My real estate column in the Vancouver Sun featured property sales in Burnaby, Downtown Vancouver and Coquitlam.

Vancouver Sun May 12th, 2012

201 – 9329 University Crescent, Burnaby

Type: Two-bedroom, Two-bathroom apartment
Size: 844 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2012: $312,000
Listed for: $338,800
Sold for: $333,500
Sold on: April 8
Days on market: 72
Listing agent: Robert Crowe at RE/ MAX Real Estate Services
Buyer’s agent: Robert Crowe and Terri Welch at RE/MAX Real Estate Services

The big sell: There are many benefits for residents living in SFU’s UniverCity community on Burnaby Mountain. Some of these include immediate proximity to lush, woodland trails – perfect for outdoor exercise – as well as the views, and access to the recreation facilities and amenities that SFU offers. This southeast facing condominium in Harmony was built by Polygon in 2005. It is a four-storey complex that consists of 190 units. The interior of this home contains an open-plan kitchen with eating bar and maple-coloured cabinets, a living/dining area with gas fireplace and sliding glass doors that open to the balcony, and a master bedroom with walk-in closet and ensuite bathroom. The unit is on the quieter side of the complex overlooking the courtyard. The building allows pets and – of particular interest to investors – it also allows rentals.

2609 – 939 Expo Boulevard, Vancouver

Type: One-bedroom, One-bathroom apartment
Size: 506 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2012: $385,000
Listed for: $385,000
Sold for: $384,500
Sold on: April 9
Days on market: 1
Listing agent: Ann Lok at Sutton Group – West Coast Realty
Buyer’s agent: Chris Tioseco at Sutton Group – West Coast Realty

The big sell: Buyer’s agent Chris Tioseco says there were many reasons why his clients were attracted to this one-bedroom, 26th-floor condominium in Concord Pacific’s Max II tower: 180-degree sweeping cityscape views, nine-foot ceilings, a central downtown location, an attractive Porte-cochere circular driveway, and the building’s comprehensive range of amenities, which include an indoor pool, sauna/ steam room, gym, a theatre that seats 20 people, a party room, and 24/7 concierge. This suite is on the quieter side of the building and includes engineered hardwood floors, a gas stove, a large flexible room that could be used either as an office or a walk-in closet, expansive windows to maximize the views, and a balcony for relaxation and barbecues. The unit comes with one parking stall. The building has been fully rainscreened and rentals and pets are allowed.

311 – 1185 Pacific Street, Coquitlam

Type: One-bedroom, One-bathroom apartment
Size: 903 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2012: $251,000
Listed for: $275,000
Sold for: $270,000
Sold on: April 7
Days on market: 73
Listing agent: Barb Steczko at Century 21 Showcase Plus
Buyer’s agent: Chris Sheppard at Royal LePage Coronation West

The big sell: The Centreville building lives up to its name, since residents have easy walking access to everything that Coquitlam town centre has to offer: T&T, Douglas College, the Aquatic Centre, the library, city hall and the eventual Evergreen Line which, when complete, will connect Coquitlam to the SkyTrain. At more than 900 square feet, this apartment with one bedroom and a den is larger than many two-bedroom Vancouver units. It has an open living area, a fireplace, laminate flooring, and a balcony. The unit has been repainted and contains a kitchen with plenty of cupboard space, tile backsplash, in-suite laundry, crown mouldings, and nine-foot ceilings. The bedroom has a walk-in closet. The building’s amenities include an exercise room, a clubhouse, a hot tub and a guest suite.

Source: Nicola Way, Vancouver Sun

My real estate column in the Vancouver Sun featured property sales in Cambie, Fairview and Burnaby.

Vancouver Sun February 13th, 2012

6629 Laurel St., Vancouver

Type: 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom detached
Size: 2,700 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2012: $2,083,700
Listed for: $2,200,000
Sold for: $2,100,000
Sold on: Jan. 5
Days on market: 0
Listing agent: Daphne McFarland at Hugh & McKinnon Realty
Buyer’s agent: Charan Kamal Pannu at SRS Westside Realty

The big sell: The seller of this two-level rancher bought it in 1953 — the year it was built – and resided in it for the next 59 years. It is not uncommon to have original-owner homes of this age in Vancouver, but in these real-estate obsessed times, it is becoming less so. As the description on the MLS listing sheet states, this is a solid home, but the main value is in the large level lot. That land measures 54 by 144 feet and if redeveloped, could hold a property larger than the current residence. Adding to the attraction was the light-filled west-facing fenced back yard, the Oakridge neighbourhood, and the convenience of a location that’s near Oakridge shopping centre, Langara College, Churchill secondary and Jamieson elementary schools, and the Canada Line. All of this produced an accepted offer the day the property went on the market.

