Archives 2021

Backyard Gardening in Victoria - Showcase Your Home

Posted by Niels Madsen on December 14, 2021

The west coast is famed for the spectacular beauty and diversity of its fauna, with some of the best gardens and forest areas in the world. But what about something a little closer to home? 

It’s true that some of the same conditions, the temperate rainforests, towering trees, and ample space, that make this area so beautiful, also pose their own unique challenges to home gardeners. Not to mention the increasingly unpredictable weather cycles and seasons! 

But ultimately it’s worth it to get that spectacular garden that can make your home feel more like a home, and provide exceptional value when it comes to the time to sell. 

So here’s our look at what you need to know to make the most of your Victoria backyard garden, and why gardens are so important to us as homeowners, and realtors!

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Christmas Events in Victoria 2021

Posted by Niels Madsen on November 23, 2021

Victoria is a magical and beautiful place to spend the holidays, with plenty of lights and events throughout the city. Here are just some of the events taking place for Christmas, including parades, markets, performances, lights, tours, and brunches with Santa!

Don't forget to check out local coffee shops and restaurants as well for their Christmas specials! 

Please note that events can still be cancelled or moved online, so please check the event website for the latest up to date information.

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2021 Halloween Events in Victoria

Posted by Niels Madsen on October 3, 2021

Halloween season is here! Not just a single day, it’s a whole season where tricks and treats happen for the whole family. From ghost walks to corn mazes to exhibitions, here we take a look at what is going on around Victoria during this spooky season. While there’s not as many as previous years to due the pandemic, there are still many fun events happening around the city.

Check before booking anywhere for opening times and vaccine requirements.

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How to Recycle Items in Victoria from Appliances To Toys

Posted by Niels Madsen on September 20, 2021

When moving to a new area, it is important that you get an understanding of how all of the systems work, but learning a neighbourhood's system can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. From figuring out the days of the week when the truck comes to pick up the garbage, to what they will pick up, and how to recycle or compost, is not always something easily discovered.

We want to make sure that this is an easier task for you, and so we have put together some information for the Capital Regional District’s recycling program in Victoria.

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Last Time Home Buyers - Things to Consider

Posted by Niels Madsen on August 27, 2021

There is plenty of information and focus on First Time Home Buyers, understandably so as it is a big milestone and achievement in someone’s life. But something that doesn’t get spoken about too often is the idea of a Last Time Home Buyer. 

Of course you don’t always know for sure when your last home will be purchased, however there are some life decisions and stages that can make the distinction clear. 

Usually, a last time home buyer will be in their golden years of life, and will have to make decisions about downsizing, renting out a house, who will get the house in the will, or even how and when to move into an assisted living or retirement community. All these decisions are big and daunting, but here are a few things to consider. 

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Considerations When Deciding Between a House or Condo

Posted by Niels Madsen on July 19, 2021

When choosing the type of property you want to purchase, you’ll be bombarded with many different choices. You need to consider a variety of factors, such as the size of the property, features like if you want your own yard or if a management company handles any of the outdoor/community upkeep, and the types of financing available to purchase the property.

With the increase in buildings being constructed, there is a varied choice of whether to purchase a house or a condo. Note that this blog is talking about a condo, and not an apartment, as technically an apartment is a rental unit, whereas while a condo exists in a building with other units, it is individually owned.

It’s not just the technical label, but there are lots of other technical and practical aspects to deciding between a house and a condo, which will be discussed here.

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Summer Events in Victoria

Posted by Niels Madsen on June 7, 2021

Despite restrictions, there are still many events taking place in Victoria this summer for you and your family to enjoy. From markets, museums, music, and events, there is plenty happening to have an exciting and enjoyable summer right here in the city. Here are a few activities and things to do both in person and online. 

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What to Consider When Purchasing Real Estate with a Friend

Posted by Niels Madsen on May 20, 2021

In this day and age, owning property can feel like an impossible goal. On top of the down payment for your new home, you’ll have to consider the cost of the mortgage, maintenance, repairs, and more mundane things like decorating and finding the furniture you love.

When you ask the questions, the answers might lead you to consider making your real-estate purchase with a friend, relative, or someone else who’s in the same situation as you.

But how do you go about buying a property with someone else? As a co-owner, how do you protect your investment? What do you need to consider when drawing up a co-ownership arrangement?

Read on to learn the answers to these questions and why you may want to consider an arrangement like this.

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Buying a House Without Seeing it in Person

Posted by Niels Madsen on April 19, 2021

If you’ve begun looking for a house or even thought about it, you’ve probably been to websites that show listings in your area. You can see a few photos, check out the walking score for the neighborhood, and book a showing with the real estate agent on the listing.

But what if the house you’re looking for is too far away for you to take that step?

Is it possible to get enough information to purchase the home you want responsibly and without regret?

The answer is, with the right tools, a resounding “yes”!

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Which Municipality Is Right For You? Metchosin, Saanich, and Sidney

Posted by Niels Madsen on March 25, 2021

If you’re looking to find a new home, then the location is going to be one of the most important factors in your decision. But it can be so hard to get a good feel for an area before you move. 

You don’t just need to find a good area — you need to find the right area for you. That’s why we’ve been running a series of articles to give you the lowdown on each municipality and help you to pick the right one for you.

This is our third in our “Which Municipality Is Right For You” series.

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Renting Out A Suite: What You Need To Know

Posted by Niels Madsen on February 28, 2021

For many BC homeowners, renting out a suite is a valuable source of secondary income. If this is something you’re considering, then you not only need to consider exactly what that will entail, you will also need to be mindful of being in compliance with all the relevant rules and regulations.

With that in mind, here’s our primer to everything you need to know before renting out a suite.

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Which Municipality is Right for You? Victoria, Esquimalt and Oak Bay

Posted by Niels Madsen on January 25, 2021

When choosing a new home, location is of course hugely important. You don’t just need to find a good area — you need to find the right area for you. 

To help you do just that, we’re running the second in our “Which Municipality Is Right For You” series. If you haven’t read the first, just click here to find out about the Westshore.

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