This studio condo for sale in the Time tower in North Vancouver represents a great investment property especially with the new shipbuilding contract that has been awarded to BC and will create employment around the Lonsdale area. The home has no rental restrictions and could provide a solid income.

This condo was previously rented furnished for $1750 per month and is on the market for sale at $299,900.

What you get is a sunny SouthEast-facing balcony with water and city views. A unique studio layout with a separate private sleeping area with two closets, a gas fireplace, insuite laundry, a huge bathroom, an open concept kitchen with gas stove and built-in microwave.

Concierge service. 1 parking & storage. Pets and rentals allowed. Balance of 2/5/10 warranty. 5 minute stroll to Lonsdale Quay market and seabus service to downtown. John Braithwaite Community Centre, chic restaurants, coffee shops and boutique shopping all just steps away.

For further information please see Condo for sale in Lonsdale or contact the listing Realtor, Dale McGauran of RE/MAX Select Properties 778-881-8392.

My real estate column in the Vancouver Sun featured property sales in downtown Vancouver, Kitsilano and North Vancouver.

Vancouver Sun January 14th, 2012

1704 – 550 Taylor Street, Vancouver

Type: 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment
Size: 785 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2012: $498,000
Listed for: $499,000
Sold for: $490,000
Sold on: Nov. 30
Days on market: 42
Listing agent: Natalia Antosh at HomeLife Benchmark Realty
Buyers agent: Seth Baker at Royal LePage Westside

The big sell: Chinatown, with its unique Vancouver heritage, has a growing interest among buyers who enjoy the eclectic neighbourhood and access to downtown. Buyer’s agent Seth Baker reports that his clients grew up in the area, and having witnessed its ongoing evolution, were looking to return. This corner unit in the Taylor building impressed them with its 17th-floor panoramic vistas over Chinatown, the docks and the North Shore. In fact, every window has a view. Since its construction in 2005, the home had been totally redone with an upscale kitchen, track lighting and concrete floors. The dining room was built to entertain, with 7-by-17-foot dimensions that will accommodate “house-sized” furniture. There is a den, separate storage both inside and outside the apartment, and parking. The SkyTrain, Costco, Andy Livingstone Park, and Tinseltown are all within walking distance.

305 — 1425 Cypress Street, Vancouver

Type: 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment
Size: 700 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2012: $392,500
Listed for: $409,000
Sold for: $410,000
Sold on: Dec. 5
Days on market: 6
Listing agent: Pamela Smith at Macdonald Realty
Buyers agent: Amanda Crosby at RE/MAX Select Properties

The big sell: Properties that come on the market in the Kits point neighbourhood usually attract attention because of their proximity to the beach, downtown and the amenities on Fourth Avenue. Listing agent Pamela Smith reports that the first — and only — open house that she held for this loft-style condo was packed with potential purchasers. A multiple-offer situation resulted in an accepted, subject-free bid slightly over the asking price. In addition to the location of the home, the main attraction was in the renovated interior. It has wall-to-wall California closets in the 14-by-17-foot mezzanine bedroom, two skylights, a remodelled bathroom with an extra-large soaker tub, undermount sinks, granite countertops, an open-plan kitchen with a centre island that also houses an electric fireplace built into the end-facing living room, a walk-in pantry, and new hardwood flooring and carpet throughout. The building is pet- and rental-friendly.

1159 West Keith Road, North Vancouver

Type: 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom detached
Size: 4,587 sq. ft.
BC Assessment, 2012: $1.123 million
Listed for: $1.188 million
Sold for: $1.125 million
Sold on: Dec. 14
Days on market: 78
Listing agent: Karim Virani at Virani Real Estate Advisors
Buyers agent: Carole Yang at Sutton Group – West Coast Realty

The big sell: This impressive Pemberton Heights view property was built in 1983 and renovated in 2007, presenting the owners with accommodation that can suit any living situation. The four levels hold a plethora of bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as two kitchens, a family room, office, storage room and separate living and dining areas, all finished to exacting standards. The uppermost floor has a modern open-concept kitchen with stainless steel appliances and custom cabinetry. The southern exposure and multiple decks ensure that all occupants can enjoy the views and the garden on the 50-by-126-foot lot. With a potential rental income of $5,000-plus per month, this could be a good investment opportunity. Pemberton Heights is an area of North Vancouver east of Capilano Road and south of the Trans-Canada Highway, with easy access to Lions Gate Bridge and numerous schools, parks and trails.

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

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 Surrey, and property sales in North Vancouver.

