Episode 120: Downsizing
Have clients that are afraid to downsize from a house to a condo? Co-hosts Michael & Morgan offer tips on how to create an environment where the client is always in a position of strength so they feel comfortable shifting to a new space.
Episode 119: Stale Listings
As we start heading into the summer season, you may notice the market start to shift and listings still on the market for longer than usual. But fear not, co-hosts Michael & Morgan are here to advise on how to deal with stale listings! From emphasizing the importance of good communication with your sellers to turning disadvantages to advantages, tune in to hear them offer a number of helpful tips to sell that listing.
Episode 118: With Special Guests, ACE Marketing
Joining us from Kelowna are new Oakwynites, ACE Marketing! Co-hosts Michael & Morgan chat with Chad MacTavish and Megan Michaluk of ACE about all their presale projects from the Island to the Valley and the growing urban market in Kelowna. Tune in to learn more about exclusive deals and previews through ACE and the Oakwyn Okanagan community!
Oakwyn Presale Projects 2022
Take a look at the current presale projects our agents are working on.
North Vancouver
Denna Homes 2023
1500 Fern Street, North Vancouver- Sharply-designed three-level townhomes include rooftop terraces. Residences on the seventh floor are surrounded by lush landscaping and greenery for added privacy.
I4 Property Group 2024
3155 Canfield Crescent, North Vancouver- EIGHT brings to Edgemont Village a collection of 8 semi-detached, 3-bedroom homes. Designed with striking millwork details, private rooftop patios, and carefully chosen materials to add a sense of refinement to each home.
Downtown Vancouver
1249 Granville Street, Vancouver
- 6 story boutique building composed of a mix of 1 bedroom and junior 2 bedrooms suites. Steps from restaurants, cafés, and entertainment. Owners also enjoy bike storage, exercise room, and selected units have storage and parking.
East Vancouver
Hudson Projects
E 5th Avenue & Prince Edward, Vancouver- Private rooftop terraces, attached garages and chefs kitchens. 2 and 3 bedroom homes at one historic landmark in Mount Pleasant.
Hudson Projects 2022
3493 Commercial Street, Vancouver- 1 & 2 Bedroom Courtyard Townhomes, restored and revitalized from an iconic 1910 building, outdoor living space into the courtyard or rooftop deck.
Lotus Capital & Omicron 2024
2246 E Broadway, Vancouver- 1, 2 & 3 bedroom urban residences just off Commercial Drive. Steps from shopping, restaurants, parks, & art. The SkyTrain Interchange Station offers easy access to both the Expo and Millennium Line, the Central Valley Greenway, and Highway 1.
Azora
2306 Brock Street, Vancouver- A new collection of 10 exclusive homes in the Kensington-Cedar Cottage neighbourhood. Brock House consists of 8 luxury duplexes and 2 single family homes. These 2 and 3 storey homes offer strong, classic architectural elements and contemporary materials.
Westbank
5058 Joyce Street, Vancouver- Adjacent to the Joyce-Collingwood Skytrain station in one of Vancouver's most vibrant communities. These thoughtfully designed homes come with European Miele Appliances, porcelain tile flooring in the living areas, and B&B Italia kitchen cabinets. The cooling & heating system provides comfort during all times while triple-glazed windows provide added sound insulation. The rooftop amenity level includes an entertainment & activity Centre.
Amacon 2023
2419 Grant Street, Vancouver- Character-filled lofts, condos, and townhomes that blend seamlessly with the quiet, suburban surroundings. Triple-glazed windows and extra insulation make each unit energy efficient and quieter than your average home. Blending traditional, industrial brick expressions with modern details, the Grant lives and breathes modern nostalgia.
Oakridge
Bosa Properties 2023/2024
749-815 W 49th Avenue, Vancouver- These townhomes are distinctive and with well-appointed interiors, are truly in a class of their own. Some of the features included for each home are parking with EV charging capability, a private storage locker, a private outdoor patio and many more!
Lavern Developments 2024
49th & Columbia, Vancouver- Pure is the first development along 49th & Cambie (Langara) to have retail stores on the ground floor! Rooftop common area features open air lounge and grill. Wrap around deck with seating areas, garden plots, children’s playground, & views to North Shore Mountains. Plus 7 ‘Framery' sound proof pods from Finland to conduct meetings & Zoom calls in the rooftop amenities room.
