Victoria, BC, Canada David Stevens Real Estate

Some Mountain/Hill Neighbourhoods of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

David Stevens (Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty, Victoria BC Canada) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:12:11 -0600

VICTORIA, known as the City of Gardens also has some fantastic mountains and hills from where you can view the ocean, snow-capped mountains and the City of Victoria itself.

Having recently sold a lovely home in the Mt. Tolmie area I thought it might be an idea to list some of the mountains around our beautiful city.

Mt. Tolmie, located in Saanich East, was officially named in 1934 after Dr. William Frazer Tolmie, a biologist. Here you can view a virtual tour from Mt. Tolmie showing the best 360-degree panoramic view of Victoria and the surrounding areas. On clear days you can also see the Cascade and Olympic mountains in Washington State, as well as the Gulf and San Juan Islands.

Mt. Douglas, also in Saanich East, is a prominent 260 m (850 ft) hill, was named for the second governor of the Colony of Vancouver Island, Sir James Douglas. The whole of Mt. Doug (as it is known locally) and the surrounding areas are protected by a 450 acre municipal park. The many trails, mature second growth forest and fantastic vistas of the city make the area a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Here is the virtual tour from the top of Mt. Doug

Bear Mountain in the Highlands, Mt. Matheson in East Sooke, Triangle Mountain in Colwood, and Mt. Finlayson in Goldstream Provincial Park, are other wonderful mountains and hills.

Christmas at Craigdarroch Castle in Victoria, BC

David Stevens (Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty, Victoria BC Canada) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:25:43 -0600

Craigdarroch Castle was built in the 1890's by Robert Dunsmuir, a wealthy coal baron. The four storey castle, now owned by the Craigdarroch Castle Historical Museum Society, has lavish Victorian furnishings and stained glass windows. Since 1994 the castle has been used in movies and theatrical productions. An Oak staircase leads visitors up 87 steps to the tower, which has a great view of Victoria.

From the 1st to the 31st of December there will be 39 performances of seasonal music, stories and children's entertainment at the Castle.

Tours start at 6:30 pm and tickets are $14.50 CDN / $ 14.00 USD for adults,

$6.50 CDN / $ 6.00 USD for children 6-18;

children 5 and under are free.

Prince Charles and Camilla Duchess of Cornwall arrive in Victoria ...

David Stevens (Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty, Victoria BC Canada) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:21:36 -0600

The Royal couple, Charles and Camilla are visiting our beautiful city - they arrived late afternoon yesterday, and although Camilla admitted to being a bit jet-lagged they were "on show" for a few hours on the lawns of the Legislature. The crowds welcomed them and even though a lot of people couldn't care less about the Royal family, the people of Victoria always turn out to see and cheer them.

It won't be long before they will be back again for the Winter Olypics in February 2010, in nearby Vancouver and Whistler. But for now, I'm sure they will enjoy our city which is now splendid in Autumn colours, with the golden leaves falling on the ground.

Photo Victoria Times Colonist

Just Listed: Private 3.69 acre Island on Beautiful Cowichan Lake, on Vancouver Island, BC

David Stevens (Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty, Victoria BC Canada) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:29:22 -0500

#6 Island on Sparkling, Pristine Cowichan Lake, Sheltered Amongst the Mountains of the Cowichan Valley ...

On British Columbia's beautiful Vancouver Island, it is rare to find a private island available for purchase. Enjoy relaxing, adventure and building your personal retreat. Access is an easy 0.31km (310 metres) to this beautiful 3.69 acre island on Cowichan Lake. The Cowichan Valley is world renowned as an exceptional recreation area, with sport fishing, hiking and water sports.

You can feel miles from everywhere, yet the island is actually highly accessible and convenient to amenities. Here is a wonderful opportunity to own your island paradise, in this emerging waterfront market.

For more photos, virtual tour and information please view my website:

www.victoriahomesbc.ca

www.david-stevens.ca

Unbelievable! Property Sales in Victoria Highest in 17 years for the Month of September, 2009

David Stevens (Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty, Victoria BC Canada) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 22:29:01 -0500

Sept. 2009 Property Sales Highest in 17 Years for Month of September!

The Victoria area real estate market showed signs of growing strength last month as property sales rose to their highest level for the month of September since 1992 accompanied by modest price increases for single family homes and condominiums.

A total of 776 homes and other properties sold in September through the Victoria Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), up from the 764 sales in August and up nearly 50 per cent compared to the 512 sales in September of last year.

