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← Older postsNew School and Park
May 22, 2013
A beautiful, brand new LEED constructed (Leadership in Energy and Environment Design) elementary school is opening up within walking distance from Nature’s Walk! In fact, it’s practically across the street and that entire block will offer several resources and amenities for families of all ages in the community.
Named after a former Langley Superintendent of Schools, the Richard Bulpitt Elementary School is well on its way to completion and is on track to open September 3rd, 2013 for neighbourhood children entering Kindergarten up to grade 5.
The new school, led by Principle Mrs. Lucy Lenko, has already begun creating a great sense of community and is about to have their third meeting for registered families. The meeting will be held at the new Lynn Fripps Elementary school, six blocks to the north, which just opened for the 2012 school year and has a mirrored floor plan of the new school. Information on past and upcoming meetings can be found at the schools website: http://richardbulpittelementaryschool.weebly.com
Richard Bulpitt Elementary school is the second of three schools in the area to open up in three consecutive years. The first was Lynn Fripps Elementary and the last will be the new Middle School on 84th and 206th due to open for grades 6, 7 and 8 students in September 2014.
Next door to the new Elementary school on 77A, the Township of Langley has started work on a future park which will include newly planted trees and playing fields. The school itself will have neighbourhood learning centres, daycare, pre-school, before and after school care, playgrounds and even an outdoor hockey box!
The physical address for Richard Bulpitt Elementary School is 20965 77A Street and their phone number is 604-888-5393. Until construction is finished, Willoughby Elementary at 208th and 80th is housing the administration offices for the new school where registration for children within the catchment is under way.
Posted in News | Leave a commentThinking ‘outside the box’ earns Nature’s Walk a nomination for best display home
February 12, 2013
Great style can’t simply be bought. style comes from within and is very personal, says interior designer Samantha Muller of Kleen Design as she admires the alphabet collage she recently installed in a Langley showhome.
“Breaking the rules is big for 2013… to think outside of the box,” says Samantha. “This collage is a fresh take on the typical photo gallery wall. I used reclaimed and new letters sourced out from all over the continent. There’s vintage gas station letters, handmade moss, antique wood and even letters silk-screened on jute!”
Samantha’s finesse for bringing showhomes to life is spurred from everyday moments – a trip to the market, an intimate dinner party or a family walk through the forest. Her free spirit and strategies for maximizing small spaces has garnered her industry recognition for enthusing new-home buyers with attainable style.
When the Canadian Home Builders’ Association of British Columbia (CHBA BC) recently announced this year’s Georgie Awards’ finalists, Samantha could hardly contain her excitement.
Nature’s Walk, a new community of 83 townhomes in Langley’s fast-growing Willoughby neighbourhood, was nominated in five categories, including “Best Interior Design Display.” For Samantha, who worked alongside the developer Royale Properties from the onset with selecting finishes, specifications and styling the showhome, this was an enormous compliment.
“I would love to win this year,” enthuses Samantha. “I always try to create functionally inviting living environments that portray a bit of whimsy and help free up the home owners’ imaginations to showcase what they could possibly do to personalize and outfit their own homes.”
Nature’s Walk is the only townhome nominated in this category. Other finalists awaiting the announcement of who will take home the Gold at the gala event at the Vancouver Convention Centre on Feb. 23, include: The Private Residences at the Hotel Georgia, Meccanica in Vancouver, The Austin in Coquitlam and 15 West in North Vancouver.
While Samantha has not yet received any direct feedback from the judges, she expects they found the “Light Colour Scheme” of the 1,340-sq.-ft. townhome to be fresh and inviting, and were engaged by the numerous memory points in the display home – the bistro-style setting in the kitchen nook, the bold black and white striped wallpaper in the powder room and the reclaimed-look of dining table that gives the showhome a West Coast feel with its mock dinner party setting of Malbec and mussels.
“First-time buyers have especially loved the showhome,” says sales coordinator Tianne Matchett. “Both the style and the price point from the mid-$300,000s make this home one they can relate to.”
