Naomi Morrison Real Estate : Latest Blog Posts

New property listed in Grandview VE, Vancouver East

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 10:02:49 GMT

I have listed a new property at 102 1429 WILLIAM ST in Vancouver.

Live with confidence in this completely renovated building. This corner ground floor unit is a truly unique find as it includes a 574 square foot fenced yard with garden -- enough space for your very own vegetable patch!Tastefully renovated throughout, this 712 square foot one bedroom is bright and spacious. Recent changes allow owners to have families of up to three dogs of any size. Strata Plan shows 1287sq.ft. including patio, measurements by SeeVirtual. Please join us for a sneak peek this Thursday (Feb.23) from 6-7 PM, and at the open houses this Saturday (Feb.25) and Sunday (Feb.26) from 1-3 PM.

Open House. Open House on Thursday, February 23, 2012 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 10:02:49 GMT

Please visit our Open House at 102 1429 WILLIAM ST in Vancouver.

See details here

Open House on Thursday, February 23, 2012 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

The Year Of The Dragon

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 04:30:00 GMT

Will the luckiest year in the Chinese Zodiac spring on a vibrant year in real estate?

We think so! We are still blessed with some of the lowest interest rates in the world, and a market that continues to boom. Some talk of a 'bubble' but we feel that the only bubble we'll have to talk about in future years is the bubble that now occupies the Vancouver city line. The jury's still out if this newest bubble is better than that old white pin-cushion over BC Place.

Vancouver is blessed with so many cultures, Chinese being one of the largest influences, especially in our real estate market. And who wouldn't want to buy property in a year that is considered to be the luckiest for the next 12 years?

How will it affect our real estate market?

As a buyer, there will be some serious compitition. Solution: have all your ducks in order and be prepared. In order to have the most accurate information and efficiant guidence, using a Realtor is your best bet. We at Mt. Pleasant lofts have an extensive Buyer's program that will ensure you are armed with the best information and talented negotiators to go to bat for you.

As a seller, you have to be marketing in the right areas. Macdonald Realty has just launched a program raising our brand profile to the Chinese community through exclusive representation in the Global Chinese Press Home and Real Estate edition. Naomi and James are real estate marketers that utilize every tool available to highlight and position your property where it needs to be.

Expect BIG things in the new lunar year. Gung Hei Fat Choi!

New Strata Property Regulations

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 04:31:00 GMT

New regulations under the Strata Property Act that improve accountability in strata corporations have been introduced.

The Office of Housing and Construction Standards has advised that the new Strata Property Act regulations for depreciation reports and Form B (the Information Certificate) have been made and that certain previously passed amendments to the Act have been brought into force.

The New regulation is available here. Additional information is available at the Strata property Website here; updated strata property guides are expected later this month.

These amendments were made with extensive consultation with the strata community, including strata associations, strata lot owners, professionals, legal experts and the public.

Depreciation Reports Highlights:

Lake other provinces, depreciation reports are now mandatory unless a strata corporation exempts themselves by an annual 3/4 vote. Strata corporations will have by December 13, 2013 to obtain a depreciation report or hold a 3/4 vote to exempt. Strata corporations with less than five units are not required to prepare depreciation reports or hold a 3/4 vote to exempt themselves.
Given the wide range of strata properties, strata corporations will have the flexibility to select the person or team best suited to analyze their particular property. The regulations require that the depreciation report provide the person's name, qualifications, whether they have errors and omissions insurance and their relationship to the strata corporation
Deprecation reports will include an onsite visual inspection and are to be updated every three years. Corporations will have 18 months from the time a 3/4 vote expires to get a depreciation report.
Strata corporations are not required to fund contingency reserve funds (CRF) above the minimum previously required (25% of the operating budget). However, strata owners may now make any additional contributions to the CRF by simply majority vote. (Previously, an annual 3/4 vote was required to make contributions to the CRF about 100% of the operating budget.)
The legislations and regulations are only one component of depreciation reports. Education and best practices will also provide information on: selecting a qualified person or team; formatting and presenting a report; securing materials electronically to facilitate regular updating; and best practices in maintaining, repairing and funding common property and limited common property.

