Exploring Downtown Nanaimo: Is South Nanaimo A Safe Place to Live? Downtown Nanaimo has been subject to various myths concerning safety and crime, often deterring potential residents from considering it a place to live. As someone who has experienced the transformation of this vibrant community first-hand, I want to take you through the diverse areas of Downtown Nanaimo—from its historic streets to the bustling waterfront—and discuss why South Nanaimo might just be one of the island’s hidden gems. Downtown Nanaimo’s Vibrant Neighborhoods The Waterfront: The heart of Nanaimo's ch ..read more

Navigating Home-Buying on Vancouver Island: Top 5 Exterior Red Flags to Watch For Buying a home on Vancouver Island offers the chance to live in one of Canada's most beautiful locales. Still, the region's unique climate brings specific challenges that potential homeowners must know. In Nanaimo, British Columbia, recognizing exterior warning signs before you buy can save you considerable trouble and expense. Here are the top five red flags for buying a home in this picturesque region. 1. Below Grade Issues One common issue in Nanaimo homes is being "below grade" — where the home is below street ..read more

The Truth About Canadian Island Living Vancouver Island, known for its majestic landscapes and mild climate, is often shrouded in myths that can skew perceptions of what it's like to live here. In this blog, we debunk the ten most common misconceptions about life on Vancouver Island, revealing the truth behind the myths and showcasing the diverse realities of island living. 1. Constant Rain: A Misconception Myth: Vancouver Island is perpetually wet and dreary. Reality: While areas like the West Coast are known for their rainfall, other regions such as Parksville and Qualicum enjoy drier climat ..read more

Exploring Neck Point Park: Nanaimo's Premier Oceanfront Gem Located along the picturesque Hammond Bay, Neck Point Park is arguably the crown jewel of Nanaimo’s park system. This 36-acre oceanfront haven offers everything from sandy beaches and rugged shorelines to scenic viewpoints and a wealth of wildlife, making it a must-visit destination for residents and visitors alike. Whether you’re considering moving to Nanaimo or simply looking for the perfect day out, let’s dive into what makes Neck Point Park a true natural treasure. A Park for All Seasons Neck Point Park is renowned for its stunnin ..read more

Discover Nanaimo’s Diverse Neighbourhoods  Nanaimo, the vibrant hub of Vancouver Island, offers a diverse array of communities, each with its unique charm and price tag. With over 100,000 residents spread across nearly 20 distinct areas, the city caters to a variety of lifestyles and budgets. In this blog, we’ll take you on a tour of Nanaimo’s neighbourhoods, ranking them from the most expensive to the most budget-friendly. Whether you’re planning to purchase your first home or seeking a new community to settle in, understanding the landscape of local real estate prices can significantly ..read more

Moving to Nanaimo Need to Knows Are you contemplating a move to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island? While it's the island's second-largest city and serves as a primary gateway, it’s true that Nanaimo isn’t the perfect fit for everyone. If the hustle of the harbour city doesn’t match your pace, don’t worry. Just a stone’s throw away, you’ll find several serene, oceanside communities that might be your paradise slice. Discovering Peaceful Alternatives to Nanaimo Nanaimo can be bustling, and while it offers a lot for those seeking a vibrant urban environment, nearby towns provide a peaceful contrast. Th ..read more

November 2024 was a strong month for sales in Nanaimo's housing market. However, some troubling statistics could surprise some homeowners. While sales were growing from the previous year, active listings dropped significantly. For all our sakes, we hope these stats are only anomalies and not the start of a trend.  Although some buyers are still trying to find the perfect island home before the end of the year, most homebuyers and sellers are focused on the forthcoming holiday season. The end of November typically marks the seasonal decline of the real estate market for most Vancouver Isl ..read more

You Missed the bottom of the Market CMHC Predicts Prices to Rise in 2025 & 2026 Nanaimo Real Estate has been a mixed bag over most of 2024. Still, October market data from the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board is starting to show that activity from buyers is increasing. Are we beginning to see the decreasing interest rates affecting the real estate market in Nanaimo? Only time will tell. Although Autumn is considered a slower season for real estate in Canada compared to Spring, Nanaimo and the surrounding communities tend to see an increase in sales. The primary driver of these sales is ..read more

Challenging Market for Homebuyers  May 2023 Nanaimo Real Estate Market Report     The Nanaimo Real Estate Market in May 2023 has disappointed many homebuyers due to the severe lack of available homes and rising prices. Many instances of homes being listed at prices that are too good to be true have caused motivated buyers to enter bidding wars. This has caused home prices to rise steeply for two months, but this is not the only exciting thing about Nanaimo Real Estate.  Many more people are considering moving to Nanaimo from greater Vancouver as a new ferry service ca ..read more

Spring Sellers Market Homebuyers are getting competitive Last month's real estate statistics for single-family home sales in Nanaimo show signs that we’re returning to a seller's market. Though there are examples of sellers accepting offers below the asking price, many examples of bidding wars also occurred during March 2023. Pent-up buyer demand and stabilization of mortgage rates are the current driving factors of demand in the Nanaimo real estate market.  In 2019, before absurdly low-interest rates and people buying a home at any cost, the average sale price for a single-family home w ..read more