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 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

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

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

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