West End tree house! Gorgeous 2 bedroom 2 � bathroom West End home nestled in the treetops. Only 2 suites per floor with secured elevator access. Steps to grocer, cafes & Davie Village services. Unique floor plan with virtually no adjoining walls; windows in 4 directions. Features include a stunning new kitchen with solid cherry millwork, stainless steel appliances & delightful dining area in the trees. Attention to detail is evident in the fit & finish of this elegant home. Farrow & ball clay paint, maple wood floors, custom crafted wood shutters, queen size wall bed, heavy duty Miele washer/dryer, gas fireplace & high end light fixtures. Completely renovated bathrooms. Large living/dining with a wall of glass to the trees. Sunny South facing patio with seasonal view. Separate wing for sleeping/guest quarters, home office & handy 2 piece powder room. 2 small pets allowed. Fully rainscreened�under warranty.

Or check out other great Vancouver Condos for Sale.

Stephen Burke
Sutton Group - West Coast Realty
www.stephenburke.com
www.facebook.com/stephenburkerealestate

Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this False Creek Apartment/Condo for sale.

As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.

Or check out other great Vancouver Condos for Sale.

Stephen Burke
Sutton Group - West Coast Realty
www.stephenburke.com
www.facebook.com/stephenburkerealestate

Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this West End Apartment/Condo for sale.

As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.

Or check out other great Vancouver Condos for Sale.

Stephen Burke
Sutton Group - West Coast Realty
www.stephenburke.com
www.facebook.com/stephenburkerealestate

Vancouver getaway! Charming bachelor apt 1/2 block to ocean & sandy Bikini Beach & 1 block to Stanley Park’s 1000 acres of forest; Seawall for cycling; trails, pitch & putt golf, public pool & tennis courts. Most desirable “West of Denman” location. 2 blocks to shops service & a variety of great restaurants. Sub-penthouse floor with bright East exposure with a view corridor to City lights. Iconic Mid-Century Modern architecture. Cute ‘n cozy space with built-in wall bed. Original solid oak floors in beautiful condition. Galley kitchen & full bathroom. Well maintained co-op building (35% down required) Sorry no pets and no rentals. Quiet non-smoking building. Solid concrete construction.

Or check out other great Vancouver Condos for Sale.

Stephen Burke
Sutton Group - West Coast Realty
www.stephenburke.com
www.facebook.com/stephenburkerealestate

WELCOME TO YALETOWN'S H&H: this spacious 2 bed, 2 bath, 950 sq ft, den/flex plus insuite storage is impressive. With large windows, high quality finishes, wool carpet and porcelain tile flooring throughout. The kitchen features sleek contemporary dark wood stained cabinets, high end finishes w/ quartz counters, gas range and stainless steel appliance & backsplash. A fantastic layout! Open concept dining and living room space perfect for entertaining. The master has a walk through closet to the cheater ensuite w/ separate tub & glass enclosed shower with double sinks. H&H has a great gym, bike storage and secure underground parking. Enjoy a summer bbq on your private east facing patio. Just steps to Choices Market, Canada Line + all the best shopping, cafe's and eats of Yaletown. Open House Sat & Sun May 19&20 from 12-1PM

Or check out other great Vancouver Condos for Sale.

Stephen Burke
Sutton Group - West Coast Realty
www.stephenburke.com
www.facebook.com/stephenburkerealestate

Fantastic views and excess light flowing into this unique 659 square foot 1 bedroom loft unit. With 16 foot ceilings and an open layout this great living space boasts over $15,000 in upgrades including; Polished concrete floors, new stainless steel kitchen appliances, updated backsplash and counter top, closet organizer, new paint, upgraded lighting, bathroom tile, vanity and much more. A perfect location with just a short walk to shopping, parks, seawall and restaurants, this unit is a must see.

Or check out other great Vancouver Condos for Sale.

Stephen Burke
Sutton Group - West Coast Realty
www.stephenburke.com
www.facebook.com/stephenburkerealestate

My heart always goes out to people when I see them standing paralyzed in front of that wall of tiny colour samples at paint stores. I can see a state of confusion overtaking them. They either don't know where to begin, or grab so many samples they're bound to be just as confused when they get home.

