From Vancouver Island’s longest-standing brokerage
Real estate news, market insights, and community updates
Stay in the know with the latest from Pemberton Holmes. Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply interested in the Vancouver Island real estate market, our blog offers expert advice, current trends, and stories from the communities we serve.
Houseplants for Beginners
Not everyone has a green thumb, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a home filled with lush greenery. Some…
Edible Landscapes: A Vision for Sustainable Public Spaces
Imagine walking through your city and picking a fresh apple from a tree or harvesting a handful of herbs from…
Colour Trends for 2025
As we approach 2025, home decor is embracing a harmonious blend of rich, earthy tones and warm neutrals, reflecting a…
Paint and Decor of the 1970s Makes a Comeback
The bold and expressive design trends of the 1970s are making a resurgence in home decor, captivating both homeowners eager…
Creating an Accessible Home for Seniors: A Guide to Aging in Place
As you age, ensuring that your home remains comfortable and safe becomes a top priority. Whether you plan to stay…
Making Soap with Your Kids
A Creative and Educational Adventure Making soap with your child is not just a delightful and rewarding experience; it’s also…
What is Colour Drenching?
If you’re seeking a bold and modern way to infuse character and charm into your living space, look no further…
A Winter Greens Windowsill Garden
Savoring fresh, organic salads and herbs all year round is not only a healthy choice but an eco-friendly one too….
Making a Cozy Winter Haven in Your Home
Winter beckons us to seek solace within the comforting embrace of our abode, with a warm drink in hand and…
Canadian Heritage Recipes
The holidays are a time of inspiration for many of us. The gatherings and sharing of love among friends and…
For The Love Of Books
With the holidays fast approaching, and school soon to be out, you might be wondering how to keep your kids…
Smart Home Safety
Technology has made our lives easier, safer, and more comfortable. Smart homes today integrate many types of devices that connect…
Hygge Time
In Denmark, they use the word hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”) to describe a cosy and comfortable feeling. It’s thought that the…
Pleasingly Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a wonderfully versatile squash that is practically the essence of autumn. It is one of the oldest known…
Fall Home Inspection
October is the last month to prepare your home for the cold and wet months of winter. A systematic inspection…
Luxurious Linen
Did you know that linen is made from the stalks of flax plants? Linen was one of the earliest plant…
Backyard Cottages
In the past, backyard cottages were sometimes designed for seasonal guests or an elderly parent. They were often quaint dwellings…
Quiet Appreciation
Studies have shown that long-term exposure to background noise can affect our health, our sleep, and even lead to serious…
Eat Better, Save Too
The cost of living seems to increase every year and not just for the small luxuries but for basic necessities,…
Staying Cool
In some areas of Canada, an air conditioner is de rigueur equipment to keep cool in the humid months of…
Herb & Fruit Pops
Icy pops and other ice treats are as much a part of summer as bar-b-ques and swimming. These wonderful summer…
Coastal Grand Style
The basic foundation of cottage style is to respect traditional elements, recycle, and reuse when possible. The virtue of this…
Really Wild Salads
There is something inexplicably fun about foraging for wild food. Finding herbs and edible greens in nature and free for…
Family Adventures
May is a wonderful time of year when spring slowly yields to the warm breezes of summer. It’s a month…
Duck Eggs
In most cities, homeowners are allowed to keep ducks and chickens in their backyard. They are a wonderful way to…
Feng Shui Starter
When you’ve tried arranging your furniture in every position around the room, and you’re still not sure of the best…
Crape Myrtle Varieties
Are you looking for a beautiful and versatile plant to add to your Victoria, B.C. garden? Look no further than…
Electric Biking
Electric bike technology has come along way in just a few years. Today, e-bikes have a range of 20 km…
Kitchen Counter Trends
Over the past 20 years, many homes in North America have been converted to, or built with, open concept kitchen-living…
Butterfly Gardens
There is something about butterflies that instill a deep sense of wonder. They appear to us as fuzzy caterpillars found…
All About Olive Oil
For centuries, olive oil has been produced by pressing green or ripe olives to extract the delicious and fragrant oils….
