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New Listing 9 1140 Eagleridge Drive

Welcome to this charming 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom townhouse nestled in the desirable Eagleridge neighbourhood of Coquitlam. This delightful property offers a serene and private setting with its unique feature of backing onto a lush greenbelt. Immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the convenience of urban living. With its prime location, comfortable layout, and proximity to amenities, this townhouse is an ideal place to call home.

Upon entering, you will be greeted by a warm and inviting living space with abundant natural light. The open-concept living and dining areas, provide a spacious feel. The well-appointed kitchen features modern appliances and ample cabinetry. The main level also includes a cozy fireplace, perfect for chilly evenings.

The upper level houses three generously sized bedrooms, each offering peaceful views of the greenbelt. These rooms provide comfortable retreats for family members or can be converted into a home office, study, or hobby room to suit your needs. The shared bathroom is tastefully designed and conveniently located near the bedrooms.

Step out onto the private patio and discover the true beauty of this property. The townhouse’s unique advantage is its backing onto a greenbelt, allowing you to enjoy a sense of tranquility and privacy while being surrounded by nature. The patio is an ideal spot for outdoor entertaining, gardening, or simply unwinding after a long day.

Nestled in the Eagleridge neighbourhood of Coquitlam, this townhouse enjoys a fantastic location that combines the best of both worlds – a serene environment and easy access to urban amenities. The greenbelt provides direct access to hiking and biking trails, allowing you to explore the natural beauty of the area. The townhouse is also within close proximity to shopping centres, restaurants, schools, parks, and public transportation, ensuring convenience in everyday life.

Additional Features:

  • Single-car carport and additional parking for second car
  • In-suite laundry
  • Brand New Furnace
  • Well-maintained complex with a friendly community atmosphere

Don’t miss the opportunity to own this charming 3 bedroom townhouse backing onto a greenbelt in the sought-after Eagleridge neighbourhood. Enjoy the tranquility of nature while still being close to all the amenities Coquitlam has to offer. Contact us today to arrange a viewing and make this delightful townhouse your new home!

Listed for $729,000

Open House Saturday June 24/ Sunday June 25 from 2-4pm

Listed and Marketed by Maureen Seguin Personal Real Estate Corporation | Oakwyn Realty Ltd.

7 Creative and Quick Dining Room Updates

With so many dining rooms being converted into part of the living room or kitchen these days, dining room design has kind of fallen by the wayside. But if you’re one of the lucky homeowners to have hung on to a formal dining space, you’ve got an opportunity to make some amazing modern updates. Here are 7 affordable ways to breathe new life into an old dining room:

1. Perk things up with paint.
Are your dining room walls still the same colour they were when you moved into your house 10 years ago? If so, there’s a good chance the colour is a little past its prime. In fact, it may also be doing an injustice to your furniture and the updates you’ve made in adjoining rooms as well. Refresh the walls with a paint shade that makes you feel comfortable and cozy. The room will reflect that feeling.

2. Modernize the lighting.
Are outdated chandeliers and lamps gathering dust in your dining room? Consider sending them packing and installing some recessed lighting and pendants in their place. Pendant lights, in particular, come in a wide variety of styles and colours sure to add some new pizzazz to your space.

3. Repurpose another room.
If your dining room is located in an undesirable space — a cramped corner of the house away from the kitchen, for example — pick a new place for your table and chairs. Put them in the kitchen, if you have the the space. Or, place the dining table somewhere right in your living room, where there’s easy access to the TV and stereo. You should always feel comfortable during a meal, and being confined to an area you don’t enjoy doesn’t contribute to that feeling.

4. Add some visual appeal.
Visual appeal doesn’t stop at paint and lighting. It’s also important to consider how wall decor may increase the interest and comfort of the room. Blank walls may make it easy to zone out and focus on your meals, but your guests will surely enjoy looking at something a little more interesting. Depending on your budget and the size of your dining room, consider hanging potted plants and colourful pieces of art. Just be sure to balance wall decor with other elements in the room so your space doesn’t feel like it’s cluttered with stuff.

5. Throw in a rug.
One of the worst sounds to hear is a chair scratching against the floor as you go to get up from the dining table. So fix the issue. Add a rug underneath the table and chairs to make things soft and cozy. Choose a rug that isn’t too thick. Otherwise, your chairs can get stuck and twisted. Of course, you’ll also want to make sure that the style and colour of your rug complement the rest of the room.

6. Use dividers.
Many newer homes combine kitchen and dining spaces. If you want to create a dedicated dining space, think about incorporating a room divider. It’s much cheaper than installing a wall — and you can add shelves, plants or a sliding door to further divide the two spaces. Plus, the flexibility of the divider allows to revert back to the bigger space any time you like.

