Kathleen Thomas Bay Realty

750-1515 W2nd Avenue, Vancouver

admin — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 23:12:15 +0000

Fabulous freehold condo in concrete building in the heart of False Creek! …With panoramic views of False Creek, the North Shore mountains, and Downtown. Enjoy the view from all rooms or from the oversize deck that spans the width of the condo. This condo has been beautifully renovated with new flooring (slate and hardwood), a new kitchen from top to bottom including stainless steel appliances, granite counters, and new cabinets, new lighting, new bathrooms including a decadent walk-in shower in the ensuite, and a new washer/dryer. The built-in computer/desk work station is a perfect home office. Peaceful and quiet yet mere steps from Granville Island.

750-1515 W 2nd Avenue, Vancouver

admin — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:13:54 +0000

Fabulous freehold condo in concrete building in the heart of False Creek with panoramic views of False Creek, the North Shore mountains, and Downtown. Enjoy the view from all rooms or from the oversize deck that spans the width of the condo. This condo has been beautifully renovated with new flooring (slate and hardwood), a new kitchen from top to bottom including stainless steel appliances, granite counters, and new cabinets, new lighting, new bathrooms including a decadent walk-in shower in the ensuite, and a new washer/dryer. The built-in computer/desk work station is a perfect home office. Peaceful and quiet yet mere steps from Granville Island. Open house Saturday February 11th, 2-4.

1106 161A Street, White Rock

admin — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 01:13:54 +0000

Bright updated 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom rancher situated on a 8,131 square foot lot backing onto McNally Creek with total privacy in the backyard. Jennish Design with great room plan in the kithen/family & nook areas. All rooms including bedrooms a nice size that would be ideal for empty nesters or first time buyers. Interior completely painted in light neutral wall color to accentuate the dark laminate flooring throughout with the exception of the bathrooms. Both bathrooms just updated top to bottom with light decor for ease in decorating. Some extra updates include new light fixtures. light switches and plugs, tile backsplash in the kitchen, doors and trims painted, hardward updated, wood exterior siding that is in excellent condition. Extra large garage with lots of room on both sides of the garage for shelving and cabinets. Roof updated about 7 years ago. Excellent home in an excellent location. Wtihin walking distance to the beach, transit & schools. In South Meridian catchment and in move in condition!

411-15368 16A Street, White Rock

admin — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 01:01:45 +0000

Ocean Bay Villas: Top Floor – Top of the Class! All the ingredients for perfect condo living are yours in this NE corner suite with 1 lge. balcony & 1 smaller off the kitchen. Nice & bright but cool in the summers. Spacious kitchen with gr anite counters & eating bar; 9′ ceilings, pantry, gas fireplace, hardwood & custom carpeting, double shower in ensuite off of roomy master. This well managed complex has a caretaker, large exercise room, guest suite, workshop, bike storage, & well equipped recreation room. Dog or cat allowed, no age or rental restr. Storage locker 411-2 and parking stall 142.

210-15368 16A Avenue, White Rock

admin — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:00:10 +0000

Wonderfully unique condo in Ocean Bay Villas: Almost 1200 sq. ft. with 2 ensuited bedrooms plus a powder rm. Hardwood in the entry, kitchen, & eating area, windows on the South and West sides, glass block accents, & lovely outlook over the courtyard well set back from street. Spacious master has sitting area, double doors & opens to a 5 piece ensuite. Large 2nd bedroom with walk-in closet, balcony & ensuite makes this home perfect for those needing 2 masters. Sit-up bar area in kitchen & lots of counter space will appeal to the active cook. Elegant living room has gas F/P, glass block & ceiling accents. Shops are only a short distance away from this complex equipped with guest suite, gym, workshop. 1 dog or 2 cats, all ages.

Wow – my home has really gone up in value!

Kathleen — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:47:17 +0000

Ah yes, it is that time of year again when our tax assessments come out. Tax assessments for properties in the Lower Mainland have, for the most part, gone up – some by a significant amount. Why is this, homeowners wonder? Also, is this good news or bad?

What one has to realize is that tax assessments are based upon property values as recorded on July 1st of the previous year.The reasons that tax assessments have gone up this year is because of the busy spring market we had last year. Last spring we had a very active housing market that saw an increase in the selling price for houses, particularly in West Vancouver, Vancouver, Richmond, and South Surrey/White Rock. As a result, the property values went up on our assessments for this year.

So, is this good news or bad news? Well, it all depends upon your perspective. If you intend to remain in your home, a higher assessment means a higher property tax that you will have to pay to your local government. So many homeowners aren’t too thrilled to see their property value go up. However, if you are listing your house for sale, a higher tax assessment is often seen by homeowners as a means of determining its market value. Good news indeed!

Be careful though. Most buyers work with realtors. A realtor’s job is to show their buyers what the property’s market value is. The assessed value of the home is not typically the best indicator of a property’s value. While the land value of a particular property generally remains stable over time, a home is a depreciating asset unless it is regularly maintained and updated. In addition to the land value, to determine the value of a house one needs to consider its location, the style and size of the home, and any updates that have been made to it over the years. While the assessment authority has information regarding land, location, and size, they do not generally know how well maintained and updated a house is. If the house has been sold recently, they have useful information to use for its market value but otherwise, they have to go on generalized sales and market information.

The most useful information to determine the market value of your home is to look at what comparable homes in your neighbourhood have sold for recently – not a year, or six months, ago. This is the information that a buyer’s realtor will use to help him or her determine what to offer when buying a house.

So good news or bad news? You decide!

Happy New Year

Kathleen — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 17:32:39 +0000

Happy New Year to all my clients, friends, and family. I wish to thank you all for your support throughout 2011. In a referral-based industry it means a lot to know that you value working with me and that you trust me enough to recommend me to your family and friends. Thank you and wishing you all the best in 2012.

107 – 14220 19A Avenue, South Surrey

admin — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 20:24:46 +0000

Easy Retirement Living in Ocean Bluff Court! Totally detached rancher townhome with single garage & extra parking beside. In the past few months, seller has put in new flooring from Jordans, Benj. Moore. paint throughout, new baseboards, new light fixtures & switches, custom-fit bathroom cabinets, new drapes, top of the line closet organizers. Appliances & roof about 3 yrs. old. Very quiet complex for those 55 & over all an easy walk to Surrey parks & recreation areas. No rentals, cat or small dog allowed.

New Price! 16182 16A – $659,000

Kathleen — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 01:47:24 +0000

Great value here with this well-priced rancher on 16A Avenue. This home is perfect for downsizers who want one-level living, room for guests (1700 sq ft!) as well as a workshop and/or office space (320 sq ft outbuilding!), and space for extra vehicles. Go to featured listings for more details.

Open House: Saturday, November 19th, 16182 16A

Kathleen — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 01:44:39 +0000

Open House SATURDAY, November 19 from 2 – 4. Wonderful rancher with lots of extra goodies – enjoy the spacious 3 bedroom and 2 bathroom 1700 sq ft home with an addititional 320 sq ft separate building housing workshop and office. The yard is beautifully landscaped, has two water features, and is well-maintained. There is also room for lots of toys with a double car garage, parking down the side of the house, and an oversize driveway that can easily accomodate 3 vehicles side-by-side. Priced at $659,000!