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Nanaimo and Vancouver Island News and updates
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Vancouver Island Summer Events 2019
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 surrounding areas during the summer months!
Slower Than Average Spring Housing Market Continues
Sales of single-family homes in May board-wide dropped by 12 per cent but rose by 11 per cent from April. Last month, 459 single-family homes sold on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System compared to 412 the previous month and 519 in May 2018. Sales of apartments dipped by seven per cent year over year while townhouse sales increased by 19 per cent. The British Columbia Real Estate Association reports that on a seasonally adjusted basis, sales in the VIREB area are close to 2014 levels, and current market conditions are expected to continue into the fall.
Fun things to do with Dad this Father’s Day
This coming Father’s Day weekend is a time to celebrate DAD. We have compiled a list of some fun events happening in and around Nanaimo this Father’s Day. You are sure to make some lasting memories!
Pros and Cons of Artificial Grass
As the weather warms up and we start to venture outdoors, around the neighbourhoods far and wide are the sounds of lawn mowers being dusted off and roaring to life. The unmistakable smell of a freshly cut lawn means spring at last but as time becomes more and more precious the argument of artificial grass versus a live lawn is an interesting debate.
Easter Activities in Nanaimo 2019
Easter Long Weekend is fast approaching and we have compiled a list of some family fun activities happening in and around Nanaimo for you to partake in. Events are indoor and outdoor with activities sure to delight young and old. Peruse our list and check out the links for all the specific details. So read on and start planning!
Local Realtor, DEREK GILLETTE Top Producer
Congratulations to Derek Gillette for the prestigious recognition and being ranked and awarded as one of the top producers in Canada and Internationally within the RE/MAX network of over 123,000 plus Realtors in over 100 countries worldwide, through the RE/MAX International Network!
Guideline B-20 Continues to Dampen Housing Sales
Guideline B-20 Stress test continues to impact housing sales in BC but Vancouver Island is a bit more sheltered. The Vancouver Island Real Estate Board, which stretches from North of the Malahat on Vancouver Island, reported sales of single-family homes in February dropped by 28% year over year but were up 10% from January.
Spring Maintenance Checklist for Your Home
Spring is finally in the air and it’s the perfect time to get your home looking its best for when our gorgeous Vancouver Island weather arrives! Start checking off our to-do list to get your home looking shipshape for Spring!
Prices still rise but Mortgage Stress Test slowing Vancouver Island Housing Sales
Despite lower demand year-over-year benchmark prices of single-family homes continue to rise board-wide, up around nine per cent from January 2018. Price increases in individual markets ranged from five per cent in Nanaimo to 17 per cent in Port Alberni. Although Vancouver Island has felt the effects of the mortgage stress test. Also referred as Guideline B-20. The toll on single-family housing sales throughout the province in January dropped by 28 per cent from one year ago, albeit they did rise by 23 per cent from December 2018. General demand is lower while potential Buyers adjust however there still is very little supply in active price points keeping the markets somewhat balanced.
Nanaimo-Vancouver Anticipated Commuter Ferry Launch
Nanaimo residents have long awaited an alternate option of getting to the Mainland in an affordable and timely way. The dream of a high-speed commuter passenger ferry service between downtown Nanaimo and a berth at the SeaBus terminal at the Waterfront Station in downtown Vancouver is finally looking like a reality!
Housing Market in 2018 Performed as Expected
Annual sales of single-family homes in 2018 totalled 4,543, a 19 per cent drop from 2017. However, this reduction reflects the market returning to more normal levels after the robust housing markets witnessed in 2016 and 2017. Government policy-side measures introduced to cool the market, such as the mortgage stress test (Guideline B-20), eroded the purchasing power of some prospective home buyers by as much as 20 per cent. Despite lower demand, however, year-over-year benchmark prices of single-family homes continue to rise board-wide, up 10 per cent from December 2017.