Vancouver Sun October 22nd, 2011

843 Union Street, Vancouver

Type: 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom detached
Size: 2,535 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2011: $815,000
Listed for: $1.075 million
Sold for: $1.05 million
Sold on: Aug. 22
Days on market: 7
Listing agent: Stephen Burke at Sutton Group – West Coast Realty
Buyer’s agent: Geoff Jarman at Sutton Group – West Coast Realty

The big sell: This heritage home in the heart of Vancouver’s Strathcona neighbourhood was purchased in 1999 for $335,000 and recently fetched more than $1 million.According to listing agent Stephen Burke, the house – it dates to 1908 — is in need of some work, but the character of the property and the location on the tree-lined Adanac bike path and opposite the Union Market were a winning combination. The three-level home sits on a high 25-by-122-foot lot and features wood floors, a large front parlour with a gas fireplace, an office/library, a country-style kitchen with eating area and gas stove, skylights and nine-foot, six-inch ceilings on the main floor. As well, it has a renovated bathroom with a two-person bathtub, a two-bedroom in-law or guest suite in the basement and a private mature garden that is overlooked by a rear deck.There are many single-family homes in the area, which is a five-minute drive to downtown.

1206 – 138 East Esplanade, North Vancouver

Type: 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment
Size: 626 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2011: $388,000
Listed for: $429,000
Sold for: $410,000
Sold on: Aug. 16
Days on market: 27
Listing agent: Tyler MacDonald at Century 21 In Town Realty
Buyer’s agent: Jay McInnes at Macdonald Realty

The big sell: Buying a home that is affiliated to a hotel can pay dividends, especially when residents have access to the hotel’s amenities — as is the case with this condo in the Premiere at the Pier building. The hotel in question is the Pinnacle, which features a five-lane indoor swimming pool, a Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, and fully equipped exercise room. This unit takes in panoramic southwesterly views of the water, city and the North Shore mountains. It has an open floor plan with white oak hardwood floors, central air conditioning, an electric fireplace, stainless-steel appliances, granite countertops and a balcony. The revitalization of this area four years ago transformed the neighbourhood from a shipyard site into a bustling community, and provided access to this portion of the city’s waterfront for the first time in 100 years. The location is close to the SeaBus, shopping, and eateries in what is now known as Lolo – the Lower Lonsdale area.

19341 0 Ave., Surrey

Type: 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom detached
Size: 3,205 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2011: $1,213,700
Listed for: $1,849,900
Sold for: $1.6 million
Sold on: Aug. 18
Days on market: 98
Listing agent: Bruce Copp at Sutton Group – West Coast Realty
Buyer’s agent: Brent Silzer at Sutton Group – West Coast Realty

The big sell: You cannot get much closer to the U.S. than this property on 0 Avenue in Surrey. Although neighbours to the south would be impressed if they could see this home, it is hidden from view via a winding driveway that is lined with tall cedar trees. It was built in 1971 in a traditional West Coast style that comprises split cedar, glass and vaulted ceilings. The interior is modern with tiled floors, a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, a 24-by-12-foot chef’s kitchen, media room, solarium, wine room, library and a 1,200-square-foot deck. With five acres to enjoy, there is plenty of room for a horse barn, pastures, and a guest cottage with a fireplace and view of the mountains. One of the most enticing features of the property is the lush vegetation that surrounds the home. It includes mature flower gardens, a pond and waterfall, and a variety of birds attracted by the flora.

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

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 Richmond, property sales in West Vancouver, property sales in North Vancouver and property sales in Windermere and Castlegar.

Vancouver Sun July 9th, 2011

4280 Craigflower Drive, Richmond

Type: 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom detached
Size: 2,574 sq. ft.
BC Assessment, 2011: $912,000
Listed for: $1.189 million
Sold for: $1.189 million
Sold on: May 11
Days on market: 2
Listing agent: Helen Pettipiece at Sutton Group – Seafair Realty
Buyers’ agent: Julie Wei at Macdonald Realty Westmar

The big sell: According to listing agent Helen Pettipiece, this family home had been lovingly cared for by the initial owner and was in its original 1979 condition except for the addition of a new roof 10 years ago. It has an outdoor swimming pool that three generations have enjoyed over the years, large reception rooms, a covered patio, a two-car garage, and a southwesterly aspect. One of the clinchers for the buyers was the opportunity-producing 70-by-121-foot lot. The other appealing factor was the location: Richmond’s popular Boyd Park neighbourhood is close to West Richmond Community Centre, Seafair shopping centre, schools, transportation and the pitch and putt golf course. As is the current trend with homes in desirable locations on large lots, this property will be demolished to make way for a new home.

