Sitting on a full size, south facing lot, with a deck that's perfect for entertaining and summer BBQ's. Quality Renovation in 2007 featuring original fir floors in the bedrooms and living room with heated slate throughout the kitchen/dining room. Kitchen features polished black granite counters, S/S appliances, gas cooktop, and maple shaker cabinets. 2 bdrms, 1 bath up and self contained 2 bdrm, 1 bath down. Main floor could easily take over one of the lower bedrooms. Half a block to Main street and walking distance to schools.
First showing Thurs. March 1st 5:00-6:00pm. Open House Sat March 3rd & Sun March 4th 2:00-4:00pm.
Whether you’re a first time home buyer or have purchased in the past, there is a lot more to buying a home than first meets the eye. I am all about helping people and wanted to share the property search function on my website to make your real estate buying process more enjoyable and exciting.
Smallworks – A unique look into affordable housing in Vancouver
Affordable housing in Vancouver - does it really exist? I came across this unique local company challenging the status quo of affordable housing in Vancouver. For those of you interested in what $100,000 could get you in Vancouver, here it is.
Smallworks is a local Vancouver company specializing in the design and building of small homes and laneway homes.
Starting at $100,000, you could own a laneway house shell and customize the rest of it as the ultimate DIY project. The cool thing about this company is they not only design the house, they also including building permits, site preparation, underground services, insulted foundation and slab, walls, doors, windows, and roof, all within 4-6 weeks. That’s quicker than getting a passport! So for those DIY lovers, this is an incredible opportunity to get your creative juices flowing and get you one step closer to affordable housing in Vancouver, and it’s customized just the way you like it.
Entertain or lounge with your morning coffee on your 300 square foot private roof deck. Large south L-shape balcony on the main level is great for BBQ nights.
This N/S/W end unit is bright & sunny, 3 skylights, lots of windows, 3 sliding doors. Renovated top to bottom - S/S appliances, granite counters, Maple hardwood, granite floors, new doors, crown moudling $ more. Cozy up to your marble, wood burning fire place on those chilly winter evenings. One parking, one locker. One pet (more with permission), no rentals. Live across from Kits Beach & Pool! Walk the seawall! Spend this summer soaking up the sun & living the Kitsilano dream!
Located in one of the most desirable places to live in Vancouver, Kitsilano, this property is a must see.
OTTAWA, February 13, 2012 — Housing markets are expected to remain steady in 2012 and 2013, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) first quarter 2012 Housing Market Outlook, Canada Edition1.
“With the Canadian economy set to expand at a moderate pace and mortgage rates expected to remain low, activity levels in 2012 in both new home construction and sales of existing homes will stay close to levels seen in 2011,” said Mathieu Laberge, Deputy Chief Economist for CMHC.
Housing starts will be in the range of 164,000 to 212,700 units in 2012, with a point forecast of 190,000 units. In 2013, housing starts will be in the range of 168,900 to 219,300 units, with a point forecast of 193,800 units.
Existing home sales will be in the range of 406,000 to 504,500 units in 2012, with a point forecast of 457,300 units. In 2013, MLS®2 sales are expected to move up in the range of 417,600 to 517,400 units, with a point forecast of 468,200 units.
The average MLS® price is forecast to be between $330,000 and $410,000 in 2012 and between $335,000 and $430,000 in 2013. CMHC’s point forecast for the average MLS® price is $368,900 for 2012 and $379,000 for 2013. The moderate increases in the average MLS® price are consistent with the balanced market conditions that occurred in 2011, and that are expected to continue in 2012 and 2013.
As Canada's national housing agency, CMHC draws on more than 65 years of experience to help Canadians access a variety of quality, environmentally sustainable and affordable housing solutions. CMHC also provides reliable, impartial and up-to-date housing market reports, analysis and knowledge to support and assist consumers and the housing industry in making informed decisions.
1 The forecasts included in the Housing Market Outlook reflect information available as of January 18, 2012. Where applicable, forecast ranges are also presented in order to reflect financial and economic uncertainty.
2 Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) is a registered trademark owned by the Canadian Real Estate Association.
Positively stunning 2 bed, 1.5 bath penthouse with an impressive 228 mountain view terrace! Located in the coveted north of 4th neighbourhood in Kitsilano, this completely updated corner suite is punctuated with modern sophistication.
This property boasts a fabulous open concept layout with a bright & spacious living room complete with large bay window, gorgeous walnut floors, elegant marble fronted wood-burning fireplace, amazing modern kitchen with granite, glass tile backsplash, SS appliances, and large skylight overlook the adjacent dining room.
Excellent size bedrooms with plenty of closet space & direct access to the spectacular entertainer's patio! Fabulous building: rainscreened with a 10 year warranty, new roof, piping, lobby, hallways.
