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Window Coverings: Style & Function for Every Room
Missed our latest Island Living Today speaker series? No problem! You can now watch the recording of Rebeccah Stefina's insightful talk on transforming your home with the perfect window coverings that blend style and functionality. In this informative session, Rebeccah shares her expertise on choosing the right blinds, shutters, drapes, and shades to enhance the beauty and comfort of your home. Whether you're redecorating, building from scratch, or preparing to sell, the right window coverings can make all the difference. In this video, you'll learn about: Custom window covering solutions for privacy, light control, and visual appeal Innovative smart features that enhance your home's functionality Essential timelines and planning steps for a smooth installation process About the Speaker: Rebeccah Stefina, Sales Manager for Budget Blinds of Central Vancouver Island, combines her background in interior design with a passion for creating beautiful and functional spaces. She delights in helping clients visualize their homes and is always eager to share her knowledge. Her favorite look? Timeless roller shades layered with stunning drapery for a cohesive design. A proud Vancouver Island native, Rebeccah loves the island lifestyle and community. Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity to elevate your home’s style and functionality—watch the recording now!
Watch Now: Essential Insights on Title Insurance with Shari Sanders
Have you ever wondered what title insurance is and why it’s crucial for property owners? Title insurance is designed to protect property owners and lenders from financial losses due to issues related to a property's ownership. Unlike home insurance, which covers future risks, title insurance addresses problems from past events—such as fraud, encroachments from neighboring properties, unpaid liens, and zoning violations. These potential issues can be costly, making a one-time purchase of title insurance a valuable investment and sometimes a requirement from lenders. If you missed our live Island Living Today talk on September 5th, don't worry! The recording is now available for you to watch. Join Shari Sanders, the Business Development Manager at FCT, as she shares her expertise on residential and commercial insurance. In this informative session, Shari covers: What title insurance covers and the best time to purchase it Legal issues that can affect your property’s title Steps to take if a title problem arises after closing Speaker Bio: Shari Sanders is the Business Development Manager at FCT, overseeing residential and commercial solutions across a third of British Columbia, including Vancouver Island. With a deep commitment to the insured, the claims process, and educational outreach, Shari supports law firms and notary offices, specializes in title insurance for real estate clients, and collaborates closely with the Claims team. She is passionate about educating others on fraud in real estate transactions and errors and omissions insurance for legal professionals. Don’t miss out on this valuable information—watch the full talk now to enhance your understanding of title insurance and protect your property investment!
Island Living Today - Electrial System
Learn how your home's electrical system can impact your safety and insurance coverage in this must-watch video! In this episode of Island Living Today, we dive into the crucial details of home electrical systems with two industry experts: 🔌 James Robinson, a Licensed Home Inspector with over 25 years of experience and a Red Seal Master Electrician. James leads Wave Home Inspection and uses advanced tools like thermal imaging to identify hidden electrical issues that could pose a risk to your home. 🛡️ Baylee Caswell, a Personal Insurance Advisor from HUB International. Baylee’s deep understanding of the insurance landscape ensures that homeowners like you get the right coverage, especially when it comes to homes with older or unique electrical setups. You'll learn: The connection between your home’s electrical system and your insurance premiums Why outdated wiring can lead to higher insurance costs or coverage denial Key maintenance tips to keep your electrical system up to code If you're unsure about the differences between aluminum and copper wiring, or if you want to make sure your home is safe and insurable, this video has the answers you need. Watch now to stay informed and protect your home!
Island Living Today: Drainage & Septic Systems
On Vancouver Island, we’re blessed to live near nature with abundant access to water. However, water can also cause problems for your property if it’s not drained properly. Plus, wastewater leaving your home can cause problems for the environment if it’s not treated in an appropriate way. In this issue of Island Living Today, we chat with Mike Crawford, a Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioner. He sheds light on how to design and maintain drainage and septic systems on your property. You will learn about: How perimeter drainage works to protect your home and potential issues to watch for Advances in modern septic technology and design What to look for when shopping for land to build your dream home Download the Maintenance Report and Brochure here! Mike Crawford is the owner of Crawford Site Services which operates Wrightway Onsite Wastewater, a septic and build company based on the mid-Vancouver Island. His services stretch from Port Alberni to Nanaimo, and all the way north to the Courtenay/Comox region. Mike has over 10 years of industry experience, applying his problem-solving skills to install unique and effective septic systems even on the toughest sites. He supports homebuyers with inspection services to ensure that there are no surprises when it comes to the health and longevity of a septic system. His detailed reports assist greatly in the home purchasing and negotiation process. Mike finds fulfillment in sharing his knowledge with homeowners and is always happy to answer questions!