So once homebuyers become homeowners, how do they make a home their own? Truth be told, it’s easy when moving into a new home to purchase items on a whim – pieces you may fall in love with spontaneously, but when brought home look fragmented and out of place.
Before taking a crack at DIY (do-it-yourself) decorating, Samantha encourages new-home owners to fuel their imaginations and define their style – flip through magazines, create an idea book at houzz.com and conceptualize a plan.
“A home will have a better flow and the space will feel more cohesive and inviting if it grew from an initial concept,” says Samantha.
For this award-winning showhome, Samantha envisioned a couple in their 30s who enjoy good food, good company and the finer things in life like fine wine and overseas travel. Her theme developed from juxtaposing a Liberty furniture style – forever playful and glamorous, edgy and classic, beautiful and liveable (but always with a wink), with a more casual Granville Island marketplace feel, for a result that fuses sophisticated moments with those that are very West Coast. Throughout the home, personality is subtly divulged with personal collections, handcrafted accessories, beautiful art and flowers.
The three-bedroom home has an easy-going charm and flow that’s as ideal for entertaining as for everyday living. From the light-filled garage, with its charming potting table and leafy wall decals, to the nine-ft. ceilings on the main floor, laminate hardwood floors and the convenience of a two-piece powder room, the home has both purpose and panache.
To its sizzling grey quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and contrasting white cabinetry, Samantha adds pops of personality with mustard-yellow pasta pots, an inspiring chalkboard message, industrial chandelier and chic black bistro stools astride the island.
When choosing furnishings for the showhome, Samantha was motivated to create a “customer-attainable experience,” with pieces that were purchased from familiar stores like Ikea, Pottery Barn and HomeSense, and accentuated with custom drapery and bedding, as well as made-to-order pieces from Knock on Wood and etsy.com.
Being “sent to one’s room” is hardly a punishment when it’s as whimsical as the bedrooms at Nature’s Walk. One bedroom was transformed into a cabin in the woods, while the other feels as dreamy as a cloud with its white coverlet, wrought iron bed and adorable owl motif. Changing the hardware and pulls on furniture is one of Sam’s little secrets for imparting personality into a space. In the master bedroom, the classic bureau is given a modern twist by simply switching the pulls to ones with a black and white motif to complement the colour blocking on the duvet. “It’s those small finishing touches that make all the difference!”
Experience Nature’s Walk in living colour this week with both the light and dark schemed showhomes open for viewing daily (except Fridays) from noon to 5 p.m. at 20966 – 77A Ave. in Langley.
Written by Janine Mackie
Posted in News | Leave a comment
Don’t Let HST Hold You Back
January 21, 2013They’re three little letters, but they pack a very large punch: HST. And with the April 1st changeover back to PST/GST racing toward us, there’s no question the on-again, off-again tax has been up front and central in the minds of homebuyers considering a newly built home. The big question: buy now or wait?
In our first issue of 2013, New Condo Guide chats with Mark Belling, president of Fifth Ave Real Estate Marketing, about some of the real facts and figures and why now is an excellent time to buy a new home.
Q Let’s get straight to the bottom line. Many people believe they’re going to save a bundle by waiting until the HST is history. How much difference is it really going to make if you put off your home buying purchase until after we revert to PST/GST on April 1st?
A The short answer is ‘much less than most people think’ — especially if this is your first home. Let’s assume a $525,000 home purchase at 3.1 per cent interest, a 25-year amortization and a five-year term, then compare three different scenarios.
Scenario 1 The best program available now is on new construction, is exclusively for first-time buyers, and is only going to be available until April 1st of this year. If you complete your home purchase before April 1st, first-time buyers are eligible for a provincial government tax rebate of up to $10,000 — which translates into a saving of about 1.9 per cent on the purchase price.
It’s important to realize, though, that this homebuyer’s bonus comes into effect after your purchase completes, so your mortgage amount is not reduced directly. However, if you structure your loan agreement with this in mind, when the money arrives, you can immediately make a lump sum payment to reduce the amount of your mortgage principal.
