Dockside Realty News
2017 was a slower year overall for the Greater Victoria Regional District real estate markets, there were 15.8% fewer sales than in 2016. With the multiple offer scenario diminishing, the market has moved from a seller’s market to a more balanced market between buyers and sellers.
Pender Island currently has an all record low inventory of 42 Properties and Saturna has 33.
Victoria Real Estate Board President announced 9.7% fewer sales in October this year than in 2016 with a very low inventory.
On Pender Island we have seen 105 sales January 1 – October 31, 2017, only slightly lower than in 2016, with 8 Sales in October 2017 as well as 8 in October 2016.
Support our local island community by shopping locally for gifts this holiday season! There are many amazing local businesses right here that offer special somethings for your special someones. Here are some ideas and suggestions:
Politics function through cooperation between three main entities on Pender and Saturna Islands; the Saanich North and the Islands elected representatives of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, the Capital Regional District (CRD), and the Islands Trust. Each of these entities is responsible for different components of governance on Pender and Saturna Islands. When we speak of the government on the Southern Gulf Islands we are usually referring to either one of these components or areas where their responsibilities overlap and meet.
Buying a house can be stressful for a good number of reasons. Some people find buying a home more stressful than losing a job, going through a divorce or even going bankrupt!
As experienced Real Estate professionals we've worked through the gamut of home buying experiences with our clients and we know what can make buying property more or less stressful. We put a lot of care into preparing our buyers and working closely with them through the many steps involved with buying property. Being as prepared as you can is an important part of preventing home buying stress.
The Victoria Real Estate Board announced for the first time that prices dropped there by 1.3% since July 2017. This is very rare for the Victoria area as prices have continued to rise for several years. VREB President Ari Balabanian doesn't believe this is a trend but that perhaps buyers are waiting for prices to drop a bit after the busy summer market.
If you are planning to go to Open Houses in Victoria, BC or surrounding areas in the region you could benefit from being prepared with some ideas of what to look for. Here is a starting point, a list of 5 things to check out when you go to an Open House.
The activity levels in the Victoria, Pender, and Saturna Markets continue to be brisk. Victoria has seen a real increase in the lower end properties which are condos and townhomes and a slowdown in the higher end properties. Overall there were 18.7% fewer sales for the month of July c
The Southern Gulf Islands are known for their 'cool Mediterranean' climate where grapes and olives can be grown. This region of BC, Canada offers unique benefits and challenges for gardeners.
Here we are at the beginning of August. It's been a spooky start, with the smoke from the interior fires lying low over the islands and water. It has resulted in stunning lighting throughout the day as the sun is filtered through the smoke, making for perfect instagram moments.