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5 Easy Ways to Make your Home More Eco-Friendly

These days, people are more environmentally conscious. When it comes to their homes, that often starts with being more thoughtful about heating and cooling so they’re consuming less energy. With that in mind, here are some tips for making your home more eco-friendly:

 1. Install a smart thermostat. Modern thermostats come with various features that help you manage heating and cooling, so you use less energy. For example, you can program a thermostat to adjust temperature during the workday and then turn on heating or cooling an hour before you get home.

 2. Take advantage of non-peak times. Many utilities (electricity, water, etc.) offer price breaks at non-peak periods. For example, washing your clothes later in the evening might reduce your water bill. Ask your utility providers about available price-saving programs.

 3. Buy energy-saving products. A wide range of products are available to help you lower energy consumption, from shower faucets to kitchen ranges. The next time you’re shopping for an appliance or fixture, ensure it has eco-friendly features.

 4. Replace worn insulation. A one-inch crack in window insulation can cause your home’s HVAC system to work harder. That’s why experts advise that you check the insulation around doors and windows once a year and repair or replace it where necessary.

 5. Manage passive heat. It’s no surprise that a window letting in the sun will make a room warmer. So, take advantage of this free energy source. Let sun into rooms on cool days, so your furnace doesn’t have to come on as often. Do the opposite on hot days.

 I’m well-connected in the local home industry. If you need any advice or recommendations, call today!

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Victoria’s summer real estate market conditions push into September

A total of 410 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region this September, 46.1 per cent fewer than the 761 properties sold in September 2021 and a 14.2 per cent decrease from August 2022. Sales of condominiums were down 58.8 per cent from September 2021 with 126 units sold. Sales of single family homes decreased 33.2 per cent from September 2021 with 221 sold.

“September heralds the start of the fall season, which traditionally brings a more active market than what we see in the summer months. October is generally the peak of the fall and winter market,” says Victoria Real Estate Board President Karen Dinnie-Smyth. “This year sales have dropped month over month since May and we saw a reluctant September with some of the lowest sales numbers for that month in decades. While the rate of decrease has slowed due in part to concerns about rising interest rates and inflation, this level of activity may not necessarily reflect the actual demand that exists in the marketplace. While overall activity is below historical norms, well-priced properties are still receiving plenty of attention. Multiple offers on these homes are still quite common, which may not be reflected in the overall statistics, but is noticeable if you are actively buying and selling.”

There were 2,300 active listings for sale on the Victoria Real Estate Board Multiple Listing Service® at the end of September 2022, an increase of 7.6 per cent compared to the previous month of August and a 104.6 per cent increase from the 1,124 active listings for sale at the end of September 2021.

“The good news is that we have seen more inventory come to market, which when combined with slower sales activity, has resulted in more balanced market conditions,” adds President Dinnie-Smyth. “In the current environment, properties that are well-priced and well-maintained continue to sell briskly. If you are thinking of making a move, a conversation with your favourite REALTOR® for an up-to-date analysis of how the housing market is performing in your area will be crucial to your success. Another consideration is to take the time to vote in your municipal elections October 15 for candidates who reflect your preferences for housing in our communities. Much of our future housing supply and the way Greater Victoria will manage housing needs will be determined by decisions made at the municipal level.”

The Multiple Listing Service® Home Price Index benchmark value for a single family home in the Victoria Core in September 2021 was $1,201,100. The benchmark value for the same home in September 2022 increased by 13.6 per cent to $1,364,200 but was down 2 per cent from August's value of $1,391,700. The MLS® HPI benchmark value for a condominium in the Victoria Core area in September 2021 was $519,200, while the benchmark value for the same condominium in September 2022 increased by 18.9 per cent to $617,400, down by 0.7 per cent from the August value of $621,900.

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Tips on Buying the Right Video Doorbell

Video doorbells have become so popular that it’s not uncommon for visitors to smile as they come up to the door. They want to make a good impression on the video!

These doorbells are definitely convenient. Depending on the model you purchase, you can see who’s there and even speak to that person before opening your door. Some systems even allow for recording.

If you haven’t purchased a video doorbell yet, there are some important things to consider when shopping for one.

First, make sure the resolution is at least 1080p. If it’s less than that, the image quality will be blurry — especially at night.

Video doorbells come in wired or battery versions. Battery versions are easy to install, but you’ll need to keep the battery charged. Wired versions are more secure and reliable. However, the installation is more complex.

It’s recommended that you choose a video doorbell with cloud storage options (including date stamping.) That way, anything that’s recorded will be stored, and you’ll be able to recover it if needed.

Finally, make sure the doorbell works with your mobile phone. That way, you can receive alerts when someone approaches your front door.

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MLS® property information is provided under copyright© by the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board and Victoria Real Estate Board. The information is from sources deemed reliable, but should not be relied upon without independent verification.