Monday, September 30, 2013 Are you going to the Vancouver Home and Design Show this October?by Nadja Pasic on Mon, Sep, 30, 2013 10:10 PM CTV British Columbia
Published Monday, September 30, 2013 9:00AM PDT
Last Updated Monday, September 30, 2013 10:19AM PDT
The Vancouver Home + Design Show
October 17-20, 2013
BC Place Stadium
The Vancouver Home + Design Show presented by Scotiabank is where it all comes together. From October 17-20, 2013, Vancouver’s ultimate authority on all things design, entertaining and home improvement will host big names like W Network’s Jonathan and Drew Scott, stars ofProperty Brothers, Jillian Harris & Todd Talbot, hosts of Love It or List It Vancouver and local favourites A Good Chick to Know on the HGTV Main Stage.
With more than 325 exhibitors and a host of new and exciting features, there’s expert insight, innovation and inspiration for living well at every turn. Satisfaction guaranteed – or the cost of admission is on us.
CTV is giving you a chance to win a pair of tickets to the show. Simply fill out the entry form and check back here on Monday, October 7th to see if you’re a winner!
SHOW DATES & TIMES
- Thursday, October 17, 4PM to 9PM
- Friday, October 18, 12PM to 9PM
- Saturday, October 19, 10AM to 9PM
- Sunday, October 20, 10AM to 6PM
BC Place Stadium, 777 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver, BC V6B 4Y8
ADMISSION
- Adults: $15
- Adults: ONLINE $12
- Seniors (60+): $12
- Seniors (60+): ONLINE $9
- Seniors Friday before 5pm only $6 (box office & online)
- Children 12 and under: FREE
Buy ticket online and save $3 courtesy of Homestars at www.vancouverhomeshow.com
STAGES
HGTV Main Stage
Fret not - help is on the way! Set your designs on advice from Canada’s most talented designers, realtors and home improvement experts. Celebrity presenters including the Vancouver home show debut of Property Brothers, Jonathan and Drew Scott, Jillian Harris & Todd Talbotfrom Love It or List It Vancouver, noted designerAlykhan Velji, and local favourites from A Good Chick to Know and theGreater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association will serve up a fresh dose of insight and inspiration for making over, fixing up or selling any home. Presented by The Vancouver Sun. Furnished by Crate & Barrel.
Vancouver MagazineCooking Stage
Home entertaining gets an infusion of flair and flavour from Vancouver’s best-known chefs and culinary personalities, including Chef Massimo Capra, Ned Bell and Trevor Bird. Think homegrown produce and locally sourced ingredients from Canada’s rich forests, rivers, oceans and farmlands, combined with far-ranging and diverse ethnic influences at the hand of Vancouver’s culinary masters. Live, full-action cooking demonstrations will leave no doubt about it: Canadian cuisine is not just about smoked salmon, maple syrup and poutine anymore. Presented by Edible Canada. Appliances provided by Samsung.
SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS: ONE DAY ONLY!
Opening Night: Celebrating 30 Years of Design!
Thursday, October 17, 4-9pm
The Vancouver Home + Design Show presented by Scotiabank fêtes its 30th anniversary with an evening of perks, refreshments and entertaining! Rub shoulders with the who’s-who from Vancouver’s creative set at the biggest design party of the season, complete with au-courant cocktails in the Western Living Lounge, snacks from the city’s favourite eateries, a live performance from DNA6 and plenty of surprises all night long. Presented by The Beat 94.5.
Girls’ Night Out
Friday, October 18, 5-9pm
Fashion, wine and a little girl talk combine for a new take on girls’ night out. Give your dating game a boost with a little liquid courage, a pop-up fashion show from Park Royal and can’t-miss coupling advice from matchmaker to the stars Jane Carstens on the HGTV Main Stage. All the single ladies – you won’t want to miss this! Presented by Virgin 95.3 and Park Royal.
Samsung Passion for Fresh Cooking Challenge
Saturday, October 19, 12-4pm
Join Chef Massimo Capra, chef host from Food Network’sRestaurant Makeover, and three of Vancouver's best home chefs will face off in a battle for culinary supremacy! Paired with a top local chef, a secret ingredient and a Samsung Flex Duo Oven, each competitor will have one hour to create two perfect dishes. The winning home chef will walk away with $7,000 worth of Samsung Home Appliances for their own kitchen. Ready, set, cook! Presented by CTV.
MUST-SEE FEATURES
Urban Barn’s Next Top Designer
Vancouver’s rising design stars will compete for bragging rights, a feature display at Urban Barn’s flagship South Granville location and the chance to become a household name in this clash of the designing titans. Armed with a $5,000 budget, a challenging checklist of décor requirements and plenty of prowess, three of the city’s designing women will go paint swatch to paint swatch as they throw down in the name of good style – as voted by you. Presented by The Vancouver Sun.
CasaBubble
Outdoor living goes inside out, thanks to the ultra-modern CasaBubble, the newest design trend taking European gardens, outdoor spaces and high-end accommodations by storm. Imagine a next-generation yoga studio, office space, dining room and sleeping chamber, complete with translucent walls and genuine hardwood floors, all in the comfort of a high-design, spherical structure. No inclement weather, no mosquitoes, no noise pollution – just the perfect pristine environment 365 days a year. Don’t burst your bubble. Live in it! Landscaping by Houston Landscapes.
