Victoria, BC, Canada David Stevens Real Estate

Just Listed : Mt. Tolmie, Victoria, BC. Open House Saturday & Sunday July 26/27 from 2-4 p.m.

2008-07-17T20:26:41Z

This charming, immaculate updated home is in a great Mt. Tolmie (Victoria BC) location, on a large corner lot. An added bonus is the self-contained two bedroom in-law accommodation on the lower level.

Numerous other features - come and see for yourself! You won't be disappointed - just move in and relax!

A walk up Mt. Tolmie will give you the best 360-degree panoramic view of Victoria. On clear days you'll also see the Cascade and Olympic Mountains as well as the Gulf and San Juan Islands.

Please view my website for more information, photos and listings:

www.david-stevens.ca

Property details

Mt. Tolmie Park website

Sales Soften while Prices Remain Stable in Victoria, BC

2008-07-10T22:43:01Z

In his July 2, 2008 report on the real estate market, the President of the Victoria Real Estate Board, Tony Joe, comments on this month's real estate statistics, saying that modest decline in sales from May to June have followed a pattern similar to that of last year.

The overall average price of single family homes in the Greater Victoria area in June was $580,104, with the six month average being $600,740. These figures are compared to the six month average in January, which was just over $586,00. Thus, Joe says, "we see that prices have remained remarkably stable this year."

There are clearly more properties for sale now, but strong interest is still being shown when homes are realistically priced.

Just Listed! Bright, Beautiful Home in Broadmead, Victoria, BC

2008-07-04T20:29:52Z

Enjoy the tranquility of Broadmead in this luxurious West Coast style architectural 4/5 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms home. An open sunny Family Room, Kitchen, with 1 year old stainless steel appliances, and breakfast area, overlook the serene private back yard.

The Living Room with fireplace and Dining Room boast hardwood floors. A good sized Office (or 5th bedroom), bathroom, oversized double garage and laundry room round out the main floor.

The Master bedroom with ensuite, 3 more bedrooms and bathroom are spacious and light.

All levels of good schools, shopping centre and bus route close by. The house is 2,388 sq. ft. with the Lot being 9000 sq. ft. The property backs onto great walking trails and rural land.

This dream home has it all, is in move-in condition and priced to sell!

Please view my website for more useful information and photos: www.david-stevens.ca

Happy Canada Day!

2008-07-01T20:12:59Z

HAPPY CANADA DAY! 141 YEARS OLD TODAY, JULY 1.

See the Canadian Heritage website

Quaint House in Victoria, BC - The Swallowed Anchor

2008-06-29T18:49:01Z

I recently came across this photo on Benjamin Madison's Blog, Victoria Daily Photo. Take a look at his Blog with some really outstanding pictures:
http://victoriadailyphoto.blogspot.com/

I've always liked this house, ever since my parents took me to see it as a young child. What a great piece of real estate! It is known as the Swallowed Anchor, and is located across the road from Westbay Marina.

The tiny house has an eccentric conglomeration of naval creations ranging from Peg Leg the Pirate and the Stork's nest on the roof, down to the lawn which has a large statue of King Neptune and a Mermaid, as well as the Porpoises. The house belonged to a mariner, long since gone, and obviously he retired there, hence the name. This home is actually lived in and is not part of the usual Victoria tourist attractions!

There are other interesting houses in this Esquimalt area, one of which is Captain Jacobsen's whimsical Queen Anne style house built in the 1880's. You can also take a walk around the marina and look at the interesting float homes.

Fun at the 6th Annual Afro-Caribbean Carnival in Victoria, BC June 21 - 22, 2008

2008-06-17T21:05:07Z

Saturday, June 21st, 2008 - Sunday, June 22nd, 2008

Photo from Harbour Living

The African Heritage Association of Vancouver Island (AHAVI) are holding the sixth annual free cultural event featuring music, food and fashions from a variety of African and Caribbean countries.

Carnival Day is a Free Family Event with Live Music, Dancing, a Marketplace with clothes, jewellery, art and food vendors from various regions. There will also be lots of Children's activities.

This celebration is presented by the African Heritage Association of Vancouver Island.

Living on an Island ...

2008-06-16T10:10:37Z

I came from an Island (Britain), and have lived on an Island (Vancouver Island, BC) since I was 9 years old, but the Island I like to visit is a tiny one here in British Columbia ... Portland Island. Access is only by boat or kayak and it's located between Salt Spring Island and Sidney on Vancouver Island. There are 10 kilometres of walking trails around Portland Island and it really is a wonderful place to visit.

