Corina Marin, Vancouver Realtor, Prompton Real Estate Services Inc. (Yaletown)

447 15TH Ave, Vancouver West, British Columbia

Corina Marin — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 12:53:27 -0700

I just finished uploading this Townhouse for sale, 447 15TH Ave, Vancouver West, British Columbia

Bright, tastefully appointed one level, one bedroom, one bath town home is located on a tree-lined street in Mount Pleasant, just a short walk to Cambie shops & Downtown via Canada Line. This original Heritage home has been reconstructed into 3 suites plus a detached coach house. The WEST facing GARDEN TOWN HOME is now available for sale. Contemporary interior designed by Robert Ledingham, includes a gas fireplace, ash hardwood floors & lovely French doors in living/dining area lead to the patio. Traditional "house-sized" kitchen with window features quality stainless appliances, a gas range & more! Appreciate 1 parking & common storage. A perfect blend of original architecture & modern functionality. OPEN SAT JUN 17 1-3pm

1001 1560 HOMER MEWS Other, Vancouver West, British Columbia

Corina Marin — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 12:49:36 -0700

I just finished uploading this Condo for sale, 1001 1560 HOMER MEWS Other, Vancouver West, British Columbia

The ERICKSON-a masterpiece by famous architect Arthur Erickson. Enjoy this luxurious, 4 bedroom suite with 4.5 bathrooms with unobstructed views of water, city and mountains. This suite comes with frameless, eclipped doors that open up t o 526 sq.ft. balconies. Enjoy cooking in your grand, U-shaped kitchen with top of the line appliances or relax in your spacious living room-generous enough to fit a grand piano. Complimented with a cozy family room with stunning views. Enjoy the hidden TV mirror in master ensuite and limestone walls in the bathrooms. 2 private elevators, private 3 car garage & 24 hour, professional, concierge services. Absolute perfection! Brand new-by appointment only.

4701 1128 GEORGIA Street, Vancouver West, British Columbia

Corina Marin — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 12:34:53 -0700

I just sold this Condo at 4701 1128 GEORGIA Street, Vancouver West, British Columbia .

View this recently sold Condo or see all my home sales

4265 BALKAN Street, Vancouver East, British Columbia

Corina Marin — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 12:28:33 -0700

I just finished uploading this House for sale, 4265 BALKAN Street, Vancouver East, British Columbia

Charming, well-loved character home on quiet not-through street within walking distance of Main Street & King Edward.Convenient to shopping, restaurants & transportation, yet secluded and peaceful on treed street with neighbourhood watch. Featuring new S/S appliances, totally updated bathroom, newly painted, new fence, new hot water tank, new carpets on stairs and upstairs. Hardwood on main level, beveled leaded windows, gas f/p, sunny west deck, security system, easily-rentable spacious basement mortgage-helper suite. Beautifully landscaped both front and between house & free-standing 2- car garage. Sundeck perfect for BBQ w/storage underneath. Quick possession possible. Move-in condition. Call Nancy 604 685-2800 showings.

806 583 BEACH Crescent, Vancouver West, British Columbia

Corina Marin — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 23:40:52 -0700

I just finished uploading this Condo for sale, 806 583 BEACH Crescent, Vancouver West, British Columbia

TWO PARK WEST contemporary 2 bedroom plus den offers clear South & East views over George Wainborne Park & the waters of False Creek. Open kitchen highlights stainless appliances, gas range & granite counters. Well designed plan features bright wide open living space, fireplace, spacious in-suite storage and master bedroom with ensuite bath. Outdoor balcony allows BBQ entertaining with post card perfect views! Super Club amenities offer indoor pool, whirlpool,steam room, squash, screening room, guest suite and concierge services. One secure parking stall included. OPEN SUNDAY JULY 4 2-4pm

Home sales down, prices to remain flat in Metro Vancouver

Corina Marin — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 00:44:53 -0700

Residential home sales are down substantially in May from the same month a year ago, with Victoria and Metro Vancouver showing the sharpest drop, according to a survey released Monday by the B.C. Real Estate Association (BCREA).

Despite that, Victoria and Metro Vancouver have also seen some of the highest price increases over the 12-month period, although that trend is not expected to last.

"We've seen a moderation in demand since the beginning of the year," BCREA chief economist Cameron Muir said in an interview. "Home sales in the fourth quarter [of 2009] were trending on record levels and that wasn't sustainable because a lot of the demand was pent up during the recession.

"[Metro Vancouver, Victoria and the Fraser Valley] experienced the sharpest rebound last year. As a result we've seen moderation in sales, more so in those markets.

"Sales have moderated, inventory has risen [and] there are tighter credit conditions. Now, conditions are tilting toward the buyer and my expectation is that prices will remain flat for the remainder of the year."