89 -9229 University Cres., Burnaby

Type: 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom townhouse
Size: 1,163 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2012: $392,000
Listed for: $449,000
Sold for: $438,000
Sold on: Jan. 12
Days on market: 58
Listing agent: Robert Crowe at RE/MAX Real Estate Services
Buyer’s agent: Robert Crowe and Ali Nimji at RE/MAX Real Estate Services

The big sell: SFU’s UniverCity development is a sustainable community that has evolved into a family-friendly complex high up on the campus grounds on Burnaby Mountain. Serenity was built by Polygon in 2006 and consists of 132 townhomes surrounded by forest walks, hiking and bike trails. One block away is the new University Highlands elementary school, and a new child care centre will be opening soon. This three-bedroom, two-level corner unit home enjoys an abundance of natural light and a large patio and garden area surrounded by thick conifers. The interior features a mix of flooring with wall-to-wall carpet, laminate hardwood and tiling. The kitchen has plenty of cupboard and counter space, birch-coloured cabinetry, a double sink, stainless-steel appliances, and a subway-tiled backsplash. An electric fireplace warms the living room and an oversized shower adds a spa-like quality to the ensuite bathroom. The home has designer colours throughout.

106-1040 West 8th Ave., Vancouver

Type: 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment
Size: 692 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2012: $340,000
Listed for: $369,900
Sold for: $362,500
Sold on: Jan. 12
Days on market: 85
Listing agent: Paul Bale at Sutton Group – West Coast Realty
Buyer’s agent: George Winkler at Amex Broadway West Realty

The big sell: This home is just north of Broadway on the Fairview slopes, with Granville Island, the seawall, parks, shopping, and transportation minutes away. The ground-floor unit has a well-designed floor plan and a front door that opens to a 16-by-16-foot living room. That room has bright, arched windows that provide plenty of views of a partly covered garden patio. The home has a gas fireplace, in-suite laundry and storage areas, a 16-by-9-foot bedroom, and a secure underground parking stall. This is one of 28 units in the four-storey development, which was built in 1986 with the homes positioned around a central courtyard. The apartments have been rainscreened and are pet- and rental-friendly.

For the full story, please click on Real estate sales in Vancouver and Burnaby.

Compiled by Nicola Way of BestHomesBC.com and AssignmentsCanada.ca.

Realtors – send your recent sales to nicola@besthomesbc.com
© Copyright (c) The Vancouver Sun

My real estate column in last weekend’s Vancouver Sun featured property sales in Burnaby, property sales in North Vancouver, and property sales in Surrey.

Vancouver Sun December 10th, 2011

4096 Napier St., Burnaby

Type: 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom detached
Size: 3,400 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2011: $715,000
Listed for: $999,900
Sold for: $990,000
Sold on: Oct. 26
Days on market: 9
Listing agent: John Conte at Sutton Centre Realty
Buyers agent: Cathy Chin at RE/MAX Central

The big sell: There is a strong European influence to this home in Burnaby’s Willingdon Heights neighbourhood: It was originally a custom construction by a German builder in 1978 before undergoing renovation by an Italian contractor some years later. Each of the three floors has eight-foot ceilings, and there are draught-preventing double-paned vinyl windows throughout the property, as well as distinctive tile flooring. The home’s features include a steam shower off the master bedroom, a sunken family room with a floor-to-ceiling Squamish stone fireplace, stainless steel appliances and undermount sinks. As well, there’s a 24-by-23-foot southern-exposed concrete deck with sweeping city views, a solar-powered remote-controlled gate that opens to a paved parking area and double-car garage, and pressure-treated cedar gambrel siding. The property sits on a 37-by-122-foot lot and according to agent John Conte, the 3,400-square-foot house is larger than what would be permitted with current bylaws.

1115 Cloverley St., North Vancouver

Type: 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom detached
Size: 2,421 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2011: $647,000
Listed for: $699,000
Sold for: $732,000
Sold on: Nov. 14
Days on market: 7
Listing agent: Helen Grant at RE/MAX Crest Realty
Buyers agent: Sarina Lui at Angell Hasman & Assoc. Realty

The big sell: Listing agent Helen Grant reports that she had 70 people through her first – and only — open house, with offers presented the following evening. The result? An unconditional offer of $33,000 over the asking price. Two of the major attractions of this rancher must be the views that encompass Vancouver’s harbour and Ironworkers Memorial Bridge, and the location in the family-friendly Calverhall area, which enjoys trails and proximity to Brooksbank elementary, Sutherland secondary, and the Park and Tilford Shopping Centre. The 1955 home has hardwood floors, two wood-burning fireplaces, and a new fenced front yard and paved driveway. The convenience factor includes a sundeck off the kitchen, three good-sized bedrooms on the main floor and a one-bedroom guest suite or mortgage-helper on the lower level. As well, there’s a 26-by-12-foot family/recreation room, a den, a 19-by-5-foot laundry room, ample storage, and a 7,000-square-foot lot.

