A total of 545 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region this August, 0.2 per cent more than the 544 properties sold in August 2023 and a 16.5 per cent decrease from July 2024. Sales of condominiums were up 10.4 per cent from August 2023 with 181 units sold. Sales of single family homes decreased by 7.7 per cent from August 2023 with 252 sold.

“The final month of the summer is generally a rather relaxed one in terms of real estate sales and listings,” said 2024 Victoria Real Estate Board Chair Laurie Lidstone. “Many folks pause their home shopping activities or pause their sales listing to make the most of other summer activities and vacations. It’s no surprise that sales this year were so close to the sales from 2023 and that listings declined slightly from the number we saw in July.”

There were 3,191 active listings for sale on the Victoria Real Estate Board Multiple Listing Service® at the end of August 2024, a decrease of 4.7 per cent compared to the previous month of July and a 28.2 per cent increase from the 2,490 active listings for sale at the end of August 2023.

“It’s likely our market will trend a bit busier in the upcoming fall months,” adds Chair Lidstone. “In September people return their attention to work and school and to bigger projects like making a move. Week by week into the fall our market will evolve so if you are considering listing or buying a home in the Victoria area, connect with your favourite local REALTOR® to help develop your best real estate strategy.”

The Multiple Listing Service® Home Price Index benchmark value for a single family home in the Victoria Core in August 2023 was $1,327,800. The benchmark value for the same home in August 2024 decreased by 3 per cent to $1,287,400, down from July’s value of $1,296,100. The MLS® HPI benchmark value for a condominium in the Victoria Core area in August 2023 was $575,900 while the benchmark value for the same condominium in August 2024 decreased by 2.9 per cent to $559,200, down from the July value of $567,800.

As the vibrant days of summer give way to the cool embrace of fall, it's time to prepare your home for the changing season. Fall is a time of transition, and preparing your home can ensure it remains comfortable, energy-efficient, and ready for the colder months ahead. Here are some steps to take to prepare your home for fall.

1. Inspect and Clean Your Heating System

One of the most important tasks to prepare for fall is to ensure your heating system is working and ready to endure the season ahead. Before the cold weather sets in, have a professional inspect your furnace, heat pump, or boiler. This inspection should include checking for any leaks, cracks, or other issues that could affect the system's efficiency. Changing the air filters is also essential to ensure your heating system runs smoothly and efficiently. A clean filter improves air quality and helps the system run more effectively, saving energy and lowering utility bills. 

2. Clean Eavestroughs and Downspouts

Falling leaves are a hallmark of autumn, but they can also clog eavestroughs and downspouts, leading to potential water damage. Take the time to clean out your eavestroughs and ensure downspouts are clear of debris. Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow and damage your roof, siding, and foundation. Ensure that water is directed away from your home to prevent water from pooling around the foundation, which can lead to basement leaks or other structural issues. Installing eavestrough guards is also a great idea to help keep debris out and reduce the frequency of cleaning.

3. Prepare Your Lawn and Garden

As you prepare your home for fall, don't forget about your lawn and garden. Rake up fallen leaves to prevent them from suffocating your grass and creating brown patches. Fall is also the perfect time to aerate your lawn, which helps improve soil health and allows water, nutrients, and air to reach the grass roots more effectively. 

4. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide

With the increased use of heating systems in the fall, it's crucial to ensure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order. Test each device and replace batteries if needed. This is also an excellent time to review your family's emergency plan and ensure everyone knows what to do in case of a fire or carbon monoxide leak. Safety should always be a priority when preparing your home for the season.

5. Transition Your Home Decor

Finally, preparing your home for fall isn't just about maintenance — it's also a time to transition your décor to reflect the season's warmth and coziness. Consider adding throws, cushions, and area rugs in rich, warm tones like burgundy, gold, and orange. Swap out lightweight summer bedding for heavier blankets or duvets to keep warm during cooler nights. Scented candles in autumnal scents like cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin spice can also help create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your home.

By taking these steps to prepare your home for fall, you can ensure it remains comfortable, energy-efficient, and safe throughout the season. Taking proactive measures now can help you avoid potential issues and allow you to enjoy the beauty and comfort of fall to the fullest.

A total of 650 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region this July, 9.2 per cent more than the 595 properties sold in July 2023 and a 1.7 per cent decrease from June 2024. Sales of condominiums were up 6.5 per cent from July 2023 with 213 units sold. Sales of single family homes increased by 8.9 percent from July 2023 with 319 sold.

