Lovely Abode Priced to Sell

Burkeville 2200 Anson Avenue, Richmond BC MLS: V1014114 List Price: $539,900 Floor Area: 1552 Unit: 4 Bed; 2 Bath Taxes: $2209

You can’t help but sense the historical presence of Burkeville. It was originally developed in 1943 by the Federal Government to provide housing for Boeing plant workers.  The houses were later sold by Boeing to returning veterans from the war. The streets, with aeronautical themed names, are lined with original homes and new builds that have thoughtfully kept with the character of the village. The community is sandwiched between the beautiful Burkeville Neighbourhood Park and Sea Island Elementary School; both only a short walk from all 328 homes. Burkeville is serviced by its own fire hall and maintains one of the lowest crime rates in the Lower Mainland.

2200 Anson is one of the original character homes. The master bedroom, the penhouse suite, is the most unique. The angled ceiling and large wall of windows overlooking the green backyard gives the home a romantic cabin feel. The master room also comes equipped with a large walk-in closet, an extended hidden storage area and an ensuite with a bright skylight.

Downstairs, the living room, two bedrooms and den are large and provide space for a variety of furniture arrangements. The kitchen is open and has a adjoining area that could be either a kitchen nook or a home office.

The home is great for a young family looking to raise their children in a truly connected community, but the location and lot size would also tweak the interest of investors looking to build a new single-family dwelling.

Listed at land value – this lovely abode is priced to sell.

PROS

• Priced to sell
• Close to Skytrain station (15-20 minutes walk)
• Rooms are large
• Large backyard space
• Includes a workshop/garage
• Great community – plans annual events and one of the lowest crime rates in Lower Mainland
• Elementary school located within village
• Burkeville Park and tennis courts within walking distance
• Good location with access to airport and major routes to downtown Richmond and Vancouver

CONS

• Home is older and may require the buyer to complete some renovations depending on personal taste
• Access to shopping and groceries requires a car
• Sound of airplanes may bother residents

MORTGAGE DETAILS

Interest Rate: 3.39%
 Purchase Price: $539,900

High Ratio Loan (less than 20% down payment); 25-year amortization
 Down Payment (5%): $26,995 CMCH fees: $14,104.89 Total loan: $527,009.89 Payment: $2,600.70 Approximate income required: $97,500

Conventional Loan (20% or more down payment); 30-year amortization
 Down Payment (20%): $107,980 Total Loan: $431,920 Payment: $1911.24 Approximate income required: $71,700

OTHERS FOR SALE IN BURKEVILLE

1091 CATALINA CR, RICHMOND 591 CATALINA CR, RICHMOND

Affordable Waterfront Condo

Waterstone Pier 102, 14200 Riverport Way, Richmond MLS: V1001716 List Price: $458,888 Floor Area: 1100sqft Unit: 2 Beds: 2 Bath Taxes: $1826

I decided to stay close to home this month for the open house search.  When my husband, Mark, and I first looked at Waterstone Pier, it had that spark for us.  We love our unit, but often think about the beauty of the water side.  We get stunning sunsets from our southwest facing home, but the sunrises from the east side of the building are simply marvellous.  Mount Baker can take your breath away and when I walked into unit 102 of our 14200 building all I could think was how fabulous the mornings would be. The two bedrooms, the living room, kitchen and patio all have a front and centre view.  Even cooler, you can watch the ships that cruise past each day carrying all sorts of freight, most commonly the gigantic beasts that bring the automobiles to the Fraser Wharves.

This unit has direct access to the back green area – like it’s very own yard.  Perfect for a young family or dog lovers.  In and out for walks along the water in no time.  If you love the movies, hockey, trampolines, pubs, Subway, spaghetti, and farm markets – then this could be your dream home.  The unit is within a few steps of the Riverport Recreation Complex and only a 3-minute drive to one of the best farm markets in the lower mainland; Richmond Country Farms.  Great access to the highway, only 25-minutes to downtown Vancouver and direct routes to Ladner, Surrey, New Westminster, and Burnaby; it’s a central place to call home.

