Blog-Real Estate & More

MORE THAN FURNITURE-CHRISTIAN WOO

Check out this article in the Globe and Mail on local woodworker, furniture & now kitchen designer, Christian Woo.  I've long been an admirer of his pieces, seen either in his studio at the annual Culture Crawl or usually at one of my favourite home style retailers PROVIDE at 528 Beatty St in Vancouver.  His designs are so clean and seem to make the most of the wood he uses.  If I didn't love my antique dining table I'd be saving up for one of the above, currently at PROVIDE.  Instead I think it will be 2 of his bedside tables.

PRESS HERE for the full article & photo gallery

NOT THE CORNER STORE I USED TO KNOW!

                                                        LE MARCHE ST. GEORGES-4393 ST GEORGES AT THE CORNER OF 28TH

This great neighbourhood shop is located almost exactly half way between Main & Fraser streets on 28th.  Growing up in Vancouver there were "corner stores" located in the midst of our neighbourhoods and they were my go to on allowance days. This one is a little different.

This corner store does stock groceries like organic eggs and milk, pasta & sauces, as well as toothpaste and soaps from Europe, the kind you find in the neighbourhood shops there.  As well there is a wonderful assortment of croissants, sandwiches, & more to sit & enjoy or take home.  On a recent visit on a sunny weekday the tables were mostly occupied while the rest of us took ours home.

As well there are wonderful handcrafted items from around the world; no surprise when the talented owner's mother is artist Patricia Larsen.

Open everyday until 6pm except for holidays-check it out yourself-press HERE for more information about their shop, online shopping, & upcoming events.

Laneway Housing-From All Sides

drawing H.O.T. Architecture Inc

There has been much talk recently about laneway housing as a way of increasing density and providing an affordable housing alternative in the city.  While this is true I have yet to read anything which looks at the full picture which as a realtor, would be very important for homeowners to consider prior to building.

1. RESALE-laneway homes cannot be stratifed so the home runs with the land. When it's time to sell is the Buyer with $2million+ interested in a "mortgage helper"?  Not usually.  Would that Buyer rather have the full use of their property?  Yes.  There will be a few who can use it for their grown children or a parent but that means the potential resale market has been quickly reduced by a significant number.  Potential Buyers will either really like or dislike a laneway home.
2. RESALE IN OTHER PARTS OF VANCOUVER-makes more sense where owners need to use the income to assist in qualifying & paying for a mortgage & resale impact is again, different.
   
3. RETURN ON INVESTMENT-at a cost of approximately $250K+ any financing costs and monthly revenues of $2-3000 depending on the size, does it make sense?  Maybe for some but combined with reduced resale, possibly not unless you are in location that supports it.
4. HOW DO THE NEIGHBOURS FEEL?-maybe you don't care but complaints I've heard are about reduced privacy, reduction in light in their yards, & outlook from their homes.  Maybe you don't care but don't assume that just because you think it's a great idea, that they will too.