sq.ft. detached house for sale in Coal Harbour. Huge roof top deck.
TIMBER WIND - 1150 sq.ft. 2 bedroom float home with generous master bedroom, open floor plan and 2 spacious decks.
$725,000
$675,000
Call Ricki 604.788.9727 Your Floating Home Specialist www.floathomesales.com
7 YEARS IN A ROW!
Susan Cameron
Sutton Seafair Realty
Bringing you home #201-1315 CARDERO ST
2012 Sales include: New West, Fairview, False Creek South & North Kitsilano, Yaletown and Downtown.
724 SQFT 1 BEDROOM
$330,000 #21-7488 SOUTHWYNDE AV
732 SQFT 2 BEDROOM + PATIO
$341,000 #102-1280 NICOLA ST
684 SQFT 1 BEDROOM + SOLARIUM
$389,000 #203-518 BEATTY ST
786 SQFT 1 BEDROOM LOFT
$410,000 #309-1675 W 8TH AV
1060 SQFT 2 BEDROOM + SOLARIUM + PATIO
$738,000 3652 EDINBURGH ST
604.313.8732
3067 SQFT 3 BEDROOM
homes@blairsmith.ca
$998,000
.. susancameronrealtor.com
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April 5, 2012
NEW LISTING
Royal LePage City Centre P R E M I E R
#B1103-1331 Homer 2 BD + Den, $538,000 Yaletown, View Open Houses Friday, April 6 10-12 Saturday, April 7 1-4
R E A L T Y
WEVancouver.com
Real Estate Opens see page
WEST END 304-1355 Harwood 1 bdrm + den, $349,900 Sat 2-3
7
see page
FALSE CREEK 405-1869 Spyglass 2 bdrm, $885,000 Sat 2-4
DOWNTOWN
BURNABY
B#1103-1331 Homer 2 bdrm + den, $538,000 Fri10-12; Sat1-4
103-3888 Norfolk 1 bdrm, $319,900 Sat 2-4
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NEW CLIENT PROMOTION* *FOR A LIMITED TIME - CALL FOR DETAILS
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Property Management with a Personal Touch Advice on Tenancy Placements Low Placement Fees Competitive Management Fees
Thinking of Selling Your Home? Call any of the agents in the Real Estate Review and your home could appear here.
Discreet but Meticulous Tenant Screening Paperless Accounting
6 0 4 . 8 3 1 . RENT ( 7 3 6 8 )
VANCOUVERRENTIT.COM
e rentit@vancouverrentit.com o 604.408.0008 f 604.408.0101 COLDWELL BANKER CITY CENTRE REALTY #310 - 638 BROUGHTON STREET, VANCOUVER, BC
IANA’S SHOWCASE 2% OF ALL SALES PROCEEDS BENEFIT BCSPCA & WWF
Sutton Group - West Coast Realty
LIANA@TELUS.NET
W W W . LUXURIOUS BEL AIRE $648,880 203-14824 N BLUFF RD • Exclusive 2 Bedroom plus large Den • 2 Bath, 2 parking, and storage • Bright Corner home • 5 star Quality finishings • Exquisite Chefs Kitchen • Spa like Bathrooms • 1325 sf • large extra large sundrenched patio • Pet and Rental friendly
SOLD
WEVancouver.com
Sutton Group - West Coast Realty
604.729.2126
L I A N A S H O W C A S E . C O M
BUSINESS & INVESTOR ALERT PRIME RETAIL SPACES 1625 HORNBY 102: $387,200 Bright corner; wrap-around water view terrace, seawall exposure; 18.9 ft ceilings 103: $241,450 Seawall Sth outlook; sep. street entry & patio, 18.9 ft ceilings, 104: $408,100 Seawall Sth corner unit; street entry; mezzanine loft & patio, 18.9 ft ceilings, CALL FOR MARKETING PACKAGE
PARKSIDE GREENE TOWNHOME $319,900 103-3888 NORFOLK • Generous oversized 1 bedroom • Private townhome entry • Walking trails • Massive outdoor terrace • One year young • 2-5-10-year warranty • Parking and storage • Pet and rental friendly • Beautifully finished
OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 2–4PM
VENICE COURT PENTHOUSE $885,000 405-1869 SPYGLASS • Spectacular view • 2 bedrooms • 2 bathrooms • 1155sf • 3 balconies • Waterfront • False Creek freehold • Pet and rental friendly • Parking & storage • Tastefully renovated
OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 2–4PM
FUNKY ELEMENTS LOFT $389,000 212-2515 ONTARIO • Funky loft • 10ft ceilings • Wide-open living concept • Raised one bedroom • 1 bathroom • 591sf • Low maintenance fees • Reclaimed brick walls & fir floors • Pet and rental friendly
RECENT SALES SOLD 854 & 852 E.14TH AVE SOLD G04-1490 PENNYFARTHING SOLD C109-2943 WALL ST. SOLD 401-610 GRANVILLE SOLD 211-1011 KING EDWARD SOLD 504-1088 RICHARDS ST. SOLD 1407-608 BELMONT April 5, 2012
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A TOP PRODUCER WITH RE/MAX CREST (WESTSIDE
garrett robinson realtor personal real estate corporation
604.617.7934 www.garrettrobinson.net
RE/MAX Crest Realty (Westside) 3215 MacDonald St. EACH OFFICE INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED
CRESTMARK II
TH311-1228 Marinaside $1,188,000 1,362sf 2 lvl TH, 3 bdrm & 3 bath with balcony & unobstructed water views of False Creek & Quayside Marina. Well maintained building w/ amenities incl: concierge, gym, indoor pool, theatre and party room. 2 parking & insuite storage.
AQUA AT THE PARK
702-550 PaciÀc $759,000 1,051sf south facing 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo with False Creek view. Features granite counters, engineered H/W Àoors, small balcony and a view of water. Bring offers.
April 5, 2012
Executive 2,030sf, 3 bed, 3 bath Waterfront 1 lev @ “Coopers Lookout Villas.” Suite feat: gas f/p & cooktop, h/w Àoors, granite counters, s/s Miele appl, A/C, generous sized balcony.
FLAGSHIP AT COOPERS PARK
903-8 Smithe
$1,049,000
1,238sf luxury 2 bdrm + 2 bath. West facing suite overlooking False Creek & Coopers Park. Feat: O/D balcony, sleek interiors, H/W Àooring, S/S appliances, stone countertops, A/C system & gas f/p. Facilities (Esprit City Club) located at Coopers Lookout.
MARINER AT COOPERS LOOKOUT
2702-918 Cooperage
$748,000
925sf with fab views overlooking False Creek & city. 2 BR with 2 bath. Insuite storage. Wonderful location for many activities. Great amenities in building and ample shopping in the neighbourhood.
COMMERCIAL – RESIDENTIAL
339 E. Hastings
$1,388,000
23 yr old three-storey, mixed use building on 26’x120’ lot. Containing a ground-level commercial unit & three residential units on the upper two Àoors. Currently vacant. Was rented for $6,850/month.
YALETOWN – DEL PRADO
201-1155 Mainland
$999,000
1,372sf west-facing 3 bdrm, 2 bath suite in Yaletown’s Del Prado. Upgraded kitchen & bath with granite counters, new cabinets, hardwood Àoors and much more.
E
$1,899,000
This extra large 1 bedroom (850 sq.ft.) is a must see with city and mountain view, large outdoor terrace, wood burning f/p, split level living/dining room, new bath with soaker tub + heated floor, extra large kitchen and new engineered hardwood floors. Rainscreened building, pet friendly. OPEN FRI, 2-4; SAT, 2-4
#1809-1008 Cambie St • $459,000
405-2272 Dundas St • $285,000
This large 1 bedroom and den (726 sq.ft.) offers the best in urban living. Open view from every room with floor to ceiling windows. Features include insuite laundry, storage, 24 hr concierge, pool and fitness centre. Great location only 1 block to False Creek, sea wall, marina, shopping. Pet friendly. OPEN FRI, 11-1.
