Victoria BC Community Blog

Last Time Home Buyers - Things to Consider

Posted by Niels Madsen on August 27, 2021

Estimated Read Time: 6 minutes

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

Estimated Read Time: 5 minutes

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

Estimated Read Time: 8 minutes

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

Estimated Read Time: 4 minutes

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

Estimated Read Time: 4 minutes

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

Estimated Read Time: 5 minutes

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

Estimated Read Time: 4 minutes

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

Estimated Read Time: 7 minutes

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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Christmas Events in Victoria December 2020

Posted by Niels Madsen on December 1, 2020

Estimated Read Time: 14 minutes

Victoria is a magical and beautiful place to spend the holidays, with plenty of lights and events throughout the city. It will definitely be a different kind of Christmas this year with restrictions, but they are for the benefit of everyone. So keep safe and enjoy however you can this year. Here are a few events happening around Victoria, from fun activities to do with the kids, music performances, and festive traditions.

Just 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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Which Municipality Is Right For You? West Shore Edition

Posted by Niels Madsen on November 27, 2020

Estimated Read Time: 5 minutes

When looking for the perfect home, location is everything! You don’t just want to find a good place to live, you want to find the right place to live for you.

That means finding somewhere whose personality matches yours, and somewhere that provides you with the right context for achieving your goals. To help you, we’ve written this guide on choosing the right municipality of Greater Victoria for you, focusing on the West Shore area - Langford, Colwood, View Royal, and the Highlands.

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