AVAILABLE FOR $509,900

Updated & spacious 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home on large private lot walking distance to downtown Langford. This 2100 sq ft family home is located on a quiet street & features hardwood floors, new paint, & a level and landscaped backyard. Enjoy BBQs with friends on the newly updated sunny back patio right off the dining room. Take full advantage of the garage with work bench, or add income potential by converting the downstairs area into a legal suite (bathroom & private entrance ready to go). Other features include: his & her closets in the master, modern ensuite, energy efficient pellet stove downstairs, new dishwasher & microwave, and an unbeatable location.

Floorplan available upon request.

SOLD FOR FULL PRICE

BEST PRICED SUITE AT DOCKSIDE GREEN! Dockside Green is a 15 acre harbour front master-planned community in the heart of Victoria. Designed as a sustainable, holistic system where waste from one area will provide fuel for another. Master craftsmanship and careful design resonates throughout this partial WATER VIEW suite combining fine finishing with sustainable materials: granite countertops and back splash, bamboo flooring and cabinetry, 100% fresh air circulation system, water efficient fixtures, low E windows, energy efficient appliances, car share and more. Famiy, pet, and rental friendly building. Enjoy a top quality unit and Environmentally-friendly living call today for viewing.

FLOORPLAN AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

AVAILABLE FOR $249,900

Looking for value in today’s market? Look no further than this 2 bedroom, top floor west facing condo priced under $250,000. This home offers everything: insuite laundry, bright private balcony, views towards the Hudson Bay and the Upper Harbour and a custom old world charm with stained glass & stunning hand crafted moldings. The home is being sold by the original owner and has been owner occupied & well maintained. The building is modern, and has been fully remediated. Within walking distance to all amenities, including Save-On-Foods arena, bakeries, coffee shops & everything that downtown has to offer. This home is rentable & pets are allowed. Don’t miss this opportunity to live or invest in this vibrant and up and coming area!

FLOORPLAN AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

AVAILABLE FOR $999,000

Unmatched in Victoria the Bayview was constructed with no oversight. Fully equipped office & boardroom, relaxing spa area with whirlpool and infrared sauna, 24hr concierge, gym, 5 star lounge & patio with fully equipped outdoor kitchen, doggy wash and car wash bay, kayak storage to name a few of the amenities. LUXURY flows through to this deluxe unit featuring: 2 Master bedrooms + den, 1445 sq ft, View of inner harbor, Hardwood floors, granite countertops & backsplash, easy close cabinetry, 2 spa en suites with soaker tubs and separate glass showers, top of the line stainless steel appliances. All just a short walk to shopping, schools, transit, Galloping Goose trails, Songhees Walk Way and Downtown! Call for private viewing.

FLOORPLAN AVAILABLE BY REQUEST

AVAILABLE FOR $330,000

This home has everything: top floor, over 1050 sq ft, corner unit with skylights, and bright SE private deck. The 2 bedroom home also features an open floor plan, insuite laundry, and underground secure parking. Located in an intimate building with only 18 suites and run by a well organized self managed strata. The location is perfect to walk to downtown, China town, the inner harbour and more. This is a dry, fully remediated building which has been carefully maintained by the proud owners. As an added bonus the building welcomes pets- big and small. Come view today!

FLOORPLAN AVAILABLE BY REQUEST

Proudly Offered at $539,900

Absolutely stunning heritage house available on the Oak Bay border, just steps away to the Oak Bay Village & downtown. This house was built in 1907, & converted into a front/back duplex in 1996. The Character conversion retained the gorgeous original fir floors & offers 3 large bedrooms, 2 full baths, & a bright open floorplan with 9′ ft ceiling. This house was completely restored & has had many improvements over the past 2 yrs. $40,000 worth of renovations include: kitchen remodel with granite counters & new backsplash, new landscaping, refinished original floors, overall electrical upgrades, & more. The 2 bedrooms on the ground floor have been rented to students for $1,100 per month. The home is unique & immaculate. Come view today!

