School’s almost out for summer, and we know you’ve been distracted by all this sunny, summer weather we’ve been having in Vancouver. So we’ve compiled a westside short-list of all the fab day camps available.

1. PedalHeads have swimming lesson and bike day trip combination camps at Jericho Beach Park all summer long! This camp gets kids outside for fun in the sun, and they’ll learn the basics of cycling and swimming safety. Kids are taken on rides all over Vancouver with experienced guides who focus on safe, educational fun. For parents who are avid cyclists, your kids can learn the fundamentals of bike safety during the week so that you can enjoy time together on your weekends off! Great for kids ages 4-9.

2. UBC has an amazing assortment of adventure camps to choose from. Kids can be windsurfing one week, and Zip-lining the next week. These day camps are a great way to expose your kids to a variety of outdoor activities, and appeal to their inner adventurer. Designed for children of all ages, camps with individual themes run on a week long cycle. You can choose a combination of activities to offer your kids some variety in their summer fun.

3. Pear Tree Education offers full-day camps for kids with activities such as TV broadcasting workshops, educational beach trips for the budding marine biologist, and cooking camps for aspiring chefs. The variety will keep your kids engaged, and allow them to try many new things before the summer is out. Programs are available for kids 5-14.

4. Arts Umbrella are a fantastic organization who have been educating kids in the arts in Vancouver since 1979. They offer camps for visual artists, thespians, and writers, empowering your child to trust their creative impulses. Camps are taught by experienced artists from around Vancouver, and give kids a chance to learn through experimentation with their own creativity. Your burgeoning artist will come out of this camp inspired and full of imagination! There are programs available for youngsters 3-19 years of age.

(Photo: Pear Tree Education)

You don't have to search too far to know that Vancouver's housing market is red hot. Home prices continue to edge higher towards record levels. Single family homes are seeing the most appreciation.

With prices moving higher, what's the best strategy when pricing your home?

Our advice: if your home is located in an area of strong demand and low supply, price your home on the low side to create multiple offers.

Buyers will always gravitate towards a property that is priced lower and where there is a frenzy of activity. Human nature tells us that people always want what's in high demand! If there is a frenzy of activity on your home you can bet there are always 1 or 2 buyers who have already been outbid on 1 or 2 other houses in the past. Those buyers tend to be very motivated and more emotional with their decision making process. An emotional buyer will typically pay you more than the buyer who is bidding purely based on numbers. 

Multiple offers also set the seller up for more straight forward offers. The idea in a multiple offer scenario is to bring the seller "subject free" bids with dates and terms to the seller's liking .

Also critical to the process is to not allow offers to be presented until a fixed date –at least 1 week after the home hits the market. Carefully consider a buyer that offers you a price after just 2 days on the market. The seller wants to ensure that before all offers are presented, all qualified buyers would have seen the home. We want to try to attract as many bids as possible.

On Vancouver's West and Eastside we have seen many homes employ this strategy with tremendous success!

If you are contemplating the sale of your home, a well seasoned realtor who works in your neighbourhood will be able to guide you in the right direction. We would be happy to give you an assessment, just give us a call at 604-657-7936.

Happy selling!

As spring slowly turns to summer, it is impossible not to be drawn out of Vancouver to enjoy the natural beauty surrounding our wonderful city. Whether you’re spending a day with your family taking a short hike, or lounging lake-side, there are innumerable options to choose from – thankfully, many of these are much closer than you might think.

Here are 5 quintessentially west-coast day trips for your next sunny Sunday, all under two-hours from Downtown:

1.Steveston Village, Richmond

A thirty minute drive from downtown, Steveston village is a sweet sea-side town where visitors can enjoy a quaint harbour, beaches and the historic land-marks of this salmon canning town. Perfect for fish n’ chips and walk on the water, Steveston is a relaxed reprieve from the bustle of Vancouver.

2.Deep Cove, North Vancouver

Nestled in the North Shore Mountains, Deep Cove is a delightful mix of an outdoor sports enthusiast’s paradise, and a family friendly spot for a picnic and light hike. Offering Kayaking, mountain biking, and hiking trails of varying length and difficulty, Deep Cove has something for everyone. Honourable mention to Honey’s Donuts - after a long paddle, these donuts will tempt even the most dedicated health enthusiasts.  