It's difficult to make an intelligent decision based on samples that are so small. Enter the paint tester pot, or sample pot. The idea seems like a good one: a few ounces of paint that you can purchase to try at home before you commit to a gallon or two. Paint retailers promote these testers as a great way to lessen the anxiety that goes along with choosing colours. Available in the full-colour palette from most paint manufacturers, a test pot will cover approximately two square feet and costs around $8, depending upon the paint company.

I can't argue that having a large painted sample isn't far superior to a tiny one printed in ink. I have no doubt the tester pot has helped many people and has proven to be just what is needed to solve a colour crisis. But I also know from experience that they can be a costly and frustrating experiment, one that leaves people feeling even more confused than when they began.

I've walked into the houses of new clients and been faced with the chaos of eight or 10 colour patches painted at random around a room. Their initial $8 purchase has mushroomed into something closer to $80 or $90, and they're on the verge of a meltdown. Nothing looks the way they thought it would and they're not happy with any of them.

Having larger samples seems to increase the level of frustration people experience at their inability to make the right choice. The toll this takes is much more than financial. There's also been serious dam-age done to their belief in their decision-making process. It also reinforces the idea that painting is nothing but a big pain in the neck that should be avoided at all costs.

The tester pot isn't a bad idea, but it has its limitations. It's something that must be used at the right time and in the right way, and frankly it's not for everyone.

Let me put it this way: If someone gives you a book in a foreign language that you can't read, it's not going to help if you're given another copy with a larger type-face. If you don't have a clear idea of the changes that will occur when a sample goes from two square feet to all four walls, then you're no further along.

Here are some things to keep in mind regarding tester pots.

-They come in only one sheen level. Sheen makes a difference to colour, so make sure you know what sheen level the tester pot comes in and whether your final product will have greater or lesser sheen.

-Try not to use tester pots to make a decision between three or four entirely different colours. Use them when you have things narrowed down to a couple of variations on one colour. Colour has a tendency to change as it covers more surface area, so tester pots are good indicators of the different directions two seemingly similar colours may take.

-Paint your sample on a piece of poster paper, which is heavyweight and made for ink or paint applications. Tape the paper down and do two coats. Let me repeat: do two coats. I've spent close to three decades working with colour, and as far as I'm concerned there's no such thing as one coat of paint. Leave the paper taped down until dry; this will prevent large ripples from occurring. Afterward, write the colour name and number on the back. If you do get into the situation of purchasing several different samples, it will become important to know which is which. Some people recommend leaving a white border around the edge to interrupt one colour from the other. While this method has its merits I think it's better to take your colour to the edge. You can always tape your sample onto a blank sheet if need be.

Try to view the colour in isolation, such as the edge of a wall. It's best to try to look directly into the colour and not compare it with what's already there. One of the most common complaints I hear from clients is that they like the colour on one wall but not another. When they move it around it doesn't look the same. This is to be expected because of the way lighting changes throughout a room.

When the painting is complete the colour will fill in and even out. However, you must keep in mind that when all is said and done, a colour will still vary slightly from wall to wall, which is as it should be.

Tape your sample up in a place that gets a good amount of natural light and leave it there; live with it for a while. Colours are like people: You have to get to know them and you should never make quick judgments about them. Don't ask too many questions, that's a direct route to second guessing yourself. Second guessing comes from over analyzing and is the left side of the brain at its worst.

Colour is an emotional experience. It's not like deciding what shoes to wear or what to order from a menu. Choosing a colour is a process. It's your process, which is why you must choose colours that please you - not your painter or your friends or that person you work with whom you think has such good taste. If you like it and it seems to work with your furniture, then go for it. If you can't figure it out after two or three tester pots, please consider hiring a professional.

It's important to remember that what you're looking at is just a sample and as such, it's there to give you assistance, not concrete answers. The tester pot doesn't have any magical qualities to it. It's not going to make the decision for you; that is something you have to do yourself. It's a large sample, which is great, but it will still be affected by whatever colour is already in the room. Even if that colour is white.

We live in a time where people expect to have definitive answers to everything before they partake in it. Colour cannot be pigeonholed in that manner. When it comes to colour, there's only so much that can be predicted beforehand. Painting your walls is an act of creativity. At a certain point, any creative act takes on a life of its own. You must be willing to let that happen and venture into the unknown.

