“We didn’t want to buy someone else’s problems. When you buy new, you get what you want.” New Local Home has chats with the owner of a new single-family home in an Ocean Park subdivision, Brian Martin ›› p.14
Live ‘the sweet life’ at Dolce Vita, new luxury towers in the heart of Vancouver ›› p.9
April 30, 2009
Buying now likely better than waiting until later New houses target lifestyle and livability to suit the needs of every homeowner
Inside Altaire, a highrise atop Burnaby Mountain.
Towering above the rest
L
ocation. Lifestyle. Livability. These are just some of the factors potential homebuyers take into consideration when purchasing a new home. Of course, price is always a huge component to consider, but by buying a new residence, homeowners can eliminate some of the problems that can arise when they buy an older home. Older dwellings may be in need of renovations, repairs and upgrades – from “Nothing was the foundation to the appliances inwrong with the side – while newly market here. We built homes offer didn’t have an the security of little oversupply of or no maintenance homes. People on such issues for just stopped years to come. Morningstar buying out of Homes president fear – not fear of what was actually Dale Barron, who has owned happening, but six homes in the fear of what might Lower Mainland happen here.” and has sold more than 2,500 singlefamily homes in Greater Vancouver, says new residences also provide the family with a better way of living. “I think the biggest advantage of buying new compared to older homes is the livability,” Barron says. “Every space is designed for how people live.” In older homes, it is common for the kitchen to be smaller, and separate from a dining area and/or living area. Barron says Morningstar designs homes while taking today’s lifestyles into consider-
Burnaby Mountain highrise Altaire offers views, outdoors
S
Morningstar Homes president Dale Barron says the current housing market presents unprecedented opportunity for buyers, due to lower prices and historically low interest rates.
ation. The open kitchen features an island that also functions as an eating area, since many families have less opportunity for full sit-down meals. From the kitchen, families can just as easily make use of an open dining space
that, in some homes, opens onto an outdoor patio. The kitchens also face the open, airy great rooms – some featuring 20-foot ceilings – in each home. CONTINUED ON P.5
ome prefer to enjoy expansive views of the outdoors; others like to physically experience the beauty. Living at Altaire, a new Burnaby Mountain apartment tower by Polygon Homes, homeowners can have the best of both worlds. The concrete highrise features two-bedroom residences featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that offer sweeping views of the North Shore Mountains, Mount Baker, the Gulf Islands and beyond. Homeowners are steps to the campus of Simon Fraser University, and within walking distance of the shops, services and restaurants of the UniverCity Highlands Village. Nature trails are right outside the door, and the opportunities for activity are endless – whether hiking or mountain biking on Burnaby Mountain, or traversing the parkland around Deer Lake and Burnaby Lake, the entire CONTINUED ON P.7
2 • New Local Home | April 30, 2009
Think energy efficiency at home
Be Power Smart Making green decisions If prospective homebuyers in B.C. want to know the environmental advantages of homes built under the purview of BC Hydro’s Power Smart New Home program, all they have to do is open the refrigerator door. What they’ll find is a mock milk carton touting the environmentally friendly, Energy Star-certified appliance in which it sits. The carton is just one element of a sales kit developed by Vancouver-based Karacters Design Group (a division of DDB Canada) highlighting the functional benefits of a Power Smart New Home. The program enlists builders and developers to improve the energy performance in new homes in a variety of ways. Collateral materials also include green-touting towels, boxes of washing detergent and energy-efficient light bulbs. The kit was circulated throughout Power Smart show homes and display suites throughout the province in the latter part of April. “The Power Smart New Home sales kit encourages new home buyers to make green decisions in the context of their everyday lives,” explains James Bateman, CD at Karacters. “The benefits are unexpectedly built into everyday domestic items, in itself creating a message of less waste.” www.bchydro.com
Going green can help reduce the cost of house ownership – today and for years to come The Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association suggests that when thinking about buying a new home, one of the things that may be high on your list is energy and water efficiency, and other environmental features. Investing in energy efficiency will help to reduce the cost of homeownership, not only today, but also down the road. It will also protect you against sudden large increases in energy costs that can play havoc with your budget – a reassuring thought. Energy efficiency will result in a more comfortable home for you and your family, and it is the most important step you can take to reduce your home’s impact on the environment. There are many options available to new home buyers. The key is to talk with new home builders to find out what they offer and get their advice on features, benefits and costs. Common energy upgrades include more insulation, high-performance windows and upgraded heating and cooling systems. You may want to look more closely at heat pumps, on-demand water heaters, dual-purpose systems for space and water
Lighting choices can help you cut costs.