“The month of July delivered another steady month of sales and listings, as we’d expect for an average summer season in our market,” said 2024 Victoria Real Estate Board Chair Laurie Lidstone. “The sales in July tracked very closely to June numbers, which may have surprised some who expected that summer vacations would take more buyers out of the market. We did see inventory shrink a little from the previous month. This is not unusual for this time of year, but it is a trend we’ll keep an eye on because inventory levels are crucial to keeping our market balanced.”

There were 3,348 active listings for sale on the Victoria Real Estate Board Multiple Listing Service® at the end of July 2024, a decrease of 3.2 per cent compared to the previous month of June and a 38.4 per cent increase from the 2,419 active listings for sale at the end of July 2023.

“There continues to be a lot of government intervention in our housing market,” adds Chair Lidstone. “Recently, the provincial government announced changes to the Residential Tenancy Act that have resulted in some uncertainty for those considering homes with rental options. The changes have made an already complex transaction much more complicated and have added more risk. If you are considering purchasing or selling a tenanted or rental property, it’s imperative to bring in the assistance of a REALTOR® to navigate new requirements and ensure your transaction is successful.”

The Multiple Listing Service® Home Price Index benchmark value for a single family home in the Victoria Core in July 2023 was $1,322,800. The benchmark value for the same home in July 2024 decreased by 2 per cent to $1,296,100, up from June’s value of $1,295,500. The MLS® HPI benchmark value for a condominium in the Victoria Core area in July 2023 was $571,500 while the benchmark value for the same condominium in July 2024 decreased by 0.6 per cent to $567,800, down from the June value of $567,900.

Whether you're out of your usual cleaning products or prefer a more eco-friendly home improvement alternative to chemical-based cleaners, the natural cleaning solutions found in your kitchen might surprise you. And we're not just talking about home improvement standards baking soda and vinegar! You can clean almost every part of your home with these supplies and get great results.

Lemons for Cleaning and Brighter Whites

The natural acidity and pleasant scent of lemons make them ideal for a variety of home improvement purposes, and you can also use lemons to brighten white clothes. Put a few sliced lemons into a pot of simmering water, then add any clothes you want to whiten and let the mixture simmer. When you remove the clothing items, they should have a lighter look.

Clean Tough Grease Buildup with Coffee

Scrubbing your grill grate can be a tough home improvement task no matter what cleaner you use, but one of the best grill cleaners is likely already sitting on your kitchen counter. Make a large pot of coffee, pour it into a large pan, and let your grill grate soak for at least 30 minutes. After you remove the grate from the coffee, it should be much easier to scrub away stubborn grease buildup.

Coarse Salt Is Great for Cleaning Cooking Surfaces

If you're looking for a natural way to clean cooking surfaces — especially anything made from cast iron — then coarse salt is an excellent candidate. Coarse salt absorbs grease, so it's useful for scouring kitchenware, stove-tops, and any surface where grease builds up.

Natural Wood Polish with Olive Oil and Lemon

Mix olive oil with a splash of fresh lemon juice for a natural wood polish that brings the best out of wood surfaces without leaving behind chemical residue. This combination is excellent for polishing wood floors, but you should always polish a small, out-of-the-way area first to ensure that the mixture works for the type of wood in your home.

Club Soda for Stain Removal

Whether you use it on carpets or clothing, club soda is one of the best stain removers you can have in your home. The carbonation of club soda helps lift stains to the surface, making them easier to remove. Just pour some club soda on the stain, allow it to soak, then give it a thorough cleaning.

Cream of Tartar Cleans and Refreshes Stainless Steel

Cream of tartar is mildly acidic but still gentle enough to use for cleaning and home improvement projects. It's especially useful for stainless steel surfaces, including your ink. Just mix the cream of tartar with a small amount of water to create a paste, spread the paste on the surface you want to clean, and wash it off with warm water.

Freshen Your Microwave with Lemon Juice and Water

Any leftover used lemons can be put to work cleaning your microwave. Just place the used lemons into a bowl of water, place the bowl in the microwave, heat it until it boils, then remove it. The steam adds a fresh scent and makes it easy to wipe away messes with minimal effort.

While natural cleaners may sometimes require more elbow grease than their store-bought counterparts, the results are more than worth it. Using natural cleaners is an easy way to save money on home improvement, embrace green living, and tackle tough messes.

