My real estate column in last weekend’s Vancouver Sun featured property sales in Surrey, property sales in West Vancouver, and property sales in White Rock.

Vancouver Sun November 5th, 2011

1263 Fulton Avenue, West Vancouver

Type: 3-bedroom, 4-bathroom detached
Size: 3,827 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2011: $1.755 million
Listed for: $2.95 million
Sold for: $2.65 million
Sold on: Sept. 15
Days on market: 59
Listing agent: Paul Rickman at RE/MAX Masters Realty
Buyers agent: Eric Christiansen at Angell Hasman & Associates Realty

The big sell: According to listing agent Paul Rickman, the appeal of this Ambleside home was multi-faceted. First was the fact that the home is made of concrete; that’s relatively unique, and despite the additional cost, it offers a longevity and strength not always found with a wood-framed house. Other attractions highlight the extensive use of West Coast materials, including cedar in the vaulted ceilings and soffits, the custom millwork, and the floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive skylights that allow natural light into the home. And the view? Vistas of the water, Stanley Park and downtown Vancouver are showcased from the upper floor, where the kitchen, reception rooms and two offices are located. Double-entry doors open to the ground level, where a spacious foyer leads to the bedrooms, each with its own patio and access to the garden and hot tub.

115 — 13468 King George Blvd., Surrey

Type: 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment
Size: 591 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2011: $N/A
Listed for: $174,900
Sold for: $174,900
Sold on: Aug. 22
Days on market: 15
Listing agent: Michael Sikich at The Agency Real Estate Marketing, TRG Downtown Realty
Buyers agent: Stanley Ng at Sutton Centre Realty

The big sell: The Brookland is a new condo development in Surrey that is set to complete toward the end of November. The four-level project will feature 91 one- and two-bedroom homes ranging from 441 to 914 square feet. This ground-floor unit has fully optimized the space available and includes a master bedroom with a walk-in closet and an ensuite bathroom that can be accessed from the main living space. As well, the home has a kitchen with double sinks, stainless-steel appliances, polished granite countertops, natural maple shaker-style cabinetry, a breakfast bar, in-suite washer and dryer facilities, and a balcony off the living room. The complex, which has a fully equipped fitness centre and lounge area housed in a separate building, is within proximity to Central City Mall, SFU’s campus, the Gateway SkyTrain station, numerous parks and the Surrey Arts Centre.

15552 Columbia Avenue, White Rock

Type: 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom, detached
Size: 4,610 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2011: $1.023 million
Listed for: $1.299 million
Sold for: $1.27 million
Sold on: Aug. 25
Days on market: 86
Listing agent: Kelly Wood at Hugh & McKinnon Realty
Buyers agent: Jeanette Leith at HomeLife Benchmark Realty

The big sell: This four-level residence sounds like it would be more at home in a California setting, thanks to 180-degree ocean views and an East Beach address in the South Surrey/White Rock neighbourhood. The contemporary-style home was built into the hillside in 1991 and features large decks on every floor to capitalize on the views. The upper two levels combine to create a spacious 2,610 square feet that accommodate the bedrooms and open-concept reception rooms. Below, there is a 1,300-square-foot, two-bedroom suite with 10-foot-high ceilings, a five-car garage, a workshop and a cold storage room. The property has a high-efficiency natural gas hot water boiler with in-floor heating on all levels, two gas fireplaces, and an HRV air-circulation system. The lively shops and restaurants of White Rock’s Marine Drive are just down the road.

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

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 West Vancouver, property sales in New Westminster, and property sales in Vancouver.

Vancouver Sun August 19th, 2011

389 Moyne Drive, West Vancouver

Type: 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom detached
Size: 4,577 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2011: $2.479 million
Listed for: $3.25 million
Sold for: $3.15 million
Sold on: June 6
Days on market: 118
Listing agent: Mark Stephenson at Prudential Sussex Realty
Buyers agent: Jason Soprovich at Prudential Sussex Realty — Jason Soprovich

The big sell: This British Properties home has an indoor/outdoor design that combines a fine balance of architecture with functional living. The house is on a flat, 14,000-square-foot lot with a single-level, open-concept layout that provides both convenience for families and ease of entertaining for guests. Sure to impress is the 18-foot atrium with palm trees, the dining room with a climate-controlled glass wine room, the private master wing with direct access to the pool and spa, the media room and the nanny suite with private entrance. The latest in energy-efficient heating and air systems has been installed, as well as top-of-the-line appliances, custom cabinetry, designer lighting and meticulous finishings.

