Vancouver, known for its beautiful neighbourhoods and diverse real estate landscape, has a new video series that takes viewers on an exciting adventure through the city's most iconic areas.
Introducing "Real Tours" by REW.ca, a captivating video series that brings you up close and personal with Vancouver's neighbourhoods, landmarks and the people who make them special. In the first episode, one of British Columbia's top realtors, Adina Dragasanu, takes viewers on a once-in-a-lifetime tour of the Cambie neighbourhood.
Dragasanu stands out in Vancouver's fiercely competitive market. The spirit that saw her serve her first year in real estate with pretty much zero compensation is the same one that inspires her clients to stay ahead of the game today. A renowned real estate agent with over 12 years of experience, she is the perfect guide to help you navigate the dynamic and fiercely competitive Vancouver real estate market. Her passion for real estate, coupled with her deep knowledge of the industry, makes her an invaluable resource for anyone looking to find their dream home.
So let's dive into the vibrant neighbourhood of Cambie and discover what makes it a remarkable part of Vancouver's evolution.
Welcome to Cambie
Cambie, often considered the epicentre of Vancouver, is a neighbourhood that seamlessly blends vibrant history with a rapidly changing real estate landscape. The iconic Cambie Street cuts through the heart of this area, adding to its charm and significance.
Dragasanu takes us on a journey through Cambie, showcasing the wide array of housing options available. From charming single-family homes to stylish condominiums, cozy townhouses, and modern apartment buildings, the neighbourhood offers a diverse range of architectural styles to suit every taste.
One of the highlights of Cambie is its excellent connectivity. Public transportation options, including bus routes and the Canada Line SkyTrain, provide easy access to downtown and other parts of the city. Additionally, the Cambie Street Bridge and proximity to major roadways make commuting by car a breeze. This accessibility, coupled with its central location, allows Cambie residents to enjoy the vibrancy of downtown while relishing the charm and community spirit of Cambie Street.
Dragasanu guides us through the area between 16th Avenue and West Broadway, where she sheds light on the changing real estate market. Many of the older homes purchased during the 80s and 90s have been stratified to adapt to the evolving needs of the market. Stratified homes offer an excellent opportunity for younger homebuyers to enter the real estate market as first-time buyers, especially as detached houses become less accessible in today's economic climate.
During our tour, Dragasanu shares an intriguing aspect of Vancouver's urban planning: the Vancouver View Corridor. This remarkable initiative aims to preserve and enhance the visual connections between public spaces, renowned landmarks, and the city's architectural features. As we leave the enchanting Stamps Landing behind, Dragasanu introduces us to a condo listing in the vibrant neighbourhood of Yaletown. This listing serves as an excellent example of the accessible homes available to those looking to enter the market.
What we learned along the way
Throughout the tour, Dragasanu imparts invaluable advice for first-time-homebuyers.
Your lifestyle
The first consideration is lifestyle. It is crucial to evaluate your day-to-day routine and determine the location that aligns with your desired lifestyle. Choosing a neighbourhood or community that enables you to live the way you envision should be a top priority for all home seekers.
The building itself
The second point Dragasanu encourages home seekers to consider is the building itself. Many first-time home seekers overlook critical elements such as whether the property is a strata unit, the overall quality of construction, and any potential future maintenance or repair work that may be required. Assessing these factors is essential to avoid unexpected expenses and future headaches.
Layout and functionality
The final consideration Dragasanu advises you consider is the layout and functionality of the space. For first-time home seekers, your home is likely to be a long-term investment, so it’s crucial that it can adapt to your changing needs. Multifunctional spaces can transform from a spare room to a child's bedroom as your family grows. Additionally, ample storage space is vital for those who tend to hold onto belongings – you know who you are. Dragasanu encourages home seekers to envision their future and choose a property that can accommodate their evolving requirements.
What is stratification?
Stratification is when a piece of land or property is subdivided between two or more owners. This practice manifests in various forms, including duplexes, four-unit condominiums, or even a complex with several individual units.
The long-term outlook
Real estate is a long-term game that requires a long-term strategy. Dragasanu recommends home seekers think 1020 years ahead and start making decisions now that will help you get there. She emphasizes the importance of working with professionals who have your best interests at heart. Whether it's a reputable realtor, investor, or inspector, surrounding yourself with trusted advisors will contribute to a successful and rewarding experience.
A lesson on getting into the market
Get into the market when you can is Dragasanu’s advice. That way, you’ll be able to ride the wave of rising prices over the years. Picture this: you buy a house for a modest $72,000 in 1980, then in 2023, you sell it for a jaw-dropping $2.5 million. The cost of buying a new home in today's market would be around the same, allowing you to reinvest the money you earned from the sale of your home to stay active in the market as prices continue to soar.
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