NLHR090430.indd

Location. Lifestyle. Livability. Th ese are just some of the factors potential homebuyers take into consideration when purchasing a

new home.Of course, price is always a huge com-

ponent to consider, but by buying a new residence, homeowners can eliminate some of the problems that can arise when they buy an older home.

Older dwellings may be in need of reno-vations, repairs and upgrades – from the foundation to the appliances in-side – while newly built homes off er the security of little or no maintenance on such issues for years to come.

Morningstar Homes president Dale Barron, who has owned six homes in the Lower Mainland and has sold more than 2,500 single-

family homes in Greater Vancouver, says new residences also provide the family with a better way of living.

“I think the biggest advantage of buying new compared to older homes is the livabil-ity,” Barron says. “Every space is designed for how people live.”

In older homes, it is common for the kitchen to be smaller, and separate from a dining area and/or living area.

Barron says Morningstar designs homes while taking today’s lifestyles into consider-

ation. Th e open kitchen features an island that also functions as an eating area, since many families have less opportunity for full sit-down meals.

From the kitchen, families can just as easily make use of an open dining space

that, in some homes, opens onto an out-door patio. Th e kitchens also face the open, airy great rooms – some featuring 20-foot ceilings – in each home.

“We didn’t want to buy someoneelse’s problems. When you buy new,you get what you want.”

New Local Home has chats with the owner of a new single-family home in an OceanPark subdivision, Brian Martin ›› p.14

Live ‘the sweet life’ at Dolce Vita, new luxury towers in the heart of Vancouver ›› p.9

Buying now likely better than waiting until later

April 30, 2009

Morningstar Homes president Dale Barron says the current housing market presents un-precedented opportunity for buyers, due to lower prices and historically low interest rates.

CONTINUED ON P.5 CONTINUED ON P.7

New houses target lifestyle and livability to suit the needs of every homeowner

Toweringabove the restBurnaby Mountain highrise Altaire off ers views, outdoors

Some prefer to enjoy expansive views of the outdoors; others like to physically experience

the beauty.Living at Altaire, a new Burnaby Mountain

apartment tower by Polygon Homes, homeown-ers can have the best of both worlds.

Th e concrete highrise features two-bedroom residences featuring fl oor-to-ceiling windows that off er sweeping views of the North Shore Mountains, Mount Baker, the Gulf Islands and beyond.

Homeowners are steps to the campus of Simon Fraser University, and within walking distance of the shops, services and restaurants of the UniverCity Highlands Village.

Nature trails are right outside the door, and the opportunities for activity are endless – whether hiking or mountain biking on Burnaby Mountain, or traversing the parkland around Deer Lake and Burnaby Lake, the entire

Inside Altaire, a highrise atop Burnaby Mountain.

“Nothing was

wrong with the

market here. We

didn’t have an

oversupply of

homes. People

just stopped

buying out of

fear – not fear of

what was actually

happening, but

fear of what might

happen here.”

FRASER HWY. TO LANGLEY

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Be PowerSmart

If prospective homebuyers in B.C. want to know the envi-

ronmental advantages of homes built under the purview

of BC Hydro’s Power Smart New Home program, all they

have to do is open the refrigerator door.

What they’ll fi nd is a mock milk carton touting the envi-

ronmentally friendly, Energy Star-certifi ed appliance in

which it sits.

The carton is just one element of a sales kit developed

by Vancouver-based Karacters Design Group (a division

of DDB Canada) highlighting the functional benefi ts of a

Power Smart New Home.

The program enlists builders and developers to improve

the energy performance in new homes in a variety of

ways.

Collateral materials also include green-touting towels,

boxes of washing detergent and energy-effi cient light

bulbs.

The kit was circulated throughout Power Smart show

homes and display suites throughout the province in the

latter part of April.

“The Power Smart New Home sales kit encourages new

home buyers to make green decisions in the context

of their everyday lives,” explains James Bateman, CD at

Karacters.

“The benefi ts are unexpectedly built into everyday do-

mestic items, in itself creating a message of less waste.”

www.bchydro.com

Making green decisions

2 • New Local Home | April 30, 2009

■ Many development companies today are building

homes using green building practices. The Greater

Vancouver Home Builders’ Association has several

member companies that are members of Built Green,

an industry driven voluntary program that promotes

environmentally friendly building standards.

