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Nanaimo, BC Real Estate News

By Douglas Belcher, RE/MAX, Nanaimo ABR ePRO SRES
(Chateau Realty)
5 - 25 Pryde Avenue, 1 bedroom Town Home for sale, Central Nanaimo $94,500. Renovated one bedroom town-home with in-suite laundry, and covered parking. This unit has updated appliances, new counters, fresh paint, renovated bathroom, modern new kitchen cabinets. It is close to Vancouver Island University, the new Country Grocer, Rexall, new beer and wine store and a new women's gym. Perfect for a young couple starting out or University student or as a rental. Storage room could be converted into micro den. It even has a swimming pool for those hot summer days. Rentals allowed, no dogs, one cat allowed. With just $5000 down you can kiss your landlord goodbye. View my Condo Listings 
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By Douglas Belcher, RE/MAX, Nanaimo ABR ePRO SRES
(Chateau Realty)
 2 Bedroom 1 bath condo in Pacific View Terraces in the old city quarter. This renovated condo has new maple kitchen cabinets with granite counters, new bathroom vanity with granite counters, ceramic tile bath and entry. It was bought for owners son to attend VIU. Available mid Jan, allows 1 cat, no dogs, no rentals. Fantastic central location close to downtown and VIU. This unit has a large master bedroom and a nice open layout. It is bright because it is an end unit with windows in front and back. There is a glimpse of ocean view and a short walk to the sea wall. Nanaimo Real Estate MLS Listings 
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By Douglas Belcher, RE/MAX, Nanaimo ABR ePRO SRES
(Chateau Realty)
https://www.dougbelcher.com/listings/1580-townsite-road/1580-townsite-road.htm New 5 bedroom - 3 bathroom home with a 2 bedroom Legal Suite with private entrance. 1958 s.f. with separate laundry and a nice spacious floor plan. The main kitchen features a large island, maple cabinets and a pantry. There is a deck off the dining room. New home warranty in place and a nice back yard for children or pets. Close to both Quarterway School or Woodlands. Rexall and the new Country Grocery is walking distance away. There is an open concept great room with southern exposure and mountain views. This home has a very modern feel and a bright open layout. Lane access potential in back.$349,900 + GST SOLD   
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By Douglas Belcher, RE/MAX, Nanaimo ABR ePRO SRES
(Chateau Realty)
This renovated Lynburn home has a massive lot, .32 acres. There is lots of parking and R/V parking. Updated and open floor plan upstairs including an island, modern appliances, new bamboo flooring. The home is heated and cooled with a heat pump. The home is meticulously maintained. Hardi Plank siding gives the home an updated look. There is lots of mature landscaping. This home is walking distance to Save on Foods and other shopping and to Nanaimo Golf Club. Downstairs is unfinished but has plenty of room for what ever you would like. This house has good bones, dimensional clear fir beams. - Nanaimo home for sale  
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By Lynn Donn, Homes for Sale in Nanaimo BC
(Royal Lepage Nanaimo Realty)
Best Nanaimo Home Decorating Tips The festive Fall  season is  underway, and what better way to spread the cheer than by sprucing up your home? Here are 3 Festive  Tips for decorating your Nanaimo home this Fall 2013: #1 Seasonal Paint Did you know that Emerald Green was voted THE colour of 2013?  You may have noticed this colour sprouting up in vases, window treatments and more - and emerald green paint makes a perfect fall colour as well.  If you think having an entire wall painted green is a bit much, consider incorporating the colour in area rugs, bud vases, lamp shades or wall trim. #2 Pumpkins, Pumpkins Everywhere Nothing says' fall is here' like the warm orange glow of a pumpkin!  Use them as a 'welcome sign' near your front door, or create crafty pumpkins to place on your firepl...
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By Lynn Donn, Homes for Sale in Nanaimo BC
(Royal Lepage Nanaimo Realty)
Top Interior Paint Colors For Fall 2013 As we head into fall here in Nanaimo you may be thinking that it's time for a change of colour in your home as well. If you're ready to change out the bright colours of summer for the browns, oranges and greens of fall, here are a few paint colour ideas to get you started: Emerald Green Emerald green is the perfect fall colour . . . so perfect in fact that it was voted the 2013 Color of the Year! You've no doubt seen this green on window trim and decor, but why not go all the way and make one of your accent walls emerald green?  The colour is the perfect offset for more neutral coloured floor rugs, vases, and picture frames. Did you know that Emerald Green was voted THE colour of 2013?  You may have noticed this colour sprouting up in vases, windo...
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By Lynn Donn, Homes for Sale in Nanaimo BC
(Royal Lepage Nanaimo Realty)
Understanding Property Taxes In Nanaimo Like the old saying goes, you can't escape death or taxes.  And since you're reading this, let's talk about property taxes in Nanaimo. With a few exceptions, here's how our residential property taxes work. In 2013 the Nanaimo City Council determined that the residential tax rate needed would be a factor of 9.1135 for every $1000 of value assessed by BC.  So if your home has an assessed value of $500,000 then your municipal tax rate would be $500,000/$1000 x 9.1135 or $4,556.75. Note that this is the City tax only.  Nanaimo also collects taxes for other agencies that provide services to the City, and those agencies are the ones that determine how much tax they need to fund their operations. Your 'other' taxes from these agencies could include: Scho...