heating – these are now mainstream technologies. Increase your energy savings with Energy Star appliances as well as halogen, compact fluorescent and LED lighting. Similarly, water efficiency will result in lower costs and better use of resources. It is also a hedge against future increases as many municipalities are looking to update decaying infrastructure, with users likely being asked to shoulder some of the cost. The starting point for homebuyers is low-flow toilets and faucets, as well as water-conserving landscaping. Also talk with your builder about grey water recycling and rain collection, for non-potable water use. Healthy indoor air is important to you and your family. Ventilation is key to pro-
tecting the quality of your home’s air, and a heat recovery ventilator will continuously exhaust stale air, and bring in fresh air from the outside. The use of non-toxic materials and products in the building of your home also helps keep the air from becoming contaminated. Hard-surface flooring and other nonporous surfaces make it easy keep the house clean and free of dust and molds. There is a vast selection of resourcesmart products that give you the look and function you want while reducing the impact on the environment. This includes products made from recycled waste or from easily renewable or well-managed sources, locally produced products, and products with a longer lifespan. Ask for details, so you know that a product is truly greener and better for the environment. Greening your home can also save you money at the time of purchase. You may be eligible for a 10% reduction on the mortgage insurance premium when you buy an energy-efficient home. Some financial institutions offer reduced interest rates or a rebate on a “green mortgage”, and some provincial governments and utilities have green incentive programs. Be sure to check with your lender and your builder to see what may be available in your region. www.gvhba.org
It can be easy to be green Editor: Tricia Leslie • 604-575-5346 • editor@newlocalhome.com Advertising Sales - Black Press National Sales • Adrian Saunders • 604-575-5812 • adrians@blackpress.ca Online Advertising • Nicole Hutchinson • 604-575-5826 • nhutchinson@blackpress.ca Circulation/Business Development: Steve McIvor • 604-575-5822 • smcivor@blackpress.ca Designer: Brad Smith • bsmith@blackpress.ca
■ Many development companies today are building homes using green building practices. The Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association has several member companies that are members of Built Green, an industry driven voluntary program that promotes environmentally friendly building standards. Visit www.builtgreencanada.ca for details.
New Local Home is published once a week by Black Press Group Ltd. (Suite 309 - 5460 152 Street, Surrey, B.C. V3S 5J9) 350,000 copies are distributed free across Metro Vancouver. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited.
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4 • New Local Home | April 30, 2009
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New Local Home | April 30, 2009 • 5
Then vs. now
Living at Home Choosing what best fits your lifestyle
A look at B.C. prices, wages and interest rates – past and present PROPERTY PRICES ■ Average price of a B.C. residential property: 1996: $218,687 1997: $220,512 1998:$212,046 1999: $215,283 2000: $216,989 2001: $$220,952 2002: $238,758 2003:$259,835 2004:$288,967 2005: $332,137 2006: $390,963 2007: $439,119 2008: $454,599
WAGES ■ Average weekly wage rate in B.C.: 1999: $628.82 2000:$639.37 2001: $648.19 2002: $668.04 2003: $683.68 2004: $686.74 2005: $704.49 2006: $726.02 2007: $747.84 2008: $780.85 2009: $799.72 Source: BC Stats, www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca
Above, a view of the great room in one of Morningstar’s homes at Coquitlam’s Belmont at the Foothills shows the open design of the house.
