Archive for September, 2007
Recently Shown
September 28th, 2007 Categories: Kitsilano
I recently showed these suites now available in Kitsilano. For more on these suites for sale, please contact me here.
202 2091 Vine Street
Fabulous Kits location at 5th & Vine. This 8 unit boutique building is fully rain screened with a new roof. This suite has 2 bedrooms, 1-1/2 baths, 2 parking & 2 balconies plus a storage locker. 1 medium dog or 2 cats welcome. Listed at $459,000.
403-3270 W 4th Avenue
Beautiful! Quiet! Top floor! This 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 922 sq.ft. suite in Kitsilano has it all! With skylights, vaulted ceiling in the dining room, updated kitchen, hardwood floors and lots of insuite storage, all you have to do is move in. And to top it all off there is a huge southfacing 200sq.ft. balcony, perfect for entertaining or relaxing on a lazy Sunday. A pro-active council, 2 parking stalls and with pets allowed, you truly have found the perfect suite! Listed at $459,900.
204-2080 Maple Street
Quiet yet steps to 4th Ave shopping & restaurants. This rarely offered 2 bedroom suite is immaculate and spacious with both bathrooms beautifully reno’d with solid maple cabinets. Storage, balcony, 2 parking and a fabulous common rooftop deck.Very well maintained complex for your peace of mind. Listed at $459,900.
203-3333 W 4th Ave
This spacious 2 bedroom/2 bath/den condo in Kitsilano overlooks McBride Park. Insuite laundry, gas fireplace, storage, new dishwasher, & granite countertop upgrade. Excellent location near shopping, parks & 4th Ave transit. Beach is a short stroll away. Secured parking for 1 vehicle included + 2nd space available. Sunny den in enclosed south balcony. Rainscreened building is problem free. Pets & rentals allowed. Listed at $478,900
#9-2015 W 3rd Ave
Simply Charming! This 2 bedroom/2 bathroom suite has been updated with great taste and style! Featuring engineered gleaming hardwood floors, fresh designer colour paint throughout, crown mouldings, classic wainscotting in the entrance, beautiful maple cabinetry, newer appliances, tile countertops, in-floor heating in the kitchen + bathrooms, Kohler fixtures, tiled fireplace surround, southwest wrap around deck, one secure underground parking spot and a storage locker and much more! All this in a vibrant location - only a few blocks to the beach and one block to the fun shops + restaurants on 4th! Building is rock solid. 3 yr old roof. Painted in 2006. Pets allowed with some restrictions. No rentals. Listed at $549,900.
206-2175 Salal Drive
Kitsilano living at its best in this 2 bedroom condo in the Savona. Open Gourmet kitchen with gas range and stainless/black appliances leading to a large open floor plan with an extremely large covered deck. Quiet, yet steps from all Kits has to offer. Impressively designed & fully Rainscreened, this building is one of the best in Arbutus Walk. Listed at $555,000.
| Discussion: No Comments »
Good News from the BCREA
September 28th, 2007 Categories: Kitsilano, Vancouver Real Estate
BCREA says 2007 to be second best year ever for home sales.
Residential sales will hit 101,000 just behind the 106,310 home sales recorded in 2005. The ten-year average is just under 78,000 units. “Exceptionally strong consumer demand over the summer months has changed the outlook for this year from declining home sales to the second highest on record,” said Cameron Muir, Chief Economist of the British Columbia Real Estate Association: “While eroding affordability is squeezing some potential buyers out of the market, the housing stock is increasingly diverse, providing a mix of home types that appeal to a wide consumer market.”
BC home prices are also on the rise. The average MLS residential price is forecast to climb 12% to $437,000 this year (18% last year). Muir expects BC housing starts to decline by 7% to 33,900 and a further 4% to 33,000 units in 2008.
For the full forecast report go to BCREA.
| Discussion: No Comments »
Sales Statistics for August, 2007
September 13th, 2007 Categories: Kitsilano, Vancouver Real Estate
Here are the latest sales statistics for August in Vancouver’s Kitsilano area.