This property boasts a fabulous open concept layout with a bright & spacious living room complete with large bay window, gorgeous walnut floors, elegant marble fronted wood-burning fireplace, amazing modern kitchen with granite, glass tile backsplash, SS appliances, and large skylight overlook the adjacent dining room. Excellent size bedrooms with plenty of closet space & direct access to the spectacular entertainer's patio! Fabulous building: rainscreened with a 10 year warranty, new roof, piping, lobby, hallways.
Located in one of the most desirable places to live in Vancouver, Kitsilano, this property is a must see.
This morning Rosario Setticasl, President of The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV), released a market update video discussing the housing market trends for January 2012 in comparison to 2011. Setticasl notes that although the market was more active in January 2012 than the previous month, they still saw a 4.9% decline in property sales.
Setticasl also noted this as the second lowest January for property sales in the last decade, yet performing just below the 10 year sales average for the month. In terms of the home listings, January 2012 showed a 20% increase in listings in comparison to 2011, and ranks as the highest new listing month we have seen since the late 1990’s.
VANCOUVER, BC – Greater Vancouver home sellers were more active than buyers in January and overall home prices, according to the new MLS® Home Price Index (MLS® HPI), continued to experience more stability and less fluctuation compared to the beginning of 2011.
The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in Greater Vancouver reached 1,577 on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in January 2012. This represents a 4.9 per cent decrease compared to the 1,658 sales recorded in December 2011, a decrease of 13.3 per cent compared to the 1,819 sales in January 2011 and an 18 per cent decline from the 1,923 home sales in January 2010.
January sales in Greater Vancouver were the second lowest January total in the region since 2002, though only 146 sales below the 10-year average.
“We’re seeing trends emerge in our market that favour buyers, such as increased selection and more stability in pricing compared to this time last year,” Rosario Setticasi, REBGV president said. “Last month’s activity tells us that competition amongst home buyers was reduced in January, which means that individuals looking to purchase a home had more time to do their homework, consult with their REALTOR®, and make a decision.”
New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totalled 5,756 in January. This represents a 19.9 per cent increase compared to the 4,801 new listings reported in January 2011, and a 253.3 per cent increase compared to the 1,629 new listings reported in December 2011.
Last month’s new listing count was the highest January total in Greater Vancouver since 1995.
The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the Greater Vancouver MLS® is 12,544, a 12.5 per cent increase compared to December 2011 and an increase of 20.2 per cent compared to January 2011.
New MLS® Home Price Index launches in Canada
Today marks the launch of the MLS® Home Price Index (MLS® HPI), the best and purest way of determining price trends in the housing market. The MLS® HPI was pioneered by six founding partners: the real estate boards of Calgary, Fraser Valley, Greater Montreal, Greater Vancouver, and Toronto and the Canadian Real Estate Association. The partners contracted with Altus Group to develop the MLS® HPI which measures home price trends in the five major markets serviced by those boards.
The new index replaces the MLSLink Housing Price Index, which had been used by Greater Vancouver and Fraser Valley REALTORS® since the mid 1990s. MLS® HPI statistics should not be compared with previous MLSLink HPI statistics.1
“The MLS® HPI is a national collaboration intended to give the public a more reliable and comprehensive tool to understand home price trends across the country,” Setticasi said.
The MLS® HPI benchmark price for all residential properties in Greater Vancouver currently sits at $660,600, up 5.7 per cent compared to January 2011 and down 0.1 per cent compared to December 2011. The MLS® HPI also tracks home prices across the Lower Mainland.2 The benchmark price for all residential properties in the Lower Mainland is $593,300, an increase of 5 per cent compared to January 2011.
Sales of detached properties on the MLS® in January 2012 reached 659, a decline of 16.9 per cent from the 793 detached sales recorded in January 2011, and a 6.5 per cent decrease from the 705 units sold in January 2010. The benchmark price for detached properties increased 11.3 per cent from January 2011 to $1,034,700.
Sales of apartment properties reached 657 in January 2012, a decline of 7.9 per cent compared to the 713 sales in January 2011, and a decrease of 26.3 per cent compared to the 891 sales in January 2010.The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 2.4 per cent from January 2011 to $371,500.
Attached property sales in January 2012 totalled 261, a decline of 16.6 per cent compared to the 313 sales in January 2011, and a 20.2 per cent decrease from the 327 attached properties sold in January 2010. The benchmark price of a townhome3 unit declined 0.5 per cent between January 2011 and 2012 to $468,000.
For more information please contact: Craig Munn, Assistant Manager of Communications Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver Phone: (604) 730-3146 cmunn@rebgv.org
Bank of America - Just Sold San Francisco Penthouse
The words "bank-owned home" usually conjure up images of rotting porches and overgrown weeds. But the property that Bank of America just sold has neither of those things.
The home, a penthouse atop the St. Regis Hotel in San Francisco, was just sold to a buyer for $28 million, making it the nation's most expensive bank-owned home, according to MSNBC's Martha C. White.
The bank acquired the 20,000 square-foot penthouse with sweeping city views in lieu of foreclosure back in July, MSNBC said. It had been listed at $35 million and the buyer remains anonymous.
