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Nanaimo, BC Real Estate News

By Lynn Donn, Homes for Sale in Nanaimo BC
(Royal Lepage Nanaimo Realty)
Meredith Courts in Nanaimo - A Review  I was working with buyers who were looking for a nice, brand new, condo in a central location in Nanaimo.  As part of our tour of new condos we visited Meredith Courts in Nanaimo.  I was quite impressed with the units. Prices at Meredith Courts start at $199,900 plus HST.  This will buy you an 875 sq. foot 1 bedroom and den unit.  Two bedroom units appear to start at around $224,900. Plus HST The first floor homes include a small, exclusive fenced yard area with a patio and lawn.  The homes on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd floors all have 9 foot ceilings.  The 4th floor units have a loft style with two bedrooms and vaulted ceilings. There are three designer finishes to choose from and each floor plan includes stainless steel appliances, a fireplace and two...
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By Lynn Donn, Homes for Sale in Nanaimo BC
(Royal Lepage Nanaimo Realty)
Difference between Assessed Value (BC Assessment) and Market Value   Recently, VIREB has started adding the assessed value to listings that we Realtors send out to our clients.  I am not very happy about this addition.  It just causes a great deal of confusion for clients.  There is a big difference between assessed value (BC Assessment) and Market Value   Assessed value is the Provincial system by which your property taxes are based on. They take into consideration the size of the house and materials used and age factor then determine a value by which you are charged a percentage rate on. They may be higher than or lower than the market value. Typically they are often around 80% of the market value.  However, I have seen assessed values at over market value although most are well under...
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By Lynn Donn, Homes for Sale in Nanaimo BC
(Royal Lepage Nanaimo Realty)
5 bedroom home in Parkwood Estates, North Nanaimo If you are looking for a family home with plenty of space, look no further.  You will love this one owner, ground level entry home, 5 bedroom home in Parkwood Estates.  Enjoy the wonderful family environment and convenience of Parkwood Estates.  The ground floor level is fully finished and could easily be converted to a two bedroom in-law suite with separate entrance.  Full bathroom, two bedrooms, family room, large den, laundry room and huge foyer complete the downstairs. Move upstairs and enjoy entertaining in the large living room and dining room area.   The kitchen boasts oak cabinets, tile floor, and a bar area.  Enjoy your breakfast in the breakfast nook overlooking the deck and fenced backyard.  The roomy family room off the kitch...
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By Lynn Donn, Homes for Sale in Nanaimo BC
(Royal Lepage Nanaimo Realty)
Summer house selling tips Yes, summertime can be a good time to sell your Nanaimo home.  Why?  The summer is when your landscaping and outdoor spaces come alive.   Today’s buyers are looking for expanded living spaces which include the outdoors.  Below you will find a number of summer house selling tips to help you get your house sold. Outdoor spaces are a big attraction to buyers when they are looking for a house in the summertime.  In fact, according to HGTV, outdoor spaces can bring in big bucks. Here are a few features that make a house more saleable:  Built-in grills, outdoor fireplaces, gazebos, decks, patios and water features. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has identified a trend amongst young homebuyers (Gen Xers).  They are looking for homes with a connection...
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By Lynn Donn, Homes for Sale in Nanaimo BC
(Royal Lepage Nanaimo Realty)
Searching for Nanaimo properties There are a number of ways you can search for Nanaimo properties.  A large percentage of people search properties online before they begin working with a Realtor.  As of today there are 1640 Nanaimo properties for sale.  That is a staggering number of homes to weed through.  In order to make preliminary house hunting easier you can go to the MLS website and do a search there.  If you already know what neighbourhoods you are interested in you could use the interactive map on my website.  Just click on a neighbourhood on the map and you will be redirected to all the Nanaimo properties available in that neighbourhood.  Once you have a fairly good idea of what you are looking for you can move forward and hire a Realtor to assist you. A Realtor has access to ...
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By Lynn Donn, Homes for Sale in Nanaimo BC
(Royal Lepage Nanaimo Realty)
Nanaimo luxury homes The worldwide demand for luxury homes is intensifying.  The Nanaimo luxury homes market is no different. According to an article by Elton Ash, Regional Executive Vice President, RE/MAX of Western Canada, "The strength of the upper-end segment continues to defy expectations,"  He feels that Western Canada, in particular, will continue to see the upside benefit of investment from abroad."  A number of factors position Canada as an attractive option, foremost that its real estate remains a bargain by international standards, given its ranking for quality of life, political and economic stability and the strength of its property laws. To those from abroad, it's the perfect mix. "Three key factors-serious equity gains, stock market recovery, and improved economic perform...
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By Lynn Donn, Homes for Sale in Nanaimo BC
(Royal Lepage Nanaimo Realty)
Rockwood Heights Nanaimo - A Review The architecture of  Rockwood Heights in Nanaimo captures the beauty of nature and the surrounding land.  These townhouses are nestled in the hilltop, just off Barrington Road, which is just off of Rock City Road, in Departure Bay. I had the pleasure of touring these beautiful, new,  townhouses today.  There are currently three of 12Rockwood Heights townhouses built.  The Rockwood Estates town homes are the first phase of a comprehensive, master-planned, 38 acre development by Hazelwood Holdings Ltd. of Nanaimo. Chow Low Hammond Architects of Victoria have designed these homes in an environmentally responsible fashion while using the latest in high quality design and construction techniques.  I think it would be fair to say that they have been designe...