3. Alice Lake Provincial Park

Past Shannon Falls on the Sea to Sky high-way, Alice Lake is a provincial park and campground that proves why so many Canadians flock to the forest in the summer months. Enjoy camping, canoeing, lake side sun-bathing and swimming all just 1hr 20mins from Vancouver. On your drive up, the breath taking views off the Sea to Sky highway will tempt you to stop for a picture or two.  

4. Belcarra Regional Park

Just 50 minutes out of Vancouver is Belcarra Regional Park. Located at the entrance to Indian Arm, you can enjoy short walks along the shore-line, as well as swimming in Sasamat Lake. Belcarra offers a variety of sights and activities, and all in perfect proximity to the city.

5. Sea to Summit Trail

For something more rigorous, check out the Sea to Summit hiking trail, which climbs the back side of the famous Stawamus Chief rock-climbing site. This 900 metre climb is intermediate, but views of Howe Sound, Sky Pilot and the surrounding mountain peaks will make the effort more than worth-while. Be sure to bring lots of water and a power bar or two as this hike can take up to 5 hours!

There's no doubt about it. Vancouver's real estate market is once again red hot! Strong demand fuelled by record low interest rates, strong local economy, and immigration has put upward pressure on house prices once again.

In the past few years I have seen homeowners sell their homes thinking we were at the top of the market. Their intention was to step out of the market and wait for the looming correction so they could step back in. It’s not so easy to time markets, and many of these former property owners have watched their buying power diminish as home prices have increased.

I've spoken to many first time home buyers who are totally discouraged with the buying process. Many have been involved in multiple bidding wars and have so far been unsuccessful in securing a home. At the same time, many of these home owners make the decision to step aside and wait for the market to cool. We have clients that have been trying to buy a home for over a year. They would wait for that looming correction only to watch home prices climb another 10% to 15%.

As you can see, it's truly impossible to time markets! If you want to own a home in Vancouver and in one of the sought after East or West Side neighbourhoods, you simply have to step up and go for it. All our clients who have taken on this attitude have never looked back!

This is truly a tough market to get into. You really have to pay what feels like top dollar. If you are looking for the silver lining, it's the cost of money. Interest rates are rock bottom and will most likely never go lower!  If you want to own a home, step in and stay invested. It's a great way to build your nest egg.

If you have questions, we'd be happy to help you. Just give us a call at 604-657-7936!

We’ve been having some glorious weather lately, and spring break is around the corner, so we thought we’d compile a list of fun things to do around town for anyone planning a Staycation, or just looking inspiration.

1. Twilight Drive-In
This is Metro-Vancouver’s only drive-in movie theatre, and it will be a fun experience to have with the family. Each vehicle is entitled to one parking space, but they are large enough to fit two. That means you can cozy up with blankets and lawn chairs outside your vehicle too!

2. The Museum of Anthropology
Of course we know the Vancouver Art Gallery, but let’s not forget the MOA! Aside from housing a world of arts and cultures, it has a special emphasis on the First Nations cultures of BC so that you can learn about some of BC’s cultural roots all in one go. Not only that, but enjoy the outside surroundings of West Coast panoramic views, too!

3. FlyOver Canada
If you’re still looking for the feel of a destination getaway, pop into FlyOver Canada at Canada Place. FlyOver Canada incorporates state-of-the-art technology where you get to experience 4D suspended in a 20m spherical screen! Adventure on a virtual journey over Canada from coast to coast. Don’t forget to explore the rest of Canada Place, as it offers other exhibits and spectacular views, as well!

Perhaps you’re looking for fun activities for your kids? We have that covered, too.

1. Arts Umbrella
The Arts Umbrella have Spring Break Programs where children and youths have fun learning about theatre, dance, and visual media arts through hands-on activities. They will have the opportunity to focus on creative learning without the pressure of their regular school work.

2. Pear Tree Education
Conveniently located in the West Side, Pear Tree also offers a Spring Break program. Their focus is for children to spend more time out of the classroom to experience education outside the box. Pear Tree believes in connecting education to real life! They will learn a variety of skills including leadership, teamwork, technology, public speaking, and critical thinking on top of the main subjects they receive in school.

3. Grouse Mountain
With Grouse Mountain’s Spring and Summer Adventure Camps, kids and youth get to play with nature starting from the base of the mountain all the way to the peak. They will get to try their hands with a Bungee run, learn survival skills in the outdoors, learn about environmental awareness and wildlife biology, hike, ice skate, and more!

