Oakridge- area home sells as soon as it’s listed
A mix of lot size and location proves too hard to resist for buyer of two- level rancher
6629 Laurel St., Vancouver Type: 4- bedroom, 2- bathroom detached Size: 2,700 sq. ft. B. C. Assessment, 2012: $ 2,083,700 Listed for: $ 2,200,000 Sold for: $ 2,100,000 Sold on: Jan. 5 Days on market: 0 Listing agent: Daphne Mcfarland at Hugh & Mckinnon Realty Buyer’s agent: Charan Kamal Pannu at SRS Westside Realty The big sell: The seller of this two- level rancher bought it in 1953 — the year it was built – and resided in it for the next 59 years. It is not uncommon to have original- owner homes of this age in Vancouver, but in these real- estate obsessed times, it is becoming less so. As the description on the MLS listing sheet states, this is a solid home, but the main value is in the large level lot. That land measures 54 by 144 feet and if redeveloped, could hold a property larger than the current residence. Adding to the attraction was the light- filled west- facing fenced back yard, the Oakridge neighbourhood, and the convenience of a location that’s near Oakridge shopping centre, Langara College, Churchill secondary and Jamieson elementary schools, and the Canada Line. All of this produced an accepted offer the day the property went on the market.
Townhome part of growing SFU community
89 - 9229 University Cres., Burnaby Type: 3- bedroom, 2- bathroom townhouse Size: 1,163 sq. ft. B. C. Assessment, 2012: $ 392,000 Listed for: $ 449,000 Sold for: $ 438,000 Sold on: Jan. 12 Days on market: 58 Listing agent: Robert Crowe at RE/ MAX Real Estate Services Buyer’s agent: Robert Crowe and Ali Nimji at RE/ MAX Real Estate Services The big sell: SFU’S Univercity development is a sustainable community that has evolved into a family- friendly complex high up on the campus grounds on Burnaby Mountain. Serenity was built by Polygon in 2006 and consists of 132 townhomes surrounded by forest walks, hiking and bike trails. One block away is the new University Highlands elementary school, and a new child care centre will be opening soon. This three- bedroom, twolevel corner unit home enjoys an abundance of natural light and a large patio and garden area surrounded by thick conifers. The interior features a mix of flooring with wall- to- wall carpet, laminate hardwood and tiling. The kitchen has plenty of cupboard and counter space, birch-coloured cabinetry, a double sink, stainless- steel appliances, and a subway- tiled backsplash. An electric fireplace warms the living room and an oversized shower adds a spa- like quality to the ensuite bathroom. The home has designer colours throughout.
Fairview condo has noteworthy designs
106- 1040 West 8th Ave., Vancouver Type: 1- bedroom, 1- bathroom apartment Size: 692 sq. ft. B. C. Assessment, 2012: $ 340,000 Listed for: $ 369,900 Sold for: $ 362,500 Sold on: Jan. 12 Days on market: 85 Listing agent: Paul Bale at Sutton Group – West Coast Realty Buyer’s agent: George Winkler at Amex Broadway West Realty The big sell: This home is just north of Broadway on the Fairview slopes, with Granville Island, the seawall, parks, shopping, and transportation minutes away. The ground- floor unit has a well- designed floor plan and a front door that opens to a 16- by- 16- foot living room. That room has bright, arched windows that provide plenty of views of a partly covered garden patio. The home has a gas fireplace, in- suite laundry and storage areas, a 16- by- 9- foot bedroom, and a secure underground parking stall. This is one of 28 units in the four- storey development, which was built in 1986 with the homes positioned around a central courtyard. The apartments have been rainscreened and are pet- and rental- friendly.