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Vancouver Island BC - 09/30/11 06:37 PM
Thanks to Josh McCulloch for a great photo ...a nice way to end the week!
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Victoria BC - September's figures - 09/30/11 06:10 PM
Although there has been a very slight inventory reduction of active properties for sale in the last week, Victoria has seen a bit of a slowdown in the marketplace for residential housing - but nothing like the US. Contributing factors could be seasonal; the setbacks seen in the Canadian and US stock markets; financial challenges in Europe, Greece, etc. Overall, Victoria remains healthy and in some ways is 'insulated' from the global economic situation.
Additional good news is that credit rates are still very affordable for those Buyers ready & willing. Financial gurus are predicting rates will remain as … (1 comments)
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Southern Vancouver Island, BC - Inventory on Market & Special Places - 09/29/11 07:34 PM
Months of Inventory for Southern Vancouver Island, British Columbia - Jan 2009 to August 2011
A great guide to special places on our beautiful island...come visit or come to stay!
www.specialplacesvi.com
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Rancher Report for Vancouver Island & Gulf Islands, BC - 09/29/11 02:27 PM
Here's a quick look at historic sales price trends for one level single family homes (rancher style) over a period of 10 years...broken down by area on Vancouver Island and properties on the beautiful surrounding Gulf Islands.
RANCHER HISTORIC SALES PRICE TREND - 2001 TO 2011
Victoria CORE area: Victoria, Victoria West, Oak Bay, Esquimalt, View Royal, Saanich East & West
78 active listings from $285,000 CN to $549,000 CN
RANCHER HISTORIC SALES PRICE TREND - 2001 TO 2011
Victoria's WESTSHORE area: Sooke, Langford, Metchosin, Colwood, Highlands
92 active listings from $214,900 CN to … (0 comments)
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Positive Thinking - 09/29/11 11:03 AM
When faced with a challenge, think and act in a positive way ...
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Colwood & Langford area on Vancouver Island - 09/28/11 08:25 PM
Travelling south on Vancouver Island from Prospect Lake I featured in my last blog, or driving west and slightly north from downtown Victoria, you will find the rapidly growing areas of Colwood and Langford.
In recent years, many neighborhoods along with businesses catering to them have sprung up and continue to expand. Take for example the hugely successful development called Westhills and the famous Bear Mountain Resort and it's world-class golf.
This area of southern Vancouver Island is seen by many as being more affordable for the young growing family. And for some, it represents a great place … (0 comments)
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Prospect Lake on Vancouver Island, BC - 09/27/11 03:51 PM
Driving south on road 17A (West Saanich Road) from Brentwood Bay, you will come to Prospect Lake & some fantastic homes right on the water. From Victoria it's only 25 minutes or so by car.
In the current listings of 16 single family homes ranging from $649,900 CN to a whopping $3,600,000 CN, I thought it would be fun to take a peek at the highest priced listing that's marked on the aerial map...not on the water but up high with incredible views:
Prospect Lake Golf Course is nearby - for those lovers of both water … (12 comments)
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Brentwood Bay on Vancouver Island, BC - 09/27/11 12:58 PM
South and a bit west from Sidney on Vancouver Island lies the lovely community of Brentwood Bay. Directly on Saanich Inlet north of Victoria, Brentwood Bay is home to the world-famous Butchart Gardens. Brentwood Village offers excellent accommodation, waterfront restaurants, and all amenities, and is also a jumping-off point for kayakers, canoeists and mountain hikers.
Previously named Slugget, after pioneer John Sluggett who settled in the area in 1876, the village of Brentwood Bay was given the rather more appealing name in 1925. Brentwood Village takes its name from the English town of Brentwood in Essex, home town … (2 comments)
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Ranchers in Sidney - 09/26/11 04:19 PM
SIDNEY, BC on Vancouver Island
Approximately 35 minutes north of Victoria lies the town of Sidney. With a population of just over 11,000 Sidney can boast that is has the Victoria International Airport and is close to the BC Ferry terminal offering routes to Vancouver and various islands.