First time Buyers and Investors alert! This top floor 2 bedroom suite was fully renovated in 2010. Quiet south facing with heated solarium that could be used as a den. Wood burning f/p, insuite laundry, building replumbed in 2010. Underground parking included. Rentals allowed, Rainscreened.
1777 Bayshore Dr • $1,780,000 SOLD
1290 Burnaby St • $839,000 SOLD
Beautifully appointed (1768 sq.ft.) 2 bedroom & den view suite. Features include a/c, gas for kitchen and f/p, 2 parking, 24 hr concierge, pet friendly.
One of a kind floor plan for this 2 bdrm (1079 sq.ft.) with soaring 12 ft ceilings, terraced patio, new kitchen and baths. 1 parking, pet friendly.
ND
2,700sf, 3 bdrms plus den, 2 sun rooms, and 4 baths. Entertainment sized principal rooms, air conditioning, and large wrap-around balcony. Views of mountains and water from every room.
COOPERS VILLA
900-9 Smithe Mews
1005 West 7th Ave • $469,000
Extremely rare warehouse conversion living in South False Creek. Formerly the BC Telephone Exchange building completely transformed in 2009. Huge 1625 sq.ft. with 2 master bedrooms and baths. Polished concrete floors, exposed brick and fir beams, top line appliances. 2 parking, 1 locker, pet friendly. OPEN SUN, 2-4
EA ST SID
$2,350,000
214-388 West 1st Ave • $1,199,000
ES TE
VAN TOWER – WEST END
FA SL IRV OP IE ES W
$2,375,000
1,910sf, 2 bed, 2.5 bath. Interiors are ¿nished with 9’ celilings, in-Àoor radiant heating, contemporary kitchen by Dada Cucina of Italy. Gaggenau and Sub-Zero appliances and imported Travertine Àooring.
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Absolutely stunning fully furnished 12 year young custom built home in exclusive First Shaughnessy with 5 bedrooms and 5 baths and over 4,000sf of beautiful living space. Wonderfully thought out Àoor plan makes this the perfect family home.
JAMESON HOUSE
3502-838 W. Hastings
H P/
2301-909 Burrard
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$3,488,000
N
B SU
SHAUGHNESSY MANSION
2087 West 18th
ET OW
$4,888,000
YA L
2502 W 36th
Beautiful custom built 5,345sf, 71x133 lot, 6 bdrms, 7 baths, custom millwork, wok kitchen, maple cabinets, granite countertops. Indr pool/hot tub/waterfall in grotto setting. A/C, HRV, sec. cameras. Inlaw suite down & media room, 3 car garage w/of¿ce & 3 pcs bath & 2 add parking.
HA CO RB AL OU R
MACKENZIE HEIGHTS MANSION
FA S LS OU E TH CR EE K
VANCOUVER LIFESTYLE
ST. PIERRE – WEST END
402-1534 Harwood
$205,000
Cute & cozy 550sf remodeled fully furnished suite at “St. Pierre” was rented at $1,400/month for the last 2 years. Furniture included in sale price. Leasehold pre-paid non-strata. Need 25% down.
