Wednesday, May 23, 2012 Home Staging..by Ben Chimes on Wed, May, 23, 2012 05:12 PM If you're thinking about selling your house, add one more thing to your list: home staging. Very important, as it can even increase the sale price of your home. Its great way to modernize your home and help potential buyers visualize it for themselves.
The goal of home staging is to appeal your property to a high number of buyers. This means transforming it into a space anyone would want; so removing many of your personal possessions and trinkets, using classic colours and matching furniture. It is work, but generally houses are sold quicker and for a higher price.
Though there are many companies you can use to help you stage your home (and your realtor will be able to give you a few options), check out this video from the Globe and Mail detailing what you can do as a homeowner.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/home-and-garden/real-estate/video/video-the-right-way-to-stage-a-home-for-sale/article2433115/
Wednesday, May 23, 2012 Gluten-Free Health Fairby Ben Chimes on Wed, May, 23, 2012 04:34 PM Coming on May 29th, Choices Market and the Canadian Celiac Association to host the fifth annual Gluten Free Health Fair. This is a great opportunity for celiacs and people who may be wondering if they have a gluten sensitivity. Including lectures from doctors and naturopathic physicians where you can gain a better understanding of the intolerance, the changes to your diet, and how to maintain optimal health throughout your years.
This event is being hosted at a few locations. In Kits, it will be held at St. Mark's Anglican Church at 1805 Larch Street from 9am-2pm on Saturday May 29. This event requires registration and a $15 fee at the door (well worth it if you're living or interested in living a celiac lifestyle).
Otherwise, at Choices' South Surrey location on Sunday May 30, from 9am-4pm, there is a public tasting of complimentary gluten-free foods. Go, enjoy and learn something new!
See the Living Gluten Free Community Website for more information on this event, as well as a gluten free diet:
http://lgfc.ca/choices-gluten-free-fair/
Monday, May 14, 2012 Kitsilano Market Statistics - April 2012by Ben Chimes on Mon, May, 14, 2012 06:20 PM
Well, it's that time of year again... the time in Kitsilano where everyone stops working and heads to the beach to enjoy the sun! The weather this past weekend was spectacular and let's hope for more of the same for the long weekend.
In the Kitsilano real estate market, comparing detached and attached markets, we are seeing one consistent trend and two divergent ones:
(1) Listing inventory is climbing in both markets, as is typical this time of year, with both markets showing inventory levels higher than anything we saw in 2011 or so far this year. If this trend continues, we may see inventory levels exceed the high levels of 2010. Combined with interest rates that are still near record lows, this Summer should provide some good buying opportunities.
(2) Sales activity has been steady in the attached market, but has seen a surge in the detached market. This may be attributed to the lowest average price we have seen for detached homes since the beginning of last year.
(3) Contrary to what the inventory vs sales numbers from above may suggest, we are actually seeing a push in attached homes to record highs while detached homes, as mentioned, are at the lowest average price we have seen since early last year. It's difficult to imagine both of these trends continuing given the fundamentals in play, so I expect condo prices to level off and detached home prices to get a boost next month.
While listing inventory is expected to grow, conversations with our connections in the banking world suggest that mortgage pre-approval applications are flooding in at the moment. It is shaping up to be a busy Summer, with many buyers eager to jump in they find the right buy.
Enjoy the sun!
kits market stats, Kitsilano attached market statistics, kitsilano detached market statistics, kitsilano market statistics, market statistics, vancouver average housing sales, vancouver housing, vancouver kits stats, vancouver real estate stats, vancouver real estate update, vancouver west real estate statistics Monday, May 14, 2012 Kitsilano Market Statistics - April 2012by Ben Chimes on Mon, May, 14, 2012 06:18 PM
Well, it's that time of year again... the time in Kitsilano where everyone stops working and heads to the beach to enjoy the sun! The weather this past weekend was spectacular and let's hope for more of the same for the long weekend.
In the Kitsilano real estate market, comparing detached and attached markets, we are seeing one consistent trend and two divergent ones:
(1) Listing inventory is climbing in both markets, as is typical this time of year, with both markets showing inventory levels higher than anything we saw in 2011 or so far this year. If this trend continues, we may see inventory levels exceed the high levels of 2010. Combined with interest rates that are still near record lows, this Summer should provide some good buying opportunities.
(2) Sales activity has been steady in the attached market, but has seen a surge in the detached market. This may be attributed to the lowest average price we have seen for detached homes since the beginning of last year.