Ultimate Upcycle Challenge 2: Unhinged
Back by popular demand! Fresh off its much-hyped debut in 2012, the Ultimate Upcycle Challenge returns with a new mission for Vancouver’s top designers, craftspeople and trade superstars: reuse, recycle and repurpose a single door from ReStore for under $100. Think artwork, furniture and other common household pieces, crafted out of a conventional door left over from past construction projects and auctioned off to the highest bidder, with all proceeds benefitting Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver. Presented by Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver & ReStore.
The Preloved Living + Learning Lounge
Everything old is new again! Learn to tell a story with your space, thanks to this immersive interior design experience curated by A Good Chick to Know. Get the inside scoop on sourcing antique treasures and incorporating pre-loved pieces into any modern space, along with inspiration from the city’s most popular vintage shops – for old time’s sake.Presented by BC Living.
Ask a Decorator
Dream up a bright idea for your home with expert advice from Friendly Decorator’s Christine Friend. De-stress at a free 10-minute consultation, decode your design style with help from a variety of styled vignettes, and develop a plan for your design project in no time flat. Don’t forget your paint chips and carpet samples! Presented by Friendly Decorator.
Western LivingLounge
Sip and flip through the latest edition of Western Living magazine, all in the lap of luxury. Conveniently located adjacent to the HGTV Main Stage and designed by the talented Nicole Sjostedt, this is one space that will beg for a break – and a lengthy one at that, thanks to a wide variety of wines and beers suited to every palate.Presented by QM/FM.
BC Hydro Power Smart Home
Shrinking your carbon footprint doesn’t have to mean compromising your sense of style. Interior designer Ami McKay will demonstrate her vision for making Mother Earth #1 while maintaining a design-forward vibe in this eco-chic space. Complete with Energy Star appliances, environmentally friendly home products, and free on-site consultations from Team Power Smart and Ami McKay herself, there’s every reason to go green this fall.
GVHBA Gallery of Renovations
Need inspiration for your home renovation? Visit the GVHBA Ask a Pro Renovation + Design Centre for free consultations with professional renovators and designers who can help make any dream home a reality. While you’re there, stroll through the Renovation Gallery to see before- and-after photos of gorgeous renovated homes, product and design trends, and information on GVHBA-member contractors in your area. Presented by the Greater Vancouver Home Builders' Association.
Help Desk
Vintage furniture screaming for a refinish? Kitchen cabinets begging for new fronts and hardware? Look no further than the Help Desk, where a slew of experts will provide tips, trade secrets and a little push to get every project going in the right direction. Stop by on the show floor to get started. Asking for help is the first step to success! Presented by HomeStars.
For full event details visit: Vancouver Home + Design Show
Read more: http://bc.ctvnews.ca/more/contests/best-of-b-c-the-vancouver-home-design-show-contest-1.1468540#ixzz2gPsttkJT
Sunday, September 29, 2013 Open House. Open House on Sunday, September 29, 2013 2:00 pm - 4:00 pmby Nadja Pasic on Sun, Sep, 29, 2013 04:06 AM
Please visit our Open House at 1107 48TH AVE W in Vancouver.
Open House on Sunday, September 29, 2013 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Stunning South Granville Brand New Home! Situated on a beautiful street, this 4,835 sf home (60' x122' Lot) boasts large windows, gorgeous finishing, marble and dark wood floors, steam showers, sauna and a 4 car garage. A/C, Radiant in-floor heat, large Chinese kitchen, a grand foyer, 10 ft ceilings on the main floor and 9ft on top and lower levels. 6 bedrooms, a super sunny & bright office, wet bar, recreation and media room. Open House Saturday and Sunday from 2:00 - 4:00pm. Sir William Osler Elementary & Eric Hamber Secondary.
Friday, September 27, 2013 Open House. Open House on Saturday, September 28, 2013 2:00 pm - 4:00 pmby Nadja Pasic on Fri, Sep, 27, 2013 04:04 AM
Please visit our Open House at 1107 48TH AVE W in Vancouver.
Open House on Saturday, September 28, 2013 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Stunning South Granville Brand New Home! Situated on a beautiful street, this 4,835 sf home (60' x122' Lot) boasts large windows, gorgeous finishing, marble and dark wood floors, steam showers, sauna and a 4 car garage. A/C, Radiant in-floor heat, large Chinese kitchen, a grand foyer, 10 ft ceilings on the main floor and 9ft on top and lower levels. 6 bedrooms, a super sunny & bright office, wet bar, recreation and media room. Open House Saturday and Sunday from 2:00 - 4:00pm. Sir William Osler Elementary & Eric Hamber Secondary.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013 Cost saving programs for home/property buyers and ownersby Nadja Pasic on Wed, Sep, 25, 2013 10:15 PM Wise real estate decisions are made when you have a clear understanding of your personal financial circumstances. When assessing your situation, it is important to know that there is a broad range of cost-saving programs available to help you.