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By Lynn Donn, Homes for Sale in Nanaimo BC
(Royal Lepage Nanaimo Realty)
Luxfords on Lexington in Nanaimo - A Review The Luxfords on Lexington in North Nanaimo is my favourite place to do open houses.  I have been working opens here since last fall.  The finishing in these townhouses is unique, well thought out and well-constructed.  The developer is Saywell Developments, here in Nanaimo.  The development is backed by the National Home Warranty program. The location of the Luxfords is excellent.  They are located just off of McGirr Road in North Nanaimo which is just a short walk to Woodgrove Mall, restaurants, beach access, parks, and both levels of schools.  Public Transit is conveniently located just across the street. Two sq. footage plans are currently available:  1823 sq. feet - 3 bedrooms with the master on the main and two bedrooms and full bath upst...
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By Lynn Donn, Homes for Sale in Nanaimo BC
(Royal Lepage Nanaimo Realty)
Things to do in Nanaimo in July July is a fantastic month in Nanaimo.  It is a time to get out on the water. Many of the things to do in Nanaimo this month revolve around the water.  For example there is the Save-on-Foods Dragon Boat Festival, The Silly Boat Regatta - Sunday July 17th, The Nanaimo Marine Festival-July 21-24 and of course the world famous Bathtub Race on July 24th. Silly Boat Regatta- Now here is a fun thing to do in Nanaimo - The Silly Boat Regatta.  Last year 45 teams put together a silly boat and raced.  The boats are quite imaginative and are crafted by using such tools as duct tape and anything that may float. The teams are given four hours to build their boat and hopefully get it sea worthy. Lots of laughter at this race.  The boats race 150-200 metres depending on...
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By Lynn Donn, Homes for Sale in Nanaimo BC
(Royal Lepage Nanaimo Realty)
Nanaimo real estate statistics- June 2011 The numbers are in for June. VIREB recently released the Nanaimo real estate statistics from June 2011. It appears that we are still experiencing a buyer's market! The Cumulative Residential Average Single Family Sale Price is 2% higher than June 2010.  The average sale price was $370,322 in June 2011 compared to $$362,018.in June 2010. The following are the single family market changes for June 2011 compared with June 2010 -  There was exactly the same number of units listed this June as in June 2010. -  13% fewer units were sold this June compared to June 2010 -  The average sale price per unit for June 2011 was 2% higher than June 2010 -  The average days to sell in June 2011 were 60 days compared with June 2010 which was 46 days. According t...
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By RhondaHeaslip NanaimoRealEstate
(RE/MAX of Nanaimo)
Got a Week? If you've got loads of time of time to prepare for somethingimportant that's great. That's not always real life, though,is it? When you have to move quickly, you have to use that precious little time you have effectively.What if you had to get your home ready for sale,and you only had a week to get it done? "How in heck am I going to do that?" you may well ask.Want to woo those potential buyers effectively as well? Of course you do. So...Let's get started: • Clean the home from stem to stern. Make it look “guest ready”. • De-clutter as possible. Storage rental may be a great idea. Try to make every room look organizedand spacious. • Minor repairs: Get them done. (Squeaky doors, wall dings, burnt out light bulbs, etc.) • Replace worn mats in the foyer and at other entrances. ...
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By Lynn Donn, Homes for Sale in Nanaimo BC
(Royal Lepage Nanaimo Realty)
Nanaimo Farmers Markets As a Nanaimo Resident I think it is important to support our local farming community.  The best way to do that is to shop at Nanaimo Farmers markets. There are a number of Farmers markets in Nanaimo and surrounding areas.  I visited the BC Association of Farmers Markets' website to get information on each of the markets.  Please see below. The following Nanaimo Farmers Markets are easily accessible to Nanaimo residents: Nanaimo Downtown Farmers Market This market has over 50 vendors selling Arts/crafts, baking, beauty & bath products, Candy, Dairy items, Flowers, fruits & veges., meat, fish, organics, pet items, preserves  and chair massage and foot reflexology Bowen Road Farmers Market - Every Wednesday from 4 to 6:30 pm from mid-May until October, the Bowen Ro...
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By Lynn Donn, Homes for Sale in Nanaimo BC
(Royal Lepage Nanaimo Realty)
Dry Grad in Nanaimo I spent last Thursday night volunteering at this year's Dry Grad in Nanaimo.  What a fantastic event it was for the Nanaimo and Ladysmith grads.  Dry Grad in Nanaimo provides graduating students with the opportunity to celebrate their success at an alcohol and drug-free event.  It was a night of fun activities.  In fact, I would have loved to have been allowed to participate in some of the games and activities.  There were pool activities that included kayaking, water games, skating in the rink, competitions and so much more.  In addition to activities there were tables laden with food to keep the kids going all night.  I was in an area where there was spa services including hair, make up and henna hand painting.  I was in the clairvoyance room.  We dressed up as gyp...