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By Lynn Donn, Homes for Sale in Nanaimo BC
(Royal Lepage Nanaimo Realty)
What Is A WETT Inspection and Why Do I Need One? A WETT inspection, also known as a Wood Energy Technology Transfer inspection, is a specialty inspection that take a look at all wood burning appliances, things like a wood burning stove or a fireplace, by a specially certified inspector. A malfunctioning wood burning appliance can be a major health and safety issue, so doing a WETT inspection will give you peace of mind when you're buying, selling or living in your home.  In addition, some insurers may require that you have one done. While a routine home inspection includes a visual inspection of wood burning appliances, a WETT inspection goes much further.  A WETT certified inspector will investigate all the elements of any wood burning technologies in your home to make sure that they a...
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By Lynn Donn, Homes for Sale in Nanaimo BC
(Royal Lepage Nanaimo Realty)
Six Common Questions About Secondary Suites In Nanaimo In previous posts I've covered legal and authorized suites, so let's wrap up this 'suite' discussion by answering some frequently asked questions about Secondary Suites. What is a 'secondary suite'? A secondary suite is a self-contained unit within your home or within an outbuilding that is clearly part of your home.  It can't have more than two bedrooms and one cooking area and it is intended as a residential accommodation for relatives or not more than two guests who aren't related to you. Where are secondary suites allowed? You can have a secondary suite in most residentially zoned area except those zoned Single Dwelling Residential - Small lot zoned (R2). How large can a secondary suite be? If your secondary suite is located wit...
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By Lynn Donn, Homes for Sale in Nanaimo BC
(Royal Lepage Nanaimo Realty)
Legalized Suites In Nanaimo Last time we discussed just what an Authorized Suite is, and today I wanted to discuss "Legalized Suites". In order for a secondary suite to be considered 'legalized' all suites constructed after February 7, 2005 must comply with the Zoning Bylaw and the BC Building Code in order to be legal.   Secondary suites are defined as: “One or more habitable rooms, but not more than two bedrooms and one cooking facility, constituting a self-contained unit with a separate entrance, but which is clearly subordinate to the principal dwelling, for the residential accommodation of: one or more individuals who are related through marriage or common law, blood relationship, legal adoption, or legal guardianship; or a group of not more than two unrelated persons.” The checkli...
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By Lynn Donn, Homes for Sale in Nanaimo BC
(Royal Lepage Nanaimo Realty)
What Is An Authorized Suite in Nanaimo? Nanaimo is such a popular location almost year-around that many savvy homeowners create secondary suites as short-term vacation rentals. Doing this brings in some extra income, helps defray the monthly mortgage and also gives you a chance to meet new people from around the country and the world. However, there's a right way and a wrong way to set up your secondary suite and today I wanted to discuss just what an 'Authorized Suite' is. First, the bad news.  If you've got a secondary suite that was constructed before 2005 it's going to be considered illegal by the City of Nanaimo.   Now the good news.  As long as you're in a zone (check with the City to find out for sure) that allows for secondary suites you'll be able to make your suite 'legal' by ...
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By Lynn Donn, Homes for Sale in Nanaimo BC
(Royal Lepage Nanaimo Realty)
The Nanaimo Relocation Guide Are you thinking about moving to Nanaimo? I was in your shoes in 2007. I had so many questions about Nanaimo real estate and neighborhoods, the Nanaimo job market and how the Nanaimo schools ranked. It turns out that Nanaimo is everything we had hoped it would be!  Our move went smoothly and our family adjusted quickly to our new city. You can do it too. The Nanaimo Relocation Guide has been designed for anyone considering a move to the area.  It is a great source of information on Nanaimo including:  Education choices Dining, shopping & entertainment Arts & culture highlights Things to do Health care Weather Doing business in Nanaimo Real estate information..... And much more.  To get your free copy of the Nanaimo Relocation Guide please click here As your ...
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By Lynn Donn, Homes for Sale in Nanaimo BC
(Royal Lepage Nanaimo Realty)
How To Get The Best Home Buyers In Nanaimo If you want to attract the best Nanaimo home buyers, you've got to stay on top of the latest trends.  National Association of Realtors ( NAR), recently issued a new report that examines the generational differences of home buyers and sellers.  Here's the highlights of the latest research on what today's generation of home buyers and sellers are really doing: As age increases among home buyers the rate of owning more than one home also increases. Younger buyers typically buy because they want a home of their own, while older buyers tend to purchase where they can be closer to friends, family and relatives. Buyers younger than 32 years of age are almost always first-time home buyers, while with those buyers 67 years or older only 5% are first-tim...
