As a Realtor, coffee is my daily fuel. 

Coffee Station Essentials We often just find a spot to plug in our coffee makers, making the coffee station an afterthought. But if you’re building your dream home or finally tackling that kitchen reno, taking time to plan this space will make your mornings so much better.

Here are my 5 secrets to creating a fantastic coffee bar:

1. Go Built-In

   • Incorporating your coffee bar into your cabinetry keeps your kitchen looking sleek and organized. It also gives you the storage you need for all your coffee and tea essentials. Opt for a built-in design to hide appliances, cords, and outlets, freeing up counter space. Add vintage-style drawer pulls for a functional and beautiful finish.

2. Maximize Storage

   • Storage is always at a premium, so planning it out before you build is crucial. Don’t overlook cabinet doors—they’re great for adding shallow shelves to store canisters, spices, and more. Another tip: wrap-around shelving inside the bar doubles your storage space without losing visibility.

3. Upgrade Your Equipment

   • If you’re serious about your coffee, consider investing in an espresso machine. It’s a game-changer. We went with the Cliff & Pebble Rocket Appartamento, and it’s a compact, sophisticated machine that makes amazing coffee, lattes, and more. Other great options include the Jura Ena 8, Cafe Affetto, and The Miele.

4. Add Rolling Drawers

   • Convenience is key in a coffee bar, and rolling drawers make life easier. I love using crate-style drawers for storing taller bottles or less frequently used appliances. Plus, you can easily roll them out with your foot, keeping your hands free for your coffee.

5. Utilize Hooks

   • Install hooks to hang coffee mugs and wine glasses. This frees up your shelves for larger items and keeps everything within easy reach.

• Market Trends: High interest rates have slowed the economy and real estate sales. Active listings increased, with the second highest number of new July listings since 2008, creating buyer opportunities.

• Economic Overview: The Bank of Canada made a second consecutive interest rate drop in July, lowering it to 4.5%. Both Canadian and U.S. economies are slowing, affecting stock markets and bond yields. The U.S. is expected to begin rate cuts in September, potentially boosting buyer sentiment.

• Sales Data: In July, Greater Vancouver saw 2,333 properties sold, an 18% decrease from the 10-year average. Active listings reached 14,326, up 39% from last year. The sales to listings ratio is 41%, indicating a balanced market.

• Listing Trends: New listings in July were 12% above the 10-year average, with 5,689 new listings. Active listings are up significantly year-over-year, indicating more seller activity.

• Price and Inventory: The House Price Index in Greater Vancouver decreased by 0.8% month-over-month. Detached home listings increased by 30% year-over-year, townhouses by 49%, and condos by 47%.

• Regional Insights:

  • Vancouver Westside: 416 units sold, active listings at 3,040, HPI down 0.9% month-over-month.

  • Vancouver East Side: 263 units sold, active listings at 1,468, HPI down 1.2% month-over-month.

  • North Vancouver: 201 units sold, active listings at 740, HPI down 1.0% month-over-month.

  • West Vancouver: 59 units sold, active listings at 733, HPI down 1.2% month-over-month.

  • Richmond: 255 units sold, active listings at 1,563, HPI down 0.7% month-over-month.

The autumn market is shaping up for potential interest rate declines, offering promising conditions for buyers and sellers.