Impressive 3,636 sq ft Coal Harbour view condo at TWO HARBOUR GREEN

Impressive entertainer's dream condo at TWO HARBOUR GREEN - 1139 W. Cordova. 3,636 sq ft of luxury with stunning views. 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, fabulous finishes, large balcony, air conditioning. CAD 400,000 fantastic upgrades, private 3 car garage with storage plus additional large storage room.

TWO HARBOUR GREEN is located next to the seawall and has an imperial sized lobby with concierge, virtual golf, ample visitor parking, pool, sauna, steam room, gym and social rooms.

Asking price CAD 6,498,000.

Contact me at 604 926 3936 or christinelouw@shaw.ca for a showing or additional information. If you are looking for the best, this condo will appeal to you.

Virtual tour or visit http://www.coalharbourcondos.info or http://www.vancouver-condos.net

Coal Harbour real estate market statistics - July 2011

COAL HARBOUR STATISTICS

For a more complete report on the Coal Harbour real estate market click on this link.

Building with most sales in June: Venus at 1239 W Georgia (5 sales).
On 12 July 2011, 181 condos are listed for sale: average asking price of $2,219,954, median asking price of $1,459,000.
Most active listings: Fairmont Pacific Rim Estates (1011 W Cordova) - 24, West Pender Place (1499 W Pender) - 20.


Recently I sold several impressive Coal Harbour condos. Please contact me at 604 926 3936 or christinelouw@shaw.ca if you like me to assist you in achieving a similar great result.

· 2301 - 139 W Cordova, Two Harbour Green ♦ sold in 4 days for $ 5,600,000

· 1802-1680 Bayshore ♦ sold in 5 days for $1,900,000

· high floor 04-323 Jervis, Escala ♦ sold for $1,630,000

· 506 - 590 Nicola, Cascina ♦ sold in 29 days for $1,012,500.

Greater Vancouver real estate market update - July 2011

GREATER VANCOUVER STATISTICS

The Real Estate Board reports that in June 2011 compared to June 2010
- the number of residential property sales in the Greater Vancouver area increased by 9.8 %: condo sales increased by 0.6% and detached home sales by 29.1%
- new listings increased by 4.5%; the total number of listings declined by 14%
- the benchmark price of condos increased by 3.5% and of detached homes by 13.4%

For the full June 2011 report of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver click on this link and scroll down.

New! SALT by Concert Properties at Hornby/Drake

SALT will be launched in June 2011 and is a 32 storey tower with over 194 homes ranging from 1 bedroom to 2 bedroom and den. Most condos will be from 475 to 925 sq ft while the SKY collection will be from 940 to 1,380 sq ft. Over 125 homes will be priced between $295,000 and $495,000. The higher floor condos will have great views. Finishes are advertized to be high end with laminate flooring throughout including bedrooms, and quality modern white kitchens with European appliances, quartz counter tops and tile backsplash. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Go to the "new condos" tab at http://www.vancouver-condos.net for a location map. Contact me if you are interested in * the condos in SALT or any other development or * want to receive information about the Vancouver real estate market.

MADDOX DOWNTOWN - New development by Cressey

Cressey has announced it will launch this spring a 32 storey building at the corner of Howe and Drake. MADDOX will be close to two other Cressey developments: ELAN @ 1255 Seymour (completion 2006) and DONOVAN @ 1055 Richards (completion 2008/2009) which both have luxurious finishes.

The MADDOX condos will range in size from 498 to 1,576 sq ft.

Are you interested in buying a condo in this development? Contact me and I will keep you informed of the progress and assist you in selecting the condo that meets your requirements best whether you are looking for a home for yourself or an investment property.

To view a map with the location of new and newer buildings go to http://www.vancouvercondos-net

Rental market is strong

The rental market for condos and detached homes is strong. The low supply on Craigslist is a great barometer and rental realtors confirm that there not sufficient supply. Great news for investors! See http://www.vancouver-condos.net if you are interested in investing in a condo and http://www.christinelouw.com to browse detached home listings.

