Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Summer Vancouver Real Estate Market Update
As I get set to enjoy another sunny month in this beautiful city, I am experiencing a feeling of deja vu. In the past two months the
Vancouver Real Estate market has done a complete switch from a 'Buyers Market' to a 'Sellers Market'. This shift has been so quick and significant that it has surprised many especially those who thought we were heading for a long and hard market decline. I think even the eternally optimistic realtors in Vancouver are scratching there heads with what's happening.
The main driver behind this has been the entry level market; first time buyers taking advantage of greater affordability and historically low interest rates.
As the dust settled with all the world economic turmoil, most saw that there was great opportunity to purchase. Coupled with abnormally few new listings hitting the Vancouver Real Estate market in the April, May and June saw the excess inventory disappear and create a sellers market in certain areas, specifically the one bedroom condo market in Kitsilano and the West End, along with the detached, entry level housing market in East Vancouver.
We're seeing listings for entry level condo's in Kitsilano and The West End sell for well over the asking price after the first showings. The same is true for the detached housing market on the East Side where renovated 4 bedroom houses with mortgage helpers on full size lots are selling significantly higher than the asking price.
Expect this trend to continue and even intensify in the next month as people look to cash in on their guarenteed interest rate pre-approvals which, for most, will expire at the end of August meaning they must complete on their new homes before that time.
For more information on the Vancouver Real Estate Market or Real Estate in Vancouver contact:
Peter Raab
Vancouver Real Estate Agent
Labels: detached homes for sale in East Vancouver, Kitsilano real estate market update, market update Kitsilano, vancouver real estate agent, Vancouver Real estate market update
Does your home have curb appeal?
We've all heard the old adage "you never get a second chance to make a first impression." This is especially true when it comes to your home. If you're thinking about selling, there's no more important audience to attract than potential buyers, who are highly influenced by how a home looks the first time they get a glimpse of it. Even if your goal is just to impress your neighbors and guests you should pay close attention to the first impression your home in making. Here are a few simple tips and techniques that can positively affect your home's "curb appeal" and perhaps even its value.
Clean Up and Repair:
The most useful chores to tackle first are basic maintenance and repairs before moving onto larger projects. Clean windows and siding, make sure outdoor lights are working, stow away yard tools and equipment, and clean up dead branches and leaves. Make sure that fences, walkways, and the driveway are in good repair too - a home that looks well taken care of is always more attractive to buyers.
Landscaping:
A full landscape overhaul may not be necessary, but your yard, especially in the front, should look neat and well maintained. Trim any overgrown shrubs, remove weeds, and tidy up planting areas. If the season is right, add some colorful flowering plants to brighten up areas around walkways and the front entrance. It's an easy and inexpensive way to create an instantly welcoming feeling.
The Entrance:
The front door is another key element of that all-important first impression, and should reflect the style of the home. If replacement is cost-prohibitive, consider reviving a tired, faded door with a fresh coat of paint in a great accent color and swapping out the hardware.
Paint It New:
Brighten up the exterior of your home with a new paint job. Driving around your neighborhood may inspire some ideas of what may be flattering to your home. If you're planning to sell your home, it's usually best to go with colors that have widespread appeal so that potential buyers won't be put off by unusual colors or combinations. Painting the exterior can add significantly to the home's value.
Labels: curb appeal, Preparing your home for sale in Vancouver Real Estate, Selling your home, Vancouver Real Estate
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Open Houses in Kitsilano
We will be hosting an open house this weekend in
Kitsilano for a two bedroom condo.
15 2375 West Broadway
Kitsilano, Vancouver West
2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
895 square feet
Offered at $489,900
Open concept townhome at Taliesin, a very well maintained complex with lush gardens and water features that greet you as you walk through the court yard to your front door. Don't let the address fool you, this townhome is off broadway on the quite side of the complex in a private setting. The main floor is an open concept, contemporary design with a gas fireplace, laminate floors, stainless appliances, granite counters with a large storage room/pantry off the kitchen. Your private patio surrounded by lush gardens is just off the living room.
Steps to all the shops on Broadway and 4th ave and minutes to Kits beach.
Pets welcome with no rental restrictions.
