I just finished uploading this House for sale, 568 Sentinel Dr, Malahat & Area, British Columbia

I just finished uploading this House for sale, 2369 Coopers Hawk Rise, Malahat & Area, British Columbia

Mill Bay's preferred address! NEW Executive home boasts 4111 sqft w/Inlaw & 3-Car Garage, all on a private .45 acre Lot. RARE SPLIT LEVEL PLAN features cutting edge DESIGNER finishing and exacting attention to quality workmanship throughout. Grand Double Door Cathedral Entry welcomes you to an Open Concept Living, Dining and Kitchen areas w/vaulted ceilings, + an adjacent handy Home Office/Den and terrific Family/Media Room before discovering the Master Suite also on this floor. Upper Level boasts 2-large adjoining bedrooms sharing a Jack & Jill 5-piece Bath. Huge laundry & 3-car garage are at mid level before ample space on lower level with a Recrm, Inlaw Accom & Storage. Open Daily 12-4. Price incl GST. Verify measurements if important

I just finished uploading this House for sale, 2357 Coopers Hawk Rise, Malahat & Area, British Columbia

Another Fabulous SENTINEL Ridge Home! With multiple roof lines & a stately frame entry, this fine home is very impressive. Situated on a large .32 acre corner lot, the exterior offers tastefully landscaped grounds complete with an inground sprinkler system & spacious aggregate driveway leading to a 3 Bay garage. Inside you will be delighted with the quality features this executive home has to offer. Stylishly designed rooms on the main floor are perfect for entertaining with high quality wood cabinetry & built-ins. A wet bar adjacent to the dining & living room is perfectly situated. The kitchen is designed for the chefs in the family with a generous walk-in pantry and stainless steel appliances. Open Daily 12-4. Price includes GST.

I just finished uploading this House for sale, 625 Sentinel Dr, Malahat & Area, British Columbia

Another Fabulous NEW SENTINEL Ridge Estate Home with stunning water views, Mill Bay's finest location. Features include tiled foyer to the Great Room, vaulted ceilings, custom millwork & beautiful rich wood floors. Gourmet kitchen w/polished stone counters, stainless gas range, SXS fridge/freezer, dishwasher, microwave & range hood. Polished chrome fixtures in kitchen/bathrooms & satin chrome hardware on interior doors. Adorning the powder room is a lovely duo toned wood vanity with granite counter/vessel sink. Outdoors you will find a 22x20 deck & a professionally landscaped yard to be viewed from every window. Inground sprinklers & spacious double car garage! Buy before HST! Open Daily 12-4. Price incl's GST!

I just finished uploading this House for sale, 619 Sentinel Dr, Malahat & Area, British Columbia

Beautiful NEW Craftsman Style Estate Home in Mill Bay's highly sought after SENTINEL Ridge! 3374 ft of Luxurious Quality, Spacious, Bright & Loaded w/all the cutting edge extras. HALF ACRE LOT w/rear lane access ideal for WORKSHOP. Main floor boasts an impressive tiled entry, office w/French doors, unique ceiling vaults, 3 fireplaces, gourmet kitchen w/quartz counters, skylights, island w/eating-bar & pantry. Entertain in spacious Living/Dining Rooms w/window seat & a Family area w/spectacular built-in cabinet work that surrounds a fireplace, w/space for large flat screen TV! Main floor Master Suite has window seat & luxury Ensuite! Finished Lower Level has Recroom, 2 Bedrooms & HUGE 23x21 Studio. Open house Daily 12-4. Price includes GST!

I just finished uploading this House for sale, 613 Sentinel Dr, Malahat & Area, British Columbia

Open house daily 12-4. Price includes GST. Experience the luxurious quality & attention to detail of this Beautiful NEW Craftsman Style Estate Home in Mill Bay's stunning SENTINEL Ridge Development! Spacious 3157 sqft w/bright open floor plan is loaded w/all the cutting edge extras you've been wishing for...all on a HALF ACRE LOT w/rear lane access (Ideal for a WORKSHOP) Main floor boasts an impressive entry, den/office w/French doors, gas fireplace, large open-plan kitchen, living room, dining space & beautiful deck. Master BD on main floor w/gorgeous Ensuite! Lower Level has Rec room, 2 more Bedrooms, 4 piece bath & HUGE unfinished space for nanny suite or at-home business. This is the finest location Mill Bay has to offer.

Property Sales Highest in 17 Years

for Month of September

The Victoria area real estate market showed signs of growing strength last month as property sales rose to their highest level for the month of September since 1992 accompanied by modest price increases for single family homes and condominiums. A total of 776 homes and other properties sold in September through the Victoria Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), up from the 764 sales in August and up nearly 50 per cent compared to the 512 sales in September of last year.

