Vancouver Real Estate Resales & Vancouver Apartments for Rent

Downtown Eastside to Introduce New Vancouver Micro Lofts - Small Condos at 18 West Hastings Street - Affordable Vancouver Rental Housing

noreply@blogger.com (Mr Real Estate) — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 22:17:00 +0000

Vancouver Micro Lofts Coming to Downtown Soon!

Small condos also known as downtown Vancouver Micro Lofts will soon be coming to town. Providing new and affordable housing, thirty of these Vancouver micro lofts will be built by the same team that built the Woodwards Gastown high-rise condo and mixed use development. On Monday, the announcement will be made about the creation of 30 micro lofts for downtown Vancouver Eastside by Reliance Properties Ltd. And ITC Construction Group. The redevelopment of the downtown Vancouver Eastside real estate district wil be made at 18 West Hastings. Currently, the historic Burns Block complex is on site and the redevelopment will consist of a redo of the six storey Burns Block in the Vancouver micro lofts or small condos. The micro lofts of Vancouver will consist of 270 sq ft units and will represent the smallest rental units in the entire units. It is compared as being two parking stalls at two hundred and seventy square feet, meaning that these tight spaces will do away with modern doodads and other things not required for daily living. The official launch and announcement of the Vancouver Micro Lofts coming to 18 West Hastings Street will be this coming Monday, January 25th, 2010. With the launch of 30 new affordable rental housing units in the downtown Eastside of Vancouver, the area will gradually redevelop into a liveable and sustainable community says the development team. By cutting out all the non-essentials that usually go into the construction and pricing on new pre-construction condos, these new Vancouver Micro Lofts at 18 West Hastings Street will have minimal features that are not essential for daily living, providing more affordable spaces. The initial designs will be released soon, and according to some analysts, the 270 sqft micro lofts will contain beautiful bathrooms and kitchens as well as built in beds. In addition, these downtown Vancouver micro-lofts will also have over height ceilings. While the project was originally passed by Vancouver City Council back in 2008, no movement has been made as the construction team was busy working on the Woodwards Gastown project.

More about Micro Lofts in Vancouver Eastsid

With much research having been done on the viability and liveability within a micro loft in downtown Vancouver Eastside, many people have compared these compact living spaces to those that have successfully been built and integrated into cities within Asia as well as Europe. In many cases, a lot of people are not willing to give up on the amount of living space they have be cause of comfort and reliability of storage. However, with property prices and rental rates still skyrocketing in downtown Vancouver, these Vancouver micro lofts in the eastside of downtown will provide affordable rental housing for those who require a better price point but can sacrifice space. The vacancy rates are at all time lows and a typical bachelor suite now goes for roughly $950 per square foot. These new Vancouver micro lofts will be slightly smaller, but will provide a more affordable rental rate for those interested. Let’s see how the grand opening announcement of this 18 West Hastings Vancouver micro loft project and its reaction will be on Monday before making judgement calls.

Tallest Vancouver Condo High-Rise Towers Coming Soon to Downtown Vancouver Real Estate Market - Landmark Highrise Condominiums Coming Soon!

noreply@blogger.com (Mr Real Estate) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 01:41:00 +0000

Tallest Condominium Towers Planned and Passed by City Council

Vancouver city council has passed proposals for four new massive downtown Vancouver condo high-rise towers, one of which will surpass the height of the current tallest Vancouver condominium tower, the Shangri-La condominium hotel building. This comes on January 13th, 2010, admist one of the biggest building booms during the past decade and shortly after the global economic problems that plagued the Vancouver real estate market for much of 2009. Having rebounded sharply in the last 6 months of 2009, the Vancouver real estate market has been on the march upwards as homebuyers are trying to buy property before the expected HST that comes into play in July 2010 in addition to a likely increase in mortgage rates later in the year. City Council passed a proposal to build the tallest Vancouver condo tower near Georgia and Seymour Streets. This building site could accommodate the tallest Vancouver condominium tower at two hundred and thirteen metres height (213 metres). The current tallest Vancouver highrise is the Shangri-La Hotel Condo that stands at 201 metres (two hundred and one) and it stretches up sixty one stories. Recently completed in late 2008, the next closet tallest Vancouver condo highrise is that of the Wall Centre in central downtown Vancouver real estate market, which is only 152 metres in height. As of mid-January 2010, Vancouver City Council has passed the proposed buildings at four different sites that will forever change the landscape and skyline of the downtown core, without altering view corridors as much as possible. The January 5th 2010 report from the Vancouver Planning Department states that the higher building policy (for height restrictions to be lifted) is the only way that Vancouver can expand and meet homebuyer and rental demands. The Vancouver Central Business District east of Georgia Street to False Crek in addition to south down to Burrard Street to the foot of the Burrard Street Bridge was mentioned as the possible sites for higher and taller Vancouver condo highrises to be built.

The 4 Tallest Vancouver Condo Highrise Proposals Passed

In addition to the tallest 213 metre condo highrise proposed for the Georgia/Seymour Street area of downtown Vancouver real estate market place, the Vancouver City Council also passed plans for three other new condominium tower developments that will be quite tall as well. There is another proposed tall Vancouver condo highrise at Georgia Street and Beatty Street. This second downtown Vancouver condo highrise landmark building will be approximately 152 metres in height, the same as the Wall Centre Vancouver tower. The third highrise proposed by City Council will be at the end of Georgia Street and will most likely get to 130 metres (one hundred and thirty metres in height), which will make it one of the top five tallest Vancouver condo high-rise towers in the city. The last proposed and planned tower building in downtown Vancouver will be a 122 metre high-rise proposed for Burrard Street on the other side of the city. The recent change in planning policy will see certain height restrictions lifted to create more of a ‘dome skyline’ policy. The cascading heights of these towers will allow the current view corridors to remain intact, while also increasing density of the urban core. The downtown Vancouver dome skyline policy takes into effect right away with these planned tallest Vancouver condo highrises, mainly across Georgia Street and Burrard Street. Many other tall skyscrapers may be in the works as well. The Vancouver dome skyline policy is based on creating more space for renters and homeowners to live within the urban core, and with many restrictions required from the developers’ standpoint, Vancouver City Council believes that this is the right course of action.

Green Standards, Liveability and Sustainability Key to the Domed Skyline Vancouver Building Strategy

As with many new building policies, the downtown Vancouver domed skyline strategy will create the possibility of more creative architecture, striking landmark buildings and higher density within the downtown core. However, Vancouver City Council stated very rigorously that the proposed tallest Vancouver highrise condo developments must adhere to very strict Built Green standards in condo building construction in addition to create liveable and sustainable condominium homes that will help protect the environment and retain its value long term. The Vancouver domed skyline building strategy will also require developers to create space for hybrid vehicle power stations in the underground parking, and also apply for LEED or Built Green certification. All of these features will help to create more liveable and sustainable downtown Vancouver condo homes for purchasers and renters for future generations. So Vancouver, you got what you wanted! Four massive downtown Vancouver condo highrise towers will be coming your way in the next couple of years!

Downtown Vancouver Dome Skyline Policy Won’t Block Views of North Shore Mountains

With a long standing policy of protecting ‘view corridors’ Vancouver City Council has repeatedly disapproved downtown Vancouver highrise condo towers that would even remotely block views of the North Shore mountains and water. However, during the past few years, City Council has become more lenient on building heights, with the construction of the Wall Centre and Shangri-La Vancouver. Now, it seems, the city council has adopted the downtown Vancouver dome skyline policy which allows for taller Vancouver condo highrises to be built in the downtown core. Apparently this Vancouver dome skyline policy will still help protect the view corridors of the North Shore mountains and beyond. Indeed, this is a shift in building policy, but in the end, the placement of ‘special buildings’ through the dome skyline policy will help beautify the Vancouver skyline. These taller Vancouver condo highrises will become part of the view and beautiful skyline. The proposed condominium highrise landmark towers within the new Vancouver dome skyline will be between 122 metres and 152 metres and will be built along sites at the foot of Georgia Street and Burrard Street in addition to Georgia/Seymour and Georgia/Beatty, along some of the most dense and built out corridors in the downtown stretch. These tall Vancouver condo highrise proposals will be the first extra tall dome skyline policy projects in the city that will protrude the current view corridors. However, with exceptional architecture, sustainable Built Green construction and the possibility of affordable rental housing, the Vancouver dome skyline policy will likely be passed very soon to give an architecture statement to the city skyline. Without eroding the view corridors all that much, the downtown Vancouver development community and building developers are all for this added density on their sites. Some City Councillors have even proposed that one of these 4 tall Vancouver condo highrises will become an office tower, bringing back more office space to downtown that has been recently converted into residential buildings. Another of the 4 new proposed Vancouver highrise landmarks may become a part office and part residential condo building. In addition to the development of these very tall Vancouver condominium towers, the city expects developers to add to the services and amenities of the community, including affordable rental housing, daycare, parks and heritage preservation and the approval of any new pre-construction Vancouver condo development will have to come with these developer perks. Some City Councillors say that downtown Vancouver real estate market can accommodate another thirty thousand (30,000) residents under the current zoning of the sites. Right now, over 100,000 or one hundred thousand people call downtown Vancouver home. Another City Councillor has proposed mid-rise buildings throughout the city core including the business district, while increasing the height of new Vancouver condo buildings towards downtown East around the Chinatown, Crosstown and Gastown areas. Last year, there were city staff who called for the development of two 91-metre condominium towers in Chinatown next to Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese gardens. Some of the areas around downtown Vancouver Chinatown real estate district along Pender Street have already been rezoned to accommodate for higher low-rise and mid-rise condo buildings during the past year.

City Council Passes Sustainable West End Vancouver Rental Buildings and New Condo Developments – Rezoning of the West End Real Estate Market

noreply@blogger.com (Mr Real Estate) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 01:36:00 +0000

Vancouver West End Condo Developments and New Rental Buildings

The short term incentives by the government have spurred a new generation of rezoning of the Vancouver West End real estate market place. Back in December 2009, Vancouver City Council approved the redevelopment of the building at 1215 Bidwell Street in West End Vancouver rezoning project, and there are currently three other sites that will possibly apply for rezoning of their land as well. As part of the Vancouver Short Term Incentives for Rental program, the Vancouver West End condo developments will become some of the most anticipated, hated and debated new rental and market buildings in the entire city. Starting with 1215 Bidwell Street, essentlly, many people will lose their rental homes during the process of the rezoning, reconstruction and eventual completion of the site. With many of these rezoned West End Vancouver properties, the end result will include both rental units as well as market units that will be sold to homeowners. Currently, there is much discussion as to what the new rental prices for the rezoned and completed rental units will be once 1215 Bidwell Street Vancouver condos will be completed. Will it be affordable for people to rent there? Or will they be reserved for high-end and prominent people who want to and can pay to live in the West End Vancouver community? Rental housing is more affordable than the purchase of strata titled units according to the Vision Vancouver councillor, Louie. With the Vancouver Short Term Incentives and Rental program in full effect, also known as STIR Program, there are many people who debate whether or not this is good for the city. The STIR Program or the Vancouver Short Term Incentives and Rental program will waive development cost levies and reduce development fees, meaning that part of the construction costs for the developers will be subsidized. Part of this STIR Program is to create more liveable and newer Vancouver West End rental stock. However, many people against the STIR Program and the rezoning of 1215 Bidwell Street Vancouver rental housing believe that the developers are there to make profit, and therefore will create high-end rental units and charge a lot more for rents once completed. Most people believe this will be the case at 1215 Bidwell Street. With the STIR Program in full effect, many West End Vancouver condo residents who rent right now are afraid that affordable housing in this area will likely disappear sooner rather than later because of the Vancouver Short Term Incentives and Rental program, making it even tougher for people who need affordable housing to find anything decent.

Other Rezoning Vancouver West End Condo Developments Coming 2010

The other sites that will likely be rezoned in the Vancouver West End real estate market during 2010 are located at the following site addresses: 1401 Comox Street, 1754 Pendrell Street and 1245 Harwood Street. All of these sites currently have West End Vancouver affordable housing, and will be rezoned to become both rental and market unit condo developments. Most likely like 1215 Bidwell Street rezoning project, the new West End Vancouver rental units will be more expensive then the current ones, but newer (obviously). The 1401 Comox Street Vancouver rezoning application will likely be a twenty two storey (22 stories) all rental condo building with one hundred and ninety three units (193 West End rentals) under the new STIR Program. The Vancouver Short Term Incentives and Rental program will likely see another application from 1754 Pendrell Vancouver with a proposed ninety storey (19 stories) tower in the heart of the city. This will likely be a part rental (10 West End rentals) and part market condo (34 condominiums for sale) proposal. Not much is known about this proposed application from STIR yet. Lastly, 1245 Hardwood Vancouver rezoning project in the West End real estate market will likely come up during mid-year, and therefore, not many details have been released either. The 1215 Bidwell Street Vancouver rezoning project will see a 20 storey building with 98 market condos for sale and the addition of 49 rental units. This rezoning project has already been approved by Vancouver City Council. As you can see, there will be many other West End Vancouver rezoning projects coming up which will transform the landscape of the rental market and available new condos in the area. Either way, much of this is required in a community that has deteriorated and hasn’t seen many new condos or rentals with the exception of renovation projects here and there.

Luxury West Vancouver Home Featured in Twilight New Moon Blockbuster Movie Now For Sale - 118 Stevens Drive, British Properties, West Van

noreply@blogger.com (Mr Real Estate) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 21:49:00 +0000

West Vancouver Twilight New Moon Home Being Stalked!

The spectacular West Vancouver home that was used in the shooting of the highly successful Twilight New Moon movie blockbuster is receiving many unwelcome stalkers at the moment. As soon as word broke out concerning which home was used primarily in the shooting of the Twilight New Moon movie sequel, the West Vancouver home has seen dozens of ‘stalker’s and passer-bys wanting to take pictures of th e house. According to many news sources as well as Jason Soprovich, the West Vancouver real estate agent who has listed this Twilight New Moon home for sale, this atypical listing has garnered lots of attention and press regarding it’s sale, location and beautiful features. As the home used in the vampire flick, Twilight New Moon West Vancouver home for sale, the real estate agent was not prepared at all of the influx of attention that the house has drawn since the launch of New Moon, which has grossed more than $250 million in North America alone, and broke an all time record for best single day launch of over $72 million. On the Jason Soprovich website, there were more than 180k hits on the West Vancouver Twilight New Moon house for sale in the first week after the movie hit the theatres in North America. Within two hours of the movie launch, more than 50k hits were recorded, almost putting down his listing website. According to him, there are many interested parties looking to get a sneek peak at the Twilight New Moon West Vancouver home for sale. However, there are no open houses and the West Van home will only be shown to prospective homebuyers who pass a rigorous screening test. The New Moon West Vancouver Twilight home for sale has five bathrooms, four bedrooms and is currently for sale at a listing price of $3.2 M. The hype has not subsided yet and the listing still gets about 25k to 50k hits per week, even during the slowest time for real estate sales in West Vancouver, during the Christmas break. There are many Twilight New Moon fans who drop by, take a picture and try to get inside the property, but again, without the proper consent, they are out of luck. New Moon Rising – The West Vancouver home shot as the vampire family dwelling in the Twilight Movie sagas has generated a lot of interest since going to the West Vancouver real estate market. This is surely to continue until it is sold. Picture is taken from www.soprovich.com/home40.html so please call Jason Soprovich today at 604.817.8812 for more information and to book an appointment.

Luxury West Vancouver Home for Sale by Soprovich

The most talked about listing that Jason Soprovich has on his website is getting more than 50,000 hits per week. Many people may ask why all this attention and traffic? The simple reason is that this luxury West Vancouver home for sale was used as the vampire’s house in the Twilight New Moon blockbuster movie. This spectacular Arthur Erickson Residence has been beautifully remodelled and is now listed at an incredible price of only $3,298,000. Located in the British Properties, the Twilight New Moon West Vancouver luxury home for sale is located at 118 Stevens Drive in West Van and features five beds and four baths. Named the Cullen House, the Twilight New Moon West Vancouver home is one of the late Arthur Erickson’s finest works on the North Shore and was recently renovated in 2001. Over a private half acreage along a beautiful creek within a quiet greenbelt amongst old growth forests, the Brian Hemingway renovation is both simplistic and elegant, but has been transformed into a masterpiece that you cannot miss. If you are looking for a luxury West Vancouver home for sale with the backing of having the Twilight New Moon movie being shot there in many scenes, this property is for you! The post and beam style construction includes twenty foot ceilings in the great room, picture windows that allow ample light into the residence as well as aggregate decks and tonnes of outdoor living and entertainment space. At 118 Stevens Drive, British Properties, West Vancouver Twilight New Moon home for sale also features a private studio overlooking a Koi pond, trails, and high-end flooring that includes wool carpeting, edge grain cherry hardwood floors, slate and concrete. The gourmet kitchen has top of the line appliances, cherry cabinetry and granite. The lot size of this Twilight home for the New Moon movie is approximately 24,000 square feet and the interior floor area is roughly 5117 square feet. There are two wood burning fireplaces. In addition, the new home owners can enjoy a hot tub and sparkling outdoor pool. The layout is open concept. Because of the amount of attention that this West Vancouver New Moon Twilight home has garnered, you must call to book an appointment for viewing.