Sidney is becoming a great place for retirees; having many shops and businesses catering to Seniors and it's very convenient for travelling via air or ferry. As well, there are many homes affordable to the younger set.
Currently there are 14 rancher style, one level homes in the Sidney … (0 comments)
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Mt. Tolmie on Vancouver Island, BC - 09/26/11 03:23 PM
The area around Camosun College and UVIC in Victoria is called Mt. Tolmie and is named for William Fraser Tolmie who moved to Victoria on Vancouver Island in 1859.
View Larger Map
For an aerial fly-by tour, fasten your seat belt and click on this link.
Today, there are a total of 26 listings in the Mt. Tolmie area ranging from $189,900 CN to $1,550,000 CN.
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Cadboro Bay on Vancouver Island - 09/26/11 02:32 PM
Just a short 5 minute drive south from Cordova Bay, very close to the university, is the small seaside village of Cadboro Bay. Historically, the Cadboro Bay shoreline was home to the Songhees First Nations, and a number of archaeological sites have been identified along the shoreline.
The bay was named after the Hudson’s Bay Company brig Cadboro, which sailed into the bay in 1837. By 1850, seventeen employees lived in the area, employed by the Hudson’s Bay Company Uplands Farm that was located on the plateau area now occupied by the University of Victoria.
In 1861, … (0 comments)
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Beautiful Cordova Bay - 09/24/11 03:43 PM
Cordova Bay is an area along the Eastern shore of Vancouver Island, just 15 minutes from downtown. As you can see, it offers magnificent views and a wonderful stretch of sandy beach. Homes along the beach, are nothing short of extraordinary...
Creating a quick search, there are currently 45 single family homes listed in Cordova Bay ranging from $624,900 CN to $3,495,000 CN.
For more information on Cordova Bay or Victoria and surrounds, I am happy to take your call.
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176 Town homes in Victoria, BC - 09/23/11 02:18 PM
As of today, there are 176 town homes listed in the greater Victoria area.
Below is a chart showing days on market from January 2009 to present indicating a much greater demand in this type of housing since January 2011.
Perhaps one trend causing this demand: older families wanting to downsize from the large 'family' home. Town homes can be a great alternative offering less 'do it yourself' maintenance as well as the ability to lock up and go travelling when the opportunity arises.
Many of my clients have sought townhomes with the greatest percentage looking for one level, no stairs.
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Victoria's First Newspaper Still Going Strong - 09/23/11 01:18 PM
Fifty years in business is quite an accomplishment. However, when the 50th was celebrated back in 1908, that's really something!
Victoria's first newspaper, The Colonist began in 1858. Today, the paper is still in print however featuring a slightly different name: The Times Colonist.
In 1908, the population of Victoria was about 25,000 and by 1911 was 31,000.
For $2,100 a nice 5-room cottage could be purchased. Want to build? A lot could be had for $350!
For more information on the history of Victoria and archives of the early newspaper, click on this … (0 comments)
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When & How are you most effective? - 09/22/11 06:24 PM
When? For me, it's early morning and then early evening; and best after a workout at the gym or a brisk walk with the pooch.
How? The more personal the communication is, the better.
One of my daily habits is to check the new listings and any price alterations of some 'hot' listings I keep note of. Luckily, our real estate board has a very easy to use sytem that manages automated searches for clients. And, if I send a copy of the search to myself, then I am updated when my client is; ready to go.
For example, this chart … (6 comments)
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Victoria BC Market Watch Sept. 13-20 - 09/21/11 03:32 PM
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Hockey & Real Estate - 09/17/11 10:45 PM
During the hockey game last night as I was sitting with two of my daughters, I thought that the game unfolding before me was a lot like the real estate profession...
