Real eState

Hard work pays off: This young homeowner's on his second real-estate deal in 14 months – Vancouver Sun

Published

4 years ago

February 13, 2021

At 28, Stuart Barkley has already acquired his second piece of real estate in Metro Vancouver. He bought his first home in New Westminster, and his second is at Amacon’s Alaska project set to rise in Burnaby’s Brentwood Town Centre.

Author of the article:

Michael Bernard

Publishing date:

Feb 13, 2021 • 1 hour ago • 4 minute read

Stuart Barkley and his girlfriend Maria Christina Fernandes. At 28, Barkley has already acquired his second piece of real estate. Photo by Handout /PNG

Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through our links on this page.

Stuart Barkley has just gone through his second real-estate deal in 14 months. Which is nothing unusual in Metro Vancouver – and no big deal in a town where people eat, sleep and breathe real estate 24/7.

What makes Stuart different is that he’s just 28 years old and is already well on his way to building his dream of financial independence.

“I’ve always been a saver, so after university, I’ve tried to set aside money slowly but surely,” Barkley said in a recent interview. “(I have) lived minimally and frugally for as long as I can remember. My mantra for years was, ‘Do I need that or do I just want it?’”

The Alaska development will comprise a total of 164 one, two and three-bedroom homes, including garden homes and lofts in a 22-storey concrete highrise tower. Photo by Handout /PNG

It’s a philosophy that has served him well. His latest purchase is a two-bedroom condo on the 13th floor of Alaska, Amacon’s 22-storey concrete tower just south of Brentwood Town Centre. It is a spacious 915 square feet and has a wrap-around balcony with an unobstructed view towards Metrotown.

Barkley’s first property purchase was a 519-square-foot, one-bedroom condo in a 14-storey tower off New Westminster’s Columbia Street. He put down 15 per cent on the unit, which listed at $415,000.

Story continues below

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

What has really helped him acquire a home at Alaska is his new job at a well-known appliance dealership. “My pay doubled, but I lived the same as I did before,” said Barkley.

He admits that pulling off this second deal, which cost twice as much as the first one, could be more demanding. “Financing for Alaska will be tricky, quite frankly, as my pay varies from year to year,” he said. “So this means I have to work hard for the next couple of years!”

Amacon, like many established developers, has found the last 18 months a challenge, especially in trying to predict who is going to be buying this year. “Last year, it became a guessing game,” says Grace Sartori-Austin, the company’s director of sales and marketing. “Were people preparing to hunker down? Was this the time to invest?”

Jill and Kendra Bauer designed the homes at Alaska with ‘a modern boutique, New York-type vibe’. Photo by Handout /PNG

The company had initially intended to put Alaska on the market in spring 2020 but then hit the pause button on it, she said. “We took another look at the market through the summer and the early fall. We couldn’t trend it, though. There were very few projects that were going to be launched during the pandemic.”

In the end, the company decided, “What the heck, let’s go for it.”

That has turned out to be the right decision. As of this month, the company has sold 50 per cent of the project’s 164 homes and now plans to start construction this spring with a completion date in 2023, said Sartori-Austin.

About 50 per cent of Alaska homes are one-bedroom units and the rest of the homes include a variety of plans and sizes: a one-bedroom and den model, six loft-style homes, two- and three-bedroom residences, as well as penthouse units on the 22nd floor.

Story continues below

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Interior designers Jill and Kendra Bauer said they designed the interiors for a busy lifestyle and a wide demographic “taking a modern boutique, New York-type vibe.”

“Our idea of the ‘New York vibe’ is mixing materials, (like) old and new, raw and polished, metals and woods. It’s about not being afraid to combine materials to achieve a layered space that exudes warmth, all while maintaining a tasteful colour palette,” said Kendra.

Kitchen appliances will include a Fulgor Milano gas cooktop, an electric wall oven, a slide-out hood by Faber, an integrated refrigerator by Fisher & Paykel and an integrated dishwasher by Blomberg. Photo by Handout /PNG

“Layering materials and playing with textures creates an edgy yet inviting atmosphere. The lobby boasts high ceilings and windows, a wood-louvred partition behind the concierge desk, black metal and bronze accents throughout and a modern open concept mail area. Hotel-lobby-inspired lounge areas invite you into a space where you are proud to host guests, whether in the various amenities or your suite.

“We took a similar approach for the suites — mixing natural elements. The suites feature woodgrain accents throughout, honed concrete-style quartz counters and marble-inspired porcelain tiles in the baths, brushed nickel plumbing, custom veined quartz counter in the kitchens and warm, wood laminate flooring. We incorporated popular and convenient open-wood shelves in the kitchen and baths.”

Amacon has chosen Italian appliance manufacturer Fulgor Milano to supply the gas cooktop and electric wall oven and Faber for a slide-out hood within the suites. The integrated refrigerator by Fisher & Paykel and the integrated dishwasher by Blomberg. A full-size stackable washer and dryer are made by Whirlpool.

