BURNABY
FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015
NEW WESTMINSTER
info@rew.ca • 604-435-7977
Looking to BUY or SELL a home? To assist you in making the best decisions, a professional Realtor can provide the most up to date information on the real estate market, price, financing and comparative properties in your area.
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Exercising your Options When are Condo Amenities a Good Investment? If you’ve purchased a fancy gym membership for 2015 and are already finding it hard to stick to your new regime, you may have wasted a lot of cash. But what if your fitness centre was in your building – would you get better value? Amenities in today’s new condo market have reached new heights, with full-size fitness centres, pools, rooftop patios with barbecues, lounges with chef’s kitchens, guest suites and other common-use areas expanding your home beyond its four walls. Developers are selling more than just homes – they’re selling a lifestyle. But amenities don’t come for free – they can add to your purchase price and strata fees. So when is it a good idea to purchase a home with lots of extras and when are you better off sticking with that local fitness centre membership? Hani Lammam with Cressey Development Group advises buyers to purchase homes where there are as many amenities as possible – provided they can afford the asking price and the associated strata fees. “There is a maintenance cost associated with amenities,” he says, “but they can also protect your resale value.” Cressey is currently conducting presales on Beverley in White Rock, which will include a two-storey club featuring a fitness centre, steam room and pools. The development also includes a lounge, guest suite, garden, patio and playground. “It’s difficult to say how much the fitness centre adds to the [purchase] cost of each unit at Beverley,” says Lammam, “but it’s a very small percentage because it is spread out among all the owners. It’s likely less than five per cent. In terms of additional monthly fees, it depends on what’s included. ‘Wet’ amenities, such as hot tubs and pools, can add 15 per cent to your strata fees.” With the price of a high-end annual gym membership running around $1,000, taking that hit to your monthly strata fees can be a good investment,
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according to Katie Dunsworth-Reiach, personal finance expert and co-founder of Smart Cookies. Strata fees for larger units run around $5,300 a year, with 15 per cent (about $800) paying for amenities. That’s substantially less than a private club. And with an estimated 60 per cent of annual gym memberships purchased in January going unused by mid-February, Dunsworth-Reiach notes it is also important to consider longterm value. Cressey isn’t alone in offering a wide array of amenities to attract potential buyers. Shato Holdings and Talisman Homes’ Tsawwassen Springs will include a golf course, wellness centre and clubhouse. The developers aim to keep strata fees low by using a pay-as-you-go system for things like green fees and the fitness centre. In downtown Vancouver, the 333unit Tate Downtown by the Bonds Group of Companies will offer residents a concierge, a private theatre, lounge, billiards room, library, yoga and pilates studio and fitness centre.
Ask the Expert: What are the Dangers of Older Homes?
And the owners at Anthem Properties’ Station Square in Burnaby will enjoy almost an acre of elevated private green space along with community garden plots, a Tai Chi area, a fully-equipped gym and yoga studio, steam room and infrared sauna, plus a lounge with a gourmet kitchen and shared electric cars. Empty-nesters downsizing from detached homes to condos can find amenities especially appealing – and cost effective. With a guest suite in your building, there’s no need to spend extra
Condo of Cards: Strata Councils and Political Masterminds
on a unit with an additional bedroom. Common areas such as lounges and kitchens provide entertainment spaces for larger events, something your new living space may not allow for. “Amenities add to the value of your home and can save you money,” says Dunsworth-Reiach. “Buyers need to determine what these add to the strata fees and compare that to their bottom line.”
BC New Home Building Investment up 11%: StatCan
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R E W.ca » B U R N A BY / N E W W EST M I N ST E R » F R I DAY JA N UA RY 3 0, 2 0 1 5
NORM FLOCKHART
PREC
www.dexterrealty.com
(604) 261-7275
604-263-1144 Kerrisdale
Member of 2013 MLS Medallion Club Open Sat 2-4
★
604-336-3539 Main Street
604-689-8226 Yaletown
$659,900
$369,000
HIDDEN GEM! CITY IN THE PARK!
The Courtyards is tucked away on a cul-de-sac adjacent to Byrne Creek Ravine Park! The 2 BR, 2 full bath,top floor unit faces NW. Gas fireplace, insuite laundry, 2 pkg stalls & lots of visitor pkg. 1083 sq. ft. #403-6735 Station Hill Ct.
www.normflockhart.com “Servicing your Real Estate Needs since 1988”
AMAZING CORNER UNIT • Highly sought after SW corner unit at Metroplace. • 2 bed, 2 bath w/ parking & storage locker. Great open space and views from every room! MUST SEE! • #3507 - 6461 TELFORD AVE. SHERMAN K. LEE 604-762-4598
OPEN SAT 2-4PM
Tony Quarto
$293,000
NEW LISTING!
$315,000
GARDEN OASIS! Corner 2 bed garden unit with 470+ Sq.Ft. fenced patio and private street access. Pets allowed, 2 parking. Walk to skytrain, bus and shopping. #205 - 210 ELEVENTH ST.