Victoria Real Estate Board President, Chris Markham, says the market has clearly recovered and now appears to be very stable, "The last seven months have shown a steady improvement in sales and price stability. It’s very encouraging when we look back over the past several years and see sales now exceeding typical levels for this time of year."

There were 3,419 properties available for sale at the end of September, down 28 per cent from the 4,754 properties available in the same month a year ago. "We are now seeing some renewed upward pressure on prices as a result of the declining inventory," noted Markham.

The average price for single family homes sold in Greater Victoria last month was $619,936, up from $596,498 in August. Markham noted that the average price was affected by 24 sales of over $1 million. "These included five sales of over $2 million, three in Saanich East, one in Victoria and one on the Gulf Islands which had a significant impact on the overall average price," he stated. The median price increased $10,000 to $550,000. The six-month average was $581,498.

The overall average price for condominiums was $325,106 last month, up from $317,312 in August. The average for the last six months was $311,546. The median price for condominiums in September was $295,000. The average price of all townhomes sold last month was $441,966 down from $455,430 in August. The median price dropped slightly to $415,000. The six month average was $426,521.

MLS® sales last month included 437 single family homes, 197 condominiums, 79 townhomes and 15 manufactured homes.

Taken from the Victoria Real Estate Board website.

OPEN HOUSE Beautiful Executive Home - Bear Mountain, Victoria, BC

David Stevens (Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty, Victoria BC Canada) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 09:34:15 -0500

OPEN HOUSE:

2146 Nicklaus Drive, Victoria, BC

Date: Saturday and Sunday, October 3 & 4, 2009

Time: 1:00 - 4:00 pm

$1,195,000

Dreams become reality in this gorgeous custom home.

The spacious open plan rooms take full advantage of one of the premier Bear Mountain fairway lots, showcasing panoramic mountain views with maximum privacy.

The Master suite covers the entire top floor. The two-level main floor foyer opens onto the Great Room, a gourmet kitchen and separate dining room and study.

Adjoining the entertainment sized (1775 sq. ft) terrace are the guest bedroom, games and media rooms and office.

A Peek at the Beautiful Shropshire Hills of England

David Stevens (Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty, Victoria BC Canada) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 20:45:15 -0500

Since my grandmother died her idyllic old stone house (well cottage really), in Shropshire has been passed on to my Uncle. I thought I'd put a couple of photos on here to show you the old stone building.

The cottage, built in the early 1800's and sitting in the hillside, originally belonged to the local Farrier. The stables are in the smaller building to the right. The house has 2 ft thick walls, original beams, and an original wooden spiral staircase leading up to 3 small bedrooms. It's a fantastic place in summer, but can be quite cool in winter, even with the open fire and Aga. The lane is only wide enough for one car at a time, and when the flock of sheep come running down it you have to back up the lane to the nearest grassy bank to allow them to pass.

Below is another view from Moelydd Hill, which is part of Offa's Dyke, described by Wikipedia as:

Offa's Dyke (Welsh: Clawdd Offa) is a massive linear earthwork, roughly following some of the current border between England and Wales. In places, it is up to 65 feet (20 m) wide (including its surrounding ditch) and 8 feet (2.5 m) high. In the 8th century it formed some kind of delineation between the Anglian kingdom of Mercia and the Welsh kingdom of Powys. It has been the subject of considerable research in recent years, dispelling many of the earlier understandings.

4 Days to Go ... Walk Now For Autism, Vancouver, BC Sat. Sept 26, 2009

David Stevens (Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty, Victoria BC Canada) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:12:17 -0500

Join us as we walk to support Canadian Autism research, by joining the British Columbia Walk/Run Now for Autism.

My wife, our son and other members of my family have been fundraising and will be walking on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009 from the Nat Bailey Stadium in Vancouver, BC. The Walk/Run starts at 10 a.m. and finishes at 12 noon. The Walk is 3 - 4 km and the run is 5 km.

About Autism (from the Walk Now For Autism website)

Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts throughout a person's lifetime. It is part of a group of disorders known as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Today, 1 in 150 individuals is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. It occurs in all racial, ethnic, and social groups and is four times more likely to strike boys than girls.

Autism impairs a person's ability to communicate and relate to others. It is also associated with rigid routines and repetitive behaviors, such as obsessively arranging objects or following very specific routines. Symptoms can range from very mild to quite severe.

To learn more about Autism please click the Autism Speaks website.

Hope to see you there!

August 2009 Property Stats for Victoria, BC

David Stevens (Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty, Victoria BC Canada) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 17:57:14 -0500

Property Sales in August Follow Usual Summer Trend September 1, 2009

The number of property sales in the Greater Victoria area slowed during August but sales were again significantly higher than a year ago. Prices, meantime, remained stable with some increase for single family homes. A total of 764 homes and other properties sold in August through the Victoria Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), down from the 933 sales in July but up 48 per cent compared to the 517 sales in August of last year.

