Vancouver Sun October 9, 2010

Vancouver
2107 – 928 Beatty Street

Type: One-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment
Size: 615 sq. ft.
BC Assessment: $361,000
Listed for: $397,700
Sold for: $385,000
Sold on: July 17
Days on market: 39
Listing agent: Linda Hale at Dexter Associates Realty
Buyers agent: Winnie Pak at RE/MAX All Points Realty

The big sell: Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of BC Place, together with water views, from this condo in The Max 1 that has one bedroom and a den. Built in 2005 by Concord Pacific, the building has a comprehensive list of amenities, including 24-hour concierge, a billiards room, party room and theatre. For fitness enthusiasts, there is an indoor swimming pool, fully equipped gym, sauna/steam room and hot tub. A bonus for owners: pets are welcome and so are rentals. This unit is open and bright with a mix of laminate wood flooring and tile, a European-style kitchen with granite countertops, contemporary cabinets with frosted glass doors, a breakfast bar and that cook’s delight – a gas stove. There is good size in-suite storage, an open balcony, parking and an additional storage locker. A great downtown location within walking distance to the library, seawall, SkyTrain, shopping and restaurants.

Langley
#301-5438 198 Street

Type: Two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment
Size: 830 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment: $212,800
Listed for: $225,000
Sold for: $223,000
Sold on: July 29
Days on market: 89
Listing agent: Cindy Wilson at RE/MAX Treeland Realty
Buyers agent: Steve Karrasch at Macdonald Realty Olympic

The big sell: This bright corner condo has an open-plan design and room dimensions similar to some detached homes, with a 16-by-10-foot living room, a kitchen and eating area totalling 20 by 18 feet, and an ample master bedroom. The kitchen has a double sink, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a pantry, a window box and pendant lighting. The unit is situated in the Creekside development, a four-storey building with an attractive stone exterior and a peaked roof over the entrance way. It comes with an electric fireplace, walk-in closet, laundry room, covered parking, balcony and views over the garden, and it is still under the warranty program. The complex overlooks green space and Brydon Creek, and is within walking distance to schools and shopping.

Vancouver
105 — 2161 West 12th Avenue

Type: 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment
Size: 1,151 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment: $641,000
Listed for: $738,000
Sold for: $738,000
Sold on: Aug 6
Days on market: 54
Listing agent: Lester Soo and Henry Fung at Sutton Group – West Coast Realty
Buyers agent: Irene Mandzuk at Royal LePage Northshore

The big sell: This garden level suite is in The Carlings in Kitsilano’s Arbutus Walk neighbourhood features a rare commodity – three bedrooms. It faces northeast on to quiet Salal Drive and is surrounded by lush greenery for complete privacy. The unit was completely renovated in 2009 with finishings that include Italian floor-to-ceiling tile, marble countertops, Philippe Starck toilets, Kallista sinks, Hansgrohe faucets, an ASKO dishwasher and an Elica range hood. There are “his and hers” closets in the master bedroom and espresso-coloured Teragren bamboo flooring throughout. There is enough room for separate living and dining rooms, but if you are thinking that space must be compromised, consider that the sellers fit a baby grand piano in one of the reception rooms.

Bowen Island
871 Valhalla Place

Type: 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom detached
Size: 2,972 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, July 2010: $811,000
Listed for: $899,000
Sold for: $875,000
Sold on: Aug 11
Days on market: 16
Listing agent: David Riddell at Angell Hasman & Associates Realty
Buyers agent: David Riddell at Angell Hasman & Associates Realty

The big sell: Living up to its meaning as a heavenly destination, this custom-built, three-level residence is in the Valhalla district of Bowen Island. A true view property, its outlooks include the ocean, mountains, West Vancouver and UBC. The top floor features open-plan reception rooms, and the living, dining and kitchen have vaulted ceilings. The middle floor contains three bedrooms, including a large master suite with a walk-in closet, ensuite bathroom and two decks. The lowest level has a sizable 18-by-15-foot recreation room with blackout curtains providing a perfect media/TV area. Also on this level are another bedroom with an ensuite and a home office. Built in 2001, the home has maple flooring, a kitchen designed for living and entertaining, and separate areas throughout the property to allow for guests and family.

