KITSILANO DEVELOPMENT UPDATE

There is a new development coming to Kitsilano called FIRST. This development is planned on First Avenue and Burrard. First, a 45-unit boutique development named after its Kitsilano street location is designed to combine contemporary and classic elements like concrete and glass with stone highlights to blend with its eclectic neighbourhood. The developers for this project are emphasizing lifestyle, playing up the local charm of Kitsilano between Burrard Street and Cypress Street, a block chalk-full of restaurants, boutique shops, fitness centres, coffee houses and grocers. "First offers an amazing opportunity," says George Wong of Platinum Project Marketing Group. Sited on what he calls the best street in Kitsilano, Mr. Wong paints a picture of a lifestyle that includes yoga on the beach, lattes, and strolls along the seawall to Granville Island to pick up fresh produce. Suites in the six-storey building have been designed with entertaining in mind, with nine-foot ceilings, open floor plans and an Italian-imported Dada Kitchen by Ital Interiors. "The kitchen systems are designed by the world's top architects and designers. They look as great as they function, and can make a chef out of anyone," says Mr. Wong. The high-end kitchens include Bosch appliances, stone countertops and a choice of either a warm teak or maple colour scheme. The suites will also have large balconies with heated slate floors for drinks with friends on a cool summer's night and a remote-controlled electric fireplace for the more intimate evenings. "We want First owners to enjoy the opportunity to use every square foot of their home," says Bud Eaton, Development Manager for Marcon Group of Companies.

KITSILANO DEVELOPMENT UPDATE
posted by Peter Raab on Saturday, March 31, 2007

Vancouver Real Estate Market Update for Spring 2007

The Vancouver Real Estate Market is as healthy as can be for both buyers and sellers as we head into the busiest season of the year. We are seeing a balanced market here in Vancouver, both in the Westside and Eastside. There are lots of new detached homes, attached homes and condominiums for sale with the 'hot' listings selling in less than a week. Fortunately for buyers, we're not seeing 'hot' listing sell for way over the asking price as was the case last summer. As for sellers, as long a the property being sold is properly prepared for selling and the price is accurate, your home is sure to sell quickly. We did have a slow period between November and January but the market has proved many pessimists wrong and has rebounded very strongly. Let's hope for continued strength in the Vancouver real estate market with lots of new listings and many sales. For more information contact Peter Raab, Royal LePage Westside. Vancouver Real Estate expert in both buying and selling homes in the Vancouver Westside, Vancouver East Side and downtown Vancouver.

Vancouver Real Estate Market Update for Spring 2007
posted by Peter Raab on Monday, March 26, 2007

How to increase the value of your home

Renovating your bathroom is a great way to add value to your home - both for your family's daily living and for future resale. Before you decide to go ahead with a renovation, it's critical to have a good idea of any underlying problems that could cause unwelcome and costly surprises. Taking time to find problems before you start your renovation will save you money, protect the indoor air quality and perserve the durability and structure of your home.
Avoid Surprises:
Before you start renovating, you'll want to think about your bathroom, your needs and your budget. Look carefully for signs of deterioration and the possible causes. This will save you money and will also help you to be better informed if you're dealing with contractors. Reflecting on your project will also help you to decide whether you need the services of a professional. Being unsure of what needs to be done, recognizing that the job is very complicated, or that you don't have the time or energy to do the work, are good reasons to hire a professional. Things to focus on:
Size and Design:

• What aspects of the current bathroom need to be changed?
• Is the layout convenient? Is there enough storage space?
• Choose a design option that meets your existing and future needs. This may be a simple renovation to replace fixtures or a complex project to change the layout, enlarge the bathroom or add an extra bathroom.
• The layout may not be flexible enough to meet existing or future needs for space and storage.

Fixtures:

• Are the fixtures or seals damaged, cracked or leaky?
• Are fixtures water and energy efficient?
• Choose fixtures that enhance the appearance of your bathroom while conserving water and energy.
• Outdated fixtures usually mean higher energy and resource costs. New toilets can save more than 70% of water per flush. Low-flow showerheads can save 60% on water usage. Compact fluorecent light fixtures are four times more efficient than standard incandescent bulbs.

Structural:

• Which walls are load bearing? Will they need to be cut or removed as part of the renovation?
• Are there any cracks, slopes or bulges that might mean that the floors or supporting members are deteriorating or inadequate?
• Correcting structural flaws, fixing leaks and making sure that all services are adequate before renovating will make renovations look better, work better and last longer.