June 2024 Newsletter - Bringing inspiration from Toronto (and outer space) back to Vancouver Island
Summer is here and I hope you’re enjoying lots of delicious eats, good company, and fun times exploring Vancouver Island! I recently returned from a trip to Toronto where I attended eXpcon Canada, a gathering for real estate professionals to learn the latest industry trends, tools, and techniques. I was so inspired by the experience and I can’t wait to apply what I learned to help you with your real estate transactions! The highlight of the conference was the keynote speech by Colonel Chris Hadfield, the first Canadian Commander of the International Space Station. He talked about advances in technology and the exciting future for space exploration. It made me think about the innovations shaping the real estate industry, and what a thrilling time it is to serve as your local mid-island realtor. With that, I’m delighted to share that at this conference, I received the eXp Luxury certification! This means I’m now a member of an elite group with access to global marketing through over 80 world-class international media outlets. When you list a luxury property with me, on top of standard marketing, your listing is advertised on the exclusive eXp Luxury website and in publications such as The Wall Street Journal, UPMKT, Barrons, and more! From making new connections to tasting the most authentic shawarma, Greek, and Japanese meals, it was a wonderfully inspiring trip. And if you’re looking to travel soon, I can’t recommend Porter Airlines enough. The experience reminded me of a time when flying was fun! The crew was friendly and helpful. Plus, there were so many perks at no extra cost even on a basic fare: Actual snacks, not just pretzels Beer and wine Great selection of movies One checked bag There was also plenty of room to stretch out with only two seats on each side of the plane. There was no chance of being crammed into a middle seat. I actually look forward to flying again! Say Goodbye to Invasive Species and Hello to Native Plants At last month’s Island Living Today talk, Hunter Jarratt (Restoration Consultant at KiKi Nursery, aka the “Invasive Species Guy”) shared the benefits and beauty of planting native species. But before getting to that step, we may first need to remove invasive plants from our property, and different plants may require different strategies. Thankfully, we walked away with lots tips and resources to get started! KiKi Nursery (Ladysmith, BC) offering native plants and restoration consultations - Contact jarratt@kikinursery.ca Plant ID apps: iNaturalist, Seek Invasive Species Council of BC Field Guide to Noxious Weeds Plants to grow instead Tools to help remove invasive plants: solid metal shovels, Pullerbear, Extractigator City of Nanaimo Invasive Plant Management - learn about common invasives, work parties, and drop zones Regional District of Nanaimo - FireSmart & WaterSmart Landscaping Guide Land stewardship and volunteer opportunities: Nanaimo & Area Land Trust - explore seeds from the native plant nursery Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team Friends of Uplands Park Friends of Shelly Creek Park Hunter also shared a gorgeous slideshow of native plants local to Vancouver Island. Catch the reply to get inspired! Use this link to view the Island Living Today video Join the next Home Inspection Series on July 3 There’s a science to the movement of water, and next month, Mike Crawford (Owner of Wrightway Onsite Wastewater) will share how smart design impacts your drainage and septic systems. This will be an excellent talk for anyone currently living on a rural property or thinking about building a dream home on bare land. Home Inspection Series: Drainage & Septic Systems Time: Wednesday, July 3, 2024 (6-7 PM Pacific Time) Use this link to Save your seat Inventory Outpaced Sales in May Active listings of single-family homes (1,433), condos (398), and row/townhouses (375) were all up in May 2024 compared to one year ago. In total, there were 842 sales documented by the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board. When separated by property types, there was a 14% drop in single-family home sales compared to May 2023, but sales of condos and row/townhouses increased by 11% and 17% respectively. Currently, the benchmark price of a single-family home on Vancouver Island is $781,100. Spring’s real estate activity hasn’t matched expectations, but with Bank of Canada’s recent interest rate cut, it’ll be interesting to see how activity responds in the summer. Use this link to read more Canada Day Events on July 1 Canada Day in Parksville Parksville Community Park (193 Island Highway East) Family-friendly fun in the sun kicks off with the Parksville Canada Day parade followed by afternoon activities in the Parksville Community Park. Canada Day in Bowser Royal Canadian Legion Branch 211 (7035 Island Hwy West) Celebrate with a beer garden, classic car show, market, live music, and a Canada Day birthday cake. Canada Day in Nanaimo Maffeo Sutton Park (100 Comox Rd) Check out live music (Moonshine Mollys, The Kiltlifters, The Pickups), a photo booth, face painting, bouncy castles, interactive booths, food vendors, a multicultural community stage, and more family fun! Testimonial “Denise has made the process of buying our first home in Canada seamless. She was honest, friendly and diligent throughout the process. I highly recommend her!” - Steven Get in touch! If you’re thinking of buying or selling your home, please reach out so I can lend my experience to help you make the best real estate decisions!