Scenario 2 If construction on your new home starts prior to April 1st but the sale and completion of construction occur after April 1st, you’ll still pay full HST even if the home is purchased after April 1st. In this case, there will be a sliding-scale formula applied based on what percentage of the home is completed pre-April 1 2013 and post-April 1, 2013.
Scenario 3 Buying a new home that starts construction after April 1st means you’ll save approximately two per cent on the effective PST portion that you would currently pay as part of the HST, however you won’t be eligible for the homeowner bonus. So on homes under $525,000, it can mean a saving of up to $10,500 — which is almost the same amount as the current rebate.
Builder’s costs will also go up on these homes as they will no longer get HST building credits and must revert back to old PST credits, making construction costs higher and possibly balancing out any savings for the end consumer.
Q In other words, there’s no compelling reason to wait until HST is repealed?
A I don’t believe any of these scenarios mean you should hold off the purchase decision if you find the right home. All we’re talking about is a range of savings options depending on who you are as a consumer. Even in the second scenario, which is the least favourable to consumers, what does waiting really mean in terms of mortgage payments?
The potential $10,000 rebate is no longer available other than a slight tax benefit depending on what percentage of the home was built prior to April 1st. So, based on the new federal government regulations that reduce maximum amortization from 30 to 25 years, your extra mortgage payment will equate to roughly $50 dollars a month. Think of it this way, simply by drinking 2.3 fewer lattés per week you can still own the home of your dreams.
First-time buyers, in fact, would be better off purchasing and completing on new homes priced under $525,000 before April 1st. Not only do they get up to $10,000 in bonus money back from the provincial government — subject to qualification, of course — but they also eliminate a number of risks.
Q What kind of risks would a first-time buyer avoid by purchasing now?
A First of all, interest rates are expected to rise in 2013. Secondly, Central Credit One, the Canadian Real Estate Association, and CMHC are all predicting prices will rise two to three per cent in 2013, skewed mostly to the second half of 2013. So, as a buyer, you’re far more likely to get a great deal now than when economic conditions shift towards a seller’s market. And finally, if you see something you like today, it may not be available in three months. By waiting to buy after April 1st, first-time buyers will negate any financial advantage they had and risk losing their dream home.
Q Any other reasons to buy before April 1st?
A Plenty. We’re living in the lowest interest rate environment in anyone’s history. We live in the one of the world’s most beautiful, most livable regions — and that’s not just my bias but is confirmed by experts all around the globe.
Right now, you also have time to shop and compare among more new home options than any time I can remember. If you find 12 different homes you like, you can take your time and eliminate ones that don’t make the cut, zeroing in on the ones that do. So not only do you have choice, you’ll likely end up owning the near perfect home, at the lowest mortgage interest rates in the history of your life. But this homeowner’s shopping bonanza will only have a short window — the longer you wait, the fewer choices you’ll have. So why wouldn’t you buy new and buy now?
Visit Fifth Ave Real Estate Marketing at http://fifthave.ca/projects/now-selling for a list of current projects.
Click here for the full article.
Posted in News | Leave a commentElevate your living experience
December 6, 2012
Ready, set, go. Elements in Langley is now officially “home” for some of the buyers who first fell in love with this New York-inspired condominium community. “Phase one is complete and people are starting to move in, so there’s a whole new vibe of excitement developing,” says sales manager Margot Jay.
Buy here’s the part she’s really excited about. “We’ve now got a display suite open in the building – which means people can experience Elements in real life. The presentation centre display home is gorgeous and a great introduction, but nothing compares with being able to walk into an actual suite that’s filled with natural light and see the actual view you’ll wake up to every morning.”
GET FIT, GET CONNECTED
When Elements’ second phase completes next summer, there’s going to be more good news. “This building will introduce the Trilogy Club, our spectacular amenity building,” Margot explains. At almost 8,000 sq. ft., it’s a feature that’s been wowing buyers of all ages right from day one.