Muir also said there were 54,362 listings in May, up 26 per cent from January on a seasonally adjusted basis. "Moderating market conditions in Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and Victoria are reducing the number of multiple offers as a greater selection of homes for sale lessons competition amongst home buyers."

According to the survey, B.C. sales declined 3.9 per cent to 7,950 units in May compared to the same month in 2009. On a seasonally adjusted basis, sales declined 11 per cent in May from April 2010, while the average price climbed seven per cent to $498,294 in May compared to the same month a year earlier.

Transactions dropped 10.3 per cent in Metro Vancouver from May 2009's 3,569 to this May's 3,202. Victoria saw sales drop 19.6 per cent over the same period from 836 to 672. In the Fraser Valley, sales dropped 0.8 per cent to 1,403 from 1,415.

The sharpest sales increases were in Northern Lights, or northeastern B.C. (up 90.9 per cent, from 22 to 42), B.C. Northern, or north and central B.C. (up 28.7 per cent from 349 to 449), while the Okanagan Mainline, or northern Okanagan dropped 2.5 per cent, from 558 to 554.

However, the average price rose 13.4 per cent from May 2009 to May 2010 in Metro Vancouver to $662,000 — the highest percentage increase in B.C., except for Northern Light's 21.9 per cent ($192,000).

Victoria prices rose 8.9 per cent to $525,000, while the Fraser Valley's prices rose an average of 9.1 per cent to $458,000.

Tsur Somerville, director, centre for urban economics and real estate, Sauder School of Business, the University of B.C., said in an interview that Vancouver and Victoria's numbers are different from the rest of B.C. because the economic downturn impacted the rest of B.C. more.

"The immediate recovery was stronger in Greater Vancouver and Victoria. [They] had more room to step back."

The survey also concluded that, year-to-date, B.C. residential sales dollar volume increased 50 per cent to $17.5 billion, compared to the same period last year. Residential sales rose 31 per cent to 34,619 year-to-date, while the average price climbed 14 per cent to $505,468 over the same period.

The BCREA said in another recent survey that it expects sales to rise next year by about four per cent.

A separate survey by the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) recently forecast that prices would rise 2.3 per cent this year across the province before slipping back by 3.5 per cent in 2011.

© Copyright (c) The Vancouver Sun

301 1333 7TH Ave, Vancouver West, British Columbia

Corina Marin — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 12:56:55 -0700

I just sold this Condo at 301 1333 7TH Ave, Vancouver West, British Columbia .

View this recently sold Condo or see all my home sales

Bank of Canada Raises Key Interest Rate Today

Corina Marin — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 12:57:00 -0700

Bank of Canada Raises Key Interest Rate Today

The Bank of Canada raised its key interest rate by a quarter point today, and most lending institutions are expected to respond by increasing their prime lending rates by a quarter point. This marks the first rate increase by the Bank since 2007.

In its statement the Bank noted that “the economy grew by a robust 6.1 per cent in the first quarter, led by housing and consumer spending. Employment growth has resumed. Going forward, household spending is expected to decelerate to a pace more consistent with income growth. The anticipated pickup in business investment will be important for a more balanced recovery.”

In the long-term, variable-rate mortgages can be a more cost-effective option, but a number of factors must be considered in your decision. The biggest reasons for going with a fixed rate are tight budgets and restless nights.

Followings tips to help borrowers cope with rising interest rates:

Guard against payment shock. If you receive extra cash like an inheritance, tax refund or a work bonus, think about it putting towards your mortgage. Or, you can add on to your ongoing mortgage payment each month to help pay down the principal faster. These approaches help create a cushion against a potential payment shock if rates are up significantly at renewal.

Get a mortgage checkup. On top of a possible mortgage rate change, other major life changes may call for looking over your mortgage, such as starting or growing a family, change in income or home renovations. At the Invis-The Kahkesh Group we can review your current interest rate, payments, and other mortgage terms, determine available home equity, and recommend options that may help you better reach your goals.

Consider debt consolidation. Transferring high-cost consumer debt like a credit card balance to a lower interest rate by consolidating it into your mortgage can help you boost your cash flow to build up savings or pay down your debt faster.

Fixed-rate mortgages are not affected directly by today’s announcement as their rates are influenced more by movements in the bond market.

302 1560 HOMER MEWS Other, Vancouver West, British Columbia

Corina Marin — Fri, 14 May 2010 14:31:44 -0700

I just finished uploading this Condo for sale, 302 1560 HOMER MEWS Other, Vancouver West, British Columbia

"The Erickson" finally the most anticipated craft of art & architecture masterpiece is available. Extremely functional floor plan. State of the art of finishings, fixtures & applainces. The list goes on & on. 450 sf of wrap-around balconie s. Double car-garage. The most distinctive building in Vancouver.