Although now uninhabited it was the site of a First Nations' village, and Hawaiian immigrants who settled there in the 1880's. Consequently, there are fruit trees, roses and garden plants and shell midden beaches throughout the island. I was even told that there was once a horse race track through the middle of the island.

In 1958 the island was given to Princess Margaret to commemorate her visit to BC. Princess Margaret returned the island to the people of British Columbia in 1967 and it became a park. There are two small coves for anchorage, called Princess Bay and Royal Cove. Today it is part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve.

Photo Gulf Islands Guide

Freaky but Fascinating!

2008-06-13T20:22:03Z

Two white ravens have been seen in Qualicum, BC, on Vancouver Island (98 miles/157 kilometers from Victoria BC), together with their three black siblings. Bird expert and author Mike Yip of Nanoose Bay took this photo of the birds with the genetic defect.

The area they were seen is called Ravensong Pool!! The birds are not Albino because they have blue eyes rather than pink eyes. Another pair of young white ravens was spotted last year in the same area and it is believed that there's a good chance the four white ravens came from the same parents.

Photos by Mike Yip

One click away from The Best Place on Earth - Hello BC video

2008-06-11T09:41:01Z

Victoria, BC Rental Vacancy Rate Lowest in Canada

2008-06-06T11:48:08Z

According to the Victoria Times Colonist newspaper this morning, our city has the lowest rental vacancy rate in Canada. The report is according to the latest figures from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

So .... why not take a look at my newest listing, shown in detail on my website: www.david-stevens.ca. It's a great Revenue/Investment property.

This very private, well maintained 1992 house with 6 Bedrooms & 4 Bathrooms on a huge 11,865 sq.ft. lot boasts 2 separate entry In-Law Suites.

The Main level features 3 Beds, 2 Baths, soaker tub, Living Room with French Doors & fireplace, Dining room with balcony/deck, Kitchen with breakfast nook, Laundry room, and an extra 21x22 bonus attic Family Room.

Who is Moving To Victoria, BC?

2008-05-27T20:58:17Z

Victoria, BC the jewel of Vancouver Island

and located on the southern tip, boasts the mildest climate in Canada, having pleasantly warm summers and mild winters. The Pacific Ocean is at your doorstep ... what better place to live? Selling Real Estate in Victoria has become my passion, and it is where I meet people from all over North America as well as those from Europe.

Most overseas clients come from the UK. While the rest of Canada sees a record influx of immigrants from Asia and the Middle East, Greater Victoria continues to attract its traditionally strong base of people from the USA and the UK. This is according to the Language and Immigration 2006 census data, which shows the percentage of foreign-born population in Richmond, Burnaby and Vancouver was 60%, 50% and 40% respectively, while that of Victoria was 20%.

The BC Government Stats website has some interesting figures with regard to the population in Victoria, for example:

GREATER VICTORIA CENSUS SNAPSHOT
Total population: 325,060 -
Total immigrant population: 61,980 or 19.1 %
New immigrants (2001-2006) 5,975

TOP FIVE SOURCES OF NEW IMMIGRANTS
United States 885 China 840
United Kingdom 620
Philippines 380
India 280

MOTHER TONGUE
English: 274,955
French: 5,580 Other:
43,830

Tall Ships in Victoria, BC June 26- 29, 2008

2008-05-26T15:24:25Z

The City of Victoria has an exciting maritime history. Victoria's Inner Harbour, on Thursday, June 26, is the venue for the spectacular Parade of Sail, which kicks off the Victoria Tall Ships Festival. There will be at least 24 Tall Ships with their sails billowing and according to estimates from the festival director they are aiming to attract 40,000 paid visitors.

Ships that have been used in movies, the ' Bounty' (a 54-metre sailing vessel), the 'Nina' (a replica of the 15th century ship of Christopher Columbus) and 'Lady Washington' (112 ft. replica of the privateer sailed during the American Revolution, and used in the Pirates of the Caribbean) are three of the Tall Ships seen on the big screen. The ships will be open for boarding at various times on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

For more information visit: www.tallshipsvictoria.ca

Swiftsure International Yacht Race May 24-26, 2008 Victoria, BC

2008-05-22T17:16:29Z

Come and watch the wonderful thrilling and sometimes terrifying 65th Annual Yacht Racing Classic in Victoria, BC Canada this weekend.

