South Burnaby Real Estate Market Update March 2013

In March so far there have been 21 detached homes sold in the South Burnaby area. There were 273 active listings during this time.

Of these solds;
1 was a two bedroom
3 were three bedroom
6 were four bedroom
6 were five bedroom
3 were six bedroom
1 was seven bedrooms
1 was eight bedrooms and a grand total of just over 3900 square feet

Of these 21 solds, 6 were located in the Metrotown area, 1 in the Burnaby Lake area, 2 in the Burnaby Hospital area, 5 in South Slope, 2 in Green Tree Village, 2 in Deer Lake Place, 2 in Upper Deer Lake.

The ages of homes sold ranged from 1-101 years.
The smallest square footage of these sold homes was 1525 and the largest home sold was 4017 square feet.

Prices of these solds ranged from $549,900 - $2,199,000.
12 of these solds, went for under the $1,000,000 mark.

So far in March there have been 54 attached units sold.
Of these solds,
13 were 1 bedroom
31 were 2 bedroom
9 were 3 bedroom
1 was a 5 bedroom
34 of these solds were apartments, 1 - ½ duplex, and 19 townhomes.
5 of these solds were located in Forest Glen, 15 in Metrotown, 9 in South Slope, 1 in Upper Deer Lake, 14 in Highgate, 1 in Oaklands, 9 in Central Park.

The age of homes sold ranged from 0-37 years old.

The smallest square footage of these sold homes was 595 and the largest 2095  square feet.
Prices of these solds ranged from $319,900 - $840,000.

Brought to you by Brad Gannon
Brad@vanrealty.ca

Its Time For Another
Brads Vancouver Real Estate Pick Of The Week!

Click the following link to watch the screencast where I run through why this listing is the "Pick Of The Week:

http://screencast.com/t/aRBsQEX2IC 

My real estate pick of the week is a great example how there are always opportunities in every market. For example the downtown condo market which has already been through what I call a“healthy correction”. Prices after 2008 went through a correction and many downtown condos now have great potential for price appreciation and potentially good rental income or to be a good long term investment. Whether you are a first time home buyer or looking for an investment this weeks pick is a great fit. Its in Gastown #202 233 Abbott Street. Its a heritage style building close to Water street which has loads of pubs, cafes etc. Its been reduced to $299,900. Its a 1 bedroom, the maintenance fee is $212 and a Sq footage of 544. It is also currently tenanted, (leased until June) for $1375 per month which give you an idea of the rental return you can get. Downtown condos definitely have great potential.

Check out the screen cast via the link below where I go into greater detail about my pick of the week!

http://screencast.com/t/aRBsQEX2IC

Its Time For Another
Brads Vancouver Real Estate Pick Of The Week!

Click the following link to watch the screencast where I run through why this listsing is the "Pick Of The Week:

http://www.screencast.com/t/wHbVFddUT9lN 


This is a very interesting foreclosure sale in the Ocean Park area of South Surrey White Rock.  It was built in 2010 but was never occupied.  The lot is a larger sized one and the house is a little over 3000 Sq feet.  Its a Cul de Sac with other newer and higher end homes.  Foreclosures arent always a great deal but with but in the higher end foreclosers can be more difficult to sell and can become quite price sensetive. The court date has been set so it would be a good idea to act quickly if interested in this one.  

Brads Pick of the Week 03/16/2013 Listing Sheet PDF


For more details and to discuss what is involved in buying a foreclosure you can call us at 778 869 8778 or 604 562 8887.



Stay tuned or follow us on twitter @GannonRealty for next weeks " Vancouver Real Estate Pick Of The Week".

Selling your Burnaby house or townhome? Here are are a few easy to implement tips that can help to give you an edge over your competition.

1. Get the price right from the start.

Realtors say this again and again, with good reason. Starting high with the idea that you can always lower it later is not always the best strategy. The best chance you house has of selling is in its first month or two of listing.  If the price is right it can happen that quick.   Remember, when your house hits the market there is a crowd of buyers that have already seen everything out there and are completely educated on what's available and for what price so they will know immediately if your home is over or underpriced.

When you list you are the "new kid on the block", "the fresh new possibility". Take advantage of this position and be even more tempting by offering good value. If you are overpriced, months could go by without a single showing. At this point everyone knows you have been trying to sell and can’t help wondering what's wrong with that place? You quickly become stale and even realtors sometimes hesitate to view something that’s been listed for ages. If you lower your price and hope to attract back previous viewers, don’t be too hopeful. These buyers have either moved on or mentally associated your home with some negative feeling or emotion and won't be interested.

Our advice? Listen to your realtor on the suggested list price.

2. Declutter & Depersonalize

This is the number 1 thing we tell almost every single listing that is occupied. As realtors we are trained to see a space’s potential no matter what’s covering up the space.  But even we have been blown away by how much more wonderful a home can become when all the clutter is out! People are secretly always hoping they are about to walk into a showroom, even if the space is 32 years old.   So try to think "showhome".

Completely clean empty surfaces, shoes gone, dishes gone, even the fridge should look clean and organized with minimal items (take it from me, everyone looks in the fridge).  All personal pictures (minus tasteful artwork) should be taken down and stored away. Even think about getting rid of  excess furniture even if its very functional, your space will look bigger and less cluttered.  This is a temporary investment that will really pay off.  Make sure closets aren’t stuffed, or smelly in anyway. Offices should look like a beautiful space that you would want to be in. Of course toilet lids always down, laundry, what laundry? Toiletries and cosmetics hidden from view.

3. Clean

This tip is simple enough, but often overlooked. People can be the messiest around but when they are looking to buy someone elses home their standards suddenly go thru the roof! Here are a few key things to watch for;  grout in showers should be white, stovetops and kitchens in general should be spotless. Make sure your home is aired-out, and there are no smells that say "lived-in".  If you're too busy, hire a cleaning company, its a couple hundred bucks that could potentially make you thousands. Strive to create the general impression that you have cared for and maintained your property thru the years.

4. Curb Appeal

If your for sale sign is up outfront, you want to work to have curb appeal.  It is really worth the effort. Cover the basics;  hire a lawn maintenance company to weed, trim, and mow the lawns. Plant some flowers, or potted plants.  Do you best to draw your buyer in and make them have to see the inside because of the outside.

5. Paint

Something neutral and light in color works best like a warm white. Covers up marks and makes a great impact for minimal dollars spent.

Bonus Tip: Buying some beautiful roses and placing two or three in a low cup for your bathrooms. Baking cookies just before a showing.  These little bonus things do make your home more appealing especially if you’ve already done all of the above, go for it!



By following these tips you can make your home more desirable. It gives it that ‘X’ factor that will evoke an emotion in the buyer, and motivate them to act! 

Contributed by

Heather Gannon

Heather is a  Real Estate Agent serving the Lower Mainland and is a contributor for Vanrealty.ca as well as a  marketing consultant with fireworx.ca