Monday, March 30, 2009
Condo sold in Kitsilano at Henley Park
Unit 208 at 2250 West 3rd Ave. in
Kitsilano just sold.
Asking price was $369,900 and it sold for $364,000 which is a fantastic deal in this location in Kitsilano.
The updated one bedroom condo in
Kitsilano is in a rainscreened buildilng north of fourth.
It features stainless steel appliances, open floor plan complimented by a large Northeast exposed balcony with partial views of
downtown Vancouver and a treed outlook.
Fabulous North of fourth offers Brown's restaurant on fourth and Yew street, Kitsilano Wine Cellar directly behind the complex, Capers, Safeway, Starbucks in Kitsilano and lots of other funky shops and boutiques.
Kits Beach and Kits Pool are only a short stroll away.
For more information on living in Kitsilano or real estate in Kitsilano contact:
Peter Raab
Kitsilano and Henley Park resident
Kitsilano real estate agent Labels: condos for sale in Kitsilano, condos for sale kitsilano, Henley Park, Henley Park Kitsilano, kitsilano real estate agent
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Parks in Kitsilano
Kitsilano is home to 16 parks scattered throughout the area and next to downtown has the most parks in City.
Do you know who Almond Park was named after? Named for Alderman Henry Elston Almond, Almond Park exudes a feeling of tranquility. The park offers a fantastic display of flowering shrubs and magnificent old trees. An upper pathway winds through a shady grove, leading to the popular playground area. It opened in 1928.
And the beach which was originally known as Greer's Beach, named for the pioneer who unsuccessfully challenged the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) take over of his homestead here in the 1890s. Later, private citizens raised the money to purchase the beach front land back from the CPR while the Park Board leased additional lots to create this popular park. This is now the very popular
Kits Beach.
Kitsilano Pool, Vancouver's largest draw and fill salt water pool was first opened at the waterss edge in 1936 and became an instant success. It was replaced in 1979 by an ocean side tank (about 150 meters at its outer most edge) which sports salt water and is heated. This is the park where old Engine #374, that in 1886 pulled the first transcontinental CPR train into Vancouver, resided for many decades on a piece of track on an old CPR right of way. The Engine was lovingly restored by train buffs in time for EXPO '86. The train now resides in a plexi glass pavilion adjacent to the Roundhouse Community Centre.
The other parks in Kitsilano are - Almond Park, Arbutus Greenway Park, Connaught, Delamont, Hadden, Kits Beach, Margaret Pigott, McBride, Pt. Grey @ Stephens, Pt. Grey @ Stephens, Pt. Grey @ Trutch, Rosemary Brown, Seaforth Peace, Tatlow, Vanier and Volunteer.
For more information on these parks visit the Vancouver Park Board's website.
Labels: Kits Beach, Kits pool, kitsilano, Kitsilano real estate, living in kitsilano, parks in Kitsilano
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Vancouver Real Estate Agents reporting more activity
As we head into spring in the Vancouver real estate market, vancouver real estate agents are seeing a significant increase in market activity. Between the dates of March 23rd to March 25th there were 80 new listings to hit the market on the Vancouver Westside and 67 sold listings on the Vancouver Westside. These figures are for detached and attached homes.
The significant number is of those 67 listing that sold; 46 of them were condo's below $500,000 and only 8 detached homes selling on the Vancouver Westside.
This tell us that the entry level condo market is driving the real estate market in Vancouver so far this spring, especially the
condo market in Kitsilano, the Westend and downtown Vancouver.
You can now purchase a newer condo downtown Vancouver with views for approximately $340,000 which is down from approximately $400,000 from a year ago. With interest rates coming down to an all time low, this represents great value for first time home buyers!
We are also seeing multiple offers on many prime entry level condos in Kitsilano - buyers are getting off the fence and putting pen to paper as they see the value that is out there now.
