Your home is your sanctuary, the very essence of you. After all of the time and money spent acquiring it, you want someone who embraces your vision of what that home means, and what you want it to express to others. We’ve rounded up ten of Canada’s top interior designers, each with their own unique approach ready to style your home to perfection.

1. 1. The award-winning Elizabeth Metcalf Interiors pairs understated elegance with modern luxury. Their fresh take on a classic feel has been serving clients in the Greater Toronto Area for over fifteen years. Helmed by Elizabeth Metcalf, the EM team is guided by the belief that a cohesive design philosophy between style and function can transform the home to enhance their clients’ well-being.

1. 2. English import Alan John Marsh got his start in the Montreal offices of internationally acclaimed Design International, designing shopping centres, offices, and commercial spaces across North America. Turning his attention to residential properties in Toronto, Marsh’s signature minimalist aesthetic utilizes modern technology with recycled materials. The unifying thread is his acute attention to the details that make minimalism comfortable, beautiful, and personal.

1. 3. Hailing from the prestigious Parsons School of Design in Paris and Italy’s University of Ferrara for Architecture, Vancouverite Patricia Gray is a multi-talented designer. Her own original artwork and custom furnishings add another dimension to the services she offers. Heading up Patricia Gray Interiors Inc., Gray’s name has become synonymous with exceptional design for functionality and contemporary luxury; it’s no wonder she has a celebrity client list to her credit as well.

1. 4. The imaginative team of George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg lead the renowned Yabu Pushelberg, which oversees projects in sixteen countries from its East Coast base. Ranging from retail and hospitality to private residences, the experienced team and their partners create designs that evoke youth, adventure, and have a polished approach that comes through in every detail.

1. 5. Vancouver-based Trish Knight’s namesake design studio aims to “create a home that reflects the values, lifestyle, and sensibilities of the people who inhabit it.” Her approachable style that combines sophistication with livability and that undeniably West Coast aesthetic is sought after from San Diego to Singapore.

1. 6. Douglas Design Studio’s aesthetic is creating a space that is uniquely you. The self-named “lifestyle interpreters”, led by Jeffrey Douglas, have been transforming interiors since 1995 from what they were to what they could be. The firm prides itself on client relations and offers a passion for organization and a smooth process to take you from your current state, to your ultimate home.

1. 7. Lisa Canning’s energetic approach that’s at once strategic and passionate will transform your home into an effortless sanctuary. The beauty is in the details, and making sure that every single one of those details works for you, so that you don’t have to. Her design savvy has caught the eye of Toronto’s well-heeled and media alike, her beautiful results are all that matter to her clients.

1. 8. Toronto’s Laura Stein Interiors is an award-winning firm whose bespoke designs are brought to life by a team of skilled contractors and artisans. The woman behind the name, herself a picture of understated luxury with a contemporary edge, underscores every design created with the client’s personality and lifestyle in mind for ultimate livability and comfort.

1. 9. Since 1982 Elaine Cecconi and Anna Simone have been transforming interiors across the world, all the while giving back to the community through their knowledge and experience, such as on HGTV’s Design Interns. Cecconi Simone adheres to the “whole design” philosophy, basing their interiors around the people who inhabit them and the lifestyle that arises from that relationship: functional, striking, unique.

1. 10. Western Living’s Designers of the Year 2015 finalist Enviable Designs offers more than just interior design. Helping clients right from the planning stage through remodels, the ED’s team is there for whatever your home requires. With a distinctly elegant, West Coast aesthetic, the modern luxe result is nothing short of beautiful.

Anyone who should’ve made the list? Share with us!

You’ve been thinking about it, you’ve scoured MLS for other options out there, you may have even chatted with a real estate agent. Selling your home is a big deal, and you want to do it the right way, the first time, and that can mean something different for everyone depending on your goals. However, there are some things all homeowners have in common when trying to sell:

1. We all want to receive the highest possible price,

2. We want the process to minimize inconvenience, and

3. We want a realtor that is professional and treats us with the utmost respect

For any homeowner, pre-listing preparation can minimize the chances of failure and heartache when selling your home. Laying this groundwork will ensure the best possible experience and outcome.