WEVancouver.com
CARNEY’S CORNER
w w w. s t e p h e n m o r r i s r e a l t o r. c o m
EASTER BONNET EASTER SPECIAL All decked out , this Every day is a holiday in rare top floor lofted entertainers’ dream three home west of Denman bedroom! 180 degree features 2/3 bdrms, views of Coal Harbour, room for home office, North Shore Mountains great space for formal and English Bay! Two balconies, two parking, elegant building, great entertaining, sunny rooftop deck for gardening and al COMING SOON! amenities! $1,098,000 fresco dining! EASTER BUNNY - Hunting for EASTER PARADE - First time eggs, urban gardening, cooking buyer or investor, seeking in house-like kitchen and primary or secondary home, enjoying holidays with family these concrete strata title and friends is what this two suites offer great value. bdrm corner steps to Stanley Several studio and one bedrooms available, from Park and Coal Harbour is all ready-for-your-decorating to totally renovated. about! HOME! $499,900 $239,900 and up
WEN
West End Neighbours
Seeking volunteer coordinators for community outreach and events. Sign up for Jane’s Walk Mother’s Day weekend. Check website often for up to date info on community developments. Volunteer, receive newsletter & support your neighbourhood: www.westendneighbours.ca
TALK TO LIZ CARNEY 604 685-5951 liz.carney@century21.ca • www.vancouvercondo.com Century 21 In Town Realty • 421 Pacific • 1030 Denman
2107-1331 Alberni St.
305-228 E4th Ave.
749 sq ft spacious generous 1 bdrm plus den or 2 bedrooms & 2 baths. Flexible floor plan with floor/ ceiling windows offering stunning city, water, mtn views. Superb attention to detail! Numerous quality upgrades incl. hardwood floors. Quartz counters, custom lighting and millwork, flexible open floor plan. Very rare seldom available floor plan in solid bldg. Be first. April possession. Ideal.
Dynamic Architects own 2 level loft, huge windows, 16’ ceilings, NE corner @ “The Watershed Studios.” Stunning “NEW” never been lived in renovations done on permit, sleek polished concrete floors, superior quality finishings thru-out, stainless kitchen counter, numerous custom built-in cabinets, double sized “walk-in shower.” Gleaming paint job, south facing window in loft to lush green courtyard - GST paid. A rare & wonderful loft. Be First!
New price! $528,800
$449,800
STEPHEN MORRIS Be first! Call me @ 604-261-7275
In Town Realty
PARK GEORGIA REALTY 109-5701 Granville Street
MY MARKETING STRATEGY WORKS urban residences _ modern living I seller’s _ buyer’s agent specialist
AnnLok 604.767.0959 ann@annlok.com www.annlok.com Medallion Club Award Member presales I assignments I resales I investments specialist 5532 MACKENZIE ST. – KERRISDALE 3200+ SF HOME: $1,998,000 NEW
2402-108 WEST CORDOVA WOODWARDS 32: $419,000
606-1483 HOMER STREET THE WATERFORD: $939,000
180 degree unobstructed view of Burrard Inlet/ Mtns & City 630ft 1 bdrm + flex, 9ft ceilings, stainless steel appliances • Oak hrdwd flrs, German euro cabinets. • Exquisite 5pc. bathroom: sep. shower, soaker tub • New & trendy Gastown: 2 level club w/ outdoor hot tub, gym in sky. • Rollerblinds, concrete ceilings, loft style, front-loading W/D • Corporate, retail, restaurant & tourist district • 1 parking, no property taxes for another year.
Five star Beach Crescent neighbourhood on seawall • Resort style living built by Concord Pacific.Views to George Wainborn Park & False Creek. • Beautiful floorplan: 1075sf 2bdrm+2bath+den. A/C, gas f/p, 9ft ceilings, H/W H/Wflflrs,BBoschh appliances, li gas stove, stainless steel. Floor to ceiling windows. • Amenities incl: indoor pool, 24/7 concierge, 2 guest suites, squash courts, theatre, clubhouse, gym & more. • 1 pkg & 1 huge storage locker. • Pride of ownership. One of the most coveted buildings in area!
LISTING:
KERRISDALE Prime Kerrisdale CHARACTER HOME: location surround-
ed by elite schools. • Over 3200sf, 5 bdrms+office, rare huge lot. • 9’ ceilings, hardwood throughout, updated kitchen & bathrooms, 3 full bathrooms • 1 bdrm mortgage helper w/ private entrance, sunsoaked backyard a Gardener’s delight w/ mature orchard trees, great for active family. • Wood f/p, backyard porch for BBQs, , spacious bdrms, many upgrades, 2 storey with finished basement.