Read more: Real estate sales in Vancouver, Langley and Bowen Island

Vancouver Sun October 2, 2010

Vancouver
3946 West 30th Avenue

Type: 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom detached
Size: 3,892 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, July 2010: $1.545 million
Listed for: $2.188 million
Sold for: $2.05 million
Sold on: July 30
Days on market: 51
Listing agent: Walter Wells at Sutton Group — West Coast Realty
Buyers agent: Kevin Lai at Royal Pacific Riverside Realty

The big sell: This custom-designed home in Vancouver’s Dunbar neighbourhood was built by the sellers in 1983 in a Frank Lloyd Wright style often found in homes on the bluff overlooking Spanish Banks. It features modern sleek lines, glass block walls, skylights, rounded corners and multiple levels. The home also has vaulted ceilings, an open staircase, a sunken living room and family room and a rooftop deck that offers views over Dunbar’s Douglas firs. It uses solar-powered hot water heating, and has a new cedar roof, deck, blinds and high-efficiency furnace. A loft overlooks the master bedroom, which also has access to an ensuite bathroom complete with Jacuzzi tub. The 50-by-130-foot lot provides ample space for family and is close to St. George’s school and Pacific Spirit park.

Vancouver
2303 – 590 Nicola Street

Type: 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment
Size: 810 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, July 2010: $766,000
Listed for: $839,000
Sold for: $835,000
Sold on: July 13
Days on market: 97
Listing agent: Shaun Kimmins at Century 21 In Town Realty
Buyers agent: Shine Li at RE/MAX Crest Realty Westside

The big sell: Simply put, a quite spectacular view condo in one of Coal Harbour’s most prestigious towers, the Cascina. Situated on the 23rd floor of this waterfront building, the home has far-reaching views that encompass the ocean, mountains, marina and cityscapes framed by floor-to-ceiling windows. The sumptuous interior has a mix of wall-to-wall carpet, tile, and hardwood flooring, adding additional delineation to each room. The living room is a spacious 20 by 13 feet, with a gas fireplace; a den provides a separate work or reading area. The Cascina lays claim to some of the best amenities found in Coal Harbour, with its 24-hour concierge, swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, billiard room, theatre, gym and private Japanese gardens. Pets and rentals are welcome.

New Westminster
1404 – 121 10th Street

Type: 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment
Size: 956 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, July 2010: $267,000
Listed for: $299,800
Sold for: $295,000
Sold on: July 26
Days on market: 7
Listing agent: Brian Vidas at Sutton Centre Realty
Buyers agent: Carol McLintock at Park Georgia Realty Ltd.

The big sell: This 14th-floor condo in the Vista Royale development has been completely renovated with laminate flooring, designer paintwork, updated plugs and switches, new kitchen cabinet doors, simulated granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a new bathroom, french doors and in-suite laundry. The 100-square-foot balcony offers 180-degree views of New Westminster, and the mountains and water can be enjoyed from both bedrooms and the living room. Updates have also recently been undertaken to the exterior of the building with new paint and plumbing. The suite comes with a large storage locker and a double-size parking stall. It is situated conveniently close to all the goodies that New Westminster offers.

Revelstoke
1416 – 2950 Camozzi Road

Type: 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment
Size: 1,166 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, July 2010: $689,000
Listed for: $819,000
Sold for: $819,000
Sold on: Aug 2
Days on market: 300
Listing agent: Emily Beaumont at Sotheby’s International Realty Canada
Buyers agent: Rich Hamilton at Royal LePage Revelstoke

The big sell: The newly built Nelsen Lodge is conveniently situated at the base of the gondola in the heart of Revelstoke Mountain Resort. This fully furnished turnkey property has an enviable list of ski-home accessories: large oversized windows with Monashee mountain vistas, two private balconies, three flat-screen televisions, stainless steel Miele appliances, a Sub-Zero wine fridge, an iPod docking station, and two five-piece ensuites with radiant heated tiles. The home also has a mud room complete with washer and dryer, king-sized beds and a gas fireplace — all housed under nine-foot ceilings. Revelstoke’s well-documented claim to fame is North America’s highest lift-serviced vertical, which presents myriad opportunities and challenges to the recreation enthusiast in both summer and winter.

