May 17, 2010

Coal Harbour Long History in Vancouver

Filed under: Uncategorized — gailbee @ 11:48 pm
gailbee

Coal Harbour has experienced a great deal ever since it first set up business as an exclusively industrial waterfront working zone. It wasn’t any more than simply fifteen years back when the neighborhood started to get coordinated as the very first residential part of town next to the Burrard Inlet to be worked on. As of today, Coal Harbour is made of concrete high-rise luxurious townhouses and Coal harbour condos, presenting a close distance to both the waterfront parks (including Stanley Park and the famous one thousand acre Evergreen Oasis along the border of Downtown Vancouver) and the city’s Business District, which comprises of many shopping centers along Denman St. and Robson St.

As of now, the twenty-three acre property of Coal Harbour is one of the most prevalent urban spots in Vancouver, and it continually undergoes new developments and renovations. There is a brand new convention centre being built that shall be opened in time for the 2010 Winter Olympics; on January 24th, 2009, the first Shangri La & Zen hotel/condo, which is also the tallest luxury hotel of Vancouver, opened up to the public while more highrise condos are being devised for construction.

Burrard Inlet’s eight acre waterfront park is an incredible

One of the most fascinating aspects about Coal Harbour is its serene atmosphere that residents experience, even though it is so near to the center of Downtown. Naturally, there is pretty heavy traffic on those central streets and the meticulously allotted commercial spots that take in the residential communities; however, there is always something to find when you have such incredible views to take in from every part of town.

The Vancouver Olympics – I reminisce

Filed under: Uncategorized — agnesp @ 11:39 pm
agnesp

Hey guys… just wanted to blog this about the Vancouver Olympics… I know its over now… but I just wanted to share what it was like when it happened… The Vancouver 2010 Olympics demonstrated a city in total party mode for 16 days. Just to think that they put seven years of hard work into advancing for this major international event , and regardless of the trajedies and mistakes that surrounded the early days of the Games, Canada was able to fight and ultimately reign victorious when it won the gold medal in the final hockey game against the U.S. Our land won a total of 14 medals, the greatest number of golds to be won by a host country of the Olympics.

Downtown Vancouver was the site of various special activities, including live music shows , spectacular light displays , ziplining along Robson Street – where there appearently was a seven-hour wait – and night long parties all over . At night the main party strip , host of the liveliest nightlife in Vancouver, was full for hours on end . A number of houses/tents were erected to feature Canada’s provinces, as well as the various countries that participated in the Games. I went downtown on a few times during the course of the Games, but I have to say that the most enjoyable sight was following the Opening scenes .

I’ll always recall walking down Granville Street at this wonderful time, and it made me joyful to see Canada, where the citizens are so patriotic. As I do business in Vancouver quite often I was dazzled by the fact that many people posted their Canadian flags up in their windows proudly showing their Country! Many of my showings included a wonderful sight of a Canadian flag! Wherever you went, you saw individuals dressed in Canada’s national colors of red and white, high-fiving literal strangers as they screamed and cheered and had a wonderful time. And nobody created any problems! Security officers were located every few feet, but there weren’t any fights to break up. At least I didn’t see any…

Such an incredible event in such a world class city like this a city like this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Vancouverites were also very patriotic by putting Canadian flags all over the city and volunteering for the event as well. We hope you will appreciate this city if you are ever in Vancouver sometime, which will give you an idea of the craziness that took place downtown – both night and day.

West Vancouver real estate market update by REMAX Vancouver Realtors

Filed under: Uncategorized — agnesp @ 11:15 pm
agnesp

Hey Folks, Agnes here. I just wanted to let you know about the West Vancouver Market… This market along with about seventy per cent of all Markets set records for an amazing first quarter sales. Luxury home sales soared in the first quarter of 2010 as strong buyers moved to capitalize on encouraging West Vancouver real estate market conditions across the country, according to an aritcle reported by REMAX.

The RE/MAX high end 2010 market report highlighted sales and trends in 13 major Canadian centres (including West Vancouver real estate) and five submarkets, found that improved economy performance , gained personal wealth, immigration and foreign investment all helped to a serious increase in sales. around all areas experienced double and 3X up – swings between January and March of this year over 2009 figures for the exact same period. Nine out of the 13 real estate markets (including West Vancouver real estate market) examined (69 per cent) shattered existing records – setting new all-time increases for first period this year action in the upper end.

