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Nanaimo, BC Real Estate News

By Lynn Donn, Homes for Sale in Nanaimo BC
(Royal Lepage Nanaimo Realty)
Nanaimo real estate statistics- May 2011 The numbers are in for May. VIREB recently released the Nanaimo real estate statistics from May 2011. It definitely looks like the Nanaimo real estate market has become a buyer's market! The Cumulative Residential Average Single Family Sale Price is 2% lower than May 2010.  The average sale price was $379,405. in May 2011 compared to $388,497. in May 2010. The following are the single family market changes for May 2011 compared with May 2010 - There were 16% fewer units listed this May than May 2010. -  13% fewer units were sold this May compared to May 2010 -  The average sale price per unit for May 2011 was 2% less than May 2010 -  The average days to sell in May 2011 were 41 days compared with May 2010 which was 47 days. According to the stat...
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By Lynn Donn, Homes for Sale in Nanaimo BC
(Royal Lepage Nanaimo Realty)
Nanaimo homes for sale- this week's Best of Show Tuesday is tour day in our office.  We get to view all the houses that Realtors in our office have listed over the past week or so.   This week's tour was North Nanaimo homes for sale.  This week's winner of "Best of Show" in North Nanaimo is: 5211 COUGAR TRAIL ROAD - $499,900. This house has outstanding views of serenity, nature and wildlife in the rear of the home and mountain and valley views from the front. The property has been landscaped to perfection and includes a small flat lawn in the back, lots of custom rockwork, an oversized exposed aggregate patio and a fishpond with a waterfall. The front yard has terraced landscaping with an extra concrete parking pad for an RV or boat. The interior of the home has a traditional two-storey...
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By Lynn Donn, Homes for Sale in Nanaimo BC
(Royal Lepage Nanaimo Realty)
Nanaimo First time home buyers - opportunity of the week I am currently sitting an Open House at the Thyme Place condos on Mcgirr and Hammond Bay.  I have to admit they are lovely!  The outside of the building is unassuming - but don't let that fool you. The insides are large and roomy and very modern.  The builder has taken great pains with the sound proofing between units.  The show suite has been professionally staged and is gorgeous! I have chosen Thyme Place as this week‘s #1 pick for Nanaimo First time home buyers - opportunity of the week Priced from- $249,900 - $256,900. Plus HST This 18 unit new development in N Nanaimo has not only a great location, close to both levels of schools, shopping& recreation but offers affordability to those looking for a home with 2 bedrooms, 2 bat...
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By Douglas Belcher, RE/MAX, Nanaimo ABR ePRO SRES
(Chateau Realty)
This beautiful custom built three bedroom + den home has many features to enjoy. The home has been recently updated with new flooring. There is a wired workshop in back and lots of paved r/v storage on the left side of the home. The home is wired for a generator and has underground sprinklers. The back yard is fully fenced and landscaped. The home was built in late 2005. The surround on the natural gas fireplace was done in stone. There is an island in the large kitchen and vaulted ceilings giving it a very spacious feel. Hardwood floors have been installed in the master bedroom and den. The master bedroom is large and has a walk-in closet and en suite. There is a covered front porch and entrance and a patio through french doors off the living room. The driveway is extra wide and paved ...
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By Lynn Donn, Homes for Sale in Nanaimo BC
(Royal Lepage Nanaimo Realty)
Top 7 reasons to move and raise your family in Nanaimo Four years ago we made a decision to move our family to Nanaimo from the lower mainland.  I have to admit I was nervous about the move and worried about our kids.  We have two boys now aged 12 and 19. As many parents do, I lost numerous hours of sleep worrying about them and how they would adjust.  Fast forward four years and here we are; delighted with our choice to move to Nanaimo!  I would like to share with you why our move turned out to be such a success and why I think Nanaimo is a wonderful place to raise a family.  People - Nanaimo is made up of approximately 80,000 people.  Many of whom, like us, have moved here from elsewhere.  The people are friendly and for the most part happy to be here.  Many of them made a decision to...
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By Lynn Donn, Homes for Sale in Nanaimo BC
(Royal Lepage Nanaimo Realty)
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 inspectors very thorough inspection several deficiencies came to light.  •·  The thermostats in each room had been wired incorrectly therefore the heat could only be controlled by turning a breaker on or off. •·  The exterior doors did not have pr...
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By RhondaHeaslip NanaimoRealEstate
(RE/MAX of Nanaimo)
Does your home have a lot of personality...Too much personality?There’s nothing wrong with personality. For instance: You may have favourite family pictures on the fireplace mantle. You may also have trophies and otherawards in the kids’ bedrooms showcasing achievements thatmake you proud. How about a fridge door doubling as a bulletin board; covered with notes, a calendar,kids artwork, a shopping list, phone numbers, etc. These things that help make a house more of a "home"are part of the personality it has. But when it comes time to sell, all that personality can workagainst you. Buyers viewing your property want tovisualize themselves living there, not you and your family. You want them to see the many wonderful qualities of your home, not your stuff. Have you ever noticed how model ...