The original owner, developer Victor MacFarlane, listed the property several years ago with an initial asking price of $70 million, according to SocketSite. That figure was later slashed to $49 million and then to $35 million.
The apartment has six bedrooms, seven full bathrooms, a gym and steam room, a movie theater, and parking for six cars.
On the Burnaby side of Hastings Street, not far east of Boundary Road, is a piece of land that has been vacant for decades.
It’s 21,327 square feet of prime property, and it can certainly be put to good use. Think nonmarket housing with support services.
That has been on the minds of people at Burnaby City Hall for some time. The city owns 25 percent of the land, and the provincial and federal governments own 25 percent and 50 percent, respectively. With the three levels of government sharing the land, it would seem quite easy to put up such a project.
But as Burnaby’s experience shows, getting the senior governments to put their money where their mouths are with respect to housing is easier said than done.
“Here we are with a piece of prime land in the middle of an urban area where we could do something together to be able to improve the opportunities for affordable housing, and we’re left without any sort of option to be able to achieve that goal,” a frustrated Mayor Derek Corrigan told the Georgia Straight in a phone interview.
Known as the Hastings Street Urban Renewal Site, the city considers it a perfect location for a creative, tripartite effort in creating housing.
“I’m thinking in terms of a cooperative type of arrangement, something that will allow a mixture of housing types, because building one big social-housing project is the way of the past,” Corrigan said. “Integrating housing is the way of the future.”
A staff report prepared last summer recalls that following a council decision in May 2008, Corrigan wrote the federal Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation about the idea of nonmarket housing on 3802 Hastings Street. The mayor also sent a letter to the provincial government.
The city received responses in September of that year, but not those it hoped for.
CMHC wanted to receive market value for its share in the land. “It was also noted that there is not the necessary Federal funding available, at this time, for the development of a viable non-market housing project,” the report states.
The province, for its part, through B.C. Housing, indicated that “it does not currently have the program funding or operating subsidies that would be necessary to achieve a viable non-market housing on the site,” the city staff report adds.
On October 24 this year, Burnaby council was at it again. It passed a motion authorizing a request for proposals for the completion of a development concept and study for nonmarket rental housing on the jointly held land. Consultants will look at a mix of rental-housing options, identify provincial and federal contributions, and allocate costs between land, capital, and operation components to determine financially viable choices.
After the November civic election, a reelected Corrigan mentioned 3802 Hastings Street in his inaugural speech. He asked Burnaby citizens to help persuade the provincial and federal governments to come on board because “these kinds of projects are critical to our future”.
In the phone interview, Corrigan stressed that local governments do not have funds for housing.
“We get eight cents out of every tax dollar while the provincial and federal governments get 92 cents,” he said. “We end up providing for sewer and water and parks and roads and fire and police and all the realities of everyday life. If we try to take on housing and take on responsibility for affordable housing without the money, we’ll break our city.”
But the city can help move along projects like these. As Corrigan explained, Burnaby can do the planning part for 3802 Hastings. It can also pay for the permits and licensing costs, which, he said, can range from $100,000 to $300,000. The city can also put the development application ahead of the queue.
“They have not been doing anything for 20 years,” Corrigan said about the senior governments. “And that’s why we’re in this situation we’re in.”
CMHC did not supply a spokesperson for comment. Rich Coleman, the B.C. Liberal minister responsible for housing, did not return a call.
Check out some of the amazing Christmas light displays around Vancouver. Below is a list of some of the hot spots for this year!
Vancouver Bloedel Conservatory, Queen Elizabeth Park Van Dusen Gardens, Oak Street Triumph and Nanaimo Streets East 12th Avenue and Semlin Street Jervis Street and Beach Avenue Trinity Street between Nanaimo and Renfrew
Burnaby Belleville & Smith Curtis Street & Kensington Avenue Baffin Place & Oakland Street Grant Place & Sperling Avenue
North Vancouver Belmont Avenue & Highland Boulevard Capilano Suspension Bridge & Park Cedarcrest Avenue
Surrey
66th Avenue & 192A Street Entire neighbourhood just northeast of 64th Avenue and 184 Street 12755 114A Street
Port Coquitlam
Rae Street & Prairie Pinemont Avenue
Richmond Garry Street near Fentiman Place
Surrey 66th Avenue & 192A Street 64th Avenue & 184th Street 22nd Avenue & Madrona Place 114A Avenue & 128th Street 154th Street & 91A Avenue
If you live in Vancouver and have ventured to both the east and west side, you probably noticed a stark difference between the two. All one has to do is drive along King Edward, 41st or any of the the major east/west roads in the city and you’ll notice an immediate difference after you pass Ontario Street (the street that divides east and west addresses in the city). The grass is greener, the house are bigger, sidewalks are cleaner and wider etc…
The above map indicates all the million dollar single detached properties in Vancouver. As you can see, Main Street seems to be the major street (Ontario being the minor street) that divides east and west. The blue indicates million dollar properties, red under a million and the vast amount of white space is either parks, office, industrial or multiple dwelling residential neighbourhoods.