The Vancouver 2010 Concord Place Exhibition Space & Activity Zone Now Leasing - Concord Place Pavilion Sites and Existing Buildings along the water

noreply@blogger.com (Mr Real Estate) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:49:00 +0000

Vancouver 2010 Concord Place – Winter Olympics Exposition Space

Located in the heart of all the action, the Vancouver 2010 Concord Place neighbourhood will be a fabulous place for you to showcase your business to the world from January to March 2010 during the Winter Olympic Games. Located along the waterfront of False Creek, Concord Place 2010 is a business district that is close to all that is happening in downtown Vancouver including GM Place (ice hockey and figure skating), BC Place Stadium (opening/closing ceremonies and victory ceremonies) in addition to the SkyTrain station. In addition, it is very close to Russia’s Sochi 2014 House at Science World and the Vancouver 2010 Athlete’s Village in southeast False Creek. The Concord Place Vancouver 2010 business strip will be front and centre during the Olympic Games, allowing you to showcase your business to the world for three months! Brought to you by Concord Pacific, now is the time to book your prime spot at the Vancouver 2010 Concord Place district.

2010 Concord Place Exposition and Activity Zone for the Vancouver Olympic Games

The Concord Pacific Place neighbourhood was born from the success of Vancouver Expo ’86, which was a very successful international event that put Vancouver on the world map. To commemorate and celebrate the last phase of the neighbourhood, Concord Pacific real estate developers created a community exposition site called Concord Place Vancouver 2010 adjacent to many of the Winter Olympic Games venues. The Concord Place Exposition and Actiivty Zone are within walking distance to some of the most exciting Olympic venues in downtown Vancouver including 2010 Hockey, Ceremony Venues and the Athletes Village in addition to major transportation bus routes and the SkyTrain station linking downtown Vancouver to Richmond venues. In addition, Concord Place 2010 Vancouver Exposition Site is located in the future development area of Concord Pacific Place, which will be home to a master planned community with new condos and townhomes after the Olympic Games. It has played host to many community events over the last twenty years that include such things as the impressive Cirque du Soleil, Dragon Boat Festival and the Molson Indy to name a few international events. The Vancouver 2010 Concord Place Exposition and Activity Zone is also very large, encompassing prime real estate of about three hundred thousand square feet, which is comparable to both the old and new Vancouver convention centre sites put together. The Concord Place Exposition and Activity Centre will see more than eighty thousand people walk through (estimated) during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games and includes the current tenants of International Ice Hockey Federation, Concord Pacific, Hockey Canada, Canadian Hockey House and the Government of Saskatchewan with many more announcements to come. There has been a recent frenzy of interest for the Concord Pace Pavilion Sites and Existing Buildings for various organizations and corporations and these exhibition activity sites range from five to twenty five thousand square feet in size. As part of a pedestrian friendly gateway, the Concord Pacific Vancouver 2010 Exhibition and Activity Site will be an amazing place to showcase your business to the world. With limited availability, please call Grant, VP Sales of Concord Pacific Development Inc at 604.889.8800 today for more information about availability, site plan and pricing.

The Site Plan and Availability of Concord Place Pavilion Sites and Buildings

Site 1 (20,000 sf) is now leased and Site 2 at the Vancouver 2010 Concord Place Exhibition Site is leased to Hockey Canada is is 81,000 sf. Site 10 is leased at 15,700 sf and Sites 8/9 are leased by the Government of Saskatchewan at 20,530 sf. Concord Pacific Development will have their site office along the False Creek waterfront seawall and Site 13 is pending at 11,140 sf currently. The availability Pavilion Sites at the Vancouver 2010 Concord Place neighbourhood will include 3 which is 22,530 sf, Sites 4 and 5 at 14,450 sf, Site 6 at 13,540 sf and Site 7 at 11,270 square feet. The smaller Concord Place Pavilion Sites include 12 at 2,300 sf and Site 11 at 3700 square feet. The leasing information for the Vancouver 2010 Concord Place Exhibition and Activity Zone is online. Here are some of the details: the time frame for leasing pavilion sites at Concord Place Vancouver False Crek is between Octoer 15th, 2009 to March 31st, 2010 and the site area is over 300,000 sq ft. In addition, there are two options for leasing that include existing buildings and new Pavilion Sites and they can be catered and changed to your corporate or organizational needs. Water, power and infrastructure services are available and there will be a flow through pedestrian traffic of about eighty thousand people during the time period. In addition, the Vancouver 2010 Concord Place exhibition space will have spectacular views and a great location along the waterfront of False Creek, and there will be fencing and full security on site. The latest press releases about Concord Place Vancouver are online at www.concordplace.ca and you can also view a photo gallery of the various sites that are now leasing.

FLASHBACK: Resale Vancouver Siena of Portico Condos Now Selling in the Luxury South Granville Real Estate Market Place

noreply@blogger.com (Mr Real Estate) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:38:00 +0000

Siena of Portico Vancouver – Perfecting the Art of Urban Living

A flashback to the sold out Vancouver Siena of Portico condo development in the South Granville real estate district finds that homebuyers and new residents are very happy with not only the location but also the neighbourhood. Phase 1 of the Siena of Portico Vancouver condos for sale included Modena and Carrara, the initial release of homes several years ago. With an excellent South Granville Vancouver real estate locale in addition to exceptional finishes and superb views of the water, mountains and city, the Vancouver Siena Condos at Portico master planned community is close to major transportation routes, the Granville Street Bridge as well as the many eclectic shops and dining hotspots along this main route. The stunning modern architecture of the Modena and Carrara Siena Vancouver condos at Portico living have so far been unmatched by any other new development in the area, and the condominium apartments have certainly appreciated in value a lot since its inception. The Siena of Portico Vancouver real estate community actually is located on the corner of Hemlock Street and 6th Avenue in South Granville and was built by Bosa Properties Development. Modena and Carrara condominium residences made of the Phase 1 of Siena of Portico and provides inspired living spaces that are clean, spacious, uncluttered and beautiful. In addition, residents can enjoy panoramic views of English Bay, the North Shore mountains as well as the city from many angles. A truly urban lifestyle is available in this South Granville Vancouver Siena of Portico community that is both cosmopolitan as well as trendy. The False Creek seawall and water is just within a couple of blocks, and so is Granville Island, The Stanley Theatre, tonnes of shopping and dining and of course the main thoroughfare of Granville and Broadway. These custom designed homes of South Granville Siena of Portico Vancouver condos are brought to the resale real estate market by BOSA Properties who have been around for over forty years.

Some of the Features of these Siena Vancouver Condos at Portico Living

The gourmet kitchens of the Siena of Portico Vancouver condos provides maple or cherry cabinetry and hardwood flooring in addition to a premium appliance package in white or black with an upgrade to stainless steel that includes a built in microwave and hood fan, multi cycle dishwasher, gas range, auto defrost fridge with glass shelving as well as recessed ceiling lights and under cabinet task lighting. In addition, the resale Vancouver condos at Siena of Portico in South Granville real estate district has seven foot six inch ceilings with full height upper cabinetry, granite counter tops, tiled back splash and also a full sized stackable washer and dryer in every residence. The bathrooms here at Portico Siena Vancouver resale condos includes radiant in floor heating with tiled floors, ceramic tiled tub and shower surround in addition to soaking tubs and separate showers and premium quality fixtures and finishes. The living spaces here at the resale Vancouver Siena of Portico condos features extensive outdoor living spaces with tiled balconies and roof deck pavers, large views windows with vertical blinds that provide the best views of the city, water and mountains in addition to a gas fireplace with either a limestone or slate surround in addition to a wood mantle piece, which was part of the design packages that Vancouver homebuyers could choose from. These South Granville Siena condos for sale also feature wood baseboards, eight foot six inch ceilings in the bedroom, dining and living rooms, three designer colour palettes for condo purchasers in addition to loop cut pile waer dated nylon carpeting, mirrored closet doors, French doors that open into dens and raised panel interior doors. Some of the extra touches that are seen here at the resale South Granville Siena Vancouver condos include the 2-5-10 year warranty (of which only the last one still is valid), sprinkler system and hard wired smoke detectors, keyless entry into your suite and the building, elevators, video entry phone system and secured storage lockers and bike storage. In addition, the Siena of Portico Vancouver condos in South Granville will also have a welcoming entry lobby, recreational area with fully equipped fitness room and billiards table as well as secure underground parking on site.

Spacious Living at the Resale Vancouver Condos at Portico

The Siena South Granville condominiums are very spacious, and much larger than newer developments. The resale Vancouver condo flor plans range from one bedroom with dens of nine hundred and thirty two square feet all the way to two bed plus den plus family room resale Vancouver penthouse suites around two thousand three hundred and nine square footage. Plan D at the resale Siena condos at Portico South Granville features a 1 bed plus den at 942 sqft, while Plan A is a two bedroom at 1073 sqft with a balcony facing south, Plan C is 1154 sqft, Plan E is between 932 and 1190 square feet, F is 1177 sf, Siena Vancouver floor plan G is 1196 to 1210 square feet while Plan I is 1098 sf. Plan B is the 2bed plus den floorplan at the resale Vancouver condos and is between 1081 to 1163 square footage while the Plan H has an enclosed balcony and is fourteen hundred and twenty five sq feet. The Penthouse units here at the South Granville Siena of Portico condos features four units over the top two floors and are 2307 square footage. In addition, Vancouver resale homebuyers can choose from two different Siena of Portico townhomes floor plans that includes Plan A which is a two bedroom plan at 1484 sq ft over two living floors with 2.5 bathrooms, a private 2 car garage in the lower level as well as a large roof deck on top. The South Granville Siena of Portico Townhome B floorplan is larger at 1686 sqft and features an extra patio on the ground floor and a spacious den (smaller roof deck) on the top floor.

FLASHBACK: The South Granville Verona of Portico Vancouver Condo Resale - Luxury South Granville Homes for Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Mr Real Estate) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:33:00 +0000

South Granville Verona of Portico Vancouver Condos

Engaging spaces, romantic views. Everything your heart could desire and best of all, the Verona of Portico Vancouver resale condos are located in a vibrant South Granville Vancouver real estate neighbourhood. Bosa Development Corporation proudly presents the Verona of Portico contemporary urban romantic residences in the heart of Vancouver’s west side along the most vibrant South Granville neighbourhood full of boutique shops, fine dining, eclectic stores, major transportation routes and of course, False Creek and Granville Island. Phase I of the Portico Vancouver South Granville real estate development consisted of the launches of Modena and Carrara condo residences and townhomes, and were completely sold out very quickly after the launch of the sales and marketing for the project. With a great location, stunning urban West Coast design and architecture and fine finishes, both the Modena and Carrara Portico residences were completed on time and affordably priced. After the Modena and Carrara Phase 1 develompent came Phase II of the South Granville Portico Vancouver Siena development with the continuation of the most amazing location possible. With open air balconies, tall ceilings, clean and functional floor plans, the Verona of Portico Vancouver condos follows in the footsteps of the previous successful launches in this truly urban and master planned community. As Bosa Developments marketing talked about: “Verona of Portico represents an evolution of Portico South Granville’s innovate design for living and lifestyle. The perfect marriage of concept and execution now provides an exciting living opportunity in one of the world’s most beautiful cities, Vancouver. With Carrara, Modena and Siena sold out before completion, it’s time for Verona at Portico Vancouver resale condos to rekindle your sense of romance with its airy ceilng heights, generous outdoor entertainment spaces and innovative yet functional floor plan layouts.” The South Granville Verona at Portico community consists of beautiful exterior facades, intelligently designed layouts and fine finishes.

The Verona Vancouver condo floor plans – A Portico Community Signature

Spacious and open concept, the South Granville Vancouver Verona condos have some the largest two bedroom floorplans available anywhere in the city. Not only are they spacious, but they are also comtemporary and functional, which means that you have more room to store, live and grow. Bosa Development certainly thought about the South Granville homebuyer when designing the Portico floor plans and the one bedroom plus den layouts start from an incredible eight hundred and eleven square feet in size. The largest of the residences here at the Vancouver Verona Condos at Portico are the three bedroom plus family room penthouse suites that are about twenty one hundred and eighty one square feet in interior living space, expansive to say the least. Huge walk in closets, fully equipped gourmet kitchens and very large master ensuite bathrooms are signatures of these spacious Verona at Portico condo floor plans that are located in a high rise tower up seventeen floors. The first floor plan located on the 1st to 4th floors is the one bed plus den that is a convertible two bedroom layout and between nine hundred and forty to twelve hundred and twenty sq ft in size, while the two bedroom layouts are between 940 to 1179 sq ft on the same levels. On the fifth to seventeenth floor of the resale Verona at Portico Vancouver condo high-rise are the two bedroom layouts that are between 1095 to 1477 square footage with large roof top decks, enclosed balconies, another separate deck, kitchen pantry and only four residences per floor. This is a BOSA development.

The Interior Features of the Verona at Portico South Granville Residences

All South Granville homes for sale originally came with the 2, 5, 10 year home warranty and there was a choice between three spectacular colour and finishing packages that included natural, charcoal or dark cherry. The Verona Vancouver condos had extensive outdoor living spaces in patios, decks and balconies (some enclosed), as well as large view windows and gas fireplaces with wood mantle and granite surround. The standard finishes also included French doors into the den, mirrored closet doors in the bedrooms, baseboards (wood) and Stainmaster carpeting in the bedrooms. The ceiling heights in most rooms was 8’ 6” as well. The kitchens at the South Granville Verona condos at Portico features stainless steel appliance set including a garburator, built in microwave, hood fan, dish washer, gas range, glass shelving in fridge/freezer combo as well as full size stacking laundry appliances. There are granite countertops, recessed lighting, 7’6” ceilings for upper cabinet storage space, under cabinet lighting as well as hardwood flooring. The bathrooms have deep soaker tubs and separate shower stalls, high-end fixtures, and radiant floor heating that are cozy and high-end. In addition, the BOSA Verona at Portico Vancouver condos feature safety and security in the entrance lobby enter phone, video, keyless entry, secure underground well lit parking lot, bike storage and visitor parking. In addition, all homes are pre-wired for high-speed internet, cable and phone lines in addition to a modern entry. Also available to South Granville Verona Vancouver resale condo owners includes a recreation space with a large fitness centre, steam room, spa, sauna and pool table.

Vancouver Real Estate Forecast 2010 - Prediction about Greater Vancouver House Prices, Home Pricing w/ 12% HST, Interest Rates, Olympics, Fundamentals

noreply@blogger.com (Mr Real Estate) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:31:00 +0000

Vancouver Real Estate Forecast 2010 – A Prediction About House Prices, Home Values and Housing Sales Volume

Being an enthusiast about this subject for over a decade, there are some thoughts about a 2010 Vancouver real estate forecast. With sales volume and prices increasing through 2009, many homebuyers are wondering if average selling prices and property values will continue to increase in the latter stages of 2009 into and through 2010. Here is a prediction about the 2010 Vancouver real estate resale market as well as presale condo developments in the area.