Top Grants and Rebates
50 Ways to Green Your Home and Save $$$
| Home Buyers’ Plan: Registered Retirement Savings for down payments |
|---|
|
Canada Revenue Agency’s Home Buyers' Plan lets qualifying home buyers use up to $25,000 of their Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) to buy a home. Couples can use up to $50,000. The home must be a principal residence, the home buyers must not have owned a home within the past five years and the loan must be repaid with 15 years.
Disabled home buyers upgrading to a more accessible home also qualify as do relatives helping disabled home buyers. Home buyers who have already used the plan and have fully repaid their RRSP may be eligible to use the plan a second time.
|
Canada Revenue Agency
For information:
Home Buyers' Plan
1-800-959-8287
|
| First-Time Home Buyers' Tax Credit |
|---|
|
This federal non-refundable income tax credit for qualifying buyers of detached, attached, apartment condominiums, mobile homes or shares in a cooperative housing corporation.
It’s calculated by multiplying the lowest personal income tax rate for the year by $5,000.
|
Canada Revenue Agency
For information:
www.cra.gc.ca/hbtc
1-800-959-8281
|
| GST Rebate on New Homes |
|---|
|
New home buyers can apply for a rebate of the 5% GST if the purchase price is less than $350,000. The rebate is up to 36% of the GST to a maximum rebate of $6,300. There is a proportional GST rebate for new homes costing between $350,000 and $450,000.
|
Canada Revenue Agency
For information:
GST-New housing rebate
1-800-959-8287
|
| BC Property Transfer Tax (PTT) |
|---|
|
Home buyers in BC pay a provincial Property Transfer Tax (PPT) when they buy a home. The tax is charged at a rate of 1% on the first $200,000 of the purchase price and 2% on the remainder up to $425,000.
First-time home buyers may be exempt from paying the PTT of 1% on the first $200,000 and 2% on the remainder of the purchase price of a home priced up to $425,000. There is a proportional exemption for homes priced up to $450,000. Buyers can’t have previously owned a home anywhere in the world.
|
BC Ministry of Finance
For information:
Property Transfer Tax
250-387-0604
|
| BC Property Tax Deferment Programs |
|---|
|
Seniors
Qualifying home owners aged 55+ may be eligible to defer property taxes.
Financial hardship
Qualifying low-income home owners may be eligible to defer property taxes.
Families with children
Qualifying low-income home owners who financially support children under age 18 may be eligible to defer property taxes.
|
BC Ministry of Finance
For information:
Property tax deferment programs
and enter ‘Property tax deferment’ in the search box or contact your municipal tax office.
|
| BC Home Owner Grant |
|---|
|
Reduces property taxes for home owners with an assessed value up to $1,295,000. The basic grant gives home owners:
• a maximum reduction of $570 in property taxes on principal residences in the Capital, Greater Vancouver, and Fraser Valley regional districts
• an additional grant of $200 to rural homeowners elsewhere in the province
• an additional grant of $275 to seniors aged 65+, those who are permanently disabled and war verterans of certain wars
|
BC Ministry of Finance
For information:
Home Owner Grant
Or contact your local municiple tax office.
|
| Home Adaptations for Independence (HAFI) |
|---|
|
This program is jointly funded by the federal and provincial governments.
The HAFI program offers financial assistance to low-income seniors and low-income persons with disabilities to support accessibility modifications that will promote continued safe and independent living. The assistance is available to eligible home owners and tenants.
|
For information:
BC Housing
604-646-7055
1-800-407-7757
|
| PST Residential Energy Credit |
|---|
|
Home owners and residential landlords buying heating fuel will receive a provincial goverment point-of-sale rebate on utility bills equal to the PST of 7%.
Home owners and landlords who buy energy not separately metered, for example, in a cooperative, and who don't receive the credit on their utility bill, can apply to the provincial government for the credit.
|
For information:
Residential Energy Credit and Rebate Program
|
| BC Residential Energy Credit |
|---|
|
Home owners and residential landlords buying heating fuel receive a BC government point-of-sale rebate on utility bills equal to the PST of 7%.
|
For information:
Energy credit
1-877-388-4440
|
| City of Vancouver Rain Barrel Subsidy Program |
|---|
|
The City of Vancouver provides a subsidy of 50% of the cost of a rain barrel for Vancouver residents. With the subsidy, the rain barrel costs $75. There is also a backyard composter for $25.
|
For information:
Barrel
Composter
|
| Local Government Water Conservation Incentives |
|---|
|
Your municipality may provide grants and incentives to residents to help save water. For example, the City of Coquitlam offers residents a $100 rebate and the City of North Vancouver, District of North Vancouver, and District of West Vancouver offer a $50 rebate when residents install a low-flush toilet.
|
For information:
Visit your municipality’s website and enter ‘toilet rebate' to see if there is a program.
|
| Local Government Water Meter Programs |
|---|
|
Your municipality may provide a program for voluntary water metering so that you pay only for the amount of water you use. Delta, Richmond and Surrey have programs and other municipalities may soon follow.
|
For information:
Visit your municipality’s website and enter ‘water meter’ to see if there is a program.
|
| Energy-Saver Mortgages |
|---|
|
Financial institutions offer a range of mortgages to home buyers and owners who make their homes more energy efficient. For example, home owners who have a home energy efficient audit within 90 days of receiving an RBC Energy SaverTM Mortgage may qualify for a $300 rebate credited to their RBC account.
|
For information:
RBC Energy-Saver Mortgage
1-800-769-2511
|
| BC Hydro Rebates/Savings |
|---|
|
Fridge buy-back: $30 to turn in spare fridges in working condition.