1105 — 1455 Howe Street, Vancouver

Type: 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment
Size: 1,285 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2011: $854,000
Listed for: $928,000
Sold for: $925,000
Sold on: June 7
Days on market: 53
Listing agent: Adriaan Schipper at RE/MAX Crest Realty (Westside)
Buyers agent: Debra Porteous at RE/MAX Masters Realty

The big sell: The Pomaria represents one of the first “green” residential buildings in downtown Vancouver that achieved LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification through its organic interior environments, sustainability and building efficiency. This southwest corner home fronts a park and offers views from the balcony. Floor-to-ceiling windows, meantime, permit outlooks to English Bay, the North Shore mountains, False Creek, Granville Island and Point Grey. The interior has a gourmet kitchen, nine-foot ceilings and spa-like bathrooms. The floor plan incorporates separate dining and living rooms, a pantry, and a large 16-by-13-foot master bedroom.

117 – 8 Renaissance Square, New Westminster

Type: 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom townhouse
Size: 1,214 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2011: $463,000
Listed for: $499,900
Sold for: $488,000
Sold on: June 6
Days on market: 33
Listing agent: Shawn (Rexx) D. Rector at RE/MAX Advantage Realty
Buyers agent: Kathy Plante at Sutton Group – West Coast Realty

The big sell: The Murano building was constructed in 2006 by Aragon in New Westminster’s rejuvenated Quay district, providing easy access along the boardwalk to restaurants and shops. As well, it is positioned to allow residents to enjoy far-reaching Fraser River views. The interior of this three-storey loft-style townhouse is contemporary, and includes a slate backsplash, double-nose granite countertops, Kohler fixtures, reclaimed fir solid-planked flooring, a brick feature wall in the living room and a gas fireplace. As well, there’s plenty of outdoor space — a patio, balcony and rooftop deck with more than 400 square feet — on which to relax or entertain. Rentals and pets are allowed with some restrictions and Douglas College and the SkyTrain are close by.

For the full story, please click on Real estate sales in West Vancouver, New Westminster 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

Canada’s most expensive residential real estate listing is on the market in West Vancouver and it can be yours – if you’ve got $39.9 million to spare.

The hillside property at 2190 Camelot Ave. offers stunning views of downtown Vancouver and the Burrard Inlet, not to mention privacy and seclusion.

There are three buildings on the 5.44 acre site, including a 450 square metre house, a doll house, horse barn and tennis courts.

The $40 million price assumes a total redevelopment of the property, including a 1,900 square metre ranch-style main house, 630 square metre guest house and a 232 square metre combination maids’ quarters and office.

The new main house will feature six bedrooms, a negative edge pool, a hot tub, indoor and outdoor ponds, three waterfalls, a billiards room, a movie theatre, a wine cellar, a gym, a massage room and a 15-car garage.

If the buyer prefers to keep the existing buildings, the price drops to $25 million – but it would still be the second most-expensive listing in Vancouver.

According to the listing agent, there have already been several serious offers for the redeveloped property, mostly from buyers based in China.

A massive home under construction since 2007 in Vancouver’s Point Grey neighbourhood will likely eclipse the West Vancouver listing in price and opulence when it’s completed. The property will be 816 square metres on the main floor, 5333 square metres on the second floor and 946 square metres on the basement level with a level of finish never seen in Vancouver, according to local realtors.

The individual behind the Point Grey property is unknown, but the lot was purchased in 2005 by Pisonii Ltd., a company with a Geneva post office box and a British Virgin Islands address. The property was owned previously by Vancouver businessman Nelson Skalbania.

Source: Peter Meiszner, Postmedia News

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

Metro Vancouver home sales reached 3,225 in April, an 8.2-per-cent drop from April 2010 and a 21-per-cent decline from March 2011.

According to the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver, the numbers reflect a “solid” month of sales following the near-record pace in the two previous months.

“While it continues to be a seller’s market in Greater Vancouver, last month’s activity brought greater balance between supply and demand in the overall marketplace,” REBGV president Rosario Setticasi said in a statement. “The year-over-year decline in April sales can be attributed to a less active condominium market, as there were more detached and townhome sales this April compared to last year.”

In individual markets, the REBGV survey concluded that Richmond saw the sharpest benchmark price increase over the past year for single detached homes (18.5 per cent to $1.08 million), while Squamish saw the sharpest decline over the year (down 8.6 per cent to $447,000).

The numbers were the same over three years, with Richmond experiencing a 40.9-per-cent increase in prices during that period, while Squamish recorded a 24.5-per-cent decrease in prices over three years.