7 Major Factors Will Affect 2010 Vancouver Housing Prices

There are many factors that affect Vancouver housing prices, but in late 2009 and into 2010, there are several very unique circumstances that will influence sales volume of all housing types in addition to property values and sales prices throughout the region. It is often hard to predict 2010 Vancouver housing prices simply because a lot can change. Some important factors the affect 2010 Vancouver housing prices now may end up not influencing the resale or presale markets, while other new factors may creep up to affect homebuyers. Here are the seven factors that will likely affect the 2010 Vancouver Housing Prices in no particular order:

1. mortgage rates (financing)
2. BC Harmonized Sales Tax (12% HST on new property)
3. supply and demand in 2010 Vancouver presale real estate market
4. supply and demand in 2010 Vancouver resale real estate market
5. consumer confidence and emotions
6. Vancouver population growth and projections
7. Vancouver economic fundamentals in 2010 and beyond

A Quick Summary of Our 2010 Vancouver Real Estate Forecast Based on These Factors

A 2010 Vancouver real estate forecast based on the above factors will determine where the property market will likely head in the future. As part of our prediction for the 2010 Vancouver real estate forecast, we have put together a quick summary explaining each of the 7 factors and if they will positively of negatively influence the Vancouver real estate forecast 2010. Firstly, mortgage rates have been at all time lows for over a year. The Bank of Canada lending rate has been at 0.25% and they have promised to keep it there until at least the third quarter of 2010 barring upward pressure from inflation. Therefore, after June 2010, it is likely that the BoC lending rate will increase, thereafter the banks will also increase their prime rates, increasing the mortgage variable rates across the board. The fixed rates, which are based on the US bond market, will also likely see a spike too. As inflation starts to creep in, more investors will head towards buying US bonds, and therefore, demand will increase, increasing the borrowing fixed mortgage rates in Canada. With both fixed and variable rates in Vancouver increasing in the future, this will have a negative impact on the 2010 Vancouver real estate forecast, as cashflow and affordability will again become a bigger issue. A big effect on the 2010 Vancouver new real estate market including presales condos and pre-construction homes will be the BC Harmonized Sales Tax. A new 12% BC HST will be applied to any new construction property, which will have a huge influence on the presale 2010 Vancouver real estate forecast. With less demand for presales and pre-constuction Vancouver real estate, developers and builders of new property will feel the hit come 2010 and into 2011, as less Vancouver homebuyers and condo purchasers will pay the extra 12% hit on a new home. Demand for presale Vancouver real estate in 2010 will go down, putting upwards pressure on resales property. What this means is that many homebuyers will opt for resale listings. With more demand, the resale 2010 Vancouver real estate forecast is brighter, and will likely see a bigger price increase as demand grows for these non HST taxable homes. As the global economic crisis is becoming better managed and the end is in sight, consumer confidence in the 2010 Vancouver real estate forecast and predictions is gaining. As many Vancouver homebuyers purchase homes based on emotion, this boost in confidence will also boost the local Vancouver real estate forecast in 2010. As fall and winter 2008 was a brutal year for not only Vancouver real estate sales volume but also housing prices, 2009 will see a huge increase in both areas. As numbers are published in late 2009 and early 2010, we will likely see the above 100% increase sales volume and increase of 1 – 3% per month in Vancouver housing prices until next summer. This will have a positive impact on consumer confidence in the 2010 Vancouver real estate forecast and predictions. In addition, the Greater Vancouver population continues to grow at one of the fastest rates in Canada. This will continue and put pressure on the Vancouver property market as inventory has stalled during the past 2 years due to the global economic crisis. With many new condo projects delayed or cancelled, this has pushed back a lot of housing inventory, thereby reducing the Vancouver real estate inventory during this hot market time. Lastly, the Vancouver economic fundamentals remain strong. With new transportation routes completed, better accessibility and an influx in business and retail, the Vancouver real estate forecast 2010 is likely headed upwards. Notice that we didn’t even mention the 2010 Olympics, which we believe is a non-factor in the 2010 Vancouver real estate forecast.

Conclusion about 2010 Vancouver Home Prices

So a quick conclusion on where the Vancouver home prices are headed in late 2009 into 2010: sales volumes and home prices will see huge jumps compared to last year as 2008 was a bad year. Mortgage rates are likely headed upwards and even spiking by mid-2010. The addition of the 12% BC HST on new homes will adversely affect the presales and new Vancouver home market, causing presales 2010 Vancouver home prices to dip as demand drops. With less homebuyers in the market to purchase new homes, the resales 2010 Vancouver home prices will likely go up a lot, as more homebuyers look for completed homes. The worst of the economic crisis in Canada is over, and with job creation looming and stricter lending practises from the bank, consumer confidence in the Vancouver real estate market place will go up. Based on emotions felt from the headline news proclaiming a global recovery and above 100% gaines in sales volumes and staggering increase in housing prices, the 2010 Vancouver home prices will likely be buffered by homebuyers purchasing based on emotion. With the economic fundamentals stronger than ever and with population growth and migration into the city increasing, 2010 Vancouver home prices will go up as demand will grow. With new housing inventory stalled and increased demand, the re-balancing of the Vancouver real estate market (especially resales homes) will likely tip in the favour of homeowners by mid to late 2010.

The Other Intagibles Affecting The Vancouver House Prices 2010

There are a few other intangible factors that may or may not affect the 2010 Vancouver House Prices beginning with the 2010 Vancouver Whistler Winter Olympics. The hot market in 2009 started back in April and has continued through into October, but none of the price increases or staggering jump in sales volume had to do with the 2010 Olympics. On the contrary, the fundamentals behind the 2009 Vancouve house prices include 2 factors: record low mortgage rates and affordability which go hand in hand. These 2 factors will likely drive the 2010 Vancouver house prices upwards in the first half of the year. Therefore, the 2010 Olympics are a mute point. Most of the amateur investors who had flipped property or renovated homes and flipped them afterwards no longer are in the Vancouver real estate market. The Vancouver house prices 2010 will be much more stable the the boom years between 2005 – 2007. A second intangible factors that will affect 2010 Vancouver house prices are transportation nodes. With the completion of the Canada Line SkyTrain from Richmond to YVR to downtown Vancouver, this creates many new neighbourhoods in which we will see huge growth and demand in real estate. These areas will likely see the best increases in 2010 Vancouver house prices and demand will increase with limited new supply coming onto the market.

The Future of Vancouver Real Estate In a Nutshell

So our prediction for the next year is that the Vancouver real estate forecast for 2010 continues to be bright buoyed by low interest rates and the outlook of the dreaded HST on new homes. So the combination of the two factors will likely increase Vancouver property prices in 2010 (even if the interest rates remain low, as there are always forecastings saying a mortgage rate spike is in order in 2010 through 2010) and the HST which have negatively impact the new presale Vancouver housing market. Therefore, the presale Vancouver home prices will stabilize and possibly decrease as a result of the 12% HST added on to the purchase price, which will make resale Vancouver real estate more attractive, and therefore bumping and increasing the price of the resale Vancouver home prices 2010. With that in mind, overall, the Vancouver 2010 real estate forecast is good, as property values, home prices and housing prices should increase. Housing inventory for 2010 will remain steady as many projects will again start, but will not be completed until 2011 or beyond. The 2010 Vancouver real estate forecast will see Vancouver home prices increase through the first half of 2010, and then become more steady from the presale housing market value standpoint through the latter half of 2010. For the resale Vancouver home prices in 2010, they will increase throughout the year due to pent up demand as well as the forecast of increased interest rates.

2009 GVHBA Open House - Greater Vancouver Home Builders' Association Presents the 2009 Showcase of New Homes with 57 Open Houses across Lower Mainland

noreply@blogger.com (Mr Real Estate) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:19:00 +0000

GVHBA Open House – Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association Presents the Fall 2009 Open House – A Showcase of New Homes!

Come and tour the latest new home developments and Greater Vancouver real estate projects brought to you by the GVHBA Fall 2009 Open House. The Greater Vancovuer Home Builders’ Association has put together an incredible line up of new Vancouver homes for sale from some of the best builders in the Lower Mainland property market for the Fall 2009 GVHBA Open House. Come and check out the latest hot trends in home design, decorator ideas and house ‘bling’… prepare to be inspired by this year’s Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association Fall 2009 Open House Event. Watch for the full colour GVHBA Open House Fall 2009 brochre – A Showcase of New Homes magazine delivered in your Black Press community newspaper this week and/or check out the Fall 2009 Open House GVHBA New Homes Showcase on the website at www.newlocalhome.com for “open house” locations and previews. Starting Saturday, September 26th, 2009, the GVHBA 2009 Fall Open House presents condos and new homes by Greater Vancouver developers and builders including: Wallmark Homes, Vesta Properties, Sonoma Homes, Portrait Homes, Polygon Realty, Morningstar Homes and Intracorp. In addition, other Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association Fall 2009 Open House developer showcased by the GVHBA include Foxridge Homes, Domani Homes, Cressey Development Corp, Clay Construction, Boffo Developments, Ambros Developments and Adera Development Corp. Visit the 57 (fifty seven!) different GVHBA Open Houses in the Fall 2009 showcase of new homes starting Saturday September 26th to Sunday, October 4th.

More details coming this weekend!

Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association Coquitlam Open Houses 2009

Ledgeview Coquitlam Lowrise Condos for Sale
A new lowrise condominium development is taking shape at 3132 Dayanee Springs Boulevard in the Coquitlam real estate market place. Showcased at the Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association Fall 2009 Open House, the Coquitlam Ledgeview condos are brought to the market by Polygon Ledgeview Homes Ltd. and Polygon Dayanee Springs Development Ltd. These lowrise Coquitlam condos for sale feature two and three bedroom floorplans with two bathrooms. The Ledgeview condos at the GVHBA Fall 2009 Open House showcase of new Vancouver homes are actually part of the master planned Polygon Dayanee Springs Coquitlam real estate community and is close to many cultural activities, recreational options, shopping, dining and award winning top rated schools for your children. Another great incentive for checking out the 2009 Fall Open House by GVHBA is the exclusive membership to the Dayanee Springs Timbers Club, a seventy five hundred square foot resident only amenity clubhouse. Best of all, these new Coquitlam Ledgeview condos for sale are priced from less than $300,000 and there are currently two display suites for prospective buyers. Visit www.dayaneesprings.com for more information.

The Birchwood Estates Single Family Coquitlam Homes for Sale
Brought to the Coquitlam real estate market by Wallmark Homes, the Greater Vancouver Home Builder’s Association showcase Fall 2009 Open House features these large three to five bedroom and 3-6 bathroom single family detached Coquitlam homes for sale at the master planned and very beautiful Birchwood Estates by Wallmark Homes located at 3372 Scotch Pine Avenue, Coquitlam BC. Here, Coquitlam homebuyers will find custom homes that are located at the peak of the Foothills community where there are only thirty seven one of a kind Coquitlam single family detached homesf or sale on large estate lots that range from eight to thirty four thousand square feet in size. Impressively large, luxurious and spacious homes are still available at the Birchwood Estates Coquitlam homes for sale that are priced from $914,900 and there are two display homes now available for viewing during the Fall 2009 GVHBA Open House event. Check out www.birchwoodestates.ca for more details.

Burke Mountain Heights Coquitlam Homes for Sale
Built by award winning Foxridge Homes, these single family detached homes for sale at Coquitlam Burke Mountain Heights are located at 3396 Don Moore Drive, Coquitlam BC. Featuring home plans that have three to four bedrooms and 2.5 baths, the special features here at the new Coquitlam Burke Mountain Heights homes for sale as featured in the Fall 2009 GVHBA Open House and Showcase of new Vancouver Homes 2009 features large open concept floor plans that range from twenty one hundred and twenty three hundred square feet in size plus unfinished basements. The views are amazing and there are lots of choices for the homebuyers when it comes to both interior and exterior palettes. The pricing for these new Burke Mountain Heights Coquitlam homes for sale start from the mid six hundred thousand range and there are currently two show homes available for viewing during the Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association Open House Fall 2009. Visit www.foxridgeliving.ca.

GVHBA Fall 2009 Open House in Anmore Real Estate Market

Crystal Creek Anmore Single Family Homes for Sale
Brought to the Anmore real estate market place by Sonoma Homes, the Crystal Creek Anmore single family detached homes for sale are located at 312 Forestview Lane, Anmore BC and is the only entry into this years’ GVHBA Fall 2009 Open House from this district. The Anmore homes for sale features four bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms and some of the special features include very large fllor plans that are up to four thousand nine hundred and fifty square feet in size. These very luxurious custom executive homes for sale at the Crystal Creek Anmore real estate development have high end finishing and there is lots to choose from when it comes to building your own home on spacious one third acre lots and homesites still available. The new Crystal Creek Anmore single family homes are priced from $1,288,000 and there is one show home available for viewing during the Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association Showcase of New Vancouver Homes. Visit www.sonoma-homes.com for more information.

Richmond, Burnaby and New Westminster Showcase of New Homes by GVHBA 2009 Fall Open House

Meridian Gate Richmond Lowrise Condos for Sale
The low rise Richmond condos for sale at Meridian Gate are featuring the last of the two bedroom and two bathroom floor plans during the GVHBA 2009 Fall Open House brought to the Richmond BC real estate market place by Polygon Meridian Gate Homes Ltd. The lowrise Richmond condominiums are part of the Alexandra Gardens neighbourhood located at 9288 Odlin Road, Richmond BC and you will be seconds away from the top rated restaurants, shopping, schools, transportation routes, community amenities and much more. The Meridian Club at the Meridian Gate Richmond lowrise condos for sale features over seven thousand square feet of five star resort amenities and the GVHBA Fall 2009 Open House features these condominiums priced from only $339,000. There are three display suites open and visit www.polyhomes.com for additional details.

Burnaby GREEN Apartments Featured at GVHBA 2009 Fall Open House
Adera Development Corp features the new GREEN Burnaby apartment homes located at 105 - 7488 Byrnepark Walk, Burnaby BC, featuring one to three bedroom suites (although one bedroom floor plans are now sold out) as well as 1-2 bathrooms in this low rise built green environmentally friendly neighbourhood. Nestled between both the forest and park space, GREEN Burnaby apartments for sale are located in a well established community already that is close to the SkyTrain station, tonnes of shopping and dining options and are affordably priced from just $284,900 and completing soon. There are two show homes for the Fall 2009 GVHBA Open House and you can visit www.adera.com for more info.

Via New Westminster Real Estate Development Showcase
Built by Boffo Developments Ltd., the new New Westminster Via condominiums include low rise condos with two to three bedroom layouts and 2 bathrooms. Located at 1032 Ewen Avenue, New Westminster BC, the GVHBA Fall 2009 Open House features one display suite and plenty of spacious floor plans for New Westminster homebuyers to choose from include ones between 1144 and 1240 square feet in size. Amenity rich and great features (includes nine foot ceilings, while the top floor New West penthouse Via suites have ten foot ceilings with vaulted ceilings up to thirteen feet), in addition to large outdoor living spaces up to 667 square feet and premium appointments. The Via New West condos start from the mid three hundred thousand range and you can visit www.viahomes.ca for all the details.

Maple Ridge Real Estate Developments Showcased at the Fall 2009 GVHBA Open House

Stoneleigh at Silver Ridge Maple Ridge Homes for Sale
The only Maple Ridge real estate development entry into this year’s 2009 Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association Fall Open House is at the Portrait Homes Stoneleight at Silver Ridge single family home community. Located at 13610 - 229A Street, Maple Ridge BC, these Silver Ridge Stoneleigh homes are three plus bedrooms and 2.5 bathroom floor plans that have great room designs, vaulted ceilings with skybridges and very spacious master ensuite bathrooms. Award winning Portrait Homes also features the Garibaldi floorplan design that has awesome finishes and spectacular views. The Stoneleigh at Silver Ridge single family Maple Ridge homes for sale at this years 2009 Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association Fall Open House start from a great pricepoint of only the mid $500k range and there is one home available for viewings. Visit www.portraithomes.ca for more details.

GVHBA Fall 2009 Open House in Langley and Fort Langley Real Estate Market

Bedford Langing Fort Langley Homes by ParkLane
There three and four bedroom single family Fort Langley homes for sale at Bedford Landing waterfront community features 3-4 bathrooms and perfect family sized houses and floor plans in the heart of the city. These great room designs and contemporary homes have open plan kitchens and even private yards and the Fort Langley Bedford Landing homes are located at 23015 Billy Brown Road, Fort Langley BC. The GVHBA Fall 2009 Open House features this development that is close to lots of parks, golf courses and the river and are priced affordably from $594,900. There are three show homes available for the GVHBA Fall 2009 Open House and you can visit www.bedfordlanding.com for more details.

Milner Heights GREEN Street Langley Real Estate Community
A master planned GREEN Street Langley community at Milner Heights by Vesta Properties Ltd. is now featured at the GVHBA Fall 2009 Open House in Langley. With a wide variety of housing types to choose from (they offer four plex manor homes, fee simple rowhomes and single family Langley Milner Heights homes for sale), the floor plans are also varied between two to four bedrooms with 2-4 baths. Built GREEN along a Langley GREEN Street, the award winning Milner Heights community is located at 20843 - 69B Avenue, Langley BC which is next to a protected environmental reserve with a greenway and lots of pathways. Spacious floor plans and fully landscaped yards are other features of the Langley Milner Heights real estate development featured at the Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association Fall 2009 Open House and the condos start from $489,000 with five show homes now available. Check out www.milnerheights.ca for more details.

High Point Equestrian Estates Langley Custom Homes
A Cressey real estate development, the Langley High Point Equestrian Estates is a unique opportunity for homebuyers to build their dream custom home on an estate lot. Purchase a spectacular Cressey built Langley home at the High Point Equestrian Estates and you can live in a community of rolling hills and tonnes of space for you and your family to grow. Generational country style living comes to the city of South Langley here at the High Point Equestrian Estates featured at this years’ 2009 GVHBA Open House and showcase of new homes. The estate lots are priced from just below $500k and there is one display home open. They are located at 20048 - 2 Avenue, Langley BC and be sure to visit www.highpointestates.ca for more details.