Victoria Real Estate Board President, Chris Markham, says the market has clearly recovered and now appears to be very stable, “The last seven months have shown a steady improvement in sales and price stability. It’s very encouraging when we look back over the past several years and see sales now exceeding typical levels for this time of year.”

There were 3,419 properties available for sale at the end of September, down 28 per cent from the 4,754 properties available in the same month a year ago. “We are now seeing some renewed upward pressure on prices as a result of the declining inventory,” noted Markham.

The average price for single family homes sold in Greater Victoria last month was $619,936, up from $596,498 in August. Markham noted that the average price was affected by 24 sales of over $1 million. “These included five sales of over $2 million, three in Saanich East, one in Victoria and one on the Gulf Islands which had a significant impact on the overall average price,” he stated.

The median price increased $10,000 to $550,000. The six-month average was $581,498. The overall average price for condominiums was $325,106 last month, up from $317,312 in August. The average for the last six months was $311,546. The median price for condominiums in September was $295,000. The average price of all townhomes sold last month was $441,966 down from $455,430 in August. The median price dropped slightly to $415,000. The six month average was $426,521.

MLS® sales last month included 437 single family homes, 197 condominiums, 79 townhomes and 15 manufactured homes.

While the use of average price information can be useful in establishing trends when applied over a period of time, i.e. Six months or longer. The Victoria Real Estate Board cautions that an average price does not indicate the actual value of any particular property. Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a REALTOR®.

I just finished uploading this Townhouse for sale, 5 106 Aldersmith Place, View Royal, BC

Units rarely come up for sale in this complex and when they do, they sell quickly. Act now and book your viewing for this exceptional end-unit. Three large bedrooms including the master which features a deluxe ensuite with a glass shower and soaker tub. Bright and spacious living/dining room with a gas fireplace and powder room. Country kitchen with an informal eating area and patio doors that lead to private brick patio and garden. Double garage with workshop area. Separate storage in unit. No age restrictions, dogs and cats allowed, rental restrictions. Call #250-217-5091 or email sweethomevictoria@gmail.com for your personal viewing.

I just finished uploading this Manufacture Mobile for sale, 7 3640 Trans Canada Hwy, Mill Bay, BC

Property Sales in August

Follow Usual Summer Trend

The number of property sales in the Greater Victoria area slowed during August but sales were again significantly higher than a year ago. Prices, meantime, remained stable with some increase for single family homes. A total of 764 homes and other properties sold in August through the Victoria Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), down from the 933 sales in July but up 48 per cent compared to the 517 sales in August of last year.

Victoria Real Estate Board President, Chris Markham, says it is usual for sales to slow in August, “Many people take holidays in August so it is not surprising to see sales soften somewhat. We are very pleased, however, to note the significant increase in sales last month compared to August of a year ago which gives further evidence of the strengthening of the market.”

There were 3,509 properties available for sale at the end of August, down 25 per cent from the 4,657 properties available in the same month a year ago. “The decline in the number of properties available for sale will continue to place some upward pressure on prices,” said Markham. Sales so far this year are running over six per cent higher than in the first eight months of last year.

The average price for single family homes sold in Greater Victoria last month was $596,498, up from $565,469 in July. Markham noted that the average price was affected by 17 sales of over $1 million. “These included two sales of over $4 million, one in Saanich East and one in Central Saanich, and these had a significant impact on the overall average price,” he stated. The median price increased $20,000 to $540,000. The six-month average was $569,546. The overall average price for condominiums was $317,312 last month, down from $328,441 in July. The average for the last six months was $307,347. The median price for condominiums in August remained unchanged at $290,000. The average price of all townhomes sold last month was $455,430 up from $443,109 in July. The median price dropped slightly to $419,000. The six month average was $421,565.

MLS® sales last month included 403 single family homes, 218 condominiums, 91 townhomes and 11 manufactured homes.

While the use of average price information can be useful in establishing trends when applied over a period of time, i.e. Six months or longer. The Victoria Real Estate Board cautions that an average price does not indicate the actual value of any particular property. Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a REALTOR®.

Property Sales Soar in July

It was not only the weather that was hot in July as the Victoria area property market continued to soar. The number of sales of homes and other properties reached their highest peak for the month of July in at least 19-years. A total of 933 homes and other properties sold in July through the Victoria Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), down slightly from the 946 sales in June but up a remarkable 51 per cent compared to the 616 sales in July of last year.