Tenanted until the end of November
OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY JUNE 28TH 2:30-4:00PM
Labels: Kitsilano real estate, kitsilano real estate agent, Open houses in Kits, Open houses in Kitsilano, real estate Kitsilano, townhomes for sale kitsilano
Open Houses in the West End
We will be hosting an OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY JUNE 28TH FROM 2:30-4:30PM
1302 1003 Burnaby Street
1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
644 square feet
Pets and rentals allowed
Offered at $399,900
Stunning one Bedroom and Den at the Milano, an ultra modern building designed by Paul Merrick & built by Cressy Developments. Fantastic layout in this corner unit with floor to ceiling windows giving you amazing city views in every direction. High end finishings with quartz counter tops in the kitchen, gas cooktop, glass bar counter, crown molding and gas fireplace. Live in the heart of the city, steps to the Seawall and all the funky restaurants and cafes on Davie Street. Only a short walk to the business district and Yaletown.
One parking and one storage locker included.
For more information on this unit or condos for sale in the Westend contact:
Peter Raab
Westend Real Estate Agent
Downtown Vancouver Real Estate Agent
Labels: condos for sale in downtown vancouver, condos for sale in the West End, Vancouver real estate for sale, Westend real estate agents, Westend real estate for sale
Open House in Downtown Vancouver
We will be hosting an open house for a two bedroom co
ndo for sale in downtown Vancouver.
Specs:
707 480 Robson Street
2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms plus a den
902 square feet
1 parking stall and one storage locker included
Pets and rentals allowed
This south facing residence has an open floor plan with separated bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. Granite counter tops, S/S appliances with gas cooktop in the kitchen, large master bedroom with walk-in closet and ensuite bathroom.
Good size den and balcony off the living room. If you want to be in the centre of everything happening in Vancouver then this is the place to live. Steps to Yaletown, GM/BC Place, the financial district, all the exclusive shops on Robson Street.
1/2 block from the Vancouver public library with IGA market place across the street.
FIRST OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY JUNE 27TH FROM 2:30-4:30PM
Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, on Robson Street, across from the Vancouver Public Library.
For more information on Vancouver Real Estate contact:
Peter Raab
Vancouver Real Estate Agent
Labels: Condo's for sale in Vancouver, condos for sale downtown vancouver, real estate vancouver, Robson and Richards, vancouver real estate agent
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Vancouver Real Estate Market Update June 2009
The
Vancouver Westside detached market continued to perform fairly statically through the first quarter of 2009; with quite a flat supply and demand dynamic. New listings moved from 79 new detached active listings in the Vancouver West Region to 70 - as we continued to see nearly full supply saturation with 60 detached sales. Attached and condominium markets tend to be what we refer to as early indicators of what is to come in the Vancouver Real Estate Market, which should lead to further improvements in the detached market as 2009 continues. The Vancouver Westside detached market, more than anywhere else; has seen a real drop in supply in the face of a tighter market. Buyer competition remains active in these areas, and thus it may be a solid time to consider listing your home if you have been thinking about proceeding with a sale. The demand is especially acute in
Kitsilano where there is a serious lack of supply - especially in the Kits Point areas, and other sectors north of W 4th Ave.
The 70 new detached active listings on the Vancouver Westside were distributed as follows:
Arbutus (AR) : 1
Cambie (CA) : 3
Dunbar (DU) : 9
Kerrisdale (KE) : 5
Kitsilano (KT) : 7
MacKenzie Heights (MH) : 2
Marpole (MR) : 9
Oakridge (OA) : 6
Point Grey (PG) : 8
Quilchena (QU) : 4
South Granville (SG) : 8
Southlands (SL) : 1
S.W. Marine (SW) : 4
University (UL) : 2
70 total new detached listings on the Westside from June 8th - June 15th.
This past week there were 60 detached sold listings in the Vancouver West Region. Please note if your neighbourhood is not included in the weekly list it indicates there were zero (0) sales in your area for that period.
