A22 Friday, July 5, 2013, Tri-City News
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Baby boomers driving Lower Mainland downsizing trend The baby boomers have long been the drivers of trends, and as they age they still make a difference. A new report from Colliers International, commissioned by HJ Properties, shows that many of that generation are considering their options regarding downsizing from their family homes. “The research really surprised me,” says Scott Brown, senior vice-president of residential and commercial marketing services at Colliers International Marketing. “I thought there would be a mass exodus to Kelowna, but that’s not happening.”
Instead, people looking to downsize in the Fraser Valley are considering how to stay in their neighbourhood, have money for retirement and help their children, all in one package. Projects such as HJ’s Waterstone in Langley are thus very appealing to downsizers, Brown says. With larger floorplans and plenty of amenities nearby, buyers of all ages are finding something to love about their new home. “Logic starts to win over magic,” Brown says. “People emotionally want to stay in a single-family home, but as the
NEW HOME DEVELOPMENT
baby boomers get older, they have different considerations.” One of the largest considerations is security, both of their property and themselves. “Having a neighbour looking out for you is important,” says Brown. “In a multi-family project, you don’t have as many worries.” The report showed that price was the biggest deciding factor for most baby boomers. “You can buy a multi-family home for about $400,000,” Brown says. “That doesn’t get you much in a single-family home.” Brown notes that he did see a difference in how buyers in the Fraser Valley were downsizing versus those in Vancouver itself, adding that Fraser Valley downsizers had retirement higher on their list of priorities. Another big reason the baby boomer generation is buying smaller homes? “I’ve been told that many people are moving into a multifamily home as a defence against their kids moving back in with them,” laughs Brown.
Morningstar home. “They feel more comfortable knowing that someone they know has had a good experience with us,” Calahan says. Partington is perfectly located on Burke Mountain. The neighbourhood has been growing over the years and now includes schools, parks and trails. It is also just a short drive to Coquitlam Town Centre for shopping and dining. You can also find leisure and recreation activities nearby. Sales of Partington will open on July 6 at noon. Interested buyers are encouraged to preregister for more information at www. morningstarhomes.bc.ca. Calahan notes that she’ll send registrants a sneak peek before the start of sales. The sales centre is located at 1508 Dayton Street in Coquitlam. For more information, visit the website or call 604-942-6370.
Submitted photos
The kitchens at Partington include tons of counter space and a large granite island, above. The oversize windows make the most of the spectacular views on Burke Mountain, below, while the floorplans are spacious and open, with plenty of room for family living or entertaining.
Partington showcases views on Burke Mountain By Kerry Vital
Morningstar Homes is once again at the top of their game with their latest project, Partington on Coquitlam’s Burke Mountain. “It’s really special up here,” says Deborah Calahan, vice-president of sales and marketing for Morningstar. “The views are pretty spectacular. It’s like being on top of the
world.” Partington is a collection of 45 singlefamily homes with spacious floorplans and luxurious finishings, including a truly massive kitchen with a granite island and tons of counter space. Hardwood flooring is included throughout the living areas, offset by the 19-foot vaulted ceiling, gorgeous floorto-ceiling linear fireplace and huge windows making the most of the views. “Our Partington homes were designed with incredible views in mind by making the windows the focal point of each home,” says Calahan. “We could not pass up the opportunity to show them off.” The four-bedroom homes are available in three different floorplans, ranging from 3,700 to 3,900 square feet. Each comes with an unfinished basement and a large private yard with a patio or deck. “We always strive to be innovative and offer our purchasers the best,” says Calahan.
“We never tire of trying to better our designs, with each new project being given its own consideration.” Partington is Morningstar’s eighth project on Burke Mountain, following the success of Kingston, Avondale, Somerton and many others. “We were the first to pioneer a community on Burke Mountain,” Calahan says. “They really welcomed us with open arms, and it’s now a highly sought-after place to live.” As the community grows, so does Morningstar’s reputation. “The Morningstar promise is to make everything as seamless as possible,” Calahan says. “Buying a house is one of the biggest purchases of your life. We want to make it as stress-free as we can.” She notes that they now get buyers preregistering who have heard about the homes through word-of-mouth from family and friends and who now want to live in their own