Victoria Real Estate Board President, Chris Markham, says the continued strength in the market reflects growing optimism among consumers, “There are indications that the recession is nearing an end and people are feeling more confident in the economy and consequently more confident about making a move up or down in the housing market, depending on their needs.” Markham noted that sales so far this year are running about two per cent higher than in the same period a year ago. “The year began very slowly but the rebound in the past four months has been significant,” he added.

There were 3,632 properties available for sale at the end of July, down 20 per cent from the 4,557 properties available in the same month a year ago. “The decline in the number of properties available for sale means we can expect some upward pressure on prices, though it is important to note there will always be month-to-month fluctuations in prices depending on the properties sold,” said Markham. Prices for both condominiums and townhomes rose last month while prices for single family homes declined slightly.

The average price for single family homes sold in Greater Victoria last month was $565,469, down from $588,186 in June. The median price declined slightly to $520,000. The six-month average was $562,909. The overall average price for condominiums was $328,441 month, up from $298,200 in June. The average for the last six months was $303,665. The median price for condominiums in July rose to $290,000. The average price of all townhomes sold last month was $443,109, up from $413,218 in June. The median price rose to $421,000. The six month average was $411,210.

MLS® sales last month included 516 single family homes, 252 condominiums, 103 townhomes and 14 manufactured homes.

While the use of average price information can be useful in establishing trends when applied over a period of time, i.e. Six months or longer. The Victoria Real Estate Board cautions that an average price does not indicate the actual value of any particular property. Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a REALTOR®.

Believe it or not, as much as I love Victoria, I have to leave and go on vacation once in a while.  I've been fortunate to take time off in Ucluelet on two occasions this year.  I stayed at a friend's waterfront townhouse and enjoyed the view through floor to ceiling windows.  Is there anything more beautiful than the West Coast?  I don't think so.   Is there anything better than being on a beach in the summertime?  I don't think so.  If you are undecided, I highly recommend some time on this peninsula for research.  Don't rush it...  Surf, kayak, hike, camp, relax, and do all the activities required to make an informed decision.

Ucluelet has a population of about 2,000 people but the town swells in the summertime.  Tourists know the benefit of this sleepy little town that rests so close to Long Beach and the Pacific Rim National Park.  There is accommodation ranging from campgrounds to the most lavish of resorts.  Investors take note - this town is full of opportunities.  Along with my friend's townhouse, several suites at the new resorts are for sale.  Let me know if you want more information.

The majority of my photos come from different sections of the Wild Pacific Trail.  This trail is a delight that almost any age group can enjoy.  There are occasional ups and downs but the terrain remains flat and easy to walk on.  Wire railings are set up to keep you from straying too close to the edge.  Creeks are bridged by sturdy bridges with anti slip traction and sturdy wood railings.  The trail edges in and out of the rainforest and has several areas with benches to take in the panoramic views. 

Enough from me, I will let the camera do the rest of the talking.     K

Black Rock Resort

Wild Pacific Trail

My friend's townhouse is here!

Long Beach

Housing Sales Surge

The arrival of summer saw a significant surge in property sales throughout the Greater Victoria area along with modest price increases for single family homes and townhomes. A total of 946 homes and other properties sold in June through the Victoria Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), up over seven per cent from the 879 sales in May and up 31 per cent compared to the 723 sales in June of last year.

Victoria Real Estate Board President, Chris Markham, says the market has regained strength faster than anticipated, “For the past couple of months we have seen growing strength in the market as many people who were waiting to see which direction the market would move in have decided now is the time to buy. However, the rebound has been stronger than we anticipated and this looks good for the coming months.” Markham noted that the number of sales in June was very close to the 949 sales in June of 2007 -- the peak of the recent market.

There were 3,794 properties available for sale at the end of June, down 16 per cent from the 4,513 properties available in the same month a year ago. “The decline in the number of properties available for sale is making it more of a challenge for REALTORS® to find the kinds of homes buyers are looking for,” noted Markham. “The drop in available inventory is also reflected in the price increases for single family homes and townhomes that we saw last month,” he added. There were 26 sales of single family homes of over $1 million throughout Greater Victoria, including one in Oak Bay of over $5 million.

The average price for single family homes sold in Greater Victoria last month was $588,186, up from $573,442 in May. The median price also rose to $529,900. The six-month average was $559,827. The overall average price for condominiums was $298,200 month, down slightly from $306,971 in May. The average for the last six months was $294,725. The median price for condominiums in June was $275,000. The average price of all townhomes sold last month was $413,218, up from $400,788 in May. The median price remained unchanged at $375,000. The six month average was $401,829.

MLS® sales last month included 539 single family homes, 242 condominiums, 104 townhomes and 18 manufactured homes.

