Langley Real Estate Review

The Langley Times • Friday, December 3, 2010 • 1

To view Langley listings online, go to:

www.langleytimes.com click on

real estate

Langley & Aldergrove

review Pool year round.

OPEN SAT. DEC. 4 2-4pm

#56 9045 Walnut Grove Dr. New Price

• 1336 sq. ft. - 2 bedroom, 3 bathroom townhouse • NEW roof, newer appliances • PRIVATE Park like setting in back • SPACIOUS unit with 2 parking spots!

$

299,900

®

Treeland Realty

phone: 604-533-3491 toll-free: 1-888-707-3577 fax: 604-533-0202

Calling all pool sharks: enjoy our games room with pool table during the cooler months and a crystal-clear outdoor pool in the summer.

At Clayton Rise, you get more than just a beautifully designed, 3-level townhome; a pool, fitness centre, movie theatre and greenway (with trails) are part of the package, too. 2 & 3 bedroom townhomes in Clayton from $296,900.

70 Ave

195a St

350 - 174 Street Ranchers with basements and double garages, approximately 2400 sq ft including basement.

Enjoy exquisite executive living in a beautiful countryside near beaches, golf courses, shopping, and all major routes.

SALES OFFICE OPEN SATURDAY - WEDNESDAY 11-4PM 604-619-4902 MacDonald Realty Olympic www.thegreensatdouglas.ca

Jim Hughston

196 St

r 1 RancPhhaese 1 Left in

near White Rock Beach

194a St

Only

192 St

Rancher Style Town Homes

N

PARK

68 a Av e 68 Ave

Visit our two display homes today Sales Centre open noon to 5pm Saturday to Wednesday 1-19505 68a Avenue, Surrey

778.278.0030 www.claytonrise.com

The developer reserves the right to make changes and modifications. Prices subject to change without notice. E & O.E.

• The Langley Times • Friday, December 3, 2010

www.dannyevans.ca

FREE EVALUATION MT. BAKER & LANGLEY VIEW

GREENWOOD ESTATES

The Strength of Teamwork The Reputation of

Success!

Have Buyers ~ We Need Listings

Al Matis

Richard Riemersma

Ray Veenbaas

604.751.4700

604.309.8541

1.800-668.8661

Townhouse

Recreational

Just Listed

#14-26970 32 Ave.

On Stave Lake! $159,000 Recreational Property

Brookswood Beauty

.23 Hectare Crown Lease Land Private Retreat with Lake and Road Access, Cabin and Large workshop.

From this beautiful two storey plus ďŹ nished bsmt. Over 3700 sq.ft., 2 f/places, 4 bathrooms, master bdrm on main plus 2 bdrms down, sep. entry. Large kitchen with island, high ceilings. Excellent ďŹ nishing throughout. 19677 68 Avenue. $729,000

4 BDRM, den and famrm two storey with full basement on large 6997 sq.ft. cul de sac lot.

Over 4300 sq.ft. with a gorgeous bsmt and bar! Large kitchen, walk out basement, spacious decks. Walk to elementary school. Drive by 20625 91B Avenue. $799,000

Maple Ridge

Just Listed

12128 - 228th St. $469,000

Cloverdale Rancher

Recently Updated Immaculate 1360 SF 3 bdrm, 2 bath Close to Everything!

1020 SF 2 Bdrm Rancher Excellent Holding Property. Currently Tenanted = Income! Fully Fenced 10,000+ SF Lot Workshop + tons of parking

6049 - 180A Ave $519,900 3 bedrooms, Renovated, on quiet cul-de-sac

ÂŽ

Little Oak Realty Each ofďŹ ce independently owned and operated #9 2830 Bourquin W., Abbotsford, BC • Toll Free: 1.800.668.8661

FORT LANGLEY LUXURY HOME WITH LEGAL SUITE

OVER 1 ACRE STRAWBERRY HILLS

Approved plans for this gorgeous 1/4 acre lot with two storey plus bsmt with legal above ground suite. Triple garage. Walk to Fine Arts School. 8946 Wright Street $529,900

Over 5000 sq. ft. of luxury ďŹ nishing complete with a coach house. Auto gates lead you to this 4 bdrm, den and games room home. Huge master with deluxe ensuite. Granite, air cond., detached shop. 4 bay garage. $1,199,000 5105 237 Street, Langley

www.searchabbotsfordhomes.com

DEBBIE MURPHY & MILES TIMMIS 604-760-8995 Homes@MurphyTimmis.com www.MurphyTimmis.com $299,000 . . . Great View!