Island Living Today - Cultivate Your Dream Garden
Island Living Today - Cultivate Your Dream Garden by Managing Invasive Species Guest Speaker: Hunter Jarratt, Environmental Educator - aka the “Invasive Species Guy” Are blackberries and ivy vines taking over your yard? They’re actually taking over Vancouver Island, but you can help turn the tide! By identifying and managing invasive species on your property, you’re not only cultivating your dream garden, but you’re also supporting the local environment, economy, society, and human health. How is it all connected, you wonder? Hunter Jarratt explained it all to us during our Island Living Today talk. As the “Invasive Species Guy” on Instagram and TikTok, he educates over 40,000 followers on tangible actions that will protect our homes and communities. On June 5, we chatted about: Why homeowners should care about invasive species on their properties Resources to help you tell a “good weed” from a “bad weed” How native plants support beautiful, biodiverse, low-maintenance gardens Speaker Bios Hunter Jarratt is an environmental educator and invasive species specialist. Deeply committed to environmental protection, Hunter pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resource Protection at Vancouver Island University, and has worked with the Invasive Species Council of British Columbia and the Coastal Invasive Species Committee. Currently, he is working as a Restoration Consultant for KiKi Nursery in Ladysmith, where he has begun a project returning farmland back into a Garry Oak ecosystem. Through his social media (@invasivespeciesguy), he educates, motivates, and inspires people to get involved with protecting the province’s biodiversity.
May 2024 Newsletter - Changes to Know Affecting the BC Real Estate Market
I hope you’re doing well this May! In this month’s newsletter, I’m sharing some noteworthy real estate policy updates, the latest Island Living Today expert talks, and local island events. Happy reading! Housing affordability is the hot topic across the country, but especially in British Columbia where residents pay the most for buying and renting compared to other Canadians. In response, the BC government has made multiple policy changes impacting the local real estate market. Here are some important ones to note. Newly Built Home Exemption The Newly Built Home Exemption reduces or eliminates the property transfer tax on qualifying purchases of a principal residence. Recent adjustments aim to provide relief for home buyers purchasing newly constructed properties. Starting April 1, 2024, the fair market value threshold for a full exemption for newly built homes is increased from $750,000 to $1,100,000. Additionally, a partial exemption will be available for properties valued just above this threshold. The phase-out range extends to $50,000 above the threshold, meaning properties with a fair market value exceeding $1,150,000 will not qualify for the Newly Built Home Exemption. BC Home Flipping Tax Starting January 1, 2025, the proposed BC Home Flipping Tax will be applicable to any residential property sold within two years of its purchase. The tax rate will vary based on the duration of ownership. Sellers who sell within the first 365 days will face a 20% tax rate on the income earned from the sale, gradually decreasing until it reaches zero percent at the 730-day mark. Additionally, exemptions will be granted for various circumstances, including separation or divorce, death, disability or illness, relocation for work, involuntary job loss, change in household membership, personal safety concerns, and insolvency. Further exemptions may be announced at a later date. These exemptions aim to provide relief for individuals facing unforeseen circumstances or life changes, ensuring fairness in the implementation of the home flipping tax. The tax will apply to both properties and assignments of contracts and is in addition to any existing federal or provincial income taxes incurred from the sale of the property, including the federal anti-flipping tax. BC's Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act On May 1, 2024, BC enacted the Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act with the goal of returning more short-term rental units to the long-term housing market. This legislation limits short-term rentals to the host’s primary dwelling along with one secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit. This regulation will be applicable to communities with a population exceeding 10,000 individuals, as well as smaller adjacent communities. However, specific