Traditionally, in Vancouver the west has been the wealthier and noticeably less diverse part of the city in comparison to the traditional working class neighbourhoods of East Vancouver. However, that is slowly changing as more and more million dollar homes are popping up in East Vancouver.
Furthermore, in all of Vancouver there is no property less than $500,000. You’ll also notice that the majority of the homes on Vancouver’s west side are above a million dollars, save for a few isolated cases in South Vancouver’s Marpole neighbourhood.
In East Vancouver the majority of homes are still under a million dollars, however, many homes are closer $800,000 and still unaffordable to the general population, hence, Surrey is a popular choice for most as it is the most affordable suburb in the Metro for those that desire the big back yard and all that good stuff.
Naturally, a lot of the single family homes will be passed on to future generations, it’s like winning the lottery. This will be the only way the majority of future generations will be able to live in a detached home in Vancouver. To this day one of the greatest things my parents ever did was not sell their home in Vancouver and flee to Surrey and other suburbs as so many were doing so in the 90′s.
Main Street, for the time being remains the social, cultural, and political divider. However, that line is slowly starting to blur and soon Vancouver will become a mass of million dollar homes, regardless of what side one is on. This is not good for many reasons. That is why it is imperative that the city look at other housing options for families and not just single people and childless couples, that most of the condos seem to cater to. A vibrant city, is one that caters to all class of citizens, not just the well to do.
The Greater Vancouver housing market saw relatively typical home sale and listing activity in November.
The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales of detached, attached and apartment properties on the region’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) reached 2,360 in November. This represents a 5.9 per cent decline compared to the 2,509 sales in November 2010 and a 1.9 per cent increase compared to the 2,317 sales recorded in October 2011.
Looking back further, last month’s residential sales total is 5.8 per cent below the ten-year average for sales in November.
“The pace of home listings entering the market eased slightly in November, compared to recent months, while sale levels remained fairly normal for this time of year,” Rosario Setticasi, REBGV president said. “November activity helped put our market firmly in balanced territory.”
New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totalled 3,222 in November. This represents a 26.3 per cent decline compared to the 4,374 new listings reported in October 2011, but a 6.3 per cent increase compared to November 2010 when 3,030 properties were listed for sale on the MLS®.
Looking back further, last month’s new listing total is 2.1 per cent above the ten-year average for November.
The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the Greater Vancouver MLS® sits at 14,090, a decline of 9 per cent compared to October 2011 but an increase of 13 per cent when compared to this time last year.
The MLSLink® Housing Price Index (HPI) benchmark price for all residential properties in Greater Vancouver over the last 12 months has increased 7.2 per cent to $622,087 in November 2011 from $580,080 in November 2010.
Since reaching a peak in June of $630,921, the benchmark price for all residential properties in the region has declined 1.4 per cent.
Sales of detached properties on the MLS® in November 2011 reached 916, a decrease of 12.8 per cent from the 1,050 detached sales recorded in November 2010, and a 21.3 per cent decrease from the 1,164 units sold in November 2009. The benchmark price for detached properties increased 11.4 per cent from November 2010 to $890,204.
Sales of apartment properties reached 1,000 in November 2011, a 4.9 per cent decrease compared to the 1,052 sales in November 2010, and a decrease of 28.4 per cent compared to the 1,396 sales in November 2009. The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 2.7 per cent from November 2010 to $399,686.
Attached property sales in November 2011 totalled 444, a 9.1 per cent increase compared to the 407 sales in November 2010, and a 15.1 per cent decrease from the 523 attached properties sold in November 2009. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 4.5 per cent between November 2010 and 2011 to $510,960.
The Greater Vancouver housing market saw relatively typical home sale and listing activity in November.
The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales of detached, attached and apartment properties on the region’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) reached 2,360 in November. This represents a 5.9 per cent decline compared to the 2,509 sales in November 2010 and a 1.9 per cent increase compared to the 2,317 sales recorded in October 2011.
Looking back further, last month’s residential sales total is 5.8 per cent below the ten-year average for sales in November.
“The pace of home listings entering the market eased slightly in November, compared to recent months, while sale levels remained fairly normal for this time of year,” Rosario Setticasi, REBGV president said. “November activity helped put our market firmly in balanced territory.”
New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totalled 3,222 in November. This represents a 26.3 per cent decline compared to the 4,374 new listings reported in October 2011, but a 6.3 per cent increase compared to November 2010 when 3,030 properties were listed for sale on the MLS®.
Looking back further, last month’s new listing total is 2.1 per cent above the ten-year average for November.
The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the Greater Vancouver MLS® sits at 14,090, a decline of 9 per cent compared to October 2011 but an increase of 13 per cent when compared to this time last year.