The 60 detached sold listings on the Westside were distributed as follows:
Arbutus (AR) : 3
Cambie (CA) : 8
Dunbar (DU) : 12
Kerrisdale (KE) : 3
Kitsilano (KT) : 6
Marpole (MR) : 3
Oakridge (OA) : 1
Point Grey (PG) : 6
Quilchena (QU) : 3
South Granville (SG) : 3
Shaughnessy (SH) : 5
S.W. Marine (SW) : 6
University (UL) : 1
60 total detached sales on the Westside from June 8th – June 15th.
For more information please contact :
Peter Raab
Vancouver real estate agent
Kitsilano Real Estate agent
Labels: Kitsilano market update, vancouver housing market update, Vancouver Real estate market update
Sunday, June 14, 2009
ATELIER Assignment for sale
With estimated completion scheduled for this fall 2009, Atelier is a fantastic opportunity to own in a world class location, at Homer and Robson street in
downtown Vancouver.
2502 833 Homer Street
Two bedrooms with two bathrooms
873 Square feet
Offered at $744,000
Atelier condo development, when finished will have 24 hour concierge, roof top gardens for residents to do their own gardening, steps to the public library square at Robson and Homer street.
For more information on Atelier assignments or condos for sale in Atelier, contact:
Peter Raab
Downtown Vancouver Real Estate Expert
Labels: 833 Homer street, Assignments for sale in Atelier, Atelier Assignments, condos for sale in Atelier
Town houses for sale in False Creek North
106 633 Kinghorne Mews BB
Luxury Town House for sale next to the Marina in False Creek North, Downtown Vancouver.
This two bedroom, 3 bathroom townhouse is 1604 square feet with a private 400 square foot patio off the living room and another balcony off the master bedroom with views of the Marina and False Creek.
This Town home is right on the Seawall but has good separation as it is 4 feet higher than the seawall in False Creek North and has lush greenery for additional privacy.
The building is called Icon Two, across from the Silver Sea, close to the Granville Bridge. Only minutes from Yaletown, English Bay and the rest of Downtown Vancouver, B.C..
See my featured listings for more information.
Peter Raab
Downtown Vancouver Real Estate Agent
Labels: downtown Vancouver real estate, False Creek North townhomes, Town houses for sale downtown Vancouver, Waterfront town houses for sale False Creek North, waterfront townhomes for sale vancouver
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Townhomes for sale in Kitsilano
Just Listed June 10th 2009
15 2375 West Broadway, Kitsilano, Vancouver West
2 bedroom, 2 bathroom townhome in Kitsilano.
2 levels with a total of 895 square feet
In the Taliesin complex in the heart of Kitsilano on the quite side of West Broadway. This two level townhome has insuite laundry, a gas fireplace and a cozy patio off the living room.
The townhome in Kitsilano is Pet friendly and allows rentals.
First open house is Sunday June 14th from 2:00-4:00pm.
For more information contact:
Peter Raab
Vancouver Real Estate Agent
Kitsilano Real Estate Agent
Labels: Kitsilano real estate, kitsilano real estate agent, townhomes for sale kitsilano, Townhouse for sale in Kitsilano, Townhouses for sale in Kitsilano, vancouver real estate agent
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Kitsilano Farmers Market opens this Sunday
I know I've been waiting for this time to come, the Kitsilano Farmers Market opens Sunday June 7th from 10:00am - 2:00pm and goes until October 25th in the parking lot of the Kitsilano Community Centre at
10th and Larch.
The goal of Vancouver's Farmers Markets are 'to foster community health and local economic development through the creation of a venue where community members have greater access to safe, healthy, locally produced, environmentally friendly food, and where B.C. producers can market their goods directly to urban consumers.'
Come on out and support your local growers and buy some great, locally grown fruits and veggies.
Local neighbourhood information for Kitsilano
Labels: kitsilano, kitsilano community news, Kitsilano farmers market, Vancouver farmers Market
As I get set to enjoy another sunny month in this beautiful city, I am experiencing a feeling of deja vu. In the past two months the Vancouver Real Estate market has done a complete switch from a 'Buyers Market' to a 'Sellers Market'. This shift has been so quick and significant that it has surprised many especially those who thought we were heading for a long and hard market decline. I think even the eternally optimistic realtors in Vancouver are scratching there heads with what's happening. 