Off the front: “At the end of the day, if you ever wanted to buy your first home, I think history will prove that it’s now or never.” – Dale Barron CONTINUED FROM P.1
Morningstar Homes is currently selling new, four-bedroom single-family detached homes in Coquitlam: Belmont at the Foothills. The master-planned community shows potential homeowners where future elementary schools, parks, shopping and green space will be. Along with more than 140 single-family homes, there are also townhomes for sale just down the street in the same community, which are being built by Morningstar’s associate com-
pany, Polygon Homes. While the community is still being built, Barron says the area is designed more for what it will look like in 10 years. “It’s all about coming in and feeling like you’re part of a planned community,” he says. Plus, he notes, it has been proven that those who buy homes first in planned communities will see their homes appreciate more than those who buy in later. And while the news headlines continue to blare bad news about the economy, Barron says
it really is a great time to buy a home. The housing market is certainly different than it was a year ago, he notes, when it was a buyers’ market with no shortage of people willing to pay any price. From starter homes to showhomes, the market was extremely active until last March, when the U.S. housing market crashed. The B.C. housing market followed suit, but not due to a bad market. “Nothing was wrong with the market here. CONTINUED ON P.6
RATES ■ Average residential mortgage lending rate (five-year): 1951: 5.25 % (April) 1956: 6.0 % (June) 1961: 7.15 % (July) 1966: 7.95 % (December) 1971: 9.25 % (May) 1976: 12.03% (April) 1981: 21.46 %(July) 1982: 19.41 % (March) 1991: 11.31 % (July) 1992: 10.37 % (April) 1998: 6.90 % (July) 1999: 7.03 % (March) 2007: 6.60 % (July) 2008: 6.17 % (December) Source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
‘Improved housing affordability’ means you save money If you’ve been thinking about buying a new home, you’ve probably read newspaper articles about how housing affordability is improving. But what does this really mean? For most homebuyers, the “bottom line” is what they will have to pay, each month, to own their home. This is determined by two things: the price they pay for their home, and the interest cost of their mortgage. Today, if you look at prices without considering mortgage interest, you could be missing a great home buying opportunity. According to the Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association, here’s why: Just two years ago, at the end of 2007, the average posted interest rate for a five-year fixed-rate mortgage was 7.49 per cent. Today
Now you can own a home for mortgage payments lower than in 2007.
(March ‘09) lenders are offering the same mortgage for just 4.25 per cent. What this means is your monthly mortgage payment today will be 26 per cent less than in 2007.
Here’s an example. According to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the average home price in Canada in 2009 is expected to be $287,900. If you purchased a home for this
price with a five per cent down payment, you would require a mortgage of $273,505. At the 2007 five-year fixed rate of 7.49 per cent, a mortgage for this amount, amortized over 25 years, would mean monthly payments of $1,999. At today’s low 4.25 per cent rate, you would pay only $1,476 for the same mortgage. That amounts to saving $523 each month, or $6,384 each year, or $31,920 over the five-year term. Conversely, if you decide to pay what you would have in 2007 – $1,999 per month – you can fully pay off your mortgage about nine years sooner. This would save you more than $150,000 in total interest charges. Mortgage lenders offer a number of other mortgage options, some of which can save you even more
money each month. That’s what “improved housing affordability” means – today you can own a home for less money each month. So why is right now the right time to buy? According to CMHC, “(Mortgage) rates are expected to remain low in a historical context, but climb higher later this year and in 2010.” So there is a good chance that the great mortgage deals being offered today won’t last. If you want to own a home, and get monthly payments that are 26 per cent less than two years ago, take a look at a new home today. For more information on new homes, visit www.gvhba.org Source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
6 • New Local Home | April 30, 2009
Style and comfort Space designed for how people live Buyers’ market means more choice CONTINUED FROM P.5
We didn’t have an oversupply of homes. People just stopped buying out of fear – not fear of what was actually happening, but fear of what might happen here.” Now, housing prices are down and interest rates are historically low – just over six per cent – rates Barron says the nation has not seen since Canada became a country. During his 25-years-plus career, Barron says he has seen interest rates as high as 22 per cent. “Is it a good time to buy? With interest rates and prices down, I’d suggest yes.” As an example, Barron refers to a double-income household, with both adults earning about $40,000 per year. Generally, mortgage lenders historically allow homeowners to borrow for up to a third of their income, so that would mean – with $20,000 down – that couple could afford a home in today’s market for $375,000-$400,000, or a mortgage payment of about $2,200 per month. That same couple likely wouldn’t have been able to afford that even one or two years ago, he says. Barron hopes those who are thinking of buying a home now don’t wait too long and miss their chance. It is likely, he says, that either housing prices or interest rates will eventually start climbing back up. Sometimes, he knows, fear can prevent people from taking the giant step toward owning a home, and all the responsibility that entails. But first-time buyers are the ones who drive the entire housing market, Barron says, calling them the basis of the rest of the business. “At the end of the day, if you ever wanted to buy your first home, I think history will prove that it’s now or never.”
Above, an ensuite bathroom in one of Morningstar’s homes at Belmont at the Foothills in Coquitlam. The entire subdivision is all part of a master-planned community, with parks, schools, shopping and green spaces all conceptualized in advance.
