Shangri-La Hotel & Condos in Vancouver BC Canada

We take you on a tour of the Shangri-La Hotel and Residences. Our video is from the 41st floor, imagine what the view is like from the Penthouse suite!

The Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts are world renowned for their luxurious Asian style rooms and suites. Vancouver BC hosts the first Hotel of it’s kinda to North America, boasting 61 floors of gleaming steel and glass, making it the tallest building in our city. The building completed early 2009 and at the time of writing is currently filling with residences and hotel guests.

Vancouver Shangri-La has two addresses, estate units are floors 43 - 62, located at 1128 Georgia Street. The same address and lobby is used for the hotel rooms and suites using floors 1 - 15. The other address on the other side of the building is 1111 Alberni St, providing private live/work units spanning floors 16 - 42.

Whether guest of the hotel are visiting for business or pleasure their stay will be an experience. Many rooms feature private balconies, elegant finishes and wonderful city views. Residences and hotel are located in the center of the city where you’ll find the best shopping, restaurants & services. The Shangri-La amenities include a spa, fine dining (Market by Jean-Georges), many meeting and conference rooms.

If you’re looking to purchase a hi-end condo in Vancouver BC, Shangri-La would be one of the buildings you’d be interested in. Most of the upper floors feature larger suites with floor to ceiling windows and unobstructed views of city, mountains and water. With all the amenities offered within the building and by location, Shangri-La would interest most buyers searching for a luxury apartment or penthouse.

If you’re interested in purchasing an apartment or suite within the Shangri-La feel free to contact Jacob or Mike to talk about what’s currently available within the building for sale.

Choose the right Realtor to sell your home.

A few tips on selecting the right real estate agent and pricing your property.

Late fall and beginning of summer is a very active time in real estate. As the weather gets warmer, buyers start their search to find that perfect home. Sellers know this is also the best time to list their home for sale based on the number of buyers searching.

Jacob gives a few tips on selecting the right Realtor to work with. Firstly, it’s important to find someone who you can get along with. It could take weeks or months to sell your home and you better like the person you’re working with.

Also, Jacob suggests finding a Realtor who has a good marketing plan and incorporates internet/digital marketing. Beware of the Realtor who simply offers you a high estimated price as this can seem attractive but may lead to your home sitting on the market with no buyers visiting.

Lastly, make sure the Realtor you select is familiar with your area and has experience selling the type of property you own.

Feel free to let us know what you think of the video by leaving us a comment.

How does the lower interest rate help?

You not only have lower monthly payments with a lower interest rate but also pay down more principle loan every month.

Mike talks to Gary Bains with Ronin Mortgage about the benefits of having a lower interest rate. Mike explains how you’ll save more money every month with our current rates.

Some clients have been asking the question, “what happens in the near future if rates go up?” Gary talks about taking advantage of a low variable rate and having the option to lock-in a fixed rate at the time of your choosing.

Feel free to leave us some feedback!

Real Estate Market Update at Local BNI Chapter

Mike Rampf Talks to BNI Chapter About Changing Real Estate Market

Over the past number of years Mike has been heavily involved with a local Business Networking Group (BNI). Every month he gives a 10 minute presentation to his chapter updating them on the current Real Estate market. In his latest market update there are three parts: Latest Statistics, Buying Examples and the Buying Process.

Mike first looks at what happened in 2008 with the drop in average home prices. Interest rates followed the downward drop making it more affordable for the average buyer to purchase a home. Lower interest rates reduce the monthly expenses for borrowing money. Now the home you are looking for is less expensive and it costs less to carry a mortgage.

In the second video some examples of recent sales are explored. Based on what an average home will cost you in North Vancouver with a rental suite downstairs, Mike analyzes what your monthly costs will be. Using very conservative numbers he deduces it’s possible to live in a nice home in North Van for about $2000.

The third part to his video explains what a buyer can expect during a home purchase. He explains the process of receiving bank funding, determining wants & needs and finally searching for that perfect home.

Feel free to leave us some feedback!

First-time home buyers tax break & RRSP withdrawl

Couple changes for first-time home buyers. They can withdraw more from their RRSPs and also receive a tax break against closing expenses

There are new rules for 2009 making it easier for people to purchase a home when buying for the first time. Previously buyers could withdraw 20 thousand from their RRSPs, now the allowable amount has increased to 25 thousand. Also, buyers will receive a tax break on some of their costs associated with buying. A couple examples would be a home inspection and lawyer fees. Due to the slowing market in 2008 the government has made it easier for people to own their own home. Since the beginning of 2009 Jacob & Mike have been extremely busy helping clients get into the market for the first time.

What to expect when Mike helps you buy real estate

Mike explains how he will help you purchase real estate.

Mike Rampf takes you from the beginning to end of the buying process. Hear how he will update you with the current MLS properties and filter what you receive by email. Working with Mike will give you access to MLS listings before they’re displayed on Realtor.ca. At what point do you need to talk with a mortgage broker and what are the benefits of doing so? Why is it a good idea to use a Realtor when buying? Mike will help you find a quality home within your budget and matching your criteria.

First steps to getting your home on MLS

Jacob explains the steps involved in listing your home for sale.

Sometimes as Realtors we forget to explain all the steps involved in getting your home ready for MLS. Jacob talks about the process he uses to collect information about your home and accurately value/price your property. Jacob & Mike work hard to keep their clients informed as to what they should expect from the start to the final sale.

Why rent when buying is more affordable?

Mike takes a look at rental rates and compares them to the cost of owning your own home.

Vancouver home prices took a dramatic drop at the end of last year and this has made owning your own home more affordable. Interest rates are also at an unprecedented low. Mike looks at renting a 1 bedroom condo in the Kitsilano area of Vancouver by searching Craigs List online. He then compares the costs of owning your own apartment to the cost of renting a similar flat. Mike explains why he feels it’s a good time to buy your own home to live.