Sales of single-family homes in August were seven per cent higher than in July but dipped by 14 per cent from August 2017.

September is typically a busy month with kids going back to school and outdoor enthusiasts trying to squeeze in a few more island adventures before the weather turns cold. So although you are probably trying to take advantage of those final lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer, we thought we’d help get you started with your home maintenance checklist for September. With cooler climates looming, you’ll soon be taking refuge inside, so it's a good time to think about giving your home a little TLC.

Prices of single-family homes, apartments, and townhouses continue to rise in the VIREB area despite cooling sales in certain markets. Last month, 437 single-family homes sold on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System compared to 438 in June and 556 one year ago, a decrease of 21 per cent.

We have had such a gorgeous summer here on Vancouver Island and some of the most fun activities before the cooler weather comes is making the most of being outdoors. Why not combine your summer outings with a chance to keep in shape with these very easy and fun ideas!

Summer has finally arrived on the West Coast and with kids on summer break and out of town family coming to visit, it's hard to decide what to do. Worry no more! This blog covers several events that will be fun for the whole family; and they're all happening right here in Nanaimo and throughout Vancouver Island during the summer months!

The benchmark price of a single-family home in the Vancouver Island Board area broke the $500,000 mark in May, rising to $507,700, a 17 per cent increase from one year ago. With Nanaimo above the $525,000 mark. Single-family homes are down 17 per cent from last year but posted a month-over-month increase of nine per cent. Last month, 520 single-family homes sold on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System compared to 476 in April and 630 one year ago.

Finally it's the time of the year to bask in some warm weather and enjoy our West Coast cuisine in the great outdoors! The conditions are perfect to put your barbecue into action, so gather the family and friends and enjoy those long summer days. Whether you are at home or off camping, look here for a list of some West Coast signature recipes.

Summer is almost here and while we wait with excitement for long hot days, beach time, family vacations and endless outdoor activities, the reality is that it can be an extremely busy time. If your home is on the market or if you are thinking of selling, you might want to keep in mind the following tips:

As we enter the spring market we will see an increase in activity. We did see home sales drop slightly in March and April 2018, likely due to a combination of government policy changes, stricter mortgage qualification rules, and consumer uncertainty surrounding new provincial taxes. Last month, 399 single-family homes sold on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) compared to 316 in February and 482 one year ago in the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board.

Savoring produce at the peak of freshness, meeting the people who raise and grow your food, and admiring the wares of talented artisans and craftspeople; there are countless reasons for supporting our Island’s Farmers' Markets. Listen to live music while you shop for locally made coffee, baking, jams & jellies, honey, jewellery, pottery, textiles, plants, flowers, wine, meat, and exceptional produce! At the Farmers' Market, you’ll find an amazing array of fruits and vegetables that you don’t see in your average supermarket: red carrots, rainbows of heirloom tomatoes, purple cauliflower, green garlic, watermelon radishes, and more. Food as real as it gets—fresh from the farm, and an added bonus, these farmers, ranchers, butchers, fisherman and artisans are also passionate cooks; who better to give plenty of free advice about how to cook the foods they are selling.