Vancouver real estate market statistics for February 2011

The Real Estate Board just released their most recent statistical information which shows that
- listings, sales and demand have increased in the first two months of 2011 and
- that some areas and categories of real estate (notably detached homes in Richmond and Vancouver Westside) have seen considerably more activity than others.

In February 2011

• the number of sales increased by 70.3% compared to January 2011 and by 25.5% compared to February 2010.
• new listings increased by 23.6% compared to February 2010 and the total number of listings increased by 5%
• the 12 month increase of the benchmark price of detached homes was 6%, of condos was 2.2% and of townhomes was 2.3%.

Statistics are not the same for all areas. Contact me if you like to know what properties sold in the last 60 days in your immediate area. Your property may be worth more than you think!

If you like to browse yourself to see current asking prices visit my websites
www.vancouver-condos.net
www.coalharbourcondos.info
www.falsecreeknorthcondos.com
www.christinelouw.com for homes

Bank of Canada held its overnight rate

This morning the Bank of Canada held the overnight (interest) rate at 1 percent. The overnight rate has a substantial influence on mortgage interest rates. The statement released with the decision noted the improved outlook for the Canadian economy but also the escalating geopolitical risk and the challenge to export by the rising Can dollar. The Vancouver market is increasingly active in all price ranges. On 18 March the maximum amortization period for high ratio mortgages (mortgage for more than 80 percent of the purchase price/appraised value) will be reduced from 35 to 30 years. Buyers who remove subjects before 18 March have access to the 35 year amortization period. This change will mainly affect purchases in the lower price ranges and likely not to a significant degree. At the moment this segment of the market is very active with quick sales and multiple offers; remains to be seen if this activity is in anticipation of the 18 March change or just part of the general increase of demand. For mortgage rate information see "Resources" at http://www.vancouver-condos.net and "Statistics" at http://www.coalharbourcondos.info

KITS360 - new affordable development on Fairview/Kits border

Just announced. Previews to start in March. Location: 1777 W 7th, Fairview - close to Burrard and transit Developer: Intergulf Development Group Construction: concrete, outdoor space with units, stone counters, laminate flooring, stainless steel appliances. Views: False Creek, English Bay, Downtown, Northshore mountains Price: starting from $349,900 Please contact me at 604 926 3936 if you like to receive more information about these or any other properties. Information as provided by the developer's representative. http://www.vancouver-condos.net

Vancouver real estate market statistics for January 2011

According to the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver in January 2011 compared to January 2010

• the number of sales decreased by 5.4%


• new listings decreased by 6.7%


• the total number of listings increased by 2.2%


• the benchmark price of condos increased by 1.4%, of detached homes by 2.7% and of townhomes by 2.6% However both Richmond and Vancouver West saw a strong seller's market - the price of detached homes in Richmond increased by 22.6% and in Vancouver West by 12.2%.

The stronger market in Richmond and Vancouver West must be due to the obvious increase of Asian buyers in Vancouver who predominantly prefer and buy detached homes in these two areas. For the full statistical report of the GVREB visit http://www.vancouver-condos.net and go to market trends.

Condos and views near Park Royal Mall in West Vancouver

Across the road from the West Vancouver mall are great condos located ranging in price mostly between $700K and $3 mil.

http://www.vancouver-condos.net/mls_west-vancouver-condos_park-royal.html

Beautiful spacious condos. Very convenient location, no car required; shops and transit on your doorstep. And for those who buy into the building at 605 Clyde Ave there is also access to the facilities of the retirement development by Amici.

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Proposed development surge in BC Place vicinity.