“The Trilogy Club is going to become the heart of this community – a social hub where owners can kick back and relax with neighbours in a casual setting or host larger gatherings for friends and family, a place they can share with the people who matter most in their lives.”
“THERE’S A WHOLE NEW VIBE OF EXCITEMENT DEVELOPING.” Margot Jay
Among it’s many features, the Trilogy Club will boast a fully equipped fitness centre, New York-style lounge with billiards, library, big-screen media room, plus a chef’s demo kitchen. “And because we kept our focus on low-maintenance amenities that appeal to all ages, our strata fees are much lower than developments with the pools, hot tubs, and saunas most people typically think they love but don’t really use on a day-to-day basis,” Margot says.
OPULENT LIVING
Inspired by the perfect proportions of sacred geometry as well as the precious metals found in nature – gold, silver, and bronze – Elements is unabashedly opulent in outlook. Each lobby is luxurious and unique, a statement of your good taste. Individual suites boast open floorplans with a sense of easy-going flow and inter-connectivity. “All this, and you’re still just 66 steps to shopping restaurants and services,” Margot adds.
The Elements presentation centre and three display homes are open noon to 5 p.m. daily except Fridays at 20211 – 66th Ave. in Langley. Priced from the $160′s (net HST included). For more information, visit elementsinlangley.com or call 604.533.7718.
Written by Susan M. Boyce
Posted in News | Leave a commentInvest in a Neighbourhood that is Growing and Evolving Rapidly
November 28, 2012
Better hurry if you want to snag a brand new home at Outlook in Langley. Why? Because only six homes remain in this move-in ready community.
And here’s the best part. Located in the heart of the popular Willoughby neighbourhood, Outlook’s final homes are now priced from just $297,900 with net HST included, meaning a good deal just got even better. And when you factor in the $10,000 tax credit that’s still available to first-time homebuyers until April next year, it’ no wonder savvy buyers are excited.
Invest in your future
“Being able to own a brand new, two-bedroom townhome for under $300,000 is a fantastic investment in your future,” says sales representative Lynne Gosse. “We have a brand new, state-of-the-art elementary school right next door so it’s convenient for your little ones, there’s shopping nearby and more coming when the Willoughby Town Centre is completed, and you’ve got exceptional access to parks, trails and outdoor activities.”Looking even further ahead, Outlook’s proximity to these amenities is expected to keep these homes high profile in buyers’ minds. “You’re investing in a neighbourhood that is growing and evolving rapidly,” Lynne says. “So when you find you’re ready to move to a larger home, you’ll have had all the enjoyment of living here and the community will look even better because the trees and landscaping will have become more mature and lovely.”
Spacious living
Inside and out, Outlook homes boast an easygoing sense of elegance and comfort that’s in perfect harmony with our West Coast casual style. Main floors have nine-ft. ceilings, eye-catching exotic teak or wenge wide-plank laminate, as well as the convenience of a two-piece powder room. Naturally, kitchens are full-on gourmet: breakfast bar, pantry, contemporary flat-panel cabinetry and granite counters with integrated ceramic backsplash.
But best of all, what you see is what you get, so everything is included in the price. “People often don’t realize how fast small extras can add up. It’s disheartening when you go through a gorgeous display suite and discover all the things you’ve fallen in love with are going to cost more. At Outlook, they don’t.”
Outlook’s remaining homes are priced from $297,900 (net HST included). Don’t miss out on this final opportunity. All homes are ready for immediate move-in, so you could be home for the holidays. Furnished showhomes are open noon to 5 p.m. daily except Fridays at 208th St. and 83rd Ave. in Langley. For more information, call 604.888.8778 or visit outlookliving.com
Written by Susan M. Boyce
Posted in News | Leave a commentCelebrate your life at Nature’s Walk
November 7, 2012
Surrounded by mature trees and crisscrossed with natural pathways, Nature’s Walk is introducing a unique character to townhome living in Langley. Each cluster of homes is meticulously positioned to maximize enjoyment of the lush, green setting. A sparkling brook bubbles through the middle of the property, and it’s so quiet you can sometimes hear the eagles soaring overhead. You could call it a little slice of heaven.