For more information on condos for sale in Kitsilano, condos for sale in downtown Vancouver or condos for sale in Vancouver Westside, contact:
Peter Raab
Vancouver Real Estate Agent
Specializing in buying and selling condos in Kitsilano, downtown Vancouver and Vancouver's Westside
Labels: condos for sale kitsilano, downtown Vancouver real estate, kitsilano real estate agent, market update Kitsilano, real estate Kitsilano, real estate vancouver, vancouver real estate agent
Kitsilano condo market update
The
Vancouver Real Estate Market analysis for
condos in Kitsilano saw sales more than double in February, compared to January 2009. The past February saw the highest number of sales in Kitsilano since July 2008.
The average price for sold condos dropped to $417,000 and the average days on the market for sold condos is at 38 days.
February also saw that the entry level market is driving
real estate in Kitsilano with 23 of 28 sales under $500,000. The condo supply is down from 9 months to 3.8 months and the condo's over the $660,000 range are moving very slowly.
The offers a fantastic opportunity for those living in one bedroom condos in Kits who want to upgrade to a larger two bedroom condo in Kits.
Some Kitsilano Market Stats:
Listings -107. 8 listed under $300,000. 35 listed between $300,000 and $400,000. 30 listed between $400,000 and $500,000. 20 listings between $500,000 and $600,000 and 14 listed over $600,000. Least expensive $244,000 for 453 sq.ft. studio .
2008 Listings -Dec 117 , Nov 171, Oct 187, Sept 184, Aug 166, July 159, Jun 157, May 145, Apr 130
2009 Listings - Jan 104, Feb 107
Sales -28. Three sold under $300,000. 10 sold between $300,000 and $400,000 , 10 sold between $400,000 and $500,000. Three sold between $500K and $600K and two sold over $600,000. Least expensive was $245,000 for 540 sq ft one bedroom ($453 pr sq ft) which sold for $230,000 in spring 2005. Least expensive 2 bedroom $360,000 for 870 sq.ft. Most expensive $631,000 for 1350 sq.ft. This condo last sold for $380,000 in spring 2003.
Labels: condos for sale in Kitsilano, Kitsilano real estate, kitsilano real estate agents, market update Kitsilano
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Open House in Kitsilano
I will be hosting an open house in
Kitsilano, Vancouver West this Saturday March 25th and Sunday March 26th from 2:00-4:00pm
PENTHOUSE LOFT FOR SALE IN KITSILANO
2 levels with 2 bedrooms and one bathroom
973 square feet
One block to 4th Ave. in Kits where you'll find all sorts of cafes, restaurants and designer shops. Also only a short walk from Kits beach and a short drive to downtown Vancouver.
This condo in Kits is located north of 4th and West of Burrard Street.
See my Featured Listings section for more information and pictures
For more information on condos for sale in Kitsilano contact:
Peter Raab
Kitsilano Real Estate Agent
House prices in Vancouver make it tops for personal worth
Vancouver households were the wealthiest in Canada in 2007 however with the drop in Vancouver real estate prices the gap between Vancouver and other cities is getting smaller. This is according to a study released by Pitney Bowes Business Insight.
The average household net worth of those living in Vancouver was $592,851. Toronto was second at $562,173.
If that number seems high, you are right as 70 per cent of Canada's wealth is owned by the top 20 per cent of families and 80 per cent of households own the remaining 30 per cent.
However with the decline in value for real estate in Vancouver, Vancouverites lost 11 per cent of their value compared to Toronto losing 8 per cent.
Click here for more information
Peter Raab
Vancouver Real Estate Agent
Specializing in buying and selling real estate in Vancouver
Kitsilano, Fairview Slopes, Downtown Vancouver and Vancouver's Westside
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Penthouse Loft for sale in Kitsilano
Vitals:
2 bedrooms with 1 bathroom
973 square feet on two levels
Located in the heart of Kitsilano, Vancouver West.
Offered at $419,000
Rarely available in Kitsilano, this Penthouse loft is completely renovated boasting views of the City and the North Shore Mountains. Brand new Hickory floors, fresh paint, and new carpet in the loft space and bedroom.
