Vancouver Sun April 30, 2011

4657 Victory Street, Burnaby

Type: 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom detached
Size: 1,021 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2011: $691,300
Listed for: $788,000
Sold for: $868,800
Sold on: March 8
Days on market: 6
Listing agent: Leslie Gray at Sutton Group – West Coast Realty
Buyers agent: Bonney Bao at Royal Pacific Realty (Kingsway)

The big sell: This 1935 bungalow has numerous pluses: the living space is on one level, the rooms are spacious and the property is in a central location with Metrotown, the SkyTrain, Crystal Mall and schools and parks within walking distance. Other attractions come in the form of the quiet neighbourhood, the treed outlook and the 60-by-106-foot south-facing flat lot that could provide future development possibilities. All this generated seven offers, with the winning bid coming in at more than $80,000 over the asking price. According to listing agent Leslie Gray, South Burnaby is fast becoming a serious contender for those buyers who have been priced out of nearby Richmond.

16316 92nd Avenue, Surrey

Type: 8-bedroom, 7-bathrooms, detached
Size: 5,403 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2011: $936,000
Listed for: $970,000
Sold for: $948,000
Sold on: March 16
Days on market: 69
Listing agent: Dennis Fung at Homelife Benchmark Realty
Buyers agent: Suki Bahi at Sutton Group – West Coast Realty

The big sell: Everything about this property is large, from the 12,414-square-foot lot to the twostorey family room. In fact, this home features plenty of room to fill any family’s requirements. Built in 2006 in Surrey’s Fleetwood/Tynehead neighbourhood, the house boasts eight bedrooms and six full bathrooms over three levels. The result? A flexible floor plan that includes a guest suite on the main floor, a gourmet kitchen with butler’s pantry and spice kitchen, a master suite with private deck that showcases the mountain and valley views, two additional spacious bedrooms with ensuites, and a large den. As well, the fully finished basement comprises a games room, hobby room, further bedrooms and a 23-by-18-foot recreation room. There is parking for six vehicles and the southern-exposed back yard has a deck.

#1004 -1616 Bayshore Drive, Vancouver

Type: 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment
Size: 1,257 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2011: $930,000
Listed for: $999,900
Sold for: $990,000
Sold on: March 12
Days on market: 2
Listing agent: Holly Wood at RE/MAX Masters Realty
Buyers agent: Thomas Spencer at Royal Pacific Realty Corp.

The big sell: The story of the sale of this Coal Harbour condo would be a compelling tale for those who believe fate plays a hand in the direction our lives take. The buyers happened to walk past listing realtor Holly Wood’s agents’ open house and found themselves looking at exactly the type of property that they had been searching for. The Bayshore Gardens waterfront home has oak hardwood flooring, crown moulding and floor-to-ceiling windows framing the spectacular westerly views of the marina, Stanley Park and the seawall. The kitchen features a Sub-Zero fridge and wine bar, Bosch gas cooktop and dishwasher, and two eating areas. The master ensuite has a double sink with marble countertop, a soaker tub and separate shower with Kohler fixtures and heated floors. The building has 24-hour concierge, a gym, sauna, and meeting room.

1142 3rd Avenue, Fernie

Type: 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom detached
Size: 3,886 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2011: $644,000
Listed for: $544,500
Sold for: $518,000
Sold on: March 20
Days on market: 279
Listing agent: Candace Grey at Royal LePage East Kootenay Realty
Buyers agent: Marilyn Brock at Century 21 Maximum Realty

The big sell: Central to amenities and schools, this five-bedroom property is in the north end of downtown Fernie.
The home was custom built in 1997 and has more than 2,000 square feet on the main level and 1,800 square feet on the lower. The primary floor features a sunroom with beautiful mountain views, striking dark hardwood floors and trim, a family room off the kitchen area, solid oak cabinetry, three bedrooms and two bathrooms, and a rarity in most homes: an elevator that connects both levels. The finished basement -it could double as an in-law or guest suite -has a large recreation room, further bedrooms, a kitchen, abundant storage space and radiant heat. The exterior comprises a single attached garage and the property sits on a 60-by-120-foot lot.