SURREY Showcase of New Homes at the Fall 2009 Open House brough to you by the Greater Vancouver Home Builders' Association (GVHBA)

noreply@blogger.com (Mr Real Estate) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 23:25:00 +0000

The 2009 Greater Vancouver Home Buildres’ Association Surrey Open Houses – A Showcase of New Surrey Homes

Continued from the previous article on other Greater Vancouver home developments, the GVHBA Fall 2009 Open House also showcases spectacular new Surrey homes and condo real estate developments throughout this growing city. Please find below the showcased Surrey projects here at the Fall 2009 GVHBA Open House between Saturday September 26th to Sunday, October 4th, 2009. In addition, we have included several Cloverdale real estate developments in this GVHBA showcase of new homes as well.

Springfield Village Fleetwood Surrey GVHBA Fall 2009 Open House
A new Fleetwood Surrey townhome development will feat featured at the 2009 Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association Open House and Showcase of New Homes by Ambros CSM Link III Developments Ltd. and located at a prime central Fleetwood Surrey location at 8676 - 158 Street, Surrey BC. These three and four bedroom townhomes for sale with 3-4 bathrooms features a boutique development ofonly seventy nine homes for sale with high end finishes (granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, maple cabinetry). In addition, these Fleetwood Springfield Village GVHBA Fall 2009 Surrey Open House showcase has nine foot ceilings, flex/den rooms and bathrooms on the ground floor for added convenience. There are fenced backyards at these Surrey Fleetwood Springfield Village townhomes for sale up to fifty feet long and they are ready to move in and completed. The pricing starts from three hundred and thirty nine thousand nine hundred dollars with three showhomes available for viewing durint the Fall 2009 GVHBA Open House. Visit www.springfieldvillage.ca for more info.

The Lotus Surrey Fleetwood Townhomes for Sale
Another Surrey townhouse development featured in the Fleetwood real estate neighbourhood during the Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association Fall 2009 Open House belongs to the Lotus Surrey townhomes for sale by Domani Homes Inc. Located at 69, 16355 - 82 Avenue, Surrey BC, these three bedroom, 2 and a half bathroom floor plans are very spacious and close to all services and amenities. The boutique Surrey real estate development consists of only seventy one townhomes for sale and Phase 2 and 3 are now selling. These Fleetwood Surrey Lotus townhomes have ground floor flex rooms/bedrooms and they are also priced from $339,900. The Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association Open House in Fall 2009 will feature one show home at Lotus Fleetwood and you can visit www.discoverlotus.com for more details.

Augusta Surrey Townhomes – Duplex Style
Three bedroom and four bathroom Surrey Augusta Townhomes are now selling at 18199 - 70 Avenue, Surrey BC and brought to the 2009 Fall Open House by GVHBA by Vesta Properties Ltd. These large duplex style Surrey townhomes for sale have flex rooms and dens, in addition to double garages and two car driveways. In addition, there are fully fenced backyards, which are perfect for children and pets. These new Augusta Surrey townhomes for sale feature stainless steel and granite finishes and are located in a pedestrian friendly community. The Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association Fall 2009 Open House is proud to present the Augusta Surrey townhouses that are priced from $399,900 with two display homes available. Visit their web site at www.augustaliving.ca today.

Southport Single Family Surrey Houses for Sale
The luxury Surrey Southport homes are located in the waterfront community at Crescent Beach near White Rock. With expansive floor to ceiling windows and with large great rooms, the Southport single family Surrey homes are located at 3677 - 143 Street, Surrey BC and is a new showcase at the Fall 2009 GVHBA Open House by ParkLane Homes. The luxury Surrey homes feature 3-4 bedrooms with three bathrooms. Other impressive finishes in these homes include large fully landscaped private yards, granite and harwood flooring. In addition, you will be situated just next to the idyllic Nico Wynd golf course and the price point starts from just less than $800k. Please visit www.parklane.com/southport for more information.

Glenmore at Morgan Heights South Surrey Townhomes
Intracorp Developers showcases the Glenmore at Morgan Heights townhouses at the 2009 Fall GVHBA Open House and it is located at 2450 - 161A Street, Surrey BC. With four showhomes now open, the South Surrey Glenmore Morgan Heights townhomes for sale feature 2-3 bedrooms and 2-3 bathrooms and residents will have access to the Morgan Heights Club where you will find five star amenities that include such things as a lounge, outdoor swimming pool, yoga studio, indoor floor hockey rink and much more. Craftsman style architecture is seen throughout and the interiors are both elegant as well as modern. The Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association Open House for Fall 2009 presents the Glenmore South Surrey townhomes from the low $300k and you can visit www.glenmoreliving.ca for more details.

Cathedral Grove Townhomes in Surrey Real Estate Market
Brought to the GVHBA Open House by Polygon Cathedral Grove Townhomes Ltd., the Cathedral Grove Morgan Heights townhomes are priced from the low $400k with three showhomes available for viewing during the showcase event at 2738 - 158 Street, Surrey BC. These three and four bedroom townhomes with 4 bathrooms will have arts and crafts architectural features and are located in the up and coming South Surrey Morgan Heights neighbourhood. Natural wooded setting in addition to a private clubhouse with spa area and swimming pool are other added features of this Surrey community. Visit www.polyhomes.com for more details.

Salus Townhomes in Surrey Open House Showcase
Adera Development Corp presents the perfect balance between health and home at the new spa inspired Salus Surrey townhomes in this well established neighbourhood along the border with Delta. With 3 and 4 bedroom townhouse plans and with 1.5 to 2.5 bathrooms, these new Surrey townhomes for sale are priced from the low $300k range with four show homes to view at 1, 6671 - 121 Street, Surrey BC. For more details, visit www.adera.com.

Summerfield Single Family Homes in Surrey Real Estate Market
Located at 109 - 172A Street, Surrey BC, the Summerfield Surrey homes are brought to the 2009 Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association Fall 2009 Open House by Cressey Development Group. The single family detached homes feature three bedrooms and 2.5 baths with BuiltGREEN certification. Best of all, the pricing fro these new Surrey Summerfield homes starts from an incredible four hundred and ninety thousand dollar price range and for this years’ Fall showcase of new homes by GVHBA, there are two new showhomes as well. Visit their website at www.summerfieldhomes.ca today.

Vista's West Cloverdale and The Estates at Vista's West Surrey Homes for Sale
Two offerings in this community include thirty four finely crafted, luxury, single family Surrey homes on large estate lots that offer a great family custom home at the Estates at Vista’s West real estate development and featured at this years’ Greater Vancouver Home Builers’ Association showcase of new homes. Featuring large oversized windows and free flowing open concept floor plans for homebuyers to choose from, the Surrey Estates at Vista’s West are flexible, spacious, exquisite and well appointed. Choose from a wide variety of custom finishes from Foxridge Homes as well. The GVHBA Open House showhome is located at 6093 164 St Surrey, BC. The other offering by Foxridge Homes includes the homes at Vista’s West Surrey real estate development that are both functional and affordable. Part of a charming community close to Cloverdale and on the border of Surrey, these cul-de-sac homes for sale at Vista’s West Cloverdale are now ready to purchase.

Morgan Heights Single Family Homes and Surrey Custom Homes for Sale
The single family homes at Surrey’s Morgan Heights feature detachd houses with four bedrooms and five bathrooms located at 2755 - 162 Street, Surrey BC. Brought to the Fall 2009 GVHBA Open House by Clay Construction Inc., the new Morgan Heights Surrey homes for sale have two high end custom specification for new hosues built in the prestigious area of this community. With master bedrooms on the main ground floor and with luxurious master ensuite bathrooms, structured wiring connected homes fro sale and custom building availabililties, the Morgan Heights Open House at the GVHBA Showcase of Vancouver Homes features two display homes and a price point starting from $819k. Visit www.clayconstruction.ca for more details. At the same time, Morgan Heights Custom Homes in Surrey real estate market are also brought to you by Wallmark Homes. These single family homes have three to five bedrooms or 3-6 bathrooms depending on your customization and which home plan you choose. There are twenty custom designed homes in this South Surrey GVHBA Fall 2009 Open House in the Morgan Heights neighbourhood at 2589 - 164 Street, Surrey BC and you can enjoy building a custom home with one of the top builders in the lower mainland. The price points starts from an incredible $725k and you can visit www.wallmark.ca for all the information.

Saddle Creek at Pronvinceton Single Family Cloverdale Homes
Located on the border of Surrey and Cloverdale real estate districts, the Saddle Creek at Provinceton single family detached homes are located at 7027 - 178 Street, Surrey BC and brought to the Fall 2009 GVHBA Open House by Morningstar Homes Inc., award winning developer. These three and four bedroom single family Cloverdale Surrey homes for sale feature 2.5 bathrooms and they take the architectural features from the rich history of Cloverdale itself. Providing the most amazing sunset views as well as green spaces and in ground or walk out basements, these Cloverdale Saddle Creek at Provinceton Surrey homes for sale are definitely value priced starting from $549,900. Incredibly, there are five showhomes available for viewing during the showcase of new homes at the 2009 GVHBA Fall Open House. Visit www.morningstarhomes.bc.ca for more details.

West on the Village Walk Cloverdale Condos Now Selling
The 2009 Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association presents Wallmark Homes West on the Village Walk lorise condos situated at 17712 - 57A Avenue, Surrey BC. These 1 and 2 bedroom Surrey condominiums feature 1-2 bathrooms and are part of a fully completed neighbourhood that is ready for occupancy already. The sixty high end condos which are located in the Cloverdale real estate district are the second 2009 GVHBA Fall Open House in the district and feature fine craftsmanship, great detail and value. The West on the Village Walk Cloverdale lowrise condos for sale start from just $197,900 with one display condo open for viewing. Visit www.liveatwest.ca for more details.

Comprehensive BC HST Resource Base – Information/News About the British Columbia Harmonized Sales Tax

noreply@blogger.com (Mr Real Estate) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 23:59:00 +0000

If you are looking for a website containing all the latest information regarding the new B.C. HST Tax, you have come to the right place! The new British Columbia Harmonized Sales Tax was announced by the BC Liberal Government in late July 2009 and will be introduced on July 1st, 2010, even with 85% public opposition to the new tax burden on consumer goods and services. The new BC HST is the harmonization of the 5 per cent Federal GST and the 7 per cent Provincial PST. The B.C. HST is the fifth of its kind in Canada, following Ontario, Newfoundland/Labrador, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. For details about the BC HST on homes, BC HST on rent, rebates, transitional rules/policies, input tax credits, exemptions, other pertinent details regarding the new Harmonized Sales Tax, please read below. In addition, we have information about the anti-HST petitions, campaigns and movements currently increasing in number and support as well as an excellent B.C. HST Price Chart showing the tax increase difference when purchasing new homes after the introduction of the new tax. Click on the following links for more comprehensive HST information:

1 | The Anti-HST Movement that includes the NO BC HST Facebook Campaign, the NDP Petition and the BC Liberal Recall Campaign. How severe is the HST backlash?

2 | A great B.C. HST Price Chart showing the increase in tax payable on new homes and closing fees for new property between $100,000 to $2,000,000.

3 | The Top 10 Facts about the BC HST and how it will increase new home prices.

4 | Comprehensive list of goods and services subject to the new BC Harmonized Sales Tax including exemptions and how the BC HST interacts with other current taxes.

5 | Information about the Partial HST Rebate on new homes in BC and Greater Vancouver. BC HST Rebate updates and news.

6 | Details about the BC HST Transitional Rules (or lack there of) and how it compares to the Ontario HST transitional policies. HST Transition will take time.

7 | Is there BC HST on rent? How does the new harmonized sales tax affect Vancouver rental rates and rental housing? Will the B.C. HST increase rents?

8 | The BC HST versus the Ontario HST? What are the differences between the BC and Ontario HST taxes that are both being introduced July 2010?

Newest BC HST articles published online:

Implications of B.C. HST on new Vancouver pre-construction condos, presale homes and real estate as well as effects of HST on first time home buyers.

Will GREEN initiatives and energy efficiency upgrades suffer because of the BC HST? BuiltGREEN products and services will be severely taxed and numbers don't make sense.

9 | The BC HST versus the Maritime HST in Atlantic Canada? What are the major fundamental differences between the Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick HST taxes compared with British Columbia’s?

10 | Reaction from the construction and homebuilding industries. How is the new BC HST going to affect BC homebuilders, new condo developments, and jobs in the real estate industry?

11 | The new BC HST will see decreased housing affordability, increased rents, a BC construction industry crash and fewer first time homebuyers.

12 | The Top 10 Benefits of the BC HST according to the announcement presentation by the BC Liberal Government in late July 2009.

Stay tuned for more updates and information about the British Columbia Harmonized Sales Tax as they are announced.

The New BC HST Will See Decreased Housing Affordability, Increased Rents, A BC Construction Industry Crash and Fewer First Time Homebuyers

noreply@blogger.com (Mr Real Estate) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 19:42:00 +0000

FOR OUR BC HST INFO CENTRE, PLEASE CLICK HERE. Info covering B.C. HST Rebates, Transitional Rules, New Home Price Increases, Anti-HST Petitions and Much More!

B.C. and Greater Vancouver Homebuyers Will See Cost of New Home Purchases and Home Ownership Skyrocket by Thousands of Dollars Thanks to the New British Columbia HST Tax

According to artiles published from the Vancouver Sun and Province newspapers, British Columbians are in for a crisis following the B.C. Government’s announcement of the harmonization of the PST and GST taxes into the single 12% HST tax. What some British Columbians don’t understand quite yet, is why the government failed to notify the public and taxpayers earlier regarding their plans for the B.C. Harmonized Sales Tax and even then, why they didn’t seek input from taxpayers, various industries including the construction and home building industries in addition to other organizations and businesses. One thing is for certain: B.C. and Greater Vancouver homebuyers are the BIGGEST LOSERS under the controversial B.C. HST or harmonized sales tax. Starting July 1, 2010, the Harmonized Sales Tax of British Columbia will come into effect, and both new and resale Vancouver and BC home purchasers will be out of tens of thousands of dollars when purchasing their biggest single asset in their lifetime.

Also, visit our updated BC HST Price Chart that shows the increased cost of purchasing a new home in Vancouver and British Columbia after the July 1st, 2010 HST implementation.

The Most Expensive Real Estate Markets in Canada Will Become More Unaffordable

B.C. real estate is the most expensive in all of Canada. And when you factor in the property markets in the Okanagan, Vancouver Island/Victoria and Greater Vancouver/Lower Mainland are the hottest and most expensive in the country, British Columbia homebuyers will suffer the most from this harmonized sales tax of 12% HST. BC residents will end up paying taxes on land, the house and other professional services in any B.C. and Greater Vancouver real estate transactio through the controversial BC HST tax implementation in 2010. Firstly, the 12% Harmonized Sales Tax will be applied to any new B.C. home or property. Compared to the current GST/PST system, new home buyers in Greater Vancouver and British Columbia only need to pay the 5% GST on any new real estate purchase (and even then, they get a significant rebate up to $450,000 purchase price) and PST is NOT applied to any new home purchase in the province. Under the new system with the new BC HST Harmonized Sales Tax on real estate, new homes will have the extra 7% (equivalent to the BC PST of 7%) applied to every new property transaction. BC already has one of the highest Property Transfer Taxes in the entire country too, with some partial PTT exemptions only for first time homebuyers and only up to a certain price point. Currently, the Property Transfer Tax in BC is calculated as 1% on the first $200,000 and 2% on the remaining amount, which can add a significant amount (thousands) to any new or resale BC or Vancouver home purchase. It has been calculated that a new home costing $800,000 in BC will be subject to the 12% HST tax with the maximum partial HST rebate at only $20,000. The difference between total purchase price of the new home in BC (not including increase costs in closing fees) is approximately $56,000.

The HST Input Tax Credit and What It Means to B.C. Home Builders

The new BC Harmonized Sales Tax system will have profound effects on the construction and BC home building industries, allowing homebuilders and developers to pass on the PST for building materials (about 2% in total) which can now be embedded into the price of a new British Columbia or Greater Vancouver home on the market. Again, the biggest losers are the BC and Vancouver homebuyers who will have to shell out this different as most homebuilders will be looking out for their bottom line and saving the 2% wherever possible. Under the new BC HST input tax credit regulations, home builders in Vancouver and the province can claim money back as an HST input tax credit, that would reduce their tax bill by about $8,000 if they pass this cost onto the end homebuyer of the new home. This is most likely the fact of life that new BC homebuyers have to face if they want to buy, design, construct or invest in a new property starting July 1st, 2010. Compared to the Fraser Valley real estate market, a new detached home in that region goes for an average of $506,000 resulting in an added $15,500 in taxes due to the B.C. Harmonized Sales Tax, and that is even after the HST rebate maximum.