Appliance rebate: save on selected ENERGY STAR clothes washers, refrigerators, freezers and dishwashers, from $25 to $75.
Lighting: switch to ENERGY STAR LEDs, CFLs and lighting fixtures.
Home electronics: televisions and other electronics identified with Power Smart messaging use significantly less energy than standard products.
Livesmart BC: by increasing the energy efficiency of your home, you could receive more than $7,000 in rebates.
|
For information:
BC Hydro - Rebates and Savings
|
| FortisBC Rebate Program |
|---|
|
A range of rebates for home owners include a $75 rebate for upgrading to an ENERGY STAR clothes washer, a $300 fireplace rebate, $500 off water heaters, and $1,000 for switching to natural gas.
|
For information:
Fortis BC
1 888-224-2710
|
| FortisBC Rebate Program for Businesses |
|---|
|
For commercial buildings, provides a cash rebate of up to $60,000 for the purchase price of an energy efficient boiler, up to $15,000 for the purchase of a high-efficiency water heater, and receive funding towards a new construction energy study.
|
For information:
Fortis BC
1 866-884-8833
|
| Low Interest 'Green' Loans |
|---|
|
Vancity’s Bright Ideas home renovation loan
Offers home owners up to $20,000 at prime + 1% for up to 10 years for green renovations.
RBC's Energy Saver Loan
Offers 1% off the interest rate for a fixed rate installment loan over $5,000 or a $100 rebate on a home energy audit on a fixed rate installment loan over $5,000.
BMO Eco Smart Mortgage
Offers home buyers a special rate on qualifying green properties.
CMHC Mortgage Loan Insurance Premium Refund
Provides home buyers with CMHC mortgage insurance, a 10% premium refund and possible extended amortization without surcharge when buyers purchase an energy efficient home or make energy savings renovations.
|
|
Tuesday, September 24, 2013 Open House. Open House on Thursday, September 26, 2013 11:00 am - 12:30 pmby Nadja Pasic on Tue, Sep, 24, 2013 04:05 AM
Please visit our Open House at 1107 48TH AVE W in Vancouver.
Open House on Thursday, September 26, 2013 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Stunning South Granville Brand New Home! Situated on a beautiful street, this 4,835 sf home (60' x122' Lot) boasts large windows, gorgeous finishing, marble and dark wood floors, steam showers, sauna and a 4 car garage. A/C, Radiant in-floor heat, large Chinese kitchen, a grand foyer, 10 ft ceilings on the main floor and 9ft on top and lower levels. 6 bedrooms, a super sunny & bright office, wet bar, recreation and media room. Open House Saturday and Sunday from 2:00 - 4:00pm. Sir William Osler Elementary & Eric Hamber Secondary.
Friday, September 20, 2013 Vancouver to make accessibility for seniors, disabled a priority in new house constructionby Nadja Pasic on Fri, Sep, 20, 2013 09:29 PM
Vancouver wants all new single-family, townhouse and laneway homes to meet minimum accessibility standards.
Photograph by: Thinkstock , For Calgary Senior Web Forum
The City of Vancouver is planning a new building bylaw that, for the first time in Canada, will require all new homes to be adaptable for seniors and people with disabilities.
The city wants all new single-family, townhouse and laneway homes to meet minimum accessibility standards.
Mandatory features could include wider doors, hallways and stairs, lever handles on all doors and plumbing fixtures, and electrical receptacles higher on walls.
The city is also doing an 18-month study of the feasibility of insisting new homes have at least one exterior doorway with direct access to the ground without stairs.
The changes, if adopted by council next week, would come into effect in March 2014.
They are part of a much wider revision of the city’s building bylaw that is supposed to reduce red tape, standardize unwritten building practices already used by builders, and set more ambitious goals for fire safety, energy conservation and sustainability.
Many amendments to Vancouver’s building bylaw in recent years have been aimed at multi-unit condominium, rental and commercial buildings. But in a report going to city council next week, chief building inspector Will Johnston said it’s time new single-family homes, townhouses, secondary suites and even stacked townhouses be made adaptable for seniors and those with mobility issues. The proposed changes would include construction methods that would allow for easy and less-costly retrofitting to allow people to age in their homes.
Johnston said Vancouver has often led the country in modernizing minimum building requirements. The changes have often been later adopted in the B.C. Building Code and the National Building Code.
“When I look at the changes that we are proposing and recommending council adopt, they are very simple, modest provisions that you can put into a home at time of construction that don’t, in my mind, have a significant impact on construction,” he said.
Johnston said his department consulted with the building industry, including architects, engineers and home builders and pulled back on some proposals.
