Selling Tips

Staged or unStaged, project #1! Downtown Vancouver condo

Late last month I wrote a blog about the impacts of staging. Since then Laura Howren and I teamed up with local decorator Hanan Arabatlian with Aura Interiors Inc and decided to do a video blog on what a difference staging can really make.

The subject condo is a approx. 560 sqft, one bedroom condo unit located in the TV Towers2 building on Vancouver’s main shopping drag, Robson Street. The unit had been sitting on the market for over a month, which for a unit in that location, in that price range, should’ve been snapped up within a couple of weeks at most. According to the listing agent of the listing they’ve had many buyers come through and all say the same thing: “Where does everything go?”

The layout of the unit is somewhat disfunctional, it’s open but has many angles. The kitchen is an open one with not much counterspace; the “flex space”, or storage room looks like it should be a utility closet, and the bedroom looks so small vacant that it’s almost impossible to envision a bed fitting in there.

The transformation was amazing; the small little space suddenly made sense, and the unit felt much homier, cozy and urban. At the open house that was held that weekend (the work was done on Friday) the listing agent found her audience saying the exact opposite of what they had been saying before; many commented on “how big” the unit was! Take a look at some before and after pictures below.

And the burning question…did the condo sell? Well, we haven’t gotten an update from the listing agent to date, but last we heard (which was right after the open house) they were working on getting an offer accepted!

Need to sell? Call Laura at 604.209.3674 or laura@vancouverpowersearch.com. And if you’re looking for a decorator, call Hanan at 604.209.5423 or visit www.aurainteriors.ca.

Photographer: Morgan Beall at Morgan_Beall@Vancity.com

Before Staging

After Staging

Selling Tips

North Vancouver Tour – Part I

Join Us On a Tour of North Vancouver!

The North Vancouver Tour with Christina and Amy Part I takes you on a journey starting at the oldest neighbourhood, the Lonsdale Quay in Lower Lonsdale, then heading north west over to Edgemont Village. From here the tour continues up to the Capilano Suspension Bridge and then even higher up the hill to the landing at Grouse Mountain.

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The Lonsdale Quay is home to over 90 speciality shops and services, some which include fresh locally grown produce, popular fish market, international cuisine, soup shop, homemade Italian goods, fresh cut flowers, aromatherapy shop, locally owned and operated boutiques, a kids play area and even a hotel and spa.

There are a number of new developments currently underway or recently completed in the Lower Lonsdale area of North Vancouver just walking distance to the Quay. Although already established, this area is very up and coming with a mix of young professionals, empty nesters, couples and singles alike. The new developments on the waterfront are very modern comprised mostly of glass and steel mirroring buildings of downtown Vancouver. It proves to be a door step for those commuting to Downtown Vancouver and only takes a 15 minute relaxing seabus ride across the water to get you there. The view of the ocean and mountains is absolutely breathtaking and this is quickly becoming one of the most popular areas to live in North Vancouver.

Edgemont Village is a community hub in North Vancouverwhere a large number of young families live. The village is only a few blocks long but has a number of quaint owner owned and operated stores, boutiques, hair dresser and barber, galleria, home decorative stores, fresh fish and chocolate shop. The feel here is relaxed and artsy, great for those who are looking for a neighbourhood atmosphere and small town charm.

Next was off to Capilano Suspension Bridge, one of Vancouver’s first tourist attractions. Take a look at the view and watch Christina and Amy cross the 137 meter bridge! Take advantage of the great rates for residents or come and visit on your next trip to Vancouver.

Grouse Mountain is a major draw for residents and tourists. There are so many activities and sights to see for people of all ages. During the summer months you can take a ride up the gondola to check out the gray wolves and brown bears at the wildlife refuge,  grab a bite to eat overlooking the entire city, go hiking on the Grouse Grind, go ziplining for those adventurous people, mountain paragliding, or take a mountain helijet. In the winter take advantage of snowshoeing, ice skating, sleigh rides, sno-limo, or enjoy scenic and educational performances at Theatre in the Sky. Many residents in the area go hiking in the nearby trails, Vancouver is home to some of the most active and environmentally friendly people in Canada. Grouse Mountain recently raised the Quiet Revolution on top of the mountain which gives independant,  wholly sustainable energy helping to produce 20-25% for the mountain.

If you require any further information about these different sub regions in North Vancouver, Contact Us.

Remember, this is part one of the North Vancouver video blogs that will be published online. Check back to see the North Vancouver Tour Part II which will include Lynn Valley and Deep Cove.