exemptions will be granted to certain property types, including timeshare properties, hotels, motels, lodges, student accommodations, and strata guest suites. Additionally, exemptions will be extended to particular regions such as agricultural land, ski and resort areas, and Trust areas under the Islands Trust Act. As outlined in the Act: A principal residence denotes the primary dwelling where an individual resides for a majority of the calendar year. A secondary suite is a self-contained living unit within a larger dwelling, featuring independent kitchen, sleeping, and bathroom facilities. An accessory dwelling unit is a standalone living space, complete with its own kitchen, sleeping area, and bathroom facilities, situated on the same property as the principal residence (e.g., a laneway home or garden suite). Local governments retain the authority to enact more stringent bylaws in addition to the baseline standards established by the province, thereby ensuring flexibility in addressing unique community needs. First-Time Home Buyers’ Program The First-Time Home Buyers' Program reduces or eliminates the amount of property transfer tax you pay when you purchase your first home. Effective April 1, 2024, first-time home buyers can take advantage of the exemption if the fair market value of the purchase is $835,000 or less. This a welcomed increase from the previous limit of $500,000. For purchases up to $500,000, first-time home buyers are exempt from any property transfer tax. For purchases up to $835,000, property transfer tax is only payable on the difference above $500,000 at a rate of 2%. Partial exemption is available for purchase prices between $835,000 - $860,000. Anything above a $860,000 purchase price, the tax must be paid in full. Property transfer tax is paid upfront and cannot be wrapped into the mortgage. If you’re planning to buy or sell, and want to know how these government programs affect you, get in touch and let’s chat more! Join the Conversation on June 5 Do you know a “good weed” from a “bad weed?” Join me at the next Island Living Today talk to meet Hunter Jarratt, aka the “Invasive Species Guy.” With over 40,000 social media followers, he’s an environmental educator who’s passionate about protecting the beauty of Vancouver Island and BC. He’ll teach us how to identify and manage invasive species on our properties, and how we can cultivate more biodiverse and drought-friendly gardens in the process. Cultivate Your Dream Garden by Managing Invasive Species Time: Wednesday, June 5, 2024 (6-7 PM Pacific Time) Save your Seat using this link. Pest Control for Your Home At last month’s Island Living Today talk, Patrick Preston (Accredited Home Inspector at HouseMaster) and Bryan Dumesnil (Operator at VI Pest Control) shared ways to prevent, detect, and vanquish common household pests to protect you and your home’s health. We discussed: Common household pests ranging from ants and termites to bedbugs and mice Ways to prevent pest problems such as reducing clutter, regularly inspecting your home’s surroundings, and sealing potential entry points Do-it-yourself versus professional pest management options It was eye-opening to hear what critters can enter a Vancouver Island home! Watch the full recording to learn proactive pest management strategies. Watch now using this link. Higher Inventory and Creeping Prices April 2024 kicked off the active real estate season with 1,271 active listings of single-family homes on Vancouver Island, an increase from the 956 postings one year ago. Last month’s inventory of 381 condo apartments and 368 row/townhouses are also up from last spring. Meanwhile, the benchmark price of a single-family home on Vancouver Island creeped up to $774,700 from $765,600 in March 2024. While greater inventory is good news for buyers, sellers are also adjusting their selling prices. It’s been a busy month of showings, so reach out if you’d like help navigating your options! Use this link to read more. Community Events to Explore Oceanside Classical Concerts Society Emerging Artist & Scholarship Winner Concert June 15 | 7:00pm Knox United Church (345 Pym Street, Parksville) Vancouver Island violinist Jeremy Potts will perform with Jany Lu, pianist and faculty member of the Victoria Conservatory of Music. Also appearing will be past winners of the Oceanside Classical Concerts annual music scholarship. Cost: $30, $15 for students Downtown Parksville Summer Events Memorial Plaza, select dates from June to August Picnic in the Plaza - Tuesdays from 6-8:30pm Hot Jams, Cool Games - Wednesdays from 3-6pm Summer Singalong - Thursdays from 6:30-8pm Nanoose Bay Cafe Events 3521 Dolphin Dr, Nanoose Bay Live Music Wednesdays from 6pm to closing Thursday Night Events from 6pm until late
