Nanaimo and Vancouver Island News and updates

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Happy Halloween 2020

We know that Halloween is looking a little different this year but there are still a bunch of ways to make October 31st feel special and just as festive as years before. So get a costume ready and make it the happiest Halloween possible!

GAS FIREPLACE VS. ELECTRIC FIREPLACE

Everyone loves to cozy up to a fireplace in the winter. An electric or gas fireplace can be an amazing option if you don’t want to deal with the mess or safety concerns that come with burning wood. That leaves you with the choice of a gas fireplace vs. electric fireplace when you’re building a new home or renovating an existing one.

STRONG POST-COVID RECOVERY CONTINUES

Home sales recorded over Canadian MLS® Systems increased 6.2% in August 2020, raising them to another new all-time monthly record. It has been a strong summer as buyers play catch up following the loss of so much of the 2020 spring market, it really does seem that the spring market shifted into the summer.

10 Fun Fall Activities

Fall is a beautiful season — even if it does look a little different this year. Nothing about 2020 has been what anyone expected, and this fall will be no exception. Here are some of the best things to do this fall, whether you’re social distancing, staying at home, or trying to keep activities in your own backyard. Let’s keep celebrating the season, even if it’s an autumn like we’ve never seen before.

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

With the cooler temperatures and falling leaves we are reminded that the fall season is quickly upon us. As the seasons change so do our activities and the needs around the home. It’s a great time to do some seasonal maintenance to keep your home running smoothly and efficiently. Some attention now will ensure you are not caught unprepared. We’ve prepared an easy checklist to help give your home some TLC for the months ahead.

Recovery Continues in July

Much like the stock market we are seeing a rebound in sales in the Canadian and local Real Estate sector. In our local market I can almost measure the loss of sales from February to May against the increase in June and July reflecting the short-term demand shock from the housing market shutting down.

Hiking Trails of Vancouver Island

As summer winds to a close there is still plenty of time to enjoy adventurous pursuits at some of Vancouver Island’s scenic hiking trails. With weather being a perfect mix of sun and fresh breezes this is the time to explore some favourite trails or discover some new ones whether setting out on foot, two wheels or with your best canine friend. Get your camera ready for our top picks of the month!

Labour Day Long Weekend BBQ Comfort Foods

As Labour Day Long Weekend approaches the summer BBQ is called on again to bring enjoyment to family and friends. Sometimes pure comfort food is what is craved and the following summer-fresh recipes will give you some options for some hearty, meaty and hot-off-the-grill meals that suit any seasonal comfort food craving.

Sales Surge in June

Sales around the province have surged back to pre-COVID-19 levels in June. These may be temporary as pent up demand could be a factor helping push this demand forward. I am continually watching and monitoring to see if prevailing trends will remain.

Safe Camping Tips 2020

Families look forward to camping season and although we are still dealing with COVID-19, the exciting news is we are allowed to camp. As most campgrounds in our beautiful province have now reopened, we have compiled a list of safety tips that are great for camping as well as for any outdoor activity. We also have attached a handy PDF from BC Parks on their expectations of campers this summer.