Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Cardero by Bosa – 184 Luxury Coal Harbour Pre-Construction Residences

Cardero by Bosa Mike Stewart Vancouver Realtor

At a Glance

  • 26-storey mixed use building
  • 184 studio to 3-bedroom condos
  • close to Coal Harbour seawall, Stanley Park
  • 314 restaurants within walking distance
  • 30 public transit options nearby
  • community centre, cycling, watersports
  • targeting LEED Gold certification

 

Where the West End Flows into Downtown
Bosa Properties and Henriquez Partners Architects are poised to transform 1575 West Georgia Street into an urban cornerstone with a dual-tower residential building perched atop a four-storey podium, offering retail at grade and three floors of office space over seven levels of underground parking. This boutique collection of luxury residences raises the bar for architecture and innovative design in Vancouver. Anchoring the corner of Georgia and Cardero streets, a distinctive 26-storey tower is fitted with special screens to reduce solar heat gain while providing residents with greater privacy and shade. On the property’s Pender Street facing, a 21-storey tower alternatively reflects the residential character of its eastern neighbours.

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As a Cardero homeowner, you’ll be ideally situated near the Coal Harbour waterfront and its multi-purpose seawall, connecting the convention centre and cruise ship terminal at Canada Place with Stanley Park, considered North America’s most outstanding urban park. Walking, jogging, cycling, roller blading, swimming, kayaking, sail boarding, rowing – all are just steps from your front door. For hikers, skiers, and snowboarders, the North Shore mountains are a short drive over the Lions Gate bridge. Worked up an appetite? Sate your hunger at the multitude of multi-ethnic cafes and eateries nearby along Robson and Denman streets. When you’re here, you’ve arrived.

External render of Cardero by Bosa

Pricing for Cardero
Currently in pre-construction, Bosa has not yet published pricing for Cardero. Nevertheless, we expect this prestigious development will be popular with buyers. To ensure an opportunity to purchase one of these striking luxury residences, sign up to our VIP list above.

Floor Plans for Cardero
While specific floor plan designs for Cardero are yet to be released, we know that Henriquez Partners’ design calls for 78 studios, 20 1-bedroom, 79 2-bedroom, and seven 3-bedroom condos.

Amenities at Cardero
Bosa has not yet announced specific building amenities. However, there will be a fourth-floor shared amenity space with a landscaped outdoor patio. There will also be retail space on the ground floor and the first three floors above will be purposed for 45,346 square feet of office space.

Parking and Storage
Seven levels of underground parking will provide 201 vehicle stalls, 252 Class A and 18 Class B bike stalls, and three loading bays.

Maintenance Fees at Cardero
To be announced.

Developer Team for Cardero
Located at the western gateway to Vancouver’s downtown core, Bosa Properties chose award-winning Henriquez Partners Architects to create a striking design for Cardero, befitting of its site at the intersection of two city grids. BYU Design has been chosen to bring life to the interior of their unique, dual-form tower.

Bosa Properties is a wholly-integrated, privately-owned developer, contractor and asset manager, and one of British Columbia’s most respected privately-owned firms. Bosa has an impressive five-decade track record of providing efficient and expedient solutions for projects that present varied challenges. Bosa developments include City Gate, Eden and Oscar in Yaletown, as well as 819 Hamilton and Rosedale Gardens in Downtown Vancouver.

Henriquez Partners Architects excels at complex, large-scale developments that aim to enrich local communities by seamlessly integrating ethics and aesthetics. They have received several awards for design excellence, including the Governor General’s Medal in Architecture for the Lore Krill Housing Coop, the Trent Environmental Sciences Building, and the Sinclair Centre Federal Office Complex. Notable recent projects in Vancouver include the Woodward’s redevelopment, the BC Cancer Research Centre, and Telus Garden.

Vancouver-based BYU Design was founded in 2003. They have earned a reputation as one of the most trusted, accomplished, and inspired design firms in the city. BYU Design adapts their work to the unique needs of every client, and translates the initial vision into an optimal end-user experience.

Expected Completion for Cardero
October 2019.

Are you interested in learning more about other homes in Coal Harbour, Yaletown, or False Creek?

Check out these great Coal Harbour Presales!

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Best Practises for Managing Online Relationships

#TipTuesday question: What are your tips for effectively managing your online working relationships?

One of the most difficult parts of being a freelancer involves learning how to manage relationships with clients in a virtual environment, which can be a lot different than connecting with people face to face.

So how can you create a strong online relationship with someone you may never get to see in person? We asked our Facebook community just that, and they responded with some fantastic tips on how to make the most of every online interaction.


