RSS

Posted on by
Posted in Kerrisdale, Vancouver West Real Estate
Property Photo: 6138 SOUTHLANDS PL in Vancouver
Please visit our Open House at 6138 SOUTHLANDS PL in Vancouver.
Open House on Saturday, April 2, 2016 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Located btwn W 41st Ave & SW Marine Dr off Balaclava St
Fabulous 1960's vintage 5 bedroom home situated on one of Vancouver's most desirable Cul De Sac streets. Rarely do homes come avail in this prime loc. The property boasts over 12,000 of private beautiful landscaped property w a sun filled outdoor pool, outdoor kitchen cabana and living area, WOW. The interior main floor is an entertainer's dream with fully renovated kitchen plus secondary kitchen and oversized living, dining and eating areas that open to the outside living room. 5 spacious bdrms up and a dream master ensuite. You'll want to spend the entire summer enjoying the outside L/R and pool. Lower level is a place for the kids to hang out plus there's the fully equipped GYM. Don't miss out. 1st viewings Wed March 30th 10-12. Thur 430-6pm by appt. Open House Sat April 2nd 2-4.
Read

Posted on by
Posted in Andrew Hasman, CBC Radio podcast, foreign buyers, foreign investment, foreign investors, housing market, Vancouver, Vancouver real estate

Vancouver

If it’s been a while since you listened to the radio, make the next time you turn up the dial The Early Edition with host Rick Cluff on CBC Television. His take on local news as well as the influence of international affairs on our local communities in the Lower Mainland are spot on. One particular podcast caught our attention recently, when Cluff spoke with several experts around the globe about the current state of our real estate market. The round table discussion puts an interesting perspective on our market as part of the whole. Read on, or listen to the full podcast here.


Rick Cluff: There’s much debate on the role of foreign investment in Vancouver’s real estate market. We don’t collect data on how many homes are bought by overseas buyers, though the BC government says it’s going to begin doing that. But, we do know the top international wealth managers are advising clients to invest in Vancouver real estate and our city just topped places such as San Francisco and Sydney as the #1 luxury real estate market in the world. CBC’s Catharine Rolson took a trip around the world to find out how the debate over foreign ownership is playing out in other cities, and what they’re doing about it.

Catharine Rolfsen: Before we head overseas, let’s start a little closer to home with our neighbours to the south. I spoke to Kathleen Pender, business columnist with the San Francisco Chronicle and she says prices in that city have gone up astronomically as well.

Kathleen Pender: Many people feel like it’s a combination of people with high paying tech jobs and people coming from overseas with lots of cash wanting to invest in our market. It’s as much as an investment as a place to live. Those two factors are making housing unaffordable for most people in the Bay area.

CR: Sound familiar? Kathleen says she’s interviewed realtors in parts of the bay area who say that 20-30% of their sales are to foreign buyers.

RC: So what are they doing in San Francisco about foreign ownership?


KP: Nothing! As far as I can tell there doesn’t seem to be any effort to find out how many are buying or restricted in any way which is kind of surprising because there’s been a lot of protests against the tech people. In the Pier area there’s a lot of animosity that all these high paid tech workers are driving up the costs for everybody. We’ve had protests in front of school busses and that sort of thing.


CR: Isn’t that interesting to hear the bulk of anger of housing prices is directed towards tech workers!  

CR: Last year the UK introduced a hefty capital gains tax on sales of foreign- owned residential property, but really that move just leveled the playing field between overseas investors and British residents.

Daniel Bentley with the London Think Tank Cevita says the political attitude in London is to really embrace foreign real estate investment. But another conversation is beginning to emerge,  –and that’s the fickle nature of foreign investment in real estate.

Daniele Benltleu: The danger of attracting hot money into London is that when it was good, it was good. Now it might be turning and if people get scared off by that, things can quickly go wrong.

CR: And that’s a discussion that’s starting to emerge in Vancouver too: on the impact on our local economy if foreign investments begin to back out of town.


