Metro Vancouver new home prices remained flat in September, while edging up slightly year-over-year, Statistics Canada said Wednesday.

The federal agency said prices of new homes in Metro Vancouver remained the same compared to August, but rose 0.1 per cent from September 2010 to September 2011.

In Victoria, new home prices were also flat in September compared to August, but dropped 1.6 per cent year-over-year.

Nationally, new home prices edged up 0.2 per cent from August to September and 2.3 per cent from September 2010 to September 2011.

Nationally, the price increase followed a 0.1-per-cent gain in August and was the sixth straight monthly increase in the new housing index.

Economists had expected prices to rise by between 0.1 and 0.2 per cent in September.

The Toronto and Oshawa, Ont. region — accounting for 27 per cent of the index — recorded a gain of 0.3 per cent from August to September. The smaller Winnipeg region had the largest percentage increase at 1.4, and Halifax gained 0.7 per cent.

“In Winnipeg, price increases were primarily the result of higher material and labour costs as well as higher land values,” Statistics Canada said. “Builders in Halifax cited higher material and labour costs as the main reason for their price increases.”

Prices were higher in eight of the 21 metropolitan regions surveyed, while five declined and eight were flat.

Among the regions posting declines, the biggest drop from August to September was in the New Brunswick area encompassing Saint John, Fredericton and Moncton, where the index declined 0.3 per cent. The Edmonton area was also down 0.3 per cent.

“Some builders in Saint John, Fredericton and Moncton cited slower market conditions as the primary reason for their price decreases, while a few builders in Edmonton moved to new development areas with lower priced lots,” the agency said.

On a year-over-year basis, prices were up 2.3 per cent in September, in line with 12-month increases in July and August.

The biggest 12-month gains in September were in Winnipeg, up 5.5 per cent, and the Toronto and Oshawa region, up 5.4 per cent.

On Tuesday, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. reported housing starts were down 1.1 per cent to an annualized rate of 207,600 units. That compared to 208,800 the month before, revised up from the previously reported 205,900.

Meanwhile, data last week showed construction intention weakened in September, as the value of building permits declined for the third straight month.

StatsCan said permit values fell 4.9 per cent to $5.6 billion during the month.

Source: Brian Morton, Vancouver Sun

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.

© Copyright (c) The Vancouver Sun

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.

© Copyright (c) The Vancouver Sun

Six months after Vancouver City Council approved a plan to transform the Cambie Street corridor, homes in the area have nearly tripled in value and some residents fear development will ruin the neighbourhood.

Last May the council passed a plan to bring 15,000 more people into the Cambie Street corridor through mid-rise development.

Then last month a block of 10 homes along Cambie Street near 41st Avenue sold for $3.4 million each — nearly three times their previously assessed value.

Neighbours say they’re growing tired of being pressured to sell by developers and real estate agents.

Janice Douglas says she expects a six-storey building will soon be overlooking her single family home.

“We’ve got people looking in our back yard, looking in our bedroom, and we will never see the trees again — nor will we have any more sunshine,” Douglas told CBC News.

Many residents don’t want to move and feel ignored by the city as developers move in, looking to tear down the single family homes, she says.

“People come here for the beauty. Well the beauty is rapidly disappearing,” said Douglas.
Canada Line driving changes

City planner Brent Toderian says he appreciates the concerns and the city is trying to cool down land speculation in the neighbourhood.

Toderian says the city has been meeting with developers and realtors to discuss land transactions after getting wind of some very high deals negotiated in the months after the Cambie corridor plan was approved.

He says the final prices didn’t appear to have factored in community amenity contributions the city negotiates with developers in order to pay for infrastructure and services associated with increased density

“People were overpaying for land — thus we sent messages out into the marketplace to say you’re going to have to adhere to the expectation of the plan if you wish to succeed in development.”

But he says having a new rapid transit line running through the neighbourhood means changes are coming and the city’s plan has the community’s support.

“Canada Line is a change maker and so yes — there will be some folks, and to my ear they are the minority — but there are going to be some folks that are unhappy about that,” he said.

“But most people recognize the logic and inevitability of transformation once you’ve put in a piece of infrastructure like Canada Line. The vast majority of people we heard from were very positive about the plan.”

Toderian expects construction along the corridor to begin in late 2012.

The Cambie corridor plan allows buildings up to 12 storeys in height, and leaves room for them to go even higher around the Oakridge Mall near 41st Avenue and at the southern end of Cambie Street near Marine Drive.

Preliminary plans for the 825,000-square-foot Marine Gateway Project next to the Marine Drive Canada Line station have already received city approval. It will include two residential towers with more than 400 units as well as a cinema, food and drug stores.

Source: Vancouver Sun

Resale home prices in Canada rose in July for the eighth consecutive month to a new record high, according to the Teranet-National Bank Composite House Price Index.