7. Build in.
How’s your dining room designed? Do you have a table that sits in the middle with four chairs around it? If you want to make the room more functional — and create more storage in the process — think about ditching the clunky furniture and opting instead for built-ins like bench seating, china cabinets and buffets. A professional can create custom built-ins to suit any style.

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What is the better investment, a 1 or a 2 bedroom?

The question of whether a 1 bedroom or a 2 bedroom property is a better investment depends on various factors, including location, market demand, and personal investment goals. Here are some points to consider:

  1. Location: The location of the property can significantly impact its investment potential. In some areas, 1 bedroom properties may be in higher demand due to factors such as affordability, urbanization, or proximity to employment hubs. In other areas, 2 bedroom properties may be more desirable for families or for those seeking more space. Research the local real estate market and consider the demand for each type of property in the specific location you are interested in.
  2. Market demand: Consider the current and projected market demand for 1 bedroom versus 2 bedroom properties in the area. Analyze factors such as population growth, job market trends, and demographic changes to determine which type of property is likely to have higher demand in the foreseeable future. Properties with high demand are more likely to appreciate in value and generate higher rental income.
  3. Rental income: Rental income is a crucial consideration for investment properties. Compare the potential rental income for 1 bedroom versus 2 bedroom properties in the area. Generally, 2 bedroom properties tend to command higher rent due to the additional space they offer, which may result in higher cash flow and potentially better returns on investment. However, the rental income also depends on factors such as location, property condition, and local rental market conditions.
  4. Target market: Consider the target market for the property. If you are targeting young professionals, singles, or couples without children, a 1 bedroom property may be more suitable. However, if you are targeting families or tenants who need more living space, a 2 bedroom property may be more appealing. Understanding the needs and preferences of your target market can help you make an informed decision.
  5. Personal investment goals: Consider your personal investment goals and risk tolerance. If you are looking for a property with lower upfront costs and potentially higher cash flow, a 1 bedroom property may be more suitable. On the other hand, if you are willing to invest more upfront and potentially wait for higher appreciation and rental income, a 2 bedroom property may be a better option. Your investment strategy and long-term goals should align with the type of property you choose to invest in.

Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question as the better investment choice between a 1 bedroom or a 2 bedroom property depends on various factors, including location, market demand, rental income, target market, and personal investment goals. It’s essential to conduct thorough research, analyze the local real estate market, and consult with a qualified financial professional to make an informed decision that aligns with your investment strategy and goals.

6 Easy Tips for Staging your Own Home

There’s no question that staging your décor is advantageous when you’re trying to sell your home.

The strategic editing and placement of your furnishings can be enormously important to boosting its appeal. In fact, 77 percent of buyers’ agents agreed staging is important to helping potential buyers envision a given home as their own. Fortunately, conducting your own staging need not be complex; you should be able to mimic professional techniques by following a few easy guidelines:

1. Prioritize by room – You’ll get the most visual impact by staging your living room, primary bedrooms, kitchen and extra bedrooms(s), in that order.
2. De-clutter – Cleaning will be easier after you pack away at least 90 percent of your own décor and personal artifacts. Your goal is to create a minimally decorated space buyers can imagine moving in too.
3. Deep clean– Everything must be groomed, sparkling and odour-free inside and out.
4. Divide and conquer– Plan to remove about half your furniture to give the impression of optimal space. If it’s all unpresentable, use stylish rental pieces or fake “pop-up furniture” for showings. ***Tip: Wherever possible, move display furniture away from walls (a technique known as “floating”) to create groupings that are tied together visually with area rugs.
5. Accessorize inside and out. Create an atmosphere of airiness, friendliness by selectively adding new flowers, potted plants, attractive seating and welcome mats outside, perhaps fresh flowers and bowls of fruit inside.
6. Optimize light. Add brighter light bulbs, pull back curtains, clean windows and clean (or perhaps update) light fixtures to add to the overall impression of positivity.

10 Secrets for Making Your Bedroom Feel Larger

In the words of David Bowie, you can make a few small “ch-ch-ch-ch-changes” to make your bedroom feel much larger with these ten tips.

1. Use Light Coloured Paint

2. Mirrors: Wall mirrors help to make a room feel larger, and making an entire wall a mirror, will make a room feel like it is double the size!

3. Use Sheer Curtains

4. Combat Clutter: Clutter makes a room look smaller – combat clutter for once and for all!

5. Use Multipurpose Pieces: Use multipurpose pieces such as an ottoman with built-in storage. Other multipurpose pieces include beds with built-in drawers and benches with space for storage boxes.

