The city of Coquitlam in British Columbia has been growing very rapidly. Today we are going to be talking about the FIVE reasons people are moving to Coquitlam BC.

The distance between Vancouver and Coquitlam is 27 km. It takes approximately 30 min to drive from Coquitlam to Downtown Eastside. The snowy period of the year lasts from December to around mid-March, and gets more then 3 months of warm weather above 20 degrees Celsius between mid-June to mid-September.

REASON NUMBER ONE - MANY TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUTE OPTIONS

Transportation- For those working in Burnaby or Vancouver, in recent years Coquitlam has significantly improved its bus routes and transportation to make effective ways for commuting into Vancouver City. Coquitlam offers a variety of options when it comes to transit such as West Coast Express, the Skytrain, and regular busses.

The West Coast Express is an express bus with limited stops. It stops at Coquitlam Central Station runs about 40 to DT Vancouver, or east all the way to Mission.

The Skytrain system is also very efficient. The Evergreen Skytrain Line runs from the Coquitlam Town Centre through Port Moody, and joins with the existing SkyTrain system at Lougheed Town Centre. For residents on the Southern side of Coquitlam - Lougheed Skytrain station or Braid station are ideal SkyTrain options. For drivers, Coquitlam is centrally located and provides access to the surrounding cities such as Burnaby, Vancouver, Surrey, Pitt Meadows, and Maple Ridge. Lougheed Highway & Barnet Highway also run through Coquitlam. The Port Mann Bridge and the Golden Ears Bridge are also very easy to access.

NUMBER TWO - COQUITLAM ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

1. Coquitlam's Hard Rock Casino is a popular choice of entertainment out here as well as the SilverCity, Coquitlam's movie complex with 20 screens and VIP options.

2. The Evergreen Cultural Centre is near Town Centre Park and is a venue for arts and culture, in which they host a wide variety of community events. There is a 264 seat black box theatre, rehearsal hall, art studio, and art gallery. There are also several choirs and theatre societies that practice at the Evergreen Cultural Centre.

3. The arts center has been around since 1972 in Coquitlam and plays a big part in the community. Place des Arts is a non-profit teaching arts center in Maillardville that offers a variety of programs in the visual arts, music, acting, and dance. It is a fantastic place for young kids and adults to learn and expand their love for the arts, whether it be pottery, yoga, ballet, piano, violin, painting, drawing, or more. Place des Arts offer faculty concerts throughout the year and participate competitively in some areas as well.

4. Place Maillardville is a community center providing leisure activities for all age groups, with programs on the French language, culture, as well as physical activities. Heritage Square offers visitors a wealth of historic sites, gardens, a bike path, and an outdoor amphitheater;

REASON NUMBER 3 - COQUITLAM'S MALLS & SHOPPING

Coquitlam Centre shopping mall is the biggest mall in the Tri-Cities and is located in North Coquitlam. It is the hub of City Centre, and a popular spot for a quick bit to eat, grocery shopping, entertainment, or just good old fashioned shopping! Meanwhile, a master planning process for the entire site will look at developing a downtown core with employment, housing, parks, and transportation with distinct innovative architecture.

Situated on 57 acres of land in the heart of the Tri-Cities, Coquitlam Centre features over 910,000 square feet of retail on two spacious levels. Coquitlam Centre is the only shopping center in Metro Vancouver offering almost all the major brands and department stores all in one convenient location.

In the Coquitlam West area, there is also Lougheed Mall. While technically located in North Burnaby, it is on the exact borderline of Coquitlam and Burnaby so it is still a popular area to shop. This particular mall is a part of the Lougheed Town Centre Expansion which now includes a revitalized shopping mall, new businesses, a brand new food court, and several high-rise residential towers.

Coquitlam also offers a great number of large grocery stores to shop in, ranging from Superstore, Save on Foods, Safeway, and smaller local shops, to the nearby Costco in Port Coquitlam.

