Karim Virani

Welcome to my Blog Site ! I look forward to assisting you with your next home sale or purchase.

Come and visit our offices at the Village at Park Royal on the beautiful Northshore in West Vancouver.

I have created this site for you to view the many featured properties and to give you the advice you need for all your real estate needs. Experience an innovative approach to real estate marketing!

Enjoy the tours, soak in the features and enter a world of fine living!

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Season's Greetings and Happy New Year!

Tis the season to reflect and thank family and friends for their continued support.

To all my colleagues, clients and friends, all the very best for 2006!

Karim

Market Reports - Solid!

Home Sales Solid in NovemberYear-to-date unit sales beat 2004 totals
Vancouver, BC – December 19, 2005. Frosty temperatures haven’t put a damper on BC’s vibrant real estate market, as home sales posted another strong showing in November.
The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports 7,720 homes, worth more than $2.66 billion, were sold in the province on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in November—a 34.18 per cent increase in dollar volume and a 15.14 per cent hike in the number of units sold during the same month last year.
Compared to 2004, November’s figures are up throughout much of the province. Ten of the 12 real estate boards reported at least a double-digit percentage increases in dollar volume sales over 2004, with seven boards reporting a boost of 25 per cent or more.
“Typically, this time of year tends to be somewhat slower for real estate sales,” said BCREA President Dave Barclay. “However, the numbers continue to show very strong market activity as we approach the end of the year.”
In terms of unit sales, November’s results push the 2005 year-to-date total to 100,586, eclipsing last year’s record of 96,314. Last month, BC topped the previous record for dollar volume, with the year-to-date figure at more than $33.2 million.
“In the past two months, we’ve seen new yearly records for both unit sales and dollar volume, and we still haven’t reached the end of December,” said Barclay. “These achievements wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work and expertise of REALTORS® over the past year and the outstanding service they provide to their clients.”
A study prepared by Clayton Research Associates Limited found the average BC home sold on the MLS® between 2002 and 2004 triggered an estimated $27,873 in additional spending, including legal fees, moving expenses, furniture and appliance purchases and taxes.
BCREA represents 12 member real estate boards and their more than 15,000 realtors on all provincial issues, providing an extensive communications network, standard forms, government relations, required post-licensing courses and continuing education. To demonstrate the profession’s commitment to improving Quality of Life in BC communities, BCREA supports growth that encourages economic vitality, provides housing opportunities and builds communities with good schools and safe neighbourhoods.

Recent Sales For Record Prices in Your Area

OVER 100 Homes SOLD in 2005!

Call Karim Virani TODAY and get the Competitive Edge on the sale of your home.

West Vancouver:
855 Greenwood Road
2350 Marine Drive
1493 Haywood Avenue
1343 Haywood Avenue
5051 Meadfield Road
1254 Kings Avenue

North Vancouver:
103-3393 Capilano Crescent
303-151 W. 2nd Street
1405 Harold Road
11-1818 Chesterfield Avenue
3387 Williams Avenue
1605-155 W. 1st Street

Vancouver and Other Areas:
1402-989 Nelson Street
1202-1005 Beach Avenue
903-1680 Bayshore Drive
2903-928 Beatty Street
2602-1077 Marinaside Crescent
403-590 Nicola Street
909-928 Beatty Street
4503-1408 Strathmore Road
1009-928 Beatty Street

Our Services Will Move You!

Healthy housing market heading into Autumn

Vancouver, BC - Greater Vancouver is experiencing a healthy real estate market heading into fall. The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that sales of detached, attached and apartment properties increased by 17.5 per cent to 3,344 units sold in September 2005, compared to 2,845 sales in September 2004. Year-to-date sales to the end of September are up 9.9 per cent in comparison to the same time last year.

"It continues to be an opportune time for homeownership-first time buyers, move-up buyers, and high-end buyers are all benefiting from current market conditions," says REBGV President Georges Pahud. "MLS® sales of townhomes and apartments were the highest ever for any September on record.

"It's important to note that more than 67 percent of properties sold last month were under the average price. We can also credit favourable financing as a key factor in the market's strength for first time and move-up buyers," Pahud says.

According to Multiple Listings Service data, sales of apartment properties remained relatively unchanged with a less than 1 per cent increase in September 2005 to 1,339 sales, compared to 1,331 sales in September 2004. The benchmark price of an apartment property in Greater Vancouver, calculated by the Board's Housing Price Index, is $275,165, up 18.4 per cent from one year ago.

Sales of attached properties increased 51 per cent in September 2005 to 592 units sold, compared to 392 units in September 2004. The benchmark price of an attached unit is $344,435, up 11.5 per cent from September 2004.