Floorplan available by request

Proudly Offered at $379,900

Floorplan available upon request

Upscale loft at the Fusion! This unique property offers all the best of urban living featuring: Soaring 20 foot ceilings, floor to wall windows, ultra modern décor throughout, original brush concrete flooring, Espresso wood cabinetry, tempered glass breakfast bar, tile backsplash, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, upgraded stainless steel appliances. This trendy Vic West location is a short walk to downtown, shopping, transportation, galloping goose, Songhees walk way and Inner Harbour and next door to parks. The teak wood balcony with South Western exposure provides gleaming afternoon sun. End the day soaking in the subtle hues of evening sunsets. An absolute must see, call for private viewing.

PROUDLY OFFERED FOR $839,900

Turn of the century home with a remarkable story embedded in the architecture. Leaded stain glass windows, refinished wood banister and revived fir floors to name a few of the relics tastefully preserved throughout. Main floor has: a family room with alcove windows & wood burning fireplace adjoining the grand dining room, a cozy living room off the kitchen with original trim and wainscoting, full bathroom with walk-in shower and laundry area. 3 large bedrooms up with a unique bathroom & restored original claw foot tub. Other features include: central vac, basement with one bedroom, shower, toilet, sink & separate entrance, oversized single garage, beautiful yard with garden area, R2 zoning (duplex), & steps to the beach. Call today to view.

Floorplan Available by Request

NOW SOLD

Prepare to be impressed by this SPACIOUS 5 bedroom family home situated on a beautiful quarter acre garden lot steps from Uvic and Camosun. There are many wonderful upgrades including a first class main bath, refinished wood floors, renovated kitchen, quality appliances & stunning native plant landscape design. The main floor offers hardwood flooring and open concept living-dining room with gas fireplace. Enjoy the bright gourmet kitchen with eating area & access to huge sunny patio, perfect for morning coffee or afternoon cocktails. The deck overlooks the lush, private, fully fenced backyard complete with herb garden. The downstairs is full height with family room, bathroom, 2 bedrooms and private entrance. Call for your private viewing!

FLOORPLAN

When you’re thinking about buying your first home, it’s essential for you to be confident in your decision to buy instead of rent. However, you may not know about the many great reasons to buy a home! Here are just a few of them:

Smart investment
When you invest in a home, it offers the possibility for appreciation in value. The equity becomes yours when you’re still paying off your mortgage. You even get to live in it while your investment matures.

Tax advantages
Since both mortgage interest and property taxes are tax deductible, homeownership can save you significant amounts of money every year.

Planned housing costs
You decide how much you spend on your home, including repairs and improvements. Unlike renters, homeowners with a fixed-rate loan can lock in their monthly housing costs.

Improvements to your taste
You can choose which improvements to make your own property, such as a deck, kitchen remodel, or new paint, instead of needing permission from your landlord.

If you have more questions about making the decision to buy a home, please feel free to call or email.

Sold for $426,000

Nestled on a surprisingly private corner lot, this 1930’s home offers a multitude of possibilities. Lift the house and build a legal suite underneath, perhaps build a duplex under Esquimalt’s unique zoning opportunities or just restore this lovely bungalow to a delightful family home… large property with good exposure and an excellent central location, steps to all levels of schools, 3 beds, separate dining room, fireplace, cedar lined closets in bedrooms and large kitchen. There even appears to be wood floors under current carpets. This home is a stones throw to Gorge Vale Golf Club and has views over the course. This property is prime for redevelopment.

Check out the attached article from Mullin Demeo (law firm in Victoria BC)

2010-federal-changes-to-mortgage-financing-requirements

NOW SOLD

You will appreciate this 1912 Character Maclure Mansion which was converted into 7 Units. This beautiful 2 bedroom suite is conveniently located to downtown, parks and Fairfield plaza. With 1,000 sq. ft. this spacious home features cozy gas fire place, skylights, A-frame style sunken living room with gas fireplace, hardwood floors, dining area, large kitchen, insuite laundry, all appliances and more!!! One parking spot included! Rentals and pets are welcome!

