My real estate column in last weekend’s Vancouver Sun featured property sales in Kitsilano, property sales in Richmond, and property sales in Coquitlam.

Vancouver Sun November 12th, 2011

403 – 2475 York Ave., Vancouver

Type: 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment
Size: 1,087 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2011: $768,000
Listed for: $799,900
Sold for: $950,000
Sold on: Sept. 20
Days on market: 13
Listing agent: Spice Lucks at RE/MAX Real Estate Services
Buyers agent: Jane Donnelly at Macdonald Realty Kerrisdale

The big sell: The latest report from the Greater Vancouver Real Estate Board depicts a more balanced housing market compared to October 2010: the number of properties listed has increased, but sales have declined. However, the benchmark price for the past 12 months has risen by 7.5 per cent on the back of sales such as this Kitsilano condo, which fetched $150,000 over the asking price. The reasons behind this particular price hike? A picture-perfect Kitsilano vantage point with an exposure that showcases ocean, city and mountain views from a top-floor, corner unit that has two private patios, including one that is 700 square feet. The interior has generously proportioned rooms — making it ideal for “up-sizers” or “downsizers” — as well as hardwood floors, a natural gas fireplace and in-suite laundry. The home comes with two parking spots, a storage locker and a prime location close to West Fourth Avenue and the beach.

732 Sydney Ave., Coquitlam

Type: 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom, detached
Size: 3,796 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2011: $726,000
Listed for: $1.438 million
Sold for: $1.435 million
Sold on: Sept. 15
Days on market: 32
Listing agent: Marla Murati at Sutton Group — West Coast Realty
Buyers agent: Hedy Ting at RE/MAX City Realty

The big sell: This house in the Coquitlam neighbourhood of the Vancouver Golf Course was built in 1960 on a 10,000-square-foot lot. However, a complete redesign of the property was undertaken this year: the home was taken back to the studs and foundation, rebuilt and extended. This capitalized on the solid bones of the structure, but enabled modern high-end finishing to be carried out to current building codes. In this case, that saw a new roof, insulation, drywall, plumbing, heating, electrical and air conditioning installed. The interior has clean lines and contemporary touches with hardwood flooring throughout, sliding glass doors that open to a covered patio, and a kitchen with a grand island, solid wood cabinets, CaesarStone countertops and commercial grade stainless steel Thermador appliances. The bathrooms has floor-to-ceiling Italian marble and glass tiles. The garden is well-manicured, and there is an attached double garage.

9233 Ferndale Rd., Richmond

Type: 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment

Size: 1,046 sq. ft.

B.C. Assessment, 2011: $445,000

Listed for: $450,000

Sold for: $450,000

Sold on: Sept. 15

Days on market: 1

Listing agent: Harris First at Macdonald Realty Westmar

Buyers agent: Eric Kong at Royal Pacific Realty Corp.

The big sell: According to listing agent Harris First, this three-bedroom condo in Richmond’s Red 2 development sold within hours, with the buyer making an offer sight unseen. To ensure the best price for their home, the sellers had been diligent in preparing the property: The carpets had been shampooed, the bathroom vents and some of the kitchen appliances had been replaced. The interior had also been repainted and the sellers had vacated the property, thereby presenting a home in move-in condition with immediate possession. This penthouse unit has North Shore Mountain views, a south-facing master bedroom, cathedral ceilings in the living room and two parking stalls. Adding to the appeal is the fact that Red 2 allows rentals. Kwantlen Polytechnic University, shopping malls, restaurants and transit are within walking distance.

For the full story, please click on Real estate sales in Kitsilano, Coquitlam and Richmond.

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 Surrey, property sales in Richmond, and property sales in Vancouver.

Vancouver Sun October 29th, 2011

3337 164A St., Surrey

Type: 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom detached
Size: 5,052 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2011: $1.289 million
Listed for: $1.549 million
Sold for: $1.455 million
Sold on: Aug. 21
Days on market: 32
Listing agent: Monica Lee and Tracey Muter at Royal LePage — Coronation Park
Buyer’s agent: Summer Lin at Sutton Group — West Coast Realty

The big sell: One of the finest features of this custom-designed Morgan Creek house is the craftsmanship that gives the home a natural elegance. Wainscotting and heavy mouldings in each of the principal rooms combine with rich, dark-stained walnut hardwood and natural slate stone flooring, creating a seamless flow throughout the home. There are floor-to-ceiling built-in cabinets surrounding the fireplace in the family room, an arched doorway that leads to the living room, and a bespoke kitchen that showcases antique finished cabinetry, an entertainment-sized island and a separate butler’s pantry with plenty of storage. The basement has two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and a 21-by-26-foot recreation room that has space for a billiards table and a wet bar. There are plenty of entertaining options outside of the dwelling as well, with a large covered patio containing a seating area and gas fireplace, and an in-ground swimming pool and hot tub.

3813 McKay Place, Richmond

Type: 6-bedroom, 4-bathroom detached
Size: 2,916 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2011: $778,000
Listed for: $928,000
Sold for: $912,000
Sold on: Sept. 12
Days on market: 28
Listing agent: Beth Tioseco at Coldwell Banker Premier Realty
Buyer’s agent: Amal Chebaya at Macdonald Realty

The big sell: According to listing agent Beth Tioseco, the buyers were looking in the Oaks subdivision of Richmond because of its larger homes and proximity to Vancouver. This home in a private, quiet cul-de-sac met their criteria. With almost 3,000 square feet of living space, it is ideal for a large or growing family with a bedroom and three-piece bathroom on the main floor, which could accommodate older occupants. The house was built in 1990 and is brightly accented with skylights and a contemporary décor. The kitchen has ample counter space and is connected to an eating area and a recently-renovated family room. The rest of the bedrooms are upstairs, including a 19-by-15-foot master bedroom with a walk-in closet and an ensuite bathroom with a Jacuzzi. The front and back yards have manicured lawns and flower beds.

