A bustling suburb of Vancouver, Burnaby offers its residents all the modern conveniences of city living with access to some of the most peaceful green spaces in the Metro Vancouver region.  Not only does Burnaby combine natural landscapes with urban amenities, but Its populace reflects an eclectic milieu of cultural influence.  Indeed, the global atmosphere of Burnaby ensures its residents enjoy a variety of restaurants, night life, entertainment, and shopping.  So, when it comes to real estate, it should come as no surprise that Burnaby condos for sale are among the most attractive to potential buyers.

Burnaby spans a large geographic region and features four main centres – Metrotown, Brentwood, Edmonds, and Lougheed.  Each of these centres offers an impressive variety of condos for sale, from shiny new high rises that provide incomparable views of the city and surrounding mountains to quaint, comfortable condos that offer more suburban surrounds.  Whatever your personal preference, you’re sure to find the perfect home among the many Burnaby condos for sale.

Metrotown is bordered by Boundary Road to the west, Imperial Street to the south, and Roal Oak Avenue and Burke Street on the east and north respectively.  With a growing population that has more than doubled since the early 80s, Metrotown is generally considered the main centre of Burnaby.  Low and high rise condos are plentiful and with access to the main shopping district of Burnaby, these condos are an appealing choice for those that prefer an urban lifestyle.

Located north of Metrotown, Brentwood real estate includes an impressive variety of high rise condos with stunning views of the North Shore mountains as well as the City of Vancouver.  Brentwood Mall is another popular shopping destination and residents of this neighbourhood also benefit from easy access to Hastings Street where you’ll find a great variety of restaurants and amenities.

In the north-east quadrant of Burnaby, you’ll find the Lougheed centre.  Once again, Lougheed Mall is easily accessed for all your shopping needs and you’re sure to enjoy Korean cultural influences in the many restaurants nearby.  Housing in Lougheed runs the gamut, but real estate is dominated by townhouses and low-rise condos.

Finally, Edmonds is located in the south-eastern corner of the city and represents a younger populace than other neighbourhoods.  Again, Edmonds features a range of townhouse and low-rise condos.  Excellent public transportation with a Skytrain station and several bus routes serving the area make Edmonds a great commuter location. 

If you’re interested in Burnaby condos for sale, look no further.  Check out our impressive listing of condos and you’re sure to find exactly what you’re looking for.  Burnaby is a growing urban centre with first-rate amenities and facilities and some of the finest real estate in Metro Vancouver.

It goes without saying that buying a new home is a big investment that requires careful consideration.  Spring and summer are typically busy real estate months as they also tend to be the most agreeable months for making a big change.  Spring and summer weather is certainly less daunting when it comes to moving, but the shining sun also puts us in a positive mood that likely facilitates housing sales.  So, if you’re on the market at this time of year, it’s important to take a step back and consider these things to look for when buying a new home.

A Quality Roof

The winter months can wreak havoc on a roof (old or new), so you want to make sure any home you buy has a roof that reflects the selling price.  In other words, a damaged roof should bring down the selling price of a home.  Don’t be afraid to get up-close and personal with your roof, even if that means bringing a pair of binoculars for a closer view.  Cracked, curled, or otherwise damaged shingles may be a sign of more significant damage and at the very least should be repaired before a sale is final.

A Sound Exterior

Get in for a closer look at the exterior walls of a home as well.  Racks in the foundation, peeling paint, and mould can be signs of structural problems.  You’re likely to observe these issues on the north side of the home in particular as it gets less sun exposure and is therefore the coldest side of the home.

The Nooks and Crannies

Always inspect the out-of-sight areas of a home.  The attic, crawlspaces, furnace and utility rooms, and basement are not the usual places we’re looking at when we’re searching for our dream homes, but they can provide a lot of information about the structural quality of a home.  Mould and moisture problems are most apparent in these areas, as are cracks and rot.  Consider the smell of these parts of the home too!  Odd or musty odours will likewise suggest moisture or mould problems.

Water Damage

Never ignore water damage of any kind.  Wet spots on the ceiling are obvious concerns, but rust on roofing fixtures, drains, and gutters may be a warning sign.  Also, if you live in an especially cold region, stains on exterior walls suggest problems with ice dams. 