The MLSLink® Housing Price Index (HPI) benchmark price for all residential properties in Greater Vancouver over the last 12 months has increased 7.2 per cent to $622,087 in November 2011 from $580,080 in November 2010.
Since reaching a peak in June of $630,921, the benchmark price for all residential properties in the region has declined 1.4 per cent.
Sales of detached properties on the MLS® in November 2011 reached 916, a decrease of 12.8 per cent from the 1,050 detached sales recorded in November 2010, and a 21.3 per cent decrease from the 1,164 units sold in November 2009. The benchmark price for detached properties increased 11.4 per cent from November 2010 to $890,204.
Sales of apartment properties reached 1,000 in November 2011, a 4.9 per cent decrease compared to the 1,052 sales in November 2010, and a decrease of 28.4 per cent compared to the 1,396 sales in November 2009. The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 2.7 per cent from November 2010 to $399,686.
Attached property sales in November 2011 totalled 444, a 9.1 per cent increase compared to the 407 sales in November 2010, and a 15.1 per cent decrease from the 523 attached properties sold in November 2009. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 4.5 per cent between November 2010 and 2011 to $510,960.
November has flown by and the Christmas month of December starts tomorrow! Be sure to check out all the amazing festive events in your area over the month to come. There are two large events starting tomorrow: The Peak of Christmas and Christmas at Canada Place.
The Peak of Christmas is a magical great event for everyone of all ages. There is a Santa's workshop set up, reindeer to meet and greet, sleigh rides happening through the alpine forest that surrounds Grouse, live entertainment and an 8,000 SqFt skating pond.
Not feeling in the festive mood yet? Stop by Canada Place, the Woodwards Window, decorations and Christmas trees are sure to get you feeling jolly! There is also a breakfast with Santa taking place. The buffet breakfast with Santa is on December 17th and 18th tickets are required. A Christmas market will be set up, perfect for strolling through with a cup of hot apple cider.
Enjoy December and be sure to check out what fun things your community has to offer this month!
The winter wander is a great way to get out and explore Kitsilano this winter! The walk is starting at Vanier Park, it is a culture crawl through Kitsilano’s biggest hidden treasure. Visit Bard on the Beach, City of Vancouver Archives, H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, Museum of Vancouver, Vancouver Academy of Music, and the Vancouver Maritime Museum.
The day will also feature: music, stage, science, research, history, and the sea, plus enjoy food vendors, special performances, and prizes.
Where: 30th and Ontario Street in the East Parking lot and Plaza of Nat Bailey Stadium
When: Saturday's November 5th - April 28th
Time: 10:00am - 2:00pm
The farmers market is still a great event to attend even in the winter! Vendors feature delicious fresh vegetables, fruit, meat, cheese, seafood and baking. there will also be a number of hot beverages available to keep you warm during your shopping!
Come meet the producers who make, bake or grow what they sell. This year, bring your food scraps from home to recycle at the Food Scraps Drop Spot sponsored by Recycling Alternative and Vancouver Farmers Markets. A donation of $2 per drop is appreciated.
Winter solstice takes place this year on Wednesday December 21, 2011.
The lantern festival is an annual event that will be celebrating it's 18th event this year. This year is extra special because not only is it winter solstice but it is also a lunar eclipse the same night! The Festival takes place in 6 communities around Vancouver including:
The event takes place from 6:00pm-10:00pm. Each gathering will have a lantern procession, activities (such as crafts and lantern making), storytelling, and musical entertainment.
Which ever community you find yourself on December 21, 2011 be sure to take time and appreciate the winter solstice!
Where: Plaza at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver
Time: 11am-9pm November 24 to December 23 and from 11am-6pm on December 24
More than just a craft fair, an authentic German Christmas Market creates the perfect atmosphere for purchasing Christmas gifts and enjoying terrific food and drink. It also serves as an ideal setting for multiple cultural activities and entertainment events. The romantic setting of the Christmas Market with its customary rows of little wooden huts that are decorated in pine branches, strung with little white lights showing off the merchandise, develop into the focal point of the holiday season in Vancouver.
During the pre-Christmas season, the market is the perfect destination for combining a family outing with some Christmas shopping. A special children’s area known as the Kids' Market will give youngsters the chance to make their own Christmas gifts. Business people will find a fun meeting place for a quick bite during lunch time or a drink after work (be sure to use our 2 for 1 Lunch Pass!). With a wide variety of entertainment offered, it also becomes a place for young people to enjoy and mingle before a night on the town. School groups of all ages, social clubs and senior organizations will incorporate a visit in their holiday activities.
The centre piece of the Christmas Market will be a festively decorated stage which creates a unique Christmas atmosphere when surrounded by more than 45 traditional wooden booths and rows of Christmas trees with thousands of fairy lights.