“Nature’s Walk appeals to all generations and is an amazing opportunity for young families,” says sales manager Ken Klassen. “With two and three bedroom floorplans, you’ve got plenty of space. Plus there’s a brand new elementary school right on the other side of the street, so when the kids get bigger, they can walk to school and could even come home for lunch if they felt like it.” Of course, that means it’s also easy for mom and dad to pop over when they want to cheer on their kids at sporting events.
EASY LIVING EVERY DAY
Inside, Nature’s Walk has an easy-going charm and flow that’s as ideal for entertaining as for everyday living. The main floor is elegant yet practical with nine-ft. ceilings, laminate hardwood floors, and the convenience of a two-piece powder room. Big, bold kitchens include tons of storage for your favourite gadgets and gizmos plus generously sized quartz counters that make it easy for everyone to pitch in during meal prep.
And it, like most West Coast dwellers, you’re a fan of backyard living, here’s more good news. The only things you’ll need to add to your yard is lawn furniture and a barbeque because each one comes fully landscaped.
SAY HELLO TO CONVENIENCE
Ready to talk convenience? Even though you’re surrounded by nature, at Nature’s Walk you’re also just minutes from an ever-expanding array of urban conveniences. “Stores like Save-On Foods, Best Buy, Wal-Mart, Costco, Chapters and Home Depot are already just down the road,” Ken says. “And when the new Willoughby Town Market opens, you’ll be literally a minute or two from everything you need.” Community living without needing your car for every trip – brilliant.
Nature’s Walk offers a total of 83 townhomes priced from the low $300,000s. Presentation Centre and display homes are open noon to 5 p.m. daily except Fridays at 20966 – 77A Ave. in Langley.
Posted in News | Leave a commentIn Vancouver, there’s little space to be creative
October 3, 2012
Finding affordable studios for visual artists in Vancouver is a tall order, but Jenifer Papararo is game to participate in helping find solutions.
The curator at the Contemporary Art Gallery is worried about the lack of working space, saying that many artists have left the city after being squeezed out by Vancouver’s housing crunch.
Even with the real estate market softening last month across much of the region, prices have been steady on Vancouver’s east side, which has been targeted by city officials for creating new space for artists.
“I think that is a real key problem here – not being able to afford a work space,” Ms. Papararo says. She notes that many artists need a separate work area from where they live due to the nature of what they produce, whether it be to avoid fumes from using solvents to clean up after oil painting or needing a large room to assemble complex sculptures.
While not every artist’s space is messy, it is important to have a dedicated work environment. “I know people who are spending $2,000 a month in rent for a studio,” Ms. Papararo says. “It is a very serious concern, and I do believe that there has been a cultural drain away from Vancouver, especially in the visual arts.”
With that sobering thought in mind, she is embracing a collaboration with Mo Yeung International Enterprise Ltd., the developer of a six-storey condo project in Mount Pleasant.
There will be 45 condos when the complex opens in the spring of 2014. But an additional unit, called Art Studio 45, will have 900 square feet of ground-level space allocated rent-free for 12 months for a visual artist. That individual will be selected by an independent jury. If all goes well, a new artist will rotate through the unit every 12 months.
Vancouver needs to “keep the young, creative, next generation here. We don’t want to drive them out, we want to keep them here,” says Ameet Johal of Fifth Avenue Real Estate Marketing, which is helping to promote the condos. “We’re doing our little piece.”
The condo complex, dubbed Collection 45, has a front entrance on East 8th Avenue that faces the back-lane parking lot of the Congee Noodle House, while the back looks onto the Sarah McLachlan School of Music located on the second floor across the alley. For those on Collection 45’s upper floors, there will be a panoramic view of the North Shore mountains, a perk that is included for owners who pay roughly $720,000 for their suite with roof-top patio
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a commentJoin Us at Ascend for an End of Summer Block Party & BBQ – Sept. 23rd
September 19, 2012Block parties aren’t just about fun. They are also a great opportunity to meet your neighbours, make new friends and for some of us re-establish old connections. It’s also the perfect way to introduce our new Ascend homeowners to the Fleetwood Community!