Story continues below

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Bathrooms have deep soaker tubs, frameless glass showers in ensuites and a mirrored medicine cabinet with LED accent lighting.

Common interior amenities include a guest suite, social lounge with kitchen, a children’s playroom, a games room, and work-share spaces with free wi-fi and whiteboards.

Outside there’s the Central Green with over 8,000 square feet providing a fireplace and lounge area, outdoor kitchen and gas barbecue, as well as a children’s play area and community garden space.

Alaska

Project Address: 4433 Alaska St., Burnaby

Project Scope: A total of 164 one, two and three-bedroom homes, including garden homes and lofts in a 22-storey concrete highrise tower. Common amenities include The Central Green, a more than 8,000 sq. ft. outdoor area, including an outdoor fireplace, lounge, kitchen and children’s play area. Ten minutes walking distance from Brentwood Town Centre Skytrain station, Brentwood shopping centre, and parks.

Prices: From $489,900 for homes ranging from 508 sq. ft. to 1,547 sq. ft.

Developer: Amacon

Architect: DYS Architecture

Interior Design: Jill Bauer Design

Sales centre: 4455 Alaska St., Burnaby

Sales centre hours: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday through Thursday (closed Friday). Book an appointment on-line prior to arrival.

Sales phone (or text): 604.299.9191

Website:Alaskaliving.ca

Occupancy: Spring 2023

Let’s block ads! (Why?)

Source link

Real eState

Two Quebec real estate brokers suspended for using fake bids to drive up prices

Published

4 days ago

September 11, 2024

Anne Joseph

MONTREAL – Two Quebec real estate brokers are facing fines and years-long suspensions for submitting bogus offers on homes to drive up prices during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Christine Girouard has been suspended for 14 years and her business partner, Jonathan Dauphinais-Fortin, has been suspended for nine years after Quebec’s authority of real estate brokerage found they used fake bids to get buyers to raise their offers.

Girouard is a well-known broker who previously starred on a Quebec reality show that follows top real estate agents in the province.

She is facing a fine of $50,000, while Dauphinais-Fortin has been fined $10,000.

The two brokers were suspended in May 2023 after La Presse published an article about their practices.

One buyer ended up paying $40,000 more than his initial offer in 2022 after Girouard and Dauphinais-Fortin concocted a second bid on the house he wanted to buy.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 11, 2024.

Source link

Real eState

Montreal home sales, prices rise in August: real estate board

Published

1 week ago

September 6, 2024

Anne Joseph

MONTREAL – The Quebec Professional Association of Real Estate Brokers says Montreal-area home sales rose 9.3 per cent in August compared with the same month last year, with levels slightly higher than the historical average for this time of year.

The association says home sales in the region totalled 2,991 for the month, up from 2,737 in August 2023.

The median price for all housing types was up year-over-year, led by a six per cent increase for the price of a plex at $763,000 last month.

The median price for a single-family home rose 5.2 per cent to $590,000 and the median price for a condominium rose 4.4 per cent to $407,100.

QPAREB market analysis director Charles Brant says the strength of the Montreal resale market contrasts with declines in many other Canadian cities struggling with higher levels of household debt, lower savings and diminishing purchasing power.

Active listings for August jumped 18 per cent compared with a year earlier to 17,200, while new listings rose 1.7 per cent to 4,840.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 6, 2024.

Source link

Real eState

Canada’s Best Cities for Renters in 2024: A Comprehensive Analysis

Published

2 months ago

July 24, 2024

Harry Miller

In the quest to find cities where renters can enjoy the best of all worlds, a recent study analyzed 24 metrics across three key categories—Housing & Economy, Quality of Life, and Community. The study ranked the 100 largest cities in Canada to determine which ones offer the most to their renters.

Here are the top 10 cities that emerged as the best for renters in 2024:

St. John’s, NL

St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, stand out as the top city for renters in Canada for 2024. Known for its vibrant cultural scene, stunning natural beauty, and welcoming community, St. John’s offers an exceptional quality of life. The city boasts affordable housing, a robust economy, and low unemployment rates, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced and enriching living experience. Its rich history, picturesque harbour, and dynamic arts scene further enhance its appeal, ensuring that renters can enjoy both comfort and excitement in this charming coastal city.

Sherbrooke, QC

Sherbrooke, Quebec, emerges as a leading city for renters in Canada for 2024, offering a blend of affordability and quality of life. Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Townships, Sherbrooke is known for its picturesque landscapes, vibrant cultural scene, and strong community spirit. The city provides affordable rental options, low living costs, and a thriving local economy, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both comfort and economic stability. With its rich history, numerous parks, and dynamic arts and education sectors, Sherbrooke presents an inviting environment for renters looking for a well-rounded lifestyle.