Form B Overview:

The Form B has been revised to improve disclosure:

By January 1, 2014, strata corporations will be required to provide additional information to prospective purchasers on parking and storage allocated to the strata lot.
As well, by March 1, 2012, strata corporations must attach: copies of the strata corporations rules; the current budget; the owner developer's Rental Disclosure Statement, if any; and the most recent depreciation report, if any. WIth the exception of these requirements are new.

If they choose to do so, strata corporations m;ay use the revised Information Certificate sooner than the required dates.

Information provided by the Real Estate Council of British Columbia's Report from Council Volume 47, No.4

Home Energy Loan Programs

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:19:00 GMT

Home energy upgrades made easy

The Greenest City 2020 Home Energy Loan Program offers you, the Vancouver homeowner, a solution to make select energy efficiency upgrades (304 kb) to your home.

Save money and the planet

Created in co-operation with Vancity and with the support of FortisBC, BC Hydro and Natural Resources Canada, the pilot Home Energy Loan Program offers you access to affordable financing and end-to-end support to make select energy efficiency upgrades to your home. In return, you can expect to save money on your energy bills and enjoy improved home comfort while reducing your home's environmental footprint.

Learn more

FREE INFORMATION SEMINARS:

January 23rd 7PM at Sunset Community Centre
January 24th 7PM at Kerrisdale Community Centre
February 6th 7PM at Kitsilano Community Centre

Register for an upcoming information session

Reduce Vancouver's greenhouse gases

Buildings in Vancouver, including homes, contribute an estimated 55 per cent of Vancouver's overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (gases that trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to climate change). The City of Vancouver has a goal of reducing citywide GHG emissions by one third by 2020. Making energy efficiency upgrades to Vancouver's single-family homes and duplexes alone could save approximately 90,000 tonnes of GHGs by 2020. That would be like permanently removing 2,000 cars from Vancouver's roads. Homeowners like you can help Vancouver reach its goal of becoming the world's greenest city by 2020by making your home more energy efficient.

Affordable financing and peace of mind

Loans ranging from $4,000 to $16,000 are available to finance select* home energy efficiency upgrades. (304 kb) During the 12-month pilot, unsecured loans, administered by Vancity will be offered at a low fixed interest rate over a 10-year amortization period. This allows you to make affordable, predictable loan payments over the life of the loan.

Loans approved by April 13, 2012, qualify for a fixed interest rate of 4.5%. Loans approved thereafter may be at a different interest rate.

Learn more aboutVancity's loans

End-to-end support

The Home Energy Loan Program simplifies the process of making select home energy efficiency upgrades. It connects you to experts, financing and rebates to help you upgrade your home. Guidance and support is available every step of the way.

Qualified upgrades include:

Insulation
High-efficiency furnaces and hot water tanks
Air-to-air heat pumps
Weatherization (air sealing)

View the complete list of qualified upgrades(304 kb)

Information taken from the City of Vancouver Website. For more information visit http://vancouver.ca/greenestcity/energyloan/

I have sold a property at 201 1032 Nicola ST in Vancouver

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:09:24 GMT

I have sold a property at 201 1032 Nicola ST in Vancouver.

See details here

Unique one bedroom and den in a boutique seven unit rainscreened building. This corner unit offers a quiet, urban oasis. The large den could easily be used as a second bedroom. The master bedroom easily accommodates a king size bed. This open plan home has been recently updated with a new kitchen, stainless steal appliances, pot lighting, hardwood floors, crown molding, wood burning fireplace, in-suite laundry and Hunter Douglas window coverings. Pride of ownership shows in this extensively remodeled condo. Lovely treed outlook in a great location; just a few blocks from shops, grocery stores and restaurants along Denman, Robson and Davie. Roof replaced in 2009, and a very pro-active strata in this solid owner-occupied building.

