No Correction Estimated for Vancouver Market

Posted on February 21, 2012 by kevinfrankblog

real estate vancouverWhile Canadian banks are tightening their lending belts and a correction in the market is predicted for the country, many realtors Vancouver are suggesting Vancouver will not see much if any of a correction.

Experts agree that Vancouver isn’t likely to face a severe correction from the market.  Homes for sale Vancouver and condos for sale Vancouver are predicted to remain fairly stable in price.

While Canada’s banks are gearing up for a possible correction and are in talks with the government about ways to avoid any major problems, the Vancouver market does not seem to be at risk say economists. Continue reading →

Posted in BC Real Estate, Buying Real Estate, Canadian Real Estate, Vancouver Homes for Sale, Vancouver Real Estate | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Latest in Home Flooring

Posted on February 21, 2012 by kevinfrankblog

realtor vancouverWell you might have thought that you’d heard it all when it came to new materials for flooring, but the Blue Grouse Wine Cellars based in North Vancouver has come up with yet another flooring material.  The Blue Grouse Wine Cellars have decided to turn the old wine barrels into floors and countertops.

The business has recently come up with the idea and put it into manufacturing.  The owner Rick Merwin of the firm that manufactures the Blue Grouse Wine Cellars, Fon-tenay, decided over drinks with a friend that the wine barrels would be great for something other than simple planters.  Soon after plans were laid in order to transform these used barrels into flooring and countertops. Continue reading →

Posted in BC Real Estate, Green Buildings, Interior Design, Vancouver Homes for Sale, Vancouver Real Estate, Vancouver Realtors | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Unique Gastown Condo Development

Posted on February 16, 2012 by kevinfrankblog

condos vancouver21 Doors is one of the latest and most unique condo developments to hit Gastown.  Not only does this condo offer a spacious courtyard accessible by every unit through their own front door, but each unit also has the privilege of getting a vast amount of natural light and a streetscape view from the windows.

The development is actually a redevelopment of a 1980s market housing project.  The redevelopment includes stripping the concrete shell all the way down to the studs.  New floors and a new floor plan as well make up this total refashioning.

Studios in the building start at 209,000 while one bedrooms range from 214,000 to 297,000.  The one bedrooms are between 385 and 532 square feet.
Continue reading →

Posted in Vancouver Condos, Vancouver Homes, Vancouver Homes for Sale, Vancouver Real Estate | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Urban Area Housing starts up from December

Posted on February 13, 2012 by kevinfrankblog

condos for sale vancouverA recent report released by Canada’s Mortgage and Housing Corporation confirms that housing starts in B.C. are up from December.  January starts in urban areas were up by twenty-eight percent in the province during the month compared to the closing of 2011.

According to CMHC’s report, more new residents are opting for multi-family homes, including condos.  In total, housing starts in British Columbia were up to 2,045 starts in January; whereas, December saw only 1,605 starts. Continue reading →

Posted in BC Real Estate, Vancouver Condos, Vancouver Homes, Vancouver Homes for Sale, Vancouver Real Estate, Vancouver Realtors | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Call for New Rental Housing Developments and Upgrades

Posted on February 10, 2012 by kevinfrankblog

realtor vancouverCanadian municipalities are asking Ottawa to support the development of the rental market.  According to recent reports, there has been a severe lack of new rental construction in the past number of years.

While research shows that one third of Canadians are renters, the past decade has witnessed only about ten percent of construction aimed at the rental market.  What this means is that too many are unable to find affordable rentals and many rentals are increasingly run down and out of date.

Not only are municipalities concerned about the lack of available housing in the rental market, but they likewise suggest that the slow down of construction in the new-housing market has led to a good deal of layoffs and unemployment. Continue reading →

Posted in BC Real Estate, Canadian Real Estate, Vancouver Real Estate, Vancouver Realtors | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Canadian Lending Practices under the Microscope

Posted on February 6, 2012 by kevinfrankblog

Vancouver RealtorsAccording to recent reports, Canadian lending practices are causing some concern amongst officials.  Some banks seem to have loosened their lending practices, a process which is being deemed an ‘emerging risk’ by the nation’s regulator.

While Canada’s banks and other lenders are giving out credit more liberally than before, some feel that Canada is nowhere near the crisis that faced the U.S. after the subprime mortgage fiasco.  Even Vancouver’s hot market is not seen to be at major risk with homes for sale Vancouver and condos for sale Vancouver continuing to sell at good prices.

Others, however, say that the home-equity lines of credit are particularly liberal and therefore worrying.  In certain cases individuals are not required to provide proof of income for these.  This kind of ‘no-income’ lending is certainly a risk factor, according to regulators. Continue reading →

Posted in Canadian Real Estate, Real Estate Investment, Vancouver Homes for Sale, Vancouver Real Estate, Vancouver Realtors | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Provincial Real Estate Prices Decline

Posted on February 2, 2012 by kevinfrankblog

Vancouver RealtorsAccording to the latest reports, Canada’s housing market is slowing down.  However unlike the tragedy that hit the U.S. market with the subprime mortgage crisis that begun in 2008, Canada’s market decline is much less catastrophic.