A total of 763 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region this May, 1.5 per cent fewer than the 775 properties sold in May 2023 and a 12.5 per cent increase from April 2024. Sales of condominiums were down 5.2 per cent from May 2023 with 235 units sold. Sales of single family homes exactly matched the number from May 2023 with 399 sold.

“Spring is generally prime time for real estate in Victoria,” said 2024 Victoria Real Estate Board Chair Laurie Lidstone. “And May is typically when we are at or near to the peak of activity in our property market. This May was another stable month for both buyers and sellers. With more inventory on the market, consumers had more choice and could take time to make decisions and complete their due diligence. The additional listings also meant less pressure on pricing, so prices remained relatively flat.”

There were 3,338 active listings for sale on the Victoria Real Estate Board Multiple Listing Service® at the end of May 2024, an increase of 10.6 per cent compared to the previous month of April and a 52.5 per cent increase from the 2,189 active listings for sale at the end of May 2023.

“After so many years of consumers navigating an unbalanced market, it is positive for buyers and sellers to see some months of consistent balance,” adds Chair Lidstone. “A lot of folks who have been watching the market over recent years may find that now is a good time to sell and buy as market conditions have changed for the better. Of course, as always, I recommend connecting with your favourite REALTOR® to create a strategy specific to your needs.”

The Multiple Listing Service® Home Price Index benchmark value for a single family home in the Victoria Core in May 2023 was $1,300,900. The benchmark value for the same home in May 2024 increased by 0.7 per cent to $1,309,700, up from April’s value of $1,301,800. The MLS® HPI benchmark value for a condominium in the Victoria Core area in May 2023 was $562,900 while the benchmark value for the same condominium in May 2024 increased by 1.2 per cent to $569,500, up from the April value of $561,200.

When it comes to renovating a home for sale, many people look up — to a new roof. However, it's a good idea not to overlook what's beneath your feet: flooring and carpet. New flooring can make your home much more attractive to prospective buyers.

 Choosing the right new flooring can be tougher than it seems. In addition to getting the perfect look and feel, you also have to consider factors like moisture, durability, and cost.

Although there are many kinds of flooring out there, most homes will sport one out of just five options. Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of each type will help you make the right selection to add value to your property.

 Let's take a closer look:

Vinyl

Vinyl is made from synthetic polymers with added colour and is the most budget-conscious choice. It's easy to clean, and it resists water damage, so it tends to be the best selection for areas like kitchens and laundry rooms where other floors show age fast.

 Things to Remember:

 A broom, mop, and soapy water will usually clean stains from vinyl very easily.

• Vinyl can be tough to repair when damaged, so avoid cracks and harsh chemicals.
• Vinyl comes in large, cost-effective sheets.

 Tile

Tile is made from ceramic or porcelain. It combines the strong water resistance of vinyl with a premium appearance most associated with bathrooms. It can also be an excellent choice for kitchens since it won't fade with repeated cleaning. Faux finishes can enhance its appearance.

 Things to Remember:

• Tile is easy to clean, but grout is a notorious dirt magnet; replace it every 5-10 years.
• Tile usually requires pro installation.

Composite or Engineered Wood

Processed wood flooring can look similar to hardwood but is made by compressing multiple layers of plywood with a single hardwood layer on top. It is very versatile, with easy installation over any subfloor, and is good in any moisture-free environment.

 Things to Remember:

• Sweeping and mopping will keep processed wood looking like new for many years.
• Beware of footwear! Heels, cleats, and any heavy, dragging object can harm the wood.
• Handy homeowners can handle the installation.

Hardwood

Hardwood is considered the "gold standard" and adds value to almost any home. It tends to last for about a century but will require more maintenance than other floors. It can be sanded and re-finished to extend its lifespan and will work in any moisture-free area.

 Things to Remember:

• Weekly broom cleaning and monthly mopping will meet most of this floor's needs.
• As scratches and dullness set in after a while, the floor can be restored by buffing it.
• Hardwood can vary in price but tends to be among the most expensive options.

Carpet

Carpet is the go-to flooring in bedrooms, living areas, and many playrooms because of its comfort. It can be made from polyester, nylon, or polypropylene, with plenty of colours and styles to choose from. For the most part, it will last throughout the life of the home, but it can show wear in high-traffic areas.

 Things to Remember:

• Spills must be cleaned immediately to prevent staining.
• Vacuuming a few times a week will keep the carpet clean.
• A carpet usually needs professional installation but costs less than other options.