The HST Will Influence Other Transaction Services

Other profound influences of the British Columbia Harmonized Sales Tax on other real estate transaction services, goods, and fees include realtor’s commissions that will cost a lot more and will rise from the 5% GST only to the 12% HST. The average real estate agent commission on a $800,000 home in B.C. is roughly $40,000, so the increase in 7% in taxes will add thousands to this fee for BC home sellers. In addition, if you take into account other real estate professional fees such as a notary public, legal fees, surveyor, appraiser or home inspector, all of which are subject to the 12% Harmonized Sales Tax in BC, this will certainly add hundreds more dollars onto your cash out in any BC real estate transaction, whether it is a new property or a resale property. Other transaction services affected by the B.C. 12% HST include such things as residual costs that include renovations, maintenance, green energy retrofits etc which are all subject to the twelve per cent harmonized sales tax come July 2010. Many home builders and renovators have already expressed their anger towards this new B.C. HST and say that they will build flat out until July 1, 2010. After this date, analysts predict a significant drop in sales of new B.C. and Greater Vancouver homes and according to the Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association, the introduction of the BC Harmonized Sales Tax will become a huge barrier to affordability in the housing markets in B.C. The higher costs of housing will have a profound influence on the middle class who are on the verge of upgrading their homes for their families or first time homebuyers who seek home ownership. The multi-millionaires will pay the tax, and will not really care, as they have the money. Some analysts also say that the $400,000 threshold for the BC HST rebate is way too low, especially in the Lower Mainland and Greater Vancouver real estate markets. The more realistic HST threshold should be around $750,000. The B.C. Real Estate Association even goes ahead and indicates that the BC Government should actually phase out the Property Transfer Tax (PTT) to help affordability in real estate. With the outlook that interest rates are certainly rising later in the year into 2010, the B.C. housing market is due for a fallout once the BC Harmonized Sales Tax takes into effect. Some analysts also predict that the new BC housing market will peak sometime in May or June 2010 as new homebuyers seeking new homes in B.C. and Greater Vancouver will likely make their purchase before the 12% HST tax burden hits in July … and with the BC Government and Bank of Canada likely to keep their promise at keeping their prime lending rate at 0.25% (and the major banks keeping their prime rates at 2.25%) until June 30, 2010, there really will be a rush in new home construction and purchases during that time period. Basically, the new B.C. HST is a tax that will be passed through the businesses to the consumers, so in the end, British Columbia homebuyers will be the hardest hit.

The 2009 Vancouver Home and Interior Design Show at BC Place Stadium - October 15th - 18th, 2009 with Ty Pennington Endorsement

noreply@blogger.com (Mr Real Estate) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:39:00 +0000

Introducing the The Vancouver Home and Interior Design Show – October 15 – 18, 2009

The 2009 Vancouver Home and Interior Design Show will be happening this October 2009 and is officially endorsed by Ty Pennington, the host of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition! The exact dates for the 2009 Vancouver Home & Interior Design Show is set for Oct 15th to 18th at BC Place Stadium and the hours include: Thursday, October 15th from 4 to 9pm, Friday, October 16th from noon to 9pm, Saturday, October 17th from 10am to 9pm and Sunday, October 18th from 10am to 6pm. It’s time to update your look. Is your home in need of some updating? Get inspired and informed with helpful advice, money-saving solutions and the coolest new products at the Vancouver Home + Interior Design Show 2009. It’s just four days only so get your tickets today. The special appearance highlight: don’t miss Ty Pennington’s first and only Canadian appearance on the opening night of the 2009 Vancouver Home & Interior Design Show, Thursday! Plus, it’s Girls Night Out so free goodie bags for the first 250 ladies at the show. Visit the website for full details. Ty Pennington, Marketplace Events spokesperson and host of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition as seen on HGTV. Connect your space to the future. Discover the latest in home installations, electronics and décor at Tech Style with ConnectPro by Future Shop designed by HGTV’s Cheryl Torrenueva, here at the 2009 Vancouver Home and Interior Design Show. Get the inside dish. Join Vancouver’s hottest chefs including, Foot Network’s Anthony Sedlak, on The Food Stage for cooking demos, BC wine pairings and a chance to win culinary prizes and score one on one consultations, all here at the Vancovuer Home and Interior Design Show 2009! The Sponsors include ConnectPro, BC Hydro, Urban Barn and HGTV. You can visit the Vancouver Home and Interior DesignShow website today at www.VancouverHomeShow.com If you pick up the Fall 2009 edition of the West Coast Homes & Design magazine and turn to Page 51, you will find a coupon where you can clip out and Save $4 on admission. Buty Vancouver Home and Interior Design Show tickets online and save by entering promo code Westcoast.

Real Estate Online Tools Through My Home Planner by Genworth PLUS Top 10 Home Buying Mistakes, Long Term Real Estate Questions, New Versus Resale

noreply@blogger.com (Mr Real Estate) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:38:00 +0000

Real Estate Online Tools Help Make Sense of the Canadian Homeownership Process

While they are often cause for celebration, planning a Canadian home purchase and a move are often cited as some of life’s most stressful life experiences and events. Many other life moments have built in backup to help you along the way such as weddings have planners, and vacations offer itineraries and tour guides for you. It only makes sense, that something this important such as a Canada home purchase should come with planners and checklists to keep you organized and in control every step of the way. My Home Planner, found at www.myhomeplanner.ca is a new and useful online tool by Genworth Financial Canada that helps make sense of the homebuying process in Canada real estate markets. It’s like having a constant companion on your journey to homeownership in Canada property – one with a great memory and a knack for details. An interactive calendar show you your roadmap at a glance and serves as an official countdown to when you close the Canadian real estate property deal and move in. Canadian My Home Planner does the memory work for you – keeping track of tasks and decisions that need to be handled ont eh way to your new Canadian home purchase. It even generates email notifications to remind you of key details so that you can stay focused on the big picture of Canadian home purchase. Why go it alone? Tools like My Home Planner Canada from Genworth Financial Canada can help you understand what Canadian homeownership looks like, plan your journey and close the deal knowing that you haven’t missed a single step along the way. Other free resources from Genworth Financial Canada for Canadian homeownership and home purchase includes a personalization feature that populates your Home Planner calendar with both standard and customized homebuying tasks leading up tot eh closing of your new home, the ability to save your own Home Planner Canada to your desktop or laptop, and print it for easy reference. In addition, My Home Planner Canada will provide interactive tools like ‘What Can I Afford’ and ‘Rent vs Buy’ calculators and a library of articles from industry experts, filled with tips and advice about the Canadian home buying process.

The Top 10 Home Buying Mistakes and How To Avoid Them

A useful article from the Canadian Real Estate Magazine outlines the top ten problems and mistakes that Canada homebuyers make when deciding on a home purchase. #10 – Making an offer prematurely is one of the top 10 home buying mistakes in Canada where homebuyers decide on a property without looking at other options or enough other properties. #9 – Homebuyers Using the Wrong Realtor – as many realtors entered into the Canadian real estate marketplace to make the quick buck (not because they really enjoyed being agents), the tougher times have allowed Canadian home buyers to select the best realtors for the job at hand. A challenging market poises more challenges, and an experienced local realtor is definitely important in your purchase decision. #8 – Not reviewing the purchase contract closely can become a top 10 home buying mistake in Canadian real estate as there are many clauses, inclusions and exclusions in every purchase contract. And since many first time Canadian home buyers purchase condominiums, these agreements are usually drafted by builder lawyers. #7 – Scrimping on the inspection process can cause you a lot more money and headaches in the future and thus is a top 10 homebuying mistake in Canada as it only costs $500 to thoroughly inspect a full single family home before you write the final cheque and lift conditions on your offer to purchase. #6 – Choosing the wrong location is a Top 10 Home Buying Mistake that can mitigated – as most first time homebuyers tend to stay in their homes for five to seven years, but you need to look at your eventual resale value. #5 – Not knowing your mortgage options can cause you to spend a lot more money on your mortgage payments both short term and long term and thus is a top ten home buying mistake that many first time hombuyers in Canada fall into. Get mortgage brokers to talk to banks on behalf of your application to help you along your way. #4 Not getting pre-approved for a mortgage is another top Canadian home buying mistake as a pre approved mortgage allows you to understand how much banks are willing to help finance your new home purchase. #3 – Settling on a property is the opposite of over buying and afflicts many Canadian homebuyers and thus, you need to make a more informed choice. #2 – Emotion over reason is a common Top 10 Canada Home Buying mistake as the emotional attachment that you get can outweigh any reasonable reason, your budget and many other critical factors in selecting a new home. In addition, cosmetics and furnished homes for sale will not look the same with your furniture and features integrated into the home. #1 Top 10 Home Buying Mistake in Canada is overbuying, so make sure that you can afford the home that you put an offer on.

12 Top Questions for Long Term Real Estate Potential

When it comes to capital appreciation and increase in rents over the long-term, the top 12 long term real estate potential questions for homebuyers and investors include the following questions that you must ask yourself and other professionals before purchasing a new home in Canada. Will any short term challenges (such as negative publicity, layoffs) disappear? Is the area attractive to Baby Boomers? Is there a major transportation improvement occurring nearby? Is the neighbourhood located in an area of renewal or gentrification? Is the region’s Economic Development Office helpful and proactive? Has the local and provincial political leadership created a growth atmosphere? The final six top 12 questions for long term Canadian real estate potential include: Will the property value benefit from a major redevelopment nearby? Is the Canadian real estate booming in the surrounding region more than where you’re looking? Does the area have more than one major employer? Is the area creating jobs faster than the provincial average? Is the area’s population growing faster than the rate of the provincial average is? Is the area’s average income increasing faster than the provincial average is? From REIN.

Buying New Versus Resale Real Estate in Canada – Which One Is Better?

There has always been an ongoing debate amongst both homebuyers and investors on whether to purchase new property or to buy resale real estate. One of the common questions firs time homebuyers have is whether to buy a new or previously owned home, typically called a resale property. Much of your decision, according to CMHC as well as the Canadian Real Estate Magazine hinges on your budget, the area you want to live in and other specific details – but there are some characteristics that all homebuyers should be aware of when the new versus resale real estate debate goes on. So in this real estate debate of new versus resale, a new home will have the following disadvantages over re-sale property (in no particular order): extra costs (like upgrades) and taxes (such as GST, HST etc.). However, the advantages of new property versus resale real estate is that the newer builds have neighbourhood amenities, new home warranty program to protect your investment in the short to medium term, builder warranty for your protection, low maintenance costs, up to date on the latest building standards and modern design/layouts. From the resale home perspective, there is no GST or HST, landscaping and fencing are already usually established, you can see exactly what you are buying before you make your final decision but there may be possible redecorating and renovations required for an older home.

West Vancouver Secondary Suites Approved - West Van Basement Suites Now Legal - Licenses Available Early 2010!

noreply@blogger.com (Mr Real Estate) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 20:39:00 +0000

West Vancouver Secondary Suites APPROVED!

Legalization of West Van secondary suites is expected to have full approval by early 2010 says Sarah of the North Shore News. The amendment and the zoning bylaws were passed in December 2009 for the second and third readings at West Vancouver City Council meetings but a decision on when the issuing of secondary suite permits was tabled until early in the new year. The director of planning for West Vancouver real estate, Bob, mentioned that the lands and permits license of West Vancouver secondary suites approval will be about six hundred and fifteen dollars ($615) for the first license fee, and then $465 or four hundred and sixty fivedollars for a renewal if the increased city costs are not covered by the initial fee. Because of the West Van secondary suite licensing fee, some councillors are wary that home owners may not apply for these fees, and therefore operate or continue to rent out illegal suites for rent. Some say that this tax grab by the city will deter a lot of people from renting or renovating their homes to accommodate new West Vancouver secondary suites, which is likely going to help affordability as well as the tight rental market in the city. The approximate increase in municipal services for 1.5 residents per secondary suites is only an additional $600 per year. However, the higher property taxes on homes with West Vancouver secondary suites will account for about only three hundred and ninety five dollars increase per year. Therefore, some balance must be met in order for all parties to benefit from the approval of the secondary basements suites in West Van real estate. Some Councillors however indicate that the license fees should be even greater as it is more of a business for home owners to benefit from and therefore, should not be burdened on other people living in the city. In many ways, expenses such as license fees for West Van secondary basement suites will be passed on to the tenant in the form of higher rental amounts, argues other Councillors. The approval of secondary suites will be made available early next year for any West Vancouver single family detached home or even duplex home. In addition, some of the provisions or regulations surrounding these basements suites have further been changed so that the secondary suite’s entrance does not need to face the same direction of the main home. However, the legal West Vancouver secondary suite must have its own private entrance. In addition, home owners can rent one of their two existing parking spots to the tenant of the basement or secondary suite, so they only need a minimum of 2 secured parking spots for their entire lot. For those home owners who break any of the rules and regulations of the West Vancouver secondary suite process will be fined three hundred dollars ($300) per day for operating an illegal suite. That’s a hefty price to pay when considering the license fee is only $615 (subject to change) per year.

The City of West Vancovuer Moves to Legalizing Secondary Suites

If you own a home in West Vancouver real estate market, legal secondary suites may be approved very soon. According to various news outlets, West Vancouver is one of three cities in the Lower Mainland regional district that doesn’t allow the rental of secondary suites in homes according to the district’s director of planning, lands and permits, but may be moving towards approving legal West Vancouver secondary suites. Currently, there are approximately six hundred to three thousand illiegal secondary suites in operation in the West Vancouver rental market and the city hopes to address these issues by contemplating and formulating some bylaws that will see the legalization of suites. Currently, West Vancouver bylaws only allow for secondary suites in homes if they are occupied by family members of the owners, and with Delta, the West Vancouver bylaws was recently ruled as discriminatory according to the Supreme Court of BC, a major issue amongst a few municipalities currently. Currently, the West Vancouver council is looking to legalize West Van secondary suites only if they are self contained and attached to the primary residence. In addition, the proposed bylaw that will allow for West Van legal secondary suites will limit one unit per lot. The latest survey of West Vancouver district residents have shown that the majority of people in the city actually approve and support the legalization of secondary suites in the city and will also pull more tax dollars to the city every year. According to West Vancouver council, a Victoria secondary suite study found that a home with a legal secondary suite will up its property value by $40 to $60k in value and that would cost about $105 per home in property taxes per year. The West Vancouver legal secondary suites will have to be smaller than 30 per cent of the total floor space of the home though and will only be legal if the primary home owner is living there too. The West Van secondary legal suites will not be given separate title or metered water, hydro or cable service and the parking requirements include 1 off-street parking space or garage. The secondary suite will also need a separate entranc that doesn’t face the same way as the primary house entrance.

The Next Steps for West Van Legal Suites

A West Vancouver town hall meeting is being scheduled to review the draft of the legalization of secondary suites in West Van later in the fall. The draft will become available to the general public for review at www.west-vancouver.net.

Legal Secondary Suites in West Vancouver Rental Market – Will It Be a Go?

From the North Shore News in August 2009 – The City of West Vancouver is planning on initiating talks regarding the legalization of secondary suites in West Vancouver homes to increase the rental housing stock in the city. Secondary suites could be legal by the end of the year, if the current recommendation is passed by the District staff this week and is passed by city council. A new housing bylaw, would allow a separate living space for non family members within an existing West Vancouver home and will b a legal secondary suite or basement suite for rent. There is currently a city bylaw that prevents West Van secondary suites, so it is currently illegal for a home owner to rent out their basement or extra suite to a non family member. Recommended for both the West Vancouver draft strategic plan in addition to the business plan, it is estimated that there are currently almost three thousand illegal West Vancouver secondary suites that are rented out right now. By legalizing basement/secondary suites in West Van rental market, there will be more choice for renters as more current home owners will take the steps to finishing their basements and renting out extra space. These so called mortgage helpers will also allow a new influx of young families into this aging population in West Vancouver, as the renters of the legal West Van secondary suites can help them pay down their mortgage, or make them more manageable at least. In addition, the legalization of the West Vancouver secondary suites and basement units will also allow the city to shut down current sub-standard suites in addition to adding an alternative income source for West Van homeowners. The low income housing and more affordable basements suites will add to the very restrictive and tight West Van suite rental market and the vacancy levels will go up a bit and become more ‘normal’. In addition, the legal West Van secondary suites will allow home owners to get some passive income sources as well through the rental of their basement units. Currently, the City of West Vancouver only allows in law suites for relatives where home owners are living in the primary residence. Legally back in 1997, the Supreme Court of B.C. actually ruled against a regulation that restricted who can and who cannot occupy a home/residence, and that is being tested through the process of legalizing West Vancouver secondary basement suites at this time.

