New Local Home by Black Press Digital

February 3/2011

…Live well in Clayton Heights. ‘Our homeowners are close to everything they need on a day-to-day basis,” says Ambros Constructors’ Avtar Mann. “This is a great project built in a very special spot in Surrey’ …[4]

…Ambros Constructors’ Allegro: new, local homes

Metro Vancouver homebuyers are snatching up new homes:

Lineups for local builders

omebuyers have been on the house hunt for new homes throughout Greater Vancouver lately. Last weekend, they were lining up to see at least two new-home projects, and the sales figures show they are purchasing new homes, not just looking at them.

“The feedback was all positive ... they all loved the fact that all of the homes offer amazing views.” Buyers also found the building sophisticated and liked the floorplans, she says.

“We were really busy. We did write deals on 50 per cent of the homes, so tentatively, the building is half sold.” Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association president and CEO Peter Simpson says such a successful weekend

isn’t all that surprising. “We’ve been saying all along that builders are showing their confidence in the market by opening multiple new continued on page 2

TRICIA LESLIE

Branch of BC housing

GVHBA’S 17TH ANNUAL

It was a busy weekend for homebuyers in Metro Vancouver. At least two local new-home developments experienced such interest that they had lineups of potential purchasers, some starting before dawn. At Polygon Homes’ grand opening at Tyneridge, a new townhome community set within The Foothills neighbourhood of Coquitlam’s Burke Mountain, the lineup started at 6 a.m. Saturday, says Polygon vice-president of marketing Ben Smith. More than 250 potentially interested homebuyers attended the grand opening event, and after the weekend was over, 25 homes out of the 37 Peter Simpson released (for phase one – there are 85 homes in total) were sold, Smith says. In the popular North Burnaby community of Brentwood, Ledingham McAllister opened the doors of two new showhomes and a brand-new, inbuilding sales centre at its Perspectives highrise project on Saturday and again, prospective homebuyers lined up for the opportunity to see the suites. “It was pouring rain on Saturday and we still had lineups all day,” says Ledingham McAllister senior vice-president of marketing Manuela Mirecki.

Potential homebuyers peruse the brand-new, on-site sales centre at Ledingham McAllister’s Perspectives, a North Burnaby highrise development. Spokespeople say prospective buyers were lined up all day. Mario Bartel/Black Press

March 22, 2011 FIRST-TIME Tuesday, Sheraton Vancouver

HOME BUYER

SEMINAR

Guildford Hotel, Surrey Seminar will take place from 7 - 9 p.m.

Attendees are invited to arrive at 6 p.m. to get a wealth of information on new-home developments, mortgage information and other homebuying information.

Although the seminar is free to attend, GVHBA encourages attendees to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the Surrey Food Bank.

…and now New Local Home is on Facebook…

New Local Home February 3, 2011

‘‘

The past two years have been a bit of a rollercoaster for the real estate market. However, sales over the past six months have definitely shown a trend toward stability. We think that’s good news for homebuyers and sellers.”

The shape of things to come…

2011 starts with a stable market The local real estate market appears to be starting off 2011 in stable, balanced territory, reports the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver. Three distinctive phases emerged in the 2010 Greater Vancouver housing market, says the REBGV. Continued buoyancy from the post-recession recovery began the year, followed by a summer lull and then, throughout the fall, a sustained period of stability. Total sales of all residential properties Jake Moldowan in the Metro Vancouver area reached 30,595 in 2010, a 14.2 per cent decrease from the 35,669 sales recorded in 2009 but a 24.2 per cent increase from the 24,626 sales in 2008. “The past two years have been a bit of a rollercoaster for the real estate market. However, sales over the past six months have definitely shown a trend toward stability,” says REBGV president Jake Moldowan. “We think that’s good news for homebuyers and sellers.” The number of residential properties listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service increased 9.7 per cent in 2010 to 58,009 compared to the 52,869 “Although properties listed we saw some in 2009. pressure on “The Greater home prices Vancouver housing market throughout the year, home experienced a values in 2010 modest increase in home prices for 2010 remained relatively steady and a continual decrease in the number in the region of properties being compared to listed for sale,” says the last few Moldowan. years, when The residential we witnessed benchmark price for Greater Vancouver inmuch more creased 2.7 per cent to fluctuation.” $577,808 between the Decembers of 2009 and 2010. However, prices have decreased by 2.6 per cent since hitting a peak of $593,419 in April 2010. “Although we saw some pressure on home prices throughout the year, home values in 2010 remained relatively steady in the region compared to the last few years when we witnessed much more fluctuation,” Moldowan says.