He said, for example, that the city wanted even wider doorways and halls than being proposed, but scaled back the provisions on the advice of builders.
Among the changes the city wants to make:
• Widening hallways to 900 millimetres, or 35.4 inches.
• Widening doorways to 800 millimetres, or 31.5 inches.
• Widening stairways to 915 millimetres, or 36 inches, to allow for mechanical lifts.
• Two peep holes in front doors, one at wheelchair height.
• Lever handles on all plumbing fixtures.
• Lever handles on all doors.
• Wheelchair-accessible building controls, such as thermostats
• Require a bathroom on the lowest inhabitable level of a home.
• Wall reinforcements for bathroom grab bars to be added in future.
• Modified bathtub plumbing to allow for future replacement of tubs with easy entry shower stalls.
• Electrical receptacles raised higher on walls.
Johnston said the changes may look formidable, but they don’t involve retooling of the construction industry. He said, for example, the bylaw currently allows a minimum door width of 24 inches, but the construction industry mostly uses 32-inch doors.
Similarly, lever handles and faucets are already required in all new multi-residential construction.
The report to council says the proposed bylaw changes would add construction costs of anywhere between $660 a unit in high- and mid-rise buildings, to a high of $6,100 for single-family homes. For houses, the lion’s share of that cost comes from new demands for energy and water conservation. The cost of making homes more adaptable for seniors and disabled people is more modest, in the range of $480 for high- and mid-rise buildings, to $685 for single family homes.
But the homebuilding industry questions those estimates.
Bob de Wit, CEO of the Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association, which represents the region’s construction industry, said the new building bylaw would add significantly to the cost of a new home for homebuyers.
“For new single family construction, it’s between $5,000 and $10,000,” said de Wit. “That’s about one to two per cent of the cost of the house. It doesn’t sound like much, but at the margin it’s significant for sure.”
De Wit said he’s surprised the new bylaw is going ahead because the city consulted his group, which raised its concerns about extra cost for homebuyers.
“I’m surprised to see it go this far. My sense was that staff understood the added costs it would introduce.”
Making homes more accessible is understandable, he said, but there are other factors to consider.
“Right now prices are getting high enough that people are looking for any way to make it affordable to live in Vancouver, whether its adding a laneway home, or a basement suite or whatever. Adding 10 grand is another 10 grand that could crowd some people out of the market,” he said.
[email protected]
[email protected]
Twitter.com/sunciviclee
Blog: www.vancouversun.com/jefflee
Friday, September 20, 2013 You Can Own a Share of Empire State Buildingby Nadja Pasic on Fri, Sep, 20, 2013 09:06 PM Real Estate News | North America Commercial News
By WPC Staff | September 20, 2013 10:38 AM ET
You Can Own a Share of Empire State Building
By WPC Staff | September 20, 2013 10:38 AM ET
After months of negotiations and turmoil, the family that owns the Empire State Building is preparing an initial public offering which could raise more than $1 billion, one of the largest-ever for a U.S.-based real estate trust.
The Malkin family is expected to begin marketing the offering for the Empire State Realty Trust in the next days. The REIT will include 18 properties, primarily Manhattan office buildings, according to the filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
But the Empire State Building is the biggest prize in the portfolio. The 102-story, 1,454-foot tower was completed in 1931 and held the title of world's tallest building for more than 40 years. IT remains one of the city's biggest tourist attractions.
The public offering has been discussed for almost two years, but was delayed by disputes with investors and unsolicited offers to buy the iconic tower. The tower has a convoluted ownership structure, with more than 2,800 investors owning shares in the building.
With occupancy high in New York office space, the REIT should be well-received by the investment community.
Empire State Building
"It would offer public investors a unique way to play the New York market," Michael Knott, an analyst with research firm Green Street Advisors Inc., told Bloomberg.
The Empire State Realty Trust plans to offer 71.5 million shares on the New York Stock Exchange for $13 to $15 each, according to the filing.
The IPO is scheduled to price Oct 1, Bloomberg reports. The IPO is led by Bank of American and Goldman Sachs, according to news reports.
- See more at: http://www.worldpropertychannel.com/north-america-commercial-news/empire-state-building-ipo-malkin-family-empire-state-realty-trust-manhattan-office-buildings-bank-of-america-goldman-sachs-worlds-tallest-building-7379.php?utm_source=WPC+News+Alerts&utm_campaign=45370ff444-WPC_Daily_Property_News_Review_September_20th_2013&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_11958aeb79-45370ff444-56973869#sthash.zjW1XRCu.dpuf Friday, September 20, 2013 Chinese Property Developers 'Hoarding' Cashby Nadja Pasic on Fri, Sep, 20, 2013 08:39 PM Real Estate News | Asia Pacific Commercial News
Chinese Property Developers 'Hoarding' Cash
Chinese property developers have more than $25 billion in cash on their books, but they are reluctant to spend money until uncertainties in the markets are resolved, according to a new report. In the first eight months of 2013, China's real estate management and development companies, including such major players as Shimao Property Holdings and Greentown China Holdings, raised more than $16 billion from offshore bonds and loans, approximately 36 percent more than in the 12 months in 2012, according to Reuters, which studied data from 76 Chinese property companies. Developers are cautious amid concerns of rising interest rates and the potential for more government measures to dampen the real estate market, the wire service reports. "Our financial situation is quite healthy, but we do have concerns for a credit crunch in the industry," Fung Ching Simon, Greentown China Holdings chief financial officer, told Reuters. "We solved our problems already and we are at a very stable situation, but other companies' problems will indirectly affect us -- it's all interconnected."