The Royal Victoria Yacht Club hosts the event with approx. 200 yachts registered this year.

There are four different race courses: The Swiftsure Lightship Classic - 140 nautical miles; the Cape Flattery race; the 70 mile Juan de Fuca race; and the Classic Inshore race.

This year the races can be followed in real-time through a web-based tracking program. For more information visit www.swiftsure.org

Clover Point is the starting area at 10:05 a.m. the weather forecast calls for sun, and a Clover Point breakfast is served from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

My OPEN HOUSE on Sunday May 25th will keep me away for a couple of hours, but I'll watch some of the races and the start is always exciting.

NEW LISTING - TREMENDOUS REVENUE/INVESTMENT IN VICTORIA, BC

2008-05-21T00:11:43Z

Located in the Central Saanich Tanner Ridge area, this very private, well maintained 1992 house with 6 bedrooms & 4 bathrooms on a huge 11,865 sq. ft. lot boasts 2 In-Law suites.

Sunny private yard in a quiet residential neighbourhood. New roof 2008. All levels of schools, walk to shopping and close to bus route.

Don't miss out on this incredibly rare opportunity. The options are endless.

Price: $674,900

I'm so Happy with My StatCounter and it's Free!

2008-05-16T20:14:17Z

The best 'Widget' I discovered recently is StatCounter. It's a great source of information on my website, and you can even hide it - take a look at the StatCounter website:

http://www.statcounter.com/

Victoria Day Weekend - on Vancouver Island, Victoria, BC Canada!

2008-05-15T20:39:19Z

The Festival Season is starting!

This weekend weather forecast calls for sunshine, and on Saturday and Sunday May 17 & 18 Victoria, British Columbia is holding the 71st Highland Games.

The Celtic Festival will be held during the two days. On Saturday, everything Celtic and Irish in particular will be happening - Sheep dog trials, Sheep shearing, Spinning and weaving, Irish foods, step dancing and lots of booths, including Celtic jewellery, T-shirts and Kilts.

On Sunday will be the Heavy Events, Pipe Band competition, Scottish Dance Competition, The Massed Bands, Whiskey School, and .... Haggis!!! Of course the bagpipes will also be there!

This year the Festival will be held in Topaz Park on Blanshard Street. This new venue will provide the additional space and central location required to allow expansion of event activities and meet the requirements for Victoria to host the 2010 World Championship Heavy Games.

Then.... on Victoria Day May 19th the Parade travels along Douglas Street.

The Victoria Day Parade is Victoria's largest parade event - Marching bands from Canada and the USA, floats, clowns, food booths, etc., etc. Over 120,000 spectators watch this popular annual event in person and on television.

A Great Fun long Weekend for the whole family.

Victoria BC Real Estate is Still Buoyant

2008-05-05T15:00:23Z

I was just reading about real estate sales in Toronto. Everyone has been predicting a down-turn to follow the USA but an article by Lynda Leatherdale used a condo development at Bloor & Yonge to show that is not happening. The penthouse suites were priced at 2 million when they first went on the market and now they are up to 8 million and the building has not even started yet !!!!!! Are the same investment opportunities available in Victoria?

Here is what the Victoria Real Estate Boards stats show:

The average price of all condominiums sold in April was $325,975; the average for the last six months was $328,915. The median was lower at $294,900. The average price of all townhomes sold last month was $420,658; the six month average was $440,364. The median price was $407,450.

MLS® sales last month included 395 single family homes, 235 condominiums, 80 townhomes and 20 manufactured homes.

Of Cabbages and Kings, Castles and Narrow Alleys - Victoria, BC

2008-05-02T22:45:02Z

Craigdarroch Castle, Victoria, BC

There are two castles in Victoria, BC: Hatley Castle, built in 1908 for James Dunsmuir, of the famous coal baron family, and now the home of Royal Roads University; and Craigdarroch Castle in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada . Craigdarroch was built in the 1890's as a family residence for another wealthy Dunsmuir coal baron Robert Dunsmuir.

Victoria is also home to the narrowest street in North America, Fan Tan Alley, located in historic Chinatown. As to Cabbages ... there is a wonderful Marine Park named Cabbage Island, located off Tumbo Island and is part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve.