Wow! Beautiful 2 bdrm, 3 bath unit, crown moulding, newer paint, flooring, backs onto quiet green belt. Peaceful & very private, great view of Mount Baker, close to shopping. This is a beauty! Central location close to everything..

36-20460 66th Ave, Langley

DANNY EVANS 604-649-1067

Sold 19654 - 34A Ave $579,900 5 bedrooms, Renovated, large fenced backyard

$282,900

Call Debbie & Miles Today At 604.760.8995

www.dannyevans.ca

Macdonald Realty - Westmar

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The Langley Times • Friday, December 3, 2010 • 3

waterfront is not for everyone but it can be a reality for a select few

introducing headwater at bedford l anding 11 limited edition Waterfront homes situated in the heart of historic Fort Langley.

NOW SELLING! hwy 7

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2,500 sq. ft. waterfront homes priced from $ 1, 185 ,900 Visit our fully furnished Headwater Showhome Open daily 12–5pm 23109 Muench Trail, Fort Langley 604.888.2176 www.parklane.com prices subject to change without notice . e&oe .

4

• The Langley Times • Friday, December 3, 2010

The Langley Times • Friday, December 3, 2010 • 5

• The Langley Times • Friday, December 3, 2010

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Quick Possession Bonus On Now *

Save Up to $5,000 For a Limited Time Affordable 3 Bedroom Townhomes From $349,900 • Classic English style architecture with warm wood and brick detailing • 9’ ceilings, granite islands and some feature bonus rooms • Private backyards and entertainment sized patios • Located in the masterplanned community of Milner Heights in Langley Some homes that offer these savings...

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Original Price

includes net HST

Plan A3 - Unit 43

3 beds (1,952 sq. ft. plus basement)

Now

$415,000

$409,900

$5,100

Plan A3 - Unit 45

3 beds (1,952 sq. ft. plus basement)

Now

$415,000

$409,900

$5,100

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Call Us Today at 604-510-5151 for more details *Special pricing and bonus are subject to change without notice

vestaproperties.com

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The Langley Times • Friday, December 3, 2010 • 7

It’s Georgie time: the 19th annual Georgie Awards are revving up to recognize excellence in B.C. builders and renovators ›› p.2

December 2, 2010

Housing affordability improves

Canadian Homebuilders’ Association of British Columbia CEO MJ Whitemarsh, left, and CHBA BC president Vicki Gerrits prepare to hand out a coveted Georgie Award. Martin Knowles photo

Georgies: going for gold Excellence in the industry recognized with awards TRICIA LESLIE Putting your work forward for extremely close inspection and judging by industry peers can be a daunting prospect.

Yet that’s exactly what many B.C. homebuilders, renovators, developers, designers

and marketers have done, in order to enter this year’s Georgie Awards, the province’s premier housing event.

Named after Captain George Vancouver, the Georgies were started by a group of industry professionals in 1992 as a way to provide value to the residential construction industry and communities throughout British Columbia.

“It was a way to showcase and celebrate the excellent work that local people do in our industry,” says Scott Whitemarsh, executive

2 BEDROOM HOMES FROM $194,900.

LUXURY INTERIOR DESIGN. PEACE OF MIND WARRANTY. MOVE-IN READY.

THE PERFECT PLACE FOR NEW BEGINNINGS!

producer of the Georgie Awards.

Owned by the Canadian Homebuilders’ Association of B.C., the awards aim to highlight the commitment and dedication to the high standards that CHBA BC member companies strive to hold.

Whitemarsh says that quality is obvious when one sees the finalists – from a French country manor in Anmore to an eco-rainforest retreat in Tofino to a West Coast zen CONTINUED ON P.2

For the first time in more than a year, housing affordability improved in Canada in the third quarter of 2010, according to a report released Monday by RBC Economics.

The Housing Trends and Affordability report says a drop in mortgage rates and some softening in home prices made it easier for Canadian buyers to purchase their homes in recent months, after four consecutive quarters of rising home ownership costs.