Kits Condos saw 79 current listings in August.
That month there were 26 sales, compared with June 07 at 95 sales, and July 07 at 56 sales. Of these, one sale was under $300,000, 24 were between $300,000 and $500,000, with 1 over $500,000.
These ranged from $288,000 for a 500 square foot l bedroom to $795,000 for a 1,087 square foot 2 bedroom condo. Of the sales, 19 were l bedroom units. The least expensive 2 bedroom was $455,200 for 818 square feet on w.12th.
15 sold over list, 1 at list, with an Average Days on Market of 25 and less than 2 months of inventory
Kitsilano Townhomes.
Currently there are 24 townhome listings in the area.
These 24 listings range from $349,900 for a 630 square foot 1 bedroom to $1,468,00 for a 1,414 square foot 3 bedroom.
There were 16 sales from $600,000 for a 1,044 square foot 2 bedroom townhome to $2,599,000 for 2,333 square feet. 2 bedroom townhomes range from 630-1434 square feet.
In August, 8 sold under $1,000,000 8 sold over $1,000,000. 6 sold over list price, and 1 at list price.
Kitsilano Houses
Current house listings were at 27, ranging from $928,000-$15,000,000
August saw 11 sales. Compare with June 2007 at 22 sales and July 2007 at 16 sales. Of these, 4 sold under $1,000,000, 7 sold between $1,000,000 and 2,000,000 and none over $2,000,000. 1 sold over list price, and 1 at list price.
All Kits properties remain a very hot market!
| Discussion: No Comments »
Dominic Meslin, Real Estate Law
September 11th, 2007 Categories: Vancouver Real Estate
Dominic Meslin of the law firm Kaplan and Waddell is one of the colleagues I work with in real estate sales in Vancouver.
I asked him a few pertinent questions for this blog posting, and here’s what he said:
Q. How did you get into real estate law?
A. I studied law at Dalhousie University in Halifax, N.S. I began my career as a trial lawyer in Alberta representing insurers and corporations. I then moved to Vancouver and shifted my focus to real estate. I now advise individual people whom I get to know as we work through their real estate transactions.
Q. When a first time buyer looks for a real estate lawyer, what should he/she look for?
A. A first-time buyer should select a lawyer that specializes in real estate and has experience. This ensures that the buyer receives timely, accurate advice and problems are either avoided or addressed with a minimum of stress. The importance of finding a lawyer that has experience specializing in real estate also applies to a seller deciding which lawyer to use.
Q. What would a non-Canadian buyer or seller look for?
A. The purchase and sale of real estate in Canada by non-Canadians raises unique issues. One is the effect of Canadian income tax. Buyers and sellers should retain a lawyer who can guide them through the requirements of the Canadian income tax system related to the purchase or sale of their property. Another issue is the logistics of completing the deal. Unlike Canadian buyers, foreigners may need to sign documents outside of Canada and send money for the purchase from outside Canada. Clients should select a lawyer experienced in serving foreign clients so these matters are addressed correctly and in time for completion.
Q. There are lots of firms around. How does your firm set itself apart from the competition?
A. Several factors set the law firm of Kaplan and Waddell apart. Most importantly, this is a boutique firm of three lawyers and six conveyancers specializing in real estate law. Frank Kaplan and Duff Waddell, the two partners, each has over 35 years experience in acting for Canadian and foreign clients on real estate transactions. For clients in Vancouver, the firm is conveniently located just south of downtown Vancouver in the South Granville Rise area. For non-Canadian clients, the lawyers at Kaplan and Waddell are very familiar in dealing with the unique issues of foreign clients to ensure that their transactions are handled efficiently even when quick closings are required or the funds are coming from outside Canada. For all of our clients, the firm of Kaplan and Waddell offers the benefits of speed and cost effectiveness that result from being one of the first firms to master electronic title searches, document transmission and registration using the electronic filing system of the British Columbia Land Title and Survey Authority.
