Rob Britch : Archived blog posts for : June 2018

New property listed in Kitsilano, Vancouver West

Posted on June 26, 2018 by Rob Britch

Posted in Kitsilano, Vancouver West Real Estate

New property listed in Kitsilano, Vancouver West

I have listed a new property at 105 1933 5TH AVE W in Vancouver.

Attention investors and first time home buyers! Act fast for Kitsilano's lowest priced condo! Welcome to Sahlano Place. Spacious studio with open layout and separate sleeping area that is currently screened off to make it a 1 bedroom with closet and window. Enjoy summers on your spacious patio. Includes 1 underground parking and 1 locker. Building has a bike storage room. Pets and rentals welcomed. 97 Walkscore. Enjoy the Kits lifestyle- close to Arbutus Gateway, restaurants, shopping, trnasportation, 5th Ave cinema and desirable Kits Beach & Vanier park. Tenanted and 24hrs to show

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New property listed in Lower Lonsdale, North Vancouver

Posted on June 22, 2018 by Rob Britch

Posted in Lower Lonsdale, North Vancouver Real Estate

New property listed in Lower Lonsdale, North Vancouver

I have listed a new property at 9 215 4TH ST E in North Vancouver.

See details here

Central Lower Lonsdale Location. A boutique development of only 9, modern/contemporary townhomes featuring beautiful and timeless curb appeal . This END UNIT, 2 level + bsmt 3 bed home is only 8 yrs old and is a great opportunity for growing families or couples. Features include a spacious recreation/media room with a built in Murphy bed and direct access to secured underground parking & storage. Other features include large windows, an open floor plan, radiant heating, engineered hardwood floors, a powder room on the main, granite countertops, maple cabinets, gas fireplace, & french doors leading to a large S facing patio that's perfect for entertaining. K-7 = Ridgeway Elementary and 8-12 = Sutherland Secondary. Sutherland Secondary.

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Reduced demand is allowing housing supply to accumulate

Posted on June 11, 2018 by Rob Britch

Reduced demand is allowing housing supply to accumulate

Home buyer demand continues to decline across the Metro Vancouver* housing market.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in the region totalled 2,833 in May 2018, a 35.1 percent decrease from the 4,364 sales recorded in May 2017, and a 9.8 percent increase compared to April 2018 when 2,579 homes sold.

Last month’s sales were 19.3 percent below the 10-year May sales average.

“With fewer homes selling today compared to recent years, the number of homes available for sale is rising,” Phil Moore, REBGV president said. “The selection of homes for sale in Metro Vancouver has risen to the highest levels we’ve seen in the last two years, yet supply is still below our long-term historical averages.”

There were 6,375 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in May 2018. This represents a 5.5 percent increase compared to the 6,044 homes listed in May 2017 and a 9.5 percent increase compared to April 2018 when 5,820 homes were listed.

The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 11,292, a 38.2 percent increase compared to May 2017 (8,168) and a 15 percent increase compared to April 2018 (9,822).

The total number of listings available today is 17.2 percent below the 10-year May average.

For all property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for May 2018 is 25.1 percent. By property type, the ratio is 14.7 percent for detached homes, 30.8 percent for townhomes, and 41.7 percent for condominiums.

Generally, analysts say that downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below the 12 percent mark for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 percent over several months.

“For home sellers to be successful in today’s market, it’s important to price your property competitively given the shifting dynamics we’re experiencing,” Moore said. “It’s also important to work with your local Realtor to better understand these changing conditions.”

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,094,000. This is an 11.5 percent increase over May 2017 and a 0.2 percent increase compared to April 2018.

Sales of detached properties in May 2018 reached 926, a 40.2 percent decrease from the 1,548 detached sales recorded in May 2017. The benchmark price for detached properties is $1,608,000. This is a 2.4 percent increase from May 2017 and a 0.1 per cent increase compared to April 2018.

Sales of apartment properties reached 1,431 in May 2018, a 29.3 per cent decrease from the 2,025 sales in May 2017. The benchmark price of an apartment property is $701,700. This is a 20.2 percent increase from May 2017 and a 0.1 percent increase compared to April 2018.

Attached property sales in May 2018 totalled 476, a 39.8 percent decrease from the 791 sales in May 2017. The benchmark price of an attached unit is $859,500. This represents a 16 percent increase from May 2017 and a 0.6 percent increase compared to April 2018.

