Blu’s News : September 2026
Tired of Market Updates? So Are We.
Rates, tariffs, political turmoil… everyone has a theory on where Vancouver real estate is headed, but no one really knows what’s coming next. And with September bringing the usual back-to-school bump in listings, open houses and buyer activity, we thought we’d focus on something more useful: what actually makes a great home and how do you spot one?
Because two homes can have the same number of bedrooms, similar square footage and sit in the same neighbourhood yet offer completely different value.
At Blu, we’ve always had a soft spot for the ones that are a little different. The homes with great architecture, interesting spaces, incredible light, a killer view, or simply a floor plan that works exceptionally well. So when we’re looking at a property, we’re not just asking what the price per square foot is. We’re asking: what makes one better than another?
Location… And the Little Things
Everyone knows location matters. But there’s a lot more to it than the neighbourhood name.
Which side of the street is it on? What does it look on to? How much natural light does it get? Is it quiet? Is there a great coffee shop downstairs or a loading bay? Sometimes two homes a block apart can live very differently.
Floor Plans Vs. Square Feet
Square footage is important, but how that square footage is used matters even more.
A well-designed 900-square-foot home can feel considerably better than a poorly planned 1,100-square-foot one. We look at flow, room proportions, storage, sightlines and whether the space actually works for real life.
Where does the sofa go? Can you fit a dining table? Can two people cook comfortably in the kitchen? Does the second bedroom actually function as a bedroom? These things matter.
Beyond the Staging
This is a big one.
A beautifully staged property can be incredibly seductive. Great art, expensive furniture, perfect lighting and a strategically placed bowl of lemons can do wonders. But the furniture leaves and the floorplan doesn’t.
Try to mentally strip the home back and look at the bones: the quality of the finishes, the functionality of the space, the natural light and how you would actually live there.
Views, Light, and Outlook
A spectacular water or mountain view is easy to understand.
But value can also come from mature trees, an open outlook, a peaceful courtyard, privacy or simply a home that gets really beautiful afternoon light.
These are things you experience every single day, and they can be very difficult to replicate.
Upgrades: Pretty Vs. Good
Not all renovations are created equal.
Some homes have been thoughtfully upgraded with quality materials, proper workmanship and improvements that genuinely make the space better. Others have simply been made to photograph well. We care about what’s behind the finishes just as much as what’s in front of them.
Don’t Forget the Building
You’re not just buying the unit. You’re buying into the building.
How well has it been maintained? What work has been done? What work is coming? How healthy is the contingency fund? Does the strata seem proactive or perpetually reactive?
A gorgeous condo in a problematic building can become a very expensive lesson.
The Wow Factor
This one is harder to quantify.
Ceiling height. Architecture. Character. Outdoor space. A beautiful kitchen. An incredible roof deck. A dramatic staircase. A wall of windows. Sometimes a home just has something.
And those unique qualities matter because they’re often the things that can’t simply be added later. We spend a lot of time looking for properties that stand apart from the crowd — homes with something special, something memorable, or something the market may not be giving enough credit to.
A Good Deal?
It isn’t necessarily the cheapest one.
It’s the property where the location, layout, quality, building and uniqueness come together in a way that makes the asking price make sense — or perhaps even look a little light.
With more inventory hitting the market this fall, there should be plenty to look at. The trick is knowing what you’re actually looking for. That’s where we come in.
Warmly,
Shawn Lee and the Blu Team
Rates, tariffs, political turmoil… everyone has a theory on where Vancouver real estate is headed, but no one really knows what’s coming next. And with September bringing the usual back-to-school bump in listings, open houses and buyer activity, we thought we’d focus on something more useful: what actually makes a great home and how do you spot one?
Because two homes can have the same number of bedrooms, similar square footage and sit in the same neighbourhood yet offer completely different value.
At Blu, we’ve always had a soft spot for the ones that are a little different. The homes with great architecture, interesting spaces, incredible light, a killer view, or simply a floor plan that works exceptionally well. So when we’re looking at a property, we’re not just asking what the price per square foot is. We’re asking: what makes one better than another?
Location… And the Little Things
Everyone knows location matters. But there’s a lot more to it than the neighbourhood name.
Which side of the street is it on? What does it look on to? How much natural light does it get? Is it quiet? Is there a great coffee shop downstairs or a loading bay? Sometimes two homes a block apart can live very differently.
Floor Plans Vs. Square Feet
Square footage is important, but how that square footage is used matters even more.
A well-designed 900-square-foot home can feel considerably better than a poorly planned 1,100-square-foot one. We look at flow, room proportions, storage, sightlines and whether the space actually works for real life.
Where does the sofa go? Can you fit a dining table? Can two people cook comfortably in the kitchen? Does the second bedroom actually function as a bedroom? These things matter.
Beyond the Staging
This is a big one.
A beautifully staged property can be incredibly seductive. Great art, expensive furniture, perfect lighting and a strategically placed bowl of lemons can do wonders. But the furniture leaves and the floorplan doesn’t.
Try to mentally strip the home back and look at the bones: the quality of the finishes, the functionality of the space, the natural light and how you would actually live there.
Views, Light, and Outlook
A spectacular water or mountain view is easy to understand.
But value can also come from mature trees, an open outlook, a peaceful courtyard, privacy or simply a home that gets really beautiful afternoon light.
These are things you experience every single day, and they can be very difficult to replicate.