Recovery in the top end market has been nothing short of remarkable. This segment of the real estate market was hardest hit – and as a West Vancouver Realtor, I agree – West Vancouver real estate was no exception.

When the recession was completely fully on , West Vancouver real estate really took a low — yet its comeback has been incredibly fast. There is no doubt that mindset has changed and trust has returned. One only has to look at the percentage up-swings in the West Vancouver real estate market to see the curren increase in values.

When so many are comparing this to be one of the worst 1st quarters for a long time – you can clearly see that the bounce back in many areas – including West Vancouver, Victoria — exceeds record levels reported in years past. Being a leader in terms of percentage increase in sales is Kelowna (seven hundred per cent ), Montreal (300 % ), Victoria ( two hundred and seventy five per cent ), Greater Toronto (263 per cent ), West Vancouver real estate (184 per cent)..

Real estate continues to whispper in the ear with investors at every price point . With the top end of the real estate market shifting into high gear, every segment of the residential real estate sector is now maintaining in tandem. Despite the upward impulse, there are yet great properties out there – especially at the higher price points —a fact that is motivating purchasers to pull the trigger – Especially in West Vancouver real estate

Economic performance has been a major factor , boosting consumer strength levels across the board . The
tangibility of bricks and mortar has also played a role in record activity – a development that began in 2008 as

Affluent purchasers reduced their exposure to equities and shifted their yield into real estate holdings. Recovering stock markets – and client’s portfolios – in the months ahead will foster contribute to Canadian market activity.

Luxury West Vancouver real estate sales as a % of the market have been steadily increasing in recent years – with the exception of 2009. With the increase in economy levels , it’s believed that the amount of high net worth individuals will begin to increase , following two years of sequent go down. This will continue to improve prop up Canada’s luxury real estate market passing forward.

Heavy migration and alien have also had a tremendous impact on the luxury West Vancouver real estate – and in some luxury markets , seriously improved sales – much like in West Vancouver real estate. Arab investors , China investors , and Europeans—to a lesser extent— are represented in virtually every market across the country. Canada’s sound banking outline, political stability , and the strengthening looney are bringing foreign infusion – and that is splashing over into high end residential real estate. Most active in 2010 were business ceos, self employed, and professionals

Location was first and maiden among upper-end buyers, followed by a preference for newer houses or those that are turn-key (completely renovated). With the exception of Toronto, buyers could be relatively particular and take their time in devising decisions as balanced conditions characterised markets across the board.

Given decent supply, prices are likely to hold steady or experience lowly increases in the majority of markets in 2010. Canadian Real Estate luxury markets are shared evenly across the country , with West Vancouver real estate topping the entry-level price point for high-end homes at $2 million, followed by $1.5 million in Greater Toronto and Montreal (Island). Upper-end value markets were most abundant in Atlantic Canada and smaller centres in Ontario, where luxury home prices started at $400,000 in St. John’s, $450,000 in Halifax-Dartmouth, $500,000 in London St. Thomas, and $750,000 in Ottawa and Hamilton-Burlington. Winnipeg and Edmonton represented good value in the West at $500,000 and $850,000 respectively.

West Vancouver real estate holds high the claim? for the most valuable home sold through MLS in the 1st quarter. The home — an 11,600 sq. ft. house on three quarter of an acre on the city’s West Vancouver side, changed owners for just above $10 million . Other noteworthy sales include: Just above Seven Million and a quarter in the toronto real estate suburb of Mississauga, Six and a quarter million in Toronto’s central core, $5.75 million in Calgary, $5.5 million in Montreal (Island), and $5.3 million in White Rock/South Surrey. The most valuable MLS listings could be found in West Vancouver real estate market ($29.9 million), Greater Toronto ($23 million in Bridle Path), Vancouver Westside’s Shaughnessy area ($22 million) and Victoria ($19 million).

North Vancouver real estate – The outdoor enthusiast capital of the world!

Filed under: Uncategorized — Richard Morrison @ 10:59 pm
Richard Morrison

Love the outdoors? With a great city atmosphere, the City of North Vancouver is encompassed  to the east, north, and west by the District with an amazing health lifestyle for the outdoor enthusiast.

Here you see much of the rental houses, commercial operations, and the high rise buildings of the North Shore. Along the Burrard Inlet shores, industrial sites are discovered, but a quantity of these were converted to commercial and residential areas in the past several years. The Northern terminal for Vancouver’s Seabus transit ferry, along with the Lonsdale Quay public marketplace are also encountered here in the City. Called the “downtown” of the North Shore, regional Vancouver real estate planners are particularly interested in the Lower Lonsdale and Central Lonsdale locales

There is TONS to do here!