3240 143A St., Surrey

Type: 6-bedroom, 5-bathroom detached
Size: 5,100 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2011: $1.244 million
Listed for: $1.499 million
Sold for: $1.46 million
Sold on: Oct. 30
Days on market: 89
Listing agent: Mike Grahame at Home life Benchmark Realty
Buyers agent: John Grauer at Macdonald Realty Westmar

The big sell: Property experts always say location is key, and the builders of this 2004 home in South Surrey’s Elgin Estates must have had that in mind as they took advantage of a cul-de-sac location, a sunny south exposure, and a private fenced back yard adjacent to a greenbelt. This custom-built three-level home has a soaring entryway, and an open design that allows for plenty of natural light. There is wide-plank flooring throughout the main and upper floors, extensive use of crown moulding and window casings, and a spacious kitchen with granite countertops and bespoke cabinetry. The master bedroom is 20 by 14 feet with a spa-like ensuite, and views of the landscaped garden. The second bedroom also has an ensuite and all four upstairs bedrooms have walk-in closets. The property has a full basement that contains two further bedrooms, a rec room and a wet bar.

For the full story, please click on Real estate sales in Burnaby, North Vancouver and Surrey.

Compiled by Nicola Way of BestHomesBC.com and AssignmentsCanada.ca.

Realtors – send your recent sales to nicola@besthomesbc.com
© Copyright (c) The Vancouver Sun

My real estate column in last weekend’s Vancouver Sun featured property sales in Vancouver, property sales in Burnaby, property sales in West Vancouver, and property sales in Whistler.

Vancouver Sun January 15, 2011

Vancouver
4588 West 2nd Avenue

Type: 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom detached
Size: 4,096 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2011: $4.542 million
Listed for: $4.998 million
Sold for: $4.958 million
Sold on: Dec. 17
Days on market: 36
Listing agent: Karin Smith at RE/MAX Select Properties
Buyers agent: Bryan Yan at Regent Park Realty Inc.

The big sell: This brownstone property with distinctive arched windows has a reverse floor plan, with the kitchen, living and dining rooms upstairs to take full advantage of the stunning water, mountain and city views. The building was completed in 2007 and the original purchasers bought it during the early stages of construction so they could upgrade and customize the design to their own requirements. Their wish list is impressive, and includes an oak-lined elevator to service all three floors, a temperature-controlled wine room, vaulted coffered ceilings, custom cabinetry, leaded-glass windows, white oak hardwood floors, a media room with Dolby surround sound and a rooftop deck with 360-degree views.

Burnaby
47 — 7428 Southwynde Avenue

Type: 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom townhouse
Size: 1,012 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2011: $406,000
Listed for: $418,800
Sold for: $425,000
Sold on: Nov. 12
Days on market: 6
Listing agent: Brian Vidas at Sutton Centre Realty
Buyers agent: Selina Mak at Multiple Realty Limited

The big sell: According to listing agent Brian Vidas, the main draws of this five-year-old townhouse in Adera’s Ledgestone complex were its location at the end of the building, its greenbelt outlook, and its private 300-square-foot rooftop patio. The three-level home comes with two parking stalls, and features an interior with new designer paint colours, dark shaker kitchen cabinets with black appliances, an electric fireplace, a walk-in closet, and a large bay window in the living room to frame the view of trees and parks on Burnaby’s south slope. The property’s appeal meant it sold with multiple offers before the first open house.

West Vancouver
1429 19th Street

Type: 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom detached
Size: 2,713 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2011: $1.13 million
Listed for: $1.799 million
Sold for: $1.75 million
Sold on: Oct 17
Days on market: 174
Listing agent: Mark Stephenson at Prudential Sussex Realty
Buyers agent: Elaine Benson at RE/MAX All Points Realty

The big sell: This architecturally designed home is a winner for food and drink enthusiasts. The kitchen is an entertainer’s delight, with an open-plan design that incorporates the dining and living rooms and ensures the cook is part of the conversation. It features a central island complete with gas range, oven and stainless steel extractor hood, bespoke cabinetry, a breakfast bar, and sliding glass doors leading to a deck that has ample room for summer dinners. The main floor features a wine room to showcase favourite bottles and the basement has a cellar to house the surplus.