Visit www.builtgreencanada.ca for details.

Editor: Tricia Leslie • 604-575-5346 • [email protected] Advertising Sales - Black Press National Sales • Adrian Saunders • 604-575-5812 • [email protected] Advertising • Nicole Hutchinson • 604-575-5826 • [email protected]/Business Development: Steve McIvor • 604-575-5822 • [email protected]: Brad Smith • [email protected]

New Local Home is published once a week by Black Press Group Ltd. (Suite 309 - 5460 152 Street, Surrey, B.C. V3S 5J9) 350,000 copies are distributed free across Metro Vancouver. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited.

It can be easy to be green

Think energy effi ciency at home

Th e Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association suggests that when thinking about buying a new home, one of the things that may be high on your list is energy and water effi ciency, and other environmental features.

Investing in energy effi ciency will help to reduce the cost of homeownership, not only today, but also down the road. It will also protect you against sudden large increases in energy costs that can play havoc with your budget – a reassuring thought.

Energy effi ciency will result in a more comfortable home for you and your family, and it is the most important step you can take to reduce your home’s impact on the environment.

Th ere are many options available to new home buyers. Th e key is to talk with new home builders to fi nd out what they off er and get their advice on features, benefi ts and costs. Common energy upgrades include more insulation, high-performance windows and upgraded heating and cooling systems. You may want to look more closely at heat pumps, on-demand water heaters, dual-purpose systems for space and water

heating – these are now mainstream tech-nologies. Increase your energy savings with Energy Star appliances as well as halogen, compact fl uorescent and LED lighting.

Similarly, water effi ciency will result in lower costs and better use of resources.

It is also a hedge against future increases as many municipalities are looking to update decaying infrastructure, with users likely being asked to shoulder some of the cost. Th e starting point for homebuyers is low-fl ow toilets and faucets, as well as wa-ter-conserving landscaping. Also talk with your builder about grey water recycling and rain collection, for non-potable water use.

Healthy indoor air is important to you and your family. Ventilation is key to pro-

tecting the quality of your home’s air, and a heat recovery ventilator will continuously exhaust stale air, and bring in fresh air from the outside.

Th e use of non-toxic materials and prod-ucts in the building of your home also helps keep the air from becoming contaminated. Hard-surface fl ooring and other non-porous surfaces make it easy keep the house clean and free of dust and molds.

Th ere is a vast selection of resource-smart products that give you the look and function you want while reducing the impact on the environment. Th is includes products made from recycled waste or from easily renewable or well-managed sources, locally produced products, and products with a longer lifespan. Ask for details, so you know that a product is truly greener and better for the environment.

Greening your home can also save you money at the time of purchase. You may be eligible for a 10% reduction on the mort-gage insurance premium when you buy an energy-effi cient home. Some fi nancial institutions off er reduced interest rates or a rebate on a “green mortgage”, and some provincial governments and utilities have green incentive programs.

Be sure to check with your lender and your builder to see what may be available in your region.

www.gvhba.org

Going green can help reduce the cost of house ownership – today and for years to come

Lighting choices can help you cut costs.

New Local Home | April 30, 2009 • 3

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Living at HomeChoosing what best fi ts your lifestyle


Morningstar Homes is currently selling new, four-bedroom single-family detached homes in Coquitlam: Belmont at the Foothills.

Th e master-planned community shows potential homeowners where future elementary schools, parks, shopping and green space will be. Along with more than 140 single-family homes, there are also townhomes for sale just down the street in the same community, which are being built by Morningstar’s associate com-

pany, Polygon Homes.While the community is still being built, Bar-

ron says the area is designed more for what it will look like in 10 years.

“It’s all about coming in and feeling like you’re part of a planned community,” he says.

Plus, he notes, it has been proven that those who buy homes fi rst in planned communities will see their homes appreciate more than those who buy in later.

