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I just sold another property at 6888 YEOVIL PL in Burnaby.
Beautiful PARADISE GARDEN to die for with over 10,301 sf of private backyard. ORGANIC FARMER'S MARKET right in your own backyard. Berries, apples, asparagus, all herbs, u name it. This immac 47 yrs old homes sits on a quiet cul-de-sac in apark-like neighborhood. It features 3,539 sf of living space, 5 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, 2 kitchen, gleaming original hardwood floors, new furnace, double glaze windows, in ground sprinklers, open kitchen, new sundeck ideal for large family gatherings and parties, large double garage & area for RV or boat, professional workshop with 220v, greenhouse. Prime Montecito area - Sperling elementary & Burnaby North catchment. Minutes to SFU, BCIT, Metrotown.
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I just sold another property at 877 SPERLING AVE in Burnaby.
Extremely large Vancouver Special at duplex price. This immaculate 1/2 duplex has over 2,400 sf, 3 1/2 bathrooms, 3 large bedrooms up and 3 bedrooms in law suite down. This is walking distance to Burnaby North High, Westridge Elementary,Kensington Mall, Safeway. Mins to SFU.
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Adding a small, permanently-livable addition or guest house to your property for in-laws is rapidly becoming a more common occurrence for home renovations. Luxury homes in particular are seeing a spike in this trend, especially in western parts of the United States and Canada.

 

These dwellings offer in-laws a permanent place to stay on your property. Home owners who opt for this renovation intend to lessen their parents’ chance of dependence on medical care and get some much-needed bonding with family members during their twilight years. As an added bonus, these additions are also increasing property values and appeal in a big way.

 

Why In-Law Suites Are Becoming Popular

 

An enormous segment of the population has begun to reach retirement age at about the same time. Known in the US as “baby boomers,” this generation was born during the rapid medical and industrial advances following World War II.

 

This aging generation’s children have come into their own in recent years. Largely free from dependent minors or financial instability, they now have the opportunity to provide for their parents as a way to pay them back for the effort spent raising them. Furthermore, the lodging in-laws get to spend more time with the grandkids who still live at home or are returning from college.

 

Most people offering shelter to their parents cite the importance of being close to family members, especially if they are experiencing the onset of health problems. Living closer than “next door” means less dependence on medical assistance as they age, an important factor in maintaining an elderly family member’s health care and quality of life.

 

These values are particularly present in foreign buyers. Some may not even consider a property unless it has an extra house or dedicated area just for in-laws. When they take up residence in Canada, they want to be able to know that their parents can eventually join them.

 

A Real Estate Boon

 

In-law suites have quickly become an important criteria for homes. Realtors on the US west coast claim that properties with multiple dwelling units can fetch a price as much as 60 percent higher than other properties.

 

High-end properties are more likely to be scrutinized for their ability to house several generations. If the owner has not yet added a functional suite or guest house, the buyer may make inquiries on how much such an addition to the property will cost them. They may even pass on the property in favor of another with more potential to house their parents.

 

For all of these reasons, more and more home owners are experiencing a multitude of benefits from in-law suites. Our next post will offer advice on the best ways to add suites that contribute value and functionality to the home.

 

To learn more about ways to add value to your Burnaby Real Estate home in general, you can start by looking at our selling page.