Kora Sevier is a Vancouver colour consultant. She works with both residential and commercial clients to take the frustration and guesswork out of choosing colours. For more information, visit www.kcolour.com

We are proud to announce that this May 19th, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM we will be hosting an Open House at 1072 Hamilton Street in The Crandall in the Yaletown neighborhood, Vancouver. This is an opportunity to visit this excellent Apartment/Condo for sale in beautiful Yaletown.

Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this Yaletown Apartment/Condo for sale.

As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.

Or check out other great Vancouver Condos for Sale.

Stephen Burke
Sutton Group - West Coast Realty
www.stephenburke.com
www.facebook.com/stephenburkerealestate

We are proud to announce that this May 20th, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM we will be hosting an Open House at 1508 Mariner Walk in Mariner Point in the False Creek neighborhood, Vancouver. This is an opportunity to visit this excellent Apartment/Condo for sale in beautiful False Creek.

Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this False Creek Apartment/Condo for sale.

As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.

Or check out other great Vancouver Condos for Sale.

Stephen Burke
Sutton Group - West Coast Realty
www.stephenburke.com
www.facebook.com/stephenburkerealestate

We are proud to announce that this May 19th, 2:00 AM to 4:00 PM we will be hosting an Open House at 1508 Mariner Walk in Mariner Point in the False Creek neighborhood, Vancouver. This is an opportunity to visit this excellent Apartment/Condo for sale in beautiful False Creek.

Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this False Creek Apartment/Condo for sale.

As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.

Or check out other great Vancouver Condos for Sale.

Stephen Burke
Sutton Group - West Coast Realty
www.stephenburke.com
www.facebook.com/stephenburkerealestate

It’s that time of year when it’s traditionally a strong period for real estate, and you’re moving, hoping, of course, to attract top dollar for your home. And why shouldn’t you squeeze every last cent of potential from your res? You’ve lavished it with sweat and tears and if someone else wants it, damn it, then they’re gonna have to pay for it. Right? But it’s not always that simple. Just because Canadian real estate hasn’t been undermined in the same way as other parts of North America, it doesn’t mean you can sit back and max out for minimum effort.

Okay, so even the trickiest properties will eventually sell, but it’s the margin between optimum sales price and achieved sales price that interests us. While other commentators will “evaluate” what each change might effect, we prefer to be a little more cautious. While paint is obviously a wonderfully freshening medium, to suggest that a $1,000 investment in latex and satin will tempt a $6,000 return is unrealistic. As is to promise that $5,000 spent on a new kitchen will attract a 500-per-cent return. As far as we’re concerned, “counsel” such as this is misleading. Hashtag fail. The work required to effect a rapid sale in one property can be entirely different to that which is needed next door, which means that maxing up is not an exacting science.

In a nutshell, achieving top dollar isn’t always about whole new kitchens and bathrooms. This in mind, we’ve put together a hit list; some jobs involve a little work, others require no tools whatsoever. We like to think that, with correct planning, even the trickiest homes can become eminently more valuable, or at least saleable. Here’s a roundup of simple ideas that should get you moving. Literally.If your kitchen is old and dated, at least make sure it’s a clean old and dated kitchen. Buyers (whether you like it or not) will make decisions about the rest of your home based on what they see here, so reach for that cloth and go wild. Deep clean your fridge and freezer and don’t forget the oven; most folk will have a peek inside. It’s human nature.

Remove fridge fancies; these magnetic menaces clutter eye lines. We’re not saying ditch them forever; just stash ’em out of sight when potential buyers are near.

Get rid of soiled carpets. Okay, so this job may involve spending, but it’s worth it. Kitchen Berbers (along with bathroom carpets, Satan’s own floor coverings) are harbingers of grease and bodily ooze and should be discarded with vigour. Roll out the lino or polish floorboards for a buyer-friendly look.

We’ve viewed kitchens housing caged rats, gerbils and ferrets and, as fervid animal lovers, even we were freaked out. If you don’t mind mixing your rabbit stew with rabbit droppings then that’s your business, but buyers (we guarantee) will get the willies.