There will be a mix of food and merchandise booths including some specialties such as German Bratwurst, suckling pig and Swiss Raclette, traditional Christmas cookies, Lebkuchen, roasted chestnuts, baked apples and spiced Christmas Cake (Stollen). Beverages will include the famous German Christmas Drink (Feuerzangenbowle) and authentic hot spiced red wine (Gluehwein) and a selection of German beers (Weissbier).
The merchandise will include authentic wood carvings and wooden toys, knitted clothes and scarves, Christmas pyramids and tree balls, tin toys, stain glass, nutcrackers in various sizes as well as advent wreaths. You can find unique gifts such as glass jewelry, Polish pottery, organic baby clothes or German beer steins.
During the daytime and evening hours Vancouver Christmas Market will offer a kaleidoscope of performances, including traditional European choirs and dance performances, world class string ensembles, worldly gospel choirs and festive carol singers. The Pavilion Stage will also host daily feature kid’s activities and a variety of school choirs and bands will show off their talent during their performances on stage.
Vancouver is a cosmopolitan city with a rich history of hosting world-class events. The Vancouver Christmas Market will change the way Vancouverites celebrate the Christmas season.
Colourful décor. Authentic gifts. Family entertainment. Tasty authentic food. The aroma of mulled wine. A truly enchanting atmosphere.
Marinaside Living - One Bedroom in the heart of Yaletown
Every wonder what it would be like to wake up every morning and stare out at Vancouver's beautiful False Creek from the comfort of your own home? #202 1111 Marinaside is every homeowners dream, truly a gem within Vancouver Real Estate.
This private residence has gone through an entire upgrade including new kitchen features – Liebherr fridge, Fisher Paykel gas range and dishwasher with Cambria Quartz countertops. Other upgrades include: double sink in the bathroom with modern faucets and fixtures and built in custom closets in the bedroom and in the den/office.
Club Aquarius facilities include indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, exercise centre, 24 hour concierge and club house.
Located in the heart of Yaletown just steps from restraunts, shops and Cafes that have made yaletown a desirable, world famouse housing market. Must be seen to be appreciated.
As we approach the end of 2011 we're seeing the typicial market slowdown in both new listings and sales.
The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver is showing gains in average price of over 10% from 2010. However, it is important to remember that market conditions varied greatly this year depending on the area and property type. This increase in price has mostly reflected the higher end market which has been driven by the increase in purchasers from Asian, particularly China.
This influx of buyers has not been seen in Vancouver since the 1990's and has created more of a 'top down' market whereas the demand has been from the top down rather than what we've seen over the past decade where demand has been from the entry level market and moved upwards.
Overall sales have been pretty much the same as this time last year however our inventory is about 8% higher which, to the benifit of buyers has allowed them more selection and time to choose.
Forecast for 2012 Vancouver Real Estate Market
"Low mortgage interest rates are expected to persist through 2012 keeping affordability on an even keel," said Cameron Muir, BCREA Chief Economist. "However, headwinds on the economic front will constrain consumer demand over the next year to below the ten-year average of 87,600 units. The highest MLS residential sales were recorded in 2005 at 106,300.
"Moderate consumer demand combined with larger inventories of homes for sale means BC housing markets will experience little upward pressure on home prices through 2012," added Muir.
The average residential price in the province is estimated to rise 11.8 per cent to $564,600 this year, and is forecast to decline 2.5 per cent to $550,500 in 2012.
If you'd like more information on your particular neighbourhood, feel free to contact me.
In Vancouver selling your home in the winter can be just as simple and easy as selling your home in the spring/summer. Here are a few tips to help your home fly off the Vancouver housing market in any season:
Remember the basics Taking care of needed maintenance and repairs is obligatory in any season. A thorough cleaning and getting rid of clutter are equally essential. And tidying up the yard and touching up the exterior appearance to improve the curb appeal also can make the difference between deal or no deal.
In a slow market, nothing counts more than pricing aggressively. Check recent sale prices in your neighborhood on sites such as Zillow.com and Trulia.com and price your home competitively. "If it's priced properly, it will sell any day of the year," says Severance.
Think warm and cozy Home staging — techniques used to make your house look bigger, brighter, warmer and more appealing — takes on a new focus in winter. Rearranging the furniture and applying a fresh coat of paint to any room in need are just as important. But to convey a cozy impression in winter, it may behoove you to turn up the thermostat and have a fire in the fireplace for open houses. It will give you an edge over the many vacant homes on the market.
Staging may in fact be even more important in winter, according to Loren Keim, a real estate broker and professor of real estate at Lehigh University. "If you have a vacant house in winter with the heat turned down to 50, chances are someone will make a very low offer," he says. "And if you can leave at least a few pieces of furniture behind, it has more of an impact."
Displaying photos of how your property looks in summer is a good idea. Some staging experts also recommend decorating with warm colors such as deep orange or crimson.
Neatly shoveled paths make a difference It might seem obvious to keep sidewalks and driveways free and clear of ice and snow. But many homeowners who have already vacated their houses either aren't diligent about that winter duty or don't do a thorough job.