“The improvement in affordability during the third quarter has relieved some of the stress that had been mounting in Canada’s housing market over the past year,” says RBC senior economist Robert Hogue.

The report notes that, at the national level, the third-quarter improvement in affordability reversed almost two-thirds of the cumulative deterioration that took place over the previous four quarters.

RBC’s Housing Affordability Measure calculates how much pre-tax income is required to cover all the costs associated with owning a home.

All provinces saw improvements in housing affordability in the third quarter, especially British Columbia, but the cost of home ownership in B.C. remains high by historical standards, the report notes.

“Higher mortgage rates will be the dominant factor raising home ownership costs beyond the short-term, although increasing household income – as the job situation continues to strengthen in in Canada – will provide some positive offset,” Hogue says.

“We expect housing demand and supply to remain mostly in balance overall, setting the course for very modest home price increases.”

For the full report, visit www.rbc.com/ economics/

Call Now 604-701-6143 Display Homes Open 1-4pm Monday to Thursday Noon - 5pm Saturday and Sunday 46262 First Ave., Chilliwack BC

or visit us at www.thesummitliving.com

8

• The Langley Times • Friday, December 3, 2010

‘A very high level of competition’ CONTINUED FROM P.1

gem in South Surrey – because “there isn’t any sub-par work.”

“The product speaks for itself,” he says.

CHBA BC president Vicki Gerrits, who has been a Georgie finalist 46 times and won 16 gold Georgies with her company Homescape Building and Design, agrees.

“It’s a very high level of competition. We’re a small-volume builder and we entered for the first time in 1996. And it was probably one of the single best things we could have ever done,” Gerrits says.

“It’s an automatic quantifier, a third-part endorsement ... it’s so valuable to have someone else tell other people that you’re good at what you do.”

With the 19th annual awards underway, people now recognize the Georgie Award symbol and know what the awards are, Gerrits says, noting she always displays her Georgie logos proudly.

But you don’t have to win a Georgie to feel proud, she adds.

“Anyone who is a finalist should be proud of what they’ve accomplished. When you see the product, the competition you’re up against ... it’s incredible.”

Portrait Homes, for example, snagged 11 Georgie finalist spots for its work in the master-planned community of Silver Ridge in Maple Ridge – a development that has already been recognized with more than 80 industry

GEORGIE TIME

Clay Construction (top two: kitchen, outdoor living area and below: front door) is one of many local builders and renovators named as a Georgie Award finalist. So is Portrait Homes and its Stoneleigh (left: living area and below: exterior) and Brighton (above: patio) neighbourhoods, located in its master-planned community of Silver Ridge in Maple Ridge.

Custom Homes with Integrity

The Clay Construction difference: Serving you by delivering unique, spectacular homes of the highest quality and unparalleled attention to detail with integrity, honesty and transparency.

Why Choose Clay Construction?

Professionalism: • GVHBA member serving on: GVHBA Technical Committee GVHBA Education and Training Committee New Building Code’s Compliance and Enforcement Committee • Registered with the Canadian Home Builders Association • Built Green builders certified with ClimateSmart • Building to be energy efficient, healthy, and reduce your carbon footprint Warranties: • BBB with an A rating • 2-5-10 New Home Warranty

Peace of Mind from Full Transparency: • Full financial disclosure on everything we spend and everything we earn • Detailed, accurate and realistic budgeting • Weekly/biweekly reporting on expenses, progress and cost to completion • Full disclosure of all building details • Your lawyer will love our contract: it is clear and fair • Neither we, nor our staff will accept kickbacks • Our staff and sub-contractors agree to, and practice our standards • References are available, and walk-throughs can be arranged

Two homes nominated for Georgie Award final for 2010!

www.clayconstruction.ca

604.767.8584 Clay Construction Inc.

awards. A Georgie Award is recognized as an “industry stamp of quality,” notes a Portrait release.

“We’re all very pleased to be finalists,” says Portrait Homes marketing and sales manager Troy Steine.

“We are fortunate to have such a beautiful place to build, but (the recognition) is great.

It reinforces that we’re doing the right thing.”

That sentiment is echoed at Clay Construction, where owner and president Larry Clay has been named a finalist twice for two luxurious South Surrey homes he built in Morgan Heights.

The high-end homebuilder says it’s his first time entering the Georgie Awards.