While the use of average price information can be useful in establishing trends when applied over a period of time, i.e. six months or longer. The Victoria Real Estate Board cautions that an average price does not indicate the actual value of any particular property. Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a REALTOR®.

For many, summer in Victoria is best spent at Thetis Lake.  Swimming, sunbathing, hiking, cliff-jumping, dogwalking – you name it – this is a great location for some of nature’s finest moments. 

There are actually two lakes – Upper and Lower Thetis – that are the main attractions of the 831 hectare park comprised of delicate Garry Oak ecosystems.  Located at the end of Six Mile Road in View Royal, the park was established in 1993 and is open from sun up to sun down.  This is one of the finest lakes for swimming and not getting swimmer’s itch so it gets busy in the summertime – but it provides year round enjoyment to hikers. 

Thanks to my friend and guide, Fiona, I discovered the McKenzie Creek trail.  It is an easy grade, 14km-long trail that had me remembering my days on the West Coast Trail.  The forest fauna is so rich that you are immersed into your wild and natural surroundings, forgetting that you are just minutes from a major city.  The creek makes for a perfect destination with its waterfalls and pools. 

The trail continues in a loop which takes you back to Lower Thetis.  About 45 minutes into the trail, we came upon an unidentified lake with some sweet cabins along the shoreline.  (Now that I have the map I know it was Prior Lake.)  Another sweet discovery in Victoria, if you step onto one of the many great trails here – you never know what you will find, but it will probably be something beautiful. 

June 1, 2009

Victoria Housing Market Gains Strength

The Greater Victoria area housing market gained additional strength last month with a significant increase in sales along with firm prices. A total of 879 homes and other properties sold in May through the Victoria Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), up 17 per cent from the 747 sales in April and up 14 per cent compared to the 770 sales in May of last year. Prices for single family homes and condominiums were up slightly while townhome prices showed little change.

Victoria Real Estate Board President, Chris Markham, says there is every indication the rebound in the market will continue in the months ahead, “Sales were significantly higher last month than a year ago and prices appear to be strengthening in key sectors.” Markham noted that the number of properties available for sale dropped last month. In addition, continuing attractive interest rates and growing consumer confidence are helping to fuel activity which is particularly strong in the mid-price range. “Over half of the single family homes sold last month were priced between $400,000 and $600,000.” There were 33 sales of single family homes over $1 million including six on the Gulf Islands. There were 3,789 properties available for sale at the end of May, down 13 per cent from the 4,332 properties available in the same month a year ago.

The average price for single family homes sold in Greater Victoria last month was $573,442, up from $550,736 in April. The median price also rose to $525,000. The six-month average was $550,756. The overall average price for condominiums was $306,971 last month, up from $292,252 in April. The average for the last six months was $292,766. The median price for condominiums rose in May to $279,500. The average price of all townhomes sold last month was $400,788, virtually unchanged from $400,695 in April. The median price dropped slightly to $375,000. The six month average was $397,224.

MLS® sales last month included 514 single family homes, 223 condominiums, 88 townhomes and eight manufactured homes.

While the use of average price information can be useful in establishing trends when applied over a period of time, i.e. six months or longer. The Victoria Real Estate Board cautions that an average price does not indicate the actual value of any particular property. Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a REALTOR®.

I just sold this Single family home at 2346 Demamiel Drive, Sooke, BC .

View this recently sold Single family home or see all my home sales

Mount Douglas Park is the largest and most magnificent park administered by Saanich.  This parkland was originally set aside in 1858 by Sir James Douglas as a Government Reserve (the creek and hill ar both named after him), and has been protected as crown trust since 1889. In November 1992 it was transferred to Saanich Municipality.  The park stretches from the shores of Cordova Bay to the summit at 213m above the sea. At the peak, the 360º lookout is breathtaking, with views of rural Saanich, the city lights of Victoria, and further, the Olympic and Cascade mountains in Washington State.

The 182 hectare area is rich with trails of varying terrain and there is also a paved road to the first summit.  The group known as Friends of Mt. Doug recently won a decision to lock the paved access until 12pm.  This allows for people to walk up the road without disturbance from vehicle traffic.  Whether you are walking up the paved road or the trails you will be treated to the abundance of natural splendor - such as Fir, Cedar, Arbutus and Garry Oak trees, wild ferns, wildflowers, huge boulders, and a magnificent view.

In 1942, Emily Carr claimed to have had a vision while visiting a friend in Vancouver. The vision inspired her to return immediately to Mount Douglas Park where she felt the "forest had something to tell her". There, for a few weeks in August of that year, she painted her last works which were both mystical and enchanting.