1208 Gordon Ave, West Vancouver

Type: 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom detached
Size: 4,072 sq. ft.
BC Assessment, 2011: $1.966 million
Listed for: $2.495 million
Sold for: $2.7 million
Sold on: May 18
Days on market: 2 Listing agent: Tom Hassan at Prudential Sussex Realty
Buyers’ agent: Jenny He at Royal Pacific Realty Corp.

The big sell: This three-level custombuilt Ambleside home was designed with the family in mind. It has a spacious open floor plan on the main floor, complete with a gourmet kitchen with pantry, a den, living and dining rooms, an entrance hall, and a walkout deck. The upper level has a master bedroom with ensuite and features cathedral ceilings and a private balcony with panoramic views of Lions Gate Bridge, Vancouver’s skyline, the inner harbour and islands to the west. The lower floor contains a recreation room, a games room, and the fifth bedroom. There are topof-the-line finishings throughout, a two-car attached garage, and the yard is level and private. The property is situated just blocks from Ridgeview Elementary and West Van Secondary schools, and the waterfront at Ambleside.

4356 Quinton Place, North Vancouver

Type: 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom detached
Size: 1,350 sq. ft.
BC Assessment, 2011: $1.0048 million
Listed for: $889,800
Sold for: $1.105,000
Sold on: May 9
Days on market: 5 Listing agent: Alan Vlemmiks at Sutton Group – West Coast Realty
Buyers’ agent: Dave Watt at Royal LePage Northshore

The big sell: There were 13 bids on the first weekend of showing for this 1960s rancher in the Canyon Heights subdivision, with four that were more than $100,000 over asking. The winning bid came in at $200,000 over the listed price. What generated such a response? Listing agent Alan Vlemmiks explains that the property was listed under the assessed value to generate fast interest with offers instructed to be made immediately after the open house. Several builders were interested in the 72-by-110-foot lot in an area where new homes are replacing old, but so were families attracted by the home’s charm with original wide plank hardwood flooring, a private courtyard, a 400-square-foot detached garage, and proximity to schools and the Capilano Road feeder.

4827 Holland Creek Ridge Rd., Windermere

Type: 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom detached
Size: 2,926 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2011: $783,000
Listed for: $750,000
Sold for: $700,000
Sold on: May 21 Days on market: 37
Listing agent: Glenn Pomeroy at Maxwell Realty Invermere
Buyer’s agent: Glenn Pomeroy at Maxwell Realty Invermere

The big sell: According to agent Glenn Pomeroy, the location of Windermere in the East Kootenays makes it particularly attractive to Albertans looking for second homes. This property in the Lakeview Meadows complex is set up for a turnkey operation. It comes fully furnished with a low-maintenance yard, and has air conditioning, a hot tub, a comprehensive security system, and an oversized garage that has room for all the toys, as well as the car. There are large, bright rooms spread over three levels and a choice of decks from which to savour the mountain views. Having an easy-care home means that more time can be spent on the private beach, on the lake, or in the nearby recreation centre, which houses an indoor swimming pool.

3729 Powell Rd., Castlegar

Type: 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom detached
Size: 3,173 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2011: $157,000
Listed for: $494,900
Sold for: $498,894
Sold on: May 27
Days on market: 49
Listing agent: Simon Laurie at Castlegar Realty Ltd.
Buyer’s agent: Carmen Harris at Castlegar Realty Ltd.

The big sell: This is a custom-designed spec home in a new residential development, which has been recently completed with bespoke finishing and quality construction throughout. It is located on a 0.45-acre lot with outstanding Columbia River views that can be admired from the wall of picture windows, the expansive vaulted deck, and from the private window next to the soaker tub in the master ensuite. The floor plan is spacious and practical, with the main living area conducted on one floor, but with a fully finished walkout basement that could contain guests or a growing family. As stated on the B.C. Assessment website, the assessed value represents the property when it contained a general purpose shed.

For the full story, please click on Real estate sales in Richmond, West Vancouver and North Vancouver and Real estate sales in Windermere and Castlegar

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

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

Chinese investors are grabbing everything from US$68,000 foreclosed condominiums in Florida to US$2-million beachfront villas in Vietnam, a buying spree fueled by China’s surging wealth that mirrors the country’s expanding influence in markets for gold, oil and food. The search for overseas property accelerated in the past seven months as the governments in Hong Kong and Beijing imposed purchasing and financing limits, steps that are starting to cool off domestic markets.

Buyers from China have come to international property investing much later than their counterparts in Hong Kong, who are wealthier and have a more easily convertible currency.

