Yaletown Condos & Real Estate

Although this isn’t happening right in Yaletown, I decided it’s exciting enough to be worth a mention on this site. Rock 101 is giving one lucky listener the opportunity to ‘win’ a brand new condo in Amacon’s latest project, District (located at Main and 7th). According to the Rock 101 website, here is how you play:

“Tell us exactly when you want to hear your name. Then listen. If we call your name, you have 10 minutes and 10 seconds to call 04-315-ROCK. Listen for your name. Make the call. Take the key. It’s that easy.

OR – You can visit Suite 101 at the Amacon District Presentation Centre at 299 East 7th Ave in Vancouver and put your name in the Amacon draw barrel. Every Friday at 8:15, Bro Jake will call out a name from the barrel and if that person hears their name and makes the call, they too earn a key.”

A winner will be announced early November 2009.

According to South Main District’s website, “both District buildings have been designed to fit right in. Similar to the community itself, the project has art spaces, sustainable features, green outdoor spots for friendly chats, and all sorts of other stuff we think you’ll like. Located close enough to the area’s cultural scene so you can feel it, but not so close that you can hear it, this is a prime spot. There will be two brand new buildings and a fully restored heritage building. After all, mixing the old with the new is what we’re all about. Downstairs, we’ve got your indoor times covered. We’ll be installing the most kitted-out media room you could imagine. With surround sound, a big flat screen, comfy seats and a wet bar. Yes, you read that right. Wet bar. If fitness is your thing, the building also has a full workout room. That means an actual gym including cardio machines and free weights, not just some creaky pulley-operated contraption from the eighties. What do you normally see on the tops of buildings? People you don’t know, in a penthouse you can’t afford — that’s what. We didn’t much like the sound of that, so instead, we’re building two rooftop patios for everyone. They’ve got big barbecues, lots of lounging spots, a shared vegetable garden, and even a couple of fireplaces. Don’t like heights? Then check out the courtyard between the residences and heritage building. Take a seat on a bench, and have a deep thought or two.Maybe you’ll think. “Hey, who does all this gardening? It’s really nice.” The answer is, “Not you, so don’t worry about it… ever.”

For more information on this exciting project, give me a call at 604-763-7785 or email karidenreyer@gmail.com

The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) released its Forecast Update for the third quarter of 2009.

BC Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) residential sales are forecast to climb 15 per cent from 68,923 units in 2008 to 79,400 units this year, just below the ten-year average of 82,800 units. Residential sales in 2010 are forecast to rise an additional six per cent to 84,200 units. For comparison, a record 106,310 units were sold in 2005.

“After 12 months of significant volatility in BC’s housing markets, greater stability is expected through 2010,” said Cameron Muir, BCREA Chief Economist. “Robust housing demand is a strong signal that the economy is coming out of the recession, with a recovery in the broader economy expected to develop over the next three quarters.

“Home sales have doubled since January, with prices edging higher in Metro Vancouver and Victoria in recent months,” said Muir. The average annual MLS® residential price in the province is forecast to reach $451,200 in this year, down one per cent from a record $454,599 in 2008.

“Market conditions vary depending on the region of the province,” added Muir. “While the Metro Vancouver and Victoria markets have rebounded sharply, interior markets are demonstrating a more gradual trend toward balance between supply and demand.”

BC housing starts are forecast to increase 25 per cent to 18,500 units next year after a dismal 2009. Housing starts are forecast to decline 57 per cent to 14,800 units this year, the lowest level of activity since 2000.

For more information on market conditions, please feel free to contact me:

Kari Denreyer, Remax Crest Realty (Westside) 604-763-7785 or karidenreyer@remax.net

The long awaited Canada line stretching from Downtown Vancouver to The Vancouver International Airport is now complete and in action. Thousands of people have tried out the line since it opened on August 17th, and although some have complained of overcrowding, public opinion has been generally positive.

The Canada line has been under construction since 2005 at YVR, along Cambie Street, and in Downtown Vancouver. Many businesses blame the road closures for reducing traffic to their business, and a few were forced to move. Now that the construction is complete, shops are hopeful that the mass transit system will bring in more shoppers from outlying communities that now have the convenience of one line to reach downtown.

Many people believe the line was built solely to accomodate guests who will be flocking to Vancouver during the 2010 Olympic games, but the project has actually been in the works since the early 1990’s. There is no doubt the system will be an invaluable tool for transporting large number to and from the airport, and will hopefully make it easier to access the city. With the success of the first week, it looks like people are taking full advantage.

The Yaletown Canada Line station can be found at Davie Street and Mainland Street (as seen in the photo while still under construction). Enjoy the ride!