A Donation of Archives
Shaw TV’s Jen Muranetz visits the historic Pemberton family chapel and then reports on Pemberton Holmes’ donation of archives to…
2023 Decor
Older generations have pioneered a style that is enviably neat and easy to live with. It’s known as ‘coastal grandmother’…
Frugal Resolutions
The word frugal is derived from the Latin frugalis, which means value and virtue in thrift. A frugal mindset helps…
Steam Cleaning Basics
In commercial operations, steam is a widely used cleaning and sanitizing tool. It can reach in the areas that are…
A Quiet New Years Eve
The basic elements of New Year’s Eve at home are some festive lights, wonderful food and drink, and a stellar…
Homemade Snow Globes
Every holiday season, the snow globe makes its appearance on windowsills and study desks. Inside are magical dioramas with miniature…
Host a Coffee Tasting
Coffee is a taste experience similar to wine appreciation. In fact, many of the techniques are the same and coffee…
Autumn Garden Care
Chilly autumn air signals the last opportunity to prepare your garden for winter. With some planning and proactive care, your…
Fall Home Maintenance
Autumn is a season full of traditions that celebrate the harvest and the coming of winter. The weather is cooler…
Log Homes
Log homes have a special appeal and an aesthetic that invites occupants to reconnect with nature. Living in a log…
Siting a New Home
Home siting is the process of determining how to place the house on a building lot for maximum liveability. Siting…
Aftermarket Solar
A solar power installation is only as good as its design so it’s important to work with a reputable company…
August Days
Late summer is the month to begin gathering your supplies for making delicious preserves to enjoy over the winter. Making…
Summer Activities
Summer Activities July seems like the longest month of summer holidays because it’s between June and August. The excitement of…
Picnic Essentials
Did you know that the word picnic is derived from the French word pique-nique, which is used to describe light…
Central Vacuums
A central vacuum cleaner is a system that is built into a new home to make cleaning easier and quieter….
Green Is In
The word green has the same Germanic root as the words for grass and grow. During the middle ages, it…
Owner-Builder Advantages
You may have visited a new home while shopping for real estate. They are the benchmark for home buyers everywhere….
Naturalism in Decor
For some people, their home is the ultimate sanctuary of utter calm. It’s place of blissful quietude to reset the…
Regular Home Inspections
Many people don’t realise how important it is to inspect their house on a regular basis. You may be able…
Rainy Day Activities
Wet and soggy afternoons bring their own delights for adults and children. They’re an opportunity to indulge in one’s hobbies…
Condos Are Communities
One of the nice things about buying a condo is the sense of security in a collective. Neighbours usually have…
The OG Advertising Platform: Historical Newspapers of Victoria
When it comes to advertising a home in Victoria, the mediums on which to do so are nearly endless. Agents…
Launder Like Hotels
Luxury hotels make tremendous investments in bedding and towels that is apparent by the way they look and feel. “Hotel…
Improving Natural Light
In ancient times, light was the primary consideration of the architect and builder. The sun and it’s position during the…
Time Travel, Timelines, and a Timely Topic: Pemberton Memorial Operating Room
I think we can all agree that, given the hypothetical choice, we would most definitely prefer to have an operation…
Buy New or Resale?