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New Local Home | April 30, 2009 • 7
Nature at your doorstep An appealing range of choice for consumers
At Altaire, Polygon Homes’ new highrise tower on top of Burnaby Mountain, the outdoors is the main attraction, as is its central Lower Mainland location. Hiking trails are right outside the door, SFU is just steps away, and UniverCity – where Altaire is located – offers plenty of parks, shopping opportunities and access to transit. Rob Newell photo
Rooms with a view in new highrise CONTINUED FROM P.1
community presents an appealing lifestyle for a wide variety of consumers. Plus, it’s literally the highest apartment community in the Lower Mainland. “It’s higher living than anywhere,” says Ralph Archibald, Polygon Homes senior vice-president of sales and marketing, noting that Burnaby Mountain is the highest point in Greater Vancouver, and that the apartment highrise is on top of the mountain. He, like others involved in the housing market, say that now is a fantastic time to buy a home. The historically low interest rates and lower prices combine to offer better affordability. In fact, a recent RBC Economics report states that sales of homes in B.C. “appear
to have found a floor” in late 2008 and the first months of 2009, which could reflect “a notable improvement in affordability, which removes a thorn in the B.C. market’s side that emerged in the aftermath of the (housing) boom.” The report notes that from the end of 2007 to the end of 2008, RBC’s affordability measures in the province improved between 4.1 and 6.3 percentage points, depending on the housing type. To give an example, Archibald says in April 2008, a monthly mortgage payment on a $325,000 home was $1,782 a month. Today, that payment is $1,375 per month, or $407 a month less. He points out that’s a savings of 24 per cent CONTINUED ON P.13
At Altaire, homes are designed with an active lifestyle in mind.
Rob Newell photo
8 • New Local Home | April 30, 2009
Coquitlam House Price Comparison for April 2009 $800,000
$755,750
$750,000 $700,000 $650,000
$682,395
$600,000 $550,000
NEW Morningstar Home
MorningstarApri30.indd 1
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4/28/09 11:15:18 AM
New Local Home | April 30, 2009 • 9
Living la Dolce Vita What’s new in your neighbourhood Dolce & Vita (Solterra Group of Companies) Address: Smithe and Richards (presentation centre at 872 Seymour Street), Vancouver Home-types: Townhomes/lofts/studios/condos Price: from $627,000 Online: www.solterradev.com
Vancouver
Dolce and Vita, two luxury towers, offer new homes in an ideal location. THE DEAL: Dolce Vita apartments at Symphony Place in downtown Vancouver are Solterra Group of Companies’ two new luxury towers. Home buyers can choose from an exclusive selection of Dolce live/work townhomes, lofts, studios and contemporary tower residences. Private Collection residences and sub-penthouses are also available at Dolce apartments. Homeowners at Dolce Vita are in the heart of the entertainment district of Vancouver. Theatres, art galleries and GM Place are all nearby, and shopping opportunities abound on Robson Street, at Pacific Centre, in Yaletown, Granville Street and more. Public transit is easily accessible, from SkyTrain (including the new RAV line) and SeaBus to regular bus routes around the Lower Mainland. OUTSIDE: Vita is a selection of concrete, loft-style residences, while Dolce offers a wider selection of townhomes, lofts, studios and tower residences. Private Collection and sub-penthouses are also offered at Dolce. Each stylish dwelling at Dolce gives its owners breathtaking views of the city, day and night. INSIDE: Sizes of residences vary from 786 to 1,389 square feet. High-end quality finishes, elevated living and sophisticated interior design elements. At Dolce, a 3,500 sq. ft. amenity centre offers a spa, steam room, lounge and a fully equipped gym. Lofts are designed with spacious, open floor plans and soaring ceilings, while the apartment residences are built with flexible floor plans.
>>Nearby amenities Transit: Close to all major transportation routes including SkyTrain, SeaBus and new RAV line Shopping: Robson Street, Pacific Centre, Granville Street, West Broadway, Yaletown Recreation: The Orpheum Theatre, Queen Elizabeth Theatre, the Centre for Performing Arts, Library Square, Vancouver Art Gallery, General Motors Place
NOW SELLING
Dolce Vita apartments at Symphony Place are Solterra Group of Companies’ new luxury towers in downtown Vancouver. They offer ‘la Dolce Vita,’ or ‘the sweet life’ to potential residents. Choose from a selection of live/work townhomes, lofts, studios and contemporary tower residences. Private Collection residences and sub-penthouses are also available. The towers are located in the middle of the new RAV line, so residents are now less than 20 minutes to Vancouver International Airport in Richmond. Other transit options, including SkyTrain and the SeaBus, are also nearby.
