That Good Victoria Real Estate Blog

I was thinking about donuts today.  More specifically Berliners, a german jelly donut which John F. Kennedy once pronounced himself to be :).  So instead of lamenting the fact that I can't find any good ones, (and haven't been able to for ever!)  I made some!  Mini ones to be exact.  Et Voila!   ...

In the last few days most homeowners will have received their property assessments in the mail.  One thing to remember is that the value on them is intended to reflect a market value from July 1st of last year - not current market value.  In fact, as I've written many times, assessed value rarel...

During negotiations it's easy for sellers to get fixated on the little things.  The washing machine, the new stove that you love, even the drapes that match your couch can become immovable negotiating points in what is often a very emotional process.   If you feel that happening it's important to...

Real estate agents are sometimes like tequila shots.  The first one burns a little and leaves a strong taste, the second one is smoother but doesn't agree with you completely.  And it's the third one that finishes off the job!

More and more we are seeing buyers being offered incentives to write offers with particular sales agents.  You've all seen the ads that go something like, "You find the House, I'll write the deal and we'll split the commission", or some artfully worded variation thereof. Other than being a questi...

Breaking the Real Estate Code - If that downtown condo you're looking at is "within easy walking distance of all amenities, shopping, cafes, restaurants and entertainment", then chances are there's no parking. 

If you're looking at properties up to a certain price point, don't be shy at looking at ones 5 or 10 percent above your price limit, both to help you get a fix on the market and to ferret out possible deals you might be missing.  A property is not necessarily worth what it's listed for, it's wor...

Landscaping is an integral part of staging.  Curb appeal can be greatly enhanced by trimming back bushes, clearing vegetation from cracks and mowing and edging the yard.  I'm not talking about replanting the garden and building a new fence, but sprucing up what you do have to present a clean loo...

Helping you break the real estate code.  Cosy means it won't fit your big screen TV.  Charming means it won't fit any of your stuff!  It's fun reading between the lines.

Sometimes the value of a strata fee in mortgage dollar terms can mean the difference between purchasing a condo or townhouse and purchasing a single family home.  If the strata fee is $300 then in mortgage terms it's worth around $80,000, which might make the difference.