Strong Property Sales in October
Show Continued Strength of Local Real Estate Market

Property sales throughout the Victoria area last month were at their highest level for the month of October since 1992. It was the sixth month in a row that property sales were higher than in the corresponding month of last year. A total of 742 homes and other properties sold in October through the Victoria Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), down slightly from the 776 sales in September and up more than double the 316 sales in October of last year. Prices, meantime, remained stable.

Victoria Real Estate Board President, Chris Markham, says now that the market has clearly recovered from the downturn late last year and early this year, REALTORS® are working hard to find suitable properties for buyers. "The number of properties available for sale has dropped substantially from a year ago and now stands at 3,219 - down 31 per cent from October of last year," said Markham. "While there will always be month to month fluctuations in prices, this reduced inventory will inevitably bring some upward pressure on prices," he added.

The average price for single family homes sold in Greater Victoria last month was $590,567, down from $619,936 in September. The median price was $536,000. The six-month average was $587,623. The overall average price for condominiums was $322,349 last month, down slightly from $325,106 in September. The average for the last six months was $316,137. The median price for condominiums in October was $297,000. The average price of all townhomes sold last month was $438,058 down from $441,966 in September. The median price dropped slightly to $409,500. The six month average was $431,675.

MLS® sales last month included 400 single family homes, 203 condominiums, 76 townhomes and 12 manufactured homes.

SOLD New Condo Listing $309,900 SOLD

Top Floor Corner Unit - Private & Quiet!

Quick possession available. Next to new!!Heres an immaculate, 2 bed 2 bath condo inMetro Park Plaza. This complex is tucked awayon a quiet no-through street. Hear only thebirds from your private balcony. This Bright 992sqft beauty offers 5 appliances, cozy firplace inthe living area, crisp, modern paint colours,skylight, parking, extra storage, and the balanceof building warranty. So low maintenance andwith great private views. Pets welcome! No GST here. TOP FLOOR CORNER UNIT! To View Please call Lorne Tuplin - RE/MAX Camosun 250-217-4600

SOLD HOT New Listing SOLD

Marigold Character on 901 Violet Ave

REDUCED $10,000 to $539,900

Excellent floor plan with master On Main With Door To Private patio. Sunken Living Room, Separate Dining Room, B With Bay Window, Large Country Kitchen, open to Family Room with Wood Pellet Stove. 2-Car Garage & Work Area. Gorgeous yard & low maintenance exterior. TO VIEW, PLEASE CALL LORNE AT 250-217-4600

Property Sales Highest in 17 Years for Month of September

The Victoria area real estate market showed signs of growing strength last month as property sales rose to their highest level for the month of September since 1992 accompanied by modest price increases for single family homes and condominiums. A total of 776 homes and other properties sold in September through the Victoria Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), up from the 764 sales in August and up nearly 50 per cent compared to the 512 sales in September of last year.

Victoria Real Estate Board President, Chris Markham, says the market has clearly recovered and now appears to be very stable, "The last seven months have shown a steady improvement in sales and price stability. It’s very encouraging when we look back over the past several years and see sales now exceeding typical levels for this time of year."

There were 3,419 properties available for sale at the end of September, down 28 per cent from the 4,754 properties available in the same month a year ago. "We are now seeing some renewed upward pressure on prices as a result of the declining inventory," noted Markham.

The average price for single family homes sold in Greater Victoria last month was $619,936, up from $596,498 in August. Markham noted that the average price was affected by 24 sales of over $1 million. "These included five sales of over $2 million, three in Saanich East, one in Victoria and one on the Gulf Islands which had a significant impact on the overall average price," he stated. The median price increased $10,000 to $550,000. The six-month average was $581,498. The overall average price for condominiums was $325,106 last month, up from $317,312 in August. The average for the last six months was $311,546. The median price for condominiums in September was $295,000. The average price of all townhomes sold last month was $441,966 down from $455,430 in August. The median price dropped slightly to $415,000. The six month average was $426,521.

MLS® sales last month included 437 single family homes, 197 condominiums, 79 townhomes and 15 manufactured homes.