And if this list doesn’t inspire you, take a look at Bored in Vancouver --they have their finger on the pulse when it comes to having a good time in and around Vancouver!

Happy Staycation!

(Photo: flickr.com/_benanderson_)

Spring is just around the corner, and you know what that means –spring cleaning! It doesn’t have to be a drag. In fact, you don’t even have to worry about it at all because there are some great  businesses in Vancouver that specialize in these tasks! Whether you are looking for inside or outside work, these companies will get the job done. Here are some of our recommendations:

1. T & O Janitorial Solutions
One company we’ve worked with and would like to recommend is T & O Janitorial Solutions. T & O sends a team of experienced cleaners to thoroughly clean your home. They offer a variety of services, including carpet cleaning, floor stripping & waxing, ovens, fridges and freezers, power washing, windows, balconies, and, whatever else you can think of. They are more than just having a cleaning lady drop by.

2. AspenClean
If you take environmental-sustainability as seriously as the cleanliness of your home then AspenClean is for you. Unlike many other house cleaning services, they use 100% natural, eco-friendly cleaning products that will do the job without leaving chemical residues or toxins in the air. Rather, they leave you a home that is safe and clean for you, your family, and the environment!

3. Climbing Vine Gardens
If you’re looking to spruce up your property, Climbing Vine Gardens is a full service landscape design company, that takes care of installation, and maintenance too. Dan believes every project is unique on its own and will consult with you so that his team will give you the best results suited to your needs.

4. COIT
Need cleaning for all the nooks and crannies in your home? COIT’s cleaning services cover carpets, upholstery, tile & grout, air ducts, wood floors, drapery, natural stone, and they even offer emergency and restoration services. They’ve been providing quality service for 65 years, and are a trusted Vancouver company.

5. Holland Home Services
Holland Home Services can take care of your heavy duty cleaning for the outsides of your home from wear and tear and the elements. They specialize in window cleaning, pressure washing, gutter maintenance, moss & algae removal, concrete & aggregate sealing, and even roof repairs. We’ve worked with Holland Home Services before and they are now a go-to for us!

Tip of the Day:  This morning, we spoke to Amber Hamilton, owner of the eco-friendly cleaning company, Maid Naturally. She says that giving each room in your home an extra 5 minutes each week can eliminate the need for a big spring cleaning. Look for an ongoing professional company who offers this level of service. Currently, Maid Naturally is booked to capacity.

(photo: flickr.com/tusnelda)

Over the past 2 decades we have spoken with thousands of homeowners only to learn that so many have had a negative experience when dealing with a real estate agent. So many buyers & sellers make the mistake of hiring a REALTOR® based on the wrong selection criteria. Many only interview one agent.

Selling a home is probably one of the most important and biggest dollar value transactions the average person will ever enter into. You’d think it would only make sense to hire a seasoned professional to navigate your sale.

Before selecting your REALTOR® to help you in your next real estate transaction here are a few tips to ensure you make the right decision.

Firstly, it’s always wise to speak with 3 REALTORS® to ensure what you are hearing makes sense. Some questions to ask:

1. How many sales do they have in the immediate neighborhood where you are buying or selling. It always makes sense to select a REALTOR® who works in your neighborhood.

2. How many listings and or how many buyers are they presently working with. A REALTOR® with 20 or more active listing may to be busy to provide you with the service you expect.

3. How many associates does the REALTOR® have working with them? If your agent is part of a team who’s the one will you be dealing with. Who will be showing your home? Is it important for you to have your agent showing up to show the home & be present at open houses? If they cannot commit chances are you are going to have an assistant show your home. Are you ok with that?

4. Ask your agent if they are planning on taking any vacation time during your listing period. While everyone deserves a vacation I think it’s important to know whether their vacation will take place while you are selling your home.

Does your agent live in the neighborhood or in close proximity to where you are buying or selling. Hiring a REALTOR® who is not knowledgeable about property values in your area can cost you big time. Don’t list or buy with a friend who lives 25 miles away. Have them refer you to a local agent.

Asking a few simple questions can ensure you a better outcome when selling or buying your next property.

Happy Selling,

Andrew & Jill Hasman

Valentine’s Day is a time to create unforgettable romantic memories for you and your honey. Enjoying delicious food in a cozy restaurant can contribute largely to that! We’ve come up with a list of romantic restaurants in Vancouver to help you plan for that special day.