It's important for reasons of safety, aesthetics and, once again, competition. In particular, a foreclosed house probably won't have walks and parking spaces shoveled out, and "people don't like to deal with that," says Holden Lewis, real estate expert for Bankrate.com.
Lewis recalls pulling up in front of a house he had an appointment to see one February years ago in Toledo, Ohio. The sidewalk wasn't shoveled, and he took a look at the house from his car and decided not to go in. "If you want to sell the house, everything needs to be shoveled and clear," he says.
Good lighting is essential Your home may appear darker due to less daylight. Fight the gloom. Turn on all the lights possible for visitors — this is no time to worry about the electric bill. Open blinds, drapes and shutters to let natural light pour in. Make sure to clean any grime off the windows first.
Encourage showings during high-daylight hours. Showing after work in the dark isn't a great idea. Make sure you have enough outside illumination for drive-by visitors in the evening, however. And keep the place well-lit even when you're not there.
Tasteful holiday decorations can help The holidays give you an extra chance to make your home stand out. Keep decorations conservative and don't overdo it on outdoor lighting. You don't want to put 25,000 lights on the roof like Clark Griswold in "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation." As sure as he blacked out the neighborhood, you would scare off buyers. But a big red bow on the For Sale sign and some holiday greenery, twinkling lights and elegant decorations inside can help give buyers a dose of seasonal cheer.
When Christmas and Hanukkah are over, you can keep the spirit alive. A colorful winter wreath on the front door and colorful poinsettias and holly bushes in the yard will help retain a festive look for January and February, when more house-shoppers start to turn up.
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Surrey’s real estate market hottest in the province over the next 3-5 years
Surrey has been rated the hottest market for housing investment in the province by the Real Estate Investment Network (REIN).
REIN, a leadingn real estate research organization in Canada, has released it's latest report on the top cities and towns in B.C. for real estate investment.
Surrey took top spot.
The report titled Top British Columbia Investment Towns 2011, analyzes the current and future prospects for real estate investment opportunities across the province, and identifies the top regions that will outperform in the coming decade.
The findings are based on in-depth research, analysis of the latest statistics, economic and social trends, and on-the-ground reports from REINs research staff and members, along with reports and statistics from organizations such as Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), Statistics Canada, Multiple Listing Service (MLS), Canadian Home Builders Association, city and regional real estate boards, and local economic development offices.
Anita Huberman, CEO of the Surrey Board of Trade is unsurprised by Surrey's great performance.
"We're doing everything we can to make sure Surrey is a great place to invest," Huberman said Tuesday. "So, it does not come as a surprise."
That said, she believes now is no time for complacency.
"I don't think Surrey in its current economic climate has the ability or the time to rest on its laurels," she said. "I think more needs to be done."
The REIN report looks at such factors as:
Is the area's population growing faster than the provincial average
• Are new infrastructures being built to handle that growth?
• Is the area creating new jobs and taking steps to maintain current employment levels?
• Will Surrey benefit from an economic or real estate ripple effect?
• Has political leadership created an economic growth atmosphere?
• Are there major transportation improvements in the works?
Don R. Campbell, president of REIN, states in the report, “As one of the fastest growing cities in the province, Surrey has spent recent years diversifying its economy and has experienced a tremendous population increase in the last decade. Currently recognized as the 12th largest city in Canada, Surrey is expected to overtake Vancouver’s title as the largest city in B.C. in the next decade.”
Campbell went on to say, “Surrey will reap the benefits from the Gateway and TranLink program. A number of projects are in various states of completion that will positively impact the commute for residents to and from Surrey and improve transportation logistics for businesses. In the next decade, the city will continue to see explosive population growth, one of the most important factors to consider when deciding where to invest.”
The top towns ranked in the report are:
1). Surrey
2). Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows
3). Kamloops
4). Abbotsford
5). Fort St. John
6). Dawson Creek
7). Kelowna
8). Comox Valley
9). Penticton
10). Prince George
11). Vancouver
Founded in 1993, REIN has grown over the years to become Canada’s leading real estate research, investment and education organization. It serves more than 3,000 member clients who own more than 26,000 properties (valued at over $3.3 billion) across the country.
Members use the unbiased research and proven systems to invest in properties in economically strong regions across the country. REIN does not sell or market real estate to its members or the general public, but instead conducts objective and unbiased research, analysis and investor education.
The annual holiday market features the work of 280 artisans who specialize in First Nations products, candles and soap, children's clothing, clay, adult clothing, dolls and toys, fashion accessories and jewellery, fibre, food, glass, home décor, leather, metal, visual arts, wood, and Christmas decorations; beading, pottery and glazing, and glass-blowing demonstrations; live entertainment; a student-art exhibit; and a sharing tree.