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By Lynn Donn, Homes for Sale in Nanaimo BC
(Royal Lepage Nanaimo Realty)
Nanaimo homes for sale- this week's Best of Show We had a fun tour of homes this morning.  The sun was shining and the flowers were out.   This week's tour was North Nanaimo homes for sale.  This week's winner of "Best of Show" in North Nanaimo  is:      5111 Sam's Way -$399,900. Here is a wonderful home set in a highly desirable North Nanaimo / Uplands neighbourhood. This very bright home, with great curb appeal, is located on a quiet cul-de-sac and is only a short walk to shopping, parks, bus service, Oliver Woods recreation centre and schools. The next  owner of this updated home will enjoy a terrific floor plan with three bedrooms and two baths upstairs and a fourth bedroom / den and one bath downstairs. This super clean home boasts designer paint colours, new light fixtures, therma...
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By Lynn Donn, Homes for Sale in Nanaimo BC
(Royal Lepage Nanaimo Realty)
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 factor in housing value. 2.  Mortgage payments will stay the same each year - If you get a fixed rate mortgage when you buy a home, you have the same monthly payment amount for the duration of your term.  For example if you lock in for five years you wil...
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By RhondaHeaslip NanaimoRealEstate
(RE/MAX of Nanaimo)
Spread the word. Ready to sell your home?At this time your REALTOR® should devise aplan to quickly spread the word topotential buyers who are currentlylooking for a property like yours. Now, Here's how you can help. Make a list of everyone you know in your personal and professionalnetwork:   family, friends neighbours colleagues anyone else who comes to mind     2. Contact them by phone,email, facebook, twitter, or letter, andlet them know that your home is now onthe market. Some of your contacts may know peoplelooking for a home like yours, but if they don't know your home is on the market a great opportunity that might be out there could be missed. Broadening your exposure is always a good thing and may be just the ticket to a quicker sale.
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By Lynn Donn, Homes for Sale in Nanaimo BC
(Royal Lepage Nanaimo Realty)
Stephenson Point Neighbourhood Association AGM Last night I attended the 2011 Stephenson Point Neighbourhood Association AGM.  I didn't just attend I spent the evening madly scribbling the minutes as the new secretary.  The position was available so I thought it would be a great opportunity to keep up-to-date on the goings on in my neighbourhood. Some of the agenda items were: *  Update on the Century Group development: They are still in the process of completing development permit approval.  Construction should start sometime in 2012. *  Traffic concerns once the Century Group development begins. There will be additional traffic on Wavecrest, Meadowland and Greyhawk. *  The new stairs on Stephenson Point end in a landing and do not allow access to the swimming area on the beach.  City ...
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By Lynn Donn, Homes for Sale in Nanaimo BC
(Royal Lepage Nanaimo Realty)
Nanaimo homes for sale- this week's Best of Show Every week our office does a tour of new listings. This week's tour was North Nanaimo homes for sale.  This week's winner of "Best of Show" in North Nanaimo  is: 3425 Planta Road - $449,900. Executive home in Stephenson Point. This immaculate 2,800sqft, 5 bed, 3 bath home has been significantly updated. The main floor features a spacious liv rm/din w/Brazilian cherry hardwood flrs, gas fpl w/slate surround. Enter the kitchen through 1 of 2 sets of French doors to a spacious cooking area w/stone backsplash, pot/track lighting. The tiled flooring carries through to the eating nk where sliding drs will bring you to the fully fenced backyard, patio - perfect for summer BBQ's.There is a cozy family rm adjacent to the kitchen/nk area-great for ...
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By Lynn Donn, Homes for Sale in Nanaimo BC
(Royal Lepage Nanaimo Realty)
 What I love most about living in Stephenson Point, Nanaimo   We are approaching our fourth summer of living in Nanaimo.  We moved here from the mainland almost four years ago.  There are so many lovely neighbourhoods in Nanaimo and the one we settled on was Stephenson Point.  It is situated on a point jutting into the entrance to Departure Bay.  By road you would access it by turning onto Stephenson Point Road off of Hammond Bay Road.  A good landmark to watch for is the signs for the Biological Centre.  The thing I love most about living in Stephenson Point is - yes! The ferries.  I would never have guessed it but I honestly find watching the ferries sail in and out of Departure Bay to be very moving.  They are quite majestic as they glide along.  We have a fence in our back yard to k...
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By Lynn Donn, Homes for Sale in Nanaimo BC
(Royal Lepage Nanaimo Realty)
Nanaimo homes for sale- this week's Best of Show Every week our office does a tour of new listings. This week's tour was Central Nanaimo homes for sale.  This week's winner of "Best of Show" in central Nanaimo  is: 1078 COLLEGE DRIVE This College Heights home enjoys beautiful views of Newcastle Island, Protection Island, Departure Bay, Nanaimo Harbour, Georgia Strait & Mainland Mountains. Homes behind are quite a bit lower, so the view is even outstanding from the lower floor & back yard. The landscaping is second to none with a sprinkler system and a custom waterfall /stream that runs from the top of the property to the small pond in the back yard. There are so many places to sit & enjoy depending on your mood. Listen to the babbling of the stream, watch the ferry come in, or enjoy the...