Download the full news release

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Vancouver Housing Statistics as of May 2018

Posted on June 11, 2018 by Rob Britch

Vancouver Housing Statistics as of May 2018

Download the full reports

Vancouver East PDF

Vancouver West PDF

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New property listed in Cambie, Vancouver West

Posted on June 10, 2018 by Rob Britch

Posted in Cambie, Vancouver West Real Estate

New property listed in Cambie, Vancouver West

I have listed a new property at 403 20TH AVE W in Vancouver.

See details here

Extra Deep Corner lot 33x138.5 w/charming home in one of Vancouver’s most desired locations within the Cambie Corridor. This property has been meticulously cared for over the years. 2 bedrooms on the main level, cozy gas f/p, leaded glass windows & hardwood floors throughout make this home feel warm & inviting. Enjoy tremendous light throughout the space & take in the mountain views from your kitchen, deck or within the comfort of your fenced garden oasis. The basement was reno'd in 2005 and contains a beautiful secondary 2 bedroom suite w/separate laundry. Additional bedroom & full bath in basement can be incorporated into the suite or accessed from the main level. Hold, build, add laneway house or do further renovations. Pls do not disturb tenants.

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New property listed in Steveston South, Richmond

Posted on June 8, 2018 by Rob Britch

Posted in Steveston South, Richmond Real Estate

New property listed in Steveston South, Richmond

I have listed a new property at 104 5700 ANDREWS RD in Richmond.

See details here

Georgie Award winning "Rivers Reach" in Steveston; A fully rainscreened bldg loc in Richmond's best neighbourhood. This lovely 2 bdrm + 2 bath, former showhome, CORNER UNIT features an open floor plan, separation of bedrooms, large wrap around windows & a 350 sq.ft. wrap around patio. There are wall to wall windows on the north, east and south sides including a window in the kitchen. The living and dining areas boast engineered h/w floors w/ carpets in the bedrooms. This home also features a natural gas f/p, built ins in the master closet & a spacious insuite storage area. A very peaceful setting just steps to the Village shops and restaurants, the river, trails and boardwalk. This is a pet friendly bldg and community.

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Open House. Open House on Saturday, June 9, 2018 3:00PM - 5:00PM

Posted on June 8, 2018 by Rob Britch

Posted in Steveston South, Richmond Real Estate

Open House. Open House on Saturday, June 9, 2018 3:00PM - 5:00PM

Please visit our Open House at 104 5700 ANDREWS RD in Richmond.

See details here

Open House on Saturday, June 9, 2018 3:00PM - 5:00PM

Georgie Award winning "Rivers Reach" in Steveston; A fully rainscreened bldg loc in Richmond's best neighbourhood. This lovely 2 bdrm + 2 bath, former showhome, CORNER UNIT features an open floor plan, separation of bedrooms, large wrap around windows & a 350 sq.ft. wrap around patio. There are wall to wall windows on the north, east and south sides including a window in the kitchen. The living and dining areas boast engineered h/w floors w/ carpets in the bedrooms. This home also features a natural gas f/p, built ins in the master closet & a spacious insuite storage area. A very peaceful setting just steps to the Village shops and restaurants, the river, trails and boardwalk. This is a pet friendly bldg and community.

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Open House. Open House on Sunday, June 10, 2018 3:00PM - 5:00PM

Posted on June 8, 2018 by Rob Britch

Posted in Steveston South, Richmond Real Estate

Open House. Open House on Sunday, June 10, 2018 3:00PM - 5:00PM

Please visit our Open House at 104 5700 ANDREWS RD in Richmond.

See details here

Open House on Sunday, June 10, 2018 3:00PM - 5:00PM

Georgie Award winning "Rivers Reach" in Steveston; A fully rainscreened bldg loc in Richmond's best neighbourhood. This lovely 2 bdrm + 2 bath, former showhome, CORNER UNIT features an open floor plan, separation of bedrooms, large wrap around windows & a 350 sq.ft. wrap around patio. There are wall to wall windows on the north, east and south sides including a window in the kitchen. The living and dining areas boast engineered h/w floors w/ carpets in the bedrooms. This home also features a natural gas f/p, built ins in the master closet & a spacious insuite storage area. A very peaceful setting just steps to the Village shops and restaurants, the river, trails and boardwalk. This is a pet friendly bldg and community.