THE GO TEAM 604-263-1144 507-215 TWELFTH ST $245,000
778.882.9779 807-4160 ALBERT ST.
Rare find, 1 bdrm, 1 den corner unit. Approx. 950 sqft, great layout, 2 full open patios facing south and east with million dollar views of Burnaby Mountain, Burrard Inlet and South Bby etc. Gas fireplace, fantastic location. Won’t last $459,000.
★
OPEN Saturday Jan 31 ★ & Sunday Feb 1, 1-3 pm
Tony 778.882.9779
OUTSTANDING AGENT
604-275-9787 patsy@patsyhui.com WESTCOAST
868 sq.ft. - 2 bed, updated & gorgeous. A well-managed building in a quiet & treeʼd setting. Super nice bathroom, wood flrs, in-suite laundry, W/B fireplace, 1 pkg stall & tons of storage. Lovely! #102-1690 AUGUSTA GROVE. EVELYN SINGER 604-263-1144
www.gurjinderbhurji.com
12097 56th Avenue, Surrey
1051 Ewson St, White Rock
Beautiful 3 Bedroom Renovated Rancher on a quiet Half Acre lot with view potential! Original hardwood floors, Renovated Kitchen, Maple Cabinets, Slate floor, Stainless Steel appliances, Gas Stove, Updated Bathroom, Fully Finished cozy NEW LISTING Basement with Media room, lots of Asking $899,000 Storage, New Windows, New Roof (2003 +29 years warranty). Beautiful 1/2Acre Park like Yard with Zip line, fire pit + BONUS 900 sq ft workshop at back of property. Minutes from Schools, Hwy #10 and Watershed park in the most desireable West Panorama Ridge area. Move in ready, live in now and hold for future investment.
Beautiful Three Year old home in heart of White Rock. Water and Mountain views from Main and Upper levels. High end Kitchen with Granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, Hardwood flooring throughout NEW LISTING the home. Enjoy the natural lighting Asking $1,795,000 throughout the Upper level. Main floor has master bedroom plus three other bedrooms all with ensuite washrooms, and a Den for office work. Basement has two Bedroom legal suite with good rental income. Barbeque on a huge open deck with ocean views in the back. Close to Peace Arch Elementary and Earl Marriott High school. Shopping and Beach closeby. Seller will look at trade options.
ROYALLePAGE Wolstencroft Realty - Langley Independently Owned & Operated
Unit #110-19925 Willowbrook Drive, Langley, BC V2Y 1A7
Modern high-end luxury & VIEWS! Brand new 7 bedroom house on quiet cul-de-sac, balconies with fabulous views, air conditioning, quartz counters. 2-5-10 warranty. Desirable family neighbourhood close to Deer Lake Park and Metrotown mall. Call to view. Alan Yasin / Lori Pettigrew
ROYAL LePAGE Wolstencroft Realty
gkbhurji@royallepage.ca
ALAN YASIN
BRAND NEW VIEW HOUSE 5837 DICKENS PL.
Gurjinder K Bhurji Bus: 604-530-0231 Cell: 604.802.6703
GO TEAM 604-263-1144
DEXTER ASSOCIATES REALTY
• 306 SALES AWARDS SINCE 1984 • REBGV LIFE MEMBER
OWNER RETIRING! RARE GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY to own this FULL-DAY CHILDCARE CENTRE business & property in the most DESIRABLE LOCATION in PORT COQUITLAM. This 1997 built 5329 sqʼ LIVE/ WORK 3-LEVEL FAMILY HOME/SCHOOL includes 1639 sqʼ+/- upstairs living quarters & a SUCCESSFUL PRESCHOOL & BEFORE/ AFTER SCHOOL care programs business is on a 5635 sqʼ CORNER PROPERTY. PAY YOUR OWN MORTGAGE INSTEAD OF RENT! Purchase price includes $200,000 for BUSINESS & $968,000 for the PROPERTY.
Discovery Reach by Bosa. Top floor unit with lots of updates. N.W. facing, open concept, parking, storage and more!
www.YourRealtyDreams.com
152 Sales in 2014!
$1,168,000
TOP FLOOR OASIS
604-649-7040 LORI PETTIGREW
... OUTSTANDING RESULTS
CHILDCARE CENTRE + PROPERTY
Independently Owned & Operated
PEACE OF MIND PURCHASE
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LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL A HOME?
To assist you in making the best decisions, a professional Realtor can provide the most up to date information on the real estate market, price, financing and comparative properties in your area.
Find your expert Real Estate professional right here in REW.ca!