Whistler
1 — 4100 Whistler Way

Type: 4-bedroom, 5-bathroom townhouse
Size: 2,315 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2011: $1.192 million
Listed for: $1.799 million
Sold for: $1.7123 million
Sold on: Nov 25
Days on market: 178
Listing agent: Ursula Morel at Sea to Sky Premier Properties
Buyers agent: Eugene Knoedler at RE/MAX Progroup Realty

The big sell: The owners of this Whistler townhouse will never be short of space — or house guests — as the property can sleep 13 and has an eight-person hot tub on the deck overlooking the ski trail. It is in a prime ski in/ski out position at the base of Whistler Mountain, next to the Westin Resort and Spa. Features include a wood-burning fireplace, heated floors, skylights, six televisions, a private garage, plenty of storage space, two washing machines, two dryers, an additional fridge/freezer, and an extra large water tank.

Compiled by Nicola Way of BestHomesBC.com and AssignmentsCanada.ca.

Realtors – send your recent sales to nicola@besthomesbc.com
© Copyright (c) The Vancouver Sun

Read more: Recent real estate sales in Vancouver, Burnaby, West Vancouver and Whistler.

My real estate column in last weekend’s Vancouver Sun featured property sales in North Vancouver, property sales in Burnaby, property sales in West Vancouver and property sales in Parksville.

Vancouver Sun November 27, 2010

North Vancouver
508 St Georges Ave

Type: 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom townhouse
Size: 1,515 sq.ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2010: $502,000
Listed for: $624,999
Sold for: $606,500
Sold on: Sept 14
Days on market: 35
Listing agent: Rob Montgomerie at RE/MAX Crest Realty
Buyers agent: Joanne Renfer at Prudential Sussex Realty

The big sell: This 1940s Art Deco-style house had been built on a large lot in the lower Lonsdale neighbourhood before it was moved to the corner of the property in 1998 by a developer, with townhouses constructed around it. The original home was then gutted and converted into two townhouses. This property is half of the original house, and has some of the early features, including hardwood floors, curved leaded-glass windows and a rooftop deck with views of downtown Vancouver. Modern touches include a custom-built kitchen and renovated bathrooms

Burnaby
44 – 9229 University Crescent

Type: 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom townhouse
Size: 1,094 sq.ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2010: $342,000
Listed for: $419,000
Sold for: $410,000
Sold on: Sept 28
Days on market: 29
Listing agent: Robert Crowe at RE/ MAX Real Estate Services
Buyers agent: Simon Lin at RE/MAX Central

The big sell: This townhouse was built in 2006 in the burgeoning UniverCity community at SFU. Part of Polygon’s Serenity development, it features a practical layout with both bedrooms upstairs, and a main floor with high ceilings that add height to the already spacious reception rooms. The unit has been painted in contemporary colours throughout, and has laminate hardwood floors, a “floating” electric fireplace and a kitchen with stainless steel appliances and double sink that opens to the dining room. Serenity is one block from the new University Highlands elementary school and a five-minute walk to SFU.

West Vancouver
1129 Kings Avenue

Type: 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom detached
Size: 1,880 sq.ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2010: $945,700
Listed for: $999,900
Sold for: $960,000
Sold on: Sept 23
Days on market: 7
Listing agent: Karen Wille at Prudential Sussex Realty
Buyers agent: Amy Peng Lu at Coldwell Banker Westburn Realty

The big sell: According to listing agent Karen Wille, the value of this property was mainly in the land, although the house has tenants and brings in a $2,200 a month. The home’s attraction to investors? It is on a 55-by-120-foot level lot, with view potential, in the heart of Ambleside, one of West Vancouver’s most popular neighbourhoods, and is within walking distance to schools, shops and the beach. Making it even more appealing was the fact that an oil tank had been removed — with permits — and that there had been some updates, including a new furnace, hot water tank, roof, and kitchen appliances, which rendered it suitable as a holding property.

Parksville
590/600 Church Road

Type: 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom, detached
Size: 3,058 sq.ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2010: $453,215
Listed for: $2.55 million
Sold for: $2.1 million
Sold on: Oct 25
Days on market: 793
Listing agent: John and Teresa Sandiford at Royal LePage Parksville Qualicum Beach Realty
Buyers agent: Marc Fortin at Coldwell Banker Premier Realty

The big sell: This is the perfect property for those looking for a country home, acreage and an established business. With 99 acres of farmland close to the heart of Parksville, the property was sold together with a hay sales business, a horse accessories retail store, and the associated equipment and outbuildings. The house was built for a family. It has an open-plan dining and kitchen area, a separate living room with a fireplace, and sliding doors to a large deck overlooking the garden and pasture. The B.C. Assessment value classifies this listing as a farm property, with an explanation that the value is “artificially low”.

Compiled by Nicola Way of BestHomesBC.com and AssignmentsCanada.ca.

Realtors – send your recent sales to nicola@besthomesbc.com
© Copyright (c) The Vancouver Sun

Read more: Recent real estate sales in North Vancouver, Burnaby, West Vancouver and Parksville