Victoria BC Community Blog

Home Staging 101: Preparing Your Property for Sale Category: Buying A Home

Posted by Niels Madsen on November 22, 2024

Estimated Read Time: 4 minutes

Property staging can encompass a wide range of changes, from smaller cosmetic fixes to larger renovations, but the goal is always the same: to make sure a property is as visually appealing and inviting to prospective buyers as possible, whether they are looking at it online or in person. It’s a common practice, but not one that is always utilized to its full potential, so here are some things to keep in mind.

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Update on Market Conditions in Greater Victoria Category: Buying A Home

Posted by Niels Madsen on September 15, 2024

Estimated Read Time: 4 minutes

Understanding the real estate market in Greater Victoria is key for anyone considering buying or selling a property. Our region's housing market is influenced by several factors, such as seasonality, interest rates, and economic trends, which can impact both home prices and the speed of sales. As with any market, conditions can shift rapidly, and staying informed is essential. Here are a few updates on how the market is performing.

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Navigating the Inspection Process: What to Expect Category: Buying A Home

Posted by Niels Madsen on August 20, 2024

Estimated Read Time: 4 minutes

Buying a home is one of the most significant investments you'll ever make, and ensuring it's the right decision involves thorough due diligence. The home inspection process is a key step in this journey, offering you a detailed assessment of the property's condition. This evaluation helps uncover any potential issues or hidden defects, providing you with valuable insights that can influence your decision. Here is what you can expect and things to think about for your home inspection.

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The Pros and Cons of Fixer-Upper Homes: Is It Worth It? Category: Buying A Home

Posted by Niels Madsen on July 20, 2024

Estimated Read Time: 4 minutes

Most people have heard the term ‘fixer upper’, and in all likelihood have encountered examples on tv or social media. But if it's something you’re considering for your property journey, or a possibility for the future, then you need to know what the reality of taking a property from undesirable to a dream home will look like. To help you, here are some of the pros and cons of taking on a fixer upper property, and why and when it would be a worthwhile choice for you to make.

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Breaking Down Closing Costs: What Every Homebuyer Should Know Category: Buying A Home

Posted by Niels Madsen on April 15, 2024

Estimated Read Time: 4 minutes

Purchasing a house is the most significant purchase anyone will make, both in terms of outlay and what it means for your future, which makes getting the budget exactly right vitally important to ensure you get the right value, without overspending or failing to make the most of the budget.

When it comes to this spending, it’s important to remember that it isn’t just the price of the property itself you will be paying - you will also have to factor in a range of other closing costs. Here’s our essential rundown of what every prospective homebuyer needs to know when it comes to closing costs and other related expenses.

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8 Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring a REALTOR® Category: Buying A Home

Posted by Niels Madsen on January 23, 2024

Estimated Read Time: 4 minutes

Whether you’re buying or selling, getting the right end result for your property needs is one of the most important life decisions someone can make. This makes it all the more vital that you go into the process with an understanding of exactly what you should be looking for in a REALTOR®, as they will be the key person to guide and advise you. Here are 8 key questions you should be asking any prospective REALTOR® before you begin the journey.

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10 Essential Tips for First-Time Homebuyers Category: Buying A Home

Posted by Niels Madsen on August 15, 2023

Estimated Read Time: 5 minutes

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 Category: Buying A Home

Posted by Niels Madsen on July 17, 2023

Estimated Read Time: 5 minutes

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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Taxes to Be Aware of When Buying a Home in BC Category: Buying A Home

Posted by Niels Madsen on February 28, 2023

Estimated Read Time: 5 minutes

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? Category: Buying A Home

Posted by Niels Madsen on January 17, 2023

Estimated Read Time: 4 minutes

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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