And while the news headlines continue to blare bad news about the economy, Barron says

it really is a great time to buy a home.Th e housing market is certainly diff erent than

it was a year ago, he notes, when it was a buyers’ market with no shortage of people willing to pay any price. From starter homes to showhomes, the market was extremely active until last March, when the U.S. housing market crashed.

Th e B.C. housing market followed suit, but not due to a bad market.

“Nothing was wrong with the market here.

Then vs. now

Off the front: “At the end of the day, if you ever wanted to buy your fi rst home, I think history will prove that it’s now or never.” – Dale BarronCONTINUED FROM P.1

Above, a view of the great room in one of Morningstar’s homes at Coquitlam’s Belmont at the Foothills shows the open design of the house.

PROPERTY PRICES

■ Average price of a B.C.

residential property:

1996: $218,687

1997: $220,512

1998:$212,046

1999: $215,283

2000: $216,989

2001: $$220,952

2002: $238,758

2003:$259,835

2004:$288,967

2005: $332,137

2006: $390,963

2007: $439,119

2008: $454,599

WAGES

■ Average weekly wage rate in B.C.:

1999: $628.82

2000:$639.37

2001: $648.19

2002: $668.04

2003: $683.68

2004: $686.74

2005: $704.49

2006: $726.02

2007: $747.84

2008: $780.85

2009: $799.72

Source: BC Stats, www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca

RATES

■ Average residential mortgage

lending rate (fi ve-year):

1951: 5.25 % (April)

1956: 6.0 % (June)

1961: 7.15 % (July)

1966: 7.95 % (December)

1971: 9.25 % (May)

1976: 12.03% (April)

1981: 21.46 %(July)

1982: 19.41 % (March)

1991: 11.31 % (July)

1992: 10.37 % (April)

1998: 6.90 % (July)

1999: 7.03 % (March)

2007: 6.60 % (July)

2008: 6.17 % (December)

Source: Canada Mortgage

and Housing Corporation

A look at B.C. prices, wages and interest rates – past and present

‘Improved housing aff ordability’ means you save moneyIf you’ve been thinking about

buying a new home, you’ve probably read newspaper articles about how housing aff ordability is improving.

But what does this really mean?For most homebuyers, the “bot-

tom line” is what they will have to pay, each month, to own their home.

Th is is determined by two things: the price they pay for their home, and the interest cost of their mort-gage.

Today, if you look at prices with-out considering mortgage interest, you could be missing a great home buying opportunity.

According to the Greater Van-couver Home Builders’ Association, here’s why:

Just two years ago, at the end of 2007, the average posted inter-est rate for a fi ve-year fi xed-rate mortgage was 7.49 per cent. Today

(March ‘09) lenders are off ering the same mortgage for just 4.25 per cent.

What this means is your monthly mortgage payment today will be 26 per cent less than in 2007.

Here’s an example. According to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the average home price in Canada in 2009 is expected to be $287,900.

If you purchased a home for this

price with a fi ve per cent down pay-ment, you would require a mortgage of $273,505.

At the 2007 fi ve-year fi xed rate of 7.49 per cent, a mortgage for this amount, amortized over 25 years, would mean monthly payments of $1,999.

At today’s low 4.25 per cent rate, you would pay only $1,476 for the same mortgage.

Th at amounts to saving $523 each month, or $6,384 each year, or $31,920 over the fi ve-year term.

Conversely, if you decide to pay what you would have in 2007 – $1,999 per month – you can fully pay off your mortgage about nine years sooner.

Th is would save you more than $150,000 in total interest charges.

Mortgage lenders off er a number of other mortgage options, some of which can save you even more

money each month.Th at’s what “improved housing

aff ordability” means – today you can own a home for less money each month.

So why is right now the right time to buy?

According to CMHC, “(Mort-gage) rates are expected to remain low in a historical context, but climb higher later this year and in 2010.”

So there is a good chance that the great mortgage deals being off ered today won’t last.

If you want to own a home, and get monthly payments that are 26 per cent less than two years ago, take a look at a new home today.

For more information on new homes, visit www.gvhba.org

Source: Canada Mortgage

and Housing Corporation

Now you can own a home for mortgage payments lower than in 2007.

