buyers: Pets and Strata in Nanaimo - 06/14/11 10:43 AM
 I've been working with a family who are looking to buy a condo in Nanaimo.  They have a dog who is part of their family. 
Yesterday, we broke our tour up and went for a cold drink.  As we were sitting around the table we were musing on how frustrating it is as a pet owner to find a condo that allows pets.  My client pulled out her cell phone and did a search to see how many pet owners there are in the country. 
We discovered that according to Statistics Canada, there are approximately 3.5 million dogs and 4.5 million … (2 comments)

buyers: Do I need a home inspection if the home is new construction? - 05/18/11 10:17 AM


Do I need a home inspection if the home is new construction?
When I am showing new construction homes and townhouses I am often asked if it is necessary to have a home inspection with new construction.  It makes sense to feel that it might be a waste of money to pay for a home inspection when everything is new.  I always advise clients to have one regardless of whether the home is brand new or otherwise. 
This recommendation was really brought home to me yesterday when I attended a home inspection in a new construction townhouse.   During the … (0 comments)

buyers: Top four reasons to buy a home in Nanaimo - 05/16/11 04:29 PM


Top four reasons to buy a home in Nanaimo
Have you decided it is time to buy a home?  Maybe you are renting and you are tired of paying your landlord.  Here are what I believe to be the top four reasons to buy a home:
1. Owning a home is an excellant investment-
Historically homes appreciate anywhere from four to five percent a year. There are factors, of course, that can affect whether or not your home will appreciate each year. For example: the force of Mother Nature, economics, issues in the neighbourhood etc. Many things can play a … (2 comments)

buyers: Nanaimo First time home buyers - opportunity of the week - 05/11/11 11:12 AM
Nanaimo First time home buyers - opportunity of the week
Here is another wonderful home for first time home buyers in Nanaimo. 
This week‘s #1 pick is a great little house on Kennedy Street
626 Kennedy Street- $255,400
Renovated 2 bedroom plus den in the old city. Open floor plan with a cozy airtight fireplace with a brick chimney feature in the living room. Kitchen has been updated. Beautiful wood floors with many wood accents with doors and trim, baseboards and cove ceilings. Covered porch off the back of the house. Unfinished not full height basement for storage. Property is fully fenced.
… (0 comments)

buyers: Buying a Nanaimo house with good resale value - the top thing to consider - 05/09/11 04:08 PM
 Buying a Nanaimo house with good resale value
 When I am working with home buyers I always bring up the subject of resale value.  Buying a house is an exciting time for people and they are often caught up in the moment. Buyers are in the throes of making the immediate decision of whether or not to buy that house and are not necessarily looking any further down the road than that.  However, as a consultant working with my clients I believe it is important to remind them to consider resale value when they are contemplating a home purchase.
Buying a … (0 comments)

buyers: Nanaimo First time home buyers - opportunity of the week - 05/06/11 10:35 AM
Nanaimo First time home buyers - opportunity of the week
I really enjoy working with first time home buyers in Nanaimo.  There are some wonderful buying opportunities in Nanaimo currently for first time buyers.  Interest rates are still fairly attractive and there are ways to get into the mortgage market without a lot of money down.
It is my intention to highlight a different condo or single family home each week that reflects good value for a first time buyer.
This week‘s #1 pick is a great condo complex off Bowen Road on Casper's Way.
ONEsixhundred- Starting at $169,900
This beautiful … (0 comments)

buyers: Lantzville homes for sale - 04/21/11 03:42 AM
Lantzville homes for sale
Every Tuesday our office does a tour of new listings.  Yesterday's tour was North Nanaimo and Lantzville homes for sale.  I viewed a number of North Nanaimo and Lantzville homes for sale.
After a long tour of new listings I decided that it would be fun to do a "Best of Show" blog post each week.  In this "Best of Show" post I will choose a home that I feel was the best home for value on the tour for that area. 
This week's winner of "Best of Show" was in Lantzville
 7474 Fernmar Road
An immaculate … (2 comments)

buyers: Pacifica Waterfront Condos- 38 Front Street Nanaimo - 04/20/11 03:46 AM
Tour of Pacifica Waterfront Condos- 38 Front Street Nanaimo
 
I spent the lunch hour yesterday touring the Pacifica Waterfront condos and townhouses at 38 Front Street in downtown Nanaimo.
When we arrived for the tour we were given a map of the tower.  We began at the 13th floor and toured our way down to the 3rd floor where we had a lovely lunch on the deck overlooking the waterfront.
Wow!  I have never had a proper tour of the building and this tour gave me a really good feel for the property.  The units are very modern and very … (0 comments)

buyers: Strata versus bare land strata - what is the difference? - 04/17/11 11:09 AM
Strata versus bare land strata - what is the difference?
A client of mine asked me "What is the difference between strata and bare land strata?"   That is a question that comes up a lot these days as we see more and more bare land strata developments.
 I visited the Talk Strata site and this is how they have explained the difference:
"Bare land strata is governed by The Bare Land Strata Regulations and refers to the subdivision of land into strata lots and common property. In a normal strata all of the lots share land and walls, as well … (2 comments)

buyers: Closing Costs in Nanaimo or What's that house really going to cost me? - 04/05/11 10:29 AM
 Closing Costs in Nanaimo
 One of my jobs as a real estate professional is to encourage my clients to take the time to familiarize themselves with all the costs involved with buying a home.  One of these added costs that people often either overlook or just don't know about are the closing costs.
When you work with me we will have reviewed all the closing costs and responsibilities prior to viewing homes.  However, with all the commotion of buying a home it can be easy to forget budgeting for closing costs. In order for your sale to complete there are fees … (1 comments)