Buying a home can be an exercise in priorities and value. Homebuyers are inundated with different comparable properties, each having…
Home Humidifiers
Did you know that dry air can affect the respiratory system by taking moisture from nose and throat passages? This…
A Snowy Blast from the Past: Winter in Historical Victoria
Exciting news! The forecast says our winter holidays shall be dusted with a layer of magical snow! And while this…
Women and War: Women and their Service during the First World War
As our logo says, Pemberton Holmes was established in 1887. This date has given the family-run company time to not…
When our Ho(l)mes are far away: The letters that connect us all
As our logo says, Pemberton Holmes was established in 1887. This date has given the family-run company time to not…
Professional, Courteous, a Wealth of Information
We are David and Betty Kempling and have had the privilege of working with Erin Williams over the past few…
Positive, Low Pressure Representation
Testimonial for Erin Williams: We were thrilled with Erin Williams as our realtor. It was nice to have such a…
Choosing the right television for you
Changing lifestyle priorities and the move to tablets has put less emphasis on a theatre experience that was popular a…
The Haunted Ho(l)mes of Vancouver Island
Looking for real estate, with a spooky season twist? Look no further, as we’ve got the inside scoop! While we’re…
Books Children Love
Richard Scarry was a prolific writer and illustrator of children’s books throughout his career. Always well-reviewed, his collections inspire nostalgia…
The Smart Home Revolution
Smart home is a catchphrase for a household that features labour-saving devices connected to and supported by a cloud infrastructure…
Textile Technology
From radical new materials to embedded sensors that track medical conditions, e-textiles have become a medium for better living. Today’s…
Fixing Squeaky Floors
As construction materials dry out and a house settles, there may be a few spots on the floors that squeak…
Coffeehouse Treats at Home
Tasty coffee shop-style espresso drinks at home are a luxurious treat on a cold or rainy day. The mellow taste…
Fire Safety Checkup
Fire safety is an important part of home maintenance but is sometimes overlooked. Twice-annual checks of the important safety systems…
Real Estate Agents: An Origin Story
With nearly 300 agents in the Pemberton Holmes brokerage alone, and hundreds more on the island, the profession of a…
Naturalistic Housing
The definition of naturalistic housing depends on the context of the architecture. The most common image that comes to mind…
Planning a Stay-cation
This year, why not consider a local vacation instead of travelling abroad? There are a number of benefits from staying…
A charcoal or gas grill?
Known for imparting a smoky richness that pairs perfectly with charred fat and meat, barbeque is one of the most…
Soundproofing for Condos
It’s important to note that noise is a two-way annoyance: If you can hear your neighbours talk on the phone…
Joyful Paint Palettes
Soft neutrals like greige or cloud white are flexible enough to work in every room. Generally, a neutral backdrop…
What’s in a Name?
http://pembertonholmes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Pemberton-Holmes-Logo-Web.jpg Thanks to our logo, it comes as no surprise that Pemberton Holmes has been around for quite some time….
Easy, edible perennial gardens
One of the best uses for perennials plantings is edibles. Perennials go dormant in the winter and return each spring….
Most desirable house features for 2021
A home is defined by how we use it which means it needs to fit our lifestyle and our expectations….
Modular homes
In the early 1900’s, a small mail-ordered house was a practical alternative to a custom designed and site-built dwelling. Homeowners…
Organizing the garage
Garages are usually low priority when it comes to cleaning and organizing. After all, it’s a room for the car…
Construction trends for 2021
Each generation of design takes cues from the past and incorporates them into visions for the present. Sometimes the result…
Water is a Cooking ingredient
Water absorbs tastes from the pipes and conduits in the water system. Additives like chlorine can also affect the taste…
A kitchen makeover to beat the July blahs
Are you bored with your kitchen? Is a renovation out of the question? Consider a mini makeover! With some careful…
Down Payment Options
This is a question first-time buyers ask themselves when they find the perfect starter home. It’s in the right neighbourhood,…
Create an Eco-Friendly Zone
July is a good month to look at your home environment for opportunities to detox, go green, and get eco-friendly….
Plant a Tree
Planting a tree is a great way to add value to your home and make the neighbourhood a little nicer,…
Home Office Improvements
A well-organized and prepared home office can help you focus on work. Whether it is large or small, making your…
Our REALTOR for all Seasons!
