As environmentally conscious consumers we at DG|associates are constantly looking for energy-saving products to help the environment and save money. With so many manufacturers offering more “green” gadgets than ever before it can be almost impossible to choose. In order to help you decide which gadgets are right for you we have assembled a list of our top 6 gadgets we believe are worth the investment!

We are in an information age where almost limitless information is at your fingertips yet there are still several mistakes that buyers typically make that end up costing them money, time and stress. Carefully choosing your Realtor who is committed to devoting the time and has the experience needed to save you energy, stress and money is key to avoiding these mistakes or others.

Last month, 431 single-family homes sold on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) compared to 405 in September 2014, an increase of six per cent. Month over month, sales decreased by 1.8 per cent from August 2015.

Long since popular in Europe, the concrete house now makes its way to Canada’s west coast! While still a very niche market, concrete homes are gaining popularity amongst buyers seeking more energy efficient and comfortable living experiences. Some of the key benefits to this building technology include lower energy bills, great comfort and quiet, lower repair and maintenance costs. They are pest proof, fire resistant and offer a healthier indoor environment. However, without any first-hand experience, I decided to ask the Mayer family of Nanaimo BC about their experience building and living in a concrete home.

Fall is the perfect time to take care of the little things that can make a big difference for you and your home. Some of these tasks are with-in the average person's ability, but even if you choose to have a professional handle them, it's worth the expense. You'll save money in comparison to costly repairs.

There has been a lot of talk in recent months about the “Passive House”, a trend that has dominated the mainstream architecture and design media. If you are like the majority of home purchasers who have questions about this popular new type of house, read on for everything you need to know.

Tesla Motors Inc. introduced its Powerwall home battery last week as part of their new venture in Tesla Energy – a company focused on energy innovation. As we have many Vancouver Island recreation properties off the grid which could benefit from this we also think some Nanaimo homes might also see the advantage with adding extra solar power to keep them charged and lowering power consumption.

Nanaimo took the seventh spot in a list of Cottage Life’s 10 loveliest coastal towns, amongst some other great BC locations such as Prince Rupert, Saltspring Island, and Tofino!

We are happy to be chosen as a finalists for the Vancouver Island Building Excellence Awards in the Best Marketing Campaign category! For our work on the Ridge in Nanaimo. Without the vision of Century Group to build such a wonderful and sustainable development we would not have had the opportunity to put together such an amazing brand for the Ridge. Stop in and see the display home or watch our video at www.ridgeliving.ca