I have sold a property at 7447 118A ST in Delta

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:09:24 GMT

I have sold a property at 7447 118A ST in Delta.

See details here

Tastefully and meticulously updated, this newly landscaped home has been renovated from top to bottom with love. Updates include a new carport and drain tiles, new bathrooms, newer kitchen, and original hardwood floors throughout theupstairs. Close to shopping, restaurants, school and buses, this home is situated on a duplex lot in a no-through road area that is quiet and family oriented. Walk around this beautiful and bright home to appreciate how you could create memories here!

Multiple offers are still prevalent in the East Van market!

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 10:08:00 GMT

#201 - 1617 Grant Street, Vancouver

SOLD OVER ASKING!

Asking Price $399,000 SOLD $406,500

See details here

Stunning 845 square foot, bright south facing two bedroom, two bathroom unit with fabulous open layout. Extra large living/dining area make this home feel much larger than it is. This gorgeous, open kitchen offers new stainless steel appliances, and a gas cook top. Warm yourself by the gas fireplace, or enjoy a glass of wine while sitting on your south facing balcony with a beautiful treed outlook. This sought after location is quiet, yet only steps from the trendy Commercial Drive. This unit comes with two parking and a separate storage locker. Great building, pets and rentals allowed.

In Your Community

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 18:28:12 GMT

There's been some controversy surrounding the Rize Mount Pleasant development at Kingsway and East 10th, but what's the reality about how this development will impact the community?

Join us for an information session hosted by Naomi and James of Mt. Pleasant Lofts and Rize Mount Pleasant, a voluntary community outreach centre designed to communicate plans and gather public input on their proposed project.

Coffee and light snacks will be provided.

Date: Saturday, November 5th, 2011
Time: 11:00AM - Noon
Location: 196 Kingsway (at East 10th)
RSVP: MtPleasantLofts@gmail.com

New property listed in Scottsdale, N. Delta

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 09:08:00 GMT

See details here

September 1st, 2011

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 19:12:40 GMT

September 2011 Market Update

With the problems in the US and Europe and the resulting economic turmoil, it is hard not to think of how these factors influence our housing market. And while it's true that consumer confidence plays a big role in the overall health of housing, it's important to remember that Canada continues to look like an economic oasis in a desert of bad financial news.

Click here to read more.

SOLD: #206 2828 Main Street

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 09:11:00 GMT

SOLD OVER ASKING! DoMain: #206 2828 Main Sreet in Vancouver.

See details here

DoMAIN. This ULTRA COOL TOWNHOUSE w/ PRIVATE FRONT DOOR & WALK-UP ENTRANCE on the QUIET SIDE OF THE COMPLEX offers a LOFT-STYLE 1-bedroom + den/office w/ European style & ambience, sought after open floorplan, over-height ceilings, extra tall windows, modular cork flooring, creative designer styling, top of the line SS appliances, imported Italian faucets, stone countertops, sexy lighting, gorgeous spa-inspired bathroom featuring mosaic porcelain shower-surround & tile countertop. Posh surroundings in a very cool neighbourhood, w/shopping & transit @ your fingertips. 1 secure parking, 2 HUGE storage lockers, balance of 2-5-10 Warranty, 2 dogs or 2 cats & rentals allowed. It doesn't get much better than this!

SOLD

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 09:11:00 GMT

SOLD! 3983 Perry Street in Vancouver's Popular Cedar Cottage Area

See details here

The best of two worlds! The upper floor of this gem offers a stunning heritage house with a beautiful attic ready for expansion, while the bottom half of the house offers a brand new, three bedroom suite. With extensive renovations from the foundation up, everything has been done under permit with the City of Vancouver. With an RT-10 zoning, have peace of mind with the legal suite as a mortgage helper. Located in one of the hottest areas in East Van, this Cedar Cottage beauty is close to everything, including fantastic schools and great shopping!