In Vancouver however, some are worried that the condo market may take a big hit.  There are a number of unoccupied condos.  But despite low interest rates, high prices and large amounts of household debts, most real estate experts and Vancouver realtors aren’t that concerned. Continue reading →

Posted in BC Real Estate, Vancouver Condos, Vancouver Homes, Vancouver Real Estate | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Granite or Wood Countertops: Which is best?

Posted on January 27, 2012 by kevinfrankblog

condos for sale vancouverWhile for some time now granite countertops have been the must haves of kitchen renovations, the pendulum is now swinging slightly.  More and more families are now choosing to go back to hardwood for their countertops.

While granite remains the most popular of all countertop materials available on the market, some individuals are turning back to traditional wood countertops.

Wood countertops may not have the absolute shine and wow factor that their granite counterparts have, but not everyone actually likes the coldness of the stone look.  The more organic look of wood countertops is therefore preferable to those who like a softer or warmer appearance to their kitchens.

Wood is also seen to be a more environmentally friendly design.  People looking for an alternative to granite and who are hoping for a greener option may therefore chose a native wood for their kitchen countertops.
Continue reading →

Posted in Interior Design, Vancouver Condos, Vancouver Homes, Vancouver Homes for Sale | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Prices for New Homes Rise outside Vancouver

Posted on January 24, 2012 by kevinfrankblog

realtor vancouverAccording to the latest statistics, the prices for new homes continue to rise except for in the priciest market of Vancouver homes for sale.  The 0.3 percent increase was stronger than was anticipated by realtors Vancouver and other experts.  The findings are based on numbers generated from the months of October and November of last year.

The data comes from Statistics Canada and was put out about a week ago.  Analysts were only expecting a rise of about 0.2 percent so the numbers came as a bit of an unexpected twist.

For the year the numbers generally are in the 2.5% range.
Continue reading →

Posted in BC Real Estate, Vancouver Condos, Vancouver Homes, Vancouver Homes for Sale, Vancouver Real Estate | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Paying more for Tools may save you Money in the Long Run

Posted on January 21, 2012 by kevinfrankblog

realtor vancouverAccording to most experts, cheaping out on home repairs is a no-no.  When it comes to buying your own tools and equipment, some say the same principles apply.

Although today you can purchase basically the same piece of equipment you could ten years ago for about half the cost, you won’t always want to simply look for the lowest price if you want to save money in the long run.

While sales are great ways to save costs on tools and equipment that you need, merely seeking out the lowest priced good is not always for the best.  There are times when paying slightly more for a piece you need benefits you and your pocketbook in the end.
Continue reading →

Posted in Vancouver Homes, Vancouver Homes for Sale, Vancouver Real Estate, Vancouver Realtors | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Rise in Housing Sales

Posted on January 18, 2012 by kevinfrankblog

homes for sale vancouver December 2011 saw a reported rise in housing sales of 1.8 percent from November.  Moreover, this number was up 4.6 percent over the previous year.

The Canadian Real Estate Association reported these numbers just last Monday.  Total sales in December were at 39,033 whereas the year earlier they were only coming in at 23,669 units.

Seasonally adjusted this means that sales were up 2.2 percent.  New listings likewise rose three percent during the last month of the year.

Low interest rates are being held responsible for the continued rise in demand and housing market activity.  Realtors Vancouver and Vancouver realtors groups agree that the market continues to draw in potential buyers and sellers. Continue reading →

Posted in Vancouver Homes, Vancouver Homes for Sale, Vancouver Housing Market, Vancouver Real Estate, Vancouver Realtors | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Making the Most of your Renovation Dollar

Posted on January 13, 2012 by kevinfrankblog

condos for sale vancouverOne of the biggest keys to renovation success, especially for those on fixed renovation budgets, is knowing just how to stretch your dollar to provide the most effect for the least financial output.

Of course this doesn’t mean skimping on the important things, but it does mean knowing just which things are most important and which things you might want to think more creatively about.

Knowing how to maximize your renovation dollars can take a little bit of research and knowhow.  Sometimes you need to work with or work around the things you really wish you could change. Continue reading →

Posted in Exterior Design, Interior Design, Real Estate Investment, Vancouver Condos, Vancouver Homes, Vancouver Homes for Sale, Vancouver Real Estate | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Variation in Vancouver Property Assessments

Posted on January 11, 2012 by kevinfrankblog

realtor VancouverThe property assessments for this year in Vancouver are going to show some fairly wide variations.  According to reports, some regions will see a rise in their assessment notices while others will see the assessed value of their properties go down.

Metro Vancouver property owners and regional owners will see areas like Lions Bay residences rise, while Squamish property assessment values dip.
Continue reading →

Posted in BC Real Estate, Vancouver Condos, Vancouver Homes, Vancouver Homes for Sale, Vancouver Housing Market, Vancouver Real Estate, Vancouver Realtors | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

BC Housing Sales Almost Unchanged

Posted on January 5, 2012 by kevinfrankblog

property for sale vancouver - 3The fall of 2011 showed basically an unchanged rate of housing sales compared to the previous year.  According to the British Columbia Real Estate Association, November of 2011 looked a good deal the same as November of 2010.