NOW SOLD

This 2 bedroom and 2 bath unit offers exceptional value. Located a few short steps to the Legislature, 320 Menzies is 24 unit deluxe condo building close to village shopping, and the inner Harbour. The unit itself offers in-suit laundry, two bedrooms, master with ensuite, fireplace and underground secured parking. All this in a dry building approved by engineer.

Victoria Real Estate Board President Randi Masters says the strength of the recovery came as a welcome surprise, “Given the significant world-wide economic downturn we were very pleased to see the real estate market recovering so quickly. With interest rates expected to remain low in the coming months, we are anticipating a strong and balanced market in the coming year.” Masters noted that while sales rebounded strongly last year, overall average prices showed little change compared to 2008. The overall average price for single family homes declined by less than one per cent, condominium prices declined by less than three per cent and townhome prices remained essentially unchanged.

Masters added that December saw a normal decrease in sales compared to November with some minor fluctuations in prices. The average price of single family homes in Greater Victoria last month was $651,316. Sixteen sales of over $1 million, including one sale in Central Saanich of over $5 million affected the overall average. The six-month average was $601,237 while the median price was significantly lower at $555,000. The average price of all condominiums sold in December was $345,907; the average for the last six months was $324,919 while the median was $289,000. The average price of all townhomes sold last month was $477,998; the six-month average was $450,305 and the median was $422,500.

MLS® sales last month included 246 single family homes, 115 condominiums, 44 townhomes and 12 manufactured homes.

Masters noted there has been a substantial decline in the number of properties available for sale, “As of the end of December, there were 2,557 properties available for sale — down 33 per cent from a year earlier.”

NOW SOLD

PROUDLY OFFERED AT $659,900

OPEN HOUSE SAT 2-4. This home presents an exciting opportunity in a very exclusive area. 3374 Salsbury is situated in the serene but convenient Maplewood neighborhood, only moments from downtown Victoria & yet it feels like miles away from the confusion of urban living. This perfect family home has been lovingly updated & features hardwood floors, gas stove and fireplace, several built-ins, laundry chute, vacu-flo system, french doors, updated kitchen, & a newly developed double garage. Walk to Cedar Hill Golf Course, or explore Camrose and Playfair Park. Why not walk to Thrifty’s to pick up supplies for a fall BBQ on this home’s expansive SW facing deck? The large deck features not only mountain and ocean views but a large hot tub!

floorplan and additional photos

MLS 270774

NOW SOLD

Proudly Offered at $749,900

Go GREEN and purchase this HIGHLANDS hideaway. Looking for privacy and tranquility? Take comfort in knowing that your neighbor will never develop beside you. Imagine yourself coming home to practically 9 acres of pristine wilderness hearing only the sounds of trees gently rustling about and birds chirping. Just 30 minutes from downtown, this custom built full size Log home is perfectly situated on this extremely private property. Nestled quietly among the rolling hills of the Highlands this home has been designed for those that appreciate privacy and untouched nature. Discover some of the most spectacular sunsets this Island has to offer minutes from your front door. Feel the warmth radiate from a custom masonry fireplace and hear the crackle of the fire as you relax in paradise. Too many custom details to mention as this home exudes pride of ownership.

The owners of this extreme home spent years planning and researching before embarking on building this masterpiece. Careful consideration was paid to all materials that were used. This home was built for healthy living. Green features include: low VOC paints, water based stains for interior and exterior, no glue, no material board, on-demand water heater, beetle-killed pine in master, and hard wood throughout. These features in addition to its unique protected location make this property unbelievably special. For additional information and resources on the home please visit www.VictoriaLogCabin.com

Click here to view additional photos and floorplan

NOW SOLD

Proudly offered at $329,900

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 2-4. Beautiful 2 level, top floor condo available in a modern building. This home provides over 1100 sq ft of living space - it is the largest home in the building, and is located in a great area. Come view this unique property which features vaulted ceilings, a large loft, and spacious master suite. Providing great value, this home is immaculate and the building still enjoys the balance of the 2-5-10 year warranty. Bright, spacious, new and offered at a great price… call TODAY!