Proposals are before Vancouver Municipality which would see several new developments in the area near BC Place, Flagship, Mariner and Cooper's Lookout and Pointe. - the largest casino in western Canada with two hotel towers - four high rise towers with almost 900 condos

Later this year two more developers are expected to bring forward proposals for additional residential units in the area. These proposals are very positive as they signal a high level of confidence in the local economy and the prospect of substantial job creation.

www.christinelouw.com www.falsecreeknorthcondos.com www.vancouver-condos.net

Important mortgage rule changes

Finance minister Jim Flaherty has made changes to the rules governing mortgage financing which will be effective from 18 March 2011 onwards: - the maximum amortization period for high ratio mortgages (in excess of 80% of the property value) has been reduced from 35 to 30 years - maximum loan to value (LTV) of refinances has been reduced from 90 to 85% - maximum financing on HELOC (line of credit products) reduced to 80% LTV There is still some time to buy your new property and complete by 17 March to take advantage of the present mortgage rules. www.christinelouw.com

THALIA - another stunning development by James Schouw of "Grace"

In 2013 another architectural masterpiece by James Schouw will complete at the cnr of Cambie and Smithe in downtown Vancouver. THALIA will have twenty eight residential condos on the 5th to 17th floor - mostly priced between CAD 1.1 and 1.6 mil - ranging from 1,275 to 3,200 sq ft (2 bedrooms+den and 3 bedrooms+den) - with 12 foot ceilings, 8 foot doors - geo thermal heating and cooling - and top of the line finishes - exclusive features like a bio metric finger print security system, fully automated parking system (no ramps), a Home Automation System and the use of a Rolls Royce Phantom Sedan as well as bikes.

If you like "Grace" (cnr Richards and Drake) you will love "THALIA" located close to Yaletown restaurants, the Queen Elizabeth theatre and a short walk from the seawall. Pre-sales have started. Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing a condo in impresive THALIA or like to receive additional information. 604 926 3936, christinelouw@shaw.ca www.vancouver-condos.net

West Pender Place in Coal Harbour, Vancouver - completing March 2011

West Pender Place consists of a 36 floor high rise, a 10 floor mid rise and a 5 floor podium and is located at 1409, 1477 and 1499 W Pender Street, Coal Harbour. Completion is scheduled to be end March 2011. All condos have 9 foot ceilings, air conditioning, extra high end finishes (DADA kitchen with German Gaggenau appliances), wide plank hardwood flooring as well as parking, storage, bike storage and video entry phone. The development will have concierges, pool, gym with 13 ft ceiling, guest suite, roof top deck and garden.

The developer's representative informed us that assignments will soon be allowed. If you are interested in buying into this great new development contact me and I will keep you updated and assist you in finding the property that meets your requirements best.

www.coalharbourcondos.info

The real estate commission discussion

Should we have buyer's contracts for every buyer as well as the current seller's listing contracts for every seller? And should each contract set out the respective party's commission payment obligation?
Followed a lengthy blog discussion about the premise that sellers should not have to pay to make up for the time Realtors spend without remuneration on "real estate tourists" and "for ever window shoppers". It is up to Realtors to try and recognize this type of buyer before too much time is spent on them but it cannot be totally avoided. Would it not be fair that sellers and buyers each pay for the time spent by Realtors on their behalf? Is it fair that a seller has to pay the commission for someone whose obligation it is not to act in the seller's interest?

Vancouver real estate statistics Jan 2011

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver released its statistics for December 2010.

For the year of 2010

- the number of sales were down 14.2% compared to 2009 and 24.2% up compared to 2008
- the number of properties listed for sale increased by 9.7% compared to 2009 and decreased by 7.3% compared to 2008

- the 12 month price increase was 2.7%

Stunning Coal Harbour condo with close-in marina and mountain view

402-588 Broughton Street, Coal Harbour Vancouver

Very well priced at CAD 699,900

Virtual tour MLS listing

Impressive newly remodelled 942 sq ft condo with top of the line finishes and wonderful views of marina, mountains and Stanley Park. Steps from the seawall, Urban Fare and Stanley park. Pool, large gym and ample visitor parking in the building. Common areas have recently been remodelled as well. No rental restrictions. Early possession possible. Contact me for information or your private showing at christinelouw@shaw.ca

www.coalharbourcondos.info