10 • New Local Home | April 30, 2009
(1)
Squamish
(2)
North Shore
(6)
(4)
Vancouver
(7-8)
(5)
(9)
Tri-Cities
(11)(12) (11) (12) (10) (14)(13) (16) (15)
(3) Burnaby/New Westminster
(30)
Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows
(31) (17) (19) (20) Richmond (18)
(28) (29) (27) (36)
(32) North Delta
(34) (33)
Surrey
(37) (35)
(39) (42)
(26)
(43)
(38) (41)
Langley
(24)(40) (23)(25) (21)(22)
White Rock/South Surrey South Delta
On Tour Squamish BSkye-Soleil-Acqua Presentation centre 121 Lonsdale, North Van. 604-904-2240, 604-616-1215
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YWills Creek
Burke Mountain 604-944-3188
160th & 32nd Ave 604-542-6200
MGable
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20843-69B Ave
Lougheed Hwy & Blue Mountain 604-939-3358
26th Ave & 164th Street 604-531-1111 604-420-4200
eBedford Landing
[Ocean Park
fSeasons & Prelude at Milner Heights
NWhitetail Lane 1357 Purcell Drive 604-552-3003
OBelmont
2026-128th Street 604-538-2345
604-461-7113
PLinks
DCarrington Oak Street & 45th Ave 604-266-6500
EPacific
Port Coquitlam QLinks Dominion Ave 604-460-9907
UBC Westbrook Village 604-221-8878
Richmond
FAura
RAlexandra Gate
5437 Willow Street & West 38th Ave 604-264-6477
Cambie-Garden City 604-279-8866
SCentro
North Shore GBranches on the North Shore 1111 E 27th Street 604-988-8489
7180 No.3 Road-Bennett 604-270-8305
TPrado No.3 Road & Lansdowne 604-276-8180
Burnaby
UHennessy Green
HJewel
9800 Odlin 604-303-6840
Wilson & Beresford 604-456-0688
IBrentwood Gate-The Varley 1960 Beta Ave 604-205-7228
JAltaire 9222 UniverCity Crescent 604-298-1182
South SurreyWhite Rock VHighland Park 160th & 24th Ave 604-542-8995
WGlenmore at Morgan Heights
Coquitlam
161A St. & 24th Ave 604-542-8863
KLevo
XBrownstone
1170 Pinetree Way & Northern Ave 604-464-5856
Morgan Heights 604-538-9897
Map_pgTEMPLATE_apr30 1
dMilner Heights
23015 Billy Brown Road 604-888-2176
208th St & 72nd Ave 604-539-9484
Maple Ridge
Surrey
\Falcon Hill
gAugusta at Provinceton
23719 Kanaka Way 604-466-5723
18199 70th Ave 778-571-1088
]Crest at Silver Ridge
hSpringfield Village
22850 Foreman Drive 604-466-9278
8678 156 Street 604-591-1121
^Solo
iKaleden
11749 223rd Street 604-467-0800
2729-158th Street 604-541-4246
604-464-9907
Vancouver
Langley
jWoods at Provinceton
New Westminster _Victoria Hill McBride Ave 604-523-0733
`Q at Westminster Quay Renaissance Square @ Quayside Drive 604-515-9112
70th & 180th Street 604-818-3702
kThe Highlands at Sullivan Ridge 60A Ave & 146th Street 604-538-2125
lThe Estates at Vistas West 16327 60th Ave 778-574-1380
aRed Boat Ewen Ave & Furness St. Queensborough 604-520-9890
Delta bTrend 7445 Scott Road 604-590-5483
cRadiance at Sundance 8385 Delsom Way 604-581-8144
4/28/09 1:00:54 PM
New Local Home | April 30, 2009 • 11
Fifteen thou$and rea$on$ to have a house-warming party. To kick off this exciting focus on new homes in MetroVancouver, we're giving away $15,000 worth of furnishings, home electronics and groceries to one lucky winner! Watch for details in next week's edition on how it might be YOU! Coming May 7 and 8th.
newlocalhome.com
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4/28/09 12:55:25 PM
Make your move. Glenmore is waiting for you in Morgan Heights, South Surrey’s busiest, most exciting new neighbourhood. With cozy fireplaces, laminate flooring on the main floor, and composite stone counters in the kitchen and ensuite, chic two-bedroom townhomes start at just $299,900.