The Plumbing!

How do you like your showers?  Weak and tepid or powerful and comfortably hot?  Check all the faucets in the house for dripping or weak flow.  If everything looks clear, take it one step further and turn on a bathroom faucet and flush the toilet.  Strange sounds or dips in water pressure should be noted.  Also, make sure the hot water reaches an adequate temperature.

Remember, buying a new home is an exciting process, but don’t get caught up in a fantasy.  Carefully inspecting the home before you make an offer can save you unnecessary time, effort, and sometimes even money.

Residential property sales in the region totalled 3,553 in April 2017, a 25.7 per cent decline compared to April 2016 when 4,781 homes sold and a 0.7 per cent decrease from the 3,579 sales recorded in March 2017.

April sales were 4.8 per cent above the 10-year average for the month.

For the first four months of the year, condominium and townhome sales have comprised a larger percentage of all residential sales on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver. Over this time, they’ve accounted for 68.5 per cent, on average, of all residential sales. This is up 10 per cent from the 58.2 per cent average over the same period last year.

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Many of my clients are trying to get clarity on how the new foreign buyers tax effects them.

In this video I go over how the tax has affected people looking to buy a home and what I am currently seeing in the market.

With a softening market I am finally seeing potential homeowners being able to put in reasonable offers and have a bit more breathing room with finding their dream home.

Got off the phone with one of my clients who are existing home owners looking to move into a Condo.

Bridge financing is an option for many people who are looking to sell their current home and move into another. 

In this video I go over the process and many of the common concerns / solutions that we often come across in the Vancouver market and how bridge loans can remedy them!

Feel free to give me a call at any time!
Ben D'Ovidio - Vancouver Real Estate Agent - Top 5% 2016

With the recent foreign buyers tax (15%) that has hit Vancouver we are seeing a "slight" downturn in the market.

With that said it really means this is a great time to get hunting for a property (especially under 750K). Many people who were waiting on the sidelines this is your chance to hop in while the market is cooled.

Come October my gut feeling is things will be back to normal (summer tends to be a bit slower regardless).

Feel free to give me a buzz if you have any questions - I'm happy to chat about it!

604-499-1996

Every country, and every city, has them; a line in the sand (or more recently the tarmac) which divides two halves that make up the whole. In Vancouver, the line is drawn right down the middle and, although you won't find it officially drawn on any maps, locate Main Street and there you have it! Vancouver is a city of neighborhoods and while each individual neighborhood has its own distinct character the great divide between east and west is the one that matters to Vancouverites! If you're searching for a home in Vancouver, it helps to get the lowdown on the locals and finding the right neighborhood for your condo, townhouse or family home may well depend on the “flavor” of neighborhood you prefer!

What's the Difference?

The divide itself is simple, all neighborhoods west of Main form West Vancouver and those to the east form East Vancouver – the latter is fondly, and less formally, better known to residents as East Van. Homes in Vancouver are traditionally considered to be more expensive west of the line and less so to the East. The line, in this sense is certainly blurring as property prices have risen in East Van, often matching those in West Vancouver. However, the image of the West Side as the more affluent part of the city remains, while East Van still attracts a reputation for being more working/middle class in nature. East Van is also considered to be (historically at least) more culturally diverse than the western part of the city. Stereotypes stick, in many areas of life, and exactly how accurate these distinctions remain today, is certainly a topic that could be debated. Increasing “gentrification” in many East Van neighborhoods has helped boost those real estate prices and social changes have meant that demographics have altered in all of the city's neighborhoods. However, amongst many Vancouverites, whether these stereotypes are true today, both sides of the city are proud of their heritage and continue to acknowledge the culture and historical differences of their own neighborhoods – and do so with enthusiasm!