“My number one tip is COMMUNICATION! Always communicate clearly and frequently with all online partners. Ask and answer questions promptly, and ask for feedback or assistance when it is needed.”
– Michael Stover


“Use more than one way of communication (email, call, texting, Skype, video calls, etc). There is no such thing as too much communication.”
Guilherme Furlan


“Professionalism. Freelancers should learn how to treat their online jobs as if they are working in an office. They should perform well and do their jobs even if there’s no boss around. They should use their working hours efficiently and deliver quality output within the timelines/due dates agreed upon. They must observe courtesy by communicating properly with their clients and other freelancers they are working with. Good working relationship could be achieved in a virtual environment if all parties will act professionally.”
Michelle Suarez-Delos Santos


“Always being honest with clients is the main factor to have a long term relationships and become trustworthy. Working online is a big challenge for you both, but I believe that nothing is too hard if you love what you do. Always make sure that when you work on a specific task, it’s not only about how fast you can deliver it but making sure you are giving a quality output. Another one is never be afraid to ask questions or clarifications when you’re in doubt of how to do it. By that, the client can see your sincerity and willingness to do the job.
Again, it’s about honesty, trust, speed with work quality and never being afraid to ask.”
– Alyssa Janine

How do you manage your online working relationships? Tell us in the comments! And be sure to check out Communication Is Key for Online Work for more details on communicating with clients over the web.

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Monday, June 6, 2016

Perspectives on the Future of Work: June 6

Closeup of a man writing in a notebook

Upwork’s weekly column brings you the latest news on hiring and working with freelancers, freelancing, and the future of work.

Forbes ǀ Work Longer Hours to Achieve Work/Life Balance?

A think tank of expert panelists predict that in five to 10 years, we’re probably going to work more—in hopes of achieving work/life balance. So how does working more accomplish that

One theory is flexibility. Author David Carr says we’ll likely opt to spend less time in actual offices, and more time working at home and in coffee shops—planning that time around other commitments. When you add up all of that time, it could exceed the typical 40-50 hour week many office workers currently log.

Kate Kendall, CEO and founder of CloudPeeps, also suggests we’ll work more because we like it, “We will be working more for ourselves – working on things we are passionate about.” Or our definition of work could change to include work outside of company time, such as volunteering for a nonprofit or working on a freelance project. So, while we could create longer work weeks, our efforts may expand to include more personal pursuits.

But what about all of the technology that’s supposed to make our life more efficient? Constellation Research analyst Alan Lepofsky says technology doesn’t make us work less. It makes us work on the right things.

The Guardian ǀ Lawyers Ditch Stuffy Offices by Freelancing

Freelancing isn’t new for lawyers. As Tess Reidy reports, clients have been saving by going to freelancing marketplaces like Lawyers On Demand, Axiom, and Vario for years. However, the number of independent lawyers—and demand for them—has boomed over the last three years. Tom Hartley, managing director of Lawyers On Demand explains, “The freelance path is now seen as attractive and aspirational; it enables lawyers to work for big names like Google, Barclays and Vodafone on their own terms.”

The growing trend is a reminder that lawyers have other interests too, and they want to enjoy them more. Kay Ma, who is part of an in-house legal team for a global company, chose to go freelance so she could spend more time on building up her novelty cake-making business. “A lot of freelance solicitors are good lawyers – and something else. I can be a serious lawyer and have other interests without feeling like I am committing adultery on my career.”

David Wides, a commercial lawyer, couldn’t stand being tied to an office. As a freelancer, “I get to decide what trips I want to do and I plan my work around them. Before, I was always worrying whether my work would allow me time to take holidays at all, and I was worried about the pile of work waiting for me on my return. With freelancing this isn’t an issue.”

CIO ǀ Remote Project Teams Work…But It’s Not for Everyone

There’s no doubt virtual teams work. Many successful startups either run fully distributed, or they rely on remote teams. Although the web is full of success stories romanticizing the freedom of working from home in your bunny slippers, it’s not for everyone. As a project manager, you’ve got to be experienced to make it work.

As consultant and author Brad Egeland explains, to succeed with a remote team you must possess superior organizational skills, be extremely disciplined, and your team should feel your confidence pouring across the internet. You also need to be able to pick up on signs that someone’s not working out and be able to take the appropriate actions from a distance. That’s especially difficult when you can’t see the person live to observe work habits, or read body language for cues that you’re making the right decision.