Q. How do you see technology impacting the legal process in the closing of real estate transactions?
A. When used by an experienced lawyer knowledgeable in real estate, technology can greatly enhance the service offered to the client. Technology gives lawyers the option to electronically search titles, obtain records and even file documents with the British Columbia Land Title and Survey Authority. This increases the speed at which transactions proceed by eliminating delays caused by paper searches and couriers. At Kaplan and Waddell, we have mastered this technology with the effect that our boutique firm can provide prompt service at a very competitive rate.
Contact Dominic at: Kaplan and Waddell, Suite 102, 2590 Granville St. Vancouver, BC, V6H 3H1 - tel: (604)736-8021.
| Discussion: No Comments »
Coal Harbour’s Condos
September 8th, 2007 Categories: Coal Harbour, Vancouver Real Estate
1333 W. Georgia #614
The Qube. Right in the heart of Coal Harbour. 2 bedrooms with architecturally unique design. High ceilings, 4 elevators. Deluxe finishings include stainless appliances, granite counter tops & spacious open floor plan. Living rooms have views of Coal Harbour.$619,000
2202 1328 W Pender
“CLASSICO” Quiet, bright west corner 2 bedroom and den with a view of the Harbour, Marina, Mountains and Park. 24 hr concierge. Short walk to Coal Harbour, Seawall, Stanley Park, transit & restaurants. Ready to move-in. A convenient location. Asking $638,000
304 1415 W Georgia
Check out the fantastic views of the magnificent Northshore mountains and harbour from this luxury suite. Steps from the Seawall, bike paths, Bar & Grill. 24-hour concierge. Owner upgraded the suite in 2006 spending over $100,000 for complete renovation of wide open kitchen. Listed at $728,000
2801 - 1238 Melville
Great views of the harbour, mountains and Stanley Park, this suite has 3 bedroom and den, plus 2 bathrooms. Building amenities include Club house, indoor pool, gym, 24 hour concierge, one parking spot plus visitor parking. Both pets and rental OK. Listed at $729000
| Discussion: No Comments »
Coal Harbours Hotels - the Marriott Pinnacle
September 8th, 2007 Categories: Coal Harbour, Vancouver Real Estate
Vibrant. Crisp. Stylish.
That’s an apt description for the Marriott Pinnacle Downtown, another one of Vancouver’s luxury hotels in the Coal Harbour area.
A few tidbits about the Marriott:
The Marriott Pinnacle hosts award winning weddings and meetings. Almost anyone in Vancouver can attest to that; who hasn’t had a chance to enjoy their superb service at one of the any events that happen there?
In October, for example, the annual Highlander Worldwide Convention for the famous TV show Highlander will take place there. Expect to mingle with 
celebrities like Adrian Paul, Jim Byrnes, and Elizabeth Gracen.
“Cars Eat Free” – what a great concept. When you stay at the Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown, you might just be able to take advantage of a special offer to get a $25 Petro Canada gas card and free overnight parking. Since you can easily spend $25 a day on parking in Vancouver, that’s a great offer.
All 434 guest rooms are equipped as The Room That Works® for business travelers, with well-lit work desk, ergonomic chair, speakerphone with data ports and voice mail, as well as high-speed Internet access.
The hotel also knows that fitness is important to its guests and offers a large list of sports amenities, including a list of the closest golfing opportunities: Westwood Plateau, Furry Creek Golf and Country Club, Swan-E-Set Bay, and the two closest ones, University Golf Club and Northlands, both a comfortable 30 minutes’ drive from the hotel.
| Discussion: No Comments »
Coal Harbour Statistics for August 2007
September 8th, 2007 Categories: Coal Harbour, Vancouver Real Estate
We saw 129 listings for Coal Harbour residential properties this past August, with the least expensive l bedroom at 1333 W Georgia listed at $316,000 for 420 square feet.