Vancouver West
Fastmark 2023
750 W 26th Avenue, Vancouver- Nestled in a quiet tree-lined community, Nora is a curated collection of six townhomes that are thoughtfully designed from the inside out. Bespoke details and refined architecture pair with modern interiors that boast elevated finishes and a layout that invites moments of both peace and community.
Fastmark 2023
197 W 26th Avenue, Vancouver- Built with premium mass timber construction, these row homes are sustainable, quiet, and refined. Sophisticated interiors with elevated design details allow for tranquility and peace inside, with a private garden space and no one above or below. An elegant sanctuary positioned within the walkable Riley Park community.
Enera Enteprises 2023
Ash & 24th Avenue, Vancouver- Info to come.
Gryphon Development 2024
W 46th Avenue & W Boulevard, Vancouver- Directly facing Arbutus Greenway, one of the most anticipated city planning initiatives in Vancouver. The most elaborate amenities offering in a low density Van West project, including concierge, two-level gym, infra red sauna, massage room, library lounge etc. Heritage retention for our commercial unit facade
Crescent Legacy Properties 2022
7061 Cypress Street, Vancouver- Five Heritage-inspired homes developed by an award-winning team. Nestled on a quiet tree-lined street close to Kerrisdale & East Blvd amenities with easy access to UBC & good public schools. Features sub-zero Wolf appliances, timeless bathroom fixtures, white oak herringbone floors, radiant in-floor heating, smart home features, birch custom wall panels, Euroline windows & more.
Coquitlam
Trillium Projects 2022
609 Sydney Avenue, Coquitlam- 3 bedroom townhomes with laundry rooms, built-in desks, direct access to parking, pre-wired EV charging, private yards, rooftop decks, resident only outdoor amenity space with lounge area, large harvest table and garden.
Port Moody
Allaire 2023
50 Seaview Drive, Port Moody- 2, 3, and 4 bedroom townhomes. Located on Seaview drive in a quiet neighbourhood just minutes from the heart of Port Moody. Tailored for family living with overheight ceilings on the main floor, a powder room, and spacious, custom designed kitchens, as well as attached garages, EV charging, and outdoor gas hookups.
Kelowna
Orchard Park Properties 2024
1660 Water St (Presentation Center)- Unobstructed residential views in the city. Tower 2 will be the tallest tower in the BC Interior. The Deck by Water, an amenities space including a golf simulator, an outdoor recreational and entertainment area overlooking the lake, and a heated pool. Each unit has its own private terrace for seamless indoor/outdoor living.
Trellis Properties 2022
1975 Shannon Lake Road, Kelowna- A collection of 97 Townhomes located 10 minutes from Downtown Kelowna. Our homes feature Smart Samsung appliances, 38 bottle wine fridges and more.
Richmond
South Street Development Group
8671 - 8731 Spires Road, Richmond- Ground-oriented, family-friendly 3 or 4 bedroom townhomes bringing more room to play. Walking distance to Richmond Brighouse Skytrain, Richmond Shopping Centre, and world-class amenities.
Dava Developments
10333 River Drive, Richmond- Private outdoor space for every home (roof decks or garden patios). Spacious 2-level/floor townhomes from 1,350 to 2,123 SF amazing value starting from $695/SF convenient location, minutes away from Vancouver.
August 4, 2021
Life Above Par: Oakwyn’s Golf Tournament
Episode 117: Slowing Down
Vancouver is moving from a hot market to a balanced market and in this week’s episode, our hosts discuss market transitions. Sit back and hear Michael & Morgan’s accounts of how the real estate market has adjusted over their careers and the wisdom they’ve gained.
Episode 116: The Four Agreements
In this week’s mini-episode, co-hosts Michael & Morgan share their experiences based on the self-limiting beliefs described in Morgan’s favourite book, “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz. Tune in to learn what the Four Agreements are and how you can incorporate these into your daily life!