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Greater Vancouver at lower end of balanced housing market
VANCOUVER, B.C. – November 2, 2011 – With a sales-to-active property listings ratio of 15 per cent, the Greater Vancouver housing market continues to hover at the lower end of a balanced market and has been trending in that direction over the past five months.The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales of detached, attached and apartment properties on the region’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) system reached 2,317 in October, a 1 per cent decrease compared to the 2,337 sales in October 2010 and a 3.2 per cent increase compared to the previous month.
Those sales rank as the second lowest total for October over the last 10 years.“Right now, prospective home buyers have a good selection of properties to choose from and more time to make decisions,” Rosario Setticasi, REBGV president said. “Home sellers should be mindful of local market conditions to ensure they are pricing their properties competitively.”New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totalled 4,374 in October, which is on par with the 10-year average. This represents an 18.3 per cent increase compared to October 2010, when 3,698 properties were listed for sale on the MLS®, and a 23 per cent decrease compared to the 5,680 new listings reported in September 2011.The total number of properties listed for sale on the Greater Vancouver MLS® system currently sits at 15,377, which is 9.3 per cent higher than the 14,075 properties listed for sale during the same period last year. October was the first month that the total number of property listings showed a decrease this year.The MLSLink® Housing Price Index (HPI) benchmark price for all residential properties in Greater Vancouver over the last 12 months has increased 7.5 per cent to $622,955 in October 2011 from $579,349 in October 2010. However, since reaching a peak in June of $630,921, the benchmark price for all residential properties in the region has declined 1.3 per cent.Sales of detached properties in October reached 974, which represents virtually no change from the 976 detached sales recorded in October 2010, and a 34.5 per cent decrease from the 1,487 units sold in October 2009. The benchmark price for detached properties increased 11 per cent from October 2010 to $884,778, but decreased 1.3 per cent compared to the previous month.Sales of apartment properties reached 958 in October, a 2.6 per cent decrease compared to the 984 sales in October 2010, and a decrease of 40.4 per cent compared to the 1,607 sales in October 2009. The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 3.2 per cent from October 2010 to $402,702, but decreased 0.7 per cent compared to the previous month.Attached property sales in October totalled 382, a 1.3 per cent increase compared to the 377 sales in October 2010, and a 37.4 per cent decrease from the 610 attached properties sold in October 2009. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 6.5 per cent between October 2010 and 2011 to $519,455, and increased half a per cent compared to the previous month.
The housing market may be a boring place for the next year, according to CMHC, as the number of starts remains near current levels and resale prices hold steady.
In its fourth quarter market update, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. said mortgage rates would likely remain at historically low levels at least until the last half of 2012. The housing market’s fate is largely tied to rates, the agency said.
Economists and market watchers have predicted a variety of scenarios for house prices in the next year, with some suggesting prices could drop as much as 10 per cent by the end of 2012. Capital Economics goes a step further, having predicted a drop of 25 per cent in the next several years as demand weakens amid higher mortgage rates.
“Should rates move lower than projected, housing starts and MLS sales could be higher than expected and house prices could grow at a faster pace than forecast,” the report stated. “Alternatively, should financial market expectations improve and interest rates move higher than projected, housing starts and MLS sales could be lower than expected and house prices could grow at a slower pace than forecast.”
CMHC said there could be as many as 470,100 resales in Canada this year, and expects that number to rise to 485,500 in 2012.
“We expect balanced market conditions to prevail and the average MLS price to remain fairly flat to the end of 2012,” the report stated.
CMHC said 186,750 new homes would be built in 2012, compared to 191,000 for 2011. Analysts generally agree that at least 175,000 new homes are needed each year to meet demand from new families and immigration.
“Ontario, Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia’s growth will be the strongest, while Prince Edward Island and British Columbia are forecast to see modest growth,” CMHC said. “The other provinces, on the other hand, are expected to see decreases. In 2012, housing starts are forecast to increase in British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba.”
Other highlights from the report:
· Posted mortgage rates will remain relatively flat until late 2012. For 2012, the one-year posted mortgage rate is expected to be in the 3.4 to 3.8 per cent range, while the five-year posted mortgage rate is forecast to be within 5.2 to 5.7 per cent.
· Single starts have rebounded coming out of the recession. After an increase in the third quarter of this year, they are expected to moderate before rising later in 2012.
· Since the beginning of 2011, new listings steadily outpaced existing home sales. As a consequence, the resale market has moved from sellers’ to balanced market conditions.
The agency said the economic outlook for the country was uncertain, making it difficult to forecast growth in the housing market.
“Sustained financial market uncertainty has heightened risks but, there are both upside and downside risks to the outlook,” the agency stated.
The positive: “Some upsides include the potential that the U.S. could recover stronger than is forecast, thus increasing U.S. employment and economic growth. This could, in turn, boost employment growth in Canada and lead to stronger than anticipated housing demand.”
The negative: “Some downsides include a slower than expected recovery for the U.S., reduced economic growth in emerging economies and a downturn in parts of Europe. Such events could result in slower employment growth in Canada, which could lead to lower demand for housing.”
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