PREPARATION & PRACTICE
KNOW YOUR COMPETITION
WORK HARD TO ACHIEVE OBJECTIVES (GOALS :)
DEMONSTRATE GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP
ALWAYS TRY TO IMPROVE
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First Canadian to pilot wholly-built Canadian airplane - 09/16/11 06:00 PM
In the September of 1910, William Wallace Gibson made Canadian Aviation history in the fields of a small farm near Mount Tolmie in Victoria. Perched atop a horse saddle at the controls of a wood and fabric aircraft, Gibson became the first Canadian ever to pilot wholly Canadian built aircraft. Islander author Iain Lawrence describes the brief flight of the Gibson “Twin-Plane.” - (excerpt, From The Islander Magazine)
Today Lansdowne Middle School has occupied the same fields since 1955, which before that time was the Lansdowne Air Field.
Part of a region on Vancouver Island called Saanich, the area near … (2 comments)
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Are We Listening? Really Listening? - 09/14/11 07:08 PM
This morning I showed a couple an attractive place that was priced within their budget...I thought it would meet their needs (and so did they) and that perhaps it would lead to writing an offer... until I really started listening to what they were saying.
"Kitchen is too small and I love cooking so I need lots more room... bedrooms just won't be able to handle all our nice things...dining and living room must be large enough for our antique furniture..."
All during the viewing I kept wondering why was I showing this if there were so many issues. Aha! … (7 comments)
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Five Easy Steps to Stage Your Kitchen - 09/14/11 06:27 PM
Before even thinking of selling your home, it's very important to focus on some key areas of the home.
Thanks to Chris Ann Cleland of Long & Foster Realtors in Gainesville, Virginia for this great content.
You only have one chance to make a first impression!
Via Chris Ann Cleland, Associate Broker, Northern VA (Long & Foster REALTORS®, Gainesville, VA):
Five Easy Steps to Stage Your Kitchen
In a previous post you learned the five easy steps to stage your bathroom. In this post you will learn the five easy steps to stage your kitchen. Follow these posts to get the most money … (0 comments)
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Market Watch Victoria, BC - 09/13/11 01:12 PM
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Sooke BC - A Growing Oceanfront Community - 09/12/11 02:12 PM
Yesterday my daughter and I travelled 40 minutes west of Victoria along the coast to a town called Sooke. We were going there for her Bantam A Division hockey tryout/evaluation session. If you've never been to Sooke, you should try it someday. There are lovely waterfront homes, there's a very luxurious inn with spectacular food called Sooke Harbour House and for those boaters and fishermen, marinas for your boat.
Sooke's name comes from the T'sou-ke first nation people who settled this area rich in salmon, clams and the forest animals. For the early European settlers, the forest represented a lucrative … (1 comments)
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Victoria BC - Saxe Pt. Park in Esquimalt - 09/11/11 01:25 PM
Just West of downtown Victoria on the southern tip of Vancouver Island lies a small community called Esquimalt; "place of the shoaling waters". Settled by the First Nations people over 400 years before the arrival of Europeans, Esquimalt is rich in history. Today it is also the the home of the Pacific Fleet of the Canadian Forces.
Driving south through Esquimalt towards the ocean lies Saxe Point Park. Saxe Point was designated as park land in 1934. During World War II, many trees on this 7.5 hectare site were cleared and a searchlight was installed as part of the DND’s … (0 comments)
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What's Gone Well Today? - 09/09/11 05:06 PM
It's such a simple question that can lead to some great conversation which brings people together.
This morning I was fortunate to be part of a mini-seminar by Christopher Bowers of CONVERSATION WORKS on the topic of networking and conversations that can transform a business, a relationship and quite possibly a life.
In real estate, it's all about asking questions, relationships, trust, etc. so I thought this seminar was packed with good stuff. In a few words from Christopher's session, "Asking the right questions is more important than having the right answers...success in all realms is tied to asking breakthrough … (8 comments)
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Priced Right To Renovate Perhaps... - 09/08/11 06:15 PM
No need to spend a fortune on a fancy place...just renovate!
