Vancouver Real Estate Blog

Home sales in Vancouver keep increasing

This is an interesting graph from the British Columbia Real Estate Association which shows real estate sales over a 9-year period. The market was fairly steady until the latter part of 2007 and home sale prices began declining in the first quarter of 2008. 

Current prices are not as strong as during the peak period but we now have a more balanced market which has its advantages. 

The current increase in home sales is related to lower mortgages, better affordability in the housing market, and an increase in consumer confidence. If the current pattern continues, homes sales will be strong and eventually prices will rise again as the inventory of homes for sales lessens. Real estate sales are usually a good barometer of the health of the local economy. The recent surge in sales may indicate we are coming out of the recession as suggested by the Bank of Canada. 

Top 2/10 Reasons why I love to live in kitsilano- Kits Beach

The Kitsilano Beach. White, white sand. Just like you find in the Caribbean. Beautiful views looking west with the Kitsilano Pool on your left side(south) and the mountains and city to the north and to the west are the islands off Vancouver island and Bowen Island.

New BC survey suggests that consumer confidence is rising.

We are into our 5th consecutive month of increased home sales. 40%  of those survey plan or hope to buy a home in the next 5 years. 46% of those plan to purchase in Metro Vancouver. When it come to  making "Green Choices" about your homes future, apparently 50% more British Columbians are more likely to make "Green" improvements on their homes than compared to last years survey.

To obtain a full copy of the survey results from the May 2009 and January 2009 surveys, please visit www.qualityoflife.bcrea.bc.ca/research.htm.

For a PDF version of this news release, follow this link:
www.bcrea.bc.ca/news_room/2009-07-15Purchasing_Confidence_Survey.pdf.

Top 10 reasons why Kitsilano is the best place to live on earth - #1Kits Pool

 #1 - the Kitsilano Pool. The Kitsilano Pool is simply amazing for swimmers. It's 137 metres long - almost three times longer than an Olympic pool. It's the largest pool in Canada and the only heated salt water pool in Vancouver. 

Kitsilano Beach in Vancouver

Last year, I blogged about how Vancouver's Kitsilano Beach was ranked as one of the top 10 city beaches in the world in Travel & Leisure Magazine. I like to talk about Kitsilano a lot because I live in Kits, a block from the beach and, having travelled around the world a lot when I was younger, I realize how amazing Vancouver is, especially Kits. 

If you're new to Vancouver, or planning a trip here, make sure you visit the Kits Beach! 

Kitsilano Home for Sale

This rare 1-bedroom condominium in a much sought-after building has been just listed for sale. This home is beautifully finished and is just one block from the fantastic Kitsilano Beach. View the video here and the photo gallery here.  If you want to see this home, please call me at (604) 551-5487.  

Vancouver Home Sales Jump 76% in June

According to the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver, home sales in Vancouver increased 75.6% in June 2009, compared to June 2008. That's great news for the Vancouver real estate market and reflects the type of increased interest we've seen from buyers in the marketplace.

The specific statistics are:

Detached homes:

Vancouver West - up 85%
Burnaby - up 109%
Coquitlam - up 122%

Richmond - up 77%
Maple Ridge - up 54%
New West - up 104%
North Vancouver - up 96%
East Vancouver - up 71%

West Vancouver - up 117%

Condos/Stratas:

Vancouver West - up 87%
Burnaby - up 60%

Coquitlam - up 93%

New West - up 57%
North Vancouver - up 71%
Richmond - up 54%
East Vancouver - up 58%
West Vancouver - up 155%