Victoria BC Community Blog

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

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. 

Read More →

The Importance Of Home Inspections Tag: health

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. 

Read More →

Viewing Properties with COVID-19 Protocols Tag: health

Posted by Niels Madsen on January 31, 2022

Estimated Read Time: 4 minutes

Over the last two years, we’ve seen so many parts of everyday life upended by the COVID-19 pandemic, and we can expect that to continue as we start this new year. In BC, there are still a number of restrictions and regulations that need to be adhered to, and there is guidance specifically for REALTORS®. We would like to assure you that we are following all regulations and safety advice, and in this blog we take a look at the measures that are currently in place

Accurate at time of publishing in January 2022

Read More →

Last Time Home Buyers - Things to Consider Tag: health

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. 

Read More →

Navigating A Re-Opening Victoria Tag: health

Posted by Niels Madsen on June 23, 2020

Estimated Read Time: 4 minutes

It’s been a long slow journey, but in BC at least, we are finally starting to see a cautious reopening of the world around us. This means greater freedom to get outside, to use local businesses, and to travel further distances - but all of course while observing safe distancing and hygiene practices.

With Phase 2 of BC’s response to the Covid-19 crisis having progressed smoothly, we will soon enter Phase 3, which means looser restrictions on travel and movement - according to BC Premier John Horgan. During this phase, we will all be able to expand our ‘bubbles’, multiplying the circle of friends and family we can gather with.

To celebrate this, we’re going to look at what this means for you, and us, as well as spotlighting some of our favourite businesses and local gathering spots where you can meet other members of your bubble. 

Read More →

Tips On Making Your Home More Accessible Tag: health

Posted by Niels Madsen on August 28, 2019

Estimated Read Time: 3 minutes

Whether you need to make sure you’re living in a home that can meet your mobility requirements or you’re looking to make sure your home is well-suited to your needs as you approach retirement—accessibility is going to be your number one concern. This applies to both those who are looking for a new place to live and those that want to make their current home more accessible.

To help you on both these fronts, we’re taking a look at some of the key accessibility concerns you need to look out for when looking for a new home as well as some of the things you can do right now to make your own home more accessible. 

Read More →

Walkability: How Does It Work? Tag: health

Posted by Niels Madsen on January 17, 2019

Estimated Read Time: 7 minutes

If you're searching for a new home, odds are you've come across the term "walkability" when it comes to desireable property features. An important concept in sustainable urban design, walkability is measure of how walking-friendly an area is to a resident.

More and more studies are revealing the ways walkability results in important benefits to our health, the environment, the economy, and our communities. It makes sense — before cars and bicycles came around, walking was the only way to get from place to place over land without help from animals like horses or sled dogs. Humans have evolved to walk over thousands of years, and it's a natural activity.

But how do developers create walkability, and how is it scored? Let's take a look.

Read More →

Blackberry Bounty In Victoria BC Tag: health

Posted by Niels Madsen on August 24, 2016

Estimated Read Time: 6 minutes

Thanks to an unseasonably dry winter and hot summer, berries have been ripening early up and down Vancouver Island — including a local favourite, the wild blackberry. Blackberry picking can be a great activity with friends or family, or solo as you hike a trail or walk your dog in the morning. To help your gathering be the best it can be, I've collected some tips on where, how, and what kind to pick.

Read More →