Polygon Homes’ Tyneridge project.

…off the front: “Builders are showing their confidence in the market by opening multiple new projects throughout the Lower Mainland. I’m also hearing similar success stories from other (local) builders.” Peter Simpson, GVHBA president and CEO continued from page 1

projects throughout the Lower Mainland,” Simpson says. “I’m also hearing similar success stories from other (local) builders.” Ledingham McAllister and Polygon are two of this region’s leading builders, he notes, among others – many of whom are GVHBA members – who are planning to launch new developments this year. Simpson doesn’t expect any dramatic drops or hikes in this year’s Metro Vancouver housing market, but predicts it will be a “nice, steady market” for 2011. He notes that more first-time buyers are getting into the market again, and adds that if people buy now, they’ll beat the March 18 deadline, when new federal lending rules take effect and mortgage amortization periods will be reduced from 35 to 30 years. While Simpson expects historically low mortgage rates will remain low after March 18, he cautions that “they won’t last forever.” “Smart buyers will take advantage of these rates now, while they can.”

It’s always a good idea for homeowners – first-timers to downsizers – to do their homework and research the builder, the neighbourhood and everything related to their new home, Simpson adds, and notes the GVHBA is hosting its 17th annual First Time Home Buyer Seminar March 22, with the Homeowner Protection Office Branch of BC Housing.

BUSY BUYERS

Ledingham McAllister’s Perspectives, above and above right, offers new homes with views in Burnaby. Mario Bartel/Black Press photos

Sales Director: Lisa Farquharson • 604-575-5364 • lisaf@bcclassified.com Editor: Tricia Leslie • 604-575-5346 • editor@newlocalhome.com Writer: Maggie Calloway • maggiec@blackpress.ca Advertising Sales: Black Press National Sales • Helen Koch • 604-575-5811 • helenk@blackpress.ca Online Advertising: Black Press National Sales • Scott Elliott • 604-575-5826 • scottelliott@blackpress.ca Designer: Brad Smith • bsmith@blackpress.ca New Local Home is published once a week by Black Press Group Ltd. (Suite 309 - 5460 152 Street, Surrey, B.C. V3S 5J9) 350,000 copies are distributed free across Metro Vancouver. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited.

New Local Home February 3, 2011

Come home to Allegro

ife on the edge. It’s your style. Cycling to the office, inventing the perfect pesto recipe, learning a new language just because ... you embrace life. You insist on quality without compromise in everything you do and especially where you live. Not for you the traditional. You don’t think outside the box – in your world there is no box. That’s why you choose Allegro. You set the pace. Cosmopolitan, sophisticated, yet with a playful rhythm and natural vibrancy, Allegro takes quality to a higher level, inside and out. But Allegro is far more than a beautiful home ... Allegro is your community.

www.allegrotownhomes.com

Ambros offers new Clayton Hill homes Located at the edge of the Surrey-Langley border, in the Clayton Heights area, Ambros Constructors’ Allegro is growing daily. The new townhouse project can be found at 192 Street and 72 Avenue in a burgeoning neighbourhood that is close to shopping, business, cafés, community centres, schools and major transportation routes. “This is a great project built in a very special spot in Surrey,” says Ambros marketing director Avtar Mann. “We are at the top of Clayton Hill with a 360-degree view. Our homeowners are close to everything they need on a day-today basis – schools and shopping, etc., – plus we are building a strip mall on the edge of the project that will contain stores and services.” The vibrant feel of the community is one of the first things homebuyers notice at Allegro, and how the West Coast architecture fits comfortably into the location, with comfortable covered porches and gabled rooflines featuring accents of stone and wood. Fenced yards, perfect for the youngsters’ outside adventures and activities, can add a sense of family security. Inside, the impressive nine-foot ceilings are complemented by crown mouldings on the ground floor. continued on page 5

Ambros Constructors’ Allegro, located in Surrey’s popular Clayton Heights neighbourhood, features brand-new townhomes that buyers are snatching up. With gourmet kitchens, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, nine-foot ceilings, crown mouldings, electric fireplaces and oversized yet energy-efficient windows, the homes offer plenty of features homeownes will love. Allegro has also been built to meet BC Hydro’s Power Smart Gold Standard, which means lower energy costs for homebuyers. Martin Knowles photos