The index, which tracks price changes for repeat sales of single-family homes in six metropolitan areas, showed prices rising 1.3% in July from the previous month.

It was the fourth consecutive monthly increase exceeding one per cent and sent the index to a reading of 146.51.

Prices rose in five of the six metropolitan areas, advancing 2.3% in Calgary, 1.7% in Toronto, one per cent in Ottawa, 0.9% in Vancouver and 0.5 per cent in Montreal, while declining 0.9% in Halifax.

Five of the six areas hit all-time highs in July, with the exception being Calgary, where prices were still down 8.8% from the all-time high set in August 2007.

On an annual basis, prices were ahead 5.3%. The largest 12-month advance was in Vancouver, where prices were ahead 8.5%.

Source: Financial Post

Vancouver Sun September 17th, 2011

8878 165th Street, Surrey

Type: 7-bedroom, 5-bathroom detached
Size: 5,480 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2011: $900,000
Listed for: $1.175 million
Sold for: $1.1 million
Sold on: July 28
Days on market: 21
Listing agent: Mayur Arora at OneFlatFee.ca
Buyers agent: Jill Sinclair at Royal LePage Wolstencroft

The big sell: Many TV programs and magazine articles espouse the merits of decluttering a home in order to present it in the best possible light when it goes to market. According to listing agent Mayur Arora, the owners of this 1996 Fleetwood rancher did just that: presenting neat and spacious rooms that secured a sale in three weeks. Of course, there were a number of other factors that contributed to the sale, namely, a 17,000-square-foot lot, a central Surrey location with proximity to schools, the Guildford Mall and transit arteries. As well, the updated house has a games room, media room and play room, a walkout basement, a double and a triple-car garage, covered parking for an RV or boat, far-reaching views of mountains and farmland, and a backyard with a hot tub, 18-by-36-foot swimming pool and in-ground sprinkler system.

2508 — 788 Hamilton Street, Vancouver

Type: 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment
Size: 1,047 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2011: $707,000
Listed for: $1.048 million
Sold for: $975,000
Sold on: June 29
Days on market: 61
Listing agent: Colette Gerber at RE/MAX Select Properties
Buyers agent: Tyler Barrs at RE/MAX Crest Realty Westside

The big sell: As the only unit in a development that has more than 1,000 square feet of living space — plus an 870-square-foot terrace — this sub-penthouse apartment in Yaletown’s TV Towers building is indeed distinct. With such substantial outdoor space, the 180-degree views span east to west, and according to agent Colette Gerber, that was the clincher for the buyers. There were also $100,000 of custom upgrades, including a $2,300 wine fridge and $10,000 wall-bed system with a pull-down desk, pullout bed and storage cupboards. As well, the home has upgraded appliances, custom cabinets, tile and hardwood floors, custom window coverings, black and white marble slabs lining the bathrooms walls — even a heated toilet seat. The furniture was also included in the package.

808 Millbank, Vancouver

Type: 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom townhouse
Size: 1,140 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2011: $501,000
Listed for: $645,000
Sold for: $645,000
Sold on: July 11
Days on market: 0
Listing agent: Peter Dixon at Sutton Group – West Coast Realty
Buyers agent: Adriaan Schipper at RE/MAX Crest Realty (Westside)

The big sell: This ground-level townhouse in south False Creek was snapped up for the asking price on the day it was listed. The property has a waterfront location with easy access to the seawall, Charleson Park and Granville Island. It sits on leased land that is prepaid until 2036 and has water and city skyline views. The interior has benefited from numerous updates since its construction in 1976, including a kitchen with new appliances, countertops, maple cabinetry and flooring. There are built-in closets and a new ensuite bathroom, together with a four-piece guest bathroom. The home has good-sized rooms that include an office and laundry space. There are two patios and underground parking, and the building was completely rain screened in 2008.

© Copyright (c) The Vancouver Sun

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.

© Copyright (c) The Vancouver Sun

Metro Vancouver’s housing starts were up 25 per cent for the first seven months of 2011 compared to the same period in 2010, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.

Statistics released Tuesday show that the number of starts increased to 10,010, up from 8,005 to the end of July.

Starts for the month of July totalled 1,538 in Metro Vancouver, a 37-per-cent increase from 1,124 in July 2010.

Most of the starts were in Richmond, Burnaby, Surrey and the city of Vancouver.

“The focus of new residential starts remains on multi-family construction, especially apartment condominiums,” CMHC senior market analyst Robyn Adamache said in a statement.

“In the first seven months of this year, 5,903 apartment starts were recorded, compared to 3,882 during the same period last year. A pickup in condominium sales as well as stable economic conditions gave developers the impetus to undertake such projects.”