West and East Vancouver Today

East Van has certainly evolved and today it is also know for its hip, trendy atmosphere and its neighborhoods are all well known for their independent shops, bars and theaters. West Vancouver can certainly compete on shopping and entertainment experiences with a reputation for more Yuppie style culture and bars, and also for some of the highest class shopping experiences in the city, Robson Street in the West End being one particular shopping Mecca. The air of formality still pervades West Side neighborhoods, while a relaxed, chilled approach to life is more typical of East Van. Both sides of the city have an increasingly mixed range of real estate for sale; new developments, particularly luxury condos can be found across the MLS listings, while both areas still have many traditional single family homes and heritage homes. In East Van, increasing numbers of industrial buildings are also being converted into modern urban apartments and condos, adding further to the range of real estate options for Vancouver's home-searchers. One thing that stands out about Vancouver as a whole is the diversity of each community and the strong community spirit and pride to be found in many different parts of the city. Each part may make up the whole but each retains a vibrant identity of its own, making Vancouver a city in which most people should be able to find the perfect home and neighborhood in which to settle!

For those new to Vancouver, the following is a breakdown of Vancouver's neighborhoods:

West Vancouver Neighborhoods:

• Downtown (including Yaletown and Gastown)

• West End

• Kitsilano

• Fairview

• West Point Grey

• Shaughnessy

• Arbutus Ridge

• Dunbar

• Kerrisdale

• Oakridge

• Marpole

East Van Neighborhoods:

• Mount Pleasant

• Riley Park

• Strathcona

• Grandview

• Hastings Sunrise

• Kensington

• Renfrew - Collingwoord

• Kilarney

• Victoria - Frasierview

• Sunset

Buying a condo in Vancouver means getting to grips with the concept of Strata ownership. For those new to home-ownership – or those buying a condo for the first time – understanding the complexities of strata properties is important. In this guide we look at the basic questions you need to ask when buying a condo in Vancouver.

Minutes and Reports

The Strata Council (a group made up of a number of owners within the Strata) is required to hold regular meetings and minutes for these meetings should be made available to potential buyers. The type of minutes available will include financial statements and those from annual general meetings (AGMs). Also ask to view the by-laws governing the Strata and any recent engineering reports. It's worth while asking to view all of these documents for a period of at least twelve months. In older Vancouver condo buildings consider viewing AGM minutes for a longer period.

Depreciation Reports

Strata corporations governing condo developments in Vancouver and British Columbia have been required to produce “depreciation reports” since 2013. These reports should be produced every three years. For new buildings they must be produced within six months of the second AGM (so approximately within three years of the building's construction). For Strata corporations formed before December 2011 the first report was required by December 2013, with subsequent reports due every three years. Some exemptions apply and developments with four or less units are not required to produce a depreciation report.

The aim of the report is to allow the corporation to plan for upcoming repair and maintenance tasks and should cover an inventory of common property and assets, anticipated maintenance costs and financial forecasts to establish cash flow.

Maintenance and Contingency Funds

Maintenance can be approached in one of two ways – fix the problem when it occurs or by a program of preventative maintenance. The latter usually is the most cost effective solution. Check with the building manager/s as to which approach is used; the better investment in condos is usually where a sound preventative maintenance program is in place.

Strata regulations require that a proportion of the monthly strata fees are placed in a contingency fund to cover the cost of unexpected or urgent repairs. Find out how large this fund is and how it is invested. Compare this information against any details of upcoming repairs or required work covered in AGM's, financial reports, etc. If the funds cannot cover the cost of any work (planned or otherwise) you may be required to pay additional contributions to cover the costs of these extra repairs.

Inspections, Warranties and Reputations.

A home inspector is a must when buying any property and can be essential for condo buyers, in particular, and most lenders will require a home inspection report. Be sure to hire a fully accredited inspector and check that they are able to provide “error and omission” insurance. This will ensure you are covered for any issues which surface after you've bought the property, which should have been highlighted by the inspector. The report should cover the unit itself, common areas and the building structure. Your Realtor should be able to provide information on warranties covering the building and, importantly, may also be able to provide you with information about the developer of the building, including past projects and reputations! This information can be invaluable when making the final decision.

Strata ownership is increasingly popular in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, with a range of developments offering diverse options for those looking for condos in Vancouver. From units designed for individuals and couples to full-size family units new developments are likely to make this form of ownership extremely common. For more detailed information on buying condos in Vancouver the Real Estate Board of Great Vancouver (REBGV) offers an excellent set of guides and consumer information.