Island Living Today - Home Inspection Series - Pest Control
Home Inspection Series: Pest Control Spring has bloomed and local critters are waking up! If you’re finding traces of insects and rodents around your home, it’s because spring is prime time for feasting and mingling after their winter hibernation. Take this opportunity to manage pest problems now so you can enjoy a stress-free summer. If you’re planning to sell, it’s even more important to prep your home for pleasant showings. For those who are on the market to buy, it’s a good chance to spot potential issues in your next home. On May 1, we chatted with a home inspector and a pest control expert to discuss: Telltale signs that insects or rodents are invading your home How pests can damage a home’s structure and value What you can do to prevent and manage different pest problems Guest Speakers: Patrick Preston - Accredited Home Inspector at HouseMaster Bryan Dumesnil - Co-owner and Operator at VI Pest Control Patrick Preston, co-owner of HouseMaster, has over 20 years of experience as an accredited home inspector with the Home Inspectors Association of BC and is licensed with the BC Consumer Protection Authority. He is also a Red Seal Journeyman Carpenter and former building contractor with in-depth knowledge of all the components of a home. Patrick is certified to conduct infrared inspections, evaluate solid fuel burning appliances, complete Eco Energy Audits, sample indoor air quality, and inspect commercial buildings. Patrick has personally conducted over 7,000 quality inspections on Vancouver Island. Bryan Dumesnil is the co-owner and operator of VI Pest Control, a family-run business serving Nanaimo, Parksville, Comox Valley, and Campbell River. He is a certified technician who’s trained to conduct pest control in accordance to the Integrated Pest Management Act of BC. With a decade of experience, Bryan has dealt with ants, termites, bedbugs, spiders, mice, and other pests that may trigger fear. His top priority is always to quickly, effectively, and safely protect your family, home, and business from disease and structural damage.
April 2024 Newsletter - Spring Cleaning For A Pest-Free Home
Is spring cleaning on your mind? Aside from removing the dust and grime that has collected over the colder months, now is also the perfect time to rid your home of pests. Spring is an especially active time for insects and rodents so it’s important not to overlook prevention tasks around your home. Follow the room-by-room guide below to help keep unwanted critters at bay! Kitchen Ants and other spring bugs are drawn to kitchens due to readily available food and water sources. To deter them, start by emptying cabinets and pantry shelves, discarding stale items, and wiping down surfaces. Pull out appliances to vacuum behind them and scrub countertops and floors thoroughly. Bathroom Moisture-loving pests like cockroaches and silverfish often thrive in bathrooms. Prevent infestations by fixing leaks promptly, cleaning drains, and ensuring proper ventilation. Check under sinks and around tubs and toilets for any moisture issues. Basement Rodents and spiders find refuge in cluttered and dark basements. As you sift through your belongings, replace cardboard boxes with sealed plastic bins, and seal cracks and crevices with caulk to prevent pest entry. Outdoor Space Inspect your home's exterior for damage and repair as needed. Clean gutters and trim bushes away from the house to discourage pests from entering. Keep mulch and tree stumps away from the foundation to deter termites. Whichever room you start with, these simple tasks can make a big difference in maintaining the health and integrity of your home! Join the Conversation on May 1 Do you have specific questions about maintaining a pest-free home? Join me at the next Island Living Today talk! We’ll have a home inspector and pest control expert on hand to share tips and answer questions about protecting your home from insects and rodents. Home Inspection Series: Pest Control Time: Wednesday, May 1, 2024 (6-7 PM Pacific Time) Guest Speakers: Patrick Preston - Accredited Home Inspector at HouseMaster Bryan Dumesnil - Co-owner and Operator at VI Pest Control Save your seat using this link Protecting Your Home From Moisture and Mold Moisture and mold are serious threats to the home, but last month, we learned that there’s a lot homeowners can do to