Property Sales in August Follow Usual Summer Trend

The number of property sales in the Greater Victoria area slowed during August but sales were again significantly higher than a year ago. Prices, meantime, remained stable with some increase for single family homes. A total of 764 homes and other properties sold in August through the Victoria Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), down from the 933 sales in July but up 48 per cent compared to the 517 sales in August of last year.

Victoria Real Estate Board President, Chris Markham, says it is usual for sales to slow in August, "Many people take holidays in August so it is not surprising to see sales soften somewhat. We are very pleased, however, to note the significant increase in sales last month compared to August of a year ago which gives further evidenceof the strengthening of the market."

There were 3,509 properties available for sale at the end of August, down 25 per cent from the 4,657 properties available in the same month a year ago. "The decline in the number of properties available for sale will continue to place some upward pressure on prices," said Markham. Sales so far this year are running over six per cent higher than in the first eight months of last year.

The average price for single family homes sold in Greater Victoria last month was $596,498, up from $565,469 in July. Markham noted that the average price was affected by 17 sales of over $1 million. "These included two sales of over $4 million, one in Saanich East and one in Central Saanich, and these had a significant impact on the overall average price," he stated. The median price increased $20,000 to $540,000. The six-month average was $569,546. The overall average price for condominiums was $317,312 last month, down from $328,441 in July. The average for the last six months was $307,347. The median price for condominiums in August remained unchanged at $290,000. The average price of all townhomes sold last month was $455,430 up from $443,109 in July. The median price dropped slightly to $419,000. The six month average was $421,565.

MLS® sales last month included 403 single family homes, 218 condominiums, 91 townhomes and 11 manufactured homes.

SOLD One Level Townhouse in the Tanner Ridge Area SOLD

$429,900

Immaculate END Unit rancher in Tanner Walk. Recent renovations include hardwood floors, all new light fixtures, newer carpets, paint, kitchen counter tops, electric awning, faucet, sink & wide baseboards.. Double French doors between entry way and the living room. Master bedroom has walk in closet. Good kitchen layout with lots of oak cupboards & pot drawers. Heated crawl space. Very private & large west facing patio with automatic awning for hot days (even has a remote). Garden area is fenced. Single car garage and space to park two cars in front of the garage. To view, please call Lorne Tuplin - RE/MAX Camosun 250-217-4600

SOLD Cobble Hill - 1327 Bonner Cres SOLD

Ahhh the quiet life!

Very wide frontage allows for great RV parking!

Custom 2 story home with 3/4" solid hardwood, soaring ceilings, gas fireplace, & stainless steel appliances! 3 bedrooms Plus Study/TV room PLUS den. Large kitchen with Granite counter tops, island and pantry open onto a bright and open eating space and adjacent living room. Large master bedroom with walk-in closet and 5 pc ensuite with ceramic tile floors. 2nd bedroom has double closet plus extra deep closet or storage space. Laundry is upstairs and LG front load appliances are included. Natural gas furnace & water heater ensure pleasant even heat and quick recovery on hot water. Close to Cobble Hill and recreation. Priced at $469,900 + GST Call Lorne Tuplin RE/MAX Camosun 250-217-4600 to View.

NOW SOLD!

HOT NEW LISTING

Perfect for UVIC Students!

Have a student attending UVIC? Perfect location and great building! The perfect blend of comfort, traditional elegance & convenience. High end finishing incl granite, hardwood flooring, stainless appliances, crown mouldings, solid maple cabinetry and more. Security systems & secure underground parking. Building also features unique sunny south facing rooftop garden gazebo.

Warning - Rogers Cell Phone Billing!

I live in Victoria BC and 30 KM across the Ocean is a little town called Port Angeles. Seems that Rogers can't get their towers set so that Port Angeles does not pick up our phones. (Yah right!) so this month I was overbilled by $45.87. I check my bills carefully and called and had the charges reversed. Question... how many others had the same level of overbilling and paid the bill without LOOKING?!!!
Same thing happens at Niagara falls I hear. CRTC does nothing and it seems no one else does either.

CHECK YOUR BILLS EVERY MONTH!!!