Read more: Real estate sales in Vancouver, New Westminster and Revelstoke

Vancouver Sun September 25, 2010

Richmond
3120 Bowen Drive

Type: 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom detached
Size: 1,837 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, July 2010: $591,500
Listed for: $699,900
Sold for: $695,000
Sold on: July 19
Days on market: 87
Listing agent: Liz Chapman at One Percent Realty Ltd.
Buyers agent: Linda Robins at One Percent Realty Ltd.

The big sell: This split-level in Richmond’s Quilchena neighbourhood had great curb appeal with flowering trees and shrubs in the front garden. Anyone who stopped in would have discovered the house had a new roof, leaded-glass windows, fresh interior paint, a new high-efficiency furnace, hot water tank and alarm system, and a private southfacing back yard with a patio, deck and additional landscaping. The interior consists of three levels: all three bedrooms upstairs; separate reception rooms leading off a 13-by-five-square-foot entrance hall on the main floor; and a family room, laundry and mud room on the lower level. It is opposite Quilchena Golf Course and close to schools, dike and bike trails and parks and transit.

Vancouver
750 East 38th

Type: 5-bedroom, 2-bathroom detached
Size: 2,063 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, July 2010: $560,500
Listed for: $649,000
Sold for: $658,000
Sold on: July 3
Days on market: 25
Listing agent: Lorne Goldman at Macdonald Realty Ltd.
Buyers agent: J. Paul Toffoli at TRG – The Residential Group Realty

The big sell: Situated just off Fraser, this 1957 rancher sold for $9,000 over the asking price, perhaps in part because of a rare commodity: a basement that is larger than the main floor and which contains an updated three-bedroom suite, a feature that provides an opportunity for the owner to significantly reduce mortgage payments. The home is on a 33-by-122-square-foot lot. The main level has two bedrooms, a spacious living room and electric fireplace, an open kitchen with granite countertops and separate eating area, and hardwood floors throughout. A resurfaced sun-drenched southfacing deck overlooks the rear garden. This is a quiet stretch of Fraser Street, opposite Mountain View Cemetery, and close to a host of shops just south of 41st Avenue.

Vancouver
208 – 350 East 5th Avenue

Type: 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment
Size: 488 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, July 2010: $167,600
Listed for: $228,000
Sold for: $218,000
Sold on: July 8
Days on market: 3
Listing agent: Karin Morris at Royal LePage Northshore
Buyers agent: Connie Buna at Sutton Group – West Coast Realty

The big sell: This studio apartment proves that small can be beautiful. Over the course of a nine-year ownership, the seller transformed this unit by removing kitchen and bedroom walls, and creating an efficient open-plan concept with custom cabinetry, new appliances, a corner gas fireplace and wool carpeting. Further attributes include a southfacing balcony with a quiet, treed and landscaped outlook, same-floor laundry facilities, a bike room, storage, parking, and low monthly maintenance fees. It is in the sought-after neighbourhood of SOMA (South Main), with the new Mount Pleasant Community Centre, coffee shops, restaurants, shopping and transportation on its doorstep.

Silverton
318 Lake Avenue

Type: 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom detached
Size: 1,357 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, July 2010: $188,700
Listed for: $225,000
Sold for: $220,000
Sold on: Sept 10
Days on market: 121
Listing agent: Bill Lander at Coldwell Banker Rosling Real Estate Ltd.
Buyers agent: Cheryl Black at Coldwell Banker Rosling Real Estate Ltd.