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New property listed in Lower Lonsdale, North Vancouver

Posted on June 5, 2018 by Rob Britch

Posted in Lower Lonsdale, North Vancouver Real Estate

I have listed a new property at 9 215 4TH ST E in North Vancouver.

See details here

Central Lower Lonsdale Location. A boutique development of only 9, modern/contemprorary townhomes featuring beautiful and timeless curb appeal. This END UNIT, 2 level + bsmt 3 bed home is only 8 yrs old and is a great opportunity for growing families or couples. Features include a spacious recreation/media room with a built in Murphy bed and direct access to secured underground parking & storage. Other features include large windows, an open floor plan. radiant heating, engineered hardwood floors, a powder room on the main , granite countertops, maple cabinets, gas fireplace, & french doors leading to a large S facing patio that's perfect for entertaining K-7 = Ridgeway Elementary and 8-12 = Sutherland Secondary.

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4 Products on Deep Discount in June

Posted on June 4, 2018 by Rob Britch

Great deals on pressure washers, smartwatches, and more

With summer officially beginning this month, it’s a great time to get outside and tackle those home improvements that were tough to get to during the colder months. There are a few products expected to be on deep discount in June that can help you fix up your home.

Pressure Washers

Shopping Tips

Pressure washers come in two basic types: gas-powered and electric. Each has its own sets of pros and cons. For example, gas-powered washers are louder than their electric counterparts. But they are also more powerful and aren’t limited by the length of their electric cords.
Renting a pressure washer allows you to skip the hassle of upkeep and storage. However, if you buy one, it will pay for itself in a few years, as long as you take care of it.

Smartwatches

Smartwatches are gaining in popularity.

They often also include built-in sensors—including accelerometers, barometers, and heart rate monitors—to track your physical activity. You can even use your watch to make mobile payments at the cashier.

And yes, they also tell time.

Shopping Tips

Smartphones come in all sorts of varieties, from simple to swanky. They range in price from $200-$700+. But beyond your price, you should also consider which operating system will work best for you. Just like your computer and smartphone, smartwatches run on operating systems with distinct and separate apps.
Some smartwatches have quirky shortcomings, such as hard-to-use chargers. A number of them can be paired with only a limited number of mobile devices.

String Trimmers

A good string trimmer will quickly obliterate any unsightly grass that’s encroaching on the clean lines of your property’s driveway, footpaths, and fence posts. This time of year, you can also find them on sale.

Shopping Tips

Modern string trimmers address a variety of lawn-grooming issues with better performance and convenience for less money. Typically, gas-powered trimmers are more powerful and may be more effective at tackling substantial weeds and tall grass growth. Corded string trimmers can be easier to maneuver, and a good choice for lighter duty landscaping tasks. Newer battery-powered models have power almost equal to gas trimmers, but they're just as heavy and more expensive.
You don’t need an expensive, professional-grade string trimmer. For regular jobs, gas trimmers and most electric trimmers can dispense with run-of-the-mill grass and weeds just fine.
When you’re deciding which best suits your needs, make sure you try it out. Handle a string trimmer in the store to check its balance. After adjusting the front handle for a comfortable reach, hold the trimmer in the cutting position with both hands. Its weight should feel evenly distributed from top to bottom or slightly heavier at the top. Be sure the controls work smoothly and are easy to reach.

Cordless Drills

A cordless drill is often the most important power tool you’ll buy. But before you purchase one, be sure you’re getting the right tool for whatever job is at hand: heavy-duty, general-use, or light-duty.

You won’t find drills labeled this way for sale, so make sure you look at the chuck size to determine its intended use. The chuck is the three-pronged clamp that secures bits at the business end of any drill. The bigger the chuck, the more powerful the drill.

Shopping Tips

Make sure that you take note of the battery power. Most cordless drills these days run on lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. They deliver more power and longer run times. Because batteries have such a direct impact on performance, their capabilities figure heavily into CR’s cordless-drill testing program.
Cordless drills are sold in three configurations: as a stand-alone tool with one or two batteries and a dedicated charger. As part of a collection of cordless tools from a single brand, called a kit. As a bare tool, with no battery or charger.
Make sure you select the option that’s right for you. If you want only a drill and don’t own any other power tools with compatible batteries, go for a stand-alone tool. The bare tool is the least expensive but the worst value.

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