If you’ve got the chops to make it work, Egeland says remote teams can provide several benefits. In today’s talent shortage, he notes, one critical benefit is the ability to go outside of your locale to find the best talent—many times at a savings.

What changes have you noticed in the way we work? Tell us about them in the comments below!

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Thursday, June 2, 2016

The Benefits of Distributed Teams

Nails in a board connected by wire represent small network of people connected to a larger distributed team

The days of relying solely on traditional on-site, nine-to-five workers are dwindling for many companies that want a more flexible approach to diversifying their workforce.

Building a distributed team lets a brand access a broader range of talent from around the globe to complement and enhance operations. It’s a model that’s steadily gaining traction with the rise of workers who want more flexibility.

Want to learn more about this dynamic model? These articles from the Hiring Headquarters—Upwork’s resource for entrepreneurs, executives, and freelancers—will answer your questions and bring you up-to-speed on some of the benefits.

Distributed Teams 101

Incorporating a team of distributed specialists into the mix can be a great way to scale your business in a cost-effective way. If you’re new to the concept of working with remote workers, it’s worth taking a moment to understand what the distributed team model looks like and how it can benefit your business.

What Is a Distributed Team & Is It a Good Fit for Your Company?” starts by answering several basic but important questions about this hybrid approach to expanding your team. It explains what a distributed team is and how it fits into the evolving landscape of cloud-based growth. This includes a breakdown of reasons why you might consider including freelancers in your current projects or plans for future growth.

In order to help you determine whether the distributed model is a good option for your company, the piece also offers a few insights into what types of organizations can benefit the most from it, including:

Companies that need to scale upward fast. Finding freelancers is often faster than traditional hiring methods, and you can scale your team to meet growing demand over a short timespan.

New companies that are just getting started. If you need skilled team members to help out in key areas as you get up and running, the distributed approach can be a great springboard.

Businesses with specific skill needs. Filling skill gaps in your organization is easier when you have a more diverse pool of experts to draw from. Using the distributed model means you’re not just limited to local candidates.

Myth-busting Misconceptions About Working With Online Teams

It’s true: Working with remote freelancers is different than working with on-site workers, but it’s a shift many companies are gravitating toward as they grow.

Whether you’re lobbying internally to get upper management on-board with a distributed model or are simply curious about the realities of contracting with freelancers, it’s helpful to be armed with the facts.

3 Common Myths About Online Work & Easy Ways to Dispel Them” covers some common misconceptions people have about working with online teams, and offers key insights to help dispel myths that might be holding you back from using them. If you’re skeptical about distributed teams, these important takeaways might help change your mind.

  1. Distributed teams are not the same as outsourcing. Working with freelancers isn’t about finding the lowest bidder to tackle a project. It’s about finding niche experts, working collaboratively, and using good communication to get a high-quality end result for your business.
  2. Engaging freelancers is much faster than hiring staff. The average time to start working with a freelancer, from first communication to bringing them onboard, is about three days. Normal hiring processes can take up to a month or more.
  3. Freelancers are trustworthy additions to your team. Professional remote workers are accustomed to self-management and getting things done without constant supervision. Building strong relationships with your freelance team members helps create trust and camaraderie that can benefit everyone.

Eager to expand your business with freelance experts? Visit the Hiring Headquarters for the latest articles and insights!

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May 2016 Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver Statistics Package with Charts

Demand remains elevated across the Metro Vancouver housing market

Metro Vancouver homes continue to sell at an unprecedented rate in communities across the region.

Residential property sales on the region’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) totalled 4,769 in May 2016, an increase of 17.6 per cent from the 4,056 sales recorded in May 2015 and a decrease of 0.3 per cent compared to April 2016 when 4,781 homes sold.

May 2016 Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver Price Chart Since 1977

Last month’s sales were 35.3 per cent above the 10-year sales average for the month and rank as the highest sales total on record for May.

“Home sellers are becoming more active in recent months, although that activity is being outpaced by home buyer demand today,” Dan Morrison, REBGV president said.

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Metro Vancouver totalled 6,289 in May 2016. This represents an increase of 11.5 per cent compared to the 5,641 units listed in May 2015 and a 2.6 per cent increase compared to April 2016 when 6,127 properties were listed.

May 2016 Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver 5 Year Price Chart

The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 7,726, a 37.3 per cent decline compared to May 2015 (12,336) and a 2.3 per cent increase compared to April 2016 (7,550).

“Economic and job growth in Metro Vancouver is out performing most regions in the country. This is helping to underpin today’s activity,” Morrison said.

The sales-to-active listings ratio for May 2016 is 61.7 per cent. This is indicative of a seller’s market.