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

Vancouver Sun February 19, 2011

Vancouver
3903 West 22nd Avenue

Type: detached
Size: 2,400 sq. ft, 4 bed, 1 bath
BC Assessment, 2011: $1.4436 million
Listed for: $1.86 million
Sold for: $1.85 million
Sold on: Dec 8
Days on market: 0
Listing agent: Walter Wells at Sutton Group -West Coast Realty
Buyers’ agent: Juliana Qu at Sutton Group -West Coast Realty

The big sell: How does a home sell on the day that it is listed with no sign and no showings? When it is being sold for land value only, that’s how. (The 49 ½-foot-wide, 122-foot-deep lot is big enough for a 4,000-square-foot residence.) According to listing agent Wells, this address reaped the benefit from its location in the desirable school catchment of Lord Kitchener – one of the highest rated schools in the city for which buyers are prepared to pay a premium – and current low levels of inventory. This particular home was built in 1927 and has had the same owner for the past 50 years who retained its original features. It is situated on a corner lot, close to UBC and Pacific Spirit Park.

Surrey
18993 68B Avenue

Type: detached
Size: 3,625 sq. ft, 7 bed, 4 bath
BC Assessment, 2011: $592,000
Listed for: $609,700
Sold for: $602,500
Sold on: Dec 20
Days on market: 119
Listing agent: Ben Gauer at Royal LePage Ben Gauer & Associates
Buyers agent: Ralph Janzen at Homelife Benchmark Realty Walnut Grove

The big sell: Corner lots are popular as they provide extra parking and, for the most part, additional light. This two-storey home with a basement is no exception -all occupants of the seven bedrooms, if necessary, could have space for their vehicles. This home is situated in Clayton Village and features high ceilings, upgraded appliances, quality laminate flooring, built-in speakers, maple wood stairs, three fireplaces, and a large 22-by-14-squarefoot master bedroom with sitting area and a five-piece ensuite. On the lower level there are more bedrooms, a den, a large kitchen island and roughed-in plumbing for a second laundry facility Adding to the convenience factor, all shopping, schools and parks are within a three-block radius.

Vancouver
2676 West Fifth Ave

Type: half duplex
Size: 2,142 sq. ft, 4 bed, 4 bath
BC Assessment, 2011: $1.359 million
Listed for: $1.395 million
Sold for: $1.37 million
Sold on: Dec 21
Days on market: 25
Listing agent: Tom Gradecak at Westside Tom Gradecak Realty
Buyers agent: Allyson Brooke at Macdonald Realty Ltd.

The big sell: Sometimes half duplexes present the opportunity to purchase a property in a sought-after location that is the same size as many detached family houses, but for a more affordable price. This four-year-old Kitsilano home offers more than 2,000 square feet with a main floor that features a living space that incorporates a kitchen, dining and eating area, and a family room that opens on to a south-facing deck and yard. The top floor has three bedrooms and two full bathrooms including the master ensuite, and the lower level contains a recreation room, a guest bedroom, a laundry room and another full bathroom. This property offers proximity to Fourth Avenue’s shops and restaurants.

Fernie
192 4A Avenue

Type: detached
Size: 3,068 sq. ft, 4 bed, 2 bath
BC Assessment, 2011: $608,000
Listed for: $599,900
Sold for: $590,000
Sold on: Jan 4
Days on market: 57
Listing agent: Todd Fyfe at Fernie Real Estate Company
Buyers agent: Sharon Taylor at RE/MAX Elk Valley Realty

The big sell: As one of the few properties that survived the fire that swept through the town more than 100 years ago, this property was touted as a piece of historic Fernie. The large family home is situated on a corner lot with views of the Elk River, Mount Fernie, Lizard Range and Three Sisters from two covered porches and a private lush back garden. The interior boasts compelling original features such as softwood flooring, a claw foot bathtub, cast iron radiators, bay windows, wood panelling in the dining room. Rooms are spacious, with a 10-foot-by-25-foot living room and a nine-by-19 kitchen.

Read more: Recent property sales in Vancouver, Surrey and Fernie