REASON NUMBER 4- THE AMAZING TRAIL SYSTEM

The City of Coquitlam Master Trail Plan is a comprehensive flexible guide for the provision of a citywide, off-road network of trails connecting people, places, public amenities, to other municipalities and regional trail systems. I have attached a guide below if you are interested to fully explore it. GUIDE

https://www.coquitlam.ca/docs/default-source/recreation-parks-culture-documents/Parks_-_Master_Trail_Plan.pdf?sfvrsn=4

Coquitlam offers an amazing trail system, here are a few that I recommend:

Town center park and Hoy Creek trail. All these trails are a hard surface except for the nature trail at the south end of Lafarge Lake providing access to the fishing pier. Trails are generally flat with a slight elevation. https://www.coquitlam.ca/docs/default-source/recreation-parks-culture-documents/Park_-_Town_Centre_Park_Routes.pdf?sfvrsn=4

Como lake park:

Woodlands Trail is a great hike for you and if you have a dog. This is up Burke Mountain right near the Port Coquitlam and District Hunting and Fishing Club. As you go along the trail, there are a couple of different waterfalls to go check out which are great in the summertime to get into and cool down. It is a popular spot for mountain biking so be sure to keep an eye out for them.

Mundy Park trail is a great trail that also has a small off-leash trail system. this is a great spot to go for an early morning walk or run with your dog.

Crystal Falls is a great place to go exploring with friends. Along the Coquitlam River you get to the end you will get to a great waterfall. There are several great spots in summer as you can go down to hang out by the water.

Coquitlam Crunch is a good workout for those looking for one. It's like a mini little Grouse Grind and many times you'll see water bottles and sweaters left at the bottom. A lot of people will use this as their daily workout routine as they go up and down the crunch. https://www.coquitlam.ca/docs/default-source/recreation-parks-culture-documents/Parks_-_Crunch_Trail.pdf?sfvrsn=4

REASON NUMBER 5 - SCHOOL DISTRICT & SCHOOLING OPTIONS

Coquitlam is served by THE EXCELLENT School District 43 and has elementary, middle & high schools.

Coquitlam also has a very strong french-immersion school presence, with many schools offering early french immersion, and Montgomery middle offering late french immersion.

The City of Coquitlam offers four public secondary schools, seven middle schools, and dozens of elementary schools. There are also 2 local colleges (Douglas & Coquitlam College), and a nearby university within a 10-20 minute transit (SFU).

Connect with me to get a comprehensive list of all the elementary, middle, secondary, post-secondary, and french immersion schools in Coquitlam!

Coquitlam BC offers a unique lifestyle, and truly offers everything a family would need. I hope you learned what it is like to live in Coquitlam. Feel free to connect with me if you consider moving to the area.

If you are looking for a fantastic family oriented community, stop right here. This community might be the one you are looking for. There are several neighborhoods here to choose from; estate residences, large single-family, small single-family, row homes and townhouses. There is something suitable for all stages of life.

On the southern slope of Burke Mountain, new suburbs are being created and expanded. The area is supposed to house over 30,000 people when it is completed. 

Families, professionals and empty nesters looking for a walkable neighbourhood, village setting, nature on their doorstep and access to transit can stop their search on Coquitlam’s Burke Mountain.

On a typical day for a Burke Mountain resident, waking up to stunning views is very much likely. Shop for groceriec in the future Burke Mountain Village, mountain biking at Pinecone Burke Provincial Park, or just have a beer on a patio as the sun goes down.

Professionals may find themselves biking to SkyTrain in the morning, taking a classes at the nearby community centres work, and having a farm-to-table meal in the village. 

Many families choose to walk or a bike to get to nearby schools, parks and amenities via the extensive trail network.

Burke Mountain feaures several community parkes including Pioneer Park and Harper Park.

Pioneer Park is located at 3000 Highland Drive is a 4.4 acre intended to help create a sense of community in Burke Mountain and provide a focal point for socializing, as well as children’s play and recreation. 