1. L’Abbattoir: 217 Carrall St. in the heart of Gastown, 604 568 1701
If you like a mix of modern and classic, we recommend L’Abbatoir. Set in a refurbished brick and beam building that combines classic French tile work with industrial fixtures, natural wood, and glass and steel finishes. The restaurant offers a bar and lounge setting, elevated dining room, and a plush, sun soaked atrium. L’Abbattoir is dedicated to highlighting the finer points of eating and drinking with a French influenced West Coast eclectic wine program and an innovative cocktail list.
2. Tableu Bar Bistrboth o: 1181 Melville St., 604 639 8692
Voted winner in Georgia Straight’s Best of Vancouver 2014 and Golden Plate Award, discover a beautifully renovated interior that combines old world classic bistro elements with modern touches and a French-inspired menu that blends classic culinary flavours of Paris with the use of fresh west coast ingredients. This Coal Harbour restaurant serves in-house and classic cocktails with a great selection of local and draft beers on tap as well as an eclectic mix of wines from France.
3. Cin Cin: 1154 Robson St., 604 688 7338
Cin Cin is famous within the Vancouver dining scene located on renowned Robson Street. Charming and cozy, it combines Spanish and French cuisines using only the freshest market fish, and prime cuts of meat are deliciously rendered over fruitwood charcoal.
4. Lupo: 869 Hamilton St., 604 569 2325
Enjoy modern Italian cuisine at its finest! The Lupo Restaurant and Vinoteca, formally known as 'Villa del Lupo', is a classy and romantic establishment, and a hidden gem in downtown Vancouver. It is a contemporary kitchen serving fresh reinventions of Italian classics in a cozy, neighbourhood environment.
5. Uva Wine & Cocktail Bar: 900 Seymour St., 604 632 9560
From the finest charcuterie, to artisanal cheeses and hard-to-find wine selections, indulge in Uva Wine & Cocktail Bar's cosmopolitan, yet relaxed interpretation of a true Italian 'enoteca'. The elegant modernism of its interior design combined with the building's historical elements, such as its delicate 1908 terrazzo floors, creates a unique, yet vibrant setting that must be experienced.
6. Hawksworth Restaurant: 801 West Georgia St., located at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia w/valet parking, 604 673 7000
Hawksworth is said to be Vancouver’s best restaurant with breathtakingly good food, ambiance, and service. It’s the perfect spot for celebrating special occasions, and the chef’s tasting menu with wine pairings could end up being one of the best meals of your lives!
7. YEW Seafood: 791 Georgia St., 604 692 4939
In short: modern, coastal, and social. YEW Seafood + Bar is one of the city’s finer seafood restaurants, delivering exceptionally delicious cuisine, great wines, innovative cocktails, and a fun, welcoming environment. Located at the treetop level inFour Seasons Hotel Vancouver, it provides a chic space and great views.
8. MarketBy Jean-Georges: 1115 Alberni St., 3rd Floor of the Shangri-La Hotel, 604 695 1115
If you value elegance and contemporary dining then Market is the place for you! The Menu features Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s “greatest hits” reinventing classic dishes where guests are able to try new flavour combinations and explore spices from exotic regions.
9. Hy’s Encore Vancouver: 637 Hornby St., 604 683 1749
Established in 1955, Hy’s holds a reputation of warmth and elegance. Enjoy perfectly grilled Canadian Prime steaks, cold martinis , and warm hospitality in a relaxed and refined atmosphere. Interiors speak of elegance with rich wood accents, chandeliers, and red velvet seating.
10. The Refinery: 1115 Granville St., 604 687 8001
The refinery offers charcuterie, cheeses, cured and fresh seafood as well as offering timeless classics of modern gastronomy. Cocktails are taken seriously at The Refinery, almost everything is made from scratch with an emphasis on using local ingredients.

(Photo: flickr.com/portobaytrade)

Another New Year, another chance at fulfilling your resolutions. Like many people, one of your resolutions for 2015 is probably to get in better shape. People often think of the gym when considering fitness, and by the time February rolls around their fitness regime becomes uninteresting, and sometimes non-existent.

Guess what? Getting fit doesn’t have to be confined to the gym! Here is a list of fun fitness ideas located in or near the West Side. Go get it!

1. YYOGA has several locations offering regular yoga classes, special workshops, and even international retreats! YYOGA is a community of yoga studio and lifestyle centres dedicated to supporting people in their commitment to a balanced and healthy life. They also offer amenities such as a sauna, complimentary organic shower products and herbal tea. Take a look at their event page to see what’s coming up.

