IRYNA's Home Trends

IRYNA REAL ESTATE

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Sutton Group - Seafair Realty #550-9100 Blundell Rd. Richmond BC Office: 604.273.3155

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CONDO OR HOUSE: WHICH FITS YOUR LIFESTYLE? Deciding between a condo and a single-family home comes down to more than the purchase price. Consider your budget, lifestyle and how much responsibility you want for maintaining your property. Condos may have a lower purchase price than single-family homes in the same area, but owners typically pay monthly condo fees. These can cover shared maintenance, building operations, insurance, common areas and contributions to a reserve fund for major repairs. Depending on the building, fees may also provide access to amenities such as parking, a concierge, gym, pool or shared spaces. With a house, you’re responsible for the ongoing costs of the entire property, including the mortgage, property taxes, utilities, insurance, maintenance and repairs. That can include everything from yard upkeep to replacing a furnace or water heater and handling unexpected repairs. Before buying, look beyond the listing price and monthly condo fees. Compare the full ongoing costs of each option and consider how much time and responsibility you want to take on. There’s no universal winner between a condo and a house—the right choice depends on what fits your lifestyle and budget. A mortgage specialist or real estate agent can help you weigh the options.

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RECLAIM YOUR KITCHEN COUNTER SPACE Kitchen counter space can disappear surprisingly quickly. A toaster, coffee maker, air fryer, toaster oven, blender and other small appliances can turn your main work area into an obstacle course. The answer isn’t necessarily to put everything away or moving it all to the closet, instead think about which appliances you use every day. Keeping your most-used items within easy reach can make cooking faster and more convenient. Consider how commercial kitchens organize themselves for optimal efficiency. Keep frequently used tools close to where you need them because every extra step takes time. You can use the same idea at home by keeping appliances near where you need to use them. Keep coffee supplies near the coffee maker and keep the coffee maker near the sink or where you store the coffee. Keep baking tools near your main baking area within easy reach of the oven and fridge for ingredients. For appliances you only use occasionally try the “out of sight” rule. Store them in a cupboard, pantry or nearby storage area until you need them. Vertical storage can also help. Tiered shelves, appliance stands and expandable shelves can create extra storage without taking over your entire counter. A rolling cart or narrow baker’s rack can also give larger appliances a new home. An empty counter isn’t the goal. The goal is a useful counter with enough room to cook.

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MAKE A STATEMENT WITH SCULPTURES When you think about sculptures, you might picture the world’s largest dinosaur in Drumheller, AB or classic red-hatted garden gnomes. Each brings personality and visual interest and sculptures can do the same thing in your home décor. Pieces can range from realistic marble busts to abstract glass designs, carved objects and small decorative pieces, placed on a bookcase, floating shelf, coffee table, entryway or another open area. The key is choosing something that works with your space and reflects your personal style. A sculpture can introduce colour, texture or an unexpected shape to a room without requiring a major decorating change. One large statement piece can sometimes have more impact than a collection of small objects. If you’re using several pieces, give them some breathing room and mix different heights, textures and shapes to create visual interest. Consider the view from different angles, especially if the sculpture will sit in an open area or be displayed on a table. Lighting can also make a difference, highlighting details and creating shadows that add depth. Before bringing home a large sculpture, be sure to measure the area carefully, making sure it will not overpower the room but enhance it. Think of sculpture as more than an accessory — it can become a focal point that gives a room character and makes the space feel uniquely yours.

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GIVE YOUR CEILING FAN A WINTER BREAK Your ceiling fan has worked hard all summer, now it’s time to give it a rest — and a good cleaning before winter arrives. Ceiling fan blades act like dust magnets because they’re large, flat and often overlooked. Dust can collect while the fan is running or sitting unused. In busy rooms, kitchens or homes with pets, fans may need more frequent cleaning. Pet fur and dander can build up quickly, while cooking oils can leave a film that traps dust. If possible, clean with a window open. Turn the fan off and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe cleaning. A slightly damp cloth can capture dust effectively, while a vacuum with the right attachment can remove loose dust around the motor housing and surrounding areas. Avoid pressing a vacuum attachment against delicate components. A quick clean now means less dust waiting for you when the fan comes out of its winter break (spring will come again!).

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APARTMENTS LEAD SALES DOWNWARD

BENCHMARK PRICE Detached $1,784,700 ACTIVE LISTINGS 16,394 VANCOUVER, B.C. (Oct. 2026) — Home sales registered on the MLS® in Metro Vancouver* declined 8.4 per cent relative to September last year, weighed down by the apartment segment. The Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR) reports that residential sales in the region totalled 1,717 in September 2026, an 8.4 per cent decrease from the 1,875 sales recorded in September 2025. This was 25 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (2,289). “While sales were down about eight per cent overall in September, this figure hides the fact the weakness is contained to the sizeable apartment segment, which typically accounted for half of sales in any given month in recent years,” said Andrew Lis, GVR chief economist and vice-president data analytics. “By contrast, sales of attached and detached homes finished slightly up from last September, consistent with our view that end-users are primarily driving the market, as investor-driven demand awaits more favourable market conditions.” There were 5,852 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in September 2026. This represents a 10.3 per cent decrease compared to the 6,527 properties listed in September 2025. This was 5.7 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average (5,537). The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 16,394, a four per cent decrease compared to September 2025 (17,079). This is 24.3 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average (13,186). Across all detached, attached and apartment property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for September 2026 is 10.9 per cent. The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,075,900. This represents a 5.5 per cent decrease over September 2025. Sales of detached homes in September 2026 reached 575, a 4.2 per cent increase from the 552 detached sales recorded in September 2025. The benchmark price for a detached home is $1,784,700. Sales of apartment homes reached 777 in September 2026, a 18.6 per cent decrease compared to the 954 sales in September 2025. The benchmark price of an apartment home is $682,500. Attached home sales in September 2026 totalled 358, a 0.6 per cent increase compared to the 356 sales in September 2025. The benchmark price of a townhouse is $1,016,700. Source: The Greater Vancouver REALTORS® | Market values stated are of the benchmark of Vancouver and surrounding region. Individual home market values will vary and are affected by factors such as location, size, interior and exterior condition. Please call to get an up-to-date evaluation of your home. BENCHMARK PRICE Apartment $682,500

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