Generally, analysts say that downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below the 12 per cent mark, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it reaches the 20 to 22 per cent range in a particular community for a sustained period of time.

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $889,100. This represents a 29.7 per cent increase compared to May 2015.

Sales of detached properties in May 2016 reached 1,865, an increase of 8.2 per cent from the 1,723 detached sales recorded in May 2015. The benchmark price for detached properties increased 36.9 per cent from May 2015 to $1,513,800.

Sales of apartment properties reached 2,150 in May 2016, an increase of 34.4 per cent compared to the 1,600 sales in May 2015. The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 22.3 per cent from May 2015 to $485,000.

Attached property sales in May 2016 totalled 754, an increase of 2.9 per cent compared to the 733 sales in May 2015. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 24.9 per cent from May 2015 to $632,400.

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Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Announcing New Perks and Requirements for our Top Rated Community

Announcing New Perks and Requirements for our Top Rated Community

It’s been just over one year since we introduced the Top Rated program on Upwork to highlight and reward the highest performing talent. We’re excited to announce improvements based on your feedback.

You’ve told us that you want more work and more opportunities to grow your freelancing businesses and we’ve designed these updates to help you make that happen.

Over the last year, we’ve seen the Top Rated program help drive invitations and contracts to the best freelancers and agencies. Although it’s already helping the community find more work, we are improving the perks to make it even more beneficial.

Through consistent excellent delivery for their clients, Top Rated freelancers and agencies have earned:

  • An exclusive Job Digest email to make it easier for you to find attractive opportunities. If you’re a Top Rated member, check your email settings to make sure you receive it.
  • Exclusive Top Rated Office Hours, including webinars, small group discussions, and one-on-one sessions with Upwork team members. The details, dates, and times are posted on the Top Rated forum.
  • The ability to exercise more control over your Job Success Score. In rare cases, you can request to remove one job from your profile and Job Success score.
  • The opportunity to host Top Rated Events in your city. We’re piloting this in June, and hope to expand to community members everywhere later this year to give you the opportunity to meet other great freelancers in your area.

To recognize new exclusive members of Top Rated agencies, we extended the Rising Talent badge to those freelancers who have at least 60% of their profile completed. This applies to new agency members or members who haven’t yet completed enough projects to have their agency’s score reflected.

New Requirements to Achieve Top Rated Status

Many members of the Top Rated community have expressed concern with inconsistencies they’ve noticed in the performance of other professionals in the program. We’ve also heard clients share the same concerns. With this in mind, we’ve added an additional requirement to ensure that Top Rated talent consistently meets the highest standards of professionalism and work quality for their clients, making the badge even more prestigious.

In addition to the original requirements, freelancers and agencies must now maintain a Job Success score of 90%+ (or Rising Talent status) for 13 of the last 16 weeks. Freelancers and agencies who have maintained high scores over time are far more likely to deliver great quality work for their clients on an ongoing basis.

You can track your progress toward the Top Rated program on your My Stats page. Existing Top Rated freelancers and agencies will have 90 days to meet the new requirement standard.

We aim to make the Top Rated community even stronger so its members can grow their freelancing businesses through Upwork, and clients can continue to expect outstanding work when they see the Top Rated badge.

We hope you enjoy these new perks and we look forward to even more of your input as we continuously grow the program. Share your thoughts and feedback with us in the community forums. Until then, happy anniversary!

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Tuesday, May 31, 2016

How Veteran Real Estate Investors Buy Homes At A Bargain, *Hint* It’s NOT About The Price

 

 

 

It’s NOT About The Price! 

 

When I met a veteran real estate investor a few years ago, that was when I learned that’s NOT about the price.  Unlike the typical real estate buyer or the so called “investor” who cares about lowballing and buying below tax assesssed and getting the property at below market value, the Veteran Real Estate Investors don’t always think like that.

They think differently.  They think outside of the box.  They think about terms.  

 

 

What?  What do you mean?  Isn’t it about the price?

 

That’s what I thought too.   But, often veteran real estate investors are willing to pay market value or EVEN ABOVE MARKET VALUE if the terms are favorable.  

 

What do you mean if the terms are favorable?

 

What if you could get the seller to give you a mortgage at an incredibly low interest rate?  That would be called a vendor take back mortgage, a term that describes a seller giving you a mortgage so you if you can’t your banks to give you money or give you a good rate, the seller would give you that mortgage and you’d be making your mortgage payments to the seller, either weekly, bi-weekly or monthly or whatever you guys agree to.  

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