"Our financial situation is quite healthy, but we do have concerns for a credit crunch in the industry"
Two of China's biggest developers, Evergrande and Greentown, reported an increase of more than 50 percent in cash and cash equivalents during the first half of the year, boosted by strong sales overseas, Reuters reports. "We expanded our funding channels to overseas markets so that we won't be impacted by the domestic conditions as bad as before," Mr. Fung said. China's real estate companies' total expenditures are expected to fall 11 percent in the next year, compared to the broader Asia-Pacific region where it is expected to increase 6.6 percent, according to the Reuters report. Tightening credit conditions could have an effect on land acquisitions by property companies, Tse Wai Wah, chief financial officer at Evergrande, told Reuters. "Liquidity has been tight since June," Mr. Wah said. "Banks still need to do business and will lend but they will do so selectively. The impact (of tight credit) will be for small-scale developers." The wealth of capital could also lead to a new round of buyouts. There were $14.9 billion in mergers and acquisitions announced this year, already topping 2012's entire tally of $14.7 billion, according to Thomson Reuters data. "We could see smaller local guys tempted to sell out to big national guys or Hong Kong players," Guy Stear, analyst with Societe Generale in Hong Kong, told Reuters. "We will see more consolidation in the Chinese property sector, like we did in the banking sector. It is far too fragmented." EBITDA margins for the sector, a measure of profitability, was the lowest in six quarters as of June and it is expected to increase only slighty for the year, to 21.5 percent this year from 20.7 percent in 2012, according to Thomson Reuters StarMine SmartEstimate data. "Developers are looking to be more flexible and liquid as a result of capital market, sector and local credit policy uncertainties," said Raghav Bhandari, an analyst with CreditSights, an independent research firm. "Banks will still be accommodative towards the big players, but at least developers recognize the importance of having buffers." Developers have shied away from capital spending as property demand is threatened in Beijing and other major cities, while the government looks to enforce measures aimed at cooling the market. Despite the measures, China home prices have continued to rise, leading to speculation that more restrictions may be imposed on home buying. Concerns were raised from the U.S. Federal Reserve's possible tapering of bond purchases, which could send global interest rates were expected to increase. But interest rates in the U.S. held steady after the Federal Reserve this week announced it will not reduce bond purchases. - See more at: http://www.worldpropertychannel.com/asia-pacific-commercial-news/chinese-property-developers-hoarding-cash-shimao-property-holdings-greentown-china-holdings-evergrande-chinese-property-companies-7382.php?utm_source=WPC+News+Alerts&utm_campaign=45370ff444-WPC_Daily_Property_News_Review_September_20th_2013&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_11958aeb79-45370ff444-56973869#sthash.ono7kKt4.dpuf Friday, September 20, 2013 Open House. Open House on Saturday, September 21, 2013 2:00 pm - 4:00 pmby Nadja Pasic on Fri, Sep, 20, 2013 04:05 AM
Please visit our Open House at 1107 48TH AVE W in Vancouver.
Open House on Saturday, September 21, 2013 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Stunning South Granville Brand New Home! Situated on a beautiful street, this 4,835 sf home (60' x122' Lot) boasts large windows, gorgeous finishing, marble and dark wood floors, steam showers, sauna and a 4 car garage. A/C, Radiant in-floor heat, large Chinese kitchen, a grand foyer, 10 ft ceilings on the main floor and 9ft on top and lower levels. 6 bedrooms, a super sunny & bright office, wet bar, recreation and media room. Open House Saturday and Sunday from 2:00 - 4:00pm. Sir William Osler Elementary & Eric Hamber Secondary.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013 Looking for WESTSIDE Vancouver Buildable Lotsby Nadja Pasic on Wed, Sep, 18, 2013 05:49 PM I have a number of Builders that are seeking to purchase Vancouver Westside lots/tear down houses. Standard 33' x 122' lots or larger and lots of interest in Duplex lots.
Please contact me if you have a property or if you know someone that is thinking of Selling.
Nadja Pasic - Realtor
604.306.5011
[email protected] Wednesday, September 18, 2013 New Vancouver Homes - HPO Guide - A Great Resourceby Nadja Pasic on Wed, Sep, 18, 2013 05:28 PM This Guide is an essential reference tool for owners of homes with home warranty insurance and Licensed Residential Builders.
It explains how new homes should perform and which defects are covered under home warranty insurance in British Columbia. This includes defects in design, labour or materials. The Guide is designed primarily for conventional low-rise, wood-frame homes which is the main method of residential construction in B.C.
Homeowners can use the Guide to determine whether a possible construction defect might be covered by home warranty insurance and to better understand how warranty providers may evaluate claims in new homes.