Victoria Real Estate Board President, Chris Markham, says it is usual for sales to slow in August, "Many people take holidays in August so it is not surprising to see sales soften somewhat. We are very pleased, however, to note the significant increase in sales last month compared to August of a year ago which gives further evidence of the strengthening of the market."

There were 3,509 properties available for sale at the end of August, down 25 per cent from the 4,657 properties available in the same month a year ago. "The decline in the number of properties available for sale will continue to place some upward pressure on prices," said Markham. Sales so far this year are running over six per cent higher than in the first eight months of last year.

The average price for single family homes sold in Greater Victoria last month was $596,498, up from $565,469 in July. Markham noted that the average price was affected by 17 sales of over $1 million. "These included two sales of over $4 million, one in Saanich East and one in Central Saanich, and these had a significant impact on the overall average price," he stated. The median price increased $20,000 to $540,000. The six-month average was $569,546. The overall average price for condominiums was $317,312 last month, down from $328,441 in July. The average for the last six months was $307,347. The median price for condominiums in August remained unchanged at $290,000. The average price of all townhomes sold last month was $455,430 up from $443,109 in July. The median price dropped slightly to $419,000. The six month average was $421,565.

MLS® sales last month included 403 single family homes, 218 condominiums, 91 townhomes and 11 manufactured homes.

Courtesy of the Victoria Real Estate Board

Please contact me to learn about my Referral Program:

http://www.david-stevens.ca or

http://victoriahomesbc.ca

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The Blue Bridge in Victoria, BC. $65 Million to build a new one!

David Stevens (Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty, Victoria BC Canada) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 10:19:41 -0500

Our 85 year old Blue Bridge is causing heated discussion! At least it goes up and it goes down, which is more than most bridges do these days!

It's a dilemma and one that should only be resolved by a referendum. For more information see the following website:

http://johnsonstreetbridge.org/?tag=referendum

and Benjamin Madison's great photos show some wonderful views of the Blue Bridge:

http://victoriadailyphoto.blogspot.com/search?q=blue+bridge

Real Estate In Victoria, BC: www.victoriahomesbc.ca

David Stevens (Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty, Victoria BC Canada) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:54:03 -0500

It's a great time to buy ... according to our local newspapers: "Real Estate in Victoria is On The Rebound."

Many of the best homes are sold shortly after they are listed. Want to know why? The buyers learned about the new listing first!

Please contact me or visit my website to receive my daily Hot New Listings Alerts. These lists show homes with addresses and photos, even before they hit the MLS.

I can also send you a list of homes within a specific price range - it can save you hours of surfing the MLS!

Web: http://www.victoriahomesbc.ca or

Web: http://www.david-stevens.ca

Please contact me to learn about my Referral Program!

The 32nd Victoria Classic Boat Festival - Inner Harbour Sept. 4, 5 6.

David Stevens (Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty, Victoria BC Canada) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 23:06:34 -0500

This Labour Day weekend celebrates the 32nd Victoria Classic Boat Festival in our beautiful Inner Harbour. Bordering the harbour are the BC Legislative Buildings, the Royal BC Museum and the ivy-covered Fairmont Empress Hotel.

For over 150 years many sail and power vessels have gathered here and this weekend will see over 100 historic vessels positioned in the heart of Victoria.

It's the Last weekend for Free-B Movies in Victoria's Beacon Hill Park. Absolutely Free!

David Stevens (Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty, Victoria BC Canada) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 09:33:37 -0500

This is the final weekend for the Free-B Film Festival at Beacon Hill Park in Victoria. On Friday, August 28th, the movie American Graffiti is playing, staring Richard Dreyfuss and Ron Howard.

This past weekend over 600 people watched Nightmare Castle, which brought attendance to well over 3000 for the first 3 weeks of showing Free movies. Bring your blanket and a picnic under the stars - there is lots of room. American Graffiti is 113 minutes long in the General category.

On Saturday, August 29th., the movie The Dark Crystal is showing, with the Jim Henson Company. It's 92 minutes long, PG category, and is a rare public screening.

Screenings start at 9 pm at the Cameron Bandshell, Beacon Hill Park.