RC: So it sounds like London and San Francisco are pretty much taking a hands-off approach when it comes to foreign investment. Did you find places in the world that are cracking down?

CR: We've heard on our program people are citing the example of Australia. I spoke to Alison Chung, she’s a real estate reporter for a news court in Australia. She says the debates in cities like Sydney can sometimes take on a racial tone.

Allison Chung: There is a bit of a Chinese community in north Sydney and there was a man who was protesting among them. He didn’t realize there are a lot of local Chinese people living there who have probably been there for the past two to three decades.

CR: Of course we hear that concern in Vancouver, too, about the danger of conflating international investors with Chinese-Canadian residents or new immigrants.


RC: So what’s Australia done then about the actual issue of foreign ownership?

CR: Foreigners are only allowed to buy new properties, hey have to seek official approval to do so, and it costs at least $5000 just to make an offer. But the challenge is enforcing the rule. Last year, Australia stepped up its crackdown on illegal property purchases. Foreigners who break those rules can face up to 3 years in jail and lawyers and realtors can face penalties as well for helping them. Allison told me about a recent high profile case where the government forced a sale of a $39mil mansion that was bought illegally by one of China’s richest men. It showed the government is actually trying. But Allison says agents tell her that many other such sales go under the radar and officials have limited resources to chase down those kinds of transactions.
 

RC: So then is Australia a model that Vancouver should be considering or further investigate?


CR: I had a really interesting conversation with Allison comparing the rules in Australia with those in Canada.

AV: Canada doesn’t seem to have any restrictions or any taxes for foreign buyers. That’s definitely the first step to enforcing some form of regulation, but I wouldn’t say Australia is the perfect model. We’re definitely still struggling ourselves. 
 

CR: So if we do decide foreign ownership is a problem that needs solving here in Vancouver, I’d say Australia can definitely offer some ideas, but also some lessons: there is no perfect solution.


What’s your take on foreign investment in Vancouver? Let us know in the comments!


Read

Posted on by
Posted in Kerrisdale, Vancouver West Real Estate
Property Photo: 6138 SOUTHLANDS PL in Vancouver
Please visit our Open House at 6138 SOUTHLANDS PL in Vancouver.
Open House on Wednesday, March 30, 2016 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Located btwn W 41st Ave & SW Marine Dr off Balaclava St
Fabulous 1960's vintage 5 bedroom home situated on one of Vancouver's most desirable Cul De Sac streets. Rarely do homes come avail in this prime loc. The property boasts over 12,000 of private beautiful landscaped property w a sun filled outdoor pool, outdoor kitchen cabana and living area, WOW. The interior main floor is an entertainer's dream with fully renovated kitchen plus secondary kitchen and oversized living, dining and eating areas that open to the outside living room. 5 spacious bdrms up and a dream master ensuite. You'll want to spend the entire summer enjoying the outside L/R and pool. Lower level is a place for the kids to hang out plus there's the fully equipped GYM. Don't miss out. 1st viewings Wed March 30th 10-12. Thur 430-6pm by appt. Open House Sat April 2nd 2-4.
Read

Posted on by
Posted in Andrew Hasman, Art Knapp Plantland, gardening in Vancouver, Prickly Pear, spring gardening, Vancouver plant sales, VanDusen Gardens

 

orchid

Spring inspires us to clean out, clean up, and start fresh. Whether it’s indoors or out, condo, townhouse, or detached home, we’re instinctively driven to welcome the sunny season by beautifying our surroundings. We’ve rounded up the best places and society sales for obtaining everything you need to cultivate the perfect garden, be it a planter to a full-blown yard.


1. Orchid lovers flock to VanDusen Gardens every year for the annual Vancouver Orchid Society’s Show and Sale, March 25th - 27th. Notoriously finicky plants, these gorgeous blooms pack a lot of punch, transforming small spaces with their refined elegance and making them worth the extra effort. An excellent touch if you’re planning to sell.