The West Vancouver Legal Secondary Suite Requirements

The West Van homeowners or landlords will be only able to rent out a single suite per lot and must be less than nine hundred and sixty eight square feet (968 sq ft) and cannot take up more than thirty per cent (30%) of the total West Vancouver property lot area. In addition to these suite size requirements by the City of West Vancouver bylaws, the legal secondary/basement suites much actually be a separate living space that is private for the resident in addition to having a separate washroom, separate cooking area (can be full kitchen or kitchenette) as well as a separate entrance. The legalized West Van secondary basement suite must also have its own entry way in addition to one off-street parking spot reserved for the renter. The current illegal basement suites operating in West Vancouver rental market will be asked to apply for the appropriate permits that are part of the new requirement for secondary suites in addition to making sure that their rental units meet all safety standards as indicated by this new housing bylaw. Some councillors are unsure about the legalization of the secondary suites in West Vancouver rental market as the new influx in population and people migrating into the city will actually not be contributing in the way of property taxes, but will be exhausting some of the conveniences, parks, schools, and other city amenities during their time renting in the city. However, other councillors indicate that the increase population caused by the legalization of the West Van secondary suites is on par with an increase in electricity, power and water, that the current homeowners and new renters will be paying. In addition, the value of the West Van homes with secondary suites or basement units for rent is typically higher than those that don’t have this secondary source of income, which obviously results in higher property taxes to the current home owners. There have been two public studies done in West Vancouver regarding the legalization of secondary suites in the city, and both polls have been overly positive in favour of the legal basement suite bylaw change. Approximately ¾ or seventy five per cent of people interviewed actually agreed with the housing bylaw change for legal West van secondary suites during both pools. The City of West Vancouver has also pointed out that in the Lower Mainland area, only Pitt Meadows, Bowen Island, Langley and West Van do not permit any sort of legal secondary suites at this time. The proposed housing bylaw is going to council October 26, 2009 and if it is a go, it can be passed by the end of the year.

Vancouver Laneway Housing Approved by City Council in July 2009 - Applications are $899 - Estimated Cost is $125k to Build Vancouver Laneway House

noreply@blogger.com (Mr Real Estate) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 20:36:00 +0000

The City of Vancouver Approves Laneway Housing

As of July 2009, the City of Vancouver has approved the construction of Laneway Housing in the city. So home owners in Vancouver real estate market can start converting their laneway garages or extra space into cashflow rental housing under a new Vancovuer bylaw passed unanimously by city council on Tuesday, July 28, 2009. Albeit unanimous, the City of Vancouver now leads the way in North America for implementation of a bylaw that accepts and legalizes Laneway Housing to get out of a housing crunch that renters and home owners are currently experiencing in the city. According to Metro News Vancouver, Vancouver is the first city in all of the continent to approve this large scaled construction of laneway housing and was brought to the forefront by EcoDensity action item by the previous NPA council. After several public hearings, the City of Vancouver approved laneway housing as a way to increase non strata rental units in the city. Vancouver laneway housing will also for smaller, non strata rental Vancouver suites to be built in the lanes of ninety four per cent of the city’s single family lots. The new re-zoning of these single family home lots in Vancouver real estate market will allow more than 60,000 homeowners to build laneway housing on their property. According to CBC News, more than 70,000 home owners will be eligible to add new Vancouver laneway housing. There are 2 main stipulations and constraints of this housing bylaw though: the Vancouver laneway housing rental unit can only be used as a rental suite as well as can only take up the space that was originally planned for garage space along the back lane.

For information regarding the approval of Vancouver Basements Suites in the Sky - Legal Secondary Lock-Off Suites within Suites in downtown Vancouver, click here.

Vancouver Laneway Homes Come Across Some Road Blocks with BC Hydro

According to the Vancouver Sun, Vancouver laneway home owners are now facing a costly utility hook-up fee that is being proposed by BC Hydro. The approval of the Vancouver laneway homes or coach homes earlier this year came at a time when City Council wanted to increase density within the city in order to bump up the rental housing stock without having to rezone or build apartment buildings. However, BC Hydro wants to charge about $20,000 to hook up their services for a Vancouver laneway home. As far as homeowners are concerned, this new development of BC Hydro charching $20k for the hook-up of utilities for laneway homes is definitely something surprising and new. According to the original Vancouver laneway home proposal, the City Council approved that homeowners and contractors could use existing BC Hydro hook-ups from their main homes to the garden cottages or coach homes. On the other hand BC Hydro has stated that the power lines and poles do not have the capacity to service the influx of laneway housing in Vancouver. As part of the Vancouver EcoDensity charter, the laneway house proposal was being allowed for single family lots where homeowners could build completely separate laneway homes or coach houses for rental purposes only. The idea of the Vancouver EcoDensity charter was to provide sustainable and environmentally friendly rental housing stock within the city itself and also become mortgage helpers for current city home owners. The estimated cost of building a Vancouver laneway house according to current trades materials and trades rates is about $110,000 or slightly over one hundred thousand dollars. With the BC Hydro fee for service hook-ups between $8,000 to even $20,000, this could bump up the cost of the laneway house construction by more than 20%! Originally, a service extension was proposed from the main house to the laneway home for a fee of about $500 - $600, which is much less. For an underground link between the two homes, it would be roughly $600 - $1,700, still much less than a new service connection to the Vancouver laneway house. This issue is still unresolved, so stay tuned for more news updates.

More About the Approved Legal Vancouver Laneway Housing Bylaw

According to Gregor Robertson, the mayor of Vancouver, the standard lot for a single family home can see the construction of a single laneway rental suite in Vancouver up to five hundred square feet in size. This 500 sq ft is the interior square footage or floor space that is allowed under the current Vancouver laneway housing bylaw and can only be built up one and a half stories/levels high (kind of a loft style floor plan). In the previous NPA council, Sam Sullivan, the previous major of Vancouver set the eco-density intitiative going and now, the government has seen it through. This positive green initiative is supposedly more environmentally friendly as it allows for more non-strata rental suites to be built on current single family Vancouver lots and allows for more affordable rental units that are located within the city. Through some current surveys, it was noted that more than two thirds of Vancouver city residents approved and agreed with the Vancouver laneway housing changes. Opponents of laneway housing in Vancouver cite both congestion and parking as key issues and problems that may result in this new legislation. According to the city councillors, laneway housing in Vancouver is important so that there is a great mix of rental units in the city and allows singles, couples and families to properly migrate into various housing types through their life, allowing them to stay in a specific Vancouver neighbourhood throughout their entire lifetimes. In addition, the newly approved Vancouver laneway housing bylaw will help the city’s low vacancy rates for rental suites, which have been below five per cent for decades now in this housing crunch.

The Next Steps for Vancouver Laneway Housing Applications and Approvals

For current Vancouver home owners who wish to build laneway housing on their lots, the approval process should be quite easy and quick. Remember that laneway housing in Vancouver will allow homeowners to built secondary suites in the back of their property and rent them out as mortgage helpers or positive cashflow, while supplying the Vancouver rental market with new suites that are affordable and well located. The City of Vancouver will start accepting applications for laneway housing construction projects in Vancouver starting Wednesday, July 29, 2009. A Vancouver laneway housing permit will cost only $899. The estimated cost for building a legal laneway house in Vancouver will be between the price point of $125,000 to $200,000 according to previous studies done. The Vancouver laneway house will also need to be inspected by the city in order for the occupancy permit to be allowed. These new rental suites will increase the number of new rental homes in the City of Vancouver, along with basement suites as well as the lock-off suites in condos (or basement suites in the sky) that are currently being contemplated by Vancouver city council for the downtown core. Remember that you can only get approved permits for Vancouver laneway house if you own a single family lot in the city. In addition, you must be living in the primary house yourself and the laneway house can only be a maximum of 500 sq ft costing at least $125k to build and properly finish. The Vancouver laneway house can only occupy the space reserved for a garage, and must have a separate entry that does not point in the same direction as the house entrance. You must also provide one off-street parking space for the renter in your new Vancouver laneway house for it to be approved.

More information about Burnaby Secondary Lock-Off Suites is located here.

Vancouver Approves Secondary Houses on Single Family Homes
Under discussion for years already, the City of Vancouver finally approves secondary laneway houses on single family lots that will allow up to 70,000 Vancouver home owners to create detached mortgage helpers on a standard thirty three foot lot. The Vancouver laneway houses can be up to 500 square feet in size and 1.5 stories high that will hopefully create more sustainable and green rental housing within the city itself. Hundreds of Vancouver homeowners have already applied for the secondary houses and Vancouver laneway housing permits that will cost you $899. Builders of these Vancouver laneway houses expect construction costs to run anywhere between $125,000 to $200,000. According to realtors, a completed laneway house on a Vancouver lot will increase the potential sales value of the house as the mortgage helper can add anywhere from $1250 to $1750 per month in rental income. Some senior homeowners who still own their single family home may consider building a Vancouver laneway house or secondary house, move into it and then rent out the main single family home on the lot to generate income during retirement.

City of Vancouver Approves Secondary Suites in the Sky - Essentially Vancouver Basement Suites or Condos Within Condos - Minimum Size of 280 sq ft

noreply@blogger.com (Mr Real Estate) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 03:18:00 +0000

The City of Vancouver Council Passes “Mortgage Helpers” in the Sky for Condos within Condos

According to Metro Vancouver newspaper, the City of Vancouver has passed the bylaw that would allow for secondary suites within Vancouver high-rise condominiums. Citing a few problems with the current model, the City of Vancouver explained that availability as well as affordability are expected to rise with the ability to rent condos/rooms within condos legally in the City of Vancouver rental market. Secondary suites within high-rise Vancouver condominium towers are coming soon to the city, as new property developments will certainly take advantage of these incentives for mortgage helpers for new homebuyers. In a great move that will see the rise in the City of Vancouver’s rental condo stock and home affordability, the City of Vancouver coundil has agreed to the development of Vancouver secondary suites within condo homes. Often termed as mortgage helpers for sky suites, the City of Vancouver is the second municipality in the Lower Mainland to pass this form of secondary suite, just after Burnaby ok’d earlier this year. Just like a Vancouver basement suite, the Vancouver secondary suites in the sky will be lock-off units within condos that will be quite small, but affordable rentals. Much like UniverCity SFU Burnaby real estate development that is the first full-scale condominium project that has created floorplans that sustain secondary mortgage helpers and condos within condos, these Vancouver basement suites allow people to purchase a larger home while renting out these mortgage helpers to help pay down debt, and even make it more affordable for them to purchase new property. Many homebuyers may ultimately purchase a 3 bedroom condo with one of the bedrooms as a lock-off suite, as the Vancouver mortgage helpers or condominiums within condos will help pay part of the mortgage.

For details about the recently passed housing bylaw for legal Vancouver laneway housing, please refer to this link.

More About the Vancouver Secondary Suite Lock-Off Unit Plan

A secondary advantage of these Vancouver secondary suites is that it will help increase the Vancouver rental stock, which for decades has been very tight. With these basement suites or Vancouver lock-off suites the size of a small hotel room, the bylaws surrounding these mortgage helpers will be a minimum size of 280 sq ft with a bathroom, kitchen area. And for new Vancouver condo development, floorplans allowing lock-off suites down to 205 sq ft will be allowed upon a case by case scenario as long as all regulations are followed including security, storage and lighting in the Vancouver mortgage helper suite. Residentiaul suites the size of a five ton truck has never been seen in the rental Vancouver real estate market, so this is definitely a first. Allowing for families to age in place, homeowners can now rent out the suite before they have children and expand their own home during the time when their kids grow up, and then lock-it off again once their children leave, allowing Vancouver homeowners to effectively utilize and leverage their property investment. The City Council expects that it will take about 1 year before the first master-planned Vancouver condo real estate development will have secondary lock-off suites built into the floor plans. What people don’t realize is that the City of Vancouver allowed for secondary suites in the South Vancouver East Fraserlands real estate development.

More information about Burnaby lock-off suites and Burnaby secondary suites in the sky, please click here.

Rental Suites Inside Condos Approved by Vancouver City Council

According to Real Estate Weekly, the City of Vancouver have approved Vancouver lock-off suites within condos as small as two hundred and five square feet which is meant to ease the very tight rental market in the city. With Vancouver lock-off rental suites within condominiums becoming reality, many Vancouver condo owners will be able to rent out these ‘mortgage helpers’ to students or other individuals looking for small affordable spaces to live. Lending some of the approval to the City of Burnaby’s UniverCity development that saw the creation of these legal lock-off suites within condos, homebuyers in the Vancouver real estate market can now look from larger residences such as two and three bedroom condos and then rent out the legal rental suite within the condo to help with their mortgage payments, thereby making their own home into a valuable asset. With lock-off suites approved in Burnaby, the City of Vancouver has now followed suit, allowing for Vancouver lock-off suites within existing condos as small as 205 sq ft. In Burnaby, condo lock-off suites can be up to 240 square feet and were part of the UniverCity real estate master planned community for student housing. The rental suite or lock-off suite within the condo will have its own entrance, kitchen, bathroom and can be as small as 280 square feet in Vancouver down to 205 as a minimum as long as there is adequate lighting and storage for the tenant. Such rezoning and approval of Vancouver lock-off suites in condos will allow the densification of areas such as downtown Vancouver as well as Southeast False Creek in future developments. South Vancouver East Fraserlands had already gotten approval from City Council for secondary suites in strata units and that community is in its development stage right now.

Introducing Greater Vancouver Real Estate Builder - TQ Construction – Envision, Design and Build - GREEN Home Renovations

noreply@blogger.com (Mr Real Estate) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 03:17:00 +0000

Contemporary, Traditional, Country, Oriental, Romantic, Southwestern and Eclectic. Every great home renovation starts with an inspiration. At TQ Construction, we believe that every successful Greater Vancouver home renovation is not just about tearing down and starting over. It’s about retaining materials and labour, which have value and history. It’s about making something good even better. The Greater Vancouver real estate builders at TQ Construction are winners of 9 Gold Georgie Awards for building excellence. Complimentary Consulatation by TQ Construction: TQ Construction provides Greater Vancouver homeowners with a FREE initial consultation, typically between 1 to 2 hours. The purpose of the TQ Construction consultation is to discuss your needs and project scope, explain our design and construction services, as well as answer any questions you may have. The Greater Vancouver real estate builder TQ Construction free consultation program includes: interview and site evaluation, design development, interior design, detailed estimating, construction and project management. Please call 604.430.9900 or visit www.tqconstruction.ca for more information.

GREEN Home Renovations by TQ Construction Saves You More

According to their advertorial, TQ Construction believes that a GREEN Home Renovation will save you more time and money in the short and long term of your investment. TQ Construction leads the way on geren home renovations in the Greater Vancouver real estate marketplace. Today’s Vancouver home owner is faced with many options when considering their home renovation. Should they build up? Build out? Many are choosing to Build Green, and for very good reason. Why Renovate Green? Aside from the environmental benefits, Greater Vancouver green home renovations provide lont term energy and maintenance savings to the homeowners. By opting for energy efficient appliances, LED lighting, and using less water on landscaping through Vancouver green home renovations, you can significantly decrease your energy bills and save money, while protecting the environment. Green Renovations for your Vancouver Home. Green renovation projects practices you can easily employ in your home include: EnergyStar appliances, triple glazed windows, LED lighting wherever possible, existing materials in the home, sustainable and local building materials, native plant landscaping to reduce watering and low VOC products to reduce off-gassing. Leading the Way in Greater Vancouver green home renovation: Recognized as a leader in Vancouver green home renovation, TQ Construction is a supporter of sustainable environmental practises, regularly using energy efficient appliances, windows and lighting, as well as sustainable, local resources in their home renovations, wherever possible. As Chair of the Renovations Council of the Canadian Home Builders Association of BC, TQ Construction’s President works closely with the Greater Vancouver Home Builders Association and other Local Associations across British Columbia. Together, they are launching Built Green BC for Renovations, a program that provides a checklist that contractors and Vancouver homeowners can use to maximize their green home renovation efforts. Vancouver home owners wishing for a greener lifestyle can upgrade their home with confidence, knowing that their house renovations are in line with industry standards.

TQ Construction Launches Small Project Division And Undergoes Own Green Renovation Project

TQ Construction recently launched its Small Projects Division to meet the changing needs of homeowners. TQ’s Small Projects Division services clientswho are looking to revamp a specific area of their home, whether it’s a bathroom, attic restoration or an upgrade to the exterior of the house. The streamlined service will appeal to Vancouver homeowners who love TQ Construction’s detailed planning and responsive approach, but require a simplified process. TQ Constrution also recently underwent their own green home renovations by Epic Marketing Solutions. The company’s new brand identity and website reflect TQ’s commitment to sustainable business practices and environmentally conscious renovations. You will also find a new section on the TQ Construction website dedicated to green home renovations that offers easy-to-do tips, fast facts and resources to inspire your own Vancouver green home renovations. TQ Constrution is recognized for excellence in Lower Mainland home construction and renovations since 1985. Contact TQ Construction today at 604.430.9900 for a free consultation or visit www.tqconstruction.ca today.