Kevin Starling is our Realtor for All Seasons! He worked patiently with us in our search for a new home…
2020 MLS Winners
Gold Aaron Hambley Ann Watley Daniel Hsu Eli Mavrikos Ivica Kalabric Nancy Vieira Rick Couvelier Stephen Postings Tracy Menzies Silver…
Very compentent
Erin Williams is a very competent real estate agent. She has helped me both to buy and sell a home…
Worked tirelessly
Renée did a great job on a challenging estate sale for the family. The house was lovely with a great…
Above and beyond
Thank you for going above and beyond in helping us find our home. Being here is such a joy and…
COVID-Friendly Fall Activities in Victoria
Social-distancing is easy when the sun is out; spending time at the lake, ocean, and on restaurant patios is a…
Top-Notch Realtor
“I can’t say enough about the professional services that May provided during my recent home sale. May is extremely dedicated…
Found the Right Home
“When my husband and I moved to Vancouver Island, Shannon was able to find just the right home for our…
Determined and Knowledgeable
“I wanted to advise you that I am very pleased with the work that Robert Schmidt has completed for Standing…
Highly Ethical
“Ann Watley is a highly ethical agent who comes with extensive experience. We have used Ann for both purchase and…
Very Patient and Conscientious
“We met Ann at a listing in the country and she was very able to answer all of our questions….
Absolutely Amazing
“Ann is absolutely amazing. She went above and beyond my wildest expectations. I am an anxious person and she made…
Very Happy
“We found the home we eventually bought before we contacted Ann. She knew the area so well that she knew…
Completely Professional
“Ann was completely professional and made a potentially stressful experience completely stress free and enjoyable! Ann and her team made…
Dedicated Advocate
“My wife and I have used Ann for the sale and purchase of our primary residence and a revenue property…
Our First Choice
“Ann has been our realtor many times for the past 15-ish years. We wouldn’t have any other. The last sale…
Expert Advice
“Ann was an amazing agent for us, she was able to help us on very short notice and went out…
Book lovers, we’ve got you!
Spending more time at home these days? Yeah, us too… It’s easy to feel “stuck” at home. But maybe this…
Had Our Best Interests At Heart
“Colin Millard was always available and worked very hard to sell our home. He did a great job preparing the…
Above and Beyond Expectations
“Vida’s professionalism, commitment, and excellent service were consistently used to obtain the best possible price for our home. She earned…
Highly Recommended
“They were realistic, professional and personable. Highly recommend them to my friends, family and acquaintances (in fact, already have). Thank…
Extra Care & Attention
“Very friendly, easy to talk to, honest and he was there to serve us. His intent was to find us…
Found our Perfect Place
“Shannon was very professional, extremely helpful and understanding. We found our perfect place.” – Lea L. Testimonial for Shannon Norris
Great Places To Eat In Victoria
Victoria has tons of options when it comes to places to grab a bite of food in the easily walk-able downtown…
Eager to Help
“Excellent and knowledgeable service! Mark was always eager to help and answer all my questions.” – Isabela U. Testimonial for…
Awesome
“He was awesome.” – Karen N. Testimonial for Clayton Morris
Always Available
“Professional, helpful, always available.” Testimonial for Lee Chambers
Extremely Helpful
“Extremely helpful, knowledgeable and kind. Went over and above!” Testimonial for Katrina Kamaretsos
Exemplary
“Exemplary.” Testimonial for Nancy Vieira
Kind & Friendly
“Dependable, kind, friendly, trustworthy.” Testimonial for Corie Meyer
Negotiated Best Prices
“Shannon helped us to find and purchase our new home and also our new commercial property. She negotiated best prices…
A Pleasure
“Was a pleasure working with Jason Finlayson. He walked us through the process and we learned a lot. Very prompt…
Vancouver Island Hiking Trails To Explore
With the clocks springing forward this weekend and the promise of warmer weather just around the corner, now is the…
3 Local Vancouver Island Magazines
It’s one of life’s simple pleasures to flip through a good magazine while you’re waiting for an appointment at the…
Rock Star Agent
“Shannon helped us find and purchase our first home. She patiently answered all of our (ridiculous) questions with cheerful enthusiasm…
Amazing Places to Visit
The earth is full of magical and special places to explore and enjoy but it can be easy to forget…
Hidden Gems In and Around Victoria
You’ve probably already heard of Victoria’s well known and much loved attractions, from Beacon Hill Park’s friendly peacocks, to Dallas…
A True Professional
“It is always nice to deal with true professional in their field. We will be using Shannon’s services for all…
How To Make Moving Easier
If you are planning on moving, or are in the process of moving, it can feel like a daunting task….