SOLD: 2629 PRINCE EDWARD ST in Vancouver

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 09:15:00 GMT

I have sold a property at 2629 PRINCE EDWARD ST in Vancouver.

See details here

Unique and desirable SOMA LOFT TOWNHOME. This 2 bedroom, 3 bathroom modern concrete concept offers a stunning kitchen, opening up to a large living room and dining area with a unique cork wall feature. In the heart of Mount Pleasant andjust steps to trendy Main Street, this building has an outstanding reputation. Features include 12 ft ceilings, ample storage, rooftop common deck with stunning city and mountain views. This pet friendly building has the remainder of the 2-5-10 warranty.

June 2011 REBGV Real Estate Stats

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 21:14:03 GMT

Click here to download the entire Real Estate Board fo Greater Vancouver's June 2100 Statistics Package.

2629 Prince Edward Street

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 04:45:58 GMT

2629 Prince Edward Street

Asking $697,000

In the heart of Mount Pleasant and just steps to trendy Main Street, this building has an outstanding reputation. Features include 12 ft ceilings,solid concrete build, ample storage, rooftop common deck with stunning city and mountain views. This pet friendly building has the remainder of the 2-5-10 warranty.

More pictures and information here. To book your private showing call 604.781.0207 or email naomi@macrealty.com.

OnQue

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 04:28:00 GMT

Today I attended a Realtor event at this fabulous new development OnQue at Quebec and Ontario. I was thoroughly impressed not only with the sales team and the delicious treats they provided but also with the prices, floor plans and views this has building to offer.

From the OnQue promo pack:

'Located in Mount Pleasant, Vancouver's hippest and hottest area, OnQue offers one and two bedroom condos at a very attractive price. Gair Williamson Architects, working in collaboration with Francois Marchand of Anderman Marchand Architects have used brick, stone and wood to develop a conscious connection to Mount Pleasant's historic past.

Another part of the team, Mango Design Company, a LEED® accredited interior designer and building technologist offers an organic philosophy translated into timeless modernism based on the principles of simplicity, purity and balance.

Finishes include walnut flooring throughout, matted white wall tiles and jasper glazed hexagon mosiac floor tiles, intergrated bathroom sink-countertops, dual flush toilets, chrome faucets, TriStone kitchen countertop in alabaster or ebony and stainless steel appliances.'

For more information call 604.781.0207 or email me at naomi@macrealty.com. Or feel free to visit Sean and James at the OnQue display suite located at 2511 Quebec Street.

SOLD! 1105 East 16th AVE in Vancouver

Wed, 18 May 2011 09:22:00 GMT

1105 East 16th Avenue SOLD!

Half duplex on a 50 x 122 foot lot. Four bedrooms, four bathrooms in a spacious and updated 1,898 square foot home. Listed at $748,800 and sold after competing with 5 other offers for $830,000!

See details here

I have sold a property at 203 221 Union ST in Vancouver

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 09:30:00 GMT

SOLD! #203 221 Union Street in the popular V6A building, Vancouver.

See details here

New property listed in Mount Pleasant VE, Vancouver East

Sun, 24 Apr 2011 09:31:00 GMT

NEW LISTING! 2629 PRINCE EDWARD STREET, MOUNT PLEASANT

See details here, or click on the address for the MLS Feature Sheet

Unique and desirable SOMA LOFT TOWNHOME. This 2-bedroom/3-bathroom modern concrete concept offers a stunning kitchen opening to a large living room and dining area with a unique cork wall features. In the heart of Mount Pleasant and juststeps to trendy Main Street, this building has an outstanding reputation. Features include 12' ceilings, ample storage, and a rooftop common deck with stunning city and mountain views. This pet-friendly building has the remainder of the 2/5/10-Warranty. Join us for a sneak-peek/PUBLIC OPEN: Thursday April 28th, 6:30-7:30 PM; Saturday April 30th 2-4 PM and Sunday May 1st, 1-3 PM.