The big sell: According to listing agent Bill Lander, the Silverton/New Denver real estate market continues to defy the West Kootenay area pricing slide, as demonstrated by this historic Silverton home with Valhalla Mountain views: it sold for 98 per cent of its listed price. Built around 1920 on a 75-by-105-square-foot lot, the property oozes charm. A 408-square-foot separate studio provides a space for artistic endeavours or it could be used as a guest cabin.

Read more: Real estate sales in Richmond, Vancouver and Silverton

Vancouver Sun September 18, 2010

BURNABY
9236 University Crescent

Type: 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom townhouse
Size: 970 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment: $321,900
Listed for: $319,900
Sold for: $310,000
Sold on: June 29
Days on market: 22
Listing agent: Robert Crowe at RE/MAX Real Estate Services
Buyers agent: Keith Volz at Royal LePage — Coronation Park

The big sell: According to listing realtor Robert Crowe, this is a good example of how staging can help a property by optimizing the available space. Having previously been on the market for 351 days with another agent, this townhouse in the Novo 2 development was re-listed and the main floor staged, resulting in a sale in just 22 days. It is a two-level suite with a large private patio that provides space for container gardening and entertaining. There are two bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs, with another bathroom on the main floor. The complex is part of the residential development at Simon Fraser University and provides recreational facilities inside with a gym, billiards room and lounge, as well as outside with myriad walking, hiking and mountain bike trails around Burnaby Mountain.

Vancouver
4 — 1945 West 12th

Type: 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom townhouse
Size: 1,132 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, July 2010: $444,200
Listed for: $669,000
Sold for: $675,000
Sold on: July 6
Days on market: 6
Listing agent: Lailey Wallace at One Percent Realty Ltd.
Buyers agent: Patricia Lok at RE/MAX Select Properties

The big sell: This two-level townhouse had a complete renovation within a converted heritage-style building, resulting in a sale $6,000 over the asking price. It has soaring ceilings, a wood-burning fireplace, wooden banisters and an abundance of skylights, as well as stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, custom-made European cabinets, hardwood floors, and two spa-style bathrooms. A loft area overlooking the living room would be a perfect spot for an artist’s studio or guest bedroom, and an upper deck provides ample space for patio furniture and relaxing mountain views. The piece de resistance? A large 13-by-14-square-foot master bedroom housed in a turret.

Vancouver
4448 West Sixth

Type: 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom detached
Size: 2,931 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, July 2010: $1.318 million
Listed for: $1.689 million
Sold for: $1.65 million
Sold on: June 23
Days on market: 14
Listing agent: Sue Johnson and Sarah Thompson at Dexter Associates Realty
Buyers agent: Jennifer Sanderson at Century 21 In Town Realty

The big sell: On the market for just two weeks, this character family home is in a sought-after neighbourhood in one of Point Grey’s most coveted blocks, just steps from Trimble Park and Queen Mary school. Over the years, the property has received some upgrades, but still retains elements of its 1925 origins with solid oak flooring, walnut inlay, and leaded glass built-ins. The open-plan country kitchen has a centre island that overlooks the 20-by-11-square-foot family room and beyond to the south-facing rear garden accessed through french doors. The lower level has a bedroom, bathroom, 24-by-14-square-foot recreation room and laundry facilities, plus a separate entrance.

Read more: Real estate sales in Burnaby and Vancouver

Vancouver Sun September 11, 2010

WEST VANCOUVER
1390 Ottawa Ave

Type: 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom, detached
Size: 3,068 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment: $1.356 million
Listed for: $1.798 million
Sold for: $1.73 million
Sold on: June 24
Days on market: 67
Listing agent: John Jennings at Prudential Sussex Realty
Buyers agent: Julie Miller at Prudential Sussex Realty

The big sell: Five offers were received for this West Vancouver home with attractions that included a remodelled interior and a substantial 80-by-297-square-foot lot. The property’s open-plan layout showcases hardwood floors, designer paint colours, crown mouldings, a new CaesarStone kitchen island, new bathrooms, a Lennox two-zone heating and air filtration system, and a media room with a built-in speaker system and surround sound. Complementing the features of the house is the south-facing back garden, which has been beautifully landscaped and contains sandblasted concrete stairs that lead to a level lawn complete with enviable practice facilities for the sports enthusiast: a putting green, a pitcher’s mound and a lighted sports court.