Update cabinets (without the expense of a complete refit) by taking doors to the auto spray shop. Alternatively, for those with ample DIY skills, try a foam roller and satinwood paint. But be realistic; if your kitchen is so bad that buyers will almost certainly rip it out when they move in, don’t bother; revert to our previous tip — simply clean everything to create a better impression.

I just finished uploading this Yaletown Penthouse Apartment/Condo for sale, 602 1072 Hamilton Street, Vancouver

TROPHY LOFT PENTHOUSE IN THE CRANDALL (a coveted ‘Old Yaletown’ heritage conversion) Steps to some of the best bars & restaurants, in the City. Seawall for cycling & grocer nearby. Walk Score 100! Corner suite with Euro-line windows east & west create a bright airy space. Largest suite in the building approximately 1100 sf. 2 bedroom 2 bathroom plan, fully air-conditioned. Soaring 10’ ceilings, Chef’s kitchen with gas stove maple cabinetry & stainless steel counters, bamboo floors, double-sided gas fireplace, barn-door style sliding walls, sexy master bedroom & ensuite, built-in office area. PLUS amazing 336 sf South-facing sky deck off the living room with lounge & alfresco dining areas. Bonus: 2 indoor side-by-side parking spaces! Large storage too! Pet & rental allowed.

Or check out other great Vancouver Condos for Sale.

Stephen Burke
Sutton Group - West Coast Realty
www.stephenburke.com
www.facebook.com/stephenburkerealestate

We are proud to announce that this May 20th, 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM we will be hosting an Open House at 1738 Alberni Street in Atrium on the Park in the West End neighborhood, Vancouver. This is an opportunity to visit this excellent Apartment/Condo for sale in beautiful West End.

Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this West End Apartment/Condo for sale.

As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.

Or check out other great Vancouver Condos for Sale.

Stephen Burke
Sutton Group - West Coast Realty
www.stephenburke.com
www.facebook.com/stephenburkerealestate

I just finished uploading this West End Apartment/Condo for sale, 307 1738 Alberni Street, Vancouver

Feels like a house—not a condo! Buyers looking for larger, house-size proportions in a strata home need look no further. Great location just 1 block from the Seawall, Stanley Park & steps to a variety West End eateries. Sunny south South East exposure overlooking waterfall & duck pond. Great layout with 2 large bedrooms with good separation; 17’ x 14’ living room for house-size furniture; gas fireplace, 15’ x 11’ master bedroom with full ensuite bathroom. Second bedroom with enclosed solarium perfect for home office. Good size balcony overlooking lush landscaping. Quiet & private & only 1 common wall. Check this one out for sure. Pro-active council with great history. Live in or rent out. Pet welcome. Easy to show. Quick possession possible.

Or check out other great Vancouver Condos for Sale.

Stephen Burke
Sutton Group - West Coast Realty
www.stephenburke.com
www.facebook.com/stephenburkerealestate

I just finished uploading this False Creek Apartment/Condo for sale, 401 1508 Mariner Walk, Vancouver

Buyers demanding a great location, vibrant neighbourhood, fully renovated finishings & post card views need look no further. Solid concrete & steel construction in a low density area, just steps to Granville Island market, Seawall for cycling & live theatre. Largest floorplan in the building! Upgrades include new kitchen cabinets, stainless steel appliances, 2 new bathrooms, hardwood floors & handy storage/laundry room. 2 extra large bedrooms and a lovely North East exposure over a man-made lagoon. Good size sunny balcony for BBQ. Views to marina, mountains, City lights. Pet allowed. City of Vancouver prepaid leasehold to 2046.

Or check out other great Vancouver Condos for Sale.

Stephen Burke
Sutton Group - West Coast Realty
www.stephenburke.com
www.facebook.com/stephenburkerealestate

Views of Andy Livingstone Park from this East exposure 623 sq ft, 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, den, and large patio, condo in the popular Firenze Tower. The open concept kitchen features granite counter tops, tile back splash, and stainless steel appliances. Designer finishings that include new custom paint throughout, wide plank engineered hardwood flooring, custom roller blinds and smoothed ceilings and 5.5" baseboards. This building has amazing amenities such as a gym, 80ft lap pool, sauna,hot tub, meeting room, media room, and playground. Comes with 1 secured underground parking stall. Steps to Rogers Arena, Costco, SkyTrain and the SeaWall.