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By Lynn Donn, Homes for Sale in Nanaimo BC
(Royal Lepage Nanaimo Realty)
Things to do in November in Nanaimo Thanksgiving is over and done with and the spooks of Halloween are a pleasant memory, but there's still plenty to do in Nanaimo in November. Here are 4 events that are worth taking a look at: 1.   The Nanaimo Pottery Christmas Show and Sale can help you get the jump-start on your holiday shopping.  You'll be able to choose from locally sourced clay from northern Alberta that's been turned into hand crafted mugs, casseroles, plates, serving dishes, wall hangings, tiles and much more.  The events runs from November 1 through November 3 and you can get more information at www.NanaimoPottery.com  2.  Taming of the Shrew.  If you've got the classics on your mind take a look at the theatre performance of William Shakespeare's Taming Of The Shrew over at the...
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By Lynn Donn, Homes for Sale in Nanaimo BC
(Royal Lepage Nanaimo Realty)
Top Tourist Attractions in and Around Nanaimo When perusing around the internet for the top things to do in Nanaimo and surrounding areas, you'll soon discover the top five are all associated with being outdoors! And is it any wonder when in Nanaimo, you're just five to 10 minutes from being ocean side, lake side or mountain side? One local resident expressed, "just look at how amazing it is here." If and when you're in Nanaimo, make sure to slow yourself down, really look around you and experience your surroundings as the cool breeze blows on your neck, the majestic birds sing their song overhead, and the clouds roll on by.  The Big 4:  With that said, the top four attractions or "don't miss" things to do in Nanaimo and on Vancouver Island are: Wildplay, Newcastle Island, Englishman Ri...
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By Lynn Donn, Homes for Sale in Nanaimo BC
(Royal Lepage Nanaimo Realty)
Fun Halloween activities in Nanaimo,2013 If you love the Halloween season here are a few activities you may enjoy:  Something Spooky! Nanaimo Museum’s Lantern Tours  There are hidden histories and even ghost stories connected with several downtown Nanaimo locations. - The tours take place after dusk so the tour guide will be carrying a lantern to illuminate photos. – The Lantern Tour will take participants on a walk through downtown. –Registration for the Lantern Tour is now available- please call 250 753-1821 Dates for the event are Friday, October 18th, 2013, Friday, October 25th, 2013, Wednesday, October 30th, 2013  Corn Maze Mcnabs 7 acre Corn Maze is now open daily from 10:00 am to dusk until Oct. 31. Mcnabs also offer Hayrides and visits with farm animals. There is a night maze op...
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By Lynn Donn, Homes for Sale in Nanaimo BC
(Royal Lepage Nanaimo Realty)
Nanaimo home sales for the month of September 2013 The Nanaimo real estate market has been busy. September saw a 57% increase in the sale of single family homes as compared to September 2012.  Additionally, the condo market is seeing an overall improvement in the number of sales. The following chart highlights the number of sales and average selling price per property type, for the month of Sept. 2013.  
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By Lynn Donn, Homes for Sale in Nanaimo BC
(Royal Lepage Nanaimo Realty)
The Nanaimo real estate market as of Sept 30, 2013 As I was reviewing the Nanaimo real estate market, September sales stats, I noted that the numbers supported what I had been noticing in the marketplace. Sales are up and inventory levels are low.   There were 57% more single family homes sold this September as compared to September 2012.  This is a massive increase!  However, single month stats do not always reflect the true state of the market.  To get a true feel for the state of the Nanaimo real estate market, one would need to look at year-to-date numbers. The following numbers reflect the past 12 months to date as compared to the same 12 months last year. They reflect the Percentage of changes for the number of units listed, sold and average sell price for single family homes, con...
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By Lynn Donn, Homes for Sale in Nanaimo BC
(Royal Lepage Nanaimo Realty)
Real Estate in Nanaimo - Absorption rates as of Sept. 1 2013 There has been a real upswing in Nanaimo real estate sales over the past four months. We are most definitely experiencing a sellers’ market. A sellers’ market is a real estate market where there is a low inventory of homes for sale in relation to the number of buyers that are shopping for homes. Based on sales data information I received from VIREB, I have calculated the absorption rates for real estate here in Nanaimo. This information helps me understand the real estate market in Nanaimo and where it is headed.  In addition these absorption rates assist me in advising my clients on realistic expectations on the length of time it will take to sell their home. The definition of absorption rates is the number of weeks it takes ...
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By Lynn Donn, Homes for Sale in Nanaimo BC
(Royal Lepage Nanaimo Realty)
How was the real estate market in Nanaimo in August 2013? With summer drawing to a close here in Nanaimo, it’s time to see how the real estate market really fared in August.  It was a very active market for me and many of the other Realtors I spoke to.  Additionally, there were SOLD signs all over town. It certainly felt busy, but I was curious to see what the actual sales data had to say. I spent the morning with my calculator and the statistical data I receive from the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board.  Happily, there is no doubt that the market was busy and sales were up considerably over August 2012.  Interestingly, sales were up in single family homes but also in condos, townhouses and patio homes.  The strata market has been languishing for several years now.  It is nice to see ...
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