Join us this coming Sunday (Sept. 23rd) from Noon to 4pm for a Free Community Block Party. The day will be filled with fun for the whole family including food and drinks, live music, a bouncy castle, face painting and great prizes. You could win a new iPad just by attending!
Gather up your neighbours and fellow community members and come on down to Ascend this Sunday. We are located at 8655 160th Street, just off Fraser Highway.
Posted in Events | Leave a commentLearn how Evie & Sam came to terms with downsizing
July 6, 2012A condominium home was definitely not part of Evie and Sam’s plan. In fact, Evie says that when she and her husband received an invitation to preview Edgewater in South Surrey they had absolutely no intention of moving from their 3,300-sq.ft. townhouse – strong emphasis on the word “no.”
The original plan had been to help Evie’s daughter buy a home. “My daughter and I were out and about looking at townhouses, but we thought we’d just take a quick look at Edgewater,” she explains, adding it was the very first day anyone had been able to see the presentation centre and display suite.
The pair were smitten with what they saw – from the layout and quality of construction to the lush landscaping and green spaces throughout the community. And when Sam visited later that day, the decision to purchase seemed like a natural progression. In no time, a 1,300-sq.ft. end unit with 180 degrees of windows was sporting a red SOLD sticker.
OUTDOOR LIVING
Ask Evie how important Edgewater’s outdoor features were in her decision to purchase, and her response is instantaneous. “Huge, huge, huge. Where we are now Iv’e used the amenities exactly three times, and each time I had to drag everything I need over, then drag it all back again. It was ridiculous.” Her grin in sheer enthusiasm. “Here it’s going to be like having a resort right outside your front door. There are so many amenities – gym, theatre, demonstration kitchen, pool, hot tub – and I’m going to make full use of them all.”
MAKING IT HOME
Although there’s almost a year until construction is complete, Evie says she and Sam are ready for their upcoming life change. “We’re going to use the den as a formal dining room, the second bedroom will be my office, and when we have company, we can just rent one of the guest suites for them.” She adds they also indulged in upgrading to crown moulding “everywhere.”
Evie says two of the things she’s most looking forward to are making the entire suite feel “cozy and comfy” and rolling up her sleeves for some serious baking in her new gourmet kitchen. “I love homemade breads, and this is going to be a terrific space for baking. Plus there’s the chef’s demonstration kitchen in the amenities building. I can’t wait to try that out when we’re entertaining.”
Edgewater is located at 152 St. and 36 Ave. in South Surrey. For more information visit edgewaterliving.com or call 604.535.9655
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment
Buying and Investing in Real Estate Seminar
May 16, 2012Last night Fifth Ave hosted a successful buying and investing in Real Estate seminar for first time buyers. The event was focused towards providing buyers with information to help them make a smart buying decision.
We would like to thank our speakers for a great presentation.
Sean Mahoney of Fifth Avenue Real Estate Marketing discussed buying and investing in Real Estate. Including the topics of why Real Estate makes sense, what to think about when choosing a location, what deciding to wait costs you; and, how to go about purchasing your first home.
Henri Li of TD Canada Trust went through the financial process that comes with purchasing a home. He touched on a number of important topics including home financing options, mortgage default insurance, creditor insurance, sequence of events to expect, steps to finalizing your mortgage, additional costs to consider; and, closing day expectations.
Soleman Hashmi from Hashmi & Company Barristers, Solicitors and Notaries Public joined us for the closing process discussion. He provided insight on what to expect (and what to look out for) during the closing process and transfer of funds.
Turnout to the event was great! Those who attended were excited to leave with a wealth of information. For those who missed out but are interested in finding out more information on the above topics please contact Sean Mahoney at 604-583-2212 or e-mail sean@fifthave.ca.