Overview

Richmond is an expanding city in Greater Vancouver situated on a grouping of small islands in the estuary of the Fraser river and connected to the mainland by a series of bridges. Whether you are searching to buy a traditional home or condo in Vancouver the area has a lot to offer, with an increasingly diverse range of housing. This is supported by the local planning and development plan which aims to provide a wide range of housing to suit the widest range of age, income and families. A large amount of the developments recently completed and in progress include a significant amount of multi-family units close to the city center. With development being a key priority for the city, high quality condos and other housing will continue to be widely available and the city is expected to continue to grow rapidly in terms of population, facilities and services in the coming decade.

Transport

Lying only 20 minutes by car from the business center of Vancouver, Richmond is an increasingly popular location for both young professionals seeking condo accommodation and also for working families. Two major freeways and railway lines link Richmond with the neighboring cities on the mainland by a series of bridges and a tunnel. The US border is also within around 20 minutes drive and Vancouver International Airport is only 10 minutes away, located on Sea Island, making Richmond one of the best connected districts within Vancouver. Translink offer a full timetable of buses offering easy links both within the city and the wider area, with new high speed links to downtown Vancouver planned to begin operating in the near future.

Schools and Universities

The city is served by School District 38 which operates a large number of schools and a significant amount of additional educational programs. Kwantlen University College also has one of its four campuses located in Richmond and other further education institutions in Vancouver are easily accessible from the city.

Recreation and Facilities

As you would expect from a city located on an island, many of the recreational opportunities in the area are of an aquatic or maritime nature. In addition, the island is also partly rural, which offers further outdoor activities, including walking, exploring natural wetlands or cycling the accessible dyke trails. In total, there are also over 1200 acres of parks and a number of sporting facilities, health clubs and community centers. The city has two indoor and outdoor aquatic centers, three public piers and a launching site, while there are numerous picnic areas, several golf courses and playing fields. The small historic village of Steveston and the Minoru Chapel in Minoru Park are popular attractions for both residents and visitors alike. In addition, Richmond is well known as a major attraction for its shops. There are six large malls, several warehouse outlets and a popular and well known Auto Mall. Specialists Asian outlets add even further to the attraction and diversity of the shopping experience and, with a wide range of pubs and restaurants, Richmond will not disappoint food lovers. In addition to Minoru Chapel Heritage Site other cultural attractions include a theater, art gallery and museums. Richmond combines all the advantages of city living with the a relaxed style of life and easy access to recreational facilities.

Some homes have seen better days than others and one of their big advantages is that in the Vancouver homes market (perpetually buoyant it seems) they offer a great (low) price and potential investment for hard pressed buyers in the sellers' market. If you're looking to buy homes in the Vancouver area, you may well be tempted by the prospect of a project. But before you sign the contracts here are a few guidelines that will help you to achieve success with renovation.

Heritage Homes?

“Heritage” is a word that is often used to describe older buildings – in some cases “old wreck” works too. Designated homes in the greater Vancouver area are subject to strict, or at least some, regulations when it comes to making changes to them. However, heritage is used by many sellers to attract buyers. If the home is not yet listed it may prove a better prospect (with less bureaucracy to work your way through) than if it is. A big plus is that you can potentially have it listed (and further increase the value) once you're done. For more information on heritage homes visit the local municipalities website – a list can be found on the BC Government site.

Research, Research, Research

Research is key to a successful renovation project. Visit any renovated properties you can; friends, family, colleagues or simply homes in Vancouver that you've seen under renovation. In the latter case the exhausted, prematurely gray-haired owners will be glad to share their experience with you! Also consider your lifestyle and possible future changes in order to choose the right home for now and for the coming years. The Renovation Council of Greater Vancouver Home Builders' Association (GVHBA) can offer advice on the feasibility of a project and contractors who have experience of similar projects.

Finding Funds

Think about, and try to acquire, funding for the project. Renovations will obviously require more cash than simply the funds to buy the property. Discuss your needs and options with lenders; many will have specialist mortgages available for renovation projects – as with any financial project, shop around as widely as possible. Additional options for funding include personal loans, equity loans or loans from relatives.