New Local Home February 3, 2011

FEATURE

‘We are very much proud of what we have built here’ continued from page 4

Oversized windows fill each room with natural light and are fitted with two-inch faux wood blinds. Super-thick, two-millimetre hardwood laminate, coupled with heavy duty underlay, lends an air of elegance and comfort. The Dimplex electric fireplace is fantastic for cozy nights with the family through the fall and winter months, while the choice of interior designers – Benjamin Moore paint – is used throughout. This high-quality paint is highly durable and will stand up to many of life’s bumps. The kitchen is a dream with custom-made shaker or designer styled laminate cabinets. Expansive granite countertops are accented with angular, contemporary top-of-the-line faucets and an extra-strength hood fan. The Energy Star stainless steel appliance package includes an ice-maker fridge and garburator. The bathrooms are a relaxing retreat at the end of the work day, with spa-inspired soaker tubs and showers with elegant porcelain tile surrounds. More than half of Allegro’s homes include ground-floor flex space, which can be used for a home office or a media/recreation room. Select floor plans feature both a carport and an insulated garage, great places to store seasonal sports gear, create a home workshop or finally have a spot to pursue a cherished hobby. Ambros Constructors built Allegro to meet BC Hydro’s Power Smart Gold Standard, Mann notes, which will have a big impact on

the home’s energy bill. Energy Star argonfilled windows have been installed to reduce energy loss and are only one of the details of great care taken to reduce the carbon footprint. The current phase available offers threebedroom and three-bedrooms-plus-den townhomes. “We are very proud of what we have built here,” Mann says. Homes are priced from $325,900. Visit www.allegrotownhomes.com for more information.

Allegro features new three-bedroom and three-bedroom-plus-den townhomes, located close to all amenities in the Clayton Heights area, which is also close to several major transportation routes. Martin Knowles photos

New Local Home February 3, 2011

Port Coquitlam

Richmond

< River Green 5111 Hollybridge Way. 604-233-2633 = Mezzo 7373 Turnill St. 604-725-1250 > Emerald 7180 No. 3 Rd. 604-244-8333 ? Hamilton Station 22788 Westminster Hwy. 604-279-8866 @ Wishing Tree Alexander Gardens. 604-871-4296 A Cambridge Park 9191 Odlin Rd. 778-297-7511 B Saffron 180-8360 Granville Ave. 604-270-2482 < Highland Park 160th & 24 Ave. 604-542-8995 = Glenmore at Morgan Heights 161A St. & 24 Ave. 604-542-8863

North Vancouver

48th Ave. Is.

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TMC Development’s Regency Court in White Rock offers brand-new, sophisticated homes— many with breathtaking ocean views—in the heart of the seaside community.

Langley

128th St.

Ma rine Dr .

< Trend 7445 Scott Road. 604-590-5483 = South Pointe (at Sunstone) 10527 Modesto Place. 604-584-2908 > Atria 120 St. and 75A Ave. 604-453-6666

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176th St.

< Jewel II 6130 Wilson Ave at Beresford. 604-456-0688 = Motif99at Citi 4400 Buchanan St. 604-298-8800 > Adera - Green 7438 Byrnepark Walk. 604-439-8858 ? Perspectives 4710 Lougheed Hwy. 604-294-4995 @ Affinity 5695 Lougheed Hwy at Holdom. 604-453-5893

< Victoria Hill McBride Ave. 604-523-0733 = Inter-Urban Begbie and /columbia St. 604-523-0081 > Port Royal Holy Ave. and Salter St. 604-520-9890

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Burnaby

New Westminster

168th St.

< The Mark 1035 Seymour St. 604-687-4353 = Pacific Spirit UBC Westbrook Village. 604-221-8878 604-264-6477 > James 289 W. 2nd Ave. 604-275-1000 ? Spice on Robson Nicola and Robson streets. 604-683-5555 @ Local 1661 East 2nd Ave at Commercial. 604-688-5527

< Augusta Walk / Woods at Provinceton 18199 70th Ave, 778-571-1088 = Hazelwood Estates 7881 164A Street. 604-657-5220 > Knoll 7348 192A Street, Surrey. 604-574-0001 ? Quattro 114-10768 Whalley Blvd. 604-581-8000 @ Ultra 105-13339 102 Ave. 604-588-6999 A Taylor 1-8767162 St. 604-584-1114

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< Pearl 2343 Atkins Ave. 604-308-0227 = The Shaughnessy (on Lions Park) 2950 Glen Dr. 604-461-2750

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< Wedgewood 768 Orwell St. 604-980-2508 = The Kimpton 210 W. 13th St. 604-988-3020

152nd St.