CONTINUED ON P.6


Cresent Rd

128t

h S

t

124t

h S

t

24th Ave

25th Ave

OCE A N PA R K ON E

OCE A N PA R K T WO

20th Ave

16th Ave

Ocean Park Rd

Crescent Park

t h e F I N E S T i n

N E I G H B O U R H O O D L I V I N G

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Take advantage of the unique opportunity to have your family grow up in the quiet, up-scale community of

Ocean Park. Great schools, beautiful parks, beaches and boutique shopping are just a stones throw away!

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Ocean Park wins 2 more GOLD GEORGIE AWARDSIncluding the Customer Choice Award Prices starting from $795,000

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PRICE

REDUCTION

We didn’t have an oversupply of homes. People just stopped buying out of fear – not fear of what was actually happening, but fear of what might happen here.”

Now, housing prices are down and interest rates are histori-cally low – just over six per cent – rates Barron says the nation has not seen since Canada became a country.

During his 25-years-plus career, Barron says he has seen interest rates as high as 22 per cent.

“Is it a good time to buy? With interest rates and prices down, I’d suggest yes.”

As an example, Barron refers to a double-income house-hold, with both adults earning about $40,000 per year.

Generally, mortgage lenders historically allow homeown-ers to borrow for up to a third of their income, so that would mean – with $20,000 down – that couple could aff ord a home in today’s market for $375,000-$400,000, or a mortgage pay-ment of about $2,200 per month.

Th at same couple likely wouldn’t have been able to aff ord that even one or two years ago, he says.

Barron hopes those who are thinking of buying a home now don’t wait too long and miss their chance. It is likely, he says, that either housing prices or interest rates will eventually start climbing back up.

Sometimes, he knows, fear can prevent people from taking the giant step toward owning a home, and all the responsibility that entails. But fi rst-time buyers are the ones who drive the entire housing market, Barron says, calling them the basis of the rest of the business.

“At the end of the day, if you ever wanted to buy your fi rst home, I think history will prove that it’s now or never.”

Buyers’ market means more choiceCONTINUED FROM P.5

Style and comfortSpace designed for how people live

Above, an ensuite bathroom in one of Morningstar’s homes at Belmont at the Foothills in Coquitlam. The entire subdivision

is all part of a master-planned community, with parks, schools, shopping and green spaces all conceptualized in advance.


community presents an appealing lifestyle for a wide variety of consumers.

Plus, it’s literally the highest apartment community in the Lower Mainland.

“It’s higher living than anywhere,” says Ralph Archibald, Polygon Homes senior vice-president of sales and marketing, noting that Burnaby Mountain is the highest point in Greater Vancouver, and that the apartment highrise is on top of the mountain.

He, like others involved in the housing market, say that now is a fantastic time to buy a home.

Th e historically low interest rates and lower prices combine to off er better aff ordability.

In fact, a recent RBC Economics report states that sales of homes in B.C. “appear

to have found a fl oor” in late 2008 and the fi rst months of 2009, which could refl ect “a notable improvement in aff ordability, which removes a thorn in the B.C. market’s side that emerged in the aft ermath of the (housing) boom.”

Th e report notes that from the end of 2007 to the end of 2008, RBC’s aff ordability mea-sures in the province improved between 4.1 and 6.3 percentage points, depending on the housing type.

To give an example, Archibald says in April 2008, a monthly mortgage payment on a $325,000 home was $1,782 a month.

Today, that payment is $1,375 per month, or $407 a month less.

He points out that’s a savings of 24 per cent

Rooms with a view in new highriseCONTINUED FROM P.1

At Altaire, Polygon Homes’ new highrise tower on top of Burnaby Mountain, the outdoors is the main attraction, as is its central Lower Mainland location. Hiking trails are right outside the

door, SFU is just steps away, and UniverCity – where Altaire is located – off ers plenty of parks, shopping opportunities and access to transit. Rob Newell photo

Nature at your doorstepAn appealing range of choice for consumers

At Altaire, homes are designed with an active lifestyle in mind. Rob Newell photoCONTINUED ON P.13