The Right Team

The GVHBA, mentioned above can provide a list of professional renovators, while others who have renovated their Vancouver home should be able to make recommendations. Make a long-list of possible contractors and then arrange to meet them. From the list, pick the three that you feel have the right experience and who you feel you can get along with (this is very important as you may have to spend a lot of time working closely together). Ask this short list to provide quotes for a full design-build service. Specialist contractors will normally be able to provide staff and expertise for both aspects of the work.

Contract Details

When it comes to choosing a renovator don't simply choose the cheapest; a low bid can suggest the contractor hasn't fully understood the details of the work. Misunderstandings early on in the project can turn into a much bigger bills once the work is underway and the contractor has finally grasped those details. Once you have a contractor you'll need a contract! Make sure this is as comprehensive as possible; even the smallest details, fees and timescales should be included. This means that both of you have realistic expectations and also ensures you can manage the process smoothly. Before you sign the final contract read it in detail and be sure you are fully happy with it. Ideally engage a lawyer to check the contract – if something is missed out it will be your responsibility not the contractors.

Planning Ahead

Planning ahead is essential – where and/or how will you live during the renovation? If you are living on site you'll need to discuss practicalities with your renovator. When will water and power be available, or when do you need them to be? Major work may need to be organized in stages if you intend to live on site, in order to retain some valuable space. If you're living off site where will you live? Rental accommodation adds to the cost but living with family can add to the stress! Making the right decisions from the start can help to make the process smoother.

Once the work begins try to avoid changing your plans – even small changes can mean a nightmare for the renovator and spiraling costs for you! The contract should be detailed and moving away from this can cause problems. Changes also often equal delays, which can be frustrating for both you and your renovator.

A Renovation project can allow you to create the home you truly want and, although it can be a difficult experience, it can also be a very fulfilling one. Homes in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland continue to be increasingly valuable – and a renovation project can help you to maximize your re-sale value.

It's common sense to make your home as attractive as possible when you're planning to sell but what's attractive to you and (hopefully) the hordes of home buyers about to make their way through your door may be two – or several hundred different things. So how do you find a balance that will please (just about) everyone? Here are our top tips for presenting your Vancouver home for sale.

Clutter Clearance

• This may seem so obvious that it's patronizing but most of us live busy lives and day-to-day living is not always possible in an impeccably clean house! Before viewings begin invest in some plastic storage boxes (they may come in useful during the move) and tidy away clutter. Store it under beds, in garages or loft spaces. If there are items you might need, keep them handy, but out of sight!

• Personal and family photo's make a place feel like home – your home. Replace these with less personal images to allow viewers to feel that the place is homely, but could be their home. Too many personal images and other decor have been found to make it hard for people to envisage the house as anybody but yours!

Presentation Details

• Once you've tidied check for areas of paintwork that need touching up. If potential buyers see that they won't have to redecorate when they move in they'll most likely be more interested in buying! You can completely re-paint if you like or simply refresh tired or scuffed areas.

• If you are selling a single family home with garden frontage be sure to give the exterior a tidy too. Weed drives, cut lawns, tidy flower beds or pots. Any peeling paint or exterior damage should be restored. First impressions count when it comes to buying a home and you don't want potential buyers to have given up before they walk through the door.

Light and Airy Homes

• Bright, light homes decorated in neutral colors are not to everybody's taste but they make the best backdrop for imagining potential. The interior of your home should feel as bright as possible. If you already have light, bright wall colors and coverings this should be fine, if not, consider a more extensive paint-job. Fresh, muted yellows and blues work well and if you have dark curtains or blinds consider swapping them for lighter, brighter tones.

• When the viewings begin try to let as much natural light into your home. Open curtains and blinds and leave doors open where they let in extra light. This adds not only light but a sense of space to the property. If you're home is blessed with good, natural light, don't forget to point it out as you show people round. If you have smaller rooms, with less light, place mirrors opposite windows to create a sense of more space and to reflect more light into the room!

• Forget baking bread, freshly ground coffee or other strong smells. Although these are supposed to make your home more attractive they can distract people from the matter in hand! Use light, fresh scents such as lemon or pine, or simply place fresh flowers around your home, to add a pleasant welcoming fragrance and to ensure viewers don't suddenly realize they're hungry and need to rush off to eat!