(3) Contrary to what the inventory vs sales numbers from above may suggest, we are actually seeing a push in attached homes to record highs while detached homes, as mentioned, are at the lowest average price we have seen since early last year. It's difficult to imagine both of these trends continuing given the fundamentals in play, so I expect condo prices to level off and detached home prices to get a boost next month.
While listing inventory is expected to grow, conversations with our connections in the banking world suggest that mortgage pre-approval applications are flooding in at the moment. It is shaping up to be a busy Summer, with many buyers eager to jump in they find the right buy.
Enjoy the sun!
kits market stats, Kitsilano attached market statistics, kitsilano detached market statistics, kitsilano market statistics, market statistics, vancouver average housing sales, vancouver housing, vancouver housing bubble, vancouver kits stats, vancouver real estate stats, vancouver real estate update, vancouver west real estate statistics Monday, May 14, 2012 Kitsilano Market Statistics - March 2012by Ben Chimes on Mon, May, 14, 2012 06:14 PM
As expected, March showed further growth in activity as we near the peak of the Spring market. Active listings are up across all markets, though not as significantly as some may have expected. Sales activity was also up in most markets, with the exception of the Westside, which saw a slight drop in activity in both the attached and detached markets. Downtown showed the largest jump in activity with sales up 43.8% over last month. Median pricing remained relatively flat, though a drop off of almost 8% was noted in the Westside detached market.
The hottest market segments last month were:
- Any detached home on the Eastside under $1.2m
- The sub-$1.5m Westside detached market
- Virtually all detached North Van detached homes between $700k and $1.6m
- Entry level downtown condos under $400k
- Higher end North Van condos/townhomes between $800-900k
The next two months should have plenty of Buyer activity, with many looking to use the 2.99% rates that are locked in for the next 90 days. Looking forward to a good Spring (and good spring weather for showings and tours)!
Thursday, May 10, 2012 23 Cheapest Homes (on the Market) on the West Sideby Ben Chimes on Thu, May, 10, 2012 09:37 PM The Vancouver Sun posted a piece today of the 23 Cheapest Houses currently on the Market in Vancouver West. There isn't too much information, but feel free to cross reference the listings with LiveKitsilano.com or Realtor.ca.
There quite a variety in location around Vancouver West, but quality of listings isn't great (granted these are the "cheapest" listings). Turn on your imagination and think about what it could be!
http://www.vancouversun.com/Vancouver+real+estate+cheapest+homes+market+West+Side/6599393/story.html
Monday, April 30, 2012 Celebration of Light Summer 2012by Ben Chimes on Mon, Apr, 30, 2012 04:22 PM Everyone's favourite reason to camp out on Kits Beach has been planned for the Summer 2012 season: The 22nd Annual Celebration of Light!
The world's biggest off shore fireworks display - yes, the world's BIGGEST! - is a 3 night show where each night a country gets a chance to dazzle the city with a choreographed fireworks display, set to tunes played over the radio.
A new country is joining the mix this year - Vietnam - who will start the show on Saturday July 28, then Brazil on Wednesday August 1 and Italy on Saturday August 4.
Be sure to plan an all day picnic at the beach to get a good seat, as this is always a popular event (the best fireworks you'll ever see on a warm night in July? I'll be there). Keeping you entertained before it gets dark is the Red Bull Airshow, as well as many bands and street vendors .
More information here: http://hondacelebrationoflight.com/#
Wednesday, April 25, 2012 The Best of Kits… Kids Fun!by Ben Chimes on Wed, Apr, 25, 2012 08:38 PM Continuing in the series, today we'll look at some fun activities for Kids in Kits! Being quite a family friendly community, there is a lot of open space, parks and beaches for kids to let loose and have some fun. If you're looking into specific programs that teach something new, add to their skill set or get their imaginations going, check out the "Best of Kits..Kids Fun":
Pear Tree Education (215-2678 West Broadway, between Stephens and Trafalgar St).
We blogged about this location last week. It is a great learning centre offering interesting courses, special events and tutoring. Check out our previous post: http://livekitsilano.com/vancouver-real-estate-blog.html/oceanography-course-for-kids-1818028
Kitsilano Community Centre (2690 Larch Street)
This is another spot we've previously blogged about. Always offering courses (for kids and adults) on everything from Arts, Drama, Education, Fitness, Language, Martial Arts, Music and Sports.