$800,000

$750,000

$700,000

$650,000

$600,000

$550,000

Coquitlam House Price Comparison for April 2009

NEW Morningstar Home 11 Year Old Home

$682,395

$755,750

MorningstarApri30.indd 1 4/28/09 11:15:18 AM


Dolce Vita apartments at Symphony Place are Solterra Group of Companies’ new luxury towers in downtown Vancouver. They off er ‘la Dolce Vita,’ or ‘the sweet life’ to potential residents. Choose from a selection of live/work townhomes, lofts, studios and contemporary tower residences. Private Collection residences and sub-penthouses are also available.The towers are located in the middle of the new RAV line, so residents are now less than 20 minutes to Vancouver International Airport in Richmond.Other transit options, including SkyTrain and the SeaBus, are also nearby.


Living la Dolce VitaWhat’s new in your neighbourhood

VancouverDolce & Vita (Solterra Group of Companies)

THE DEAL: Dolce Vita apartments at Symphony

Place in downtown Vancouver are Solterra

Group of Companies’ two new luxury towers.

Home buyers can choose from an exclusive

selection of Dolce live/work townhomes, lofts,

studios and contemporary tower residences.

Private Collection residences and sub-pent-

houses are also available at Dolce apartments.

Homeowners at Dolce Vita are in the heart of the

entertainment district of Vancouver.

Theatres, art galleries and GM Place are all

nearby, and shopping opportunities abound

on Robson Street, at Pacific Centre, in Yaletown,

Granville Street and more. Public transit is easily

accessible, from SkyTrain (including the new RAV

line) and SeaBus to regular bus routes around

the Lower Mainland.

OUTSIDE: Vita is a selection of concrete, loft-style

residences, while Dolce off ers a wider selection of

townhomes, lofts, studios and tower residences.

Private Collection and sub-penthouses are also

off ered at Dolce. Each stylish dwelling at Dolce

gives its owners breathtaking views of the city,

day and night.

INSIDE: Sizes of residences vary from 786 to 1,389

square feet. High-end quality fi nishes, elevated

living and sophisticated interior design elements.

At Dolce, a 3,500 sq. ft. amenity centre off ers a spa,

steam room, lounge and a fully equipped gym.

Lofts are designed with spacious, open fl oor plans

and soaring ceilings, while the apartment residenc-

es are built with fl exible fl oor plans.

Address: Smithe and Richards (presentation

centre at 872 Seymour Street), Vancouver

Home-types: Townhomes/lofts/studios/condos

Price: from $627,000

Online: www.solterradev.com

Transit: Close to all major transportation routes

including SkyTrain, SeaBus and new RAV line

Shopping: Robson Street, Pacifi c Centre, Granville

Street, West Broadway, Yaletown

Recreation: The Orpheum Theatre, Queen

Elizabeth Theatre, the Centre for Performing Arts,

Library Square, Vancouver Art Gallery, General

Motors Place

>>Nearby amenities

Dolce and Vita, two luxury towers, off er new homes in an ideal location.

NOWSELLING

North ShoreNorth Shore

Burnaby/New WestminsterBurnaby/New Westminster

SquamishSquamish

RichmondRichmond

South DeltaSouth Delta

Tri-CitiesTri-CitiesVancouverVancouver

SurreySurrey

North DeltaNorth Delta

LangleyLangley

Maple Ridge/Pitt MeadowsMaple Ridge/Pitt Meadows

White Rock/South SurreyWhite Rock/South Surrey

(1)(1)(2)(2)

(6)(6)

(9)(9)

(4)(4)

(17)(17)(19)(19)

(20)(20)(18)(18)

(5)(5)(7-8)(7-8)

(3)(3)

(32)(32)

(31)(31)

(30)(30)

(34)(34)

(33)(33)

(10)(10)(11)(11)(12)(12)

(13)(13)(14)(14)(15)(15)(16)(16)

(26)(26)

(39)(39)

(24)(24)(23)(23)(21)(21)

(42)(42)

(40)(40)

(41)(41)(38)(38)

(37)(37)(35)(35)

(28)(28)(29)(29)

(27)(27)(36)(36)

(25)(25)(22)(22)

(43)(43)

SquamishBSkye-Soleil-AcquaPresentation centre

121 Lonsdale, North Van.

604-904-2240, 604-616-1215

CFurry Creek-Ocean Crest415- Furry Creek Dr.