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By Lynn Donn, Homes for Sale in Nanaimo BC
(Royal Lepage Nanaimo Realty)
Nanaimo's  new zoning bylaw The city of Nanaimo is in the process of drafting a new zoning bylaw.  They are proposing to rezone all properties in Nanaimo if it is adopted.  A zoning bylaw advises builders, and potential purchasers how a particular property is to be used.  The bylaw regulates the siting, height and density of buildings permitted on a lot.  Nanaimo's proposed new zoning bylaw includes a number of significant changes, including: • Smaller residential lot size requirements. • New Corridor Zones that, for the first time ever in a zoning bylaw for Nanaimo, will establish a minimum height and maximum setback requirement. • Additional density rewarded to sustainable building practices. • Increase the height and size for detached secondary suites, in order to permit a carriage h...
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By RhondaHeaslip NanaimoRealEstate
(RE/MAX of Nanaimo)
fDi Magazine Ranks Nanaimo in Top 10 Micro-Cities   According to fDi Magazine, my home town of Nanaimo, British Columbia, is ranked in the top ten American Micro-Cities of the future. Nanaimo came in at #3 for Infrastructure and at #5 for Quality of Life. It's no wonder I love living here...and these findings are no surprise to me, quite frankly. I have lived all over Canada with my Dad's military career, as well as my own. Where did I choose to settle? Right here in beautiful Nanaimo, that's where. Nanaimo is big enough to offer a lot for you to enjoy and do, yet small enough to still be a warm, friendly city in which to live. If you want to know more about Nanaimo, contact me and I'll be glad to show you around! Read what the Nanaimo Daily News had to say on this as well. Come and vis...
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By Lynn Donn, Homes for Sale in Nanaimo BC
(Royal Lepage Nanaimo Realty)
Real Estate in Nanaimo and the Baby boomers Ever since the 1950's baby boomers have made a huge impact on everything consumer oriented including real estate.  Real Estate in Nanaimo and the baby boomers  is no different in terms of impacting the market.  I have just read the TD Canada Trust Boomer Buyers Report.  With baby boomers reaching retirement age it stands to reason that a change in living accommodation will follow.  How will this change impact the Nanaimo real estate market in particular? According to the report the following information was learned: •·    Boomers in B.C. are least likely to say they will continue to live in their current home during retirement (40% versus 49% nationally). •·    B.C. boomers are following the national trend and plan to down-size for their next ...
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By Lynn Donn, Homes for Sale in Nanaimo BC
(Royal Lepage Nanaimo Realty)
Should you list your house when your neighbour's house is also for sale? After much discussion and humming and hawing you finally decide to list your house.  Just as you are preparing to call your Realtor you notice that your neighbour's house is also for sale! This scenario plays out quite often particularly during a busy spring market.  So, what should you do? I take the stance that having the neighbour's house for sale is a bonus!  A bonus!  How can having competition on your own street be a bonus?  It's called exposure and exposure sells houses. The neighbour's house is going to attract attention as will your house.  There will be interest from buyers, neighbours and other Realtors.  Many a home has been sold when a buyer comes into a neighbourhood to view one home only to end up vi...
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By Lynn Donn, Homes for Sale in Nanaimo BC
(Royal Lepage Nanaimo Realty)
Another great reason to relocate to Nanaimo If you are considering a move to Nanaimo you now have another great reason to relocate to Nanaimo.  According to the Financial Times fDi Magazine's,  recently released report on Cities of the Future, Nanaimo has a bright future indeed! Nanaimo placed fifth on a list of the "top 10 micro cities" for quality of life, as determined by statistics such as life expectancy at birth, hospital beds per 1,000 people, household income and the crime rate.  The report covered micro cities in North and South America. fDi placed Nanaimo third on a list of microcities for infrastructure, behind winner Wilmington, Del., and Campana, Argentina. According to the magazine, a city is a "micro city" if it has a population under 100,000 . It was interesting to note ...
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By Douglas Belcher, RE/MAX, Nanaimo ABR ePRO SRES
(Chateau Realty)
Financial Times magazine "fDi" http://www.fdiintelligence.com/ has ranked Nanaimo as one of the top cities under 100,000 people for quality of life. Life expectancy, hospital beds/1000 people, household income and crime rate were some of the factors used to judge some 400 North and South American cities. It also ranked 3rd for infrastructure with internet speeds, distance to airports, port size and environmental performance some of the factors used to judge. This is only a view years after Time Magazine said Nanaimo was the Capital of Google Earth. Conde Naste travel magazine has several times noted Vancouver Island as a top Island destination. Call me if you would like to consider relocating to this fabulous city where you can golf from March to October.   Doug Belcher RE/MAX of Nanaim...
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