Nanaimo and Vancouver Island News and updates
Blog
Home Design in 2025 and What’s Shaping 2026.
Home Design in 2025, and What’s Shaping 2026 In 2025, interior design moved away from a single dominant aesthetic and toward something more layered, expressive, and personal. Rather than chasing trends, designers began focusing on homes as places of story, identity, and emotional depth. Leading voices across the industry — from editors at Architectural Digest […]
Before You React to your BC Assessment. Read This!
Our Take on BC Assessments in Nanaimo It happens every January like clockwork. The blue BC Assessment notices start hitting mailboxes from Hammond Bay to Chase River, and our phones at Gillette & Associates start ringing with the same questions: “Did my house value really jump that much?” “Why does this number look lower than […]
Nanaimo Raked #1 for Quality of Life in British Columbia and 2nd in Canada.
Nanaimo: A West Coast Lifestyle That’s Easy to Love There’s a reason Nanaimo keeps showing up in conversations about quality of life. Set between the Salish Sea and rolling forested hills, this Vancouver Island city offers something increasingly rare: a lifestyle that feels both connected and unhurried. Life here isn’t defined by one big moment […]
Vancouver Island Winter Activities: Cozy Micro-Adventures Close to Home
Vancouver Island Winter Activities: Cozy Micro-Adventures Close to Home Winter is full of simple Vancouver Island winter activities that don’t require traveling far from home — small moments that make the season feel special. Whether it’s the mist rolling off the ocean, the smell of cedar after a fresh rain, or the rhythm of waves […]
Cozy Holiday Hosting — The Effortless Trend Everyone Loves
Cozy holiday hosting is becoming the effortless trend everyone loves this season, replacing stressful dinners with warm, relaxed gatherings that feel inviting and fun. Why This Hosting Trend Is Taking Over People are shifting toward get-togethers that feel authentic instead of perfectly staged — and this relaxed style makes that possible. Guests want warmth, conversation, […]
What Is the Minimum Credit Score to Buy a House in BC?
Minimum Credit Score to Buy a House in BC | 2026 Mortgage Guide If you’re planning to purchase a home in British Columbia, understanding the minimum credit score to buy a house in BC is essential. Lenders rely heavily on your credit score to determine eligibility, interest rates, and the type of mortgage you […]
Santa helps review Nanaimo November 2025 Market Report!
Nanaimo Real Estate Market Report – November 2025: Assessment vs. Reality & the Floorplans Buyers Want Market Intelligence As part of this Nanaimo market report for November 2025, we’re seeing a clear pattern in the single-family segment: buyers are active, but disciplined. They’re prioritizing practical 3–4 bedroom layouts and watching the spread between assessed value […]
Vancouver Island Holiday Events This December
It’s beginning to feel a lot like the holidays on Vancouver Island—twinkling lights along the coast, festive markets, and crisp sea air. In this guide to Vancouver Island holiday events 2025, we’ve gathered the best markets, light displays, and seasonal celebrations happening across the Island. 1. Vancouver Island Holiday Markets 2025 Holiday markets are a […]
November Market Update
November Market Update (Reflecting October Data) Prepared for Gillette & Associates This fall’s market is looking more balanced and predictable—a welcome shift compared with the volatility seen in major urban centers. According to VIREB, October recorded 649 total sales across all property types, down 9% year-over-year. Inventory also tightened slightly, with 3,838 active listings, 4% […]
Most First-Time Buyers Don’t Realize They Could Save Thousands!
Design Notes: October Inspiration from Near and Far
Because great design doesn’t just happen in studios or showrooms — it begins with how we live, how we notice, and how we draw inspiration from the world around us. And this October, there’s plenty to be inspired by, both here at home and across the globe.