How to increase the value of your home
posted by Peter Raab on Thursday, March 15, 2007

How to Create a Fabulous Space In Your Home Without Hurting the Environment

Sustainable or "green" design involves making your home look great, while also respecting the environment at the same time. While that may seem difficult to do, it really isn't. Ecologically sound interiors enable people to be more productive and healthy and there's also less impact to the environment as a result of the lower levels of pollution, consumption and less waste. As well, it also isn't necessarily more expensive to achieve. 11 Simple Steps to Make your Home More Environmentally Friendly:

1. Choose wood that is harvested from forests that regenerate quickly, such as bamboo. Another sound alternative is cork oak, which utilizes only the outer bark of a tree. Using old wood reclaimed from demolished houses is also a great option.
2. Instead of fabric window coverings, consider bamboo blinds, which are more ecologically sound.
3. Put lining on your drapes to better insulate the surrounding room.
4. Use paint that is low in volatile organic compounds (VOC). These contain less pollutants and have almost no odour. Check that it contains no formaldehyde, which is a carcinogen.
5. A healthy alternative to paint is wallpaper, especially the pulp-based variety. Also make sure to use glue that is non-toxic.
6. Invest in energy efficient appliances such as dishwashers and refrigerators that are EnergyStar rated.
7. Decrease power consumption by using electric fans instead of air conditioners and compact fluorescent instead of incandescent bulbs.
8. Lessen water consumption by installing a water aerator in your faucet.
9. To conserve water, use high efficiency toilets. Also consider using "Greywater" which is wastewater from dishwashers and washing machines, or even rainwater to flush toilets, water lawns and wash cars.
10. Lower your heating costs by replacing older windows with EnergyStar windows that prevent air leaks.
11. If you're living in an older home that doesn't have insulation, consider installing it to lower your heating bill.

How to Create a Fabulous Space In Your Home Without Hurting the Environment
posted by Peter Raab on Wednesday, March 14, 2007

The Housing Market is expected to stay strong for the next two years.

The Canadian Real Estate Association is predicting national home sales activity to remain high this year and into 2008.National sales activity is forecast to ease slightly but remain above 450,000, which is near the strongest levels ever.

The national residential average price is expected to rise slightly over the next two years and resale housing markets till become more balanced in all provinces but will remain stronger in British Colombia and Alberta.

Resale housing activity in Canada's major city's set a new record in 2007, according to CREA.

The Housing Market is expected to stay strong for the next two years.
posted by Peter Raab on Thursday, March 08, 2007

Signs are pointing towards a busy spring in the Vancouver housing market

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver reported that total residential sales for detached, attached and apartment properties reached 2,859 units in February 2007, a decrease of 2.8 per cent when compared to the 2,941 units sold in February 2006 and a decrease of 6.8 per cent when compared to the 3,068 sales in February 2005. New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties decreased by 4.0 per cent to 4,167 units compared to the 4,340 units listed in February 2006. The total number of active listings increased by 24 per cent to 9,670 units when compared to February 2006's 7,766 units. "Despite an increase in active listings, we didn't see a corresponding surge in new listings last month," says REBGV president Rick Valouche. "Many agents are reporting multiple-offer situations, though not at the same fast pace as we experienced in 2005. Unsurprisingly, the average days a property spent on market jumped to 49 days in February 2007 versus 58 days in January 2007. All signs are pointing towards a busy spring housing market. "We also saw a lot of activity in the condo market, particularly in Squamish, North Vancouver, South Delta and Vancouver West. This was due in part to resales from completed developments, but also due to more and more consumers realizing that apartment properties are great lifestyle alternatives to detached homes and also great real estate investments," says Valouche. "Your REALTOR is highly trained and will provide you with information about the type of property choices available to you throughout Greater Vancouver." According to Multiple Listings Service (MLS) data, sales of apartment properties increased by 4.7 per cent to 1,269 sales in February 2007 compared to 1,212 sales in February 2006. The benchmark price of an apartment property in Greater Vancouver, calculated by the MLSLink® Housing Price Index, is $342,705, up 15.3 per cent from one year ago. Sales of attached properties decreased by 15.0 per cent in February 2007 to 469 sales, compared to 552 sales in February 2006. The benchmark price of an attached unit is $419,061, up 15.1 per cent from a year ago. Sales of detached properties decreased by 4.8 per cent in February 2007 to 1,121 sales, compared to 1,177 sales in February 2006. The benchmark price of a detached unit is $666,983, up 11.4 per cent from last year.

Signs are pointing towards a busy spring in the Vancouver housing market
posted by Peter Raab on Wednesday, March 07, 2007