Tips for Tidying Your Home
With the colder weather and snow falling outside (even in Victoria!) you are likely spending more time indoors these days….
Very Friendly
“Very friendly.” – Karen McL. Testimonial for Kim McLachlan
Best Agent
“Best Agent I have used” – Janice F. Testimonial for Nancy Vieira
Exceptional Research
“Lee was exceptional. He took the time to learn our needs, researched the development and was with us every step…
A Partner in Our Transaction
“(We could write so much more, Kevin! Thank you for everything! We love our house.) If you are looking for…
When It Comes To Renting
Renting In British Columbia When it comes to renting, both landlords and tenants have important considerations to make. In B.C….
3 Local Interior Design Firms
As we move into the winter season we begin spending more time indoors for work or play and you may…
Lest We Forget
On November the 11th, we remember those who died in military service, and honour those who served in wartime with…
Selling your home? Read this first.
Selling your home can be stressful. Some questions you likely have are, what is the best price to sell my…
A Brief History of Victoria
Over at Pemberton Holmes, we love Victoria. Known not only for it’s beauty, year-round indoor and outdoor activities, and some…
Explore Victoria and All It Has to Offer
With the fall season in full swing on Vancouver Island and as we begin to welcome our signature West Coast…
Will Recommend
“Thanks Shannon for the guidance you provided me my first home purchase. I will recommend you to everyone!” – Niko…
Almost Too Easy
“Shannon Norris, Thank you!!! I thought buying a house was going to be a big complicated process, Shannon was always…
Goes Above and Beyond
“Shannon was amazing start to finish with our home purchase. Finding a home can be a long stressful process. Shannon…
Great Listener
“Dear Shannon, Just wanted to send you a very big thank you in helping Phillip and I find our new…
Honest & Reliable
“Anna was such a pleasure to deal with, honest, reliable and helpful. She knows her stuff and gave me plenty…
Couldn’t Be Happier
“Shannon was amazing at helping us find the right property as we were looking for a home with very particular…
Great Customer Service
“Always very quick to respond and very helpful – great customer service. Well done JP!” – Valentyn S. Testimonial for…
Trust Worthy
“Shannon has been a friend of mine since we were 5 years old. She has always been the sweetest person…
A Pleasure to Work With
“Shannon helped us buy our home in Ladysmith and was a pleasure to work with! Prompt and eager to please,…
Fantastic Home Buying Experience
“Shannon and I spent a lot of time together searching for my forever home. She was extremely patient, well informed,…
Went the Extra Mile
“We would highly recommend Shannon. She is very knowledgeable regarding the rules and regulations in the real estate world. Shannon…
Friendly & Reliable
“Friendly, reliable agent.” – Stacy K. Testimonial for Paul Whitney
Personalized Service
“Personalized and supportive.” – Albert W. Testimonial for Kerry Chalmers
Reliable & Eager
“What comes first to mind when I think of Kim is that she was always reliable and eager assist me…
Professional & Caring
“Professional, thorough, and caring.” – Rosemary B. Testimonial for Inez Louden
Excellent Guidance
“Tara was excellent. Being a first time home buyer she was very clear about everything happening. We could not be…
Worked Tirelessly
“She worked tirelessly to sell our home at the best price possible. Our agent also helped us purchase our dream…
The Extra Mile
“Friendly, helpful, consistent service. Went above and beyond my idea of a Realtor. Took the time to go the extra…
A Happy Overseas Buyer