The least expensive 2 bedroom is nearby at 1331 W Georgia: 674 square feet listed at $375,000.In August we saw 24 sales, and the lowest sold was for $279,00 for 420 square feet. The highest sold was for $2,499,000 (1,701 square feet). Average Days on Market: 38
There were 2 sales under $300,000; 9 under $500,000; 10 between $500,000 to $1,000,000; 2 from $1-2,000,000, 1 from $2-3,000,000, none over $3,000,000. None sold at list price and 4 sold over list price.
For comparision, we see that June 2007 saw 43 sales, July 2007 topped at 28 sales, and August 2007 had 24 sales.
| Discussion: No Comments »
Kitsilano Statistics for August 2007
September 8th, 2007 Categories: Kitsilano
Here are the latest sales statistics for August in Vancouver’s Kitsilano area.
Kits Condos saw 79 current listings in August.
That month there were 26 sales, compared with June 07 at 95 sales, and July 07 at 56 sales. Of these, one sale was under $300,000, 24 were between $300,000 and $500,000, with 1 over $500,000.
These ranged from $288,000 for a 500 square foot l bedroom to $795,000 for a 1,087 square foot 2 bedroom condo. Of the sales, 19 were l bedroom units. The least expensive 2 bedroom was $455,200 for 818 square feet on w.12th.
15 sold over list, 1 at list, with an Average Days on Market of 25 and less than 2 months of inventory
Kitsilano Townhomes.
Currently there are 24 townhome listings in the area.
These 24 listings range from $349,900 for a 630 square foot 1 bedroom to $1,468,00 for a 1,414 square foot 3 bedroom.
There were 16 sales from $600,000 for a 1,044 square foot 2 bedroom townhome to $2,599,000 for 2,333 square feet. 2 bedroom townhomes range from 630-1434 square feet.
In August, 8 sold under $1,000,000 8 sold over $1,000,000. 6 sold over list price, and 1 at list price.
Kitsilano Houses
Current house listings were at 27, ranging from $928,000-$15,000,000
August saw 11 sales. Compare with June 2007 at 22 sales and July 2007 at 16 sales. Of these, 4 sold under $1,000,000, 7 sold between $1,000,000 and 2,000,000 and none over $2,000,000. 1 sold over list price, and 1 at list price.
All Kits properties remain a very hot market!
| Discussion: No Comments »
BCREA Predicts Second Best Year for Vancouver Real Estate Sales
September 8th, 2007 Categories: Real Estate News, Vancouver Real Estate
BCREA says 2007 to be second best year ever for home sales.
Residential sales will hit 101,000 just behind the 106,310 home sales recorded in 2005. The ten-year average is just under 78,000 units. “Exceptionally strong consumer demand over the summer months has changed the outlook for this year from declining home sales to the second highest on record,” said Cameron Muir, Chief Economist of the British Columbia Real Estate Association:
“While eroding affordability is squeezing some potential buyers out of the market, the housing stock is increasingly diverse, providing a mix of home types that appeal to a wide consumer market.”
BC home prices are also on the rise. The average MLS residential price is forecast to climb 12% to $437,000 this year (18% last year). Muir expects BC housing starts to decline by 7% to 33,900 and a further 4% to 33,000 units in 2008.
For the full forecast report go to BCREA.
| Discussion: No Comments »
Coal Harbour Welcomes Urban Fare
September 8th, 2007 Categories: Coal Harbour, Vancouver Real Estate
The popular gourmet food store and cafe, Urban Fare, opened last week in Coal Harbour. Located at 305 Bute, on the corner of Bute and W. Cordova, this new Urban Fare is a great contribution to the livability of the neighbourhood. Coal Harbour residents now have their first local food store and pharmacy.
Urban Fare is open 7 days a week, from 6am to midnight, with the pharmacy open from 8am to 11pm. Like its Yaletown counterpart, this Urban Fare will no doubt become a very popular destination, living up to its motto: From gourmet to everyday!
| Discussion: No Comments »
