Hardly a day goes by when I am not asked this question. And for good reason. After all, we are inundated with daily media reports on declining housing sales, forecasts of lower prices, and the uncertain impacts of government policies and taxes.
The truth is, few if any of us really know what is going to happen to prices over the next few months or year. However, there are three things we do know for certain.
Over the long term, prices always go up. It is wise to buy and sell in the same market. A home is a place to live in, not just an investment.
Thinking of a home as a place to live in, not just as an investment, seems so obvious. But too many of us sacrifice having a new home with the right amount of space because we worry whether it will be a good long-term investment.
I discovered this during four decades in the housing industry, but most recently when I developed Hollyburn Mews in the 2000 Block Esquimalt Avenue, across from the West Vancouver United Church.
At the time, the concept of smaller, infill housing was new for West Vancouver. The nine duplexes and coach houses were innovative and had been controversial. For these reasons, many West Vancouver residents were nervous about buying.
However, those who did buy often tell me how glad they are that they did. Others often tell me they regret not buying at the time.
Last month, my company completed another innovative residential development in the 1400 block of Gordon Avenue in Ambleside. Vinson House Cottages includes the restoration of one of West Vancouver’s most significant heritage houses, combined with a Garden Suite below, and two detached houses on a large, beautifully landscaped property.
The Garden Suite has sold, but the other three homes are now available for sale. They range in size from 2440 sq.ft. to 2560 sq. ft. Prices range from $2.6 to $3.3 million They are not inexpensive, but they represent excellent value..
As reported in a recent Globe and Mail story, these homes were not built for speculators or investors. Each has been carefully designed and constructed for discerning North Shore buyers seeking something special, something different.
These are homes for people who want the charm and neighbourliness of yesteryear combined with the modern conveniences of today. They are for people who want to downsize, but not downgrade. They are for people who can make their own decisions about where to live, rather than depend solely on what they hear and see in the media.
To learn more about Vinson House Cottages go to www.vinsonhousecottages.com or contact Elaine Biggan at 604 880 4559 ebiggan@telus.net. Or write to me. I can be reached at geller@sfu.ca
If you have been thinking about moving into a new home, why not make an appointment for a visit. There are only three left, and if you are like those who bought at Hollyburn Mews, you won’t regret buying. But you might regret it if you do not.