The park elements include activities for all ages and accessibility levels. Features include:

• game tables,
• open lawn area for picnicking and informal play activities,
• community garden,
• full-sized sport court including basketball and hockey nets,
• neighbourhood grass sports field,
• art play installation with rubberized surface to serve as a climbing play element,
• approximately 47 new parking spots,
• 25 shade trees to grow with the park, and
• connections to new and existing trails 

Harper community park is located in Smiling Creek and is a part of 4.4-hectare (10.8-acre) Harper Park expansion, located off Harper Road.

The project will retain much of the existing forest while adding features that allow for the passive enjoyment of the space, including:

• 620 metres of trails
• a wooden pedestrian bridge over Smiling Creek
• seating
• rest areas
• picnic tables
• interpretive signs and other elements throughout the site will recognize Burke Mountain’s logging history, glacial influences and forest features

Access will be provided from trailheads at Highland Drive to the south, and along the Harper Road multi-use pathway to the north and northeast.

Burke Mountain features several awesome Neighbourhood Parks including Galloway Park, Queenston Park, Riley Park and Victoria Park. There are many other smaller parks whithin walking distance of every neighbourhood. Which is just great for families with kids, if you’re an outdoorsy person this area is great for you!

Another area nearby is the Park Ridge Estates. It was built in the 90' and cut into the side of Burke Mountain, North of River Springs. It enjoys many of the same perks as Burke Mountain, including forest and hiking trails. The whole neighbourhood is being close enough to amenities such as Coquitlam Centre Mall, 7-11, Shopper Drug Mart, and restaurants.

From Park Ridge, you are a walking distance or just a short drive to Coquitlam’s town centre park, which has a small man-made lake, walking trails, tennis courts, basketball courts, a large playground, football & soccer fields, and it is also the centre of Coquitlam's main events.

If you need to commute by public transportation, Coquitlam station will take you anywhere and everywhere you need, including throughout Coquitlam, Port Moody, and Burnaby. The Lafarge Lake-Douglas station to the new Evergreen extension of SkyTrain that can take commuters to most of Metro Vancouver. It is located just a short drive away by the Town Centre Park.

If you are thinking of moving to Burke mountain Area or simply want an insider’s report about what’s happening with the local real estate, click here and customize your own report for his area and for any other around vancouver!

Download your relocation guide here

We have the power today to use technology to provide you with an amazing consultation ( for both buyer consults and home evaluations) without having to meet us in person! We'll do the entire process virtually for you.

We are here to help and are making adjustments on our end in all aspects of our business to still offer you amazing customer experiences during this time.

We understand that you don't want strangers in your home in these uncertain times. Our team wants to make sure we make all  effort to protect ourselves and follow social distancing protocols.

So we're focusing on shifting our business to the VIRTUAL SIDE of things.

We are now offering VIRTUAL HOME EVALUATIONS!

It's easy! Register below and we'll set up a time for you to have a virtual video call. It will be a 30-minute call that will give you insight into the current value of your home, and give you the opportunity to ask any of your burning market questions. Register Here!

We are now offering VIRTUAL LIVE SHOWINGS!

We will view properties on your behalf, taking you on a live tour of the home via Zoom, Skype, etc. This way, you can practice social distancing.

We are now offering VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSES!

Our goal is to limit the number the people who are walking through your home while you are selling. One of the ways we will exercise will be by streaming a tour of your home "open house style" on weekends, instead of letting people physically inside the home.

We are transmitting to ONLINE OFFERS!

Weather you are a buyer or a seller, We will use the power of e-signatures, video conferencing, and emailing to handle your offers electronically and securely.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP AND MAKE IT SMOOTH!

Click for monthly update:

https://annalitvakjoseph.activehosted.com/index.php?action=social&c=15&m=17

WHAT MAKES YOUR HOME SELL?

Metro Vancouver continues to experience above-average demand and below-average supply

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential home sales in the region totalled 2,795 in November 2017, a 26.2 per cent increase from the 2,214 sales recorded in November 2016, and a 7.5 per cent decrease compared to October 2017 when 3,022 homes sold.