Sales of detached properties increased 25.9 per cent to 1,413 sales in September 2005 compared to 1,122 sales in September 2004. The benchmark price of a detached home increased to $557,739 up 15.7 per cent from a year ago.

Bright spots in Greater Vancouver in September 2005 compared to September 2004:

Attached:
Burnaby up 92.1% (121 units sold, up from 63)
Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows up 125% (63 units sold, up from 28)
Port Moody/Belcarra up 47.6% (31 units sold, up from 21)
Richmond up 26.4% (110 units sold, up from 87)
Vancouver East up 122.7% (49 units sold, up from 22)
Vancouver West up 27.5% (65 units sold, up from 51)

Apartments:
New Westminster up 14.1% (97 units sold, up from 85)
Port Coquitlam up 20.6% (41 units sold, up from 34)

Detached:
Burnaby up 16% (116 units sold, up from 100)
Coquitlam up 16.7% (133 units sold, up from 114)
Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows up 80% (162 units sold, up from 90)
North Vancouver up 11.1% (100 units sold, up from 90)
Port Coquitlam up 19.6% (61 units sold, up from 51)
Richmond up 19.4% (160 units sold, up from 134)
Vancouver East up 44% (229 units sold, up from 159)
Vancouver West up 28% (160 units sold, up from 125)
West Vancouver/Howe Sound up 19.4% (74 units sold, up from 62)

The Real Estate industry is a key economic driver in British Columbia. In 2004, dollar volume sales of homes in Greater Vancouver set a new record at more than $13.8 billion. Based on this figure, Greater Vancouver home sales in 2004 generated over $1 billion in related sales.

So You Want To Sell Your Home? Special Reports - A Must Have For Every Seller and Buyer!

I have continually seen home owners or buyers struggle with the same questions and challenges over and over. That is why I put together these Special Reports to help people just like you avoid the same struggles and pitfalls of those who have gone through it all before.

For the Home Seller:

- 29 Essential Tips That Get Your Home Sold Fast (And For Top Dollar)
- 27 Free And Easy Fix Ups To Sell Your Home For The Best Price
- Make Overs - Market Smart Improvements Every Seller Should Know
- Squeezing Every Last Dollar From Your Home sale. (How to maximize your return when you sell your home)

For the Home Buyer:

- Moving: How To Plan Your Move
- Paying Too Much: Home Buyers How To Avoid Paying Too Much. (A Simple Guide To Help Avoid Overpaying For Your Home)
- Smart Buying: 8 Inside Tips Every Buyer Must Know In Today's Market

Email me at Karim@KarimVirani.com for a copy of your Special Report of choice.

High praise from a happy new home owner

Dear Karim and Haneef,

I would like to tell you how much I enjoyed working with you, and how pleased I am with the result.

From the beginning when you listed the house, Karim, I felt like we were partners in selling what was my very special family home of 20 years. You realized how much of the house was a reflection of my personality. My emotional attachment was respected, and my opinions considered. Your representatives, Frank and Judy, were professional, honest and knowledgeable. Of course, it was a short relationship that we all had, as you and Haneef brought me an excellent offer on “Casa Fiesta” within a few weeks. And now I have to talk to Haneef for a minute. Haneef, you are truly an intuitive and talented real estate professional, as well as being one of the nicest people I have ever dealt with. Although, I had little inclination to reinvest in real estate when we sold the house, I slowly came to realize that it was the right move for me. There was never any pressure from you or Karim to do anything else. In fact, you listened to my other ideas, and gave me good, solid advice. When I decided to look for a condo, you proved to be experienced and on top of what was happening in the market. You had a chance to flex your negotiating skills in the purchase, and I feel like we all emerged “winners”. I absolutely love my new place!

Thank you for everything. I will recommend you both highly whenever the opportunity arises.

Most sincerely, Kathy Taylor

1436 Bramwell Road, West Vancouver.
OFFERED AT: $3,988,000
Breathtaking southerly views from Mount Baker to Vancouver Island and beyond from this newly built custom home on one of British Properties' finest streets. This open plan home has been built to the highest standards and quality and offers almost 7,000 square feet of luxurious living. Features include a gourmet kitchen with 48" Sub Zero and Miele appliances, numerous built-in cabinets, media ready Home Theatre room, wet bars, radiant in-floor heat, and lush landscaping and waterfalls around the entire 16,000 square foot property. The amazing views can be enjoyed from all 3 interior levels plus from the extensive outdoor areas. This magnificent gated estate offers all the amenities of true high end living.
VIEW MORE HOMES LIKE THIS AT WWW.KARIMVIRANI.COM