604-315-0172

Vancouver DCarringtonOak Street & 45th Ave

604-266-6500

EPacifi cUBC Westbrook Village

604-221-8878

FAura5437 Willow Street & West 38th Ave

604-264-6477

North ShoreGBranches on the North Shore1111 E 27th Street

604-988-8489

BurnabyHJewelWilson & Beresford

604-456-0688

IBrentwood Gate-The Varley1960 Beta Ave

604-205-7228

JAltaire9222 UniverCity Crescent

604-298-1182

CoquitlamKLevo1170 Pinetree Way & Northern Ave

604-464-5856

LThe FoothillsBurke Mountain

604-944-3188

MGableLougheed Hwy & Blue Mountain

604-939-3358

NWhitetail Lane1357 Purcell Drive

604-552-3003

OBelmont604-461-7113

PLinks604-464-9907

Port CoquitlamQLinksDominion Ave

604-460-9907

RichmondRAlexandra GateCambie-Garden City

604-279-8866

SCentro7180 No.3 Road-Bennett

604-270-8305

TPradoNo.3 Road & Lansdowne

604-276-8180

UHennessy Green9800 Odlin

604-303-6840

South Surrey-White RockVHighland Park160th & 24th Ave

604-542-8995

WGlenmore at Morgan Heights161A St. & 24th Ave

604-542-8863

XBrownstoneMorgan Heights

604-538-9897

YWills Creek160th & 32nd Ave

604-542-6200

ZMorgan Heights26th Ave & 164th Street

604-531-1111

604-420-4200

[Ocean Park2026-128th Street

604-538-2345

Maple Ridge

\Falcon Hill23719 Kanaka Way

604-466-5723

]Crest at Silver Ridge22850 Foreman Drive

604-466-9278

^Solo11749 223rd Street

604-467-0800

New Westminster_Victoria HillMcBride Ave

604-523-0733

`Q at Westminster QuayRenaissance Square

@ Quayside Drive

604-515-9112

aRed BoatEwen Ave & Furness St.

Queensborough

604-520-9890

DeltabTrend7445 Scott Road

604-590-5483

cRadiance at Sundance8385 Delsom Way

604-581-8144

LangleydMilner Heights20843-69B Ave

eBedford Landing23015 Billy Brown Road

604-888-2176

fSeasons & Prelude at Milner Heights208th St & 72nd Ave

604-539-9484

SurreygAugusta at Provinceton18199 70th Ave

778-571-1088

hSpringfi eld Village8678 156 Street

604-591-1121

iKaleden2729-158th Street

604-541-4246

jWoods at Provinceton70th & 180th Street

604-818-3702

kThe Highlands at Sullivan Ridge60A Ave & 146th Street

604-538-2125

lThe Estates at Vistas West16327 60th Ave

778-574-1380

On Tour

Map_pgTEMPLATE_apr30 1 4/28/09 1:00:54 PM



2450 161A ST

SURREY BC

Open daily noon — 5 pm (except Fridays)

$299,900*

Make your move.

Glenmore is waiting for you in Morgan Heights, South Surrey’s busiest,

most exciting new neighbourhood. With cozy fireplaces, laminate flooring

on the main floor, and composite stone counters in the kitchen and ensuite,

chic two-bedroom townhomes start at just $299,900.

NET GST INCLUDED.†

visit glenmoreliving.ca or call 604.542.8863 for details

*starting from price

†Limited number of homes available. Limited time offer. See salesperson for details.

Intracorp Grandview Development Limited Partnership

Fifteen thou$and rea$on$ to have a house-warming party. To kick off this exciting focus on new homes in MetroVancouver,

we're giving away $15,000 worth of furnishings, home electronics and

groceries to one lucky winner!

Watch for details in next week's edition on how it might be YOU!