buyers: Condos for sale in Nanaimo - 03/31/11 10:46 AM
Condos for sale in Nanaimo
Now is the time to buy a condo in Nanaimo!  I did a search on MLS to see what the inventory was like for condos/strata in Nanaimo.  Currently, as of today, there are 457 condos for sale in Nanaimo (figures from VIREB).  This number includes condos and townhouses. 
According to an article on Canada.com  "Nanaimo's condo market is flat lining.  Fewer units are selling and of those that are selling, many are going for less than a year ago."
Adrienne Warren, Senior Economist and real estate specialist at Scotiabank says" The condominium market is likely to … (0 comments)

buyers: 2-5-10 Home Warranty - 03/30/11 01:43 PM
2-5-10 Home Warranty
As a Nanaimo Realtor I often do open houses at strata, new construction projects.  One of the questions I often get is what is the 2-5-10 Home Warranty programme and what does it cover?
The 2-5-10 Home Warranty is run through the Homeowner Protection office.  As this is a question that I often get I thought it would be a good idea to share some information with you through a blog post.  I checked the HPO website and this is what they have regarding the 2-5-10 Home Warranty as it pertains to strata new construction.
Home warranty insurance … (1 comments)

buyers: What to consider when buying a home - 03/25/11 04:51 AM
What to consider when buying a home
 There is a lot to consider when buying a home.
The two things most buyers consider first when buying a home are, choosing a neighborhood and the number of bedrooms.   Next in importance, after those considerations, should be resale considerations.
 When you are out shopping for homes, keep the following purchase and resale considerations in mind:
*When considering your needs you should look at, budget and personal tastes in deciding whether you want a home that's new, or a home that requires some work -- a "fixer-upper." *If shopping for a condo it may … (2 comments)

buyers: 2 bedroom 2 bath townhouse in Parksville - 03/21/11 05:42 PM
2 bedroom 2 bath townhouse in Parksville
Are you looking for a 2 bedroom 2 bath townhouse in Parksville.  If so, look no further!  This 2 bedroom 2 bath townhouse is located in ' Oceanwood Gardens on Blenkin Ave.

 
Oceanwood Gardens is a 55+ secure, gated, adult oriented community.  This patio home has an open functional floor plan, vaulted ceiling, maple kitchen, 2 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, den/breakfast nook, laundry room, master bedroom ensuite, walk-in closet, forced air gas heat & a large crawl for storage. Double car garage is attached and has some built in cupboards.
Relax in front of the … (2 comments)

buyers: First time home buyers in Nanaimo Part 4 - 03/08/11 06:21 AM
 First time home buyers in Nanaimo Part 4
This is the fourth in a series of posts that will assist first time home buyers prepare themselves for the experience of purchasing a home.   Today we are going to look at what to do once you have found the right house.
Step FourYou've found the one!  Now what?
Once you have found the right house what do you do?  It is time to make an offer.  At this point your REALTOR should supply you with a list of what similar homes have sold for in that area.  This information will assist you … (2 comments)

buyers: First time home buyers in Nanaimo Part 5 - 03/08/11 04:26 AM
First time home buyers in Nanaimo Part 5
This is the fifth in a series of posts that will assist first time home buyers prepare themselves for the experience of purchasing a home.   Today we are going to look at what to do once you have found the right house.
Step FiveYour offer has been accepted - Now what?
Once your offer has been accepted it is now time to work on getting your subjects removed.  You may have placed a one week or two week subject in the contract to allow yourself time to get everything done.
The most common … (0 comments)

buyers: First time home buyers in Nanaimo Part 3 - 03/05/11 05:35 AM
First time home buyers in Nanaimo Part 3
This is the third in a series of posts that will assist first time home buyers prepare themselves for the experience of purchasing a home.   Today we are going to look at the process of looking for and choosing your first home.
Step ThreeThe fun part - Looking for your first home
As a first time home buyer it is important to spend some quality time with your real estate agent discussing your list of things you are looking for in your first home.  Things to think about are:  choice of neighbourhoods, number … (3 comments)

buyers: First time home buyers in Nanaimo Part 1 - 03/03/11 04:54 AM
First time home buyers in Nanaimo Part 1
This is the first in a series of posts that will assist first time home buyers prepare themselves for the experience of purchasing a home.
As a first time home buyer you may find the process of buying your first home complex and often frustrating... but it's also an exciting and exhilarating experience.   I have never worked with anyone who regrets the decision they made to buy their first home.
It is always a good idea to do some research in advance of making a large purchase like a home.  Therefore it makes … (2 comments)

buyers: Move to Departure Bay - 03/01/11 09:21 AM
Move to Departure Bay
Are you considering a move to the Departure Bay area?  Departure Bay is a lovely ocean side community showcasing a fabulous beach and stunning views.  The area is very hilly which allow for homes to enjoy spectacular views.  There are pros and cons to the hilly geography.  The pros are of course the views the cons are that these hills can make walking a challenge for some and the occasional snowy day can make driving a vehicle sometimes quite hazardous. 
The area has pretty good bus service.  The Departure Bay area is also recognized as a fairly safe area for … (0 comments)

buyers: New homes for sale in Nanaimo - 02/28/11 09:32 AM
New homes for sale in Nanaimo
There are many new homes for sale in Nanaimo including single family homes, townhouses and condos.  However, buying a new home is a bit different than purchasing a resale home.  For one thing HST is charged on new construction.  The HST can be a very confusing thing to calculate when buying a new home because of the HST rebates.

 
An experienced mortgage broker that I know -Jim Delorme with Dominion Lending Centres Vanisle - sent me this very helpful link on calculating HST on the purchase of a new home.  It will calculate how … (0 comments)