301 638 BEACH Crescent, Vancouver West, British Columbia

Corina Marin — Fri, 14 May 2010 13:50:20 -0700

I just finished uploading this Condo for sale, 301 638 BEACH Crescent, Vancouver West, British Columbia

STUNNING HOME-UNOBSTRUCTED SE VIEWS directly overlooking park & water! Total=3705 SF. Incl.1500SF of your OWN PRIVATE LANDSCAPED TERRACE w/ elegant gazebos & gas BBQ area. SUNNY & BRIGHT 3rd floor-Perched up on the high side of the park. Extremely SPACIOUS interior living of over 2100 SF. 2 bedrms + large den(could be 3rd bdrm) Gourmet kitchen. Floor-to-ceiling windows completely surround the home & frame the NATURAL BEAUTY from outside!UNIQUE & SPECIAL, w/ penthouse quality finishings & appliances, high ceilings, Air-conditioning & gas fireplace. 2 side-by-side parking stalls. Prestigious, luxury;Icon-offers 24 hour concierge service, fitness centre, pool, sauna & theatre.*OPEN HOUSE SAT.MAY 15, 2-4pm*

1008 1146 HARWOOD Street, Vancouver West, British Columbia

Corina Marin — Wed, 12 May 2010 16:20:31 -0700

I just finished uploading this Condo for sale, 1008 1146 HARWOOD Street, Vancouver West, British Columbia

View! View! View! Infinite unobstructed Water View's of English Bay/False Creek. Enjoy stunning sunsets and enjoy the water from everywhere you stand in this suite at the Lamplighter situated above Sunset Beach w/ Yaletown and Kitsilano a short stroll. This suite shows impeccable! Seldom available on the Water View side of the building do not miss out! No rental restrictions this suite has commanded $2000 per month, paperwork available. This rare concrete freehold ownership has a solid reputation for quality in the West End. Balcony, secure underground parking, storage locker, sauna, swirlpool, hot tub, workshop and beautiful gardens for lucky you or your very appreciative tenant to enjoy. Mesmerizing Water Views all day long!

Bank of Canada Holds Key Rate Steady

Corina Marin — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 14:12:18 -0700

Bank of Canada Holds Key Rate Steady

The Bank of Canada announced this morning that it is leaving its key interest rate unchanged, but signaled that it might begin raising interest rates in the coming months.

The Bank stated that with recent improvements in the economic outlook, the need for extraordinary policies such as its commitment to keep its key target rate at the lowest possible level “is now passing, and it is appropriate to begin to lessen the degree of monetary stimulus.” The central bank noted that the economic recovery in Canada is “proceeding somewhat more rapidly” than it had predicted in January, and now forecasts that “the economy will grow by 3.7 per cent in 2010 before slowing to 3.1 per cent in 2011 and 1.9 per cent in 2012.” However the bank also counted the strong Canadian dollar, poor Canadian productivity and low demand in the US as drags on the economy.

Pricing for loans that are typically linked to a lender’s prime rate (such as variable-rate mortgages, variable-rate credit cards) is expected to remain unchanged in the wake of today’s announcement. Pricing for fixed-rate mortgages is not directly affected by the Bank’s key target rate.

Downtown Open House!

Corina Marin — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 19:55:58 -0700

We are proud to announce that this Sunday, April 11, 2010, 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM we will be hosting an Open House at 822 Seymor Street , in L'Aria in Downtown, Vancouver. This is an opportunity to visit this excellent Apartment for sale in beautiful Downtown.

Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this Downtown Apartment for sale.

As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at 604-899-2333 if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.

Corina Marin
Prompton Real Estate Services Inc.

Downtown Open House!

Corina Marin — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 19:55:37 -0700

We are proud to announce that this Saturday, April 10, 2010, 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM we will be hosting an Open House at 822 Seymor Street , in L'Aria in Downtown, Vancouver. This is an opportunity to visit this excellent Apartment for sale in beautiful Downtown.

Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this Downtown Apartment for sale.

As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at 604-899-2333 if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.

Corina Marin
Prompton Real Estate Services Inc.

909 822 Seymor Street, Vancouver, BC

Corina Marin — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 19:50:28 -0700

I just finished uploading this Apartment for sale, 909 822 Seymor Street, Vancouver, BC

Lovely 1 bedroom, corner suite in ultimate downtown location: L’Aria at Seymour & Robson Street. Well appointed contemporary design throughout this efficient, bright suite include: granite countertops, electric fireplace, Kitchen Aid, stainless steal appliances, gas stove, bamboo floors, in suite laundry & storage/den. Enjoy the large outdoor, sunny balcony and the open city views. 1 premium parking, next to the elevator included. Steps from Pacific Centre Shopping Mall, countless restaurants, library, theaters. Building complete with gym, social room, large common sundeck. Perfect for first time buyers, investment or pied-�-terre. All measurements are approximate, buyer to verify. Open house Sat. & Sun, April 10 & 11 from 2-5 pm.

