Archives 2023

National Truth and Reconciliation Day 2023

Posted by Niels Madsen on September 11, 2023

On September 30th we will recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This is a day where we must support Indigenous communities and come together in honouring, acknowledging, and recognizing those affected by the residential school system that harmed countless people across generations and the entirety of Canada. 

This day came out a movement dubbed ‘Orange Shirt Day’ because of the orange shirts people would wear as a symbol of the culture and the children that were lost to the residential school system. Across Victoria there are a few events commemorating and recognizing this day.

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10 Essential Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

Posted by Niels Madsen on August 15, 2023

Buying a home is an exciting venture, but it's also a decision that requires careful consideration. Before starting it’s vital to be well-prepared, so here are 10 tips to guide you through the home buying process, ensuring that you make informed choices and find the perfect place to call your own.

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Renting Out Your Suite – Things to Consider

Posted by Niels Madsen on July 17, 2023

Thinking of buying a home with a suite and renting it out? This can be a great idea to not only offset the cost of home expenses but can also potentially help with qualifying for a mortgage. However, it's essential to understand the intricacies and responsibilities that come with a suite. Here are some considerations, from financial implications to legal responsibility to being a landlord.

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Victoria Activities You Need to Do

Posted by Niels Madsen on June 16, 2023

Victoria is a wonderful city to live in and explore, with vibrant gardens, stunning coastlines, incredible restaurants, and a rich cultural scene. Which is a great reason for you to host friends and family and give them a memorable experience, especially if you’ve recently moved in. Or, if you’re a new resident and want to make the most of your settling in period and see all the quintessential sights, you’ll want to check out this list of all the best activities that showcase Victoria at its best!

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Victoria Day and May Events 2023

Posted by Niels Madsen on May 2, 2023

May is an exciting month in Victoria, with plenty of events and activities to enjoy, from art to music to festivals. One of the main highlights is Victoria Day, a statutory holiday commemorating Queen Victoria’s birthday, who of course the city is named after. Take a look at our curated list of top things to do in May and experience the best of what the city has to offer!

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DIY Home Improvement Projects for Your Home

Posted by Niels Madsen on April 19, 2023

Spring is the perfect time of year for change and making improvements to your home — something that is especially important if you have plans to move. Making the most of this valuable asset is the best way to ensure you get the best returns and are able to move into your next dream home with ease. 

While there are extensive (and expensive) renovations that you can undertake, there are also a number of simple smaller changes that will make a tremendous difference to your property. We’ve recently talked about exterior changes in the form of curb appeal, and now we’re going to look at some of the interior changes where you can Do It Yourself. 

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4 Ways to Increase Your Home Value with Curb Appeal

Posted by Niels Madsen on March 17, 2023

First impressions count, especially if you are looking to sell your home. We know buyers are guided by emotions, and so much of this can be influenced by what they see before they’ve even stepped foot in your property. Because the exterior of your property is the first thing anyone will notice about your home, it’s important to take the time to showcase your property in the best light! 

But curb appeal isn’t just about selling your property — it’s a long term investment that can make a property a more enjoyable place to live, as well as raising the value and appeal of your neighbourhood. It can also often be an inexpensive and relatively simple cosmetic makeover that still has a marked effect on the look and feel of a property, ensuring you create a meaningful and lasting first impression on visitors and prospective buyers. 

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Taxes to Be Aware of When Buying a Home in BC

Posted by Niels Madsen on February 28, 2023

For homeowners there are an array of costs and fees that go beyond the initial cost of purchase, including maintenance, repair, and renovation. But in this post, we’re going to focus on the administrative costs of the various federal, provincial, and municipal taxes you will need to be aware of. 

This is especially true for first time buyers who may not know what even needs to be considered, and having a handle on the closing costs and taxes, as well as future fees, will help you make an informed and knowledgeable decision about your future. To help you out, here is an overview of the relevant taxes prospective BC homeowners should be aware of.

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Should You Get a Condo or a House?

Posted by Niels Madsen on January 17, 2023

When it comes to making a choice about which is the right property for you there are so many criteria to consider and options available, that even the simplest starting points can seem daunting. But it’s important to have a clear idea of what you’re searching for before you start looking. If you’re just scanning every available property you’ll waste not only time, but you’re unlikely to find the one you want!

There are a number of choices that can help you narrow down your search, and one of the biggest is whether you’re looking to purchase a condo or a house. In this post we’ll cover some of the key differences between the two, and how you can go about figuring out if you should buy a condo or a house for your next move. 

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