My East Van Blog

New Developments in Mount Pleasant

(February 27, 2012)

A proposed highrise development at Kingsway and Broadway is being both praised as a model of sustainable urbanism, and denounced as a way-too-tall monolith that will escalate gentrification in Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant.

Being built by Rize Alliance Properties, the planned 19 storey condo development is one of three sites identified for taller buildings in the new Mount Pleasant Community Plan. 

The... read more.

BC Home & Garden Show

(February 22, 2012)

Located at the newly renovated BC Place Stadium for five short days, you will find the latest in innovative products and outdoor living idea from over 425 retailers.  Talk with top industry experts.  Don’t miss the top gardening experts in The Vancouver Sun Gardeners School and the city’s hottest BBQ gurus on The Outdoor Entertaining Stage.

On hand will be everything from celebrity presenters to a p... read more.

Returning to PST

(February 20, 2012)

As many have heard, BC will return to the PST on April 1, 2013.  The Government has recently announced some transitional rules for returning to the previous tax system.  The housing transition rules help ensure when people buy a newly constructed home under the PST, whether built entirely under the HST, entirely under the PST, or partly under both, they will all pay a consistent and equitable amount... read more.

ComedyFest Vancouver

(February 17, 2012)

For 8 years, the Vancouver ComedyFest has taken advantage of our cities’ perfect backdrop to experience some of the best comedians from around the globe.

The event has grown to become a prime destination for talent within the international comedy circuit.  Incredible host of personalities like Betty White, Carol Burnett, Margaret Cho, and David Cross to name just a few. 

The Vancouver ComedyFest, dir... read more.

Condo Buying: Extra Parking & Locker?

(February 15, 2012)

When buying into a new strata development, Buyers are often given the option of purchasing additional parking spaces and storage lockers (if one is not already included).  The question is, are they worth the cost?

If you need the extra parking spot or storage, the answer is obviously yes, you would buy them. But for those who do not need them today, you might want to consider buying them for the "fu... read more.

The 20th Annual Wellness Show

(February 12, 2012)

This annual trade show dedicated to health and wellness features three days of exhibitors, speakers, workshops, fitness and cooking demonstrations, food samples, contests, massage, shiatsu, reflexology, and pet wellness.

Friday, February 17, 2012
12 noon to 8 pm

Saturday, February 18, 2012
10 am to 7 pm

Sunday, February 19, 2012
10 am to 6 pm

More information at www.thewellnessshow.com

New Stats from our Real Estate Board

(February 09, 2012)

New statistics were recently release on our housing market.  Here are some of the highlights:

  • According to MLS, we continue to experience more stability and less fluctuation than the beginning of 2011.
  • The trend of increased selection and stability in price, equals less competition and allows buyers more time to look for homes.
  • The MLSLink Housing Price Index determines the price trends in the housing... read more.

Vancouver Housing: Is it a "Bubble" going to pop?

(February 05, 2012)

Canada's housing market is not a bubble, it's a balloon.  Unlike the catastrophic decline the U.S. housing market experienced in 2008, the market in Canada will deflate slowly rather than pop, according to a report by BMO Capital Markets. 

The main take-away from the report is that the national housing market appears some-what pricey, but is far removed from bubble territory. In Vancouver, house pri... read more.

Chocolate Lovers Rejoice

(February 01, 2012)

1st Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival!

7 chocolatiers, 30 days, 50+ crazy flavours. January 15 - February 13, 2011.

In support of their favourite charities, six top chocolate makers and one gelato guy will spike their hot chocolate drinks with the wildest, most delicious flavours they can dream up.  Fifteen cafes and restaurants are taking part, creating more than 50 flavours to choose from. There are... read more.