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By Douglas Belcher, RE/MAX, Nanaimo ABR ePRO SRES
(Chateau Realty)
After April and May being so slow it seems that buyers are out again. The phone is ringing and showings are increasing. Buyers are taking their time however and the number of new listings seems to be increasing. Being well priced "and" well maintained is a must to be able to sell in this market. Doug Belcher RE/MAX of NanaimoNanaimo real estate
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By Douglas Belcher, RE/MAX, Nanaimo ABR ePRO SRES
(Chateau Realty)
Luxury estate living within the city. 5 bed 3 bath home on .83 acre lot with 3 car garage and a double carport. As you pull into the large circular concrete driveway you immediately get a sense that this is no ordinary home. Mature landscaping, rock walls in the front and large outdoor swimming pool in back. This fully renovated home is something special. The 5 covered parking spot give you plenty of room for R/V's, cars or your dream workshop. The large lot gives you the feeling of being in the country but you are close to schools and shopping. Heated floors in both the kitchen and downstairs bathroom, new deck, 40 yr roof, renovated kitchen, Hydro and Gas $1800/yr (including pool heat and pumps). This is the kind of home that people offer to buy when it's not on the market..act quickl...
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By Lynn Donn, Homes for Sale in Nanaimo BC
(Royal Lepage Nanaimo Realty)
Interactive map of Nanaimo neighbourhoods I am excited to introduce my new map of Nanaimo Neighbourhoods.  My brilliant web designer, Chris LaVigne has designed a wonderful interactive map of Nanaimo neighbourhoods.  This new map, available on my website, makes house hunting so easy. If you know what Nanaimo neighbourhood you are interested in, you click on that neighbourhood on the Nanaimo map, and it will re-direct you to a page of listings available in that neighbourhood. Go ahead and have a look at the map. Another wonderful search option now available on my site is that you are able to link directly to listings by neighbourhood.  If you want to skip the map page and go directly to the listings for that Nanaimo neighbourhood you can. Click on any of the following Nanaimo neighbourho...
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By Lynn Donn, Homes for Sale in Nanaimo BC
(Royal Lepage Nanaimo Realty)
Recycling Nanaimo - The Green Bin Program I am so impressed with the organized recycling in Nanaimo.  In fact, it appears that others agree that recycling in Nanaimo is exemplary.  The Regional District of Nanaimo's ZERO WASTE PROGRAM earned national recognition in early 2011 when they won a Sustainable Community Award from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. Recycling in Nanaimo expanded last October when the RDN introduced the Green Bin Program.  The program allows households to compost more food waste than a regular home composter would allow.  With a GREEN BIN one can now compost cooked food, meat, fish, bones, and some paper products. To encourage even more recycling in Nanaimo; the RDN has purchased four more trucks so that another 17,500 households can participate. The par...
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By Lynn Donn, Homes for Sale in Nanaimo BC
(Royal Lepage Nanaimo Realty)
Please insist that your kids wear helmets! I just witnessed a devastating accident between a van and a child on a bike.  I was behind a teen on his bike as I drove down Westwood Lake hill.  He was wearing flip flops and no helmet.  He was flying down that hill.  As we neared the bottom of the hill I thought to myself " he'll slow down now as there is a STOP sign".  He didn't.  Instead of stopping he sped right onto the busy road.  One car missed him but another didn't.  I watched that child fly through the air and hit the concrete.  I felt like I was watching some horrible scene from a movie.  I was in shock! I called 911 and gave a statement to the police.  The ambulance came and carried him away.  He was conscious; however I imagine he had some broken bones.  I feel devastated for tha...
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By Lynn Donn, Homes for Sale in Nanaimo BC
(Royal Lepage Nanaimo Realty)
Deer Proof your garden I love to garden.  When we first arrived in Nanaimo four years ago it became apparent, very quickly, that our first priority would be to deer proof our garden.  In fact, when we bought our house the back yard had a permanent deer path running through it.  The deer would use the path every morning and evening to enter our neighbourhood from the forest behind us.  It took us one whole summer, to get the yard to the point that it was actually deer proof. We went to great expense to raise a six foot tall fence only to discover that we needed it to be seven feet tall!  The day after we completed and paid for our six foot fence I looked out the dining room window to see a 3 point buck chowing down on my newly purchased plants.  Now our fence has a lovely trellis top tha...
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By Douglas Belcher, RE/MAX, Nanaimo ABR ePRO SRES
(Chateau Realty)
3958 Magnolia Drive, Deerwood Estates Custom 3 Bedroom/ 2 bath Rancher in Deerwood Estates. This home has a large 1 car garage, central air conditioning, ceramic tile floors, natural gas furnace, BBQ port and fireplace. Built in 2004. It is vacant and available for quick possession. Deerwood is a +55 park in a quiet setting. This home is priced to sell, call for an appointment before it's gone. Douglas BelcherRE/MAX of NanaimoYour Nanaimo Real Estate Headquarters"All offices independently owned and operated"  
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