With Mount Seymour and Grouse Mountain in particular, the rugged features of the North Shore Mountains has improved the region’s atmosphere for skiing, hiking, and even better known, for mountain biking. famous mountain biking videos generally showcase the locale’s trails. Ranging from Deep Cove to Horseshoe Bay, there is the Baden-Powell Trail, which all year hosts the Knee Knacker, a half of a day long event spanning the whole trail distance of 50 kilometers. (Yes, the name of the race does spring from the regular bruises and hurts sustained by the runners’ knees when they reach the finish line). This District similarly presents the renowned Grouse Grind hiking trail, which proves to be a very steep uphill climb.

A unique riding means featuring hand made bridges, logs, and ladders, “Shore Riding” was invented here in the North Shore. With structures varying from copmlicated to simple, the best are built from cedar. rough countryside including swamps, muddy places, and rivers are crossed using these. The Shore is furthermore known by reputation for containing rooty, technical, wet, slippery, steep, and all around unpleasant terrain.

It’s really a wonder how contractors actually manage to build so many North Vancouver condos in the North Vancouver area with such soil conditions!

If you’re into water events, then you’ll fit right in, too.  Spreading out from the Burrard Inlet is Indian Arm – extremely famous for setting the tone for Deep Cove with its fantastic sea kayaking.  Various remarkable sites, like Capilano River Regional Park’s Capilano Fish Hatchery, Lynn Canyon Park, and the Maplewood Flats conservation area, attract tourists in swarms.

There’s the Capilano Suspension Bridge over the Capilano River, too, drawing large crowds from North Vancouver real estate owners nearby and all over the Greater Vancouver area

Assessed value from BC Assessment is not Market value!

Filed under: Uncategorized — Richard Morrison @ 10:56 pm
Richard Morrison

Many purchasers are operating under the falsehood that a home’s purchase price needs to be just above its tax assessed value. In other words, they understand that tax assessed is the same thing as “what a home is appraised.”

This is definitely not the case, but simply this month I’ve met no less than three potential buyers selling vancouver real estate who refused to offer anything higher than the tax assessment value on homes they truly loved.

To fight this (at least in the Vancouver bc real estate market), many Realtors have begun including phrasing like “priced under assessed value” in their marketing materials for the home’s sale. It has not helped. Instead, what’s transpiring is that buyers’ preconceptions are seemingly validated and, thus, endorsed.

Our Agents say that “Buyers see such homes as ‘good deals,’ but in truth they are not.” The ASSESSED VALUE turns out to be figured by the public tax professional. (At BC this was a provincial crown corporation known as BC Assessment.) The entire justification for the assessed worth is to determine taxes; that is all. This value is taken and combined with the tax levels of the area. Such is variant from the FAIR MARKET PRICE. Fair market value proves to be the price that a house can get on the open market. This is the price that educated, motivated, and willing purchasers will offer to procure the property from a seller who is selling of their own free will. Fair Market Value is created by looking to similar properties which have sold in the previous three to six months. (If no comparable houses are available, the timetable may have to be expanded.) Based on these homes’ going prices–these are called “comps”–the agents direct the seller on a fair asking price. Once a price is agreed upon between a buyer and seller, this becomes the fair market value of a exact property.

Thus, it stands to reason that before making an offer, a buyer could examine comps themselves to come to an understanding of what is reasonable and fair…

False Creek condos in the heart of Vancouver real estate

Filed under: Uncategorized — Richard Morrison @ 10:53 pm
Richard Morrison

Found at about the heart of Vancouver BC Canada is a truncated inlet known as False Creek. False Creek is the separation point between downtown and the other section of the city. George Henry Richards gave False Creek its name as he was running his Hydrographic survey through the years of 1856 to 1863. At the eastern end of False Creek lies Science World, and at the western end is the Burrard Street Bridge. What’s more, the Cambie Street and Granville Street bridges cross False Creek too.