Mount Doug Park is another perfect example of natural beauty spared from urban sprawl, another oasis within the city.  It is one of my favourite places to go for a hike, a picnic, or to treat visitors with the very enjoyable view. 

Here are some pictures taken during my recent hike to the summit.

If you love Victoria as much as I do, email your photos and stories to sweethomevictoria@gmail.  They will be posted on this website for worldwide appreciation.

May 1, 2009

Spring Real Estate Sales Soar

Sales of homes and other properties throughout Greater Victoria soared in April while prices remained stable with some modest fluctuations up and down, depending on the property type. A total of 747 homes and other properties sold in April through the Victoria Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), up 24 per cent from the 602 sales in March. There were 768 sales in April of last year. Prices for single family homes showed some increase while condo and townhome prices were mixed.

Victoria Real Estate Board President, Chris Markham, says the substantial increase in sales last month is very encouraging, “While sales so far this year are still running 28 per cent lower than for the first four months of last year, we have seen a dramatic upswing in market activity in the past couple of months with sales last month quite close to those of April of last year. We feel this demonstrates renewed confidence in the market.” Markham added sales have been particularly strong in the mid-range of prices with one third of all single family homes last month selling for under $450,000.

Markham noted that prices remained strong and stable in April. The average price for single family homes sold in Greater Victoria last month was $550,736, up from $534,689 in March. The median price also rose to $515,000. The six-month average was $540,179. The overall average price for condominiums was $292,252 last month, virtually unchanged from $294,393 in March. The average for the last six months was $285,848.

The median price for condominiums rose in April to $273,950. The average price of all townhomes sold last onth was $400,695 down slightly from $405,003 in March. The median price rose, however, to $390,000. The six month average was $399,826.

There were 3,861 properties available for sale at the end of April, virtually unchanged from the 3,859 properties available in the same month a year ago. There were also 3,859 properties available for sale at the end of March of this year.

MLS® sales last month included 421 single family homes, 204 condominiums, 74 townhomes and 11 manufactured homes.

While the use of average price information can be useful in establishing trends when applied over a period of time, i.e. six months or longer. The Victoria Real Estate Board cautions that an average price does not indicate the actual value of any particular property. Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a REALTOR®.

I just sold this Single family home at 2445 Amelia Ave, Sidney, BC .

View this recently sold Single family home or see all my home sales

I’ve decided to profile Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary as today's entry.  Shortly after my wife and I moved here, after a glorious year of renting a waterfront home at Portage Inlet, we moved to an area of Saanich known as Lake Hill.  At first, we were disappointed with the suburb – what a letdown after living on waterfront.  Where was the nature?  The local parks had baseball diamonds but nothing else that interested us.  Of course, we just needed to walk around a bit and open our eyes.  The beauty is there - as it is everywhere in Victoria.

It wasn’t long before we found the wonderful things that surrounded our new neighbourhood.  We were just a few blocks away from the Lochside trail, a world-class, 29 km long trail that stretches from Victoria to Schwartz Bay and intersects with the 55 km long Galloping Goose trail that runs from Victoria to Sooke and beyond.  But it was the twenty minute walk from our house to the beginning of the Christmas Hill Nature Trail that we really grew to appreciate.

The trail itself is only about 0.6km long in a loop through 11 hectares of terrain with Garry Oaks, arbutus, and fir trees mixed with wild ferns, grasses, and flowers.  The trail is very easy terrain and an excellent retreat to make you feel like you’ve left the city.  I took two friends up there, both of them on heart medication that keeps their heart rate from elevating, and they climbed to the summit with ease.  They even commented on it being a hike with minimal effort needed to achieve a great reward.  The views at the top allow you to gaze upon the Olympic Peninsula, Mt. Baker, downtown Victoria and much more. 

Usually there is an abundance of colourful wildflowers this time of year.  Unfortunately, this year we’ve had pervasively cold weather at night so the flowers are almost a month behind schedule.  Spring is here, 14 degrees and sunny today, but I only saw a few splashes of colour - nothing like I’d expect. 

The trail also connects with Swan Lake.  Swan Lake is a protected lake with a 2.5km trail surrounding it.  No bikes allowed, this trail is for foot traffic only.  Look to future supplements to this blog as Swan Lake is on the list of great places to feature.  Victoria has so many great attractions.  I can only profile one at a time.  Years from now, I will still be adding new things each month.  There are so many special things about Victoria, it will take a lifetime to see them all.

As always, I end my blog asking "Do You Love Victoria?"  If the answer is yes, please send your stories or photos to me at sweethomevictoria@gmail.com.  We will post them on this website for worldwide appreciation.