SURREY
14124 78th Avenue

Type: 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom, detached
Size: 2,310 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment: $405,400
Listed for: $489,900
Sold for: $474,000
Sold on: June 21
Days on market: 7
Listing agent: Jerry Heed at Valley Pacific Realty Ltd.
Buyers agent: Sandeep Grewal and Sukh Sangha at Homelife Select Realty

The big sell: With the assistance of two open houses, this East Newton property sold the first weekend it was available. Built in 1977, it has undergone a series of updates including a new kitchen with new appliances, a hot water tank, laminate flooring, a new sundeck, easy care vinyl siding, and new garage doors. The generous-sized reception rooms on the upper main floor make for comfortable living and include an 18-by-15-square-foot living room and a 16-by-12-square-foot kitchen. A large, wraparound covered sundeck with mountain views ensures year-round enjoyment, as does the south-facing, newly-fenced back yard. In addition, there is a spacious 960-square-foot two-bedroom, above-ground mortgage-helper suite.

VANCOUVER
401 – 988 Richards

Type: 2-bedroom, 3-bathroom apartment
Size: 1,769 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment: $934,000
Listed for: $1.085 million
Sold for: $1.08 million
Sold on: July 3
Days on market: 39
Listing agent: Lester Soo and Henry Fung of Sutton Group — West Coast Realty
Buyers agent: Su-Marie Baird at Dexter Associates Realty

The big sell: Yaletown’s Tribeca Lofts were built in 2006 and were inspired by Manhattan’s Chelsea neighbourhood loft designs. This unit boasts soaring 19-foot ceilings with expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, and two bedrooms with walk-in closets on the mezzanine level. The open design — a signature of most lofts — is a perfect vehicle to display the custom gourmet chef’s kitchen with appliances by Sub-Zero, Gaggenau and ASKO. It also includes a wine cooler, built-in coffee/cappuccino maker, steam and convection ovens, a nine-foot long kitchen island that seats seven people, and quartz stone countertops that are framed by sleek white glass cabinet fronts and a glass backsplash. Engineered exotic Brazilian lyptus hardwood floors flow through the entire loft.

TERRACE
4808 Straume

Type: 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom, detached
Size: 2,236 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment: $159,100
Listed for: $179,900
Sold for: $175,000
Sold on: Aug 17
Days on market: 12
Listing agent: John Evans and Kelly Bulleid at RE/MAX of Terrace
Buyers agent: Dave Materi at RE/MAX of Terrace

The big sell: According to listing agent John Evans, the selling points for this Terrace home included its choice location near schools and downtown, a quick possession date, a competitive price, some recent renovations that included new flooring, a four-piece family bathroom, a new furnace and fresh paint. The property is in the heart of the Horseshoe area of town, with a lot that measures 65 by 132 square feet, providing the buyers the opportunity to construct a shop in the back yard. Evans says that house prices have stabilized since dropping approximately 10 per cent from last year’s prices, with the majority of interest for Terrace real estate coming from local buyers or those who have transferred to the area for job opportunities.