2. One of the few garden centers left in the city, Art Knapp Plantland on S. Granville is your one-stop shop. Find everything you need to start a garden from scratch: seeds, bulbs, indoor/outdoor plants, tools and garden accessories. Their knowledgeable staff is on hand to help plan your planting schedule and answer any questions you might have.

3. Get it straight from the source at Vancouver’s most beautiful and iconic garden: the annual VanDusen Plant Sale for patios, pots and planters is on April 24th from 10am - 4pm. Get all of the plants and information you need for gardening in small spaces.

4. The Lower Mainland’s other great source for all things garden is the Prickly Pear in Steveston, on the edge of Richmond. Known for their amazing hanging baskets that are perfect for small-space living, this full-service garden center has plenty else to choose from. Their wide assortment of containers, seasonal flora, and eclectic mix of accessories and giftware ensures your garden isn’t short on style.

5. Feel like you’re lacking the green thumb to cultivate your dream spring garden? Choose from VanDusen’s many workshops. Taught by the experts to get hands-on knowledge on everything from understanding your soil, growing veggies in containers, to the top 25 plants for easy maintenance. You can see their full course schedule here.

 

We’d love to hear about your gardening adventures in the comments below, or post your trials and triumphs to our Facebook page. Happy planting!

Read

Posted on by
Posted in Andrew Hasman, brunch in Vancouver, Cafe Pacifica, Easter brunch, Fairmont, Happy Easter, Sea to Sky Gondola, YEW Seafood + Bar

Easter brunch

There’s no better way to celebrate a long weekend, and the one involving chocolate egg hunts and the elusive Easter Bunny in particular, than with a leisurely brunch at one of Vancouver’s best eateries with your nearest and dearest. Whether you’re in the mood for an adult-only or more family-friendly vibe, we’ve got a place for you in mind.


1. The open-concept Café Pacifica at Vancouver’s Pan Pacific hotel in Coal Harbour offers up amazing views of the water and the North Shore. Watch ships pass by as you dine on their exceptional Easter Brunch menu featuring everything from a sushi bar and extensive salad options to classic brunch favourites and a children's menu. Served 10:30am - 2:30pm, children under 5 are free.

2. Brunch at either of downtown Vancouver’s Fairmont locations is always a treat, but this luxury hotel chain has pulled out all the stops for Easter with Bunny Bunches at all three of their lower mainland locations. ARC at the Fairmont Waterfront is also offering Easter egg decorating alongside brunch, while the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is having a special Easter Afternoon Tea service. Check the Fairmont site for times, prices, and reservation information.

3. Make a day of it and head up to Squamish for the Second Annual Easter Egg Hunt + Brunch at the Sea to Sky Gondola. Two seating options (10am and noon) with an Easter egg hunt, DIY card-making and wooden Easter egg decorating for the kids make this the Lower Mainland’s premier family events for the weekend. Reserve your tickets early!

4. Nestled in the heart of the city at the Four Seasons Hotel, the YEW Seafood + Bar’s Easter Brunch Buffet, or “Feaster” as it’s known to insiders, pulls out all the stops with a mouth-watering display of fresh, seasonal seafood, build-your-own-float and sundae stations, and other more traditional holiday favourites. Join in the festivities from 10am - 2:30pm. Make sure to reserve a spot early.

5. Enjoy Easter in Neverland; the whimsical Neverland Tea Salon in Kitsilano, that is. Their special Easter High Tea menu includes house-made finger sandwiches, scrumptious pastries, and an extensive tea menu, as well as gluten and dairy-free options.


Happy Easter from Andrew Hasman and Associates!


Read

Posted on by

 

Are you contemplating joining the market this spring? The REBGV recently laid out the pros to professionals establishing your property’s selling price. The article breaks-down the key factors for determining your home’s current market value which your realtor utilizes to ensure your asking price is one you can live with, while attracting the best possible offers. From there, you can get an idea where your property value is in relation to the rest of the market with the February stats.

