SilverBeam Homes

Townhome Availability in Vancouver

by Bevony on 10 June 2020 Comments Off

Vancouver home prices have seen a modest growth of 1% for 2020. This city still stands as the most expensive place to live in Canada. With the current health crisis, the supply of real estate has been further depressed. Some weary sellers are pulling their listings from the market and as such prices can get even higher. What will you find for sale in Vancouver?

Types of Real Estate Available for Sale

You will find many a condo on sale in Vancouver. If you are looking for a single-family home, you will be able to find your fair share of those as well. That is of course if you can afford it. But if you are searching for a townhome, you may be up for an uphill battle. There are multiple reasons for this.

In Vancouver, we can see clearly, that there is a difference between what people want and what they can afford when it comes to real estate. Vancouver has not built a lot of townhomes historically and this affects the market in more than one way.

Within the past few years, there has been new zoning in Marpole for example that just allowed the building of townhomes. Other than availability, there is also the price factor. Buying a single-family home is too expensive for most families and buying a small condo won’t provide adequate space.

Families may have some hope in the future for purchasing two and three-bedroom townhomes princesses less than 2 million and ranging in size from 631 to 1840 square feet. The last decade shows that a lot of families have left the city of Vancouver due to the cost of real estate and their inability to find appropriate housing at affordable costs. This solution will provide families with the opportunity to get a home that is bigger than a condo but still more affordable than the typical single-family offerings in the Vancouver area.

Change is the new constant in the current real estate market. And all stakeholders are feeling this currently. We are all weathering the storm and hoping for the best outcome, always ensuring that safety is the priority. Some of you must still brave the Vancouver housing marketing during this crisis. Here at SilverBeam Homes, we can help. If you are wondering “will Vancouver house prices ever drop“? Maybe it is time for you to look at alternatives.

Get in touch with us today, and let us know what your needs are. We can help you navigate these changes both safely and effectively.

How the COVID Pandemic is Affecting Home Design

by Bevony on 21 May 2020 Comments Off

The home design industry experts have always had to be at the forefront of innovation. It is necessary for the nature of their work. They have to be innovative to find ways around roadblocks such as clients’ budgets, regulation restrictions as well as size restrictions. They have to be creative and quick with their thinking in order to find alternative ways to do things. The current COVID pandemic has made it necessary for those in the home design industry to start thinking of ways for us to move forward with the changes in lifestyle that must be brought about due to the COVID 19 outbreak.

Home Builders and designers are now having to strategize innovations into new home designs. With many people now needing to work from home there is the need for home offices more than ever. We also find many couples sharing whatever office space was already present in the home. This has created the need for additional space. With many people not having the financial or time capital to expand their homes, now we have to be looking into designing flex rooms.

A flex room can be used in an office during working hours and can double as a guest room at other times as well as a game or playroom for kids as well. Bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms are ideal for cross use as an office as they allow for working individuals the type of environment they need to work in especially if there are kids at home. These bedrooms are also ideal for persons that may need to self-isolate if showing symptoms of the COVID-19 virus.

Equipping your Home with a Decontamination Room

We can kick things up a notch by investing in ultraviolet light incorporations for foyers or mudrooms. Ultraviolet light is currently being used in hospital settings as a means of decontaminating items. There are of course safety implications so these rooms would have to be entirely lockable if ultraviolet light will be used within.

Equipping Your Home for Deliveries

The option is being explored to have a lockable box built into an exterior envelope on your home. This will allow delivery people to securely leave your deliveries without having to come into contact with you, your home, or vice versa.

Considering New Materials to Use

Surfaces, paints, and other materials that can handle a lot of cleaning will now be essential. This may mean more synthetic materials than natural products. We would have to be moving away from porous surfaces such as natural stones. The move would be towards surfaces such as standard quartz which may prove more durable to repetitive chemical cleaning.

When it comes to color, white may be better for kitchens and bathrooms which must be cleaned often.

New technology comes at a cost. There are now door handles that self sanitize but it is still very early for residential projects. The cost of these times and implementing these new designs could add up and many people are already low on income. We see where people have had to cut costs. We now see more people planting vegetable gardens even when working with limited outdoor space. Those who don’t have space are looking towards growing vertical gardens, garden walls, and garden windowsills.