2. Harbour Dance Centre is at the center of Vancouver’s dance scene! Their world class faculty offers a variety of dance forms for adult dancers of all levels. Harbour Dance is opened 7 days a week with a different schedule every day to accommodate the diverse lifestyles of Vancouverites. This studio is the perfect choice for everyone from professionals to adult beginners. Enjoy styles such as ballet, jazz, tap, salsa, hip hop, belly dance and many more. Check out their drop-in and progressive classes to see what appeals to you.

3. Do you have a little one with you? No problem! Fit 4 Two is a pre and postnatal fitness, nutrition and wellness program for mothers in their own communities. They offer a huge list of classes to suit your needs during your childbearing years. Take a look at the location nearest you to see their current classes.

4. Perhaps you’re over the age of 55? The Seniors’ Activity Centre in Vancouver’s Westside can keep you busy! The Centre offers a range of activities from fitness and educational classes to social and creative programs. No matter what age you are you can stay healthy and strong while making new connections. Take a look to see which activities they have for their winter schedule, including cross-country skiing,  snowshoeing, and their cycling club.

5. Alright, we can’t forget those who are already in shape! If you need a real challenge, try out CrossFitBC. Their CrossFit program helps you reach your goals through high intensity training with 300 different workouts throughout the course of a year to keep you on your toes. Regardless of your experience level, CrossFit’s expert coaches will get you where you want to be. Does that sound appealing? Here’s their schedule.

Another very satisfied client!! This past weekend we SOLD this lovely Point Grey property. Our marketing strategy was to attract as many potential buyers in the 1st week of the home being listed. This 50 x 122 ft lot sold with 11 offers! The buyers bid up the price to $ 2.95 million which sets a new high benchmark for properties of this kind in the upper Pt Grey Area! We are just thrilled for our clients.

P.S. There are no plans for development.

Detached Homes:

-Sales in November 2014 were down 16% from last year, but the average sale price is up 16% to $ 2.963 million. House inventory is down by 9% from 730 units to 664 units.
-Month’s supply is 5.6 this year vs 5.2 months a year ago. This indicates in average terms a ‘balanced market’.

Condos and Townhomes:

-Sales were down 20%  for townhomes and up 13% for condos during November 2014 vs a year ago. The average selling prices were 18% higher for townhomes to $ 1,002,000 and 6% higher for condos to $ 647,700. Inventory was unchanged for townhomes and down 8% for condos at the end of November compared to a year ago.
-Month’s supply for townhomes was up to 5 months from 4 months and for condos down to 4.3 months from 5.3 months a year ago. These figures indicate a fairly balanced market with slight upward price pressure.

It’s important to note that the above statistics are for the West Side as a whole. Markets really do vary by specific neighborhoods and by the type of property. If you have any questions about the market in your neighborhood then it’s wise to speak with a realtor who has presence in your area. Call us today at 604-657-7936 and we will be happy to provide you with some helpful market information specific to your neighborhood.

Do you own a home that was built prior to 1965? If you do then your property may contain a buried (out of use) Oil Tank. Under the City of Vancouver By Laws, these buried tanks pose an environmental hazard and must be removed.

If you are planning to sell your home and you think there is a possibility of a buried tank, the plan of action should be as follows: 

1. Call an Oil Tank Removal company and have them inspect your property for a tank. There are several in the lower mainland that will come out on a day or twos notice. If you have no tank have the Oil Tank Company provide you with a letter confirming such. The cost for this is minimal. If a tank is located then you’ll need to gain a couple of estimates.
2. The tank removal can take place prior to listing your home for sale or after. The key thing to consider is that any tank removal must take place no less than 1 month prior to the closing of a sale. This is due to the time it will take for the oil tank company to deal with an Environmental Report if required. Also, banks funding a mortgage for a prospective buyer on your property will not fund a mortgage without all documentation being provided regarding the oil tank removal and the environment report.
3. I have come across many home owners who have told me they know nothing about an oil tank on their property only to find one after a site scan is conducted. In order to assist the selling process its best to have the site scan done so that a letter can be provided to a prospective buyer’s before they make an offer. This scan should be done prior to the home being listed for sale.

If you have any questions and or need a list of recommended Oil Tank specialists we are pleased to provide.

Happy Selling!

Photo: currenenvironmental.com