“We are super excited. To even be a finalist ... it’s a real honour,” Clay says.

“We find that customers who want highend homes know who the Georgie winners are.”

Whitemarsh notes the awards are becoming more consumer-focused, with a new Customer Choice Georgie powered by AVID ratings, and two new categories that reflect local trends in homebuilding and renovating: Best Outdoor Living Space and Best Condo Renovation.

More and more people are seeking to create outdoor living areas, or extensions of their indoor space, while sales and renos of older condos are on the rise, Whitemarsh says.

Finalists in all 43 categories were selected from hundreds of nominations by a judging panel brought in from outside the province.

Judges are always from other provinces or the U.S. to ensure impartiality, and are chosen for their experience in the industry and expertise in their field, he notes.

“I think it’s important to recognize the professional builders and renovators out there, for their leadership and innovation as well as their high-quality work,” says Whitemarsh.

“Not a lot of people want to stand up and be scrutinized by their peers.”

Winners will be honoured at a gala event in Vancouver March 5.

Visit www.georgieawards.ca for more information, including a full list of finalists.

The Langley Times • Friday, December 3, 2010 • 9

Rowhomes starting from the $380,000’s* 3 Bdrm plus unďŹ nished bsmnt, 1640 sq.ft.

Alder plan starting from $459,900* 3 Bdrm + ex plus unďŹ nished bsmnt, 1809 sq.ft.

Garibaldi plan starting from the $550,000’s* 3 Bdrm + ex plus unďŹ nished bsmnt, 2172 sq.ft.

Stoneleigh offers award-winning floor plans, including the Alder and Garibaldi designs, which have both been nominated this year for Best Single Family Detached Home.

Visit us online at:

www.portraithomes.ca

BUILDING AWARD-WINNING COMMUNITIES FOR TODAY...

AND FOR YEARS TO COME.

RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR

Homes from 1,223 to 1,538 sq.ft.

www.brightonliving.ca

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*In the continuing effort to meet the challenge of product improvement, we reserve the right to modify or change plans, site plans, specifications or prices without notice. Renderings are an artist’s conception only and are intended as general reference only. All dimensions and sizes are approximate. Prices exclude taxes. E.&O.E.

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13819 – 232nd Street, Maple Ridge Open Every Day: Noon - 5:00pm

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13851 – 232nd Street, Maple Ridge Open Every Day: Noon - 5:00pm

Sales Centre & Display Homes

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GEORGIE AWARD NOMINATIONS

3 Display Homes Now Open!

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For more information on Brighton’s exciting Home Buying Packages, please visit our new sales centre and display homes today!

2 Bedrooms starting from $264,900 3 Bedrooms starting from $274,900

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Finalist for Townhome Development of the Year, Brighton continues to offer a wide range of townhome designs to choose from and unbeatable buyer incentives for all purchasers.

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10

• The Langley Times • Friday, December 3, 2010

The Langley Times • Friday, December 3, 2010 • 11

“Outstanding Agents Outstanding Results” $549,000 A few extra features you get with Jason & Sophia: 8420 208A Street, Langley • free moving boxes & supplies

Platinum Sophia

Jason

778.552.1562 604.312.6479

w e i OPEN v e r THISHOUSES WEEK

sophiakim@remax.net

e real estat

jasondaniels1@remax.net

tisin Q te Adver GROVE eal Esta ALDER ce for R EY Q oi L h G C N 1 A # Q L – your gley The Lan

Times

Saturday Dec. 4 2-4 pm Saturday Dec. 4 2-4 pm Sunday Dec. 5 2-4 pm

• custom brochure of your home • help transfer your utility services to your new home • advertising and services in 3 languages (English, Korean, Chinese) • invited to the Annual Client Appreciation party • plus much more

g!

- 2625 sqft finished - 3 bedrooms up plus large open office - Fully finished 1 bedroom bsmt. suite - Great location close to schools, shopping etc.

OPEN HOUSE

GREAT FOR SENIORS

20861 51 Avenue, Langley • $469,900 2,236 sq. ft on quiet street, close to all amenities and schools. 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 fireplaces, finished basement, family room, workshop, garage, large back yard with patio and deck.

