Victoria BC Community Blog

DIY Home Improvement Projects for Your Home

Posted by Niels Madsen on April 19, 2023

Estimated Read Time: 4 minutes

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

Estimated Read Time: 4 minutes

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

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?

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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Christmas Events in Victoria 2022

Posted by Niels Madsen on December 2, 2022

Estimated Read Time: 11 minutes

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! 

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How To Be Earthquake Prepared: Tips To Keep Your Family and Home Safe

Posted by Niels Madsen on November 18, 2022

Estimated Read Time: 5 minutes

When it comes to living in an area that is at risk from earthquakes—as Victoria is—it’s important to ensure you’re prepared and aware of the measures you may need to take in the event of an emergency. 

According to seismic experts, there is a 32% probability of a damaging earthquake occurring in our region in the next 50 years, with many other smaller ones occurring often, so so it’s a good idea to have a plan for what steps to take before, during, and after an earthquake. Here’s our guide to the best safety and preparation advice for earthquake preparedness. 

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2022 Halloween Events in Victoria

Posted by Niels Madsen on October 2, 2022

Estimated Read Time: 8 minutes

Ready for another year of tricks and treats in Victoria? Check out local activities, ghost tours, haunted houses, mazes, dances, and other events taking place during the season of the pumpkin.

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The Importance Of Home Inspections

Posted by Niels Madsen on September 15, 2022

Estimated Read Time: 4 minutes

When it comes to buying a home you want to leave no stone unturned—after all, this is the biggest and most important purchase you’ll be making, and there should be no doubt left in your mind that you’ve found the right home for you. 

This is where a home inspection comes into play. A pre-purchase inspection provides you with the opportunity to uncover details that won’t be apparent to the untrained eye, giving you insight into the future viability and structural soundness of the property, and bringing to light any potential problems or red flags. This not only gives you leverage when negotiating, but it can also help you make your final decision. 

Here are some of the reasons why home inspections are an important part of the home buying process, as well as how you should approach a home inspection as a part of your home buying journey. 

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Update on Market Conditions in Greater Victoria and Why It Matters

Posted by Niels Madsen on August 15, 2022

Estimated Read Time: 4 minutes

Being able to provide knowledgeable and effective real estate advice to our clients is a key part of the service we provide, and in order to do that, we need to have an understanding of a wide variety of factors, including market trends and outlooks for the region.

However, it’s not just professionals that can benefit from that knowledge. For homeowners and prospective buyers, knowing what’s happening can help you make informed choices, and guide your decision making process. 

With that in mind, here’s why buying and selling at the right time is so important, and what the market conditions in Victoria are telling us about whether now is the right time for you to make your move.   

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Why You Should Move To Victoria — And What You Need To Know Before You Do

Posted by Niels Madsen on July 20, 2022

Estimated Read Time: 4 minutes

When it comes to figuring out your next move, location will undoubtedly be at the top of your criteria. This doesn’t just mean the neighbourhood you choose, but the area as a whole that you want to live in as well. 

And there can be few cities that can match Victoria in terms of scenery, culture, amenities, and quality of life. If you’re on the fence about moving, don’t worry — here’s our mini guide to what you need to know about living in Victoria, and advice for what to keep in mind when making your move to this fantastic city. 

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