Your first step to success is to suss out a few great agents that work in and are familiar with your neighbourhood. Recommendations from friends and neighbors is a great place to get names. The key point is to ensure the REALTOR® works and has a good track record in your neighbourhood. Don't hire an out of area realtor. You want someone who has the experience you need and can provide you with realistic market value estimates to best achieve the sale.

Second is the preparation of your home. Depending on your home’s overall condition, this is the step that requires the most time and attention. A home full of clutter, obvious wear and tear, and in disrepair can cost you big time when it comes to your asking price, so don't ignore this critical step.

During this “staging” step, I recommend being ruthless and getting rid of stuff you don't need. Call in Junk Removal or your charity of choice to take possessions you no longer require. Even closets and storage areas should be reduced of stuff you no longer need; serious buyers do tend to check out every nook and cranny of their potential buy.

Next, walk through your home and identify any wear and tear issues that need repair. Damaged walls, peeling paint, old water stains on ceilings, lose knobs, leaky faucets, dirty grout or mouldy shower enclosures are just a few common areas. We always suggest homeowners have their own pre-listing Home Inspection Report obtained. This will allow you to identify problem areas.

If your home was built prior to 1965 and you have no evidence that an oil tank was ever removed, then obtain a scan for a buried oil tank. This costs $100 - $150 and is worth every penny. Hire an oil tank removal specialist to do this.

Whether you're selling in January or July, make sure your gardens are groomed. A nicely groomed garden shows pride of ownership. Grass should be repaired if there are bare patches, and bushes and trees pruned. Having some winter flowers go a long way and don’t forget to clean out the gutters.

The research and staging of your home for sale can be overwhelming. This is where having a good REALTOR® familiar with your area is invaluable. They can help with your pre-listing checklist and assist in coordinating all the work that needs to be done.

So, when is best to take that final step and put the For Sale sign up? This is a more personal matter. The best time is when it's best for you, the homeowner. It's tough trying to time markets. If you live in Vancouver and you're looking to sell in 2016, here is what we do know:

1. Housing prices are at all-time highs and overall market sentiment is very positive.
2. The supply of homes on the market is very low.

Chinese New Year is quickly approaching and has proven to be a great time to sell in our market.

Low supply, strong demand, positive sentiment and Chinese New Year are ideal reasons to be on the market for sale by January 25th. If you need any help, advice or a professional opinion, contact us any time. We are always here to help your next real estate transaction be a big success! Make 2016 your year.

Wishing you and yours a Happy New Year!

Andrew Hasman

What a year it’s been for Vancouver’s real estate market. High demand, low inventory, and escalating prices made for a busy 2015 that kept everyone on their toes in the fast-paced market. The drastic increases blindsided homeowners and professionals alike, including the experts and economists who would’ve predicted a safe 3% to 5% increase. A year ago, no one would ever have dreamed that housing prices would skyrocket by 26% on Vancouver’s Eastside and 23% on the West. Just when you thought a Westside 33 ft lot in Dunbar worth $1.8 million back in January was crazy, that same lot is pushing $2.5 million today.

Vancouver’s Westside market continues to be fueled by immigration, low interest rates, and a sagging Canadian dollar. Of the 45 homes we personally sold in 2015, a whopping 80% of those involved multiple-offer scenarios with the sold price being above the asking price.

It may be a seller’s market out there right now, but if 2015 proves anything, no one really knows what’s in store for the New Year. What is certain, is wealthy immigrants from China see Vancouver as a safe haven to park their money. With the Canadian dollar falling about 30% against the Yuan in the past year, our real estate prices are even more desirable. Our dollar is likely to remain depressed as long as oil, energy and commodity prices remain depressed. Interest rates in Canada aren’t likely to rise any significant amount, if at all, over the next year while our economy remains sluggish. Our low interest rates, combined with potentially higher interest rates in the US, will keep our dollar low thus continuing to incite demand for Canadian real estate.