Coming May 7 and 8th.

newlocalhome.com

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New and availableWhat’s for sale in your neighbourhood

Nuvo in South Surrey off ers townhomes with quick, easy access to local shops, businesses, beaches and recre-ation areas, with Highway 99 and the U.S. border just minutes away. Interior and exterior design elements all work together to create a stylish, livable environment for homeowners. Nuvo’s community centre features a boardroom, lounge area and a convenient fl ex room.

SurreyNuvo (Qualico Developments, Porte Development)

THE DEAL: Nuvo is 43 three-bedroom townhous-

es built in a park-like setting at 32nd Avenue and

154th Street in Surrey. The serene neighbourhood

backs onto a wooded creek preserve that features

fi r, cedar and redwood trees. Convenient picnic

tables and a children’s area allow families to enjoy

the outdoors, outside their own private yards. It

is close to the shops, businesses and beaches of

South Surrey and White Rock, while Highway 99

and the U.S. border are minutes away.

OUTSIDE: Distinctive craftsman-styled exteriors

with rich, heritage-inspired colour schemes and

stone accents set the stage. Nuvo is profession-

ally landscaped to showcase pedestrian-friendly

grounds and a network of pathways. High perfor-

mance Rain Shield exteriors and energy effi cient

Low E windows help keep the weather outside,

as well as the insulated steel overhead garage

door. Perimeter fencing, well-lit common areas

and homes pre-wired for alarm systems all aim for

better home security.

INSIDE: Owners can choose from three interior

design colour schemes – slate, sand or stone.

Cozy gas fi replaces and dramatic engineered

wood fl ooring exist in harmony with carpet and

imported, hand-laid ceramic tile. Overheight

nine-foot ceilings on the main fl oor complement

the Cheyenne-style interior doors, which feature

brushed nickel hardware. Kitchens have Whirl-

pool Stainless appliances, granite or Caesarstone

counters, and several designer lighting packages

to choose from. Bathrooms are built with a Kohler

plumbing package with sleek, contemporary

fi xtures, with extra-deep tubs in the main baths.

Address: 15454 32 Avenue, Surrey

Home-types: Townhomes

Price: from $390,900

Online: www.nuvoliving.ca

Schools: Rosemary Heights Elementary, Chantrell

Creek Elementary, Elgin Park Secondary

Shopping: South Point Exchange, Grandview

Corners, Morgan Crossing Lifestyle Centre

Recreation: Only minutes to White Rock’s

beaches or to Crescent Beach, Softball City, South

Surrey Athletic Park, Crescent Park, quick access to

Highway 99 and the U.S. border

>>Nearby amenities

Nuvo townhomes are located within walking distance of shops and business.

NOWSELLING


per month, and $4,884 per year.Aside from lower interest rates and prices, Archi-

bald notes there is another advantage to the current buyer’s market – people can enjoy a more leisurely pace.

“Now you have the opportunity to look, touch and feel your housebuying experience.”

He feels many homeowners would love to live at Altaire, due to its central location as well as its serene setting, and describes it as a peaceful neighbour-hood, yet one with “so much activity.”

A new Nesters grocery store is set to open in the UniverCity Highlands Village soon, he notes, and a new elementary school nearby is expected to soon welcome students. But he feels the biggest draw is the beautiful B.C. environment.

“People who enjoy the outdoors will really enjoy it here.”

UniverCity is actually a complete community and a model of sustainable living, Archibald says, and adds that Altaire is a part of that community.

UniverCity not only provides a variety of recre-ation, transportation, education, child care and com-munity support services, but residents at UniverCity also receive a Community Card that off ers access to

Simon Fraser University programs and facilities.Th ere is also a subsidized transit pass program

for UniverCity residents, and extensive pedestrian pathways and bike trails link homeowners directly to shops, services and parks, and to hiking trails in the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area.

Visit www.univercity.ca for details.

CONTINUED FROM P.7

UniverCity a whole community

Altaire’s location off ers amazing views for its residents. Rob Newell photo

Pick your lifestyleChoose between serenity and activity

Simon Fraser University students relax on the steps of the popular institute. The university lifestyle fi ts in with UniverCity, the sustainable community where Altaire is located on Burnaby Mountain. SFU photo

Open the door to a new lifestyle. Rob Newell photo


coffee with...