prevent issues from arising in the first place. The trick is knowing where to look. Luckily, Brad Clark from A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections and Ryan Hill from First General Services Vancouver Island guided us on how to detect water damage throughout the home. We discussed: How to catch water leaks early Prevention strategies to mitigate moisture and mold problems Practical tips for improving airflow in your home We dived deep into this topic so watch the full recording now! Watch now Changes to Short-Term Rentals and What It Means for You To address the housing shortage across the province, the government recently changed legislation regarding short-term rentals. Here’s a simplified breakdown of what you need to know: New Residence Rules: Starting May 1, 2024, short-term rentals will be limited to your main residence plus one additional suite or dwelling unit in most major BC communities. Regional Licensing: Areas outside municipalities will now be subject to licensing for short-term rentals. Data Sharing: Platforms hosting short-term rentals must share data to ensure compliance with regulations. No More Grandfathering: Previous exemptions for historical short-term rental use are no longer applicable. Provincial Registry: A central registry for short-term rentals will be established for monitoring and enforcement purposes. It’s important to remember that these rules don’t replace stricter local regulations. For example, Kelowna has tightened restrictions on short-term rentals across the board. What Does This Mean for You? Current Owners: Check if your short-term rental complies with the new rules, alongside existing local and strata regulations. Buying Considerations: If you’re looking to purchase a short-term rental property, be aware of evolving laws that may impact your plans. Pre-sale Condos: Seek legal advice if you’ve purchased a pre-sale condo for short-term rentals to understand your rights. Disclosure: While the law change doesn’t require separate disclosure, transparency with potential buyers or renters is advisable. Opt-Out Limits: Individual properties or buildings can't opt out of these regulations, although geographic areas may have exemptions based on rental vacancy rates. These changes reflect broader efforts to balance housing needs and property usage. Stay informed and seek guidance specific to your situation for a smooth transition in this evolving real estate landscape. Calm March Despite Pent-Up Demand The benchmark price of a single-family home on Vancouver Island was $765,600 in March 2024, which is 5% higher than one year ago, but not quite as high as six months ago. Sales activity last month was calmer than expected given a large pool of potential buyers who are eager to find their next home. However, with interest rates being held steady, it appears that buyers are still being cautious. Nonetheless, there were 291 single-family homes, 84 condo apartments, and 82 row/townhouses that sold last month. This is contrasted to 291 single-family homes, 324 condo apartments, and 333 row/townhouses listed for sale. Read More Community Events to Explore Ballet Jazz Montréal Apr 24 | 7:30pm Port Theatre (125 Front St, Nanaimo) As part of its 50th Anniversary season, Ballet Jazz Montréal has curated a triple bill that includes We Can’t Forget About What’s His Name, a new creation by company member, Ausia Jones, Ten Duets on a Theme of Rescue by Crystal Pite, and Les Chambres des Jacques by Aszure Barton. South Island Rhythm Kings Apr 27 | 7:30-10:30pm Rocking Horse Pub (2038 Rocking Horse Pl, Nanoose Bay) Lazy Mike Mallon and Annie Mallon are the father/daughter team behind award Nominated artists, South Island Rhythm Kings. They carry a bag of old-school, classic electric blues, carefully curated from the long and rich history of the genre. Tee Off for NCS Charity Golf Tournament May 10 | 9:30am-8pm Fairwinds Golf Club (3730 Fairwinds Dr, Nanoose Bay) Whether you're a seasoned golfer or a beginner, this tournament is perfect for everyone. With challenging holes, plus tons of fun activities throughout the day, you'll have a blast while making a difference for the Nanoose Community Services team and their clients. Cost: $200 (includes registration fee, 2 golf carts per team, lunch & dinner). Register online. Nanoose Garden Club Plant Sale May 11 | 9am-1pm Nanoose Library Hall (2489 Nanoose Rd, Nanoose Bay) Make friends over plant care talks and garden tours. Membership is $20 per year, payable at the door (cash or cheque). Guests are welcome to attend club meetings for $3 (cash only).