Figures for April 2008, within the Victoria BC area

2008-05-02T10:07:03Z

May 1, 2008 - According to the Victoria Real Estate Board, sales of properties in the Victoria area moderated in April with a total of 768 sales through the Victoria Real Estate Board's Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®). These figures were up from sales in March but down from sales in April 2006. Overall prices remain steady. 28 sales of over $1 million, however, including two sales in Oak Bay of over $2 million, pushed the average price of single family homes to a new record high.

Victoria Real Estate Board President, Tony Joe, notes that the number of properties available for sale continues to increase, with a 17 % increase over those in April of 2007. He commented: "This increase in inventory coupled with a moderation in the number of sales offers further indication of a more balanced market that offers stability for both buyers and sellers."

Tony Joe added that overall prices remained steady last month. "The relatively large number of high-priced sales had a substantial impact on the average price of single family homes in Greater Victoria, pushing this figure to a new record high of $630,295 but it is important to note that the median or mid-range price was substantially lower at $558,000." The President noted that nearly 28% of single-family homes last month sold for under $475,000.

In April, the average price of all condominiums sold was $325,975, but the median was again lower at $294,900. The average price of all townhouses sold last month was $420,658; the six-month average was $440,364, with the median price being $407,450.

Victoria moving house - a wake up call at 2 a.m.

2008-04-25T20:53:16Z

How would you like to be woken up at 2 a.m. to see a house moving across your bedroom window? This 1980's house was moved overnight from my neighbourhood on our small side road in Victoria, BC. The moving company had to chop down branches and move hydro wires en route to their destination in Sidney, BC.

These days many houses in Victoria are being lifted to gain an ocean view or removed completely, to be rebuilt allowing a better view.

In Canada, Vancouver is still the most expensive place to live, but Victoria is a close second.

This is Deja Vu - My GREEN Blog from yesterday ...

2008-04-22T18:44:36Z

I opened our local Victoria, BC newspaper this morning to see a large cartoon drawing by Thomas Boldt (TAB) on the Editorial page. The picture shows a drawing of manufacturing buildings in China, with the following words, (spoken in "bubbles") coming out of the buildings:

"I love Earth Day ... We've produced 3,500,000 Earth Day T-shirts ... 10,950,000 Earth Day Bumper Stickers. 9,800,000 Earth Day Greetings Cards ..."

[with kind permission from Thomas Boldt Times-Colonist newspaper, Victoria, BC]

How true!

GREEN – the IN word! Is it merely a status symbol?

2008-04-21T18:22:29Z

Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia defines Fads and Trends:

A fad is something that is very popular with a small group of people for a short period of time.

A trend is something that becomes popular within mainstream society over a long period of time. It is the direction of a sequence of events that has some momentum and durability.

In earlier years there were pet rocks, slinkies, Rubik’s cube, dice on the car mirror, acupuncture, naturopathy, ripped jeans, multi tasking, etc., etc. Now it’s GREEN, cell phones, political correctness, zero tasking, being a vegetarian, Ipods, and of course Blogs!

I must admit that I am an environmentalist, especially with regard to plastic but I would hope that the current trend for everything “GREEN” isn’t just another money-maker for manufacturers of all types.

My Blog Disclaimer

2008-04-20T17:45:39Z

All data and information provided on this Blog and David Stevens's webpage is for informational purposes only.

David Stevens Real Estate and David-Stevens.com makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use.

All information is provided on an as-is basis.

David Stevens

Cottage or Castle - Your Biggest Investment!

2008-04-09T14:06:54Z

Something to think about...

Don't wait until you're selling your home to have it appraised and surveyed.

Why do you have your car checked regularly, but not your largest investment?

Hmmm??

Car Envy??? Now it's Kitchen Envy!

2008-04-07T18:42:48Z

It's true! Kitchen's have become the IN room. Even more so today buyers will say the updated kitchen is the most important aspect in a house.

When asked which home improvement they would pay a premium for, 79 per cent of buyers indicated that they would be willing to pay more for a home with a renovated kitchen. However, when asked if they would still pay a premium for a renovated kitchen if it was done in a style that was not to their taste, less than half of those (42%) who originally said they would pay a premium responded favourably (score of seven or higher on a scale of one to 10, with 10 meaning "very likely to still pay a premium").

	Per cent of buyers that would pay a premium for the feature
Renovated kitchen	79%
Renovated bathroom	73%
New windows	70%
New flooring	62%
Updated décor	36%