…home with a view Only 10 chances remain to own a home with this kind of view in Bosa Properties’ Esprit development in Burnaby. Now, during Bosa’s Silver Lining Sale, buyers can purchase a home at prices that have been drastically reduced. ›› p.5
August 20, 2009
Housing market balanced: BCREA
Kitchens: the heart of the home
Although housing starts in Metro Vancouver were down in July, the B.C. housing market is exhibiting balanced conditions. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation says housing starts continued to trend lower in July, with foundations poured for 516 new homes, down 73 per cent from July 2008. “Developers have been taking a wait-andsee approach towards the multi-unit market,” says Robyn Adamache, CMHC senior market analyst. “Home building will remain modest until some of the inventory of “Record home sales... new and existing homes is sold off.” propelled But throughout B.C., the province the real estate market rebounding, says the into balanced isB.C. Real Estate conditions Association. After six consecutive last month.” months of rising home sales and declining inventories, the province moved into balanced conditions in July – for the first time since April 2008. “Record home sales in Metro Vancouver and Victoria propelled the province into balanced conditions last month,” says BCREA chief economist Cameron Muir. “While conditions in many interior markets are getting much better, their reliance on the struggling resource sector and a recent spate of forest fires have contributed to a more gradual pace of improvement.”
Much more than a place to cook or bake, kitchens are evolving TRICIA LESLIE “The pleasant hours of our life are all connected by a more or less tangible link, with some memory of the table.” – Charles Pierre Monselet (French author, 1825-1888) It’s a place where wonderful smells are born; a place where, for centuries, families and friends have gathered to share meals and conversation. It’s the room that often turns into the life of the party, as guests converge to chat, munch and trade stories.
The kitchen is a powerful part of any home, and often, the busiest. While creating delicious meals, snacks or baked goods is still a major part of what kitchens are about, homeowners want their cooking area to look appealing and chic, and still serve as a gathering place and, for some, as a workplace. “The great room, or open, concept is very popular, but more and more, we’re seeing space utilized for more than just kitchen uses,” says Pacific Rim Cabinets vice-president and general manager Richard Kaufmann. “Kitchens are becoming more multi-purpose. You might have a workspace for your laptop that can switch to a food preparation area or a cooking area... kitchens
are more multi-functional these days than just about food.” Flat-screen TVs that come built into the cupboard or countertop are becoming more common as well. Style-wise, Kaufmann says white kitchens (white cabinetry) are making a comeback, and contrast (dark countertops, light cabinetry or vice versa) is still hot. Space, storage and recycling are also big on homeowners’ minds, Kaufmann says, as homebuyers become more aware about conservation and waste disposal. At Nordstar Kitchens Ltd., quality assurance manager Blair Maundrell agrees. CONTINUED ON P.2
Before and after: Pacific Rim Cabinets vice-president and general manager Richard Kaufmann in the factory (left), where the cabinetry magic begins, and (right), a completed Pacific Rim kitchen.
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