Builders can use this reference Guide to help ensure that they deliver high-performance homes.
Available only online, this free resource Guide:
- Features more than 200 performance conditions
- Addresses possible defects in 15 major construction categories
- Provides uniform criteria to help consumers self-evaluate possible defects
- Covers the most common defect claims submitted under a home warranty insurance policy
- Explains the minimum required performance of new homes under home warranty insurance in B.C.
Searching the Guide
Find the information faster. Click on any link in the Table of Contents in the Guide to go directly to that page.
Message from the Minister
For More Information
Wednesday, September 18, 2013 Open House. Open House on Thursday, September 19, 2013 10:30 am - 12:00 pm Between Oak and Granvilleby Nadja Pasic on Wed, Sep, 18, 2013 04:05 AM
Please visit our Open House at 1107 48TH AVE W in Vancouver.
Open House on Thursday, September 19, 2013 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Between Oak and Granville
Stunning South Granville Brand New Home! Situated on a beautiful street, this 4,835 sf home (60' x122' Lot) boasts large windows, gorgeous finishing, marble and dark wood floors, steam showers, sauna and a 4 car garage. A/C, Radiant in-floor heat, large Chinese kitchen, a grand foyer, 10 ft ceilings on the main floor and 9ft on top and lower levels. 6 bedrooms, a super sunny & bright office, wet bar, recreation and media room. Open House Saturday and Sunday from 2:00 - 4:00pm. Sir William Osler Elementary & Eric Hamber Secondary.
Sunday, September 15, 2013 Open House. Open House on Sunday, September 15, 2013 2:00 pm - 4:00 pmby Nadja Pasic on Sun, Sep, 15, 2013 04:04 AM
Please visit our Open House at 1107 48TH AVE W in Vancouver.
Open House on Sunday, September 15, 2013 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Stunning South Granville brand new home! Situated on a beautiful street, this 4665sf home boasts large windows, gorgeous finishing, marble floors. A/C, Chinese kitchen, a grand foyer. 10 ft ceilings on main floor and 9ft on top and basement levels, 6 bedroom, sunny & bright office, wet bar, sauna, steam bath. Sir William Osler Elementary & Eric Hamber Secondary. Open House Saturday and Sunday 2:00 - 4:00pm.
Thursday, September 12, 2013 New property listed in Grandview VE, Vancouver Eastby Nadja Pasic on Thu, Sep, 12, 2013 05:17 AM
I have listed a new property at 2018 12TH AVE E in Vancouver. This home on East 12th Avenue is 2 blocks from Trout Lake & John Hendry Park. Zoning is RT-5 - 2 Family Dwelling. The value is mainly in the land. Build your new home. Wednesday, September 11, 2013 The Homeowner Protection Office has a variety of information to assist homebuyers in their purchasing decisions.by Nadja Pasic on Wed, Sep, 11, 2013 07:27 PM For those buying a new or re-sale home, the Homeowner Protection Office offers consumer protection information to assist British Columbia homebuyers in making more informed purchasing decisions.
The New Homes Registry provides prospective home buyers with information that will help make more-informed decisions when buying a new home.
It’s a useful resource for homebuyers, realtors, lawyers, local governments, and others interested in quickly checking the status of a new home or a new home under construction.
Use it to find out if a new home or new home under construction has a policy of home warranty insurance and is built by a Licensed Residential Builder. You can search for single detached homes and multi-unit (including duplex) buildings.
If the home does not have home warranty insurance it may have been built under an Owner Builder Authorization, or it may be exempt because it is a rental building. This information is also available on the Registry.
The New Homes Registry can be searched using the civic address or legal description. Only homes registered with the HPO since November 19, 2007 are searchable on this registry. If you cannot find the home you are looking for or if you are seeking information on a home registered after July 1999 and before November 19, 2007, please call the HPO toll-free at 1-800-407-7757 for assistance.
See an animated New Homes Registry demonstration - English, Punjabi or Cantonese version
Resources Available
The Homeowner Protection Office has a variety of information to assist homebuyers in their purchasing decisions.
Events
The HPO participates in a variety of events which provide consumer information for homebuyers. Tuesday, September 10, 2013 New property listed in South Granville, Vancouver Westby Nadja Pasic on Tue, Sep, 10, 2013 04:04 AM
I have listed a new property at 1107 48TH AVE W in Vancouver. Stunning South Granville brand new home! Situated on the beautiful street, this 4665sf home boasts large windows, gorgeous finishing, marble floors. A/C, Chinese kitchen, a grand foyer. 10 ft ceilings on main floor and 9ft on top and basement levels, 6 bedroom, sunny & bright office, wet bar, sauna, steam bath. Sir William Osler Elementary & Eric Hamber Secondary. Tuesday, September 10, 2013 Open House. Open House on Saturday, September 14, 2013 2:00 pm - 4:00 pmby Nadja Pasic on Tue, Sep, 10, 2013 04:04 AM
Please visit our Open House at 1107 48TH AVE W in Vancouver.