Housing Regulations Around the Globe

by Bevony on 1 April 2020 Comments Off

If you thought British Columbia had a lot of housing regulations, you are in for a shocker. Today we bring you a different type of blog post. When you learn what other places have for their regulations you will understand that BC regulations are not too extreme.

We went around the globe to see what kinds of limits have legislators have placed on potential homebuyers and renters.

We found that China and India do not allow non-residents to purchase real estate. Now, China and India are the most populous countries in the world. Their regulations protect the residents. It also allows them a better chance of being able to afford a home whether they are renting or buying.

In Berlin, we see where they froze rental prices for a period of five years. This is a legislation that protects some 1.5 million tenants.

In the Netherlands, the law protects tenants from eviction by a renovation. This legislation requires a minimum of 70% of tenants to agree with a landlord’s improvement plans. “Reno-victions” are very popular in a number of countries. As a result, this practice often displaces tenants and disrupt their lives extremely.

British Columbia Housing Restrictions

The Most Rigorous Housing restrictions in Canada today can be found in British Columbia. You should be familiar with the speculation and vacancy tax as well as the 20% foreign buyers tax. Many people do not like these measures but when you take a look at other rules that have been mandated in other places to deflate housing bubbles you find that our rules are not that bad.

Asian countries are not giving foreign nationals the ability to invest in their land. This gives them control over their property values, preventing them from going up. This is not the case in the western world. Instead, we allow foreign nationals to purchase real estate. This, in turn, has a very big impact on the value of our property.

European countries have a number of hard caps on rent. They also have direct financial top-ups that are offered to tenants who have to pay more than 30% of their income towards housing costs.

Canadian Housing Pressures

We see where a lot of the most desirable cities in the world are facing a lot of housing pressures similar to the ones being seen in Toronto, Victoria, and Vancouver. These places are seeing skyrocketing prices in homeownership and in rent. While these prices are increasing, wages are staying the same. The government must now implement policies that will provide protection to vulnerable tenants.

The regulations and taxes that are put into place are supposed to help to ensure that housing prices don’t continue to drive up. With a sharp rise in the number of global millionaires and an increase in flights from Asian countries into Western countries, coupled with a record low on interest rates for megaprojects, we see some amount of negative effects.

Population growth is a benefit to developers. They respond to this growth by building housings to increase density. But is this the true solution? If there is a continuous flow of cash into the markets house prices won’t fall. And that is why going through the tax system is the choice of most governments. When there is no money to be funneled into expensive areas, the market will be forced to keep prices from rising.

Things Looking iffy for Luxury Builders in Vancouver

by Bevony on 5 February 2020 Comments Off

We are looking at New York City luxury condos that are going unsold underneath a real estate market decline. In Manhatten we see almost 50% of luxury condos built and which remain unsold up to 5 years after their build date.

The future for Vancouver is looking similar as well. In the past decade, prices have risen three times faster than those in New York. With such high prices, we find that middle-class young people are finding their dreams of owning a home are getting slimmer and slimmer.

New York Vs Vancouver

Yes, the markets in New York and Vancouver are different. But both these cities are often ranked as some of the most sought after destinations in the world. So they do have a lot of similarities, enough to make the comparison useful. East and West Coast cities are also seeing a similar downward trend.

While the luxury condos and flashy highrises in New York are staying unpurchased. We over here are seeing the same. In Vancouver, our more expensive homes are going unpurchased too. Since the peak in 2017, prices have plunged more than a quarter. Single-family high-end residences in Vancouver are also seeing a plunge in prices as sellers try to get their houses off the market.

In the past two years across West, Vancouver prices have dropped more than 25%. This municipality is known for being one of the highest per capita income in the country. Vancouver and many of its suburbs are experiencing a similar dip were in 2019, values went down more than 11%.

What it All Means

While the luxury house market in Vancouver is not as badly hit as the one in New York it is undergoing a considerable amount of struggle. We see this very evident in the Oakridge neighborhood of Vancouver alone. Hundreds of units with price tags in the millions do not have buyers. With prices over $2400 per square foot, local wage earners cannot afford to own a home. Prices like these are very common as the city becomes more and more known as one of the most unaffordable cities in Canada. The truth is that the gap between the median wages and housing costs in Vancouver is even larger than those in New York City.

Global Real Estate Consultants at Knight Frank estimates that there will be a price fall of approximately 10% in house prices in Vancouver. So sellers stand to lose more. Even with a decrease some buyers will still see certain homes out of their reach.

What Are Your Options?