Across the province a total of 5640 units were sold during the month.  The year prior, a total of 5647 units went.

The price likewise stayed pretty stable with a slight rise of 1.1 percent.  During November 2011 the average price was $529,140.

During the course of the year 2011 BC Housing sales gained ground.  Though the year started somewhat slower, during and after the summer months sales began to rise.  By the fall, numbers were near equal those of the previous year. Continue reading →

Posted in BC Real Estate, Buying Real Estate, Vancouver Homes, Vancouver Homes for Sale, Vancouver Housing Market | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Great Views on New Development Draw Early Investors

Posted on January 4, 2012 by kevinfrankblog

property for sale vancouver - 2The new development being built on the Fraser River has already drawn investors in though the building hasn’t yet begun.  The Richmond Park Riviera sales were launched on October 22 2011.

The project is in the first phase of development but boasts already to be the best value to be had in the city in terms of riverfront views.  Vancouver realtors and realtor Vancouver groups are already looking into this development as a potentially great investment deal for their clients. Continue reading →

Posted in BC Real Estate, Vancouver Condos, Vancouver Homes, Vancouver Real Estate, Vancouver Realtors | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Gastown’s Unique New Condo Project

Posted on December 21, 2011 by kevinfrankblog

realtor vancouver - 121 Doors, is the name of Gastown’s newest condominium development.  The condo is one of the most unique developments of late to grace the area.

For starters, the condo isn’t actually new.  The structure went up decades ago in the midst of the 1980s.  This four storey building had failed as market housing and was later sold.

21 Doors is therefore a re-development project.  The building has a very spacious courtyard to which every unit has an opening.  From bachelor units, to one and two bedrooms, everyone will be able to use their front doors to open out onto the walkway.  This offers a great deal of natural light which is further highlighted by many exterior windows. Continue reading →

Posted in Vancouver Condos, Vancouver Homes, Vancouver Homes for Sale, Vancouver Realtors | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Vancouver’s Green Roof Three Years Later

Posted on December 20, 2011 by kevinfrankblog

property for sale vancouver-1Three years after it was built, the Vancouver Conference Centre’s green roof has become a part of the scenery.  But is this novel take actually living up to its original hype?

Well in some ways the answer appears to be a resounding yes.  The roof is certainly nice looking, it offers a great year round habitat for birds and insects and was planted with high quality plants.  These have all meant that the roof is a great addition.

However, others feel that the green roof leaves a little to be desired.  For some, the roof is a bit of a mess, looking a little un-kept and lacking in tidy appeal.

The roof is actually just over six acres in size.  This means that it is the biggest of all ‘living’ roofs in Canada as well as boasting itself as the largest of all green non-industrial roofs in the whole of North America. Continue reading →

Posted in Exterior Design, Vancouver Homes, Vancouver Homes for Sale, Vancouver Real Estate, Vancouver Realtors | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Solar Powered Outdoor Lighting

Posted on December 16, 2011 by kevinfrankblog

realtor vancouverIf you are seeking to light up a walkway or garden path to your Vancouver home then you may want to think twice before investing in the latest trend towards solar powered outdoor lighting.  While the idea of saving on energy, matched with the low cost of many of these lights seems incredibly appealing, the truth of the matter is that these lights might not do the job you’re hoping.

These solar lights are certainly selling like hotcakes.  The affordable nature of these lights and the attractive designs they come in are great selling features.  Add to this the fact that you don’t have to stumble around cords and place lights only near power outlets and there’s no surprise that many stores are selling these lights in droves.
Continue reading →

Posted in Vancouver Condos, Vancouver Homes, Vancouver Homes for Sale, Vancouver Realtors | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Latest in Environmentally Friendly Homes

Posted on December 15, 2011 by kevinfrankblog

property for sale vancouverIf you are looking for homes for sale in Vancouver or condos for sale in Vancouver you may want to think about the environmental impact and energy costs of your future property.  While not every home will have state-of-the-art solar panels and other features, many home or condo buyers in Vancouver are thinking seriously about how to reduce their environmental footprint.

Some homeowners have however gone far beyond and have utilized the latest in eco home features in order to really reduce energy costs and environmental damage.

One such home boasts some of the latest available technologies which include PV panels that get more power usage than their older counterparts.
Continue reading →

Posted in Vancouver Condos, Vancouver Homes, Vancouver Homes for Sale, Vancouver Real Estate, Vancouver Realtors | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

How to Make the Most of your Garage Space

Posted on December 13, 2011 by kevinfrankblog

vancouver realtorsFor most people, the garage is a cluttered space that has room for a car, a ton of boxes and junk and little else.  But Vancouver realtors and design experts know that the garage can be successfully transformed into something much more useful.

The garage is generally given little thought when it comes to home design.  However, many Vancouver home owners would be wise to think twice about how this space might be used.

Vancouver realtors could also find it a useful selling point for their clients.  The garage offers a whole extra space that could be turned into something amazing. Continue reading →

Posted in Interior Design, Vancouver Homes, Vancouver Homes for Sale, Vancouver Realtors | Tagged , , | Leave a comment