A new addition to the New Westminster real estate market has arrived. Via Homes in Queensborough, a development from Boffo is having its grand opening this coming weekend (Oct 3 and 4). Location is great as it’s not in the hilly part of New West (yeah, I like New West but hate driving in some areas because of its steepness). As you probably know, Queensborough is well known for the outlet in the area. Yes, I go there at times. Being close to the outlet is not really a big priority for me but it’s a good feature. Location wise, Via is well-placed and centralized. You can get to anywhere in the Greater Vancouver area with easy access to the major bridges. Burnaby, Delta, Surrey and downtown Vancouver are accessible via a short drive.

Via is located at 288 Hampton Street in New West. As I’ve mentioned they are having a grand opening this weekend and the presentation centre is opening around noon. The homes are in “Move In” ready condition so you can move in anytime and you don’t have to worry as compared to buying a pre-construction home which may not complete at all or may get delayed. Boffo, the developer is also a well respected brand and has been in the BC residential scene for awhile now. That gives a sigh of relief as we all know, buying a house is a major investment and no want would want to make the wrong decision on such a big money item.

Are you looking for affordable housing in New Westminster?

Is VIA affordable? It really depends on how you define an affordable home. If you compare Via against new homes in other areas, such as Burnaby or Vancouver then you’d say that it’s affordable. However, $300K is not something that is easy on the pocket for a lot of BC residents. Comparing one property against another is more like comparing apples to oranges. There are features that you cannot simple compare. I think the homes at Via are attractively priced.

VIA Homes Features

This article by no means contains all features that VIA homes has to offer. If you’d like to get the full detail, I’d suggest that you visit the presentation centre or go to Boffo’s website. As far as prices are concerned, it starts at $242,800 (got this from their site) but I believe only homes in the mid $300k are still available.  There’s about 36 homes and I don’t know how many are still available. Below are some features you might like (taken from their brochure):

Interior Features
• A select range of exceptional floor plans for every lifestyle,
including garden terraces or large balconies for outdoor
enjoyment
• 9' ceilings create an open, airy living space with large windows
and an abundance of natural light
• Two professionally designed interior colour schemes by award
winning Cristina Oberti Interior Design Inc.
• Contemporary gas fireplace with custom designed millwork
• Media entertainment centre pre-wired for digital cable and
stereo components
• High quality, durable laminate flooring throughout living and
dining areas
• Porcelain tile flooring throughout entry foyer, kitchen, bathroom
and laundry with plush, stain resistant carpet in all bedrooms
• 2" faux wood blinds by Hunter Douglas accent all windows and
patio doors

Luxurious Bathrooms
• “Floating” vanity with walnut or wenge cabinetry and brushed
nickel hardware
• Polished natural granite countertops and backsplash
• Kohler undermount sink and faucet
• Deep soaker tub or oversized walk-in shower with semiframeless
glass enclosure and pressure balanced rain showerhead
• Large vanity mirror with stylish designer lighting

Comfort and Convenience
• Energy efficient electric baseboard heating provides individual
room temperature control
• Natural gas outlet for barbecue or patio heater
• Pre-wired with centralized data media box for all communication and entertainment needs
• Energy efficient double glazed vinyl windows
• 40 US gallon hot water tank

Polished Kitchens
• Large gourmet size kitchens with granite topped island and
eating bar in many homes
• Stainless steel kitchen appliances feature the GE “Profile”
Series including:
• 23.3 cubic foot, 36" wide counter depth “Artica” side-by-side fridge with ice and water dispenser
• 30" dual fuel range offers a gas cooktop with an electric self-cleaning convection oven
• Energy efficient “Profile” dishwasher
• 1.8 cubic foot Spacemaker “over-range” microwave /exhaust fan
• Contemporary walnut or wenge flat panel cabinetry with brushed nickel hardware
• 40" upper cabinets for extra storage and large pot drawers for easy access
• Designer lighting package includes under cabinet task lighting, recessed ceiling lights and decorative kitchen island pendant lighting
• Polished natural granite countertops with Kohler undermount double bowl stainless steel sink
• Kohler single handle chrome pullout faucet
• Convenient in-sink waste disposal
• Tiled backsplash to underside of cabinets

Peace of Mind
• Extensive keyless electronic security system including camera surveillance at the residential lobby and parkade
• Pre-wired for in-suite security system
• Hard-wired smoke detectors
• Deadbolt lock and door viewer on entry doors
• Fire sprinklers throughout
• Built by Boffo Construction Group, over 40 years of building excellence
• Quality construction using leading-edge Rainscreen Technology
• Each home is backed by Travelers Guarantee Company of Canada with a comprehensive 2-5-10 Year Warranty

** Note: With regards to features and property information, please verify them with the developer. I’m in no way connected with Boffo nor any realtors marketing this property.  Errors (if any) are unintentional.

Notes to Buyers:

The current market has presented lots of opportunities. What used to be very pricey properties have come down in price a bit. If you're seriously looking for a new home. Check out other properties in the area, or in neighboring towns around the Greater Vancouver before making that big decision. You can check Tatton Homes in Coquitlam, Skylands in South Surrey or Victoria Hills by Onni in New Westminster as well. You've got tons too choose but of course choose the one that you feel at home the most.