Fantastic Find

Zenia Gardens – Victoria Park313, 8100 Jones Road, Richmond List Price: $325,000 Floor Area: 886 Unit: 2 bed, 2 bath Maintenance Fee: $225.91 Taxes: $1331 MLS: V967197

What a fantastic complex.  Victoria Park is welcoming and beautiful, complete with landscaping: large fountain areas, kids play parks and walk ways.  There is plenty of guest parking in the underground and within the complex roadways.  There are about 300 units in the complex which was fully rain screened in 2009.  My research shows that there are currently 13 units for sale; the comparable units are listed here.  Many listings do not include pictures, making them difficult to compare.  Unit 313, the second most affordable unit listed, offers a great buy for the layout, location and upgrades it offers.   The unit has also recently had a price reduction from $348,000.

I liked the feel of the space; a feeling of home within an apartment.  The first thing I noticed was the laundry room – an actual, dedicated room for the washer and dryer in a 900 sqft apartment!  Amazing, and it didn’t take away from the usable space of the unit. Even though I was impressed by the laundry room, it did not over shadow the wonderful, open, bright and spacious kitchen.  A great layout, with considerable cupboard space and room for a breakfast bar area.

The living room provides space for both social and dining.  The large patio faces Southeast towards Blundell, however, the beautiful landscaping of trees gives it a very private and quiet feel.  The master bedroom has a full ensuite with a tub, a walk-in closet and cozy window seat.  The second bedroom is not large, but there is a decent closet and enough space to have a double or queen bed with a small dresser.  The second bathroom is beside the second bedroom; a full bathroom with shower.

Amenities include a guest suite, club house, playground, bike room and care taker.  Location is fantastic with transit, sky train, Richmond Centre, community centre, schools, library and shops within walking distance.  Well worth an in-person look as the pictures do not do this unit the justice it deserves.

PROS

1. Location
2. Laundry room
3. Spacious and open kitchen
4. Landscaping
5. Guest parking
6. Renovated and well maintained throughout
7. Large private patio
8. Breakfast and dining eating areas
9. Fireplace
10. Walk-in master closet
11. Pets and Rentals allowed (with restrictions)
12. Completely rain screened in 2009 – 2 more years on warranty

CONS

1. Upgrades could be done on bathrooms eventually
2. Middle-aged building that may require repairs
3. Smaller second bedroom

MORTGAGE NOTES

Example at 3.095; List Price: $325,000

High ratio loan (less than 20% down); 25-year amortization Down payment (5%): $16,250 Mortgage Amount: $317,240.62 Default Insurance (2.75%): $8,490.62 Loan Amount: $317,240.62 Monthly Payments: $1,516.02 Approximate Income Required: $70,000

Conventional loan (more than 20% down); 30-year amortization Down payment (5%): $65,000 Mortgage Amount: $260,000 Monthly Payments: $1,108.26 Approximate Income Required: $54,000

From my home to yours - Irene

Attention Renovators

Canterbury Court 212, 7471 Blundell Road, Richmond List Price: $276,000 Floor Area: 900 Unit: 2 bed, 2 bath + Den Maintenance Fee: $289.44 Taxes: $1200 MLS: V964851

The unit has an amazing amount of storage space relative to the size of the apartment. The closets have nice depth and have been fitted with shelving and rods to give flexible and usable storage. However, space could be further maximized with modern closet options and shelving. The apartment as a whole has a decent layout with functional space. Some simple upgrades could really make this unit shine. The current owner is offering to include new carpets or laminate flooring in the buyer’s preferred colour – a perfect start. Other common area aesthetics that could be considered for immediate revamping would include new paint, kitchen counter tops, cupboards, and appliances (including a washer and dryer). The bathrooms are in need of updates, however, one could wait for phase two if need be.

The building is well maintained and has had all major replacements already complete, including the roof, plumbing and electrical. Thicker windows were also replaced along the Bundell side to mute traffic sounds. The strata is proactive and has built up a considerable contingency fund. There is an on site caretaker as well as two guest suites, a heated pool, hot tub, sauna, gym with newer equipment, and a common room.

The location is fantastic, walking distance to Richmond Centre, elementary and high schools, transit/sky train, parks, community centre, library and more.