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I have just listed another property at 501 511 ROCHESTER AVE in Coquitlam.
Encore! Built by the executive dev. grp. central location! 5 mins walking distance to Lougheed skytrain station and future Evergreen Line station. This SW facing one bedroom unit features: nearly nearly brand new laminate flooring &painting, open and functional layout, ample maple-cabinetry, granite countertops, s/s appliances, and huge size balcony. The amenities include: bike room, exercise center with steam room. Close to a popular daycare center, Lougheed mall, K-Town, #1 highway & 10 mins drive to SFU. Good rental income!
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I just sold another property at 2603 2088 MADISON AVE in Burnaby.
Completely & elegantly renovated sub-penthouse unit with unobstructed 270-degree city & mountain views. This stylish 1,619 sf property features the largest & most practical floor plan that shouts comfort & urban lifestyle - home boasts 3decks, 3 bdrms, 2 full baths, a 2-sided open fireplace, a separate family room on top of its living & formal dining rooms. current owners spent $70K in 2011 on extensive renos: incl engineered hardwood & premium carpet, a tastefully updated kitchen with quality s/s appliances, fixtures, lighting & backsplash, new washer/dryer, blackout blinds in bdrms, gracefully updated bathrooms & complete repainting of the entire condo. Unit comes with 2 parkings a storage. Building has great amenities.
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I just sold another property at 3128 GRAVELEY ST in Vancouver.
Prime Renfrew area on a wider, nice level 40 x 116 lot. Walking distance to Rupert Pitch & Putt, T&T Supermarket. Central location and within minutes to Burnaby. No 1 highway, BCIT, SFU, Downtown. Some TLC will turn this into nice homewith 2 bedrooms up, 2 bedrooms down, 2 full baths. Lots of sunshine from the south facing backyard. Hold now & build later. Don't miss out this great opportunity to build your larger home with a nice laneway home. Owners have nice building plan.
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People in the market for condominiums have the advantage of easy access to the property’s documents. These records are a treasure trove of information about the building and how its management is generally handled. Here are some of the most important documents to review when considering buying a condo.

 

Declaration

You can think of the condo declaration as a constitution of sorts. Within its pages are all of the rules, by-laws and stipulations for owning the condo, as well as the consequences should you lapse in your duties.

 

Review this document carefully to identify where your responsibilities lay and what you are permitted to do on your property. An attorney can provide you with a more in-depth interpretation should you have any confusion or pressing questions.

 

Master Policy

The condo association is required by law to have an insurance policy for their building. This policy may happen to cover certain aspects of individual units, or it may avoid coverage for any owner’s private property.

 

Review the master policy in order to determine what kind of insurance you will need to cover your property. You can sometimes avoid paying for redundant policies by being cautious in this way. It is important to know if you do not need fire damage insurance because the master policy already has that covered.

 

The Depreciation Report

Often known as a “reserve fund study,” these reports are a requirement of the condo association every three years. When they are performed, an expert consultant will come out to the building and inspect every single component of the common elements, specifically areas of the building used by all residents.

 

The consultant will calculate how long each component will last before it needs to be repaired or replaced. He or she will also outline a proposed financial plan for anticipating these costs well into the future.

 

A depreciation report contains a rich amount of information. If you take the time to read it, you will be able to see what state the building is in and any major costs you may be responsible for. You can also compare the condo association’s budget to the proposed financial plan in order to see how adequately-funded all of these future projects will be.

 

The Minutes from the Last Annual General Meeting

Once a year, the condo association will hold a meeting with all of the owners within the building. Any major problems will be discussed, and any concerns held by owners will be voiced.

 

Reviewing the minutes from the most recent meeting will tell you a great deal about how diplomacy is handled within that building. You will be able to see how disputes are resolved and what the common issues facing the building are.

 

With these documents in hand, you can have more confidence knowing that life in your condo building meets your lifestyle and expectations. To find the perfect condo for you, take a look at our Burnaby real estate listings.

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I just sold another property at 4331 ALBERT ST in Burnaby.
Immeaculately kept 10 yr-old 1/2 duplex sitting in the heart of "The Heights" Community in North Burnaby. This 2-level south facing home features 3 bedrooms & 2.5 baths, updated kitchen, a fenced yard & single parking in the back with laneaccess. Conveniently located within steps to the Heights Shopping District, which offers an electric mix of business & recreation facilities incl restaurants, shops, grocery markets, Safeway, banks, Eileen Daily community centre, pool, & parks. The combo of a very affordable price tag, no monthly strata fee & the convenience of a warm & attractive neighborhood make this 1/2 duplex a wise choice. property is currently leased for $2300/ mo until Dec 2015. Open house Sat. Oct 4th, 2-4pm.
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A luxury home should offer more than just tempting frills; they should also be able to supply timeless benefits and hold value, regardless of trends.

