Due to soaring interest rates and high house prices, many Canadians are struggling to realize their dream of owning property. The buyers who overcome these hurdles are often those who can turn to their families for assistance.  From 2015 to 2021, the number of first-time homebuyers who received financial gifts from the so-called “bank of mom and dad” increased from 20% to 28%, according to analysis by the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. The average amount of these down payment gifts also saw a meaningful uptick, climbing from approximately $50,000 to around $80,000 ..read more

Navigating Nanaimo's Real Estate Market: Insights from Kristin and Shawn McDonald* Welcome to our latest blog post! We are Kristin and Shawn McDonald, your trusted real estate duo, here to guide you through the dynamic and ever-evolving real estate market of Nanaimo and its surrounding areas. Today, we're delving into a peculiar trend in our local market: robust building activity coupled with a limited supply of homes for sale. **Understanding the Nanaimo Real Estate Landscape** Nanaimo, a jewel on Vancouver Island, has always been a desirable location for homeowners and investors alike. Its s ..read more

 The Ultimate Checklist for a Stress-Free Move in Nanaimo Moving is often filled with a mix of excitement and stress. However, with some planning and organization, you can turn the entire process into a hassle-free experience. Here's a comprehensive checklist to guide you through a stress-free move in Nanaimo.  Before The Move **1. Planning** - Start planning as soon as possible. Create a moving timeline and checklist. - If you have children, arrange for their transfer to new schools. **2. Declutter** - Take time to declutter and get rid of any unwanted items. This is an opportunity ..read more

Title: Nanaimo, BC: A Cultural Haven on Vancouver Island Nestled on the east coast of Vancouver Island, Nanaimo, British Columbia, is a hidden gem of Canadian culture and heritage. A city steeped in a rich blend of indigenous history, diverse cultural influences, and natural beauty, Nanaimo provides a unique milieu for vibrant cultural events and festivals throughout the year. Let's delve into the immersive cultural events that make Nanaimo a destination worth adding to your travel bucket list. 1. **Nanaimo Aboriginal Day (June)** First on our list is Nanaimo Aboriginal Day, also known as Nati ..read more

 Navigating Education in Nanaimo and Lantzville: A Comprehensive Guide to Top Schools Ensuring your child receives a quality education is a top priority for every parent. With a plethora of exceptional schools, the regions of Nanaimo and Lantzville on Vancouver Island's east coast offer an abundance of choices. In this revised blog post, we are providing an overview of the top schools in Nanaimo and Lantzville, including Nanaimo Christian School, McGirr Elementary, Hammond Bay Elementary, and Randerson Ridge Elementary, complete with their respective website links for your convenience. Na ..read more

The Benefits of Living in a Smaller Community like Lantzville, BC  In a world that often celebrates the hustle and bustle of big cities, it's important to recognize the unique charm and advantages of smaller communities. Nestled on the east coast of Vancouver Island, Lantzville, BC, stands as a shining example of the benefits that come with living in a tight-knit, close community. In this blog post, we'll explore the numerous advantages of residing in a smaller community like Lantzville, highlighting the sense of belonging, quality of life, and natural beauty that make it a desirable plac ..read more

 The Ultimate Guide for Sellers: How to Prepare for a Successful Open House  As  real estate professionals, we understand the importance of a well-organized open house for showcasing your property and attracting potential buyers. In this blog post, we will share our expertise to guide you through the essential steps of preparing for a successful open house, ultimately increasing the likelihood of receiving an offer on your home. Deep Clean and Declutter One of the most critical steps in preparing for an open house is to ensure your home is immaculate. A thorough cleaning, includ ..read more

 Top 5 Must-Visit Places in Lantzville, British Columbia Introduction: Nestled on the east coast of Vancouver Island, Lantzville is a charming small town in British Columbia, Canada. Boasting picturesque landscapes, beautiful beaches, and a warm community atmosphere, Lantzville is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Here, we have curated a list of the top 5 must-visit places in Lantzville that will make your trip truly unforgettable. Sebastion Beach Sebastion Beach is a tranquil spot perfect for a relaxing day at the beach. With its sandy shores, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking ..read more

Nanaimo Real Estate Update: April 2023 Stats - Average Selling Price Down 3.02%  In April 2023, the Nanaimo real estate market showcased interesting trends, with the average selling price witnessing a slight decline of 3.02%. Despite this modest decrease, Nanaimo remains a thriving market with immense potential, attracting buyers and investors alike. Let's delve into the key highlights from April's statistics, shedding light on the current market conditions in Nanaimo. Average Selling Price: Down 3.02% The average selling price in Nanaimo experienced a marginal dip of 3.02% in April 2023 ..read more

NOVEMBER 2022 MARKET STATS The market has slowed down a bit, but it feels like a seasonal slowdown, rather than a dead market.  The posted sales in October saw prices move in a downward trend, and the volume was up, at 73 single-family homes sold. November sales have rolled back to a lower volume of 55 homes sold, which is quite a change from Nov 2021, where we saw 98 homes sold.  We currently have 303 active single-family homes for sale in Nanaimo, compared to November 2018 when we had 313 active homes , and 312 single-family homes for sale in 2015. The market has an ..read more