The kitchen features granite counters, tiles flooring and sold oak cabinetry.
The bathroom also has granite counters and sold oak cabinets with an enclosed steam shower. A funky spiral staircase leads you to the expansive loft that has skylights which flood the space with natural light.
From the living room there is a large private balcony to enjoy summer BBQ's.
The unit is located in the heart of Kitsilano, north of 4th and only a few blocks away from Kits beach, Kits pool, and Watermark Restaurant.
Also, this loft in Kits is only one block away from 4th ave which is lined with fantastic restaurants such as Fuel Restaurant, Bistrot Bistro and Sophie's just to name a few. There are also lots of baby stores, cafes, Kits workout 24 hour gym and tanning salons.
For more information on Kitsilano, condos for sale in Kitsilano or Penthouse Lofts for sale in Kitsilano contact:
Peter Raab
Kitsilano resident and Kitsilano Real Estate Agent
Labels: condos for sale in Kitsilano, Kitsilano real estate, kitsilano real estate agents, living in kitsilano, Loft for sale Kitsilano, Penthouse for sale Kitsilano, real estate Kitsilano
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
First time buyers are driving Vancouver's real estate market
As interest rates hit record lows and prices in Vancouver dropping to a more affordable level; first time home buyers are re-emerging into the
Vancouver housing market.
Entry level buyers are now the engine driving home buying in a almost every major centre in Canada.
In the Vancouver real estate market, the most activity as been in condo's selling under the $500,000 mark. This represents first time buyers getting out of the rental market and purchasing their first home.
In April and May we expect a very robust market in Vancouver with buyers in the drivers seat.
For more information on condos for sale in Vancouver and on the real estate market in Vancouver contact:
Peter Raab
Vancouver Real Estate Agent
Labels: real estate downtown Vancouver, vancouver housing market update, Vancouver Real Estate
Monday, March 09, 2009
Town homes for sale in False Creek North, Vancouver
Luxury Townhome on the Seawall in False Creek North; Downtown Vancouver
2 Bedrooms, 3 bathrooms plus a den on 2 levels
1604 square feet
Bonus 2 parking stalls with an external storage locker
Located right next to the seawall across from the Marina
Watch the boats sail by from your bedroom in this exclusive home which features a 400 SqFt patio off the living room with a second patio off the master bedroom. Features include dark walnut floors throughout, stainless appliances with gas cooktop, granite counters, California closets in each room, air-conditioning, gas fireplace with gas outlet on patio. Steps away from the luxurious Club Oasis featuring a 80 foot indoor lap-pool, gym, steam room, hot tub and Hollywood style theatre room.
A fantastic waterfront investment.
See my Featured Listings for more information, pictures and video.
Labels: luxury townhomes Vancovuer, real estate for sale vancouver, Town house for sale vancouver, Townhomes in False Creek North
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Condo for Sale at Two Harbour Green; Coal Harbour
2 Bedrooms with 3 bathrooms
Two levels with soaring 17 foot ceilings in the living room
2410 square feet
This world class building by ASPEC has only the finest quality finishings including a gourmet kitchen by Snaidero of Italy, Miele & Sub Zero appliances. This unique 2 level corner unit feels like a home with a magnificent staircase leading up to the second floor and towering 17 ft ceilings in the living & dining rooms. Enjoy views of the North Shore Mountains, the water and city from 4 separate balconies and through the floor to ceiling windows. Stunning bathrooms and your own private, underground 2 car garage with storage. 24 hour concierge, indoor pool, health club, golf room and library.
Harbour Green Two is located right on Coal Harbour's waterfront and only minutes from the downtown core of Vancouver, Robson Street and Gastown.