“We came over to Salt Spring Island from Switzerland to purchase a holiday home and luckily we were introduced to…
Professional All the Way
“Erin worked her magic and managed to get a property for us that no other Realtor could, it wasn’t even…
Always Available
“He was friendly, always available and made buying my first house easy.” – Robin G. Testimonial for Jason Finlayson
The Right Decisions
“Professional, dependable, reliable. She was very confident which inspired confidence in us. She was trustworthy and we felt she made…
Our First Time
“Anna was so helpful and went above and beyond for us. She really made our first home buying experience great!” …
Integrity
“Integrity.” – Edward B. Testimonial for Corie Meyer
Very Impressed
“I was very impressed with the service I got from Robyn Hamilton in buying two different properties. She was knowledgeable,…
Positive Experience
“Both the referring agent, Sarah Doyle, and the agent we ended up with in Qualicum, were down to earth and…
Incredible Service
“Incredible service from Heather Gartley. She went over and above our expectations. We hope she is available for our next…
Exceeded Expectations
“The first offer was received a day after the listing was made. The offer was $20K over asking. It can’t…
Overcame Challenges
“Shannon was extremely professional and motivated to help me find the right house for us and complete the process within…
On Our Team
“Nancy Vieira was one of the most professional realtors we have ever dealt with. She is a seasoned REALTOR® and…
Super Understanding
“Very confident and professional. Super understanding to all our needs. We would definitely use this Agent again!” Daryl & Korine B….
Exceptional
“Cliff went above and beyond! He was professional, thoughtful, helpful and easy to work with. He exceeded my expectations.” Jose C….
2018 MLS Winners
Gold Aaron Hambley Ann Watley Daniel Hsu Eli Mavrikos Gregg Mah Jerry Bola Rick Couvelier Stephen Postings Susan de Stein…
Comfortable & Confident
“Ann was absolutely amazing! As a first time home buyer she made me feel comfortable and confident! I would recommend…
Simply Outstanding
“Every aspect of Gabriella’s service was simply outstanding!” – Rebecca & Lawrence M. Testimonial for Gabriella Pakos
What We Needed
“JP was fantastic to deal with. He listened exactly to what we needed and provided exceptional and personalized service. He…
Very, Very Helpful
“Fantastic, always ready to answer any and all questions. Very very helpful.” – Richard & Wendy N. Testimonial for Jacci…
Visit Duncan, City of Totems
About Duncan Beautiful Duncan, the City of Totems, is located in the Cowichan Valley about halfway between Victoria approximately 50…
Holiday Happenings 2018 – Duncan North!
As you know, we are not just all about real estate at Pemberton Holmes – we are big into community…
Holiday Happenings 2018 – Greater Victoria
Here at Pemberton Holmes, we are usually talking about real estate in Victoria. Buying, selling, what the market is doing,…
Unique Things to Do in Victoria, BC – Part 1
We aren’t just about real estate in Victoria and Vancouver Island, sometimes we get some down-time, and want to do…
The Front Yard or the Back Yard?
You may be thinking it’s time to start doing some renovations on your yard, but you’re still not sure if…
Ready to Buy Your First Home? Read This First
Buying your first home is an exciting life experience, but it can also be very confusing. There are easy mistakes…
Explore Quaint Qualicum Beach!
We hope you caught our Come Play In Parksville post last month and started thinking about how wonderful it would be…
5 Things to Consider Before Selling Your Home
You may be thinking it’s time to sell your home. Perhaps your family has outgrown your current home and you’re…
Come Play in Parksville!