PROS

• Great Views
• Open Layout
• High quality finishings
• Access to green space and walk ways
• Good layout
• Large kitchen
• 2 closets in each bedroom
• Close to activity centres

CONS

• Have to drive to groceries and shopping
• Car dependent
• Only one underground parking spot
• Some decor (wallpaper) may not fit with your personal style and  may require updating

MORTGAGE DETAILS

Interest Rate: 2.89% Purchase Price: $458,888

High Ratio Loan (less than 20% down payment); 25-year amortization Down Payment (5%): $22,944.40 CMCH fees: $11,989 Total loan: $447,932.60 Amortization: 25 years Payment: $2,095 Approximate income required: $100,800

Conventional Loan (20% or more down payment); 30-year amortization Down Payment (20%): $91,777.60 Total Loan: $367,110.40 Amortization: 30 years Payment: $1,526 Approximate income required: $79,500

From my home to yours - Irene

Why I wouldn’t buy at Wall Centre Central Park

I wanted to be able to rant and rave about this new community near central park on the border between Vancouver and Burnaby. Sales started today, Saturday April 27, at their sales centre at Boundary & Vanness and although there were many impressive elements, I felt that The Wall Group of Companies with the assistance from the Rennie Marketing Systems missed some of the most basics details of selling; making people feel welcome.

They were set up to host hundreds if not thousands over the course of the launch, and perhaps that was the mistake in itself. The centre is large and open with many areas for exploring the project plans and details. It’s great, but it also drew my attention to how small the show suite is in comparison to the sales space. Even with all the stunning finishings and beautiful colour schemes I couldn’t help but think, “where the hell are people going to put their stuff?”; a common feeling with most new builds I visit. With no space in either of the rooms for dressers, limited space in the living room for furniture, the shortest soaker tubs I have ever seen and in the kitchen (although impressive with it’s integrated front paneled Liebherr refrigerator) the cupboard spaces seem only to be enough for pots, dishes and utensils. Where does the food go?

What disappointed me the most was the lack of customer service. I really wanted to learn about this new development and the impact they hope to make to the community. I was hoping it was going to be something I could repetitively feature and share with my clients as a community for consideration.

Instead, at the door I was left holding my son while a small group took their time to register, after I signed in I noticed there was an entire other section I could have been directed to for signing in; there were three staff standing at the table I registered at, not one of them assisted in directing me to head to the other area. From there, I was handed a brochure and feature sheet and sent on my way with no further instruction or welcome.

Once in, there were a number of areas to check out, but there was no guidance on how to flow through the space. A number of marked Rennie staff were scattered throughout the area, none of which ever came to speak with me or to see if I had any questions. We toured the show room, viewed the various models, and studied the floor plans. Not one staff out of the nearly (or over) 20 members asked if I had any questions. The space was busy, but not enough so that there wasn’t a staff per guest. I know I could have inquired myself, however, I honestly feel that this is the chance for a developer to show their stuff, to welcome their guests to the experience and tell their story. I made the effort to show up, I drove over an hour to check it out, now win me over! You’re selling a home, welcome me like I’m at home.  I ended up feeling small, insignificant and not even worthwhile to speak to. Now, granted, I am not in the market to purchase, but the reality is that I know people who are.

Why wouldn’t every guest be treated as if they were a potential owner? Isn’t that what would make people want to buy…whisked into the dream of this future development, visualizing themselves and their friends living and enjoying the lifestyle?

I got more out of the video from their website after I got home.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9yvhtEQc1M#action=share

Although my experience was disappointing, I still think this “Transit-Oriented Master-Planned Community” has something going for it. There are some amazing features and conveniences to enjoy.  If you do go to the presentation centre, I hope you have a better experience than I.  And if you end up purchasing, my “cheeky” advice would be to start working on your minimalist living now so you’re prepared for after move in.