For more information on this condo in Harbour Green Two contact:
Peter Raab
Vancouver Real Estate Agent
Specializing in selling condos in Coal Harbour, Downtown Vancouver and Vancouver's Westside
Labels: Condos for sale in Coal Harbour, condos for sale in Harbour Green Two, harbour green two, Two Harbour Green, Waterfront real estate coal harbour
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
February sales improve, as property listings decrease
Residential housing sales in Greater Vancouver rose 94 per cent in February compared to the month before, with 1,480 sales registered in February compared to 762 sales in January, which was the slowest month for housing sales in 25 years. Over the past 10 years, February sales have typically surpassed January by an average increase of 53 per cent.
At the same time, new MLS listings for residential properties continued to decrease for the fourth month in a row. New listings decreased 25.6 per cent in February compared to the previous year; 20 per cent in January; 8.6 per cent in December; and 10 per cent in November.
"There are terrific opportunities out there right now, but with property listings continuing to decrease, those opportunities may be available only for a brief window of time," said Dave Watt, president of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV).
REBGV reports that year-over-year property sales in Greater Vancouver declined 44.7 per cent in February 2009 from the 2,676 sales recorded in February 2008. Year over year, those are the lowest sales figures for February since the mid-1980s.
"Real Estate Agents are reporting more activity compared to recent months as people begin to see whether their position in the housing market has strengthened as a result of falling interest rates and improved affordability," Watt says. It took, on average, 67 days to sell a home in Greater Vancouver in February, seven days less than last month, but behind the seller's market of last February when the average stood at 33 days.
Sales of detached properties in February 2009 declined 41 per cent to 587 from the 995 units sold during the same period in 2008. The benchmark price, as calculated by the MLSLink Housing Price Index, for detached properties declined 14.2 per cent from February 2008 to $653,452.
Sales of apartment properties declined 45.6 per cent last month to 650, compared to the 1,197 sales in February 2008. The benchmark price of an apartment property declined 13.9 per cent from February 2008 to $333,143.
Attached property sales in February 2009 decreased 49.8 per cent to 243, compared with the 484 sales during the same month in 2008. The benchmark price of an attached unit declined 9.7 per cent between Februarys 2008 and 2009 to $426,268.
New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties declined 25.6 per cent to 3,916 in February 2009 compared to February 2008, when 5,260 new units were listed.
This is from the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver.
Peter Raab
Vancouver Real Estate Agent
Labels: real estate vancouver market update, vancouver housing market update, Vancouver Real Estate, Vancouver Real estate market update
Canadians are now optomistic about purchasing a home
According to The Royal Bank of Canada; almost two thirds of Canadians think now is the right time to buy a home despite the ongoing global recession.
65 per cent of people in Canada term the current housing sector a 'buyers market.' More than a quarter of Canadians said they would look to buy a new condo or house within the next two years.
Karen Legget, head of RBC's Home Equity Financing centre said 'the current economic environment does not appear to have dampened Canadians' overall confidence in the housing market."
"Canadians continue to have an overwhelming belief in the long-term value of a home and we're seeing this in the buying intentions of many first time homebuyers this year," she said.
Indeed, the current interest in purchasing a new home was four percentage points higher than the 23 per cent for the same time in 2008 and is at its highest level since 2007.
Falling home prices
One reason for the relatively positive outlook among Canadian homeowners and potential purchasers was the belief that slumping home values will drop even further in 2009.
More than half - 54 per cent - of Canadians said they think housing prices will be lower this year than they were at the end of 2008.
Cheaper prices combined with falling interest rates - down 50 basis points after March's rate cut by the Bank of Canada -indicate that people believe they will be able to pay less for a relatively valuable asset that will begin rise in net worth as the economy recovers.
This highest number of Canadians who think it is a great time to buy are people living in British Columbia where 78 per cent believe it is a buyers market and 26 per cent will buy a new home in the next two years.
For more information on the Vancouver housing market contact:
Peter Raab
Vancouver real estate agent
Specializing in buying and selling houses and condos in Kitsilano, downtown Vancouver, Fairview, Vancouver's westside
Labels: housing bubble vancouver, Real Estate update Vancouver, Vancouver market update
Unit 208 at 2250 West 3rd Ave. in Kitsilano just sold. 