Or check out other great Vancouver Condos for Sale.

Stephen Burke
Sutton Group - West Coast Realty
www.stephenburke.com
www.facebook.com/stephenburkerealestate

We are proud to announce that this May 12th, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM we will be hosting an Open House at 1330 Harwood Street in Westsea Tower in the West End neighborhood, Vancouver. This is an opportunity to visit this excellent Apartment for sale in beautiful West End.

Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this West End Apartment for sale.

As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.

Or check out other great Vancouver Condos for Sale.

Stephen Burke
Sutton Group - West Coast Realty
www.stephenburke.com
www.facebook.com/stephenburkerealestate

I just finished uploading this West End Apartment/Condo for sale, 603 1436 Harwood Street, Vancouver

Absolutely stunning English Bay view from this chic 2 bedroom 2 bath concrete strata home just 1 block to the beach and Seawall. 2 blocks to shops and services. Completely updated kitchen with granite counter tops, custom cabinetry with built-ins, imported stainless steel appliances, Nu-heat floor, custom lighting and handy breakfast bar. 2 new baths with new fixtures, cabinetry, flooring and heated floor in master. 2nd Bedroom perfect for flex space for office, TV or guest accommodation. Jatoba cherry floors throughout. All closets with professionally designed organizers. Sleek clean and crisp lines for those that appreciate a modern minimalist space. Ocean view from every room. Cozy gas fireplace in the living area. Large outdoor balcony for sunset martinis. Storage and parking included. 1 cat o.k. No rentals.

Or check out other great Vancouver Condos for Sale.

Stephen Burke
Sutton Group - West Coast Realty
www.stephenburke.com
www.facebook.com/stephenburkerealestate

I just finished uploading this West End Apartment for sale, 1008 1330 Harwood Street, Vancouver, BC

Buyers looking for an affordable home in the West End with an awesome English Bay & False Creek view from every room need look no further. Perched on the much coveted South West corner of this beautifully maintained concrete building, this spacious 1 bedroom suite is filled with natural light & fresh ocean breezes. 2 minutes to Sandy Sunset Beach & the Seawall. Handy to shops & transit. New kitchen, country-style floors for a beachy, look, separate dining area & a sundrenched view balcony. Live in, rent out or perfect for vacation spot. Awesome roofdeck. Outdoor pool. Common areas refreshed. 1 secure parking & storage. No pets. Prepaid Leasehold to 2073 with easy finance. Maintenance includes property taxes.

Or check out other great Vancouver Condos for Sale.

Stephen Burke
Sutton Group - West Coast Realty
www.stephenburke.com
www.facebook.com/stephenburkerealestate

The Benefits of a Green Roof

Having a yard is great, but a lot of us don't have the luxury of extra space in front or behind our buildings. So, imagine all the untapped real estate that could be used to grow flowers, vegetables and even trees & on our roofs. Here's why it's a good idea:

Last week we talked about why replacing your standard asphalt or concrete driveway with permeable paving is good for the environment and your home. Replacing conventional roofing materials with vegetation is good for many of the same reasons:

An Extended Roof Life: A roof covered with all that vegetation will actually last longer than a convential roof, primarily because it's shielded from damaging UV rays. While green roofing might be more expensive upfront, it can have a lower life-cycle cost.

Increased Building Insulation: Whether you use an intensive or extension green roof system, the added layer of soil and vegetation will increase the insulation level of your house, which is important at the roof. It will help keep your home cooler in the summer, warmer in the winter, and thus reduce your HVAC use and energy loads.

Reduced Heat Island Effect: By eliminating the dark asphalt roofing and replacing it with vegetation, you're improving the microclimate of your home and property. Natural materials will help moderate and stabilize their surroundings.

Reduced Runoff: On conventional hard surfaces, such as roofing and paving, water is unable to soak in and runs off, which results in eroded landscaping and overwhelmed storm sewer systems. A green roof is able to mitigate these issues by absorbing, filtering, and cleaning water and air of pollutants. This water can naturally irrigate the plants, and any extra can be collected in a cistern or rain barrel.

Natural Habitat: In addition to creating a place to grow plants, flowers and vegetables, green roofs also provide a great habitat for wildlife, including birds, bees and butterflies.

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/the-benefits-of-a-green-roof-170607