Open House on Saturday, September 14, 2013 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Stunning South Granville brand new home! Situated on the beautiful street, this 4665sf home boasts large windows, gorgeous finishing, marble floors. A/C, Chinese kitchen, a grand foyer. 10 ft ceilings on main floor and 9ft on top and basement levels, 6 bedroom, sunny & bright office, wet bar, sauna, steam bath. Sir William Osler Elementary & Eric Hamber Secondary.
Thursday, September 5, 2013 Another property SOLD at 3630 TRAFALGAR ST in Vancouverby Nadja Pasic on Thu, Sep, 5, 2013 04:04 AM
Another property SOLD at property at 3630 TRAFALGAR ST in Vancouver. Truly spectacular new home in Arbutus featuring over 4,300 sqft of spacious living on a 53x120 lot. Main floor offers open living & dining areas, a large office, gourmet kitchen with Sub-Zero & Wolf appliances including a WOK kitchen & mud room. 10 ft ceilings, large windows, gorgeous chandeliers & H/W floors throughout. Top level features 4 spacious bedrooms & 3 ensuites, spa inspired master bathroom & large W/I closet. Basement contains a fully finished 1 bdrm suite with laundry, a large media room, wine room, rec room & powder room. 2-5-10 New Home Warranty. This home is beautifully designed with exquisite finishing's. Another beautiful home by PRBH Developments. Monday, September 2, 2013 If you or a loved one is preparing to downsize, here are 5 tips to help you through the transition.by Nadja Pasic on Mon, Sep, 2, 2013 05:26 PM
5 Downsizing Tips for Seniors
May 10th, 2013
We recently assisted a widowed senior to downsize from his home of many years to a retirement residence.
After creating a space plan for the new home, five team members worked to de-clutter, distributing items to family and charitable organizations and separating recycling, chemicals, and other waste for eco-friendly disposal.
By coordinating cleaning services and movers and carrying out the stager’s and realtor’s recommendations, we were able to help the client and his agent to prepare the home to sell for the highest price in the shortest amount of time.
If you or a loved one is preparing to downsize, here are 5 tips to help you through the transition.
- To ease into the process, a good starting point would be to gather up all your important paperwork, such as the deed to your home, insurance policies, passports and other legal documents. This will benefit you even if you decide to stay where you are for a while.
- Draw up a floor plan of your new home to see how much of your furniture you can realistically take with you. There’s no sense paying to move more than will fit safely and comfortably in your new home, saving you time and money.
- Take some time to enjoy going through all your treasures, and be realistic as to what you can take with you to your new home. Family members might be happy to take some of your things, but you may need to consider donating others to charity or selling them. If you have lots of stuff to sell, consider holding a garage sale.
- A smaller home means less space and a greater need for creative storage solutions. Small shelving units that can attach to the top of closet shelves, and storage containers that can easily slide under the bed, are some of the products designed to allow you to use space that would otherwise go to waste. Consider closet organizing systems for your new closets to maximise 100 % of the closets space.
- Once you are all settled in, hanging your beloved pictures can add warmth to any room and make your space feel like home.
It’s sad to grow old, but nice to ripen. ~Brigitte Bardot
Sunday, September 1, 2013 Open House. Open House on Sunday, September 1, 2013 2:00 pm - 4:00 pmby Nadja Pasic on Sun, Sep, 1, 2013 04:03 AM
Please visit our Open House at 3630 TRAFALGAR ST in Vancouver.
Open House on Sunday, September 1, 2013 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Truly spectacular new home in Arbutus featuring over 4,300 sqft of spacious living on a 53x120 lot. Main floor offers open living & dining areas, a large office, gourmet kitchen with Sub-Zero & Wolf appliances including a WOK kitchen & mud room. 10 ft ceilings, large windows, gorgeous chandeliers & H/W floors throughout. Top level features 4 spacious bedrooms & 3 ensuites, spa inspired master bathroom & large W/I closet. Basement contains a fully finished 1 bdrm suite with laundry, a large media room, wine room, rec room & powder room. 2-5-10 New Home Warranty. This home is beautifully designed with exquisite finishing's. Another beautiful home by PRBH Developments. Open House, Sat & Sun, 2-4pm.
Categories: Arbutus, Vancouver West Real Estate | Cambie, Vancouver West Real Estate | Downtown VW, Vancouver West Real Estate | Dubrovnik, Croatia, Old Town Real Estate | Dunbar, Vancouver West Real Estate | Fairview VW, Vancouver West Real Estate | False Creek North, Vancouver West Real Estate | Government Road, Burnaby North Real Estate | Grandview VE, Vancouver East Real Estate | Hastings, Vancouver East Real Estate | Kerrisdale, Vancouver West Real Estate | Kitsilano, Vancouver West Real Estate | Metrotown, Burnaby South Real Estate | Mount Pleasant VE, Vancouver East Real Estate | Mount Pleasant VW, Vancouver West Real Estate | Oakridge VW, Vancouver West Real Estate | Point Grey, Vancouver West Real Estate | Quay, New Westminster Real Estate | Quilchena, Vancouver West Real Estate | Shaughnessy, Vancouver West Real Estate | South Granville, Vancouver West Real Estate | Vancouver Real Estate |