Vancouver West had the highest benchmark price in April ($1.97 million), while the average benchmark price for a detached home in Metro Vancouver stood at $879,000.

The REBGV survey also noted that new listings totalled 5,847 units in April, a 23.5-per-cent decline compared to April 2010 when 7,648 properties were listed for sale – a record for April. April’s listings were also 14 per cent lower than March 2011.

At 14,187, the total number of residential property listings increased 8.2 per cent in April compared to last month and 10 per cent less from April 2010.

“There’s considerable variation in activity within the communities in our region,” Setticasi added. “This is causing home price trends to differ depending on the area.”

The benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver increased five per cent over the past year to $622,991 in April 2011 from $593,419 in April 2010.

Source: Brian Morton, Vancouver Sun

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

Vancouver Sun January 22, 2011

West Vancouver
6364 Argyle

Type: 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom half duplex
Size: 2,462 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2011: $743,000
Listed for: $780,000
Sold for: $765,000
Sold on: Nov. 17
Days on market: 10
Listing agent: Raymond Soden at New World Realty Ltd.
Buyers agent: Ryan Gibbons at Prudential Sussex Realty

The big sell: This custom-built, three level Horseshoe Bay home has a unique open-plan design with a sky-lit, double-height staircase that makes the home exceptionally light and bright. The large top-floor master suite has a walk-in closet, a renovated spa bathroom with soaker tub and separate glass tiled shower and — to add to the wow factor — a great room with space for a grand piano or office. The main floor offers floor-to-ceiling panoramic views of Howe Sound from the dining room, an updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a large balcony and a living room that opens on to a private garden. The lower level has two bedrooms, a full bathroom, office and laundry, and could be used as a nanny or guest suite.

Vancouver
1802 – 2688 West Mall

Type: 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment
Size: 1,367 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2011: $1.187 million
Listed for: $1.498 million
Sold for: $1.46 million
Sold on: Nov. 5
Days on market: 7
Listing agent: Colette Gerber at RE/MAX Select Properties
Buyers agent: Sherry Si at Amex Sunrich Realty

The big sell: The aptly named Promontory, built by Polygon in 2005, has the distinction of being the most westerly highrise in Vancouver, located next to UBC’s Botanical Gardens. As residents of the campus know, the homes at UBC enjoy some of the best views in town. This unit is no exception, with an open-plan layout that takes advantage of north, east and southerly views. A large balcony provides an outdoor platform from which to overlook the water. Not only does this home have the less-common three-bedroom design; it is also a preferred end unit. Adding further appeal is a designer kitchen, rich hardwood floors, recessed lighting, an oversized tub in the spa-like bathroom and a natural gas fireplace that adds intimacy to the 20-by-12-foot living room.

Vancouver
301 — 310 Water Street

Type: 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment
Size: 772 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2011: $451,000
Listed for: $419,900
Sold for: $419,900
Sold on: Nov. 9
Days on market: 46
Listing agent: Karim Virani at Virani Real Estate Advisors
Buyers agent: Jeff Poh at Coldwell Banker Westburn Realty

The big sell: According to listing agent Karim Virani, the buyer of this loft conversion in Gastown’s Taylor Building was attracted by the character of the building, the heritage of the area and the sympathetic restoration of the building. Loft-style conversions began in the former warehouse district of New York City and grew in popularity in the 1980s. Since then, they have spawned a new style of home for many city-dwellers and evolved from one big space with no storage to clearly delineated social and private spaces. They are personified by high ceilings, large windows and interior brick walls, and this unit is no exception. It features a juxtaposition of steel beams and reclaimed hardwood floors, and has black granite countertops and white cabinetry in the contemporary kitchen.

Kelowna
1305 Glenview Ave

Type: 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom detached
Size: 2,272 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2011: $461,000
Listed for: $525,000
Sold for: $519,900
Sold on: Dec. 14
Days on market: 60
Listing agent: Paige Guernsey at Coldwell Banker Horizon Realty
Buyers agent: Ellen Churchill at Coldwell Banker Horizon Realty

The big sell: This 2008 home had been featured in the fall edition of the 2010 Okanagan Home magazine and is loaded with high-end extras. It has stamped concrete flooring in the interior and on the exterior decks, vaulted, 10-foot ceilings, three fireplaces, bespoke cabinetry, large principal rooms (including a 9-by-16-foot kitchen with central island), an office, family room and a fully finished basement with wet bar. The private yard has an underground sprinkler system and is fully fenced. This property is in the Bridges at Glenmore Pond complex, which features custom-designed homes in Craftsman and Victorian styles. Okanagan Lake and downtown Kelowna are within walking distance.