Getting ready for rising rates

Corina Marin — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:13:45 -0700

March 10...Getting ready for rising rates: our Top Tips

It’s been a great ride. The past few decades have been an enormous boon to homeowners – who benefited from historically low lending rates and a stellar rise in the values of their homes. Even now, there are no dire predictions of housing market chaos. But when the Bank of Canada told us that rates could rise later in 2010, it seemed like a long way off. The bad news is that this time has come – and we need to get ready for rising rates. How high will rates go? No one has a perfect crystal ball, but we can assume that rates will eventually rise to more normal lending rates of 5 to 6%. Since there is good reason to get ready for rising rates, here are our Top Tips to help homeowners and buyers prepare for what’s ahead:

1. Don’t be tempted to go to the top. If you are buying a new home, you may not want to borrow your maximum amount. When you’re very leveraged, you have fewer options. Interest rates are still so low that homebuyers can be tempted to borrow to the maximum for the best house they can find. It’s understandable, but could be unwise in today’s rate situation. If mortgage rates rise, that fabulous house could become unmanageably expensive.
2. Watch that amortization period. Many homebuyers are enjoying the lower payments that come with long amortizations. And those 30- and 35-year amortizations can be a great tool, if used wisely. But if you need those long amortizations to squeeze out an affordable monthly payment, you could be in trouble when rates rise and you have no flexibility. To build a buffer, consider taking a 30- or 35-year amortization but have your payments set at a 25-year amortization. You’ll be paying more than you are required, which builds that buffer and flexibility that you may need in the future.
3. Evaluate the impact of a higher rate on your monthly payments. If you buy or renew today and lock in for five years, consider what rates could be at renewal and plan accordingly. For instance, if you currently have a $250,000 mortgage at 4%, should rates rise by 2.5% in five years, your monthly payment will increase by $143. If you evaluate the impact of increasing interest rates on your monthly payment today, it may help you to avoid financial difficulties in the future because you can plan accordingly.
4. Build some wiggle room into your variable-rate mortgage. If you have a variable rate mortgage, you may want to set your payments higher than required, and not use today’s ultra low rate to get an ultra low payment - so you create a cushion to absorb any rate increases later.
5. Pay more. Another way to speed up your mortgage pay-down is to change from monthly payments to weekly or bi-weekly, and/or by boosting your payment amount, even small amounts can make a big difference over time. Or consider if you can put down a lump sum on your principal, using your tax refund, for example. Lenders offer generous prepayment options so take advantage if you can.
6. Watch your other debt too! If mortgage rates rise so too will rates on other loans and credit cards. Pay more than the minimum balance on credit cards, and try to have a gap between your credit limit, and what you currently owe. And don’t regularly take out new credit accounts.

301 1333 7TH Ave, Vancouver West, British Columbia

Corina Marin — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:44:24 -0700

I just finished uploading this Condo for sale, 301 1333 7TH Ave, Vancouver West, British Columbia

This updated, bright, corner unit is in excellent condition and located just steps to Granville Island! It includes underground parking and storage. The building is pet friendly, has been fully rainscreened and is still under warranty!

False Creek North Open House!

Corina Marin — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:43:42 -0700

We are proud to announce that this Sunday, March 21, 2010, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM we will be hosting an Open House at 583 BEACH Crescent in False Creek North, Vancouver West. This is an opportunity to visit this excellent Condo for sale in beautiful False Creek North.

Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this False Creek North Condo for sale.

As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at 604-899-2333 if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.

Corina Marin
Prompton Real Estate Services Inc.

False Creek North Open House!

Corina Marin — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:43:21 -0700

We are proud to announce that this Saturday, March 20, 2010, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM we will be hosting an Open House at 583 BEACH Crescent in False Creek North, Vancouver West. This is an opportunity to visit this excellent Condo for sale in beautiful False Creek North.

Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this False Creek North Condo for sale.

As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at 604-899-2333 if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.

Corina Marin
Prompton Real Estate Services Inc.

Downtown VW Open House!

Corina Marin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:07:35 -0800

We are proud to announce that this Sunday, March 14, 2010, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM we will be hosting an Open House at 1205 HOWE Street in Downtown VW, Vancouver West. This is an opportunity to visit this excellent Condo for sale in beautiful Downtown VW.

Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this Downtown VW Condo for sale.

As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at 604-899-2333 if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.

Corina Marin
Prompton Real Estate Services Inc.