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Intracorp Grandview Development Limited Partnership *starting from price †Limited number of homes available. Limited time offer. See salesperson for details.
12 • New Local Home | April 30, 2009
New and available What’s for sale in your neighbourhood Nuvo (Qualico Developments, Porte Development) Address: 15454 32 Avenue, Surrey Home-types: Townhomes Price: from $390,900 Online: www.nuvoliving.ca
Surrey
Nuvo townhomes are located within walking distance of shops and business. THE DEAL: Nuvo is 43 three-bedroom townhouses built in a park-like setting at 32nd Avenue and 154th Street in Surrey. The serene neighbourhood backs onto a wooded creek preserve that features fir, cedar and redwood trees. Convenient picnic tables and a children’s area allow families to enjoy the outdoors, outside their own private yards. It is close to the shops, businesses and beaches of South Surrey and White Rock, while Highway 99 and the U.S. border are minutes away.
OUTSIDE: Distinctive craftsman-styled exteriors with rich, heritage-inspired colour schemes and stone accents set the stage. Nuvo is professionally landscaped to showcase pedestrian-friendly grounds and a network of pathways. High performance Rain Shield exteriors and energy efficient Low E windows help keep the weather outside, as well as the insulated steel overhead garage door. Perimeter fencing, well-lit common areas and homes pre-wired for alarm systems all aim for better home security.
INSIDE: Owners can choose from three interior design colour schemes – slate, sand or stone. Cozy gas fireplaces and dramatic engineered wood flooring exist in harmony with carpet and imported, hand-laid ceramic tile. Overheight nine-foot ceilings on the main floor complement the Cheyenne-style interior doors, which feature brushed nickel hardware. Kitchens have Whirlpool Stainless appliances, granite or Caesarstone counters, and several designer lighting packages to choose from. Bathrooms are built with a Kohler plumbing package with sleek, contemporary fixtures, with extra-deep tubs in the main baths.
>>Nearby amenities Schools: Rosemary Heights Elementary, Chantrell Creek Elementary, Elgin Park Secondary Shopping: South Point Exchange, Grandview Corners, Morgan Crossing Lifestyle Centre Recreation: Only minutes to White Rock’s beaches or to Crescent Beach, Softball City, South Surrey Athletic Park, Crescent Park, quick access to Highway 99 and the U.S. border
Nuvo in South Surrey offers townhomes with quick, easy access to local shops, businesses, beaches and recreation areas, with Highway 99 and the U.S. border just minutes away. Interior and exterior design elements all work together to create a stylish, livable environment for homeowners. Nuvo’s community centre features a boardroom, lounge area and a convenient flex room.
NOW SELLING
New Local Home | April 30, 2009 • 13
Pick your lifestyle Choose between serenity and activity
Simon Fraser University students relax on the steps of the popular institute. The university lifestyle fits in with UniverCity, the sustainable community where Altaire is located on Burnaby Mountain. SFU photo
UniverCity a whole community CONTINUED FROM P.7
per month, and $4,884 per year. Aside from lower interest rates and prices, Archibald notes there is another advantage to the current buyer’s market – people can enjoy a more leisurely pace. “Now you have the opportunity to look, touch and feel your housebuying experience.” He feels many homeowners would love to live at Altaire, due to its central location as well as its serene setting, and describes it as a peaceful neighbourhood, yet one with “so much activity.” A new Nesters grocery store is set to open in the UniverCity Highlands Village soon, he notes, and a new elementary school nearby is expected to soon welcome students. But he feels the biggest draw is the beautiful B.C. environment. “People who enjoy the outdoors will really enjoy it here.” UniverCity is actually a complete community and a model of sustainable living, Archibald says, and adds that Altaire is a part of that community. UniverCity not only provides a variety of recreation, transportation, education, child care and community support services, but residents at UniverCity also receive a Community Card that offers access to
Open the door to a new lifestyle.
Rob Newell photo
Simon Fraser University programs and facilities. There is also a subsidized transit pass program for UniverCity residents, and extensive pedestrian pathways and bike trails link homeowners directly to shops, services and parks, and to hiking trails in the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area. Visit www.univercity.ca for details.
Altaire’s location offers amazing views for its residents.