Oakwyn Neighbourhood Guide: Burnaby North
In 2022, Oakwyn is growing, expanding, and achieving more than ever before. Our Theme of the Year, Evolve, is at the core of our ongoing efforts to effect positive change in our lives, our work, and our communities. Ardent advocate for the Ronald McDonald House and Oakwyn Managing Broker Jenny Wun exemplifies our theme every day as she expands the Oakwyn brand to North Burnaby.
We asked three of our Oakwyn Northwest agents, Manny Bal, Sam Cao, and David Tran, to share some special recommendations and insight for those new to North Burnaby and the Heights.
Check out our agent highlights and recommendations below for family-friendly activities, great dining, luxury lifestyle, and more.
Welcome To The Family, Oakwyn Northwest
Located in bustling Burnaby Heights, Oakwyn Northwest will infuse Oakwyn’s values into their work in the North Burnaby market. “Burnaby is very much the artery for agents who live in the city and for agents who need a central hub to service the Lower Mainland real estate market,” Jenny says. We are thrilled to see Jenny build the Oakwyn name in North Burnaby with drive, initiative and heart.
Oakwyn Northwest agent Manny Bal was born and raised in Burnaby and is now raising his own family here. Manny says, “We love this city. The community is amazing. Something that Burnaby shares with Oakwyn’s brand and values is to always evolve, always push forward. And our tagline: work hard, stay humble.”
Sam Cao, also from the Oakwyn Northwest office, agrees. “It’s a fantastic neighbourhood with a very tight-knit community. My close friends, family, and clients are all moving here.” With “great coffeeshops, great mom ‘n’ pop shops, and great restaurants,” as Sam says, what’s not to love?
Oakwyn Northwest Recommends:
Anton's Pasta Bar
Manny Bal has been coming to Anton’s Pasta Bar since he was a teenager. “It’s one of my favourite restaurants,” he says, serving “family-friendly, legendary rustic Italian food.” Anton’s Pasta Bar first opened its doors in 1983, after its namesake and proprietor, Tony Mauro, traveled to Canada from his hometown of Calabria in southern Italy. The first recipes served were his mother’s. Manny recommends the fettuccine creola: Italian sausage, chicken, and shrimp in an exquisitely spicy tomato sauce. He also shouts out the great staff and atmosphere at this iconic Burnaby Heights culinary institution. Be sure to inquire about the Montelvini Private Reserve wines, a rare treat straight from Italy available exclusively at Anton’s.
Contact Manny Bal to learn more about the best dining and more in North Burnaby.
Chez Cristophe
Oakwyn Northwest agent David Tran recommends Chez Christophe, his favourite bakery in Burnaby Heights. David first visited Chez Christophe in search of the perfect, melt-in-your-mouth cake for his wife’s birthday. “The cake was amazing,” he says, adding, “they also have great pastries, a wonderful selection of chocolates, and the coffee is outstanding as well.” It’s the perfect place for a client meeting, with plenty of seating and a friendly and inviting staff. For a small treat, David recommends the double baked almond and chocolate croissant. Don’t miss their unique boxes of handcrafted chocolates, perfect for a gift or to share on a romantic occasion.
Contact David Tran for more information about working and living in Burnaby Heights.
The Amazing Brentwood
For a family outing in North Burnaby, Manny suggests The Amazing Brentwood: a one-of-a-kind urban gathering place with exquisitely designed indoor and outdoor spaces: “Several of my clients have invested into this neighbourhood because this place has it all,” Manny says. “My family comes here for our shopping, our dining, our entertainment, the Rec Room, the cinemas.” Visit the Lux Skin Lab for innovative facial and body treatments. The OEB Breakfast Co. serves elevated breakfast classics, such as a Canadian Lobster & Shrimp Crêpe, with butter poached lobster & shrimp scramble, green onions, brown butter hollandaise, and truffle pearls—add caviar for a special treat. At The Rec Room, Manny recommends the car racing and basketball games for kids and kids-at-heart.
Whole Foods Grocery
Caffé Artigiano
Oakwynite Sam Cao swears by the masala chai at Caffé Artigiano in Burnaby Heights. With great staff, great drinks, and delicious baked goods, Caffé Artigiano—steps from the Oakwyn Northwest office—is the perfect place for a quick lunch, a quick meeting, or an after-work treat.