PROS

1. Location
2. Well maintained building (big expenditure upgrades have been completed)
3. Great contingency fund
4. Good closet space
5. Great amenity options
6. Insuite laundry hookup
7. Updated flooring costs include in the price
8. Large master bedroom with walk in closet
9. Pets and rentals allowed (however restrictions)
10. Den/office area

CONS

1. A number of upgrades are needed to modernize the unit
2. High maintenance fees
3. Older building
4. Small second bedroom
5. No dining area (was converted into den)

From my home to yours - Irene

Move in Ready

9351 McBurney Drive, Richmond List Price: $718,888 Floor Area: 1992 Taxes: $2,647 MLS: V951957

A nice neighbourhood with family friendly feel. The streets are quiet and homes are well kept. This particular home has a reverse layout with the master on the ground floor. The master bedroom has an attached sunroom/reading room with access to the backyard. There is an adjoining bathroom, which is also accessible from the main hall. The downstairs has a small, but functional laundry room, a third bedroom as well as a garage that has been converted to a bonus room. It has the potential to be a fabulous games room, large bedroom, home office or it can be converted back to a garage.

Upstairs the kitchen is open to a large deck and breakfast/social area proving a great space for having guests. The one bedroom on this level can be used as a bedroom, but may be better suited for an office due to its proximity to the kitchen and living room. The dining and living area features vaulted ceilings, which enhance the openness and brightness of the space.

PROS

1. New Renovations throughout
2. Bonus room – large and versatile
3. In house storage on ground level as well as a pantry located in the kitchen
4. Laundry room
5. New additions of glass roof
6. New high efficiency heat pump
7. Close to elementary school
8. Large deck
9. Vaulted ceilings in dining/living area
10. Additional storage in backyard shed
11. Close to transit

CONS

1. Deck could use some upgrades
2. Deck looks into neighbours backyards and homes, not the most ideal view.
3. No grass area in back yard for kids – but would be low maintenance with the concrete slabs
4. Lots of stairs – every level requires going up or down a level.
5. Little parking in area for guests
6. Although close to downtown, still would require a short drive to get to main shopping areas
7. A bit of a walk to the nearest park

From my home to yours -

Irene

Charities in need of FREE marketing help, Flipside’s got the solution – CreateAthon!

What: A 24-hour Creative Marathon For Who: Charities in need of marketing services September 16, 2012: Deadline for Charities to submit their applications Nov 8-9, 2012: CreateAthon in action

I have had the pleasure of meeting two very inspirational ladies, Kim and Natalia, from a marketing company called Flipside. They are high energy people –  passionate about their work, their families, their hobbies and giving back to the community.

They have joined a network of 73 creative agencies across the US and Canada to provide pro-bono marketing services to Charities and not-for-profit groups. Started in 1998 by founders Cathty Monetti and Teresa Coles, CreateAthon is a 24-hour creative marathon that gives the power of creativity, marketing, and online efficiencies to charities that need a leg up in attracting much needed funding and support.

Flipside shares the inside scoop on their blog.

How to get involved

If you are a Charity

You have until September 16, 2012 to submit your application for why you should be the 2012 charity of choice for FREE marketing services Apply here.

If you want to help

Flipside is always on the hunt for donations for food, coffee, print work, word-of-mouth support…plus, any ideas on how to keep them awake and their brains active through the 24 hour shift are always welcome.

To learn more contact: Natalia at Flipside: 604.568.9349

iVanity Card #1: The Idea

In a selfish plug to try to build my business, I’m going to get as honest as I get…If I expect my clients to lay it all on the line so that I can do the best job for them, I should only do the same in return. My main focus will be on a subject matter that is near and dear to my heart, but one that I know is racing in the minds of millions each and every day…Women, and having it all (a successful balance of family & career), is it possible or not? My view: I think it exists, but only in very rare circumstances. “Having it all” is definitely not seen as obtainable for the masses…at least not yet. My goal is to keep the conversation going so that we don’t give up on the possibility of being an equal voice at all levels of business, especially the top, without giving up the values and time we want and need to be mothers, partners, sisters, daughters, and friends.

There will be lots to share…but we’ll get started in the next vanity card. If there’s one thing about me, I like detail…so things can go a bit long. These vanity cards are playing another important role – to help keep me focused on the short and important points. I must learn to keep things short, but meaningful!