Rob Newell photo
14 • New Local Home | April 30, 2009
coffee with... A fresh start Buying a new house can offer advantages that homeowners don’t get when they purchase an older ,‘fix-it-up’ dwelling BY TRICIA LESLIE
B
uying a new home can be a daunting prospect for potential homeowners. But there are several advantages to buying a new home that owners don’t get when they purchase an older model. No one knows this better than Brian Martin and his family, who moved into Genex Development Corp.’s Ocean Park subdivision more than a year ago. Hard at work in his front yard, Brian takes the time to talk about buying a new home, and why he prefers new homes to older models. Green lawns and saplings thrive in the spring sun as he paints an outdoor landscaping container to match the front door. The stylish single-family homes boast variations in design and fresh coats of paint. Sidewalks, streets and driveways in
the development are all spotless. Moving into a brand-new neighbourhood is one benefit of buying a new home, Brian says, and notes how the entire subdivision is clean and well-kept. “We love the neighbourhood. People really seem to respect where they’re living,� he says. Another asset, he notes, is that new home buyers don’t have to worry about inheriting someone else’s problems. Some older homes are priced lower, but then need $100,000 or more in upgrades or renovations, Brian notes, and suggests it may be better for homeowners to spend that money on actually getting what they want. Looking around extensively first for what you like is another must. Brian says he and his wife chose the Ocean Park subdivision mainly because of the company – Genex – that is developing the neighbourhood. “We like their style of home and their reputation.� While the company builds the home, Brian notes that homeowners get some freedom with the design, with everything from colour changes to moving a wall. One feature he and his family enjoy in their new home is the front porch. Location was a factor in their decision to buy in Ocean Park as well – with a wife and two children who attend local schools, he and his wife love the central location to Vancouver, the close proximity to Crescent Beach and White Rock, and all the nearby shopping options. Brian and his wife bought in the early stages – they were the third or fourth homeowners in the subdivision entitled Ocean Park One, which is comprised of 19 homes on the corner of 128th Street and 20th Avenue. Ocean Park Two features six homes, also on 128th Street, near 19th Avenue. While 25 new homes have been built, eight homes remain for sale in the development, says Genex’s Allan Ullrich. Visit the two showhomes at 2026 128th St., Surrey (open noon to 5 p.m. daily, except Fridays) or visit genexdevelopment.ca for more information.
Ocean Park homeowner Brian Martin prefers to buy new homes, to prevent inheriting pre-existing problems.
3 BEDROOM, 2 BATHROOM SPECIAL!
FROM $309,900*/$599 PER MONTH!* s 4RENDY -ORGAN (EIGHTS s 0RIVATE SQ FT ROOF TOP DECKS WITH VIEWS s 6ERIlED "UILT 'REENŠ s 5NABASHEDLY SEXY "OSTON STYLE URBAN WALK UPS
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BRITISH COLUMBIA
*Sales by disclosure statement. Limitations apply, next 3 sales only, see sales rep for details. Brownstones Adera Projects Ltd. Adera Realty Corp. 2200 - 1055 Dunsmuir Vancouver, BC 604-684-8277.
BUILDING TRUST FOR 40 YEARS. lll#VYZgV#Xdb years
New Local Home | April 30, 2009 • 15
cheep cheep... a little birdy told me ParkLane is skipping their annual spring promo and why not? their prices are already so fabulous
SOUTH SURREY
SOUTHPORT
from $671,900 A waterfront community of 3 & 4 bedroom single family homes Sales office open daily: noon – 5pm 14289 36A Avenue, South Surrey 778 292 0871
FORT LANGLEY
BEDFORD LANDING
from $529,900 3 & 4 bedroom single family homes in a vibrant town centre from $739,900 Spacious 4 bedroom homes and 30 acres of pristine parkland in your backyard Sales office open daily: noon – 5pm 23015 Billy Brown Rd., Fort Langley 604 888 2176
FURRY CREEK
OCEAN CREST
from $1,149,000 Spectacular custom ocean view single family homes Call for an appointment. 415 Furry Creek Dr., Furry Creek 604 315 0172
PORT MOODY
HERITAGE WOODS
from $769,900 3 & 4 bedroom single family homes from $1,358,000 Premier 5 bedroom view homes Sales office open daily: noon – 5pm 300 Panorama Pl., Port Moody 604 461 2991
www.parklane.com
building excellence in every detail
16 • New Local Home | April 30, 2009