Are you a potential homeowner with dreams that are looking out of your reach right now? Why not give us a try? Let us help you make your dream a reality. We can get you a custom-built home tailored to your housing needs and your housing budget. We may not be able to get you into the fanciest neighborhood in town but we have the expertise necessary to make your dream come through.

New Standards for Building Energy Performance throughout British Columbia

by Bevony on 1 January 2020 Comments Off

There is a revolution happing in code development in British Columbia. The rest of Canada is also seeing this. As a result, there has been an increase in residences being built with better energy performance. There has been a 70% increase in construction over the past two years. This increase is noted by the British Columbia local government.

The BC Energy Step Code being developed is set to be fully encompassing all new construction in British Columbia for 2032. The code has measurable performances at its root. It, however, does not prescribe specific approaches and materials. It does, however, indicate the lowest performance outcomes that are expected and each of these is grouped into the different steps of the code. Because of that builders now have this guide to using when designing and building new homes.

There are 5 steps that a home can meet according to the code. A step 5 home is the best at energy efficiency because it is the top of the tier. Due to this, the construction industry in the driver’s seat for creating the homes to meet this step code. Different experts from across the industry and at different stages of the home design to build process can help to create more efficient homes. These include architects, builders, and engineers who must all work together for a common goal.

These professionals are not left to their own devices. They must demonstrate with an energy model how their project will meet the requirements of each step of the code.

Metrics of the BC Energy Step Code

The Range of Metrics used in the BC Energy Step Code includes TEDI and MEUI. There is also, the percentage lower than EnerGuide Reference House. As well as there is airtightness. The latter is expressed as hour at a 50-Pa (1-psf) pressure differential (ach 50).

In December 2017, the government of British Columbia indicated that by 2032 it would need all newly built buildings to meet the specified energy performance requirements. As a result, the code came into force in December 2017. It is not a mere standalone code, it is instead a part of the British Columbia Building Code (BCBC) To meet the requirements, the government developed a directive that is transforming communities in the province steadily.

The BC Energy Step Code is already being used by several local governments. The number is currently growing. Because the local government as shown so much interest in the code, the province has provided alignment with the regulatory requirements and the steps of the code.

With each edition of the code, there is more stringency. As such there are changes in what is required for 2022, 2027 and 2032. This has triggered an increase in training for persons employed for different roles throughout the industry.

How the BC Energy Step Code Works

Each step of the code represents a higher amount of efficiency. Each step of energy efficiency is defined by a particular metric. It has already been made the standard in the bylaws of several communities. Each proposed new project must demonstrate its ability to meet the requirements of the current standard step.

As a result, an energy model must be submitted for any building project. This along with the necessary drawings are used for the application of a permit. The official will confirm if the project meets the requirement and will issue a permit. After the completion of the building, the builder must show that the building does confirm to and meets the standards as specified by the initial documents used to secure the permit to build.

This is step 1. Each step has different requirements because the protocol allows time for the industry to get up to the task. The highest is Step 5. It is the top step and denotes a net-zero energy ready single-family home. As a result, one can expect the utmost energy efficiency from a home with step 5 designation.

Increase in High-Performance Projects

Because of there being a buyer’s market, there is a huge rise in construction in British Columbia. Because of the CleanBC program, there is an added boost for new projects being built to the BC Energy Step Code. The CleanBC incentivized program targets Part 3 buildings. It also targets residences that are targeting Passive House Certification.

Finding the Right Greater Vancouver Neighborhood

by Bevony on 19 June 2019 Comments Off

Homebuyers are now looking beyond the value of the housing structure itself and looking into the quality of life as they consider which neighborhood they want to call their home.

Greater Vancouver has the highest prices in real estate when it comes to Canada. As such homebuyers are looking or more than the value that is within their house. A good neighborhood can be just the edge needed when sellers are looking to attract potential buyers. So what are the features that can cause a neighborhood to stand out more than any other for potential homeowners?

What HomeBuyers Want

According to a report from RE/MAX in 2019 Canadians rank easy access to dining, shopping and green spaces at the top of their criteria for what makes a neighborhood more livable. Other important factors are proximity to preferred schools, work, public transit, community centers, and cultural centers. The report shows that Canadians spend in excess of two-thirds of their time within their very own neighborhood. This rate is a lot higher for baby boomers who want to stay in their neighborhood and have direct access to all or most of their needs there.

