The Economist reveals that Vancouver is now the most expensive city in North America. Yes, even more expensive than The Big Apple (NYC) and the City of Angels (LA). Vancouver is now the 37th most expensive city in the world, up from 72nd last year.
I also noticed in an unrelated article that in the 3rd quarter alone China has had 34 Billion leave the Country, accordingly this was due to the economic climate in their region and wanting a better place to invest so perhaps a lot of the money is still making its way out here. Of course what about Vancouver Island? I feel Vancouver Island will be put on the radar for Canadian and international baby Boomers, due to our amazing scenery lifestyle and most importantly our affordability. We are of course only around 30 miles away from Vancouver and a quick 15 minute float plane ride.
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I always say we live in a playground with everything imaginable just steps from your back door. Living on Vancouver island with the mildest climate in Canada we are lucky to be able to enjoy every imaginable outdoor activity. Surfing, Skiing, golfing, Mtn Climbing hiking the endless parks and the list goes on. So it is always nice to point out when others take notice as well. USA Travel recognizes that 2 of the top 10 spots in BC for camping are right outside our door.
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Statistics Canada shows Nanaimos population at 83,810, a gain of 6.5 per cent from 2006.
With the regional district of Nanaimo the population at 146,574 an increase of 5.7 % over the same period.
To view the general increase in BC and Vancouver as well as the link to the statistics please click below.
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In its 2012 First Quarter Housing Forecast Update, BCREA reported that BC MLS® residential sales are forecast to increase 2.1 per cent from 76,817 units in 2011 to 78,400 units this year, increasing a further 2.7 per cent to 80,500 units in 2013.
Read the full 2012 First Quarter Housing Forecast Update for information about how BC housing markets are expected to post an unremarkable 2012, and that while the inventory of homes for sale will continue to wane in most regions, consumer demand will nevertheless be constrained by modest economic growth at home and abroad.
For more details and a video click link
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When I am out showing homes bathrooms are such an important part of a buyers decision and if you think its okay the buyer will renovate it, think again. The cost a buyer will associate to a bathroom renovations are always much higher then the actual costs and most buyers don't have the time. Of course if you are a buyer these samples will help give you some ideas as well.
And as a lot of homes don't have space I though these samples were good to use.
Not a lot of people pay attention to the bathroom. But if you have the time and resources you can turn your bathroom into a spa, a place for relaxation
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After spending hundreds on lights at the Nanaimo Home Dept. and going back many times of trial and error testing for the right ones, I definitely noticed a trend as there were at least 4 other people waiting and asking questions.
The issue I had is which ones were the right ones to buy, did they dim, and what did the light look like when on at my house. The small sample they had was not enough to get a feel in a real home environment. Reading this article helped clear some of my questions up and I hope it helps you.
The need for energy-efficient lighting:
As we mentioned, in the current scenario, we are certainly facing an unprecedented form of light pollution. The adverse effects are varied from mundane sky glows, limited night visibility to massive quantities of energy wastage. Even if we focus our attention from an expansive societal scale to our local micro level, the bulk of our daily lighting fixtures (especially in developing countries) are still affected with inefficient technology and outdated norms. In relation to this, some governments have already started to phase out the ineffectual systems of high energy consuming incandescent light bulbs in public areas.
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Monitoring Performance of Retrofitting from Tank to Tankless Water Heaters : A new study being conducted by CMHC says there are reasons to do the upgrade. Call any of the qualified plumbers in the Nanaimo area for a quote. I installed one in my cabin at the lake and it definitely uses less gas than a tank water heater but each application may be different.
Here are some of the benefits.
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Only 15 Realtors in all of BC having achieved this award. It is with my clients support, against incredible competition across Canada, that even in a small city like Nanaimo we are able to compete. After years of hard work I am happy to have achieved one of my top goals of being the first Realtor in Nanaimo to be awarded RE/MAX Internationals highest honour - the “Circle of Legends”. This March I have been asked to attend the RE/MAX International Conference in Vegas where I will personally receive this award from the founder of RE/MAX International. Only 15 Realtors in BC, and under 70 Realtors across Canada, have accomplished this. I recognize that it was hard work, but without my clients it would be impossible. Thank you again for all of your support over the years. I hope to share this experience with you through Facebook when I am there.
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We are all trying to eat healthly and keep up with our New Years resolution. When I saw my wife watching this video it looked interesting so I thought I would pass it along. In Nanaimo we have many high quality grocery stores that offer a variety of food.
Click link below to go to video
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Will young homebuyers say goodbye to Vancouver for good? CMHC is forecasting that housing prices in Metro Vancouver — even though they are expected to stabilize over the next few years — will rise by 2.3 per cent this year to an average of $802,000 for a single detached house
In a recent article I read in the province
(here is a link to the article). They talk about how buyers have to sacrifice lifestyle or where they live. What I agree on is that the prices in Vancouver are out of reach for most but you dont need to compromise lifestyle, remember your kids are only young once and enjoying the home you want with the lifestyle is not out of reach . When I work with buyers from out of town either Vancouver or for that matter Alberta one thing they are looking for is lifestyle and of course affordability.
With Vancouver Island a playground for lifestyle and Nanaimo being the center of the island offering all major amenities right at your doorstep its hard to not to see the pull to move here.
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