BY TRICIA LESLIE

B uying a new home can be a daunting prospect for potential homeowners.

But there are several advantages to buying a new home that owners don’t get when they purchase an older model. No one knows this bet-

ter than Brian Martin and his family, who moved into Genex Development Corp.’s Ocean Park subdivision more than a year ago.

Hard at work in his front yard, Brian takes the time to talk about buying a new home, and why he prefers new homes to older models.

Green lawns and saplings thrive in the spring sun as he paints an outdoor landscaping container to match the front door.

Th e stylish single-family homes boast variations in design and fresh coats of paint. Sidewalks, streets and driveways in

the development are all spotless. Moving into a brand-new neighbourhood is one benefi t

of buying a new home, Brian says, and notes how the entire subdivision is clean and well-kept.

“We love the neighbourhood. People really seem to respect where they’re living,” he says.

Another asset, he notes, is that new home buyers don’t have to worry about inheriting someone else’s problems.

Some older homes are priced lower, but then need $100,000 or more in upgrades or renovations, Brian notes, and suggests it may be better for homeowners to spend that money on actu-ally getting what they want.

Looking around extensively fi rst for what you like is another must.

Brian says he and his wife chose the Ocean Park subdivision mainly because of the company – Genex – that is developing the neighbourhood.

“We like their style of home and their reputation.”While the company builds the home, Brian notes that

homeowners get some freedom with the design, with every-thing from colour changes to moving a wall.

One feature he and his family enjoy in their new home is the front porch.

Location was a factor in their decision to buy in Ocean Park as well – with a wife and two children who attend local schools, he and his wife love the central location to Vancouver, the close proximity to Crescent Beach and White Rock, and all the nearby shopping options.

Brian and his wife bought in the early stages – they were the third or fourth homeowners in the subdivision entitled Ocean Park One, which is comprised of 19 homes on the corner of 128th Street and 20th Avenue. Ocean Park Two features six homes, also on 128th Street, near 19th Avenue.

While 25 new homes have been built, eight homes remain for sale in the development, says Genex’s Allan Ullrich.

Visit the two showhomes at 2026 128th St., Surrey (open noon to 5 p.m. daily, except Fridays) or visit genexdevelop-ment.ca for more information.

A freshstart

Ocean Park homeowner Brian Martin prefers to buy new homes, to prevent inheriting pre-existing problems.

Buying a new house can off er advantages that homeowners don’t get when they purchase an older ,‘fi x-it-up’ dwelling

32 Ave

24 Ave

99

26 Ave

160

St

152

St

King George Hwy

*Sales by disclosure statement. Limitations apply, next 3 sales only, see sales rep for details. Brownstones Adera Projects Ltd. Adera Realty Corp. 2200 - 1055 Dunsmuir Vancouver, BC 604-684-8277.

BRITISH COLUMBIA

3 BEDROOM, 2 BATHROOM SPECIAL!

FROM $309,900*/$599 PER MONTH!*

BUILDING TRUST FOR 40 YEARS.

years

FORT LANGLEY BEDFORD LANDING

from $529,9003 & 4 bedroom single family homes in a vibrant town centre

from $739,900Spacious 4 bedroom homes and 30 acres of pristine parkland in your backyard

Sales offi ce open daily: noon – 5pm23015 Billy Brown Rd., Fort Langley 604 888 2176

SOUTH SURREY SOUTHPORT

from $671,900A waterfront community of 3 & 4 bedroom single family homes

Sales offi ce open daily: noon – 5pm14289 36A Avenue, South Surrey 778 292 0871

PORT MOODY HERITAGE WOODS

from $769,900 3 & 4 bedroom single family homes

from $1,358,000Premier 5 bedroom view homes

Sales offi ce open daily: noon – 5pm300 Panorama Pl., Port Moody 604 461 2991

FURRY CREEK OCEAN CREST

from $1,149,000Spectacular custom ocean view single family homes

Call for an appointment.415 Furry Creek Dr., Furry Creek 604 315 0172

www.parklane.com

building excellence in every detail

cheepcheep...

a little birdy told me ParkLane is skipping their annual spring promo

and why not? their prices are already so fabulous



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