6. Add Extra Lighting: Enhancing a small space by using recessed spot lighting, a torchiere light, skylights, and solar tubes.

7. Use a Monochromatic Color Scheme

8. Paint the Ceiling

9. Buy Large Furniture: Although it seems counterintuitive, having one large piece of furniture as opposed to a lot of tiny pieces will make the room seem airier.

10. Utilize Vertical Space: Whether you’re hanging art or shelves, or placing furniture, don’t let vertical space go to waste. Using it is practical, providing a display space for art

Costs involved in Buying a Strata

Buying a strata property, such as a condominium or townhouse, typically involves additional costs beyond the purchase price. These costs can include:

  1. Strata/Condo Fees: Strata or condo fees are monthly fees paid by the owners of units within a strata or condominium complex to cover shared expenses, such as maintenance of common areas, insurance, utilities, and reserve funds for future repairs or replacements. The amount of strata fees can vary depending on the size, age, and amenities of the building, and should be factored into your budget when buying a strata property.
  2. Special Levies: Special levies are one-time fees charged to strata owners for unexpected or extraordinary expenses that are not covered by the regular strata fees. These can include major repairs, upgrades, or other unforeseen expenses, and can vary in amount and frequency. It’s important to inquire about any existing or upcoming special levies when buying a strata property, as they can significantly impact your budget.
  3. Strata/Condo Documents: The strata corporation is required to provide certain documents to potential buyers, such as the strata plan, bylaws, financial statements, meeting minutes, and other relevant information. These documents may be subject to a fee, which can vary depending on the strata corporation.
  4. Contingency Reserve Fund: The strata corporation is required to maintain a contingency reserve fund, also known as a contingency reserve or contingency fund, for anticipated future repairs or replacements of common property and common assets. A portion of the strata fees is typically allocated to this fund, and the buyer may be required to contribute to it as part of the purchase process.
  5. Insurance: While the strata corporation typically carries insurance for the building’s common areas, the individual unit owner may be responsible for obtaining insurance for their own unit and personal belongings. The cost of insurance can vary depending on the coverage and location of the property.
  6. Legal Fees and Disbursements: Just like with any property purchase, there will be legal fees and disbursements associated with the purchase of a strata property, including reviewing strata documents, conducting title searches, and facilitating the transfer of ownership.
  7. Appraisal and Mortgage Costs: If you are obtaining a mortgage to finance your strata property purchase, there may be additional costs associated with the appraisal of the property and mortgage application fees.
  8. Move-in and Move-out Fees: Some strata corporations may charge move-in and move-out fees to cover the costs of managing the process of new residents moving in or existing residents moving out. These fees can vary depending on the strata corporation’s rules and policies.

It’s important to carefully review and understand all the costs associated with buying a strata property, as they can impact your budget and affordability. It’s recommended to work with a qualified real estate professional and/or a legal professional to ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of the costs involved in buying a strata property.

New Uses for Everyday Things

Don’t dash out to the store, use these common items to clean and organize your home.

Baking Soda: Use baking soda to clean your carpets. Sprinkle it on your rug, leave it on for at least fifteen minutes, then vacuum. Baking soda can also be used to clean a toilet, deodorize a drain, unclog a drain, and shine tarnished silver. (All You)

White Vinegar: There are lots of ways to use white vinegar when cleaning your home. Use it to clean your fridge, disinfect your bathroom, clean a toilet, remove a carpet stain, or clean a dirty faucet. Who knew that a little bottle in your kitchen cabinet would have so many uses?

Lemon Juice: Lemons don’t just taste great in water or your favorite lemon bar recipe, they can also be used to clean common household items. Use it to clean your grout, microwave, toilet, and fridge. (Mother Nature Network)

Ice Cube Tray: Use an old ice cube tray to organize jewelry or desk items like thumbtacks, paper clips, and rubber bands. (Good Housekeeping)

Over the Door Shoe Rack: Make your cleaning supply closet neat and tidy. Put your cleaning products in an over the door shoe rack. An over the door shoe rack can also be used to organize toiletries in a small bathroom.

Finding creative uses for products will help you decrease the amount you spend on cleaning products, stay organized, and contribute to a cleaner planet. Start looking at items in your home in a new light.

When is the Right Time to Buy a Property

The right time to buy a home depends on several factors, including your personal financial situation, your long-term goals, the current state of the real estate market, and your readiness for homeownership. Here are some considerations to help you determine when the right time to buy a home might be:

Financial readiness: Evaluate your financial situation, including your credit score, income, savings, and debts. Ensure that you have a stable job and income, and that you have saved enough for a down payment, closing costs, and ongoing expenses such as mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and maintenance.