CMHC also said that July’s seasonally adjusted annual rate of urban starts increased by 33 per cent in B.C. in July, well above the national average of 4.7 per cent and just below the Atlantic region’s 36.1 per cent.

Urban B.C. showed a 4.4-per-cent increase in the first seven months, from 13,274 to 13,852.

While Metro Vancouver showed a 25-per-cent increase over the seven-month period, Vernon and Chilliwack recorded sharp decreases in starts.

Nationally, housing starts rose in July due to an increase in multiple starts in all regions except Quebec, said Mathieu Laberge, deputy chief economist at Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.’s market analysis centre. “The multiples sector showed continued strength in Ontario and a significant increase in British Columbia and in the Atlantic region,” he added.

According to CMHC, the seasonally adjusted annual rate of all starts nationally was 205,100 units in July, up from 196,600 units in June 2011.

The 4.3-per-cent rise was unexpected, setting the third quarter off to a strong start in new home construction and maintaining its role as a key support to the economy.

That is up from a downwardly revised 196,600 units in June, which were originally reported at 197,400 units.

The number of starts in July was above the average forecast of analysts who had called for 196,000 starts.

“Today’s report and the recent resilience of both permits and sales suggest housing continues to be one of the economy’s strongest sectors, although sentiment among purchasers obviously remains vulnerable to recent market turmoil.”

The housing sector has long been a source of support for the Canadian economy, helping draw it out of the recession, while other global economies have suffered at the hands of a weak housing market, particularly in the U.S.

Source: Brian Morton, Vancouver Sun

Vancouver Sun August 6th, 2011

7383 Charlford Ave., Burnaby

Type: 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom detached
Size: 2,371 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2011: $717,700
Listed for: $849,000
Sold for: $1.01 million
Sold on: May 30
Days on market: 11
Listing agent: Brian Vidas at Sutton Centre Realty
Buyers’ agent: Charles Jiang at Royal Pacific Realty (Kingsway)

The big sell: There are some things that cannot be manufactured when it comes to selling homes — namely, lot size and location. When these are favourable, buyers tend to line up. Such was the case with this 1954 home in the Metrotown area of Burnaby that received nine offers and resulted in a sale price of more than $150,000 over the asking price. Those plus points? A 7,040-square-foot corner lot at the end of a block next to David Gray Park and a west-facing garden. According to listing agent Brian Vidas, the two-level house was solidly constructed with original hardwood floors under the carpet, a wine room, two wood-burning fireplaces, double-glazed windows, a new roof, updated electrical system, furnace, paintwork and drapes. An attached, 324-square-foot single-car garage provides plenty of room for additional storage.

4773 Ross St., Vancouver

Type: 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom detached
Size: 2,025 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2011: $560,700
Listed for: $899,000
Sold for: $978,000
Sold on: June 14
Days on market: Eight
Listing agent: Laurie MacDonell atRE/MAX Select Properties
Buyers’ agent: Robert Zwick atRE/MAX Crest Realty Westside

The big sell: This heritage home is on a quiet, tree-lined street between Fraser and Knight in the catchment area for Sir Richard McBride and Sir Charles Tupper schools. It had been carefully reconstructed inside and out with a list of meticulous updates that reads like a Mike Holmes’ renovation manual: New bamboo hardwood floors, a custom-built kitchen with a glass mosaic backsplash, CaesarStone countertops and stainless-steel appliances and modernized bathrooms on both floors finished with contemporary tiles and fixtures. As well, there have been numerous closets installed, as well as a new roof, a 97-per-cent high-efficiency furnace, windows, skylights, insulation and electrical system. There is a deck off the kitchen, a west-facing back yard and garage, and a mortgage-helping suite on the ground floor. It also came with a certificate showing that an oil tank had been removed.

3299 137A St., Surrey

Type: 6-bedroom, 5-bathroom detached
Size: 7,371 sq. ft.
B.C. Assessment, 2011: $1.538 million
Listed for: $1.998 million
Sold for: $1.928 million
Sold on: May 30
Days on market: Nine
Listing agent: Glenn Dennis at RE/MAX Colonial Pacific Realty
Buyers agent: Esther He at Sutton Group – Seafair Realty

The big sell: This Bayview Estates home was built in 1990 and has more than 7,000 square feet of quality construction. It sits on a private 46,875-square-foot lot that backs on to green space and contains a triple garage. Family and friends will be torn between watching movies in the media room, relaxing beside the heated outdoor swimming pool, lounging in the games and recreation rooms, working out in the gym or helping the chef in the open-plan gourmet kitchen. There have been extensive renovations carried out to provide modern touches with new bathrooms installed, and updates to the flooring, paintwork and lighting fixtures. The property is in the Chantrell Creek and Elgin Park school catchment areas.

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

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