On a Personal Note – Vancouver is a Great Place to Call Home
This past month took me to Toronto for the Royal LePage National Sales Conference. I had a fun filled week of reconnecting and strengthening the relationships that I enjoy with my colleagues from across the country who honour and trust me with referrals of their clients moving to Vancouver.
Prior to the conference, I spent some time with some of these colleagues outside of Toronto discovering a part of Canada that is new to me – the Niagara region and cottage country. The famous autumn colours of northern Ontario were at their peak and I was quite taken with the beauty of the landscape.
When I returned home to Vancouver, I realized once again just how amazing it is that we can enjoy our stunning west coast landscape right in the centre of our city. Last week, showing condos in Coal Harbour, I was wowed by scene in front of me, a lush carpet of red and gold leaves over the green grass. I realize at moments like this that Vancouver is the place where I feel most at home. It always fills me with pride to show new clients what this city has to offer.
This spring and summer were extremely busy, and as I catch my breath this fall, I have taken time to reconnect and spend time with some of you who I worked with earlier this year. My relationship with you does not end at point of sale or purchase. It is important to me to stay in touch and find out how you have settled into your new space, what you have discovered about your neighbourhood, or what steps you are considering next. Most importantly, whether you are just starting out on an exciting new path as first-time buyers or are making a strategic decision to purchase an investment property, I want to know whether you are happy with your decisions and if I have helped you to achieve your goals.
The ‘Hood – Coal Harbour
Coal Harbour is a resort like neighbourhood in the centre of the city surrounded by mountains, trees, water, and my favourite sailboats. With Stanley Park and the Burrard Inlet in its front yard, the vibrancy of the restaurants and shops of the West End in its backyard, and downtown right next door, Coal Harbour is ideally positioned. One of my favourite spots to spend time is Lift Bar and Grill, a uniquely west coast restaurant with a fabulous rooftop space that extends over the water – which always makes me feel like I am spending time on my (imaginary) yacht. Also on the marina at Coal Harbour Quay is Cardero’s Restaurant, a comfortable, warm and lively place with a fresh fish and seafood menu. Another of my favourite places to meet friends is the Lobby Lounge Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel, an open cosmopolitan space with soaring ceilings, a commanding central fireplace, and contemporary live music that provides just the right ambience.
Coal Harbour was developed as a residential neighbourhood over the past 20 years, with the last phase just being completed. As a planned community, it has a cohesive feel with a mix of highrises and townhouses connected by the seawall and walking paths. Public spaces are beautifully landscaped and feature a variety of interesting public art installations. Retail spaces have been well planned and include an Urban Fare, a gym or two, and specialty shops offering everything from gelato to high end home décor. And the price tag to get into this neighbourhood? Listings range from the low $400,000’s for a cool first-time space or pied à terre at the Qube to the record-breaking sale of Penthouse One at the Fairmont Pacific Rim for $25 million! Of course, there are many options in between – the residents of Coal Harbour span from young professionals, mature buyers wanting to downsize or have a second home to enjoy city lifestyle, to international investors who appreciate and understand the value that this neighbourhood offers.
Vancouver’s Favourite Topic – “How’s The Market?”
September and October sales have been above average in all sectors of the market with the detached market continuing to lead the way. Vancouver continues to hold the reputation to be a good safe place for wealthy foreign investors to put their money, and all indications look to a good solid market going forward. What does this mean for you? I would agree with Phil Soper, President and CEO of Royal LePage Canada who confirms that across the country, most housing markets have recovered from the 2008 economic crisis, and have now entered a “Goldilocks Market” – not too hot, not too cold. This would accurately describe what you, my clients, can expect. The Vancouver market is moving but not overheated. Whether you are buying or selling, we can work together and take the time you need to make solid informed decisions.