Kerrisdale, West End, and Main are the top three neighborhoods as ranked by RE/MAX in Vancouver when it comes to access to parks, green spaces, retail and restaurants, ease of getting around, walkability and access to public transit.

When it comes down to affordability and a good available housing inventory the neighborhoods mentioned include Renfrew-Collingwood, Downtown-Vancouver and Mount Pleasant. As a matter of fact, if you are considering the Renfrew-Collingwood area, we’re here at SilverBeam Homes have houses for you.

It is important to note that these livability factors are often the ones that cannot be changed whereas price and value can change over time either up or down. The livability factors are what makes a home a great place to live.

Top 10 Vancouver Neighborhoods

A fourth-quarter analysis of Greater Vancouver in 2018 showed the top 10 neighborhoods of the time were:

Marpole
Vancouver West
Saunders
Lackner in Richmond
West Cambie
Steveston North
Hastings East
Collingwood
Queensborough
Fort Langley

Queensborough has been rated the best neighborhoods for condo and townhouses on a list with other neighborhoods such as Renfrew, South Cambie, Saunders, Pemberton, and Central.

What are your must-haves for a neighborhood before choosing to purchase a home there? Let us help you find the right home, in the right neighborhood. Contact us today and let us start working towards getting you the keys to your dream home.

New Home – What Now?

by Bevony on 15 May 2019 Comments Off

So you bought your first home! Congratulations, we are super happy for you to have reached this milestone in your life. But what do you do now? We know you are tempted to purchase all the home goods at all the home goods and furniture stores but wait, let’s hold off on all of that for right now. Yes, we understand that your new home is a new start and filling it with a bunch of new things feels like the right thing to do. But let’s face it, there are monetary constraints and it makes no sense to put yourself into debt with a house full of brand new items. So what do we suggest should be the new purchases for your home? Keep reading to find out.

1. Lighting

Lighting is a very important factor in every home. In most cases, each room will require different levels of lighting based on how it will be used. Your office may require more lighting than your TV room for instance as well as your bathroom may require more lighting than your bedroom. The fact of the matter is you will need lighting before you attempt to move anything into your new house so let’s start here.

2. Window Treatments

Window Treatments – the jury is still out whether you should take care of lighting before you take care of the window treatments. These window treatments can really add some happiness to an empty room and they can also keep outside eyes from seeing what’s going on in your house while you are unpacking, moving in, sorting out your space. They can also keep the wandering eyes from knowing that your living room is still empty even though you moved into your new home three months ago. I hear you though, you haven’t got the color scheme and design all figured out yet. You can start off with basic window treatments that are only for allowing privacy. Get some drab drapes or some basic blinds until you have your full design figured out.

3. Side/End Tables

Side/End Tables – you never realize just how important these little pieces of furniture are until you have nowhere to place stuff. The great thing about these is even if you haven’t decided on your design theme or color story you can find neutral tables that can later fit into your chosen theme or story. These tables are very versatile and as such provide you with an exceptional bang for your buck since they can be placed in every room in your home.

4. The Necessities

The Necessities – now we cant list these out for you as these are different for each family. You will need to take stock of all home items you already own and first get those into space. Remember you can always change out into new things later, but for right away we want you to take all functional items that are still working and move them into your new space. Its all about making responsible fiscal decisions. Choose necessities that you don’t currently own and start with those purchases first.

While we understand that each homewoners needs are different going into their first home this list is a great place to start. It wont be a complete list for many and there may even be unnecessary things on there for some but it gives you a good idea to start off your new home purcashing or wish list with.

real estate news

Townhome Availability in Vancouver

Types of Real Estate Available for Sale

How the COVID Pandemic is Affecting Home Design

Equipping your Home with a Decontamination Room

Equipping Your Home for Deliveries

Considering New Materials to Use

Housing Regulations Around the Globe

British Columbia Housing Restrictions

Canadian Housing Pressures

Things Looking iffy for Luxury Builders in Vancouver

New York Vs Vancouver

What it All Means

What Are Your Options?

New Standards for Building Energy Performance throughout British Columbia

Metrics of the BC Energy Step Code

How the BC Energy Step Code Works

Increase in High-Performance Projects

Finding the Right Greater Vancouver Neighborhood

What HomeBuyers Want

Top 10 Vancouver Neighborhoods

New Home – What Now?

1. Lighting

2. Window Treatments

3. Side/End Tables

4. The Necessities

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