Learn more about the 299 homes under $299,000 at Wall Centre Central Park

West-Coast Contemporary Oasis

1030 Eden Crescent, Tsawwassen MLS: V995450

List Price: $989,000 Floor Area: 3,815 Unit: 4 Beds: 4 Bath Taxes: $4,821

Prepared to be wowed on many levels, three in fact!  This 3 level split home has features and bonuses in every corner.  From the updated kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry room, to the roomy, yet cozy living, dining and family areas and the three distinct unique decks, there’s a space for everyone to enjoy and love…and we’ve only covered the main level!

Two spacious bedrooms, a large updated full bathroom, the master bedroom, impressive large ensuite, walk-in closet and private master deck occupy the top level.

The lower level provides two additional large living areas, a full bathroom, storage, sauna, and the 4th bedroom.  The current bar area could easily be re-designed to incorporate a full kitchen and laundry for an in-law/mortgage helper suite with it’s own entry, patio and yard.

Nestled in the park-like landscape, this home has complete privacy with open views of the Beach Grove Golf Club 6th fairway.

Surrounded by beautiful, well-maintained neighbouring homes, shopping and restaurants within walking distance and part of a community with top schools and recreational programs, this home is perfect for a growing family looking to settle into their own West-Coast oasis.

 PROS

• Complete privacy
• Move in ready
• Various decks for multiple functions and entertaining
• Newer roof
• Updated exterior and interior paint
• New kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry area
• Backyard area for activities and/or pets
• Lower level, great additional living space or can be converted into a mortgage helper suite
• Two side by side garage with additional parking in extended driveway
• Beautiful neighbourhood, close to schools and recreation
• Shopping and restaurants close by
• Ample storage areas

CONS

• Depending on work locations, Tsawwassen can be a commute to the Vancouver City Centre
• The lower level bathroom, although well maintained, will require updating at some point
• If desired, renovations would be necessary to convert the lower level into a separate suite

MORTGAGE DETAILS

Interest Rate: 2.89% Purchase Price: $989,000

High Ratio Loan (less than 20% down payment); 25-year amortization Down Payment (5%): $49,450 CMCH fees: $25,837.62 Total loan: $965,387.62 Amortization: 25 years Payment: $4,514.34

Approximate income required: $188,000

Conventional Loan (20% or more down payment); 30-year amortization Down Payment (20%): $197,800 Total Loan: $791,200.00 Amortization: 30 years Payment: $3,288.24

Approximate income required: $142,000

From my home to yours - Irene

Central Townhouse

Wishing Tree 53, 9566 Tomicki Avenue, Richmond MLS: V995985

List Price: $589,000 Floor Area: 1,309 Unit: 3 Beds: 3 Bath Maintenance Fee: $176.14 Taxes: $2,332

PROS

• 1/2 bath located on the main living floor
• Additional room developed in the garage
• Club house facility within steps
• Location – close to shopping, parks and schools
• Visitor parking close by
• Newer complex

CONS

• Similar layout to all new townhouse designs, not original
• Balcony facing north
• Complex feels a bit crowed for driving/parking
• Not many areas for storage
• Bedrooms are not overly spacious

COMPARABLES

Wishing Tree at 9566 Tomicki

MORTGAGE DETAILS

Interest Rate: 2.89% Purchase Price: $589,000

High Ratio Loan (less than 20% down payment); 25-year amortization Down Payment (5%): $29,450 CMCH fees: $15,387.62 Total loan: $574,937.62 Amortization: 25 years Payment: $2,688.52

Approximate income required: $118,500

Conventional Loan (20% or more down payment); 30-year amortization Down Payment (20%): $117,800 Total Loan: $471,200 Amortization: 30 years Payment: $1,958.32

Approximate income required: $91,000

From my home to yours - Irene