Read more: Real estate sales in West Vancouver, Surrey, Vancouver, Terrace

Vancouver Sun August 7, 2010

Sun Peaks
4120 Sundance Drive

Type: 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom detached
Size: 2,802 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, July 2010: $1.062 million
Listed for: $1.2 million
Sold for: $1.05 million
Sold on: July 19
Days on market: 431
Listing agent: Liz Forster at Sotheby’s International Realty Canada
Buyers agent: Liz Forster at Sotheby’s International Realty Canada

The big sell: Sun Peaks Resort enjoys one of those most sought-after amenities: a number of ski-in/ ski-out properties that mean you don’t have to haul your skis back home after the last run of the day. Located directly opposite the ski school, this log-and timber-accented property comes fully furnished with fir trim throughout. It has custom built-ins, a spacious ski equipment room, and a hot tub on the wraparound deck, which has expansive mountain views to Mount Morrisey. In addition, it has a great room with a tile-surround gas fireplace, hardwood flooring, granite countertops, a spacious master ensuite, double garage, an underground sprinkler system and a separate one-bedroom revenue suite. It’s within easy strolling distance to the village, making it a breeze to return home on the Carpet Lift.

Powell River
4885 Saskatchewan Avenue

Type: 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom detached
Size: 1,500 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, July 2010: $210,600
Listed for: $244,900 Sold for: $233,500
Sold on: June 30
Days on market: 18
Listing agent: Paige Anderson at Coast Realty Group (Powell River) Ltd.
Buyers agent: Dawn Adaszynski at Coast Realty Group (Powell River) Ltd.

The big sell: This split-level home has profited from quality finishing in the form of new hardwood and tile flooring throughout, fresh drywall, custom-made banisters, updated bathrooms, a master bedroom with ensuite and two walk-in closets, and sliding glass doors leading on to a large cedar deck that overlooks the private, fully fenced mature garden with its ample play area. The value added? A double shop with a nine-foot door, power and heating provided by an oil furnace. This is a centrally located property within walking distance to Powell River’s amenities. The town, situated on the Sunshine Coast, benefits from a strong community with recreation facilities, hospital, schools, an airport, ferry accessibility to Vancouver Island and daily flights to Vancouver’s South Terminal.

Read more: vancouversun.com/business/Sun+Peaks+Resort+property

by Brian Morton, Vancouver Sun

If you’re a young adult looking for a condo, it might be best to approach your parents and just ask for one.

That’s one of the findings of TD Canada Trust’s Condo Poll, which shows Vancouverites not only see condos as a source of long-term income, but that 13 per cent — tied with Montreal for the highest in the country — would consider buying one for their adult children either to own or use.

“The number-one point [in this survey] is that Vancouverites believe condos provide good, affordable accommodation,” said Barry Rathburn, B.C. mobile mortgage specialist for TD Canada Trust, in an interview Wednesday. “It’s also interesting that 47 per cent of Vancouverites would invest in a condo, [mainly] for rental income. That’s the highest in the country.”

The high number of Vancouverites who would buy a condo for their children speaks to the fact that a lot of people in Vancouver have an urban lifestyle “that includes condo living,” Rathburn said.

A large number of parents now help their kids buy their first homes, perhaps with a down payment, so he said he wasn’t surprised by the survey findings.

“A certain segment would buy a condo in a major city so [their children] can attend a university. Afterwards, they could rent it out or sell it.”

According to the poll, Vancouverites continue to see the value in buying a condo, either for their own home or for their children.

The most common reason Vancouverites gave for buying a condo is affordability, with 45 per cent of residents citing that reason, compared to 24 per cent nationwide.

The two other top reasons were less maintenance (21 per cent) and wanting to downsize from a house (15 per cent).

However, respondents in Vancouver were also the most likely in the country to say that if they had more money, they would buy a house over a condo (53 per cent).

As well, Vancouverites are the most likely to consider raising a family in a condo (42 per cent versus 36 per cent nationally).

Rathburn said he’s seeing an increasing number of so-called snowbirds and other travellers who buy a condo for the summer and spend winter elsewhere.

The survey found that 66 per cent of Vancouverites would spend no more than $400,000 for a two-bedroom condo, although Vancouverites are also the most willing to pay more than $400,000 (31 per cent versus 15 per cent nationally). However, just eight per cent of Vancouver residents would pay more than $400 a month in condo fees.

The condo poll was conducted from April 14-20 in five large Canadian urban centres, with about 200 interviews in each centre.