Just like a fresh coat of paint, new flooring can refresh a home's look before going to market. Your real estate agent can advise you about flooring trends that match buyers' tastes.

Attention home buyers! You probably can’t wait to get out there and make an offer on your new home. But wait a minute. Don’t start shopping without a plan.

It will save you time and money and make sure you get the right home for you.

• Get your finances in order. This includes saving for your down payment, deciding on a budget, and getting pre-approved for your mortgage.
• Do some research and decide on features. Once you have a budget you’ll have a better idea of where you can look for homes, what type of home you’ll be looking for and what features are within your budget. Knowing the neighborhoods and deciding what home features are absolute must-haves gives you a good place to start narrowing down the search.
• Your real estate agent. You'll need a close ally by your side to guide you through the home-buying process. From pre-approval to closing day, I can make your home-buying process easy.
• Start your home search. Since you already know what you’re looking for this will be the fun part!
• Find the right home for you and make an offer. This is really where the final paperwork starts. You’ll put in an offer on paper and start the mortgage process.
• Get your home appraised and inspected. Many first-time buyers don’t realize these are two different things. The appraisal is required by your mortgage company and the appraiser is a neutral party that examines the property to determine the current actual value. With a home inspection, the inspector examines the house for major and minor defects and safety issues. Often the sale of the home is contingent on the inspection showing the home has no significant defects. Most buyers get a general home inspection, but depending on the situation, you may need additional inspections such as a pest or sewer inspection or a radon test.
• Get homeowners insurance. Contact your insurance agent and shop around for the right coverage.
• Do the closing paperwork. This is the last opportunity to make sure you understand everything and sign the papers. You will have some money due at closing and get the keys.

That’s it. Just a few simple steps and you’re on your way to moving into your new home!  Contact me when you're ready to get your own home-buying plan started.  I'll be glad to help.

April 2, 2024  A total of 588 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region this March, 0.3 per cent fewer than the 590 properties sold in March 2023 but a 25.1 per cent increase from February 2024. Sales of condominiums were down 10.2 per cent from March 2023 with 177 units sold. Sales of single family homes increased 1.8 per cent from March 2023 with 286 sold.

How stressful is selling your home? Respondents in one survey ranked it higher than divorce, losing a job, and becoming a first-time parent. Emotions can cause you to make bad decisions at a time when it's important to keep a clear head. Here are some expert tips to keep your emotions in check when selling your home. 

1. Understand Why You're Selling

Have you accepted a great new job offer? Maybe you need more room for your growing family. Understanding why you're selling your home lets you focus on the ultimate goal and keep from being distracted by bumps and curves along the way. 

2. Declutter and Depersonalize

As you prepare to sell your home and move to a new one, reminders of memories made in your current house will become even more important to you. Make a point to clear any clutter and pack up photos, souvenirs, and other personal memorabilia. In addition to minimizing your attachment, this activity will make your home more attractive to potential buyers. 

3. Avoid Expectations

Unfulfilled expectations lead to disappointment, which in turn leads to emotional thinking. For instance, if you set your mind on selling your home within a specific time period and it doesn't happen, you may start to panic and make poor decisions. Deal with the factors you can control and stay flexible with the rest. 

4. Stay Out of Showings and Open Houses

As a home seller, it's only natural to be curious about the reactions of potential buyers, but the homeowner side of you makes it hard to remain neutral in the face of negative comments or disinterest. Make it easier on yourself and buyers by finding somewhere else to be during showings and open houses. 

5. Set an Accurate Sell Price

Your home may be priceless in your eyes, but buyers aren't paying for sentimental value. Don't let emotion cloud objectivity and cause you to scare buyers off with an inflated price. Study the current housing market, particularly in your neighbourhood, and price your home accordingly. 

6. Follow a Positive Lifestyle

When stress causes you to lose sleep or eat poorly, it affects you emotionally as well as physically. Ultimately, you end up in a vicious circle where bad health and negative emotions feed off each other. Don't let the process of selling your home consume your days. Take care of yourself and make time for enjoyable activities to maintain balance. 

7. Hire a Real Estate Agent

The real estate industry is constantly changing, so no matter how many homes you've sold, it's difficult to stay up-to-date on trends, regulations, and market conditions. An experienced real estate agent can skillfully guide you through the process and be an objective third party to keep you on track. 