R E W.ca » B U R N A BY / N E W W EST M I N ST E R » F R I DAY JA N UA RY 3 0, 2 0 1 5
NOW SELLING The Black+Whites on Foster Avenue are classic, light-filled three-storey townhomes in West Coquitlam. You get your own front door, your own yard, attached parking and renowned Intracorp scrutiny of every last detail – at a price that you can afford. And homes are ready for you to move in now. Don’t you wish all decisions in life could be so black+white? Visit our two fully furnished display homes today. MOVE IN READY 3 + 4 bedroom townhomes 1230 - 1610 square feet PRICED FROM $515,000
SALES CENTRE:
NORTH ROAD
FOSTER AVENUE
548 Foster Avenue Coquitlam Open Noon - 5pm except Fridays blackandwhites.ca
NORTH
604.998.8998
Prices and sizes are approximate. E&OE. Sales and Marketing by Intracorp Realty Ltd. Intracorp Foster Avenue Limited Partnership
intracorp.ca
Presenting Sponsor:
GVHBA GV HBA'S 21st Annual NEW HOME BUYERS' SEMINAR
If you’re thinking of buying a home, don’t miss this free seminar! This event fills quickly and seating is limited.
Tuesday, February 10 Surrey City Hall, Surrey •13450 104 Ave., Surrey 6 to 9 pm
Thursday, February 12 SFU, Harbour Centre • 515 West Hasting St., Vancouver 6 to 9 pm Sponsors Patron Sponsor
Rea l Estate W eekly
Although the seminar is free, attendees are asked to bring a food item for the Food Bank.
Register now at www.gvhba.org or call 778-565-4288
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Parkside Homes in Metrotown The undeniable allure of Polygon’s Aldynne on the Park lies in its unique location overlooking the magnificent trees at Central Park and neighbouring the exciting Metropolis at Metrotown mall. This unrivalled proximity to both nature and urban conveniences provides a truly incomparable living experience for those who appreciate the finer aspects of life. Visit us today.
Priced from $469,900
SALES CENTRE: 5808 Patterson Avenue, Burnaby Open Noon to 5pm daily (except Friday) Telephone: 604.451.9517 Email: aldynne@polyhomes.com
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BURNABY • NEW WESTMINSTER
FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015
Looking for a new home? Start here.
R E A L
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KERRISDALE GARDENS IS IN THE HEART OF ONE OF THE CITY’S MOST DISTINGUISHED NEIGHBOURHOODS Real estate in Vancouver’s tony Westside is hard to come by. One of the most exciting and luxurious Boutique Developments to be built in the heart of this prestigious neighbourhood is Kerrisdale Gardens. In one of the best postal codes on Vancouver’s Westside, Kerrisdale Gardens is an exquisite collection of 27 Designer Residences, featuring two bedroom terraced suites and one bedroom, den and flex space condominiums. Behind the Kerrisdale Gardens are the award-winning European-influenced designers from Riesco & Lapres. “For years, Riesco & Lapres has been beautifying the homes of Kerrisdale residents in ways that speak directly to the heart,” says Charan Sidhu of Otezs Project Marketing. “They know the subtleties of what makes a home fit in this stunning neighbourhood.” In addition to its prime location, you couldn’t ask for finer finishes: nine foot
ceilings (10 foot in the penthouses), engineered hardwood flooring, luxurious wool blend carpeting, custom millwork, expansive windows to bring lots of natural light in, European-inspired epicurean kitchens and Zen-inspired bathrooms. The kitchens feature custom designed cabinetry, top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, including a Fhiaba fully integrated refrigerator, marble countertops with ¾ edge finish and under-the-cabinet puck lighting. “While many people are currently downsizing from their large single family homes to more convenient one-level living, the suites here have been designed with that in mind,” Sidhu says. “We often hear from downsizers that they don’t want to compromise their lifestyle, especially when guests are coming. Inviting people for dinner, family and friends, many condos lack a proper dining area. This feature has been incorporated into many of the
homes without needing to entertain the highest priced or largest unit.” One of its most unique and sought-after features are the gardens on the second floor. This quiet and enchanting private oasis offers incredible outdoor space for the residences that face into this courtyard, of which there are only two left. Truly, this is one of the best outdoor havens you will find in a condominium building. The discriminating people who have already purchased a home in Kerrisdale Gardens have boasted about the access to some of the province’s top schools, both public and private, the walkability of the neighourhood and the penthouses with private garages in the underground. Each homeowner can feel safe knowing the four-storey building offers two levels of secure gated underground parking, plenty of secured storage lockers and ample bike storage. Convenience continues with two elevators for residents to
access their homes. As one of the oldest and most distinguished neighbourhoods in Vancouver you will find plenty of amenities including transit, top rated schools and recreational opportunities, all within easy walking or driving distance. Then there’s high-fashion to patisseries, gourmet cheeses to European décor, including such popular spots as Secret Garden for afternoon tea and neighbourhood favourite, the Red Onion Neighbourhood Grill. These elegant, single-family home inspired residences must be seen to be fully appreciated. The sales centre, located at 2128 West 40th Ave., Vancouver, is open by private appointment only. With only 14 available, these condominiums won’t last. Your brand new home will be move-in ready in Spring 2015. For more information or to view, call 604-559-9848, email at info@kerrisdalegardens.ca or visit www.kerrisdalegardens.ca.
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