North Vancouver

144th St.

< Skye-Soleil-Aqua Presentation Centre, Unit 3, 1233 Main St., Squamish. 604-616-1215 = Furry Creek-Ocean Crest 415- Furry Creek Dr. 604-787-1456 > Maples at Fintry Park Bryson Way and Finch Ave. 604-894-3344

King George Hwy.

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= Seasons & Prelude at Milner Heights 208th St & 72nd Ave. 604-539-9484 > Time at Walnut Grove 9525-204 Street. 604-694-1819 ? Cornerstone 5655 210A Street. 604-534-6000 @ High Point Equestrian Estates 20048 2nd Ave. 604-531-1111

> Wills Creek 160th & 32 Ave. 604-542-6200 ? Kaleden 2729-158 Street. 604-541-4246 @ Morgan Heights 26th Ave & 164th St. 604-531-1111, 604-420-4200 A Cathedral Grove 2738-158th Street. 604-541-7383 B SouthPort 3677-143 St. 604-292-0871 C High Street 402-2950 King George Hwy. 604-536-9333 D Summerfield 109-172A St. 604-536-1155 E Avra 1456 Johnston Road. 604-531-9030

< Levo Pinetree Way & Northern Ave. 604-464-5856 = The Foothills Burke Mountain, 3381 David Ave. 604-944-3188 > Tatton 1240 Holtby, Coquitlam. 604-552-2220 ? Larkin House (East) 1456 Avondale St. 604-461-7113 @ Belmont 1456 Avondale St. 604-461-7113 A Sterling 3412 Wilkie Ave. B Larkin House 1131 Pipeline Road. 604-552-1113

132nd St.

On Tour

Coquitlam

72nd St.

New Local Home February 3, 2011

Morgan Crossing design contest suites now open Six up-and-coming local designers are competing for a title in a contest that allows them to showcase their talents in six brand-new Metro Vancouver homes. Held at Morgan Crossing, a new walkable residential and retail community in South Surrey, BC’s Best Young Designer competition is heating up, now Joanna Kado that the suites are open to the public. Each finalist, chosen by video entry by a panel of judges, was given a budget of $10,000 to $12,000 (depending on the size of the suite) and five weeks to fully decorate and furnish each space. “All of our up-and-coming Britt McMaster designers have done incredible things with their suites and we’re impressed with the range of ideas and creativity,” says Morgan Crossing design competition director Bryan Woolley. A panel of expert judges will select a grand-prize winner, who will receive the title of Daniel Meloche BC’S Best Young Designer, an all-expenses-paid trip to the design mecca of New York, N.Y., and a pass to one of the world’s premier design events, the Architectural Digest Home Show. Public voting will also decide one ‘fan favourite’ winner, who will receive a $2,000 cash prize.

All six suites are open to the public until Feb. 20; visitors to Morgan Crossing can cast their votes on-site. The finalists are: Joanna Kado, Burnaby; Britt McMaster, Vancouver; Daniel Meloche, Vancouver; Jennifer Scott, Vancouver; Penelope Sloan, Vancouver; and Karen Wong, Richmond. Jennifer Scott The competition was launched to provide young interior designers with the opportunity to apply their creative skills and experience by decorating a residence with their own inspiration as their guide, Penelope Sloan Woolley says. In order to enter the competition, entrants were required to have a passion for design, be a B.C. resident and be 30 years old or younger as of the competition end date (Feb. 20). “Winning the title of BC’s Best Young Designer will certainly help establish the Karen Wong winner as a name to watch in the design world, but for each one of the participants, it’s a real opportunity to create a centrepiece for their design portfolios.” For details about the competition, or to see blogs posted by the finalists about the design process, visit www.bestyoungdesigner.com.

DESIGN TIME

Britt McMaster

Penelope Sloan

Joanna Kado

Daniel Meloche

Karen Wong Jennifer Scott

New Local Home February 3, 2011