Leo Ronse 604-790-0231 Royal LePage Realty - Wolstencroft

#56 9045 Walnut Grove Drive, Langley • $299,900 Spacious 1336 sq. ft. 2 bedroom townhouse. New roof, newer appliances, private park like setting in back. 2 parking spots.

Jim Hughston 604-533-3491 Remax Treeland Realty

#210 - 20454 53rd Ave. Langley

33A - 20071 24 Avenue • $99,900 Great home! Great park! 55+, no pets, 2 bdrms, 2 baths, gas stove, 1,152 sq. ft.

Sharon Fownes 604-240-9809

Saturday & Sunday Dec 4 & 5 - 1-4 pm This 2 bdrm unit has it all, nobody above or beside. Large working kitchen with newer appliances and large storage room. Lovely bright living and dining rooms. Master bdrm has a walk-in closet and cheater bathroom - shower and sink separated from toilet and sink. Both bdrms have sliding doors to balcony overlooking green space. Low maintenance fees. Bldg rebuilt in 2003.Gated, underground parking. Close to senior’s centre.

For further info call:

Stephanie Ohirko 604-421-7275 at Park Georgia Realty

Sutton Group West Coast Realty

Richardson Ridge! Amazing home - Terrific Location!

OPEN HOUSE, SAT & SUN, Dec. 4 & 5, 2-4 PM

$189,500

Verne Stel 604-857-1100

REMAX ALDERCENTER REALTY 26641 FRASER HWY, ALDERGROVE

WALNUT GROVE - HUGE PRICE ADJUSTMENT! -

20367 89 AVENUE, WALNUT GROVE - $455,000 Picture perfect family home in Walnut Grove.

This beautiful and meticulously cared for 2 storey home is ideal for the first time home buyer with 3 well appointed bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths, it has all you need.

Close to great schools, shopping, and rec centres this is the place to raise a family. Call Verne for your appointment today at 604-857-1100.

IMPRESSIVE RANCHER WITH TONS OF ROOM! 12575 62 AVENUE - $699,000

16923 58 Ave., Surrey

$699,000 Richardson Ridge Beauty! Custom built 3 level home offers 3788 sf, 6 bedrooms, 4 baths, main floor bedroom & den, a bright/open floor plan & a fully finished basement complete with a wine room and ample space for the pool table & big screen! Enjoy numerous updates incl. new paint inside & out, new bathroom/ kitchen fixtures, updated roof & more. With a dream island kitchen, deluxe 5 piece ensuite, vaulted ceilings, numerous decks taking advantage of the views, skylights, AC, 3 fireplaces, large patio, & mature landscaping this home shows GREAT!

Ralph Janzen - 604-908-4996

On the market for the 1st time this one of a kind hobby farm has it all for the do it yourselfer. From vegetable gardens, and built in watering systems to detached shops and tons of room for storage.

This would be great for a home based business.

It includes all the space you need to park all that you have, plus a beautifully updated 3700 square ft rancher. You will love the tiled floor and huge galley kitchen with walk in pantry just to mention a few things. Call today to see all this one has to offer.

FOR MOVING RESULTS CALL VERNE STEL TODAY

604-857-1100 Listings Wanted... Call Verne 604-857-1100

12

• The Langley Times • Friday, December 3, 2010

OM R F

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VILLAGE LIFE MOVE IN NOW AND LIVE WITH Shopping days made better with Best Buy, London Drugs and Winners.

Restaurants, wine bar, cafes and coffee shops all just steps from your door.

The entertainment of live music, festivals, parades and buskers.

Fresh groceries and cooking classes available at Thrifty Foods.

A sense of community with plazas, courtyards and gathering places.

The convenience and accessibility of a walkable village.

The Steve Nash Sports Club.

Work out and walk home.

3 3 3 3 3 3 3

YOUR LIFE WITHIN REACH AT MORGAN CROSSING. CONDOS NOW MOVE-IN READY. Presentation Centre: Open daily (except Fridays) 12–5pm.

Located at 103 -15775 Croydon Drive, South Surrey, next to Thrifty Foods.

MORGANCROSSING.CA 604.582.1336

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Presentation Centre located on 24th Ave, west of 160th St.

A Different Way to Live

This is not an offering for sale. Any such offering may be made only with a disclosure statement. Prices and specifications are subject to change. E.&O.E. Sales and marketing by Developed by