OPEN HOUSE. Terrific Home with Suite in Great Location Near the University of Victoria

David Stevens (Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty, Victoria BC Canada) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 22:41:30 -0500

CAD 629,000.00 - 1st OPEN HOUSE. Wonderful Family Home With Suite in Great Location

Location: Mt. Tolmie Area Near the University of Victoria

Open House:
3943 Emerald Close, Victoria, BC
Date: Saturday, August 22, 2009
Time: 2 - 4 p.m

Meticulously maintained, beautiful sunny home with a suite!

Ideally located at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, and sitting on a large lot this perfect family home has many recent upgrades including a new Armana high-efficiency gas furnace, new 30 yr. roof, refinished oak hardwood and new water tank.

The cozy new in-law suite with full kitchen is a bonus. Plenty of room for the whole family with 3 bedrooms up, spacious living room & dining area, large deck and a huge family room downstairs. Fully fenced rear yard, in-ground sprinklers, roomy garage with storage and RV/boat parking.

Excellent sought-after neighbourhood close to all amenities, UVic and good schools, make this desirable move-in condition home one that you will not want to miss!

For more information and photos please contact me or view my website:

Phone: 250.893.1016 (Direct)
Web: www.david-stevens.ca
Email: davidstevens@royallepage.ca

David Stevens
Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty
4460 Chatterton Way, Victoria, BC

Contact Information

David Stevens

davidstevens@royallepage.ca

250-893-1016

Superior Service. Plain and Simple.

Pricing

Price: CAD 629,000.00

Property Location

3943 Emerald Close

Victoria, BC V8P 3E3

View Map

Features

Bedrooms: 4	Bathrooms: 2
Parking Spaces: 3	Year Built: 1966
Lot Size: 8213	Square Footage: 2181

Attributes

Appliances

Range/Oven

Full Refrigerator

Washer/Dryer

Interior Amenities

Fireplace

Hardwood Floors

Basement

Exterior Amenities

Patio

Fenced Yard

Grass Lawn

Tool Shed

Equal Housing Opportunity

VFLYER ID: 2723639

Photo Gallery

All information in this site is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and is subject to change

July Property Sales in Victoria Were the Highest in Almost 20 Years!!

David Stevens (Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty, Victoria BC Canada) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 20:45:58 -0500

It's unbelievable ... Victoria's highest sales in almost 2 decades!

According to the VREB (Victoria Real Estate Board), there was a total of 933 homes/properties sold through the Multiple Listings Service, last month. That is ... up 51% compared to July of 2008.

Good Luck to all Realtors who are feeling the crunch - I hope, just as we have seen, that you experience better days ahead!

Much Anticipated August Long Weekend Event in Victoria's Inner Harbour!

David Stevens (Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty, Victoria BC Canada) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 21:04:35 -0500

During this summer we have enjoyed many events in Victoria. This August long weekend is the much anticipated Symphony Splash, held on Sunday, August 2nd. The weather promises to be beautiful and this free event is not to be missed.

Victoria's Inner Harbour is transformed to a beautiful concert venue. The orchestra and guest performers are set up on a barge directly in front of the Legislative Buildings. Powerful speakers carry the sound to the thousands (40,000 expected this year) who come to the harbour to listen.

The event starts at 4 p.m. and concludes at 10 p.m. with Fireworks and the 1812 Overture.

The aerial photographs below are of the Victoria Symphony Splash at the inner harbour. These photographs are all credited to the Victoria Symphony which plays from the barge in the harbour.

Coming Soon .... Well Maintained Home with Suite, Within Walking Distance to the University of Victoria

David Stevens (Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty, Victoria BC Canada) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 21:35:38 -0500

Coming Soon ...New Listing.

Well maintained home with an excellent suite. Located on a quiet cul-de-sac in the Mt. Tolmie area and within walking distance to UVic, shopping and bus routes, this property should not be missed!

For further details please contact me:

David: 250.893.1016 (Direct)

Email: davidstevens@royallepage.ca

Web: www.david-stevens.ca or

Web: www.victoriahomesbc.ca

Fun in the Sun. What a Face - 5 years old today!

David Stevens (Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty, Victoria BC Canada) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:39:01 -0500

Here it is - the 5th party picture.

My son loves Birthday Parties! He had such a good time, as you can see :)

You can see his navy jacket - he saw it in a local store and said to his Mom "I want to have a Real Estate Jacket like Daddy!" So, he got it and had to wear it for his birthday :) :)

Birthday Cake Delight!

David Stevens (Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty, Victoria BC Canada) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 20:51:24 -0500

My son LOVES birthday cakes - this was his fourth - last year. The next one is on Saturday July 11. I'll post one if it's as good as this :)

We're so lucky to be living in Victoria, Vancouver Island, British Columbia

David Stevens (Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty, Victoria BC Canada) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 20:25:30 -0500

It's true ... we take our beautiful Vancouver Island for granted.