“The purchase restrictions in China drove them overseas, while they look for investments to counter the inflation,” said Mo Tianquan, founder and chairman of Beijing-based SouFun Holdings Ltd., which runs China’s biggest real estate website and organizes buying excursions abroad. “Some of them will buy homes considering better education opportunities for their kids, while others look for immigration options.”

Full the full article, please see Chinese on global homebuying spree.

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

Vancouver Sun March 12, 2011

2028 Mahon Avenue
North Vancouver

Type: 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom detached
Size: 2,973 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2011: $1.195 million
Listed for: $1.088 million
Sold for: $1.088 million
Sold on: Jan. 22
Days on market: 2
Listing agent: Mark Ballard at RE/MAX Masters Realty
Buyers agent: Christopher Rivers and Fioretta Wilinofsky at Sutton Group – West Coast Realty

The big sell: A double bonus for the buyers of this Craftsman-style property in the Central Lonsdale district is that they get a one-year old house without the additional cost of the HST. Built by Noort Homes, it has an idyllic setting, backing on to Wagg Creek Park. The home has been beautifully finished with hardwood flooring, extensive moulding detail and a gourmet kitchen. It also has a fully finished basement, which has a recreation room and games room, as well as a fenced, landscaped yard. According to listing agent Mark Ballard, there were six scheduled showings before the first open house; it was at one of these that the buyers offered the asking price to avoid a potential multiple-offer situation.

764 East 56th Avenue
Vancouver

Type: 6-bedroom, 5-bathroom detached
Size: 2,220 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2011: $846,000
Listed for: $974,800
Sold for: $972,000
Sold on: Jan. 23
Days on market: 6
isting agent: Charan Kamal Pannu at RS Westside Realty
Buyers agent: Andrew Ngai at Amex Broadway West Realty

The big sell: To say that the floor plan has been well utilized in this eightyear-old Fraser Street-area property is an understatement: the upper floor contains three bedrooms, a 20-by-11foot living room and a 17-by-11-foot kitchen. Because the property has a 37-foot frontage, there is also space for a family room and nook. The main floor has three bedrooms, a recreation room, two kitchens, and a living room that could double as a seventh bedroom -all of which equals opportunities for rental income. Other features include energy efficient windows -perfect for a budget-conscious owner -three skylights, a heated garage, views of Richmond from the covered patio, and a fully fenced, south-facing backyard. It sold in under a week, trouncing its B.C. Assessment value by more than $125,000.

3399 Puget Drive
Vancouver

Type: 6-bedroom, 5-bathroom detached
Size: 3,659 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2011: $2.064 million
Listed for: $2.699 million
Sold for: $2.699 million
Sold on: Jan. 19
Days on market: 7
Listing agent: Caroline Hong at RE/ MAX Select Properties
Buyers agent: Sue Johnson and Sarah Thompson at Dexter Associates Realty

The big sell: The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver reported that February saw the average benchmark price of Vancouver westside detached homes shoot up by $222,000 to $1.85 million. Surpassing that figure is this newly renovated 1993 property in the Arbutus/ Mackenzie Heights neighbourhood. Adding further attraction are the city and mountain views, an open floor plan with 10-foot ceilings, a doubleheight foyer, a family room with custom cabinetry, a kitchen with central island containing an additional sink and a master bedroom with gas fireplace and private balcony. There is also a basement with two bedrooms, a living room, laundry and sauna. Topping it off is the 50-by-122-foot lot -it’s a gardener’s dream, with a southwest-exposed rear garden and built-in sprinkler system -and the triple-car garage.

103 -47 Rivermount Place
Fernie

Type: 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom townhouse
Size: 2,322 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2011: $576,000
Listed for: $599,000
Sold for: $590,000
Sold on: Jan. 16
Days on market: 246
Listing agent: Marilyn Brock at Century 21 Maximum Realty
Buyers agent: Marilyn Brock at Century 21 Maximum Realty

The big sell: According to agent Marilyn Brock, this three-storey chalet is one of the largest and most luxurious of the properties currently for sale at Pinnacle Ridge Resort. The homes include an open-plan great room, slate radiant floor heating, a gourmet kitchen, granite countertops, cherry wood cabinetry and stainless steel appliances. Leading off the dining room is a deck with room for a hot tub from which to enjoy the views of Fernie’s mountains and ski runs. The master bedroom suite has a spa-like ensuite and jetted bathtub, and a loft/seating area complete with fireplace. The buyers of this property have the option to purchase a designer furniture, hot tub and household package.