Vancouver’s Eastside market, on the other hand, isn’t driven so much by immigration as a more diversified demographics of buyers. There, more local influence is the driving force. Many Eastside buyers are young families and local buyers who once would have purchased on the Westside, but are now out-priced. New demand for lower-cost living on the Eastside is to account for the 30% increase in some neighbourhoods there.

Vancouver’s suburban neighborhoods also saw strong demand and rising prices. In the past couple of months I have assisted a couple of buyers house-hunting in Tsawwassen. Every property we’ve offered on is also in multiple offer scenarios which is driving prices up there as well.

I am predicting another strong year for real estate in 2016. I cannot see how we can sustain 20% price increases, but only time will tell. If you’re thinking of selling your home, I can’t imagine a better time than around the upcoming Lunar New Year. Low inventory in most markets coupled with demand as high as it’s ever been ensures we’re in store for many more bidding wars to come. And that means prices will only continue to rise.

We pride ourselves on providing you with sound advice and breaking market data. Contact us anytime if you’d like to know what’s happening in your local market, and all the very best for a happy, healthy, real estate-rich New Year!

(Photo: Kenny Louie)

A million dollar home in Vancouver is nothing new these days. $7 million and counting? Not as uncommon as you’d think, either. For your viewing pleasure, we’ve selected a few West Side properties that recently sold well above that mark. We hope you enjoy the view.

5055 Connaught Drive

This charming heritage mansion in Vancouver’s famed Shaughnessy neighbourhood sold for $7.5 million. With views of Burrard Inlet and Bowen Island, and a veranda for perfect sunset watching, the home features beautiful details of its bygone era in addition to numerous restorations. An honest-to-goodness ballroom, scrumptious-looking pasty box ceiling in the foyer with detailed moulding, and wainscotting throughout lend the 12,000 sq ft on 4 floors an air of cozy grandeur.

2988 Celtic Avenue

Valued at $8,295,000, the custom-built 4,500 sq ft Southlands home boasts a gourmet kitchen and true master bedroom retreat. Vast windows with water views enhance the bright, airy feel and French doors lead to an equally wonderful oasis with a swimming pool and outdoor kitchen.

1807 Arcadia Road

5,700 sq ft of modern family living in the heart of UBC offers up no less than 7 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, a chef’s kitchen and wine cellar. Valued at $8,588,000, the custom-built home welcomes you into its bright interior and tricked-out yard complete with pool, hot tub, outdoor fireplace and kitchen, and putting green.

6630 Marine Crescent 

The asking price on this cozy retreat that goes on for 5,897 sq ft on four floors was $7,980,000. Classic elegance meets West Coast relaxed minimalism on the inside, while the outdoors boasts a kitchen, pool and whirlpool. Feeling cramped with house guests? This SW Marine residence offers up a 1,168 sq ft coach house.

There’s no place like home, especially in one of these grand estates that enhance Vancouver’s natural beauty with their majestic architecture. Interested in buying or selling? Contact us any time for a consult.

With raindrops hitting our roofs more and more these days, it’s time to plan for cozy evenings inside, and the best of this city’s cultural events for when we’re looking to get a little more social. From the famed Cirque du Soleil to melody-filled evenings and catching the big games, here’s the fall line-up.

1. If you’ve seen the yellow and blue tents by the Georgia viaduct, then you already know that Cirque du Soleil has returned to Vancouver with Kooza; the story of a melancholy loner “The Innocent” in search of his place in the world through acrobatic performance and bold, slapstick humour. Kooza runs from October 29th - December 27th. Get your tickets for one of the greatest shows on earth!

2. The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra has a number of upcoming shows to choose from, including a reprise of one of VSO’s most successful Pops concerts: Fifty Years of James Bond.  Enjoy memorable screen-stealers from Dr. No all the way up to the Oscar-winning Skyfall, just in time for 007’s twenty-fourth installment coming to theaters this month.