44 X 170 LOT RS-5 ZONING!
GROUP WEST COAST REALTY
WEVancouver.com
1201-1473 JOHNSTON ROAD MIRAMAR/BOSA: $829,000
1625 HORNBY STREET PRICE: $241,450-$408,100
Unparalleled Ground floor, luxury in White premium waRock, unobstructterfront location ed 270 degree on seawall • Esviews of ocean & tablished neighmtns • 1274sf 2 bourhood,heavy bdrm + den + 2 walk-by traffic bath + 2 parking • 220sf - 371sf, • Overheight ceilwide range of ings, AC, radiant commercial heated floors • uses permitted. Exquisite kitchen: • Can combine Dacor D coffee ff system, gas stove, granite counters • 2 lots for total Rollerblinds, f/p, house-size rooms, double-sinks, 572sf • 20ft ceilseparate showers • 2 side x side parking, large ings, rarely on market, high end neighbourhood • storage locker, steps to retail and beaches. Prepaid 99yr leasehold until 2084.
COMMERCIAL RETAIL: 3 STRATA TITLES FOR SALE
306-1367 ALBERNI THE LIONS: $469,900 • Entry level 2 bdrm/2 bath + solarium, 747 sf in prime Alberni district of West End. Steps to Robson, seawall at Coal Harbour. • Brand new dark walnut flooring throughout, open floor plan, granite countertops, 2 full baths, insuite storage & a locker • Hard to find 2/2 for this price! Solid building with concierge, Best gym, theatre & clubhouse! • Opposite bedrooms, plenty of storage, master ensuite bathroom. • Investors alert, for families & first time homebuyers too.
false creek north I yaletown I coal harbour I downtown April 5, 2012
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Lanefab builds fabulous laneway houses for homeowners of all types Laneway houses aren’t just for renters anymore, as more and more homeowners decide that they can’t resist the efficient, smaller homes. By Maggie Calloway
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aneway houses are a hot item. Homeowners are building them to rent, to house grown children and, more and more, are deciding to downsize into them and rent out the main house as part of their retirement plan. The homeowners of Lanefab’s very special ‘Net Zero’ solar laneway house are part of the latter group. The square footage allowed for a laneway house is varies from municipality to municipality so check with your local city hall. This house is 1,050 sq. ft. with the advantage of being on a corner lot and includes one bedroom, two baths and a garage which is actually a flex space with full electrical, and finishes allowing any use. Mat Turner, a principal with Lanefab Custom Homes & Laneway Houses, says, “Every laneway house we build is custom-designed for that lot. Ninety per cent of our clients move into the laneway house and rent out the main house. Quite a few intended to stay in the main house but halfway through the build, once they see the laneway house take shape, change their minds and opt for simpler living. This particular house, with all the extras, cost around $350,000, but a very small condo costs as much or more and with a laneway house you get privacy and no one living above or below, it makes perfect sense. This price is everything in, design, permits, etc.” Well-designed laneway houses are a study in the use of every inch of space. This doesn’t mean they are cramped, because everything is so well-thought-out and storage found in the most imaginative spots. The stairs in this house have a trapdoor on the square landing, a great spot to stash winter shoes and boots,
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and the first few stairs above the landing open for yet more storage. The kitchen, which in most homes is a separate room or an open space with an island, is built along one wall which allows the full area to be used when the kitchen is not in use. Imagine living in a home that, with no skimping on livability, uses net zero energy every year. This is made possible by tripleglazed windows, superb insulation, LED interior and exterior lights, an air-source heat pump, and twelve solar panels on the roof. The house gathers more energy on sunny days than it uses; this extra power goes on the grid, and when the days are dark and grey the house pulls power back from the grid. Hence, zero energy! The fantastic folding windows all along the kitchen and living room side open on sunny days to a private terrace. Imagine using this space as an art studio or yoga studio. Life doesn’t get much better than this. then let your imagination soar!