Get Ready for the 2009 PNE Prize Home Lottery - The Prize House is Now Previewing - Design by Barbara Aylesworth

noreply@blogger.com (Mr Real Estate) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 01:02:00 +0000

The 2009 PNE Prize Home is Okanagan Inspired

A Stroke of Genius’ owner, Barbara Aylesworth, is behind the style and design of the latest installment of these dream homes at the 2009 PNE Prize Home draw. This North Vancouver designer was approached to help co-ordinate the design of this year’s PNE Prize Home and Barbara couldn’t pass up the opportunity. Ten designers worked on the three thousand square foot Craftsman style house, which marries the charater of a heritage home with modern day luxuries and Barbara coordinated the colours, materials and other parameters that have made this year’s 2009 PNE Prize Home simply spectacular in every way. Much like Okanagan home styling the PNE Prize Home 2009 features lots of wood and sealed stone, decorative paint finishes and the paint colours chosen reflect the plums and soft sage palettes. The PNE Prize Home 2009 is now open for public viewing at the PNE every Sunday from now until August 9th. It is open from 10am to 4pm and is free to view. Man made stone counters, lush carpeting and fully integrated sound system add to the luxury of this environmentally friendly PNE Prize Home 2009 with energy efficient solar panels, hot water on demand, in floor radiant heating and a roof that was constructed using recycled tires. In addition, there is beautiful lighting throughout, moulding, efficiency, functionality and modern conveniences that make the 2009 PNE Prize Home one of the best ever.

More about the PNE Prize Home 2009 – Now Viewing

This year’s instalment of the PNE Prize Home features an Okanagan styled two storey and three bedroom home that is designed and built by Britco. The 3000 square foot Craftsman style home will eventually be relocated from the PNE grounds to a spectacular half acre lake view lot at Kirschner Mountain in Kelowna real estat market. Some of the features of this grand house at the 2009 PNE Prize Home features patio furniture and BBQ from The Home Depot as well as a hot tub from Coast Spas. Other great features include four extensive outdoor decks, two car attached garage, fitness center, office space and 2.5 bahtrooms. In addition the 2009 PNE Prize Home will feature a media room with large screen LCD television in addition to some of the most outstanding features ever promoted through the PNE Prize Home Lottery. Definitely Craftsman style, this family sized house is beautiful both inside and out and has modern finishes and features with state of the art heating systems from TErasen, radiant in floor heating, California Closets, silestone counter tops, Lane Home Furnishings and an everlasting roof. With innovative system throughout and technologies for heating, air conditioning, low maintenance, gas usage and integrated systems, the PNE Prize Home Lottery will feature the most energy efficient home ever for this lottery. Some of the alternative energy forms include solar thermal energy, in floor radiant heat, heat recovery ventilation system, forced air heating and cooling as well as high efficiency condensing boiler. In addition, there are two roof mounted solar panels here at the 2009 PNE Prize Home Lottery.

Preventing Asbestos Exposure and Green Insulation Alternatives for Homebuyers - An Informational Article About Asbestos Exposure

noreply@blogger.com (Mr Real Estate) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 20:21:00 +0000

Utilized around the world for almost a century, asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was implemented for various building and construction applications. Commonly found as insulation for pipes, boilers, roofs, siding and flooring, it’s flame resistant and highly durable qualities once made it an ideal choice for manufacturers, who buried evidence of its toxic qualities from the public. This wrongfully exposed an entire generation to asbestos.

Even today, many homes or buildings built prior to 1980 may still contain asbestos. This should not make home buyers overly worried because asbestos exposure can be easily prevented by taking simple precautions.

Regarded as one of the great American traditions, the road to purchasing a home is an important step in one’s life. Your home is your sanctuary, security and your investment. Although an exciting time for you and your family, it can also bring additional responsibilities into your life. Having the assistance of honest and reliable U.S./Canada real estate agents can make this process simple, happy and most importantly, stress free! The green movement has allowed for man insulation alternatives which provide healthy, sustainable and more Eco-friendly methods of insulation.

Healthy Tips

One of the main things that can go unnoticed when purchasing a home is taking simple precautions to avoid asbestos exposure. Many older homes may need remodeling or additional repairs. If any obsolete building materials are present, this can pose several dilemmas for homeowners.

If you locate any suspected asbestos in the home, most experts suggest leaving it un-disturbed until a home inspector can examine your property, take evaluations and determine the safest course of action. Sometimes the best action is no action at all. Disturbing asbestos in good condition may cause its fibers to be released into the air.

Exposure to damaged airborne asbestos fibers can lead to the development of a severe lung ailment known as mesothelioma. Many symptoms of mesothelioma mimic those of less serious conditions, which pose several problems for medical doctors. Asbestos-related illnesses may not appear until 20 to 50 years after exposure, which makes mesothelioma diagnosis even more difficult.

Removal of asbestos in public facilities, workplaces and homes should be performed by licensed abatement contractors as long as the National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) are not violated. Not only are they trained in handling toxic materials, but come equipped with the proper safety gear required for such procedures.

Going Green in the Home

Throughout much of Canada and the United States, construction practices are upgrading methods to suit better lighting, heating, cooling systems and environmentally habitable insulation. On February 17, 2009, the United States congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act into law. Included in this act were extensions of the Energy Efficiency Tax Incentives first enacted in 2005 as well as some new tax credits for people building or remodeling their homes using Eco-friendly or “green” materials.

Some of the measures that are eligible for tax credits include added insulation to walls, ceilings, or other part of the building envelope that meets the 2009 IECC specifications, sealing cracks in the building shell and ducts to reduce heat loss. Storm doors paired with U-factored rated wood doors are also eligible.

If asbestos is removed, green forms of insulation should be used as replacements. Some Eco-friendly alternatives to asbestos insulation include: cellulose, which is becoming a popular new green insulation material. It is chemically treated to reduce levels of mold. Cotton fiber is made from recycled batted material and is then treated to be fireproof. These alternatives not only allow for a healthy and safe home, but studies have demonstrated that they can reduce annual energy costs by 25 percent annually.

Implementing green methods of building can have many other positive environmental, health and economic benefits. These include: increase in property value, conservation of natural resources, enhancement of air quality, energy sustainability, improve quality of life, improvement of pulmonary and cardiac health and reduction of waste.

Summer 2009 Update: Vancouver Real Estate Market June Numbers, Electric Vehicle Plug-In for New Multi-Family Projects & Vancouver Cost of Living Drops

noreply@blogger.com (Mr Real Estate) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 22:17:00 +0000

June 2009 Greater Vancouver Real Estate Market Update

It was a June to remember for the Vancouver real estat market, as sales and prices pushed upwards amidst a renewed optimism in the global economy recovery coupled with lowered asking prices and historically low interest rates. In the Greater Vancouver area, the price of a detached house in June 2009 was about 8% higher then in February 2009 ($649,000 benchmark price) and up 3% compared to this May 2009 (benchmark price of $680,000). For June 2009, the average benchmarck price for a detached Vancouver home was above $701,000, touching this mark for the first time since last year. With signs of a Canadian economic recovery and also an end to the global recession in site, the Greater Vancouver housing prices have steadily increased since February 2009. In addition to the detached homes, the attached Vancouver homes also saw a benchmark price gain up to $441k while condos/apartments also saw a 2% rise to an average of $357k. June 2009 signified the second busiest month for number of Vancouver real estate sales in the Lower Mainland, only to be bettered by June 2005. At one point, the average Vancouver home prices dropped 15% from the height of the market in 2008 to the lowest point earlier in 2009. Right now, Vancouver housing prices are still down 8% compared to June 2008, but with a renewed optimism and more homebuyers looking to purchase at low interest rates, the trends towards higher benchmark sales prices and number of sales will likely continue through the year. In most markets, homebuyers are also seeing a shrinking number of home listings compared to last year, which is a sign of a more balanced Greater Vancouver real estate market.

According to the North Shore News, although prices are still down, values are recovering and the number of Greater Vancouver real estate sales in June 2009 were record breaking and at all time highs! Whether it is pent up demand from homebuyers who opted to stay away from purchasing last year or lower prices, North Shore real estate sales continue to increase as well through 2009, signifying a huge rebound in both property values as well as real estate sales. While the North Shore property prices are still lower than the all-time peak highs in 2007 and 2008, both West Van and North Vancouver property sales have accelerated faster then most analysts and experts had predicted. In June 2009, the North Shore (West Vancouver, District and City of North Vancouver) had four hundred and seventy two sales, as released by the Greater Vancouver real estate board on July 3, 2009. This increase in sales represents the 5th consecutive month in which the number of North Shore real estate sales has increased, which followed a 7 month period where property values plummeted. The worst month came in December 2008, when only 65 homes were sold on the North Shore. The benchmark price for a detached home in west Vancouver was still down at around $1.25 million, which represents a 16.7% decrease in value compared to last May 2008. In the North Vancouver real estate market, the values are 12% lower at a benchmark price of $812k. The rebound in North Shore property sales and that of the entire Greater Vancouver and Fraser Valley real estate markets is due in part to these drop in asking/listing prices which increases affordability for all lifestyles and age groups in addition to the lowest interest mortgage rates in the history of the country. With many people not purchasing property in 2008, these homebuyers are showing up in flocks to buy devalued Vancouver property now with interest rates as low as they are. The entire Greater Vancouver real estate market showed a 75.6% increase in number of sales over last June 2008 with 4,259 total homes changing hands, which represents the second largest sales month of all time, just behind the 4,333 sales in June 2005.

City of Vancouver Pushes for Car Plug-In Requirements for New Real Estate Developments

The City of Vancouver is pushing for a new requirement in building processes, plug-ins for electric vehicles. This is the first step in any major municipality to have this requirement for Vancouver real estate construction. Hping to build and they will come approach, any new Vancouver development, whether it be condos, townhomes or single family homes will require plug-in stations in garages or parking stalls for electric vehicles according to 24 Hours Vancouver. Vancouver developers will be required by building law to include a specified number of electric plug-in stalls for new developments depending on the size of the project for multi-family housing. As one of the defining factors of electric vehicles making it into the common marketplace, the City of Vancouver hopes that this push in new Vancouver real estate requirements will help facilitate more electric vehicle sales and thereby creating a healthier environment within our city. Currently, the City of Vancouver is asking for at least ten per cent of all parking stalls/garages to have plug-in capabilities for electric vehicles. According to the Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association, they think this is a good move by the City but says that it should become a requirement that all parking stalls for new multi-family Vancouver housing projects should have these electric plug-ins available, which will be in line with future growth, tenants and homebuyers. However, there are many local Vancouver developers who are opposed to such changes in building requirements, citing that electric vehicles are not mainstream yet. The estimated increase in building costs for the 10% of all parking stalls to have electric vehicle plug ins is a mere 0.5 per cent.

Vancouver Cost of Living Falls

Contrary to popular believe, Vancouver’s cost of living has fallen down the ranks for world class cities according to the latest 2009 Worldwide Cost of Living survey. According to Metro News Vancouver, the City of Vancouver is now 93rd most expensive city to live in, which is surprisingly tied with Panama City. Last year in 2008 Worldwide Cost of Living survey, the City of Vancouver ranked 64th (which represents a drop in 23 places for this year). Some of the major reasons for the drop is the strength of the Canadian Dollar globally, which reduces the cost of living here in Vancouver. The priciest Canadian City was Toronto at 84th, Calgary at 89th followed by Vancouver. The 2009 Worldwide Cost of Living survey covered one hundred and forty three cities in six continents and the top 2 priciest cities were in Japan (Tokyo and Osaka).

Adera Real Estate Builder – Building Trust for 40 Years in Greater Vancouver Real Estate Market

noreply@blogger.com (Mr Real Estate) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 22:02:00 +0000

From their recent advertorial in the New Home Buyer’s Guide, Vancouverites learned more about the leading Vancouver real estate developer, Adera. Here are some of the many reasons why Adera Builders are considered one of the top developers in the Lower Mainland. The year was 1969. The year man first walked on the moon, the Boeing 747 was unveiled and Cablevision premiered in Vancouver. It was also the year Adera was founded in Vancouver real estate market. Four decades later, Adera is one of British Columbia’s leading multidisciplinary real estate organizations. From Langley to Steveston, from White Rock to the North Shore, Adera has built more than 7,500 BC homes – all with a vibrant, innovative style and an inherent quality that’s as much felt as seen – and over three million square feet of commercial building space as well. Adera is now known as a respected leader and innovator in the Vancouver multi-family residential marketplace. But more than that, ADera is a company with heart and soul. Award winning by design – Already, during this 40th anniversary year, Adera has received some of the industry’s rarest awards. For a second year in a row, an Adera project was recognized as the best project locally, nationally and internationally. Pathways at UBC by Adera picked up the awards hattrick this year right on the heels of its sister, Legacy. Adera was named Best Multi-Family Builder in BC at the Georgies and Best Builder of he Year in Canada at the National SAMS awards. This was alos the year that Adera developers earned a Platinum Georgie for winning more than 25 major Gold Georgies over the years, the second time ever that this award has been granted. Adera Developers was also named 20th on the Globe and Mail’s Top 50 Canadian Employers list for 2009.

Adera Innovation – Innovators in the Vancouver Real Estate Marketplace

Building Communities – At Adera Builders they are about more than just building homes. They create lasting communities: unique, vibrant communities filled with real heart and soul, and families, too. Each Vancouver Adera real estate development is an individual with its own character and special outlook – no two are quite the same. You’ll discover all are thoughtfully designed to maximize their livability and minimize their eco-footprint. These are real Vancouver homes where real people can celebrate life with a style all their own. Connecting People – Adera believes strong communities are created through a strong sense of community. Adera Builders make it a priority to connect their home owners with their neighbours. When a new Vancouver real estate development is nearing 80% occupancy, Adera organizes a party so that you can meet people who live next door. They will also introduce you to the folks behind the scenes here at Adera – the construction crew who built your home, the Adera management and your customer service representatives who will ensure your new Vancouver home meets your expectations in every way. The will even help organize clubs within the community so that you can socialize with people who have similar interests. Celebrating Individuality – You’re an individual and your Vancouver home should reflect that. Which is why Adera Builders offers the most extensive customization program found anywhere in British Columbia for new and pre-construction Vancouver real estate developments. From backsplashes and flooring to light fixtures and appliances, the Adera Customization Prgoram gives you enormous choices you can use to personalize your new Vancouver home. That way you’ll know your home will directly assume your own personal style.

Sustainability in Adera Vancouver Real Estate Developments

Sustainable Confidence – Adera has a profound respect for environmental stewardship. Adera has made a conscious decision to embrace sustainable building practises as a core value. Why? Adera Builders believes it’s just the right thing to do. Leaders in Innovation – One of BC’s green building pioneers, Adera is proud to have helped define Built GREEN BC practices and standards in the province. Adera is a Platinum Sponsor and have an employee serving on the board of directors for Built GREEN BC. Veranda was BC’s first Built GREEN townhouse community. Now Adera is the largest multi-family Built GREEN builder in BC. They have also worked closely with UBC, sharing sustainable expertise as they developed their REAP standards, now used for all residential construction on campus. Every Adera Vancouver home that they build today is certified by an independent third party body to ensure it meets sustainability standards. Talk about confidence. Active and Involved – Sustainability comes in many forms – Adera has donated vehicles to the Co-Op Auto Network in many of their new Vancouver real estate development communities; sponsor ongoing programs for young people, recognizing they are our future and; at GREEN, for our 40th, they are sponsoring a controlled release of salmon fry into a local cree with the help of Taylor Park Elementary students. From sourcing materials locally, which reduces fossil fuel consumption in transport, to investing in solar powered hot water preheat systems, to recyling programs for waste reduction, Adera Vancouver developer is making a big difference. Triple Bottom Line – The Adera environment savvy gives their homebuyers a winning triple bottom line: a direct, ongoing financial benefit – lower energy costs for themselves, and an advantage if they decide to sell (up to 35% savings on annual operating costs); a personal benefit – pride knowning your home positively affects the environment, and; finally, a social benefit contributing to the preservation of a better world and cleaner environment for all who share this planet.

Passion at Adera Vancouver Builders

Award winning customer service – At Adera, customer service begins the first time a potential Vancouver homebuyer walks into one of their condo or townhouse presentation centres – and never ends. It’s not a ‘service department’, it’s a way of life for every member of the Vancouver Adera team. Although they have won many awards during their 40 years of Vancouver real estate development communities, it’s the recognition for outstanding customer service the they value the most. They have been honoured seven times for the Best Customer Service Award and recipient of the first ever Customer Choice Award at the prestigious Georgie Awards – a record unrivalled in the BC residential reale state construction industry to date. Experience the joy of Vancouver Home Ownership – Adera Builders understands that purchasing a new Vancouver home can be daunting, especially if you’re a first time home buyer. Which is why the Adera team pledges to you that they will do everything that they can to make your journey of Vancouver home ownership uncomplicated, exciting, and ultimately fulfilling. They will help you choose the home that’s perfect for your lifestyle and within your budget. They will explain te many financing options now available, help you navigate the legal complexities and answer all of your questions regarding Vancouver home buying – whether you want to know more about just how your home was built, how your home warranty protects your real estate Vancouver investment or even how strata operates. And, of course, we’ll help you personalize the finshing details through the Adera Customization Program – an unparalleled opportunity to make your new Vancouver home as distinctive as you are. With you into the future – At Adera Developers, exceptional customer service doesn’t end when they hand you the keys upon closing of your new Vancouver home. Whether you’ve lived in your Adera home for two days or two years, they aren’t satisfied until you are – until you’re so delighted with your new Vancouver home that you’ll tell your friends and family about them. After all, it’s now just awards that count. It’s the testimonials and referrals that Adera receives from customers past and present.

