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Nanaimos housing market started 2016 with strong sales, continuing the momentum created in the last quarter of 2015.

The hottest new trend paring in urban real estate; the burgeoning micro-housing movement. That dream of a household with 2.5 children, a dog, and a two-car garage may no longer be the future norm: people are staying single longer, having children later, and opting out of living in the suburbs, in favor of moving into city centers. In response to these demographic shifts—and in an effort to create more affordable options, urban housing is getting smaller. Cities like Vancouver, Seattle and San Francisco, have adopted zoning changes to allow for micro-housing, generally studios under 400 square feet.

In many respects, 2015 was a year to celebrate for our local housing market. After 5 years of below average sales, and little to no price growth, 2015 had many sellers smiling. The question people are asking, is whether the prospects for 2016 will be any better?

Are you going to be affected by the new minimum downpayment rules?

Whether you are planning to sell your house today, or planning for the future, there are a number of inexpensive improvements that will go a long way toward increasing your enjoyment of your home, while adding to its value.

2016 is almost here; and if you are anything like myself along with a new year comes the inevitable vows to lose weight, to save money or to spend more time with family and friends, but what about your home? So many of our clients want to simplify there lives, ditch the clutter or be more environmentally conscious this upcoming year? To help the process here are my top picks for t home improvement resolutions for the New Year.

Sales of single-family homes declined in October, reflecting typically slower fall market conditions. However, due to a robust spring and summer housing market, the board is on target to end out the year as one of the stronger years for sales within the last 5 years.

The Housing Market Assessment publication for Canada evaluates the extent to which there is evidence of problematic housing market conditions in selected Census Metropolitan Areas

Looking for the best way to control all the connected devices in your home? While still in its infancy, the number of smart home products – devices that let you control lighting, thermostat, security camera, or even an automatic pet feeder – from your smartphone, is rapidly growing. But how does it all work, and is a home automation system feasible for you? We asked the expert: Ryan Wenner, Director of the Wenner Group of Companies to answer our questions on home automation systems.

Phase one lots 90% sold out, One Oak town homes has only 2 left. Phase 2 new selling in Nanaimo first livable community. The Ridge introduces functional ‘traffic-calmed streets’ that enhance pedestrian safety and minimize hard surfaces to reduce storm water run-off and nurture the significant wetlands on the site. These innovative ‘sustainable streets’ allow rainwater to infiltrate the ground and be filtered by the natural vegetation. Impervious road surfaces are minimized (eliminating several acres of asphalt), resulting in cleaner water and a more natural run-off that mimics the areas original conditions. Beautiful, energy efficient homes are set in a forested mountainside setting with leafy sidewalks, community walking trails, and extensive green spaces. Majestic trees, dramatic rock outcroppings and lush wetlands are complemented by effective bioswales, indigenous landscaping and porous surfaces.

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!