…an ‘oasis’ in Queensborough Aragon’s master-planned community in New Westminster, Port Royal, is bringing new life to the city’s Queensborough area. More than 200 families already live in the quiet community, which is central, yet secluded. Several home-types are offered in the community including the single-family homes at Red Boat. ›› p.5
November 12, 2009
High sales spark rise in home values Metro Vancouver benchmark price up by nearly 7 per cent Home prices in Metro Vancouver are on the rise. Strong demand over the past 12 months has led to a steady increase in home values, reports the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver. The benchmark price for all residential properties in Greater Vancouver has risen 6.8 per cent since October 2008, from $518,668 to $553,702, states an REBGV release. “While home “High prices have been rising in 2009, they confidence have not eclipsed and low the peaks reached in mortgage early 2008,” says REBGV president Scott rates are Russell. continuing “We’re coming off to drive the several months of activity we’re unseasonably high sales levels, which has seeing in allowed for a gradual the housing increase in home market today.” values this year.” Property sales in the region totalled 3,704 in October 2009, an increase of 4.1 per cent from the 3,559 sales recorded in September 2009 and an increase of 171.6 per cent compared to October 2008. In October last year, only 1,364 sales were recorded in Metro Vancouver. Looking back two years, the REBGV notes October’s sales this year increased 22.3 per cent compared to October 2007, when 3,028 sales took place. “High confidence and low mortgage rates are continuing to drive the activity we’re seeing in the housing market today,” Russell says. Visit www.rebgv.org for the full report.
Art: add taste to your home Take your time, choose what you like and even rent pieces MAGGIE CALLOWAY Feeling the pressure? Don’t know which way to turn? You have purchased your home and decorated with care but… those bare walls are mocking you! Buying art can be a scary business. You
Art consultant Denise Bezanson displays select pieces from her collection. Whether renting or buying art, you can take your time while decorating your new home. Rob Newell photo
can blame anyone else for bad choices – my mother bought us the chair as a house warming present... Art on your walls speaks volumes about taste. I know art is in the eye of the beholder but that black velvet portrait of Elvis shrieks loudly about the need for an intervention. Let’s face another problem head on: what if your soul mate loves paintings of the hunt in its full gory and you love Jackson Pollock? Here are some suggestions to help homeowners get started.
First, there’s no need to rush. Buying art should be savored and enjoyed. We are blessed in Metro Vancouver by an amazing amount of galleries displaying and selling every imaginable style. Make a list of five or six galleries and spend Saturday visiting each one. Spend time looking and learning, ask questions of the staff and get to know not just which style appeals to you but gain a CONTINUED ON P.2