3. For more intimate evenings, the Friends of Chamber Music present a monthly classical concert series. Featuring world-class musicians playing some of the most timeless and evocative music from the masters, FoCM concerts offer a truly unique experience not to be missed.

4. Love them or hate them, the Vancouver Canucks have a couple of home games this month. Check their calendar and get your tickets for a night indulgent of the city’s spirit through an iconic hockey team.

5. Get a jump on the Holidays with the Canadian premiere of A Christmas Story and the acclaimed It’s a Wonderful Life at The Arts Club. With runs November through December, these tales as told on stage through live theatre is as traditional as the season can get.

The City of Vancouver regulates how property is used and developed through something called “zoning.” The city is divided up into many different zoning districts and each has its own set of bylaws and schedules that determine the purpose of that particular district, building regulations, and other aspects of development. Learn more about the city’s zoning districts here.

Want to know what zone your property or one you’re interested in is part of? Check out the city’s official directory.

So you know what a zone is and which one you’re a part of. Next step: rezoning. There are three types of rezoning:

1. Create a custom, site-specific zone
2. Change the zoning of an area from one standard zoning district to another
3. Change the rules about what is permitted within a specific zone

We’ve rounded up our top five picks for places to sip, savour, and enjoy the remainder of summer on sun-drenched patios for every budget.

1. Reflections Outdoor Restaurant and Lounge (pictured) offers a tranquil oasis of wood, firelight, and shimmering water amongst the concrete surroundings of Vancouver’s rooftops. Nestled on the 4th floor of the Hotel Georgia, Reflections is downtown’s hidden gem for sipping the afternoon away with artisanal cocktails. Spanish-style share plates based on locally-sourced West Coast ingredients and a well-appointed wine list round out the bar menu.

2. Downtown’s other darling, Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House boasts a comfortable rooftop patio overlooking the entertainment of Robson Street. An iconic Vancouver establishment for over 25 years, Joe Fortes offers up classic American cuisine with the freshest and finest in seafood from around the Pacific Northwest. The patio itself is an ode to its West Coast heritage: laid-back luxe with plenty of buzz.

3. Find yourself in the picturesque garden setting of Vancouver Art Gallery’s Café for delicious, fresh eats that are both local and organic. The cafeteria-style Gallery Café offers live classical music and whimsical design for an all-together luscious afternoon among the flora.

4. The cheerful red umbrellas that mark Tap and Barrel’s chill patio in Olympic Village shield patrons from the sun, while allowing for fantastic views of some of Vancouver’s best landmarks: False Creek, Science World, BC Place and Rogers Arena. The Tap and Barrel features a continuously rotating tap to serve up an ever-changing menu of seasonal brews from BC’s best breweries. Savour long into the night alongside one of their cozy outdoor fireplaces.

5. There’s several around the lower mainland, but our favourite Boathouse Restaurant is in Kitsilano. With the best patio of the bunch, it’s perfectly situated overlooking Vancouver’s busiest beach scene and the ocean beyond. The heated, covered patio is open both summer and winter so you can indulge in great views and scrumptious pub food all year long.

The gloriously lazy days of summer are slowly drawing to an end, which means if you’re still thinking of putting your house up for sale in 2015, now’s the time to prepare. From choosing the right time to put up that For Sale sign to staging, hiring an agent, and all the other important details involved in ensuring a successful sale; it’s best to organize your “To Do” list as early as possible. Things happen, not always good; so if there’s plenty of time to meet them head-on you’ll come out on top.

To get you started, we’ve got the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver’s Summer Stats. Knowing where the market stands and how your home compares is the first step in preparing to sell. Next step? Call us to make an appointment so we can help you on your journey.

Recently a client approached me to sell their condo in Kerrisdale. The suite was a well laid out, 2 bdrm plus den, offering over 1500 square feet of living overlooking Elm Park. The building was a beautifully built and well maintained concrete low rise. My first impression was that this would be a fairly straight forward sale as the condo was located in a sought after building in a great location.

