Vancouver Island Real Estate Blog

4 Tips for Creating a Home Gym With Limited Space

There's no need for an expensive gym membership or high-tech equipment to slim down this year. Here are a few suggestions for creating a home gym, even in a small space:

1. Designate a space

Regardless of whether your workout space is an entire room or just the width of a yoga mat, take steps to separate it from the rest of your living area. Experts agree a dedicated space helps keep you motivated. A room divider can help separate your equipment from the rest of your life — and prevent it from becoming a drying rack for your laundry.

2. Admire and inspire

A $10 mirror can make all the difference when it comes to checking your alignment and preventing injury. It can also give you a way...

What’s More Important: Style or Location?

What’s more important when it comes to buying a home? The style and size of the house? Or the neighbourhood it’s in?

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Whether “location” or “style” tops your must-have list, I can help you find what you’re looking for. I’d be happy to discuss your style and location needs in person. You can find my information below.

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5 Reasons to Buy a Condo

While affordability plays a big part in condos’ rise in popularity, it’s not the only reason Canadians are interested in them.

1. Affordability

Condos are seen everywhere from bustling urban centres to sleepy suburban pockets, but since we’re talking affordability (or lack thereof) let’s see where they fall in relation to their single-detached counterparts in Canada’s priciest housing markets – Toronto and Vancouver.  According to recent figures reported by the Toronto Real Estate Board, the average price of a condo in the 416 was $555,004. While that price was up 20.9...

Moving Tips That Will Save You Time And Money!

How many times do you swear up and down that you will be very organized for your next move? Compared to the last time you moved when you quickly shoved everything into boxes scrambling to your new digs. Well, this time, things will be different. We have put together a few suggestions for you think about before and after your move. Some very simple tips will go a long way to improving the entire stressful process!

1. Pack a bag containing all the essentials for a weekend away

This may sound a bit strange at first, but if you have enough to keep you going for a few days, likely you could go longer if something happens during the move. If you were heading out for the weekend you would pack a couple pairs of shoes, under garments, t-shirts, pants, toiletries, wallet, keys, and maybe a few other essentials....

10 Free Things You Didn't Know You Could Do In Nanaimo, BC

Activities are fun, but it's not always easy to find fun things to do that don’t cost you an arm and a leg! Whether you're on a tight budget or looking to save money without staying home all weekend, there are plenty of ways to explore Nanaimo without spending a dime! The following 10 things to do for free in Nanaimo, BC are just a sample of what this amazing harbour city has to offer!

1. Explore Bowen Park

Bowen Park is a 36-hectare park that is mainly undeveloped lush forest, which makes it the perfect setting for exploring interpretive trails. The Millstone River meanders through the wooded area adding to the mystique of this gorgeous park. Within this area is a scenic waterfall, fish ladder, duck pond, and an amazing rhododendron grove with over 350 different species. If nature is not enough of a draw...

Nanaimo Neighbourhood Spotlight: University District

University 2Affectionately known by locals as "Harewood," University District was once a predominantly rural area. Today, this up and coming neighbourhood is attracting a different demographics: first-time homeowners (especially VIU students) and avid investors. In the last decade, the city has made enormous strides to improve the livability of this area for students and longtime residents alike. Old shopping plazas have been refreshed with major renovations, derelict buildings removed to make way for new developments, and new homes are popping up all over the neighborhood, adding a fresh feel to the mature streets. 

Thanks to these efforts, property values in the University District...

Best Places to Live in Nanaimo for Families

Nanaimo is a great place for families. It's centrally located, offers endless programs and activities for all ages, has a strong economy, and offers a well-balanced lifestyle in a growing city with hints of rural appeal. Surrounded by views of the stunning Coast Mountains, and the beautiful Pacific Ocean makes Nanaimo a livelihood that's very hard to top. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, there's a great influx of new residents and families finding themselves in the Nanaimo real estate market, curious about where the best place is to call home. 

Here's a break down on where to find the best Nanaimo community for your family when it comes to convenience, location, and safety:

Surrounded by views of the stunning Coast Mountains, and the beautiful Pacific Ocean makes Nanaimo a livelihood that's very hard to top. Living here...

What Is Your Home Really Worth? Assessed and Market Value Explained!

Now that the most recent British Columbia property assessments are in hand, there may be some lingering questions about how the B.C. Assessment Authority determines home values in your region. The Nanaimo real estate experts at Layzell, Dreger, Walton & Associates hope that we can clear up some misnomers about what your home is really worth, and to help you feel more informed about the difference between assessed value vs. market value.

As a home buyer or home seller, it's always wise to inform ourselves about the many different facets of what home ownership entails. These facets can include anything from possible rental revenue, added strata fees, to municipal home assessments that will impact our annual financial status.

The first thing we'd like to clear up is the difference between...

How to Buy Your First Home in Nanaimo's Competitive Market

Nanaimo is one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, and for good reason. With a mild climate, breathtaking coastal scenery, and a growing number of amenities for residents of every age, our beautiful city has a lot to offer. However, it's no secret that Nanaimo's real estate market is booming, and current homeowners are consistently surprised when they find out how much their home is worth

Unfortunately, many eager first-time home seekers are finding that rising home costs are pushing their dream of home ownership further from reach. If you're sick of renting and are ready to own, here's what you need to know about buying your first home in Nanaimo's hot housing market: 

1) Set Realistic Expectations & Stay Positive

Many...

5 Fun Nanaimo Events other than the Nanaimo Marine Festival

Nanaimo Kinsmen Beer FestivalThe Harbour City is famous for a lot of things: coal, Nanaimo Bars, and the Nanaimo Marine Festival. Thousands attend the annual bathtub races where brave riders face the elements and race the treacherous waters of the Salish Sea in a bathtub. But did you know that there are other festivals and events that take place in town, none of which involve bathtubs? If you're visiting Nanaimo, and looking for something fun to do other than attend the bathtub races at the Nanaimo Marine Festival, read on.

Nanaimo Kinsmen Beer Festival

  • Early April
  • Beban Social Center
  • $30 per person (includes commemorative sampling glass and 5 sampling tickets)

Craft beer lovers unite. The Nanaimo Kinsmen Beer Festival is the Vancouver Island’s largest celebration...