For additional photos and floorplan please visit http://ChristinaEllis.VictoriaFinds.com/h/JacklinRd2823-407

Making your house more environmentally friendly can help save money, save the environment, and save your health at the same time. Here are some popular “green” projects that you can do yourself:

Lighting

More than 90 percent of the energy produced by incandescent lights is heat, not light, so replace fixtures with more efficient bulbs. Compact fluorescent bulbs fit into an incandescent socket and operate on a quarter of the energy used by incandescents, lasting 10 times longer.

Plumbing

When replacing your toilet, conserve water by purchasing a low-flow toilet, which can save around 4 gallons/15 litres of water per flush. And while you’re at it, add an aerator to your faucets. Inexpensive low-flow aerators are easy to install and can cut water use by half or more.

Painting

Many paints contain chemicals called Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and other toxic components which evaporate and can hurt your indoor air quality and aggravate asthma and allergies. Many major paint manufacturers offer low- or no-VOC paints to help you avoid those potential health hazards.

Flooring

Bamboo is an environmentally friendly substitute for hardwood that provides much of the hardness and convenience of traditional wood flooring at about the same price. Look for a formaldehyde-free pre-finish and low formaldehyde-adhesive emissions. For carpets choose wool—it’s renewable, biodegradable, and often more durable than synthetics.

In addition, take a close look at your appliances. If your washing machine is more than 10 years old, you can save up to $100 a year by switching to a new, efficient model.

Given the continuing popularity of “green” homes, these improvements may increase your home’s appeal when it comes time to sell.

Very Cool urban townhomes in a great downtown location. Walk to everything Victoria has to offer, the best shops restaurants, entertainment and services are all close by. These unique homes have been finished to the highest standards by multi award winning builder Prodigy Developments and are covered by a complete 2-5-10 New Home Warranty. They all feature high end designer finishes by Nygaard Interiors incl. hardwood floors quartz counters, quality fixtures and a top quality stainless aplliance package . Additionally these homes offer grade level private entrances, single car garages and spacious roof-top decks that offer views over the surrounding neighborhood to the Olympic mountains and the sunsets over the Sooke hills to the west.

This bright and airy 3 bedroom corner suite is excellent value. On the quiet side of the building with an attractive treed outlook, the unit is bright and very spacious – it’s more than 1000 sq ft. Crown mouldings, newer paint, updated kitchen with new appliances, newer carpet, insuite laundry and storage and separate storage right across the hall! Central location near to Hillside Mall, transportation and schools is perfect for students and seniors. This well-managed building offers a games room, workshop, bike storage – there’s even a rooftop patio and bbq. One small pet is okay too – don’t miss this one!

Wonderful 2 bedroom character home. Located on a quiet street, this family home boasts many updates which include new countertops, windows, foundation, new roof and more! Spacious laundry room. Large kitchen with tons of counter space and a deck off the side to enjoy the fresh air. Own a contemporary, cozy home perfect for a young couple, empter nesters, or anyone who appreciates functionality and style. Lots of extra storage in the large crawl space.

If you’re shopping for properties in Victoria right now, then you’re right to believe that the inventory is quite limited.  Active listings have actually decreased 30% from last year at this time, translated there isn’t a lot to choose from right now. If your thinking about waiting until the Spring to buy then you are risking the possibility that prices may have risen by that point. The market has just began to exhibit a seller’s market conditions as a result of low inventory and rising prices (BCREA). It has been forecast that home prices will continue to rise in the months to come and should match record highs of last year and then the market is projected to stabilize in 2010. A good document for buyers and sellers to review is the BC Real Estate Association Economic Forecast (http://www.bcrea.bc.ca/economics/HousingForecast.pdf). This document forecasts that the annual prices in Victoria will contract 4% this year and rise 2% in 2010 (to date prices have dropped 5% and so this means that BCREA is projecting a 1% increase in prices in the next few months). Therefore in my opinion, although it is challenging shopping for property right now, it would be a mistake to give up and with for the spring market.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me on my cell at 250-857-6045.