 

When buying a luxury home, try to look past things like infinity Jacuzzi tubs and professional-quality home theaters. These four amenities will never go out of style.

 

Unimpeded Views and Light Travel

 Natural light is vital to the look and feel of your home, as is a clear view of the outdoors. Homes with ample natural light during the daytime have been proven to elevate your mood as well as your resale value.

 

In cities, you should try to have a view of a skyline rather than a single building wall. If you can see some sort of natural landscape such as hills, woods, a river or a park, this feature will be even better. Ideally, sunlight will be streaming in through your windows for the majority of the day.

 

Outside the city, look for a home that is not hidden by trees or landscaping. Too many trees can spell a shady, gloomy interior and extra yard maintenance. Try to find a home that has an excellent viewing distance out into mountains, woods or fields. Remember that natural scenery is not something you can add to houses with a renovation.

 

Windows 

Along with your surroundings, your windows dictate how much light and landscape you see. Windows are responsible for a large percentage of heating and cooling loss in most older homes.

 

Seek out a home that has modern insulated windows with double or triple panes. These will save you money on energy costs, especially if the house has an abundance of windows.

 

High Ceilings

 A home with high ceilings feels more spacious. It communicates a majestic appearance. Your ceiling height should be no less than 2.7 meters. A house with ceilings higher than four meters would benefit from architectural touches such as exposed beams or an inlaid ceiling design.

 

Functional Layout

 Most luxury homes are large; this does not have to mean that they are difficult to navigate. Your home’s floor plan should be practical. Look for spacious main areas and corridors that flow naturally into bedrooms and other more private areas while still keeping them separate.

 

If you are in the market for a luxury Burnaby real estate property with all of these features and more, we would love to help you in your search. Take a look at our buying page to see what we can do for you.

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I have just listed another property at 6888 YEOVIL PL in Burnaby.
Beautiful garden paradise to die for with over 10,301 sf of private backyard. Organic farmers market right in your own backyard. Berries, apples, asparagus, all herbs, etc.. This immaculate 47 yrs old homes sits on a quiet cul-de-sac in apark-like neighborhood. It features 3,539 sf of living space, 5 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, 2 kitchen, gleaming original hardwood floors, new furnace, double glaze windows, in ground sprinklers, open kitchen, new sundeck ideal for large family gatherings and parties, large double garage & area for RV or boat, professional workshop with 220v, greenhouse. Prime Montecito area - Sperling elementary & Burnaby North catchment. Minutes to SFU, BCIT, Metrotown. Open house Saturday, 2-4 pm, November 15th.
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I have just listed another property at 4961 COLLINGWOOD ST in Vancouver.
Leed certified - Leadership in energy and environmental design. This environmentally & responsibly built home uses only the best recycled materials. The 16 solar panels power up not only the entire home but also an in ground hydro spaswimming pool, a 6 person hot tub & central air conditioner. It even does net metering with BC Hydro. Other special features: soft cork floorings, LED lightings, sound barrier channels & insulations between all walls and floors, high end thermador appliances, Sonos surround sound systems throughout the entire home & party deck. Definitely an entertainment home. Laneway home nicely designed & rented at $1,700 per month. Basement can have 2 possible suites where one rented at $1,200.
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I just sold another property at 3002 4333 CENTRAL BLVD in Burnaby.
"Presida" quality built by BOSA, located at heart of Metrotown. This unit has a SE facing with stunning view of Metrotown, park, river, island and Mt. Baker. It features granite counters, s/s appliances w/gas stove, laminate flooring withfunctional layout. The amenities include; library room, gym and hot tub. Only few steps to Metrotown, library, Crystal Mall, Central Park and Patterson skytrain station. Open House; Sunday July 20th, 2-4 pm.
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I just sold another property at 302 1802 DUTHIE AVE in Burnaby.
Extremely quiet & secured building for age 55 plus owners with no rentals allowed making this an ideal retirement condo. This spacious 2 bedroom unit features lots of sunlight, NW facing balcony with mountain view, insuite laundry,a full bathroom, 1 underground parking. All doorways and hallways are wider for easy access and wheelchair friendly. Transit at your doorstep with lots of visitor parking, IGA, Burnaby Mountain Golf Course, Kensington Mall, Safeway, medical clinics & restaurants nearby.
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I just sold another property at 1503 9888 CAMERON ST in Burnaby.
Silhouette - Lougheed Town Centre Mall right at your door step. Skytrain, London drugs, Safeway, Wal-mart, the Bay. Everything is there. This 1 bedroom & den condo has a Southwest unobstructed view. It features an open floor plan withgranite counters, stainless steel appliances, Cheater ensuite, large patio, parking & 1 storage, large exercise centre, conference and party room. Pets and rentals allowed. Currently tenanted at $1,150 per month. Pls allow 24 hours notice for showings.
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I just sold another property at 7280 INLET DR in Burnaby.
Beautiful 61 x 120 building lot overlooking Burrard Inlet and Barnet Highway. You can hold now and build later. Nice area with lots of custom homes in the area. This 2 level home features 3 bedrooms up and 3 bedrooms suite down. At thishandyman bargain price and with some TLC and renovation ideas, you can simply move in. This is located near SFU, Burnaby North High and only minutes to Port Moody.
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I just sold another property at 7127 UNION ST in Burnaby.