Selling your home is a potent emotional experience. Acknowledge your feelings, but don't let them take over. Approach the sale as the business transaction it is and pour your emotions into making your new house a home.

Storms, fires, floods, and power outages all have the power to disrupt your life. You can't stop emergencies from happening, but you can gather all the things you'll need to be prepared should a crisis arise.

If you have a messy closet or basement storage area in need of attention, your home improvement project can serve a dual purpose. Remove the junk, add inexpensive shelving, and stock them with emergency provisions. Add a tight-sealing storage container to protect your food from water and contaminants. In no time, you'll have a home emergency resource center that would make any survivalist proud.

Here are ten things to include:

Water
Even if you have a reliable water system, storms, animals, and bacteria can contaminate your supply. Water in bottles or pouches is an easy fix for water potability issues. You should also keep water purification tablets to treat water from questionable sources.

Food
Even if a fire or storm doesn't destroy your home, it might still contaminate your food. So you don't go hungry, stock up on cans or pouches of fruits, veggies, tuna, chicken, and other items. For variety, add granola and protein bars, peanut butter, dried beans, rice, and beef jerky. And don't forget the coffee and the can opener.

Paper Goods
So don't forget to add toilet paper and paper towels to your list. Store them in a waterproof container.

Light Source
Fortunately, there are several alternatives to battery-operated flashlights. One cool flashlight has water-powered cells. Another option available lets you hand-crank the flashlight. If you prefer the old-fashioned kind, don't forget the batteries.

Waterproof Matches
If the power is out, you'll still need to cook. That might mean firing up your grill or making a campfire. Either way, you'll need a waterproof lighter or waterproof matches. Both will light up even if they get wet.

First-aid Kit
Minor cuts and abrasions can be a real pain. Be sure to store an emergency kit to care for minor dings.

Fire Extinguisher
A fire extinguisher can keep a minor emergency from becoming a major catastrophe. Keep one upstairs and downstairs to manage not-so-friendly flames before they burn out of control.

Extra Clothes
You never know how long an emergency will last. Store extra clothes in a waterproof container, just in case.

Basic Tools
Add a few tools to your emergency stash: a hammer, pliers, screwdrivers, and a small hatchet so you can cut wood for a campfire. You might also want to add an extra set of house and car keys.

Personal Documents
The thing about emergencies is that you never know what might happen. Make copies of documents (driver's license, birth certificates, marriage license, passports) and store them in a waterproof container. You'll have backup copies if you lose the originals.

No homeowner wants to see an emergency situation in their home. But with the right prep, you can ensure your family and belongings will be safe in the event of a potentially serious emergency.

A total of 341 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region this January, 22.7 per cent more than the 278 properties sold in January 2023 and a 3.6 per cent increase from December 2023. Sales of condominiums were up 10.9 per cent from January 2023 with 112 units sold. Sales of single family homes increased 35 per cent from January 2023 with 162 sold.

“Our housing market eased into the new year with a renewed sense of balance,” said 2024 Victoria Real Estate Board Chair Laurie Lidstone. “Sales were up slightly based off last year’s very low numbers, and overall, we saw the stabilization that we observed in late 2023 continue into 2024. Mortgage rates have levelled out, inventory is slowly creeping back up, and we are no longer in that highly pressurized market of recent years which created complicated and sometimes stressful conditions for buyers and sellers.”

There were 2,140 active listings for sale on the Victoria Real Estate Board Multiple Listing Service® at the end of January 2024, an increase of 0.4 per cent compared to the previous month of December and a 23.1 per cent increase from the 1,739 active listings for sale at the end of January 2023.

“I think this balance and stability in our market brings with it an optimistic outlook for the coming months,” adds Chair Lidstone. “If balanced conditions continue, buyers and sellers will have more time to make decisions and there will be less pressure on pricing. Of course, there are many factors that impact the market here in Victoria, and as we’ve seen in the past things can change very rapidly. If you are considering selling or buying, connect with a local Realtor to identify where your opportunities are as we move towards spring.”

The Multiple Listing Service® Home Price Index benchmark value for a single family home in the Victoria Core in January 2023 was $1,224,000. The benchmark value for the same home in January 2024 increased by 1.6 per cent to $1,244,000 down from December’s value of $1,268,000. The MLS® HPI benchmark value for a condominium in the Victoria Core area in January 2023 was $562,200 while the benchmark value for the same condominium in January 2024 decreased by 0.6 per cent to $559,000, down from the December value of $562,000.