Last month’s sales were 17 per cent above the 10-year November sales average.

“We’re seeing steady demand in today’s market. Home buyer activity is operating above our long-term averages, particularly in our townhome and condominium markets,” Jill Oudil, REBGV president said.

There were 4,109 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in November 2017. This represents a 30.6 per cent increase compared to the 3,147 homes listed in November 2016 and a 9.5 per cent decrease compared to October 2017 when 4,539 homes were listed.

The total number of homes currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 8,747, a 4.3 per cent increase compared to November 2016 (8,385) and a 4.3 per cent decrease compared to October 2017 (9,137).

“While we’re seeing more listings enter the market today than we saw at this time last year, we have a long way to go before our home listing inventory rises back to more historically typical levels,” Oudil said.

The sales-to-active listings ratio for November 2017 is 32 per cent, which is up three per cent since September 2017. By property type, the ratio is 15.9 per cent for detached homes (up one per cent since September 2017), 36.4 per cent for townhomes (down six per cent since September 2017), and 67.8 per cent for condominiums (up seven per cent since September 2017).

Generally, analysts say that downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below the 12 per cent mark for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months.

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,046,900. This represents a 14 per cent increase over November 2016 and a 0.4 per cent increase compared to October 2017.

Sales of detached properties in November 2017 reached 841, a 31.8 per cent increase from the 638 detached sales recorded in November 2016. The benchmark price for detached properties is $1,608,000. This represents a 6.1 per cent increase from November 2016 and a 0.1 per cent decrease compared to October 2017.

Sales of apartment properties reached 1,508 in November 2017, a 25.7 per cent increase compared to the 1,200 sales in November 2016. The benchmark price of an apartment property is $648,200. This represents a 23.9 per cent increase from November 2016 and a one per cent increase compared to October 2017.

Attached property sales in November 2017 totalled 446, an 18.6 per cent increase compared to the 376 sales in November 2016. The benchmark price of an attached unit is $805,200. This represents a 17.9 per cent increase from November 2016 and a 0.3 per cent increase compared to October 2017.

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*Editor’s Note: Areas covered by the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver include: Whistler, Sunshine Coast, Squamish, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Richmond, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, and South Delta.

The real estate industry is a key economic driver in British Columbia. In 2016, 39,943 homes changed ownership in the Board’s area, generating $2.5 billion in economic spin-off activity and an estimated 17,600 jobs. The total dollar value of residential sales transacted through the MLS® system in Greater Vancouver totalled $40 billion in 2016.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver is an association representing more than 14,000 REALTORS® and their companies. The Board provides a variety of member services, including the Multiple Listing Service®. For more information on real estate, statistics, and buying or selling a home, contact a local REALTOR® or visit www.rebgv.org.

For more info and graphs:

The government has taken several actions to curb housing risks.

Let’s have a look at Ottawa’s actions since the 2008 recession:

October 2017

October 2016

1. OSFI requires smaller banks to perform a stress test requiring borrowers with less than 20 per cent downpayment to qualify for the Bank of Canada’s posted five-year rate.
2. Borrowers with a down payment at or above 20 per cent to meet these same eligibility requirements.

December 2015

June 2012

1. For these with less then 20 per cent downpayment, the maximum amortization period was reduced from 35 years to 25 years only.
2. A new stress test was implemented. To qualify for a high-ratio mortgage, a home buyer’s debt costs could be no more than 44 per cent of their income.
3. Home owners who are going to refinance their mortgage can now borrow a maximum of 80 per cent of a property’s value, down from 85 per cent.
4. Government-backed insured high-ratio mortgages were available only on homes valued at less than $1 million.

January 2011

February 2010

1. The maximum amount home owners could borrow when refinancing a mortgage has reduced from 95 per cent of home’s value, to only 90 per cent.
2. A new rule came out requires owners who are not living on a property. A minimum 20 per cent down payment if they needed government-backed mortgage insurance.

July 2008