The City of Parksville is a wonderful place to raise a family, retire or simply have up your sleeve as a…
Why Home Insurance Is Not Only A Good Idea, It’s Extremely Important
When buying a home these days, it’s almost automatic that most people will go ahead and factor in buying home…
Understanding the Ins & Outs of Home Appraisals
Home Appraisals are often a critical part of getting a mortgage and buying a home in Canada – not to…
Come To The Comox Valley
If you’ve never visited the Comox Valley then what on earth are you waiting for? People of all ages can…
Home Buyer’s Remorse Is Real, Here’s How You Can Avoid It
You’ve done it before. You saw something in a store window that was way too expensive, but you decided to…
Should You Be Buying a Home with a Real Estate Agent?
Like a lot of things in life, it’s usually best to leave it to the experts. Buying a home is…
Can Millennials Afford to Buy a Home?
In BC, and more specifically in cities like Vancouver and here in Victoria, home affordability can be pretty pricey. If…
What’s Happening on Salt Spring Island?
Did you know Salt Spring Island has been a hot vacation spot for years? If you didn’t, it might be time…
What Renovations Will Increase Your Property Value?
Not all renovations are created equal at least when it comes to the return on investment. You need to make…
5 Ways to Turn Your Garage Into a Selling Point
What’s the first thing you think of when we say “garage?” Do cars come to mind, or how about clutter?…
Hello Ladysmith!
Let’s start this off with a quick quiz. If you had to guess, where would you say Canada’s best street…
How to Spend Your Tax Refund
Hopefully, you filed your tax return on time (it was due April 30th) and you’re now expecting a refund in…
2016 MLS Award Winners
Gold Laurie Appleton Jerry Bola Yuan Chen Rick Couvelier Susan de Stein Jerry Du Aaron Hambley Bo Han Daniel Hsu…
2015 MLS Award Winners
Gold Laurie Appleton Jerry Bola Yuan Chen Rick Couvelier Justin Cownden Susan de Stein Daniel Hsu Ivica Kalabric Eli Mavrikos…
2014 MLS Award Winners
Gold Jerry Bola Greg Burke Rick Couvelier Susan de Stein Ivica Kalabric Adia Mavrikos Eli Mavrikos David Scotney Li Xian…
2013 MLS Award Winners
Gold Jerry Bola Nicole Burgess Rick Couvelier Mark Imhoff Jane Johnston Ivica Kalabric Kyle Kerr Greg Long Eli Mavrikos Nancy…
Ever Been to Nanaimo?
For those of us who live on Vancouver Island, it’s easy to take for granted all the awesome areas within…
Our Historic Esquimalt in Beautiful Victoria, BC
Most of us know Esquimalt as a pleasant seaside community full of parks, waterways, and fabulous local real estate. Only…
What You Need to Know About Drone Photography
How you portray your property online can make or break whether a potential home buyer stops by for a visit….
Fix it Up or Buy Fully Renovated?
People often wonder whether it’s better to move into a recently renovated home or to invest in a place with…
The Do’s and Don’ts of Home Insurance
In 2018, home insurance policies are as expensive as ever. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), the total…
2017 MLS Winners
Gold Ann Watley Bo Han Eli Mavrikos Jerry Bola Jerry Du Li Xian Song Patricia Kiteke Tracy Menzies Yuan Chen…
DO YOU NEED A HOME INSPECTION?