There are day camps as well (March Break always fills up fast!). Some classes require registration and some are drop-in. It's a great facility with lots of room, an ice skating rink, field, playground and more.
http://kitscc.com/
Haya Busa Karate (1807 West 1st Ave @ Ron Zalko Fitness Centre)
Offering classes for kids as young as 3, this Karate School is lead by a 6 Time National Champion. Karate allows kids to develop karate skills, discipline, self confidence and more. The lessons can be for fun, or kids can train with their eye on tournaments and other events.
Family rates are available, and give it's location, you're easily able to squeeze in a workout at Ron Zalko while your kids practice their Karate!
www.hayabusakarate.com
HR MacMillan Space Centre (1100 Chestnut Street @ Vanier Park)
If telling your kids that you're going to the Space Centre doesn't get them excited, I don't know what will. Offering demonstrations, up to date Sky information, exhibits and some hands on activities, this place will surely inspire your little ones. Offering classes every Saturday to educate kids of all ages.
http://www.spacecentre.ca/
Granville Island
When in doubt, head to Granville Island to take advantage of the Kids Market, filled with shopping and activities for kids!
best of kitsilano, broadway kitsilano, family events kitsilano, fourth ave kitsilano, kitsilano, kitsilano community centre, kitsilano education, kitsilano event, kitsilano kids, museum, tourist attraction, vancouver Monday, April 23, 2012 Artisan Sake Makerby Ben Chimes on Mon, Apr, 23, 2012 07:42 PM Sunny days this past weekend turned into a wonderful time on Granville Island. How often do you discover something new there? Whether it's an interesting vegetable, an intriguing cut of meat, a creamy cheese or an even more delicious dessert than you thought possible, Granville Island always delivers on surprises.
Ever tasted Sake at the Artisan Sake Maker? At 1339 Railspur Alley, this little Local Sake Maker has space to create Sake and a cute little patio to enjoy tasting Sake flights and some cheap bites to eat (paired well with the Sake). Since the Sake (hot or cold) is made on location, there are quite a few different varieties to try (you'll notice the taste differences immediately). The staff are very knowledgeable and are quick to offer help and descriptions.
From the website:
"Handcrafted in our artisan studio located at Railspur Alley on Granville Island, Osake is the first “fresh premium”Junmai Sake [Namazake] of its kind produced in Canada. Fermented from top-quality Japanese sakamai, then hand-pressed and hand-bottled, Osake is left unfiltered to optimize its fresh, delicate, fruit-like aromas and flavours. Unlike premium sakes imported from Japan, which are typically produced once a year in winter, Osake is made in small batches several times a year in cycles roughly corresponding to the changing of the seasons. This departure from tradition allows us to explore and produce versatile wines that complement the varied in-season bounty of our local west coast cuisine-from fish and shellfish in spring and summer to heat-warming braises and stews in fall and winter."
Open 11:30-6pm every day, this is a great little spot to do some people watching and enjoy some Sake.
For more information: http://artisansakemaker.dreamhosters.com/, 604-685-SAKE (7253)
Thursday, April 19, 2012 New Condo Developments in Kitsby Ben Chimes on Thu, Apr, 19, 2012 09:17 PM Looking to move to Kits? Here are a few developments that should be opening in the next few years. Unfortunately they won't be ready for Summer 2012, so if you're looking to move to Kits in order to call the beach your home this summer, you'll have to wait it out... or start looking!
York Townhomes at 2024 York Ave.
http://www.buzzbuzzhome.com/york-townhomes
With 6 units (and 3 storeys) ranging from $899,000 to $1,438,000 in price and 1060 to 1644 sq.ft., this development isn't' for everyone. However, for those interested, it'll have spacious, functional floor plans offering residents the luxurious finishings. Balconies and floor to ceiling windows take advantage of the views and natural light (with upper units having roof top decks). Each unit has private entry via elevators and secure private underground parking.
More information: http://hbdyork.ca/hbd/
Expect it to be completed by Winter 2012.
2035 W 4th Ave Condos
Currently in pre-construction, this development promises 14 one or two bedroom concrete "state of the art smart" homes. Developed by Formwerks.
Won't be finished until at least 2014. We'll keep our eye on this one.
Radius Condos
W4th and Fir St.
Currently in reconstruction, there is not very much information about this project, so we will keep you posted. Developed by Ledingham McAllister.
| |