3323 Windsor St., Vancouver

Type: 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom townhouse
Size: 1,151 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2011: $N/A
Listed for: $683,900
Sold for: $700,000
Sold on: Aug. 27
Days on market: 67
Listing agent: Mario Felicella at Sutton Group — West Coast Realty
Buyer’s agent: Liana Yap at Sutton Group — West Coast Realty

The big sell: The Nine is a new townhouse development that has been built opposite Charles Dickens elementary school and Sunnyside Park in Vancouver’s Cedar Cottage neighbourhood. The three-level homes have private entryways with marble flooring and vaulted ceilings, gourmet kitchens with stainless-steel appliances (including gas cooktops), European white cabinets and quartz stone countertops. The living and dining rooms have an open-concept design that is enhanced by dark oak hardwood floors, limestone-framed fireplaces, recessed lighting, and built-in wiring for surround sound. The second level features two bedrooms with closet areas, while the master bedroom suite occupies the top floor. The latter has a walk-in closet with organizers, an ensuite bathroom, skylights, and a deck. All three bathrooms have underfloor heating, and all homes have attached garages.

For the full story, please click on Real estate sales in Surrey, Richmond and 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 Port Moody, property sales in North Vancouver and property sales in Silverton.

Vancouver Sun January 8, 2011

Richmond
3620 River Road

Type: detached
Size: 2,951 sq. ft., 5 bed, 4 bath
B.C. Assessment, 2010: $1.269 million
Listed for: $1.998 million
Sold for: $1.99 million
Sold on: Oct 23
Days on market: 79
Listing agent: Ricky Lee at Macdonald Realty Westmar
Buyers agent: Chris Chan at Regent Park Realty Inc.

The big sell: Notable interior-design highlights of this 19-year-old Terra Nova address read like a compendium from a luxury-home magazine. It has a Swarovski crystal chandelier in the dining room, granite flooring in the foyer and at the base of the sweeping staircase and Italian countertops. Other updates are just as impressive, and include a granite-surround gas fireplace, dark walnut hardwood floors in the reception rooms and California shutters throughout the kitchen, as well as bespoke maple cabinetry, high-end stainless-steel appliances (Viking stove, built-in Thermador fridge and Bosch dishwasher), imported light fixtures and a master ensuite with a vaulted ceiling. To complete the picture? A fully hedged, landscaped south-facing back garden and a private balcony from which to enjoy unobstructed water and mountain views.

Port Moody
1201 — 235 Guildford Way

Type: apartment
Size: 1,252 sq. ft., 2 bed, 2 bath
B.C. Assessment, 2010: $475,000
Listed for: $499,900
Sold for: $469,000
Sold on: Oct 24
Days on market: 6
Listing agent: Angele L’Abbe at Sutton Group — West Coast Realty
Buyers agent: Yongwook Lee at Sutton Group — West Coast Realty

The big sell: Among the attractions of Port Moody are the spectacular mountain and ocean vistas; they’re commonly found in Coal Harbour homes, but at a price significantly less than in downtown Vancouver. This condo in the Sinclair building has two bedrooms and a den, and is in Newport Village, at the toe of Burrard Inlet. It features an open-plan layout with dual-aspect windows, ensuring that every room boasts a water view. The kitchen has a large pantry and breakfast bar, and the master bedroom comes with double closets and an ensuite with a deep soaker tub and full-sized shower. There is a corner gas fireplace, in-suite laundry and a large covered balcony. Building amenities include a fitness centre, social lounge, courtyard and on-site caretaker.

North Vancouver
109 — 170 East 3rd Street

Type: apartment
Size: 688 sq. ft., 1 bed, 1 bath
B.C. Assessment, 2010: $224,700
Listed for: $209,000
Sold for: $215,000
Sold on: Oct 15
Days on market: 9
Listing agent: Helen Grant at RE/MAX Crest Realty
Buyers agent: Helen Grant at RE/MAX Crest Realty

The big sell: Snapped up for over the asking price in nine days, this apartment in the Bristol Court building in North Vancouver’s Lower Lonsdale area is near the SeaBus, restaurants, parks and recreation centres. According to agent Helen Grant, the home was marketed primarily to investors, as the property is in need of some modernization. However, the wood-framed building was described as solid, with new plumbing, roof and interior paintwork. Another bonus was that the apartment already had a long-term tenant who wanted to stay; therefore, there was no urgency to find an occupant as soon as the sale was completed.

Silverton
303 Hume

Type: detached
Size: 1,129 sq. ft., 2 bed, 2 bath
B.C. Assessment, 2010: $215,100
Listed for: $234,000
Sold for: $200,000
Sold on: Nov 18
Days on market: 64
Listing agent: Bill Lander at Coldwell Banker Rosling Real Estate
Buyers agent: Bill Lander at Coldwell Banker Rosling Real Estate

The big sell: At the end of the 19th century, miners settled in Silverton, extracting rich deposits of lead and silver from the south face of Idaho Mountain. At the time, Silverton was divided into 25-by-105-foot lots on which homes could be built. Over the years, some of the internal lot lines had been dissolved to create larger parcels of land. This property sits on five of the original town lots and was built in the 1920s. Some renovations are reportedly needed to the building, but its main selling point — in addition to the lot size — was the location on the desirable south side of Silverton and off the highway. The property includes a guest cottage, a detached heated shop/two-bay garage and plenty of storage. Slocan Lake is just a block away.

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 Richmond, Port Moody, North Vancouver and Silverton.