Innovative kitchen, below, is located along one wall, allowing you plenty of space for living while not stinting on storage. Mat Turner of Lanefab, below, says that every house is custom-designed for the homeowner, so you can take advantage of every inch of available space without having to give up the privacy that comes with living in a singlefamily home. Dylan Doubt photos, Martin Knowles photos top left and bottom left.
WEVancouver.com
Tax credit aims to help new home buyers By Mario Bartel
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or Mayur Kothary, Christmas arrived on Feb. 21. That’s when B.C. finance minister Kevin Falcon announced as part of his provincial budget a one-time tax credit of up to $10,000 for first-time home buyers purchasing a new home. The credit is supposed to ease the pain buyers and builders have felt from the HST as the government prepares to phase out the controversial tax that added thousands of dollars to the cost of a new home. “It was a gift. It was absolutely perfect for us,” says Kothary of the credit. That’s because he’s just putting the finishing touches on The Sevens, a 61-unit wood frame condo development on Royal Oak, just south of Rumble in Burnaby. With 15 of the one-bedroom-plus-den units still unsold, the project fits right into the target market for the credit; almost three-quarters of purchasers were just getting into the real estate game and they’d be able to take possession of their homes well before the program’s expiration on April 1, 2013. Kothary, who figured the government’s announcement a few days before the budget of a timetable for the transition back to PST and GST was the best builders could hope for, got busy. After a moribund January and quiet February, he boosted his weekend sales staff and ordered new banners
advertising the project’s eligibility for buyers to take advantage of the credit. The banners haven’t even gone up yet, and Kothary says he’s sold seven units since the credit was announced. “It’s not very often the government gives you $10,000 for free,” says Kothary. “It gives us the edge over our competition.” Resales of existing homes aren’t eligible, nor are presales if the residence isn’t completed and the new owner in possession by the beginning of next April. That rules out most of the concrete highrises currently being built in Burnaby and New Westminster. And since the credit is also tied to net family income and the price of the home, it’s unlikely to apply to anyone buying a new townhome or detached home. Those restrictions mean local realtors haven’t seen much new business from first-time buyers looking to take advantage of the bonus. “It’s not going to change people’s minds,” says Adam Goss of the tax credit. “It’s more of a bonus rather than a decision-making criteria.” Goss, a realtor with Park Georgia in New Westminster, says most of the new units in the city marketed to first-time buyers have already been snapped up in presales long before the credit was announced, and those coming up won’t be ready for occupancy before next April. “Everything helps, but we’re not seeing a whole lot of traffic
Mayur Kothary says the tax credit for first-time home buyers purchasing a newly built residence was like an early Christmas present for his new development in Burnaby,The Sevens. He says he’s sold seven units because of the program. Mario Bartel/Newsleader because of it,” says Doris Gee, a Burnaby realtor. She’s only had one enquiry from a first-time buyer looking to take advantage of the tax credit, but that hasn’t turned into a sale yet. Part of the reason may also be education, says Goss. The tax credit hasn’t been widely promoted since it was announced, and developers like Kothary are just starting to gear their marketing up to take advantage of it. “New buyers aren’t educated at this point,” says Goss. “It’s a bonus I get to tell my clients about.” “The building sector has been down,” says Kothary, who’s beginning to clear a neighbouring property for another development. “People no longer have to sit on the fence waiting for the HST to end. It’s enough of a stimulant to get them moving.”
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2901-8515 Cambie Street Brand new 1 bedroom & den. PROMPTON Real Estate Services Inc.
