Real Estate Thread

[dleung]

My budget is roughly $400k. It's a second, but possibly primary residence. Any suggestions? Being close to nature is a big priority. Either a good view or proximity to water features are ideal. Southern exposure a must. Must be downtown or near Olympic village station, maybe arbutus if it's cheaper...

[Pinion]

Originally Posted by connect2source

I've brought several clients through Addition. The finishes and quality look outstanding, however the proximity to the Murray Hotel to the north and the Kettle On Burrard, immediately to the west means the majority of the building will look out to social housing or a single-room-occupancy hotel. This is perhaps why they took the finishes so high-end.

ALWAYS bring a Realtor into the sales-centres, we are often able to negotiate thousands off the asking price plus it's essential to have agency representation when making a home purchase, I've heard more that my fair share of nightmare stories from those who did not.

Also don't forget the prices in the sales-centre do not include the 5% GST which you do not pay on 'used' homes and the Property Transfer Tax ( 1% on the first $200,000 and 2% on the remainder ) both can add thousands to the price.

If you're a first-time buyer, your are exempt from the Property Transfer Tax if you purchase a home under $475K. As a buyer you don't pay Realtor fees or commissions hence little reason not to use one.

If you visit sales centres by yourself can you later come back with a realtor? I always feel uneasy "registering" at those.

[WarrenC12]

Originally Posted by Pinion

If you visit sales centres by yourself can you later come back with a realtor? I always feel uneasy "registering" at those.

Of course. A realtor is always recommended for buyers... there is no cost.

A realtor who has helped a client at the same development can be a great resource.

[Porfiry]

Originally Posted by Pinion

If you visit sales centres by yourself can you later come back with a realtor? I always feel uneasy "registering" at those.

Registering is just a way for them to capture your email/phone number so they can pepper you with marketing, nothing more.

[TourOdeon]

Originally Posted by whatnext

Brentwood seems the perfect illustration of Gertrude Stein's maxim: "There's no there there". Is a skytrain station enough to make an area desirable? It can't be the second rate mall.

I'd choose Cambie for the closeness to downtown and Queen Elizabeth Park, plus a retail village. Heck I'd even choose Marpole before Brentwood for the proximity to Westside ameneities, airport etc.

Are you Chinese or something? Do you realize that unless you speak Mandarin, you won't really enjoy living near Oakridge or Marpole?

[BodomReaper]

Originally Posted by TourOdeon

Are you Chinese or something? Do you realize that unless you speak Mandarin, you won't really enjoy living near Oakridge or Marpole?

Yeah my day in Marpole just gets ruined whenever I see a Mandarin sign when walking around between Safeway, Bean Around the World, the BC Liquor Store...

[Vin]

By the way, Addition's sales centre has moved to the vacant and tiny CRU beside Nuba (Seymour @ Davie). That means construction should be starting soon. Interesting that it has taken so long for them to start building, but I don't think their sales are good, esp. with problem buildings around.

[Homeowner]

Originally Posted by Vin

By the way, Addition's sales centre has moved to the vacant and tiny CRU beside Nuba (Seymour @ Davie). That means construction should be starting soon. Interesting that it has taken so long for them to start building, but I don't think their sales are good, esp. with problem buildings around.

It has been advertised that it's 60% sold. So it can't be all that bad.

[Vin]

Originally Posted by Homeowner

It has been advertised that it's 60% sold. So it can't be all that bad.

With so many projects sold out within a week or even a day of the launch, I think 60% after almond half a year simply isn't impressive.

[TourOdeon]

Originally Posted by BodomReaper

Yeah my day in Marpole just gets ruined whenever I see a Mandarin sign when walking around between Safeway, Bean Around the World, the BC Liquor Store...

Most of your neighbours in the building would most likely be of Chinese descent

[st7860]

A doctor paid $300,000 over asking for a place he or she intends to live in.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/...ticle24707935/

"The buyer is a doctor who grew up in the neighbourhood. The sellers are pleased it won’t be demolished, Ms. Marin says, because they have an emotional attachment to the house. Their Italian parents, both deceased, had lived in the house since 1973, when they had mortgage payments of $21 a month."

[whatnext]

Originally Posted by TourOdeon

Are you Chinese or something? Do you realize that unless you speak Mandarin, you won't really enjoy living near Oakridge or Marpole?

Oakridge will always have the appeal of being near: a high end shopping centre; on the Canada Line; Queen Elizabeth Park; Van Dusen Gardens. I can't think how an area like Brentwood can match that. Marpole has less going for it but is very close to two major employment centres YVR and UBC.

[apesta]

Originally Posted by Homeowner

If you go for shorter terms, you can get an even better rate. 2 year fixed at 2.24%,or Variable at 2.25% now.

I got my approved rate at 2.20% variable for 5 years just last week.. Its really low compare to couple years back.

I'll be moving into the River District area in August when my condo is completed by then. Im hoping that area will plan out the way it is envisioned. Prices are starting to go up in the area as well. I down payed my unit two years ago and it was 409000 for a 825 sq ft at the top floor which only has 5 storeys. But it was consider low for a concrete unit in Vancouver. There is an 2 year old wooden apartment behind where ill be living and some of the listings are asking for 450000+ for a 2 bed @ 870 sq ft.