Market conditions: Keep an eye on the real estate market in the area where you plan to buy a home. If it’s a buyer’s market with lower home prices and interest rates, it might be a good time to buy. However, if it’s a seller’s market with high demand and rising prices, it might be more challenging and competitive to find a good deal.

Long-term plans: Consider your long-term plans and how buying a home fits into them. Are you planning to stay in the area for several years? Do you anticipate any major life changes, such as job changes or starting a family, that could impact your housing needs? Buying a home is a long-term commitment, so make sure it aligns with your future plans.

Budget and affordability: Create a budget and determine how much home you can afford. Consider not only the purchase price but also the ongoing costs of homeownership, such as property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and utilities. Make sure you are comfortable with the monthly mortgage payments and can afford them without jeopardizing your other financial goals.

Emotional readiness: Homeownership comes with responsibilities, such as maintenance, repairs, and potential unexpected expenses. Consider whether you are emotionally ready for the commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Interest rates: Interest rates can significantly impact your mortgage payments and affordability. Keep an eye on the current interest rates and consult with a mortgage professional to determine if they are favorable for your home buying plans.

Ultimately, the right time to buy a home is a personal decision that depends on your individual circumstances. It’s essential to carefully evaluate your financial readiness, market conditions, long-term plans, budget, affordability, and emotional readiness before making a decision. Consulting with a qualified real estate professional and financial advisor can also be helpful in determining the optimal timing for buying a home.

THREE HELPFUL TIPS FOR CREATING A COZIER HOME

Dealing with the dreary weather and chilling winds can be a trying experience. With spring upon us, it’s up to your home to provide the warm respite you need to get through the winter. With these handy tips, you can make your home the cozy getaway you need to get you through to spring.

Bring Warmer Colours Into Your Home

Colours have been proven to have a huge influence on a person’s mood. Take refuge from depressing weather forecasts and cold mornings by bringing some warmer colours into your home. Yellows, oranges, and certain shades of red can really brighten a room and bring a cozier feel to your interior. Some great additions that will bring these colours into your home include coloured Continue reading

How to Choose the Right REALTOR®

Choosing the best realtor to represent you in buying or selling a property is an important decision that can greatly impact your real estate experience. Here are some tips on how to choose the Right Realtor®:

  • Experience and Expertise: Look for a realtor who has a proven track record of successful transactions and relevant experience in the specific type of real estate transaction you are interested in (buying, selling, investing, etc.). A realtor with expertise in your desired location, property type, and price range can provide valuable insights and guidance.
  • Reputation and Reviews: Research the realtor’s reputation and read reviews from past clients. Look for feedback on their communication skills, negotiation abilities, professionalism, and overall customer satisfaction. You can find reviews on websites, social media, or by asking for references from the realtor directly.
  • Market Knowledge: A knowledgeable realtor should have a deep understanding of the local real estate market, including recent sales trends, property values, inventory levels, and neighbourhood dynamics. They should be able to provide you with accurate and up-to-date information to help you make informed decisions.
  • Communication and Availability: Communication is key in any real estate transaction. Choose a realtor who is responsive, proactive, and keeps you updated throughout the process. They should be available to answer your questions, provide guidance, and address any concerns in a timely manner.
  • Trust and Rapport: Trust your instincts and choose a realtor whom you feel comfortable with and can trust. Real estate transactions can be complex and emotional, so it’s important to have a realtor who listens to your needs, understands your goals, and is genuinely looking out for your best interests.
  • Marketing and Negotiation Skills: If you are selling a property, evaluate the realtor’s marketing plan and strategies for promoting your property. A skilled negotiator can also make a big difference in getting the best possible deal, so look for a realtor who has strong negotiation skills and can advocate for your interests.
  • Fees and Contracts: Understand the realtor’s fees, services, and contract terms before signing any agreements. Compare fees and services among different realtors, and make sure you have a clear understanding of what you are paying for and what you can expect in return.
  • Compatibility with Your Needs: Consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing a realtor. For example, if you prefer a realtor who is tech-savvy and uses modern tools for communication and marketing, look for one who aligns with those preferences. Similarly, if you have specific language requirements or cultural considerations, choose a realtor who can accommodate those needs.

By taking these factors into consideration, you can select a realtor who is best suited to represent your interests, provide exceptional service, and help you achieve your real estate goals. Remember to do thorough research, ask questions, and trust your instincts to make an informed decision.