Upgrades: Pretty Vs. Good
Not all renovations are created equal.
Some homes have been thoughtfully upgraded with quality materials, proper workmanship and improvements that genuinely make the space better. Others have simply been made to photograph well. We care about what’s behind the finishes just as much as what’s in front of them.
Don’t Forget the Building
You’re not just buying the unit. You’re buying into the building.
How well has it been maintained? What work has been done? What work is coming? How healthy is the contingency fund? Does the strata seem proactive or perpetually reactive?
A gorgeous condo in a problematic building can become a very expensive lesson.
The Wow Factor
This one is harder to quantify.
Ceiling height. Architecture. Character. Outdoor space. A beautiful kitchen. An incredible roof deck. A dramatic staircase. A wall of windows. Sometimes a home just has something.
And those unique qualities matter because they’re often the things that can’t simply be added later. We spend a lot of time looking for properties that stand apart from the crowd — homes with something special, something memorable, or something the market may not be giving enough credit to.
A Good Deal?
It isn’t necessarily the cheapest one.
It’s the property where the location, layout, quality, building and uniqueness come together in a way that makes the asking price make sense — or perhaps even look a little light.
With more inventory hitting the market this fall, there should be plenty to look at. The trick is knowing what you’re actually looking for. That’s where we come in.
Warmly,
Shawn Lee and the Blu Team
Coral's Final 3
Down to the finals! And with any luck, this will be our last Coral update because 101, 103 and 124 will all be spoken for. We’ve made our final pricing adjustments, creating three very different opportunities to own at Coral.
UNIT 103 : $1,488,888
1,440 SQ FT / 3 BEDROOMS + DEN / 3 BATHROOMS / PRIVATE ROOFTOP DECK
UNIT 103 : $1,488,888
1,440 SQ FT / 3 BEDROOMS + DEN / 3 BATHROOMS / PRIVATE ROOFTOP DECK
Unit 103 is the largest of the final three, with parking, flexible living space and a private rooftop deck. The full Coral lifestyle.
UNIT 101 : $999,900
1,221 SQ FT / 3 BEDROOMS / 3 BATHROOMS
Unit 101 is a brand-new three-bedroom townhome on a quiet, tree-lined street for under $1M. Qualifying first-time buyers may also avoid GST and PTT.
UNIT 124 : $888,888
942 SQ FT / 2 BEDROOMS / 2 BATHROOMS
Unit 124 is a smart two-bedroom layout with excellent separation and privacy. Qualifying first-time buyers may also avoid GST and PTT.
Out & About:
Tokyo Nights
On September 17th at The Keefer Bar, superstar Shingo Gokan is behind the bar for a one-night-only cocktail experience inspired by Asahi Super Dry.
Deals & Dreams
Whether you’re searching for a stunning dream home or a deal too good to pass up, we’ve got you covered. Every month, we handpick the most breathtaking properties and unbeatable bargains on the market, bringing you the best of both worlds.
#3707 – 2135 Springer Avenue, Burnaby
Behold a sharp Brentwood deal, listed by Shawn Lee. Residence 3707 at Slate by Beedie delivers 37th-floor views, air conditioning, floor-to-ceiling windows and a smart modern layout — all just steps from the SkyTrain and The Amazing Brentwood. New construction, strong amenities, and a very connected Burnaby location.
Behold a sharp Brentwood deal, listed by Shawn Lee. Residence 3707 at Slate by Beedie delivers 37th-floor views, air conditioning, floor-to-ceiling windows and a smart modern layout — all just steps from the SkyTrain and The Amazing Brentwood. New construction, strong amenities, and a very connected Burnaby location.
3305 Point Grey Road, Vancouver
There’s more than a few people in the office that have had dreams about this London inspired rowhouse on the Golden Mile. Designed by Howard Airey, custom built by Keystone Projects, and available for a cool 18 million dollars. Think weathered brick, fir beams and warm modern finishes with a huge open kitchen made for party party. Add the rooftop terrace with an outdoor kitchen and fireplace, and this starts to feel a less like a listing and more like a fever dream.
There’s more than a few people in the office that have had dreams about this London inspired rowhouse on the Golden Mile. Designed by Howard Airey, custom built by Keystone Projects, and available for a cool 18 million dollars. Think weathered brick, fir beams and warm modern finishes with a huge open kitchen made for party party. Add the rooftop terrace with an outdoor kitchen and fireplace, and this starts to feel a less like a listing and more like a fever dream.
Agent of the Month:
Steph Pineyro
Okay, so Steph isn’t technically an agent, but she’s been an absolutely essential part of the Coral sales team. As Coral‘s Development Manager, Steph has worked tirelessly behind the scenes (and often front and centre) to help move the project forward and get homes sold. Her dedication, energy and endless support have made a huge difference, and we couldn’t let another month go by without giving her a well-deserved shoutout!
Local Spotlight:
Lawrenson Walker
This month we shine the spotlight on Leigh Walker and Chantelle Haugrud of Lawrenson Walker Real Estate Appraisers. Trusted Blu colleagues, great friends, and the team behind a highly respected appraisal business spanning Vancouver, Victoria, the Okanagan and Alberta. They also happen to be newlyweds who just celebrated their first wedding anniversary. Yay! Leigh’s videos helped inspire this month’s not-quite-a-market-update, so credit where credit’s due.
Featured Listings
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