 

Supply is still short of demand in the Lower Mainland real estate market. February proved to be the highest selling one on record in Metro Vancouver at 53.6% above the 10-year average. The month closed with a total number of residential property sales at 4,172; that’s a 36.3% increase from February 2015.

 

The 65.6% sales increase from January 2016 suggests the market is already gearing up for its busy season: Spring. “We’re beginning to see home listings increase as we head toward the spring market, however, additional supply is still needed to meet today’s demand,” said Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver’s president Darcy McLeod. Considering the total number of properties listed on MLS® is 7,299, a 38.7% decline from February 2015, it still remains a seller’s market.

 

The Numbers At a Glance:


Sales-to-Active-Listings ratio: 57.2%


Benchmark price for all residential properties: $795,500
22.2% increase from February 2015


Benchmark price for a detached property is $1,305,600
27% increase from February 2015


Detached property sales totaled 1,778
37.2% increase from February 2015


Benchmark price for an apartment property is $454,600
43.9% sales increase from February 2015


Apartment property sales totaled 1,790
43.9% increase from February 2015


Benchmark price for an attached unit is $454,600
17.7% increase from February 2015


Attached property sales totaled 604
15.9% increase from February 2015


For a complete comparison, visit rebgv.org. Want to sell, buy, or require a consultation? Contact me today.


*REBGV Editor’s Note: Areas covered by Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver include: Whistler, Sunshine Coast, Squamish, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Richmond, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, New Westminster, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, and South Delta.


Photo courtesy of: Gilad Rom

Read

Posted on by
Posted in Cambie, Vancouver West Real Estate
Property Photo: 591 23RD AVE W in Vancouver
Please visit our Open House at 591 23RD AVE W in Vancouver.
Open House on Saturday, March 5, 2016 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Sparkling Vancouver Special in prime Cambie village n'hood. This home is move in ready! Many renovations done approx 6 years ago. Recently the boiler and hot water have been replaced. 3 bedrooms up and a fabulous 2 bdrm suite down ideal for in laws or mortgage helper. Attached 2 car garage. Amazing family friendly n'hood. 1st viewings are WED March 2nd, 4-6pm. Open Houses Thur March 3rd, 10-12noon and Sat March 5th, 2-4.
Read

Posted on by
Posted in Dunbar, Vancouver West Real Estate
Property Photo: 3896 21ST AVE W in Vancouver
Please visit our Open House at 3896 21ST AVE W in Vancouver.
Open House on Saturday, March 5, 2016 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
This is the Dunbar home you"ve been waiting for. Prime west of Dunbar location and situated on a corner lot with sunny S facing yard. This custom built 1 yr home boasts a contemporary open concept plan on the main level. High ceilings and tasteful neutral finishes t/o. Choice of finishings is superb with light color palate providing for a bright airy home. Lovely outlooks from all windows. Top of the line appliance package. The upstairs has 3 bdrms plus a den / 4th bdrm. Master bdrm has high vaulted ceilings and a Spa like sun filled ensuite. The lower level provides for a Media Room w big screen projector screen plus 1 bdrm fully self contained legal suite. Balance of 2-5-10 Yr Warranty. Close to Vancouver's BEST schools. 1st Open House is Sat March 5th, 2-4pm
Read
Powered by myRealPage.com
Reciprocity Logo The data relating to real estate on this website comes in part from the MLS® Reciprocity program of either the Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR), the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) or the Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board (CADREB). Real estate listings held by participating real estate firms are marked with the MLS® logo and detailed information about the listing includes the name of the listing agent. This representation is based in whole or part on data generated by either the GVR, the FVREB or the CADREB which assumes no responsibility for its accuracy. The materials contained on this page may not be reproduced without the express written consent of either the GVR, the FVREB or the CADREB.