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

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 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

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

Vancouver Sun November 13, 2010

North Vancouver
302 East 19th Street

Type: 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom detached
Size: 2,374 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment 2010: $606,100
Listed for: $949,900
Sold for: $950,000
Sold on: Sept. 18
Days on market: 3
Listing agent: Ina Ervin at Sotheby’s International Realty Canada
Buyers agent: Terry Sidhu at United Realty RCK & Associates

The big sell: This 1913 heritage house has an interesting background: The sellers bought the lot in 2000 and subdivided it. They then lifted the house, moved it eight feet, added a new foundation and roof to both the house and garage, and in 2005 undertook substantial renovations to the inside. The result? An open-concept living space with new oak and refurbished fir floors, solid maple kitchen cabinets, granite countertops, claw-foot bathtubs, California closets and custom craftsmanship throughout. French doors lead to a private deck that overlooks a landscaped garden with a pond and water feature. A one-bedroom, self-contained basement suite provides a mortgage-helper.

Vancouver
4278 West 9th Avenue

Type: 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom detached
Size: 3,406 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment 2010: $1.6565 million
Listed for: $2.288 million
Sold for: $2.38 million
Sold on: Aug. 29
Days on market: 7
Listing agent: Merideth Schutter at RE/ MAX Select Properties
Buyers agent: Merideth Schutter at RE/ MAX Select Properties

The big sell: This is a home that appears to expertly combine styles, where character-meets-contemporary architecture and produces the best of both. The peaked roof at the front covers a sequence of Frank Lloyd Wrightinspired windows that flood the property with light. The interior has been decorated in white or pale tones that reflect and maximize the light coming through — no mean feat in a city that contends with so many grey, rain-filled days. An abundance of colour is provided by a well-established south-facing rear garden on a 55-by-115-foot lot and provides the potential to expand the footprint of the house. The property is close to Trimble Park, schools, shopping and transportation and sold over the asking price in one week.

Vancouver
5991 Walter Gage Road

Type: 1-bedroom, 2-bathroom townhouse
Size: 815 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment 2010: $437,000
Listed for: $534,900
Sold for: $520,000
Sold on: Aug. 4
Days on market: 24
Listing agent: Carol Wagner at Prudential Sussex Realty
Buyers agent: Colette Gerber at RE/ MAX Select Properties

The big sell: This two-level townhouse was built in Bastion’s Corus development in 2007 in a quiet neighbourhood on UBC’s campus. The building includes an on-site concierge, secure underground parking and additional storage. The unit contains more than $20,000 in upgrades, with such items as limestone flooring, a wall-hung flat-screen TV and a built-in Miele coffee maker. The kitchen features an eating bar, gas range, stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. There is also a private south-facing patio with a barbecue gas hook-up. According to buyers’ agent Colette Gerber, the draw of these homes is their proximity to the university, as well as the aquatic centre, golf course, beaches and shopping.

Summerland
15005 Vanderburgh Avenue

Type: 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom detached
Size: 2,506 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment 2010: $505,000
Listed for: $470,000
Sold for: $455,000
Sold on: Sept. 27
Days on market: 142
Listing agent: Raymond Maaske at Home Star Realty
Buyers agent: Penny Morrison at Royal LePage Locations West Realty

The big sell: Sitting on 1.14 acres in a prime fruit-growing region of the Okanagan, this home has been extensively remodelled, with changes reflected in the windows, cherry wood floor, roof, slate-floor deck, gas furnace, heat pump, electricity, water heater, carpet, paintwork, tiling, insulation, kitchen appliances — and even the new ride-on lawn mower. The home has three levels, with a family room, laundry and storage in the basement and a detached garage/workshop outside. The kids will be kept busy in the cedar playhouse and guests can be housed in the self-contained 20-by-15-foot cottage.

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, Vancouver and Summerland

Just listed on BestHomesBC.com is a one-bedroom plus den condo for sale in The Legend development in North Vancouver. This would be a Great Starter Home or Fantastic Investment Property. This bright and sunny, 673 sq.ft. unit is South facing with a wonderful, private outlook over the natural green outdoor space. The features of this well-kept home include 9-foot ceilings, new laminate floors and a new dishwasher. Additionally, this home also features insuite laundry, a gas fireplace, 1 parking stall and 1 storage locker.

This pet and rental friendly building is located only a short walk from all the amenities at Parkgate Village and close to Deep Cove. The area features lots of hiking and biking trails, 2 golf courses and only a short drive to Mt. Seymour.

What more can you ask for – A great home at a great price.

Please follow this link, North Vancouver condo for sale in The Legend, to view the property’s details and to contact the Realtor, Dale McGauran of RE/MAX Select Properties, directly.