Contact Sam Cao to discuss your options in North Burnaby today.
And So Much More:
Fine North American cuisine meets a sleek, luxurious atmosphere at Atlas Steak + Fish in the Delta Hotel.
A cool, contemporary diner serving seasonal comfort food with delicious vegetarian options.
Artisanal offerings from around the province including Heights Coffee Co., Market Candle Company, Jane’s Honey Bees, Violet Finvers Glass, and more.
Visit Oakwyn Northwest
Come visit our agents in the heart of Burnaby Heights and see the best of Burnaby. The Heights is an urban hub with a vibrant community, one of the largest business centres in Burnaby, with murals, artistic and cultural events, and great options for dining, shopping, and more. Make a day trip of it to explore North Burnaby and chat with our agents about the endless possibilities for you in Greater Vancouver’s best kept secret: where high-end living coincides with countless hidden gems and hole-in-the-walls.
For more information about North Burnaby and the new Oakwyn Northwest team, reach out to us to book an appointment, arrange a tour, or speak with our recruitment team.
To keep up with the latest Oakwyn news, be sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and visit our website.
Episode 115: Warm Leads
Now that you’ve heard what to do with cold leads, we’re turning up the temperature to discuss warm leads! Co-hosts Michael & Morgan advise on how to build rapport with your sphere of influence and referrals so you can fulfill their real estate needs.
Episode 114: Cold Leads
In this week’s episode, co-hosts Michael Uy & Morgan Browne advise on how to convert cold leads into long-time clients. Tune in to hear their own cold lead conversion stories and role-play to get that client!
Episode 113: Quarterly Reviews
As we start a new quarter this year, co-hosts Michael Uy & Morgan Browne reflect on the goals they’ve set for 2022 and the initiatives they’ve made so far to achieve them. Tune in to listen to some tips on how to track your progress as individuals and with your teams!
Episode 112: With Special Guest Chris Tioseco
Long-time Oakwynite, Chris Tioseco, joins our co-hosts, Michael Uy & Morgan Browne, on this week’s episode!
Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver: March 2022 Statistics Update
At Oakwyn we’re always wanting to present the facts in an engaging way. Every month, one of our agents will unpick current market statistics from the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver to help you understand what’s going on in the real estate market and what you should be looking out for.
March’s statistics report comes straight from Jeff Appelbe. You can read up on March’s insights below to stay up to date on another big month for the market.
Sales Increased Compared to 2021
The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver is reporting “March Home Sales Up 27% Since February,” but Jeff notes that sales increase seasonally from February to March every year. The more important metric for agents and buyers is the year-by-year comparison. March sales in 2022 were above the ten year average, which is consistent with the numbers we observed in February 2022 as well.
While March was a busy month, inventory remains at a historic low. Another factor, which Jeff highlights as the real story this month, is a policy interest rate bump put into effect by the Bank of Canada on March 2nd, 2022. This is the first increase to the rate in four years.
Jeff notes that sales decreased significantly in the latter half of the month. There were 746 detached sales in the Fraser Valley in March, with only 33% of them occurring after March 16th. In East Vancouver and Burnaby combined, only 36% of sales were reported in the second half of the month as well. In terms of pricing, the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver is reporting that the MLS Benchmark Price showed a trend upward in pricing in most areas. Yet Jeff notes that the average and median prices are in fact lower than we might expect.
While these numbers may seem all over the place, the truth, Jeff says, is that we’re at an inflection point. There’s evidence of change across the board, and we can expect more of it in April.
What Really Matters
The Bank of Canada met again on April 13th, 2022. Analysts were predicting an overnight interest rate increase of 0.50%, in contrast to the usual 0.25% basis point. In fact, the Bank of Canada has reported an increase of 0.50%, for a net interest rate of 1.00%.
Jeff concludes that this rate increase will be the single greatest factor impacting sales—not government policy or budget changes. What really matters for agents and buyers is affordability, and the mortgage and interest rates that have been driving up prices.
Get in Touch!
Work with your Oakwyn agent, work with your trusted real estate advisor, and come up with a plan that makes sense for you in 2022 if you’re thinking about making a move.
To keep up with the latest market statistics and join the conversation, be sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and visit our website.