The suite was in immaculate well maintained condition. The only issue I could see that buyers might have would be the ability to look beyond the poorly appointed furniture relative to the layout. The dining room area had no dining table and was made small looking by a large oversized wood hutch. The master bedroom had no bed in it. The living room was arranged so that it looked very narrow and difficult to furnish.

We decided to go to market without making any changes to the furniture. After 2 weeks on the market and 15 showings, we finally attracted just 1 offer which was on the very low end of where I suggested it might sell. This offer was accepted with a subject period of 2 weeks. On the 14th day the buyer backed out and the sale did not go through. At this point the seller was feeling a little frustrated.

It was my suggestion that staging the home would solve all the buyer concerns about the lack of dining area, the narrow living room, and the uninviting master bedroom. I felt that if the condo was correctly staged, we could attract a buyer quickly, and at a much better price than the previously accepted offer.

The seller was concerned that paying $4,500 for staging might not pay off. I felt otherwise.

The Outcome:

3 days after the staging went in, we sold the condo at a price $50,000 above the previously accepted offer. The staging cost the homeowner $4,500 so the net result was a gain of $ 44,500.00! Staging your home does work.

If you have any questions about home staging or would like a consultation, please call Andrew at 604-657-7936.

(Photo: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Andwhatsnext)

With the internationally acclaimed Calgary Stampede just over for another year, horses are on the mind. Fortunately, the West Coast is home to an array of stables and ranches that offer both English and Western styles of horseback riding.

Whether you’re new to the Coast or simply looking to take up an outdoor activity that boasts both tradition and limitless mental and physical benefits, we’ve found five BC ranches you might like. Keen to saddle up but don’t have any previous riding experience? Most places offer lessons and a one-on-one experience.

1. Glen Valley Stables, Langley

Only 45 minutes from downtown Vancouver, Glen Valley Stables offers some of the best trail horses in the Vancouver area and experienced guides to lead you through Campbell Valley Park. Glenn Valley makes sure to match up horse and riders of similar temperament and riding style so their guests can feel safe. Rides range from 1 - 2 hours, and are available in small groups; the more, the merrier!

2. Hylee Training & Trail Rides, Mission
A lesson and training ranch located in Mission, BC, Hylee Training has something for everyone from clinics, off-site rides, to show and theory lessons in a relaxed, fun environment. Their stables have horses for all levels of riders, including competition stock.

3. Copper Cayuse Outfitters, Ltd., Pemberton
A little further out is Copper Cayuse Outfitters. One of the premiere guided backcountry horseback outfitters in the area, they offer several versions of the mountain horseback trail rides, from one hour rides in the Pemberton Valley to 1/2 day, full day, and 3 day rides. Overnight adventurers will sleep in comfortable platform tents for a true outdoor experience. Their Li-lik-hel Mine Ride has recently been recognized as a Canadian Signature Experience!

4. Sundance Guest Ranch, Ashcroft
Looking for a weekend getaway? Sundance is a four hour drive from Vancouver and easily accessible via three different scenic routes, making the journey itself worth it. The ranch is located in central BC, making it one of the warmest and sunniest spots to take in a beautiful view of the Thompson River Valley. With over thousands of acres of land, it’s the perfect place to explore on horseback, or simply watch the horses gallop free. 

5. Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, Tofino
How about a full-on vacation in a remote Canadian wilderness resort with five-star cuisine, spa, tents with fluffy duvets and antiques, and other enticing outdoor activities in addition to horseback riding? The resort’s team will personalize your daily adventures based on your interests, experience level, even weather conditions and animal sightings; and they offer a range of highly experienced horses for all levels of riders. Yup, sounds like a dream!

Found another great ranch or stable on your search we don’t have listed here? Went on your very first horseback ride and documented it with an awesome picture? Share it with us! And Happy Trails.