I'm in the middle of renovating my deck and I thought to see what homes are listed within Victoria's region MLS that might be considered a 'reno' possibility.
There are about 100 single family homes listed between $300,000 and $400,000. If your pocketbook is a little fatter, there are 331 homes between $401,000 and $500,000.
Although the media at times seems to make the public think that home prices in this part of Canada are in the stratosphere, there are lots of choices for every budget.
And for those … (1 comments)
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Back to School: Hooray! - 09/07/11 02:51 PM
Isn't summer great? Isn't summer ending great?
We have three girls and the house was much quieter this morning after all of them made their way to school. It's such a relief not hearing the phrase " I'm bored...there's nothing to do..." And along with school comes activities; soccer, dance, hockey. Whoopie!
Here in Victoria, BC we have very good schools and we are fortunate to have a first rate university: UVIC (University of Victoria)
Google Map of campus
Facts and Figures
FAQ for parents
What's New
Calendar
Concerning real estate, there's an interesting twist to this … (1 comments)
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Rancher Report - How the term began... - 09/06/11 03:22 PM
RANCHER - Who, When, Where, What & How
Photo by Rochelle Kramer - Rancho Style Newsletter
Just the other day a fellow Active Rainer asked about the term RANCHER when describing a particular style of a home. I've always had a vision of one level, modern looking, etc. but I had no idea who coined the phrase. Thanks to the internet, Google and a fellow named Doug Kramer who wrote a great newsletter called Rancho Style:
Builder and PioneerIn the early 1930s Cliff May was designing homes in San Diego and Los Angeles. Then, and throughout his career, he … (1 comments)
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Brentwood Bay, Vancouver Island, BC - 09/05/11 04:47 PM
Brentwood Bay, Vancouver Island - $629,900 CN
3 beds, 3 baths
2340 Sq. Ft.
WALK TO WATER & VILLAGE! Large, mature, beautifully landscaped level lot with fenced, south facing back yard, this meticulously maintained home is on a quiet street close to schools, bus stop, all amenities. From the main entrance, french doors lead to separate dining room across from spacious living room with stone, wood-burning fireplace. Large utility room connects garage to open concept kitchen/family room which opens onto an expansive rear deck. On the upper floor are three large bdrms including master w/ensuite bath plus main … (3 comments)
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Make Your Own Great Wine At The Thirsty Vintner - 09/02/11 01:08 PM
Red or white, they are delicious to drink and great as gifts. I've been making my own wine for a few years now at a local wine shop called THIRSTY VINTNER. The wines are great and the service is the best around. The owner, Richard is a true professional and his customers are king - the way they should be! I can't say enough for his operation.
Some of you might be saying that the 'make your own' stuff is grog, but let me assure you that wines I have made hold up to any $15-$25 bottle from the liquor … (0 comments)
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Rancher Report: 1178 Woodheath, Sunnymead, Victoria - 09/01/11 02:46 PM
$714,000 CN
3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
1753 Square Feet
Built in 1987
Several of my clients having lived in large homes while raising their families, are now looking to down-size but are not quite ready for a condominium. Looking for one-level living, many love the idea of the RANCHER style.
Sunnymead Area: One of my favorite areas, Sunnymead is just like it sounds; bright and sunny with majority of homes built in late 1980's. Very close to Cordova Bay, it's just a short walk to beaches, walking trails for your pet and high-end shopping in Broadmead. Going downtown? - … (3 comments)
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Bruce McCallum - Homes In Victoria BC
Victoria,
BC
More about me…
DFH Real Estate, Victoria, BC 800-668-2272
Address: 3914 Shelbourne St., Victoria, BC, V8P4J1
Office Phone: (250) 477-7291
Email Me
I offer full service to residential Sellers and Buyers throughout Victoria, BC and surrounding areas.
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