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 West Vancouver, Vancouver and Kelowna.

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.

Just listed on BestHomesBC.com is a large 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom townhouse with a third floor loft. The home has spacious rooms that will fit house sized furniture. Vaulted ceilings, cozy fireplace, updated kitchen and bathrooms. Wonderful grounds and heated outdoor swimming pool. Walk to schools, bus, Lighthouse Park and Caulfeild Village Shopping Centre. The complex features a new roof and fresh exterior paint. Pets are welcome.

Please follow this link, West Vancouver property for sale in Caulfeild Cove, to view the property’s details and to contact the Realtor, Joanne Renfer of Prudential Sussex Realty, directly.

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

Vancouver Sun December 4, 2010

West Vancouver
1340 Palmerston Avenue

Type: 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom detached
Size: 4,553 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2010: $1.248 million
Listed for: $1.629 million
Sold for: $1.635 million
Sold on: Sept 24
Days on market: Four
Listing agent: Suzanne Wheeler at Prudential Sussex Realty
Buyers agent: Jill Jenkins at Prudential Sussex Realty

The big sell: Sometimes, bigger is just better. This three-storey Ambleside house with ample family sized rooms is on a 13,504-square-foot lot overflowing with flower beds and multiple outdoor entertainment areas. Inside, there is no chance of overcrowding, with plenty of room for friends and family in the separate living, dining and family rooms, 18-by-16-foot kitchen and additional oversized eating area. The home has been comprehensively renovated, with attention to detail apparent in the hardwood flooring, custom millwork, gourmet kitchen, sunken living room and french doors. Upstairs, the master bedroom is spacious and the basement has a further 1,269 square feet of recreation space, storage, and laundry.

Surrey
The Brookland condos, 310 – 13468 King George Boulevard

Type: 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment
Size: 441 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2010: $N/A
Listed for: $159,900
Sold for: $155,000
Sold on: Oct 24
Days on market: 39
Listing agent: Michael Sikich at The Agency Real Estate Marketing, TRG Downtown Realty
Buyers agent: Michael Sikich at The Agency Real Estate Marketing, TRG Downtown Realty

The big sell: This is a studio apartment with a difference: Instead of trying to juggle where the bed will go in the available space, a partial dividing wall provides a separate bedroom area, complete with a walk-in closet. This unit is in The Brookland, Surrey’s latest condo development, minutes from the Gateway SkyTrain station. It comprises 91 one- and two-bedroom homes scheduled for completion in the fall or winter of 2011. The units come in a choice of colour schemes and are pre-wired for high-speed Internet and cable. Interior features include stainless steel appliances, porcelain tiles, granite countertops, deep soaker tubs, and a breakfast bar with overhead pendant lighting.

Vancouver
4785 West 2nd Avenue

Type: 5-bedroom, 2-bathroom detached
Size: 4,235 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2010: $4.761 million
Listed for: $4.8 million
Sold for: $5.1101 million
Sold on: Sept 29
Days on market: 14
Listing agent: Evan Ho at Dexter Associates Realty
Buyers agent: Surinder Holat at Dexter Associates Realty

The big sell: According to listing agent Evan Ho, this house is a perennial Vancouver favourite that has fostered an emotional attachment with many people who walked by for years. Built in 1933, it has an attractive design with a distinctive red-brick exterior, a hip roof and dormers. Over the years, the house has fallen into disrepair, with the wooden roof now covered in moss and the interior uninhabitable. The geography of Vancouver naturally limits the amount of land available for development, so the opportunity to purchase an estate lot of 42,000 square feet and build a dream home in a prime westside location resulted in multiple offers and a sale in just two weeks for more than $300,000 over the asking price.

Penticton
1188 Queen Street

Type: 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom detached
Size: 1,916 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2010: $293,200
Listed for: $349,900
Sold for: $335,000
Sold on: Oct 7
Days on market: 65
Listing agent: Steve Thompson at Royal LePage Locations West Realty
Buyers agent: Raymond Maaske at Home Star Realty

The big sell: This is a well-presented single-family home on a 0.15-acre lot, with a landscaped yard containing a selection of plants that prosper in the Penticton climate. There is a covered patio area at the back surrounded by a fenced garden, which has underground irrigation and a detached single garage. The home has a spacious open-plan layout, with hardwood floors in the living room and bedrooms. The home has had extensive upgrades to the roof, windows, kitchen and bathroom, and last year a new gas furnace and central air system were installed. The basement is partly finished and contains a recreation room and an additional bedroom.

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 West Vancouver, Surrey, Vancouver and Penticton

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