Purchasing property is never as simple as signing on the dotted line. Nor should it be. As much as we…
7 Things To Consider Before Putting Your Home On A Short Term Rental Site
Thanks to websites such as AirBnB and VRBO, homeowners can now easily rent their homes, spare rooms, or basements to interested out-of-towners looking…
8 Things to Consider When Choosing a Real Estate Brokerage to Work For
Whether or not you’re new to this industry, trying to decide what brokerage to work with / for isn’t always…
Events in Victoria You Won’t Want to Miss
We’ve rung in the new year and there are a ton of top local events ahead of us. If you’re…
How-to Host a Holiday Party for Friends
Friends, family, food and refreshments. What better way to celebrate the holiday season? Hosting your own party can be easier…
Explore: Tofino
Planning the perfect getaway doesn’t always include plane tickets. For those of us who live in Victoria, we’re lucky enough…
How To Create a More Social Space in your Home
Most homeowners have that one room. You know what we mean. One that’s either too small or too stuffy to…
Rainy Days
Victoria may be mild, but there’s still plenty of rough weather keeping us inside. If you’re looking for something to…
Family Friendly Neighbourhoods
So you’ve finally decided to settle down. In that case, we better find you a family friendly neighbourhood that meets…
Heavy Rain and Home Repairs
While the west coast isn’t known for its winters, homeowners on Vancouver Island need to watch out for heavy rain…
Things to Do in Victoria This Fall
As upset as we all are that summer is over, autumn in Victoria is easily as good! Here are some…
How to Pick the Right Neighbourhood
Deciding on your dream home goes a lot further than just picking the perfect house. What about the neighbourhood surrounding…
Best Restaurants in Victoria
Let’s set the record straight: when it comes to fine food, the west coast is the best coast. Anyone who…
How to Deal with Bad Neighbours
So you’ve recently moved into your dream home, but have discovered that the neighbours are less than ideal. No, worse…
4 Reasons Why You Should Visit Victoria’s Chinatown
For those that live in Victoria, it’s pretty easy to overlook Chinatown. Attracting all kinds of out-of-towners and tourists, most…
6 Benefits of Living by the Ocean
Living on the Island, it’s easy to take the ocean for granted. With over 3,400 kms of coastline, most of…
6 Things to Consider When Purchasing a Family Friendly Home
Purchasing property for you and your family is a bit different than when you are on your own. Although a…
7 Ways to Improve Your Curb Appeal
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but improving your curb appeal is always attractive to potential home buyers….
11 Factors to Consider When Deciding Where to Live
Deciding where you want to live isn’t as easy as pointing it out on a map. There are a number…
So you want to move to Victoria, BC?
So you want to move to Victoria, BC? Fantastic! But before you do, you should take some time to learn…
Knowing the Difference: Housing Wants VS. Housing Needs
For first-time buyers, knowing the difference between what you want and what you need can be critical. The Victoria real…
What is The Victoria Real Estate Board?
Whether you’re looking to purchase property in Victoria or are an aspiring REALTOR®, you should get to know the Victoria…
Summer Social! A Look at the Upcoming Annual Events in Victoria
Hold onto your hats, it’s going to be a hot one! Summer is heating up with all the awesome annual…
Memory Lane: Visiting Victoria’s Oldest Neighbourhoods
As one of the West Coast’s oldest urban areas, Victoria is known for its large number of historic homes. From…
Beautiful British Columbia: Weather in Victoria
Beautiful British Columbia is alive and well on Vancouver Island. For four straight seasons weather in Victoria isn’t only reliable,…
6 Tips to Consider When Choosing a Real Estate Agent
Any good agent can help you find a house. A great one will help you find a home. The trouble…
5 Steps to Becoming a Real Estate Agent
The real estate industry is the perfect profession for any industrious individual. Think of it like an open house –…
Rent an Apartment or Buy a Condo?
To rent or buy property is consistently up for debate and both have their pros and cons. There are professional…
Why should you use a REALTOR® when buying a home?
Buying or selling a home is not an easy job, and you need the help of REALTORS® to do these…
Benefits of Owning an Investment Property in BC
Are you looking to enter the Victoria BC property rental market? With so many things to consider, you will want…
Thoughts During the Week of Commemoration of Vimy – April 2017
As we commemorate a centenary of Canada’s coming of age at Vimy, in the midst of WW1, one of the…
Why Hiring A REALTOR® Just Makes Sense
No matter where you live in Canada, the real estate agent you do business with must be properly licensed under…