Québec City, QC

Québec City, the capital of Quebec, stands out as a premier destination for renters in Canada for 2024. Known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural heritage, this city offers an exceptional quality of life. Renters benefit from affordable housing, excellent public services, and a robust economy. The city’s charming streets, historic sites, and diverse culinary scene provide a unique living experience. With top-notch education institutions, numerous parks, and a strong sense of community, Québec City is an ideal choice for those seeking a dynamic and fulfilling lifestyle.

Trois-Rivières, QC

Trois-Rivières, nestled between Montreal and Quebec City, emerges as a top choice for renters in Canada. This historic city, known for its picturesque riverside views and rich cultural scene, offers an appealing blend of affordability and quality of life. Renters in Trois-Rivières enjoy reasonable housing costs, a low unemployment rate, and a vibrant community atmosphere. The city’s well-preserved historic sites, bustling arts community, and excellent educational institutions make it an attractive destination for those seeking a balanced and enriching lifestyle.

Saguenay, QC

Saguenay, located in the stunning Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec, is a prime destination for renters seeking affordable living amidst breathtaking natural beauty. Known for its picturesque fjords and vibrant cultural scene, Saguenay offers residents a high quality of life with lower housing costs compared to major urban centers. The city boasts a strong sense of community, excellent recreational opportunities, and a growing economy. For those looking to combine affordability with a rich cultural and natural environment, Saguenay stands out as an ideal choice.

Granby, QC

Granby, nestled in the heart of Quebec’s Eastern Townships, offers renters a delightful blend of small-town charm and ample opportunities. Known for its beautiful parks, vibrant cultural scene, and family-friendly environment, Granby provides an exceptional quality of life. The city’s affordable housing market and strong sense of community make it an attractive option for those seeking a peaceful yet dynamic place to live. With its renowned zoo, bustling downtown, and numerous outdoor activities, Granby is a hidden gem that caters to a diverse range of lifestyles.

Fredericton, NB

Fredericton, the capital city of New Brunswick, offers renters a harmonious blend of historical charm and modern amenities. Known for its vibrant arts scene, beautiful riverfront, and welcoming community, Fredericton provides an excellent quality of life. The city boasts affordable housing options, scenic parks, and a strong educational presence with institutions like the University of New Brunswick. Its rich cultural heritage, coupled with a thriving local economy, makes Fredericton an attractive destination for those seeking a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.

Saint John, NB

Saint John, New Brunswick’s largest city, is a coastal gem known for its stunning waterfront and rich heritage. Nestled on the Bay of Fundy, it offers renters an affordable cost of living with a unique blend of historic architecture and modern conveniences. The city’s vibrant uptown area is bustling with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, while its scenic parks and outdoor spaces provide ample opportunities for recreation. Saint John’s strong sense of community and economic growth make it an inviting place for those looking to enjoy both urban and natural beauty.

Saint-Hyacinthe, QC

Saint-Hyacinthe, located in the Montérégie region of Quebec, is a vibrant city known for its strong agricultural roots and innovative spirit. Often referred to as the “Agricultural Technopolis,” it is home to numerous research centers and educational institutions. Renters in Saint-Hyacinthe benefit from a high quality of life with access to excellent local amenities, including parks, cultural events, and a thriving local food scene. The city’s affordable housing and close-knit community atmosphere make it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced and enriching lifestyle.

Lévis, QC

Lévis, located on the southern shore of the St. Lawrence River across from Quebec City, offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern conveniences. Known for its picturesque views and well-preserved heritage sites, Lévis is a city where history meets contemporary living. Residents enjoy a high quality of life with excellent public services, green spaces, and cultural activities. The city’s affordable housing options and strong sense of community make it a desirable place for renters looking for both tranquility and easy access to urban amenities.

This category looked at factors such as average rent, housing costs, rental availability, and unemployment rates. Québec stood out with 10 cities ranking at the top, demonstrating strong economic stability and affordable housing options, which are critical for renters looking for cost-effective living conditions.

Québec again led the pack in this category, with five cities in the top 10. Ontario followed closely with three cities. British Columbia excelled in walkability, with four cities achieving the highest walk scores, while Caledon topped the list for its extensive green spaces. These factors contribute significantly to the overall quality of life, making these cities attractive for renters.

Victoria, BC, emerged as the leader in this category due to its rich array of restaurants, museums, and educational institutions, offering a vibrant community life. St. John’s, NL, and Vancouver, BC, also ranked highly. Québec City, QC, and Lévis, QC, scored the highest in life satisfaction, reflecting a strong sense of community and well-being. Additionally, Saskatoon, SK, and Oshawa, ON, were noted for having residents with lower stress levels.

For a comprehensive view of the rankings and detailed interactive visuals, you can visit the full study by Point2Homes.

While no city can provide a perfect living experience for every renter, the cities highlighted in this study come remarkably close by excelling in key areas such as housing affordability, quality of life, and community engagement. These findings offer valuable insights for renters seeking the best places to live in Canada in 2024.