BC Builder Profile: Adera Developers Building Vancouver Homes for Over 40 Years - Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Mr Real Estate) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 21:58:00 +0000

Adera Has Been Building Vancouver Homes for 40 Years

Here is a list of the most recent Vancouver real estate developments including condos, townhomes and other multi-family residential projects.

1984 – Richmond Brigantine Square I & II (40 Homes)
1985 – Vancouver Ballyntyne Square (19 Homes)
1986 – Richmond Brigantine Square III & IV (97 Homes)
1986 – Richmond Ridgecrest (55 Homes)
1986 – Vancouver Seascape Vista (22 Homes)
1987 – Coquitlam Cedar Green (54 Homes)
1988 – Coquitlam Le Parc (64 Homes)
1988 – Richmond Sunset Terrace (84 Homes)
1989 – Coquitlam Le Chateau I (75 Homes)
1989 - Burnaby Mission Woods (68 Homes)
1989 – Richmond Springate (72 Homes)
1990 – Port Coquitlam Country Park Estates (115 Homes)
1990 – Coquitlam Le Chateau II (75 Homes)
1990 – Burnaby Sandborne Hill (42 Homes)
1991 – Coquitlam Country Park Phase III (40 Homes)
1991 – Burnaby Saturna (42 Homes)
1992 – Burnaby Cascade West (60 Homes)
1992 – Richmond Redonda (154 Homes)
1992 – Burnaby Saltspring (54 Homes)
1992 – Port Coquitlam Stonebrook (84 Homes)
1993 – Burnaby Winchelsea (160 Homes)
1994 – Maple Ridge Gabriola (119 Homes)
1994 – Maple Ridge Galiano (82 Homes)
1996 – Richmond The Hamptons (167 Homes)
1996 – Langley Highland Ridge (176 Homes)
1996 – Richmond Nautica I (114 Homes)
1996 – Burnaby Tudor Gate (56 Homes)
1997 – Langley Mayberry (91 Homes)
1997 – Burnaby Tudor Grove South (137 Homes)
1998 – Richmond Nautica II (106 Homes)
2001 – North Vancouver River Rock I (62 Homes)
2001 – Burnaby The Village (405 Homes)
2002 – North Vancouver River Rock II (33 Homes)
2002 – Richmond River’s Reach (150 Homes)
2002 – Richmond Riviera Garden (25 Homes)
2003 – Bunaby Ledgestone I (83 Homes)
2003 – Burnaby Riverstone (65 Homes)
2004 – Langley Denim Condos (283 Homes)
2004 – Vancouver I (65 Homes)
2004 – Vancouver Journey (80 Homes)
2004 – South Surrey Sundance (195 Homes)
2005 – Richmond Granville Greene (31 Homes)
2005 – Richmond Heather Greene (60 Homes)
2005 – Burnaby Ledgestone II (49 Homes)
2005 – Vancouver Reflections (77 Homes)
2005 – South Surrey Solay (175 Homes)
2006 – Surrey Veranda (200 Homes)
2006 – Richmond Red (84 Homes)
2006 – Richmond Red II (76 Homes)
2006 – Vancouver Legacy (55 Homes)
2007 – Vancouver Pathways (109 Homes)
2007 – North Vancouver Noma (81 Homes)
2007 – South Surrey Brownstones (97 Homes)
2007 – Burnaby Green (325 Homes)
2008 – Surrey Salus Cityhomes (160 Homes)
2008 – Surrey Salus Flats (238 Homes)

Adera On The Podium – It’s Only Bragging If You Can’t Back It Up! Here are the numerous awards that Adera Builders has won that include numerous awards from the Canadian Home Builders’ Association of BC – Georgie Awards, SAM Awards, Gold Nugget Awards and other awards.

West Coast – World Class Homes

Adera Builders was founded on four core values: Passion, Partnership, Innovation and Sustainability. Guided by these guiding principles Adera aspires to grow the real estate development company into a true West Coast world class company – a meaningful, valuable group producing real estate and other business solutions competitive and accepted anywhere in the world. Other members of the Adera group include Adera Capital Corp., a diversified group investing in small and middle market companies who are leaders in mature Canadian insdustries. Adera Commercial Inc. includes construction management and holdings in a diverse array of office, industrial and retail buildings that help maintain the company’s financial stability. A fully integrated real estate mortgage lender and investment company, Terrapin Mortgage Investment Corp., deals primarily in first and second Canadian mortgages, as well as short term construction financing and interim mortgage funding. Thanks to the talents and skills of the extended Adera family of direct employees, consultants and trade partners, Adera is an acknowledged leader in Vancouver real estate residential construction. Each and every member of the Adera team is passionate about what they do, but it came as a wonderful surprise when Adera was name one of Canada’s Top 50 Small to Medium Employers for 2008 by the Globe and Mail – number 20 in the first year they were nominated. It’s a responsibility that Adera takes seriously. Saluting the Finest – When the world arrives in Vancouver in 2010, Adera will be ready to do their part, representing all the things that make the city and province great. Adera salutes the dedication of the athletes who will achieve gold as the fastest, strongest and most skilled in the world. It takes guts and determination to be the best. Looking to the Future – During the next 40 years, Adera will continue to look for innovative strategies to make home ownership more accessible and more exciting then ever. Adrea will explore new ways to preserve the fragile environment. And Adera will never lose sight of the fact that without you, the customers and friends, Adera would not survive as a company.

The Adera Platinum Partners

The Adera Platinum Partners Awards were created in 2007 to honour the companies and trades who consistently go above and beyond. These Senior Adera Partners exemplify the extraordinary teamwork and commitment that make our success possible. Here are the Adera Platinum Partners Awards. Integra Architecture, Inc: Integra, our first ever Platinum Parnter, was founded in 1999 by Dales Staples and Duane Siegrist, both ‘graduates’ of Graham Crockart Architecture, and have worked with Adera since it opened 40 years ago. The quality of the Integra Architecture designs has helped Adera win countless awards. Many times the Integra Architecture team anticipated what Adera would need next, getting started on it before they even asked, in order to ensure every Vancouver condo project not only meets but exceeds the level of excellence that home buyers insist on these days. Inf act, it was Adera’s desire to recognize Integra Architecture exceptional performance that led them to create the Adera Platinum Partners Awards. The second awards goes to CIR Mechanical Ltd. Headed up by Daryle Anderson, CIR Mechanical has worked on Adera condo projects for over 20 years. At the start of any Vancouver condo project, CIR Mechanical advises Adera on plumbing and mechanical issues that will have to be solved. The CIR Mechanical expertise maximizes each Adera condo project’s value engineering right form the design phase. During construction CIR Mechanical is also a true and proven leader in teamwork on the site, and when customer service is needed, they are always there to help. The last Adera Platinum Partners Award goes to MCAP Financial Corporation. MCAP, Adera’s leader of choice for more than a decaide, became the newest Adera Platinum Partner award winner in 2009. Lead by Bob McIvor in the Vancouver Branch and Derek Norton in head office Toronto, MCAP Financial Corporation is Canada’s largest independent mortgage and equipment financing company, developing sophisticated financing products tailored to the specific needs of each new Vancouver real estate development from project inception to completion. Coordinating the numerous critical deadlines for everything from progress payments and letters of credit to legal document processing requires an extraordinary high level of teamwork. MCAP Financial Corporation continues to deliver excellent service in all areas of their business, while leading the industry in sophisticated structuring to look after all of Adera’s financial needs.

Update from MOSAIC Homes Vancouver Real Estate Builder - TATTON Coquitlam, LINKS Port Coquitlam & TURNSTONE Pitt Meadows

noreply@blogger.com (Mr Real Estate) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 03:28:00 +0000

Mosaic Homes and the Greater Vancouver Real Estate Housing Market

What's happening with the Greater Vancouver Housing Market? After several years at a furious pace, the Greater Vancouver Housing Market has settled down. As prices moved and interest rates came down to historic lows, affordability came back for many Vancouver home buyers. For instance, when you factor in price adjustments and interest rate drops, monthly payments for a Tri-Cities Townhome are now between 18% and 30% more affordable than they were a year ago. The result of this new affordability is the entire Greater Vancouver real estate market has seen strong Spring activity. When compared to May 2008, this May's attached real estate property sales are up 19.6% while new listings coming onto the market are down 36%. One thing is certain in this housing market: more home buyers are finding great value out there and they're making the decision to buy this Spring! What's MOSAIC Homes up to? Over the past year, hundreds of new homebuyers have decided to make our signature MOSAIC Homes rowhomes their own. With a wide selection of MOSAIC home sizes, locations, and price ranges, we currently have a home to meet every family's needs and budget. Have a look online at some of our current MOSAIC Homes real estate properties or come and visit us at one of our Home Stores today:

MOSAIC TATTON Coquitlam Rowhomes - 3 & 4 Bedroom Parkside Rowhomes in Coquitlam priced from the Upper $300,000s. www.tattoncoquitlam.com. Come see our 2 Model Homes today. 604.552.2220. Click here for more information about Coquitlam TATTON Townhomes for sale.

MOSAIC LINKS Port Coquitlam Townhomes - 2, 3, & 4 Bedroom Rowhomes on Carnoustie Golf Course in Port Coquitlam priced from the Mid $300,000s. www.liveatlinks.com. Visit our 4 Model Homes and Observation Deck today. 604.464.9907. Select this link for more information about the presale rowhomes at LINKS Port Coquitlam.

MOSAIC TURNSTONE Pitt Meadows Waterfront Homes - 3 & 4 Bedroom Waterfront Duplexes in Pitt Meadows priced from the Low $500,000s. www.turnstoneatosprey.com. Walk through our Waterfront Model Home today. 604.460.0369. More info on the Pitt Meadows Turnstone duplexes for sale.

Should you have any questions about MOSAIC Homes or our current promotions, feel free to contact me at the number below. Kind regards, Megan at MOSAIC Home Sales | Office - 604.685.3888 | www.mosaichomes.com

Golden Ears Bridge Opening Soon - Last Remaining Pitt Meadows Waterfront Homes for Sale

The Golden Ears Bridge Opening Celebration. A pivotal moment has come to the Ridge Meadows Community with the opening next week of the Golden Ears Bridge in Pitt Meadows. Linking the area with Surrey and Langley, this will bring enhanced connectivity to this already expanding Turnstone Pitt Meadows real estate community. This Sunday, June 14th, Translink will be holding a celebration on the Golden Ears bridge; beginning at 11am with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1pm. There will be entertainment and refreshments available for the whole family. Come join us to celebrate this important addition to the Ridge Meadows Community where Turnstone MOSAIC Homes in Pitt Meadows real estate market are located! TURNSTONE - A Limited Number of Waterfront Pitt Meadows Homes Remain. After a successful Spring and several weeks of beautiful weather, we have only a select number of Pitt Meadows waterfront homes remaining at TURNSTONE MOSAIC Homes! Each of these remaining three and four bedroom waterfront Pitt Meadows duplex homes offers unobstructed views to the river's edge and an open contemporary floorplan. Come see our designer finished waterfront model home today. Kind regards, Julia at 604.313.6158. More details on other new Pitt Meadows real estate developments.

Waterfront Pitt Meadows Homes for Sale at Turnstone by MOSAIC
One of our favourite Lower Mainland builders is MOSAIC Homes, a well established developer that focuses on building rowhomes and townhouses that are affordable and present well thought out floor plan layouts. The next instalment of property releases by MOSAIC Homes is the Turnstone rowhomes along the Pitt Meadows waterfront real estate market that features a collection of boutique townhomese that total only thirty three. This wildly popular Osprey Pitt Meadows neighbourhood that features that latest release of Waterfront Turnstone rowhomes is selling out quickly because of its unique location along the Fraser River. With the recent opening of the new Golden Ears Bridge that will connect Pitt Meadows with Surrey and other municipalities, the new presale Osprey waterfront Turnstone rowhomes will be another successful MOSAIC Home community. Waterfront Pitt Meadows real estate is hard to come by, and at the Turnstone rowhomes now selling, you can gain not only waterviews, but also 180 degree views from all three levels with vaulted ceilings in the master bedrooms as well. The spectacular floor plans and attention to detail both inside and out make the MOSAIC Turnstone townhouses an ideal next purchase for couples, retirees as well as growing families. From large and spacious side by side parking to dens/home office space and from lots of storage to in suite laundry, the presale Pitt Meadows waterfront homes for sale at the Osprey Turnstone rowhome MOSAIC community presents a great living experience ideal for all season living. Wrap around decks, BBQ outlets on the outdoor patios and security alarm systems are other details that are offered at the new Pitt Meadows waterfront homes here at Turnstone Osprey. The prices for these luxury MOSAIC waterfront residences now starts from the low five hundred thousand dollar range.

Report for Canadian First Time Home Buyers - by RE/MAX

noreply@blogger.com (Mr Real Estate) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 17:20:00 +0000

First Time Home Buyers Report 2009 – RE/MAX Specialist

By Michael P, Executive VP and Regional Director for RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada. A great article that explains the latest in Canadian First Time Home Buyers Report, growing trends, government incentives and where the property deals are.

RE/MAX has just released its 2009 First Time Home Buyers Report. What were the most significant findings in this report?

The Canadian First Time Home Buyers Report 2009 by RE/MAX confirmed that first time homebuyers are now the engine driving Canadian home buying activity in virtually every major centre. Falling prices and rock bottom mortgage rates have been behind the push for entry level housing across the country. Market conditions across Canadian real estate markets have also helped, firmly favouring purchasers in 69 per cent of the centres surveyed, with another 31 per cent in balanced territory.

Are there any government incentives available for Canadian First Time Home Buyers?

Top of mind is the Federal Governments’ Home Buyers Plan – a plan that allows Canadian first time homebuyers to use RRSP funds tax-free to help purchaser their first home. Changes to the program outlined within the recent federal budget increased the withdrawal limit to $25,000 from $20,000 for the First Time Home Buyers Plan of Canada. The new First Time Home Buyers program, designed to help Canadians with closing costs, also provides a tax credit of up to $750. The Federal Government’s new $2.5 billion Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC) program allows for a 15 per cent tax credit up to $1350 per household, on elgible renovation expenditures between January 27, 2009 and February 1, 2010.

Where are the Canadian property deals right now?

Just about every Canadian real estate market offers entry level product at an affordable price right now, but the RE/MAX report identified some key property Canadian markets offering single detached homes priced under $200,000 including Charlottetown, Halifax-Dartmouth, Fredericton, Saint John, Moncton, Windsor, Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, Peterborough, North Bay, Kingston, London, Winnipeg and Saskatoon.

What are the advantages of a Home Buyers’ Market in Canada?

It’s been over a decade since home purchasers held the reigns in a Canadian real estate transaction. The recent surge in listing inventory, diminished demand, and softer housing values have firmly place Canadian home buyers in the drivers’ seat. Homebuyers in Canada have much more leverage in the Canadian marketplace and it will be vendors, not purchasers, who will have to adjust their expectations. Entry level first time purchasers will also have a better selection of properties from which to choose and the luxury of time in making those crucial home buying decisions.

What’s in store for residential Canadian real estate in markets across the country in the months ahead?

Although they ear got off to a slow start, February home sales were well ahead of those reported in January 2009. The upward trending is expected to continue as more and more first time Canadian home buyers enter the market in the weeks ahead. The flurry of activity in the lower end condos and units may also serve to kick start sales in the mid to upper end Canadian real estate markets, which have been relatively sluggish in recent months. While home inventory and days on market was up virtually across the board, it is noteworthy that several Canada real estate markets reported tighter conditions in the lower end of the property market, where demand and buyer activity remains quite healthy.

How have changing Canadian housing markets impacted buyer intentions?

While a sense of caution still prevails, more and more first time Canadian homebuyers are finding it hard to pass up the chance to become homeowners in today’s buyer-centric real estate climate. Improved Canadian housing affordability is prompting many first time home buyers to get off the fence, out of the rental, and into the property market. With lower starting prices and interest rates at historic levels, Canadian home buyers are finding the carrying costs of homeownership at their most affordable level in more than a decade.