WEVancouver.com
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April 5, 2012
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Tiles with style The only limitation is the power of your own imagination By Maggie Calloway
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f there is one hot commodity in home décor it has to be tile. We all remember those cream tiles in the bathroom with the burnt orange design, but never has there been such an amazing choice for practically every surface in the home. Curt Higham, of Ames Tile & Stone, a wholesale supplier to architects, designers, contractors and retailers throughout Western Canada, certainly has his finger on the pulse of what is available now and what is in the pipeline. “Every September there is a society trade show in Bologna, Italy, which our four person purchasing team attends every year,” says Higham. “We need four people because the show is so huge, over 750 vendors and manufacturers. We split up and literally stalk the grounds looking for new, innovative products. Italy is the leader in floor tiles, and has been for years. The leader for wall tiles, and again for years, is Spain.” The reason the two countries specialize in the two types of tile is due to the different clay available in the two regions. It all starts with the clay; not all clay is suitable for every use and the Spanish clay lends itself to wall tiles and, alternately, the Italian clay can withstand the pounding floor tiles need to endure. However, the Italians are running out of clay and are now bringing it down from Ukraine: like every other natural resource, it is finite. “There used to lots of red clay used and now its white clay with a denser porcelain material which gives a higher breaking strength and lower water absorption,” says Higham. “Like everything else, things change over the years including production which requires a different type of clay” Asked about what is trending right now and what we expect to see in the stores, Higham says, “The big trend is the movement to much larger tile; two foot by two foot tiles are becoming more mainstream right now. We actually bought a line this year of two foot by four foot tiles just to test the market. The larger homes being built now can facilitate a larger tile.
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Concrete looks are still very popular and the high polished tile. We have gone through the last five or six years when the matte look was hot but now the shiny look is back, either polished or high glazed. Glass tiles, with a change to a cleaner, shinier look rather than the tumbled look of the last few years, are still with us. Another very hot trend is tile which looks exactly like hardwood. You get the look of wood with the easy upkeep of tile; coupled with underfloor heating this is a major winner” Natural tones are still here and a lot of white. There are a lot of different shades of white right into the cream tones, softer colours, rather than the chocolate browns and charcoals we have seen over the past few years. Higham says that people are putting ceramic tiles throughout the whole house now, not just in the kitchen and bathroom. The use of tile has really increased over the last few years. For people with allergies this is a perfect material: just sweep, mop and go. “There is a lot of crossover now between fashion design, the automotive industry and house colours,” says Higham. “Car colours are particularly interesting; right now we are seeing lot of silver, clean colours and white, exactly what we are seeing in tile.” Tracy Wheeler, of Powerhouse Tile is at the other end of the business, the retail end, dealing with designers and homeowners. “It’s great that there are so many choices today to fit any style and application but now it is more important than ever that the public understands what has to go into the preparation; they don’t have to become experts but there is a certain amount of due diligence they should do to protect themselves,” she says. “Our company has prepared a handout which gives information about any application, be it floors, walls, steam showers, etc. It really helps the client make the right decision. Anyone can receive a copy by visiting our website and requesting a copy.” It’s an exciting time in floor and wall coverings with the only limitation the imagination…I say spend some time visiting different tile retailers, ask a lot of questions, then let your imagination soar!
Tracy Wheeler and Kip Sewell of Powerhouse Tile and Curt Higham of Ames Tile & Stone show that there are plenty of options for the perfect tile, whether it’s flooring or wall tile you’re looking for. Martin Knowles photo left, submitted photos above and below
WEVancouver.com
Listed vs Sold The real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver’s graphs let you compare homes listed to homes for sale in neighbourhoods throughout Greater Vancouver. The charts also show overall activity in the areas and trends.
VANCOUVER WEST - DETACHED
VANCOUVER WEST - ATTACHED
VANCOUVER WEST - APARTMENT
VANCOUVER EAST - DETACHED
VANCOUVER EAST - ATTACHED
VANCOUVER EAST - APARTMENT
Units listed is the number of homes listed for sale in that month. Units sold is the number of homes sold in that month. Active Listings is the number of homes listed for sale in that month plus the number of homes previously listed that heaven’t sold yet.
WEVancouver.com
April 5, 2012
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