Yesterday, a family member arrived from Europe. She has never been to Vancouver Island before and is so enthralled with Victoria, commenting that "it's like being on permanent vacation here - the ocean and sandy beach is just across the road, the weather is beautiful and everywhere is clean and green."

Yes, Vancouver Island is called Paradise Island for good reason - we should just keep reminding ourselves how lucky we are!

Summer has Arrived! The Surge in Housing Sales has Arrived Too!

David Stevens (Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty, Victoria BC Canada) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:05:03 -0500

According to our Victoria Real Estate Board, June saw a significant surge in property sales throughout the Greater Victoria area. With a total of 946 properties sold in June compared to 879 sales in May - a 7% increase, and a 31% increase compared to June of 2008.

The average price for single family homes sold in June was $588,186, with the median price being $529,900.

The average price for condos was $298,200, with the median price being $275,000.

The average price of townhomes was $413,218, with the median price of $375,000.

I would be happy to co-operate with you in referrals. To view my listings and sold properties please take a look at my websites:

www.david-stevens.ca

www.victoriahomesbc.ca

HAPPY CANADA DAY 142 YEARS OLD TODAY.

David Stevens (Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty, Victoria BC Canada) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:23:05 -0500

The design of our Canadian flag, consisting of the red maple leaf, was created in 1925, but at the time the Canadian Red Ensign and the Union Jack represented Canada until 1946. At that time new designs were submitted to a select Parliamentary committee but it wasn't until the centennial celebrations of Confedration were approaching and Canada still had no flag of its own that a search began in earnest.

In 1946 the Prime Minister at that time, Lester B. Pearson, told the House of Commons that the government wanted a national flag to be ready by 1967 and the centennail celebrations. Red and white was considered Canada's national colours in 1921, and finally in 1964 the inclusion of the maple leaf in the new Canadian flag was officially recognised.

Canada was established as a self-governing country on July 1, 1867, thus making it 142 years old today!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CANADA!

Now Pending Sale. Mt. Doug Rancher in Great Victoria, BC Location

David Stevens (Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty, Victoria BC Canada) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 20:19:15 -0500

PENDING SALE

Fantastic Mt. Doug/Cedar Hill location!

This bright, spacious 1981 Rancher is set well back from the road and is conveniently located within walking distance to absolutely all amenities.

Sitting on a large 8,483 sqft lot and offering almost 1800 sqft of living space, this home features 3 Bedrooms, including Master with 3 pc ensuite, 2 Bathrooms, Living room with Gas Fireplace, and open concept Kitchen off Family room, with wood stove.

Newer roof, sunny, private fully fenced rear yard with pleasant deck, plum and apple trees. Wheelchair friendly access.

Whether you're downsizing, a first time buyer or looking for revenue property, don't miss this opportunity in one of Victoria's best neighbourhoods at a fraction of the price.

For more information and photos please contact me or view my website:

David Stevens

Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty, Victoria, BC

Phone: 250.893.1016 (cell)

Web: www.david-stevens.ca

Web: www.victoriahomesbc.ca

Email: davidstevens@royallepage.ca

It's Official - Victoria real estate has "weathered the storm"!

David Stevens (Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty, Victoria BC Canada) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 20:47:46 -0500

Today, our local rag 'The Times Colonist' shouted out the following headline .. which is what we have been thinking for a while:

Victoria real estate turns around

Despite all the talk of recession, according to the president of the Victoria Real Estate Board, Chris Markham, Victoria seems to have pulled through.

He says: A total of 879 homes and other properties were sold in May through VREB's multiple listing service. This is a 17% increase over April and even up 14% in comparison with the 770 sales in May of 2008.

First time buyers are being spurred on by low interest rates and lower property prices. Single family homes priced from $400K - $600K are in most demand, whereas those at the higher end of the market are slower to move.

Let's hope the trend continues and starts happening elsewhere in Canada and the US.

First Time Buyers - What are they thinking?

David Stevens (Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty, Victoria BC Canada) — Mon, 18 May 2009 22:30:14 -0500

I have heard so much about real estate lately from "first time buyers" who say they want to wait until the market "crashes"!!

I would love to know - When is the market going to crash in Victoria?

Fact is, first time buyers rarely seem to purchase when the market is a "buyers" market, for the simple reason that it is not low enough for them.

As history shows, those buyers always purchase in an "up" market because they then feel the need to buy before it is too late or before they lose out.

It would be interesting to hear other realtors' thoughts on this.