False Creek is the point of origin for Vancouver’s big sporting arenas, examples including BC Place (home to the BC Lions) and GM Place, which is home to the Vancouver Canucks.False Creek is where the Vancouver Canucks play in the GM Place and where the BC Lions have games in the BC Place, which makes it a great city if one loves sports. False Creek can be additionally home to the race dubbed the Molson Indy Vancouver Champ Car race. This race, though, is currently not placed there because after the 2004 race, the promoters held it in Edmonton instead. What’s more, in southeastern False Creek real estate, improvements are currently under construction to get ready for the sale of the Winter Olympics Village going on sale now in June 2010 near False Creek condos. The Dragon Boat Festival is an event that occurs each June in False creek ..

Many dragon boats from a variety of different nations join the festival making it a wonderful family event. Vancouver in general in the summer is a great destination for any family.This area of False creek is well known for great events year round, from sport, family and much more!

If you would like more information for any of these wonderful events feel free to contact us ! We are always here for you, simply contact us!

April 3, 2010

New West Townhouse’s on Fire!

Filed under: Uncategorized — The Richard Morrison Real Estate Team @ 6:12 pm
Ok , maybe its just a figure of speech but... • This Cash Flow Townhouse in New West IS on fire! • INVEST IN A 2 Bed/2Bth,1195sqft & COLLECT RENT • IN A HOT GROWTH TOWN LIKE NEW WESTMINSTER • THAT PAYS FOR ITSELF: RENTED FOR $2,000!

PAYS FOR ITSELF!

Own this wonderful unit w/Dbl nose granite in Kitchen and bathrooms, S/S appl, Gas range, 10' ceilings, reclaimed brick feature wall, fir plank flooring, slate floor in bathrooms, 3 way gas F/P, pre-wired security system, & big walk-in closet in master.  You MUST see this unit for yourself and see how it pays for iteslf! LARGE positive cashflow$$!

Call us Today to schedule your first showing - 604-767-3703!

March 30, 2010

ALERT: Giving away 3 Mansions to the next 3 buyers

Filed under: Uncategorized — The Richard Morrison Real Estate Team @ 3:51 pm
Ok, maybe that's just wishful thinking, but the truth is that we listed 4 of these amazing Mansions 3 months ago and sold one so far... (they are a little harder to sell than your average 2 bedroom condo in Yaletown...ahem)and NOW WE ARE BASICALLY PRICING THEM TO GIVE IT AWAY (to the next 3 buyers). WHY? BECAUSE THE SELLER IS VERY MOTIVATED...
 
However, it is just a matter of time until someone cames along and snags them BECAUSE THEY ARE ALL BELOW MARKET VALUE AS THE SELLER REALLY NEEDS TO SELL THEM.  
Did I mention these Mansions are a fraction of their original purchase price? Also, did you know that the one we sold went for lower than its REPLACEMENT Value?
 
If you know anyone interested call Richard at 604-767-3703 or reply to this email and we will honour you with a great referral fee!And folks... that's it! We've even slashed the price of the Mansion in Anmore from $3.12 million to $2,8million! (Well below replacement value also)  
Take a look at all 3 Mansions below (By the way, all the luxurious furniture you see on the pics... also for sale and/or maybe included in purchase price... Furnished Mansion anyone? ;)

March 25, 2010

Palisades Dt Van – 2Bdrm + HUGE Den, 868 sq ft, rented $2750/mo

Filed under: Uncategorized — The Richard Morrison Real Estate Team @ 5:17 pm
Hey Folks!The Palisades! 2 Bedroom + HUGE Den w/2 parking! Excel loc - steps to Robson St, Coal Harbour, Stanley Park & much more!
 
MAJOR RENOS: New laminate flooring, new kitchen, new paint & new blinds!   Unit comes w/NEW FURNITURE & 40" HD TV INCLUDED! RENTED AT $2750 PER MONTH! COVERS YOUR MORTGAGE!  
 
 

March 18, 2010

Development Opportunity – Potential for 48+ Units

Filed under: Uncategorized — The Richard Morrison Real Estate Team @ 3:02 pm
Hey Folks,
Richard Morrison here. I just wanted to bring to your attention this excellent development opportunity we have just listed in Chilliwack.
This is 2 lots with huge development potential, they are currently zoned for R6 (High Density) which means you can build around 34 units on the two lots. With new legislation that has been passed, we can now build 6 stories which will mean that even more units can be built, to maximize your economies of scale.
The adjacent lot may also be available for sale, and if you were to develop all three lots, you could be looking upwards of 48+ units!
This is an exclusive listing that is not yet on MLS! Let me know if you would like further details - an information pack and call me to discuss the potential ROI on this project.
Kind Regards,
Richard
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