Designed by renown Interior Designer. This Modern-Open concept home is totally custom built with only the Best of the Best materials. It features SUBZERO fridge, WOLFE Professional Series gas range, a gourmet kitchen to die for,Hansgrohe bathroom fixtures, central air conditioning, brushed finished hardwood floorings, Italian marble tiles, built in vacuum with sweep outlets, private backyard and huge patio. This 3 year old home has 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, double attached garage, auto electric front gate, this is the ideal home to entertain and impress your family and friends. It is walking distance to Burnaby North High & Westridge Elementary Schools, Kensington Mall and minutes to SFU.

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luxury home


A luxury home is an investment as much as it a necessity. One should always exercise due diligence before springing into a sale, no matter tempting a property may seem. Here are four things everyone should consider having done before they make a serious bid on a luxury property.

 

Get a Comprehensive Estate Inspection

 

Large estates have many complex components. A simple home inspection would be unable to evaluate them all properly. Find an expert who is qualified to inspect elements like:

 

  • Lawn irrigation and sprinkler systems
  • Heated floors or driveways
  • Complicated security or surveillance systems
  • Exterior landscape lighting

 

A thorough inspection will include the current state of each major component. It should give you a rough estimate for anything that will need to be repaired or replaced in the next ten or so years.

 

Get a Personal Appraisal

 

Chances are, any lender you wish to use will request their own appraisal. While these can be handy for determining your mortgage interest and lending amount, they may not have all the information you need as an investor.

 

Consider hiring your own separate appraiser who can calculate your new home’s value in the long run. They should be able to use historical data of surrounding areas and other similar properties. 

 

With this information, you will have a clearer picture of how your home will appreciate over the years. An appraiser may even be able to advise you of scenarios that will increase the value of the property.

 

Consult Your Financial Advisor

 

Buying a home is a serious commitment. Many people think through the decision diligently on their own, but do not bring their financial planner in on the prospect until late in the game.

 

Ask your financial advisor what type of contribution you are able to set aside for your home’s down payment and mortgage. They will be able to offer their expertise on the best type of housing purchase for your equity and overall net worth. A good financial advisor will help you steer clear of any rash purchases that may benefit your comfort, but not necessarily your bottom line.

 

 

Have the Title Looked at Closely

 

Large or valuable properties have a lot more considerations when it comes to ownership. There are unexpected aspects such as mineral rights, encroachments and possible easements relating to the property. Have a lawyer familiar with real estate law examine the document to spot any potential areas of trouble.

 

Additionally, if your lender does not already require you to purchase title insurance, do so before closing. Title insurance will protect you from unintended consequences in a title’s wording or from any unknown liens the property may have.

 

For more advice on buying luxury Burnaby real estate homes, our team of experienced agents will be more than happy to serve you. Take a look at our buying page to find out more about how we can help you.

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