SOLD Oak Bay Top Floor Corner Unit SOLD

Steel & Concrete Building $309,900

Fantastic bright top floor corner unit with lots of windows & wrap around deck in the Lord Shaughnessy, a steel & concrete building. Close to shopping, schools & Willows Beach and on a bus line. Kitchen has been updated and has lots of roll-outs. Building has guest suite, storage unit and condo fee on this unit includes a second parking spot in the underground secure parking area (rented). Wrap around decks for lots of access to sunny days! Call Lorne Tuplin to View at RE/MAX 250-217-4600

SOLD NEW LISTING - Walk to downtown SOLD

Only $139,777!!!

Do you have a student going to UVIC this fall who wants to be on their own? Why not invest in this super affordable, clean & bright 1 bedroom condo? Located close to downtown, not on ground floor, heat & hot water included in the low monthly fee... can it get much better?

Call Lorne Tuplin today at 250-217-4600 or Toll Free at 877-478-9600. More photos at http://www.lornetuplin.com/

Victoria Housing Market Gains Strength

The Greater Victoria area housing market gained additional strength last month with a significant increase in sales along with firm prices. A total of 879 homes and other properties sold in May through the Victoria Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), up 17 per cent from the 747 sales in April and up 14 per cent compared to the 770 sales in May of last year. Prices for single family homes and condominiums were up slightly while townhome prices showed little change.

Victoria Real Estate Board President, Chris Markham, says there is every indication the rebound in the market will continue in the months ahead, "Sales were significantly higher last month than a year ago and prices appear to be strengthening in key sectors." Markham noted that the number of properties available for sale dropped last month. In addition, continuing attractive interest rates and growing consumer confidence are helping to fuel activity which is particularly strong in the mid-price range. "Over half of the single family homes sold last month were priced between $400,000 and $600,000." There were 33 sales of single family homes over $1 million including six on the Gulf Islands. There were 3,789 properties available for sale at the end of May, down 13 per cent from the 4,332 properties available in the same month a year ago.

The average price for single family homes sold in Greater Victoria last month was $573,442, up from $550,736 in April. The median price also rose to $525,000. The six-month average was $550,756. The overall average price for condominiums was $306,971 last month, up from $292,252 in April. The average for the last six months was $292,766. The median price for condominiums rose in May to $279,500. The average price of all townhomes sold last month was $400,788, virtually unchanged from $400,695 in April. The median price dropped slightly to $375,000. The six month average was $397,224.

MLS® sales last month included 514 single family homes, 223 condominiums, 88 townhomes and eight manufactured homes.

SOLD NEW LISTING - Metro Park Plaza in Langford SOLD

957 sq foot 2 bedroom, 2 full baths $269,900!

Come view this quiet Metro Park Condo ..... .Located on the quiet side of the buliding this condo offers 9ft ceilings , engineered hardwood floors with a electric fireplace. The kitchen offers a Island with eating area perfect for entertaining. Full 4 pc ensuite off master bedroom, French door from living room & patio doors off 2nd bedroom PLUS French door from Master to private deck. Great location, great price well under assessed value! Call Lorne Tuplin at RE/MAX today at 250-217-4600

Spring Real Estate Sales Soar May 1, 2009

Sales of homes and other properties throughout Greater Victoria soared in April while prices remained stable with some modest fluctuations up and down, depending on the property type. A total of 747 homes and other properties sold in April through the Victoria Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), up 24 per cent from the 602 sales in March. There were 768 sales in April of last year. Prices for single family homes showed some increase while condo and townhome prices were mixed.

Victoria Real Estate Board President, Chris Markham, says the substantial increase in sales last month is very encouraging, "While sales so far this year are still running 28 per cent lower than for the first four months of last year, we have seen a dramatic upswing in market activity in the past couple of months with sales last month quite close to those of April of last year. We feel this demonstrates renewed confidence in the market." Markham added sales have been particularly strong in the mid-range of prices with one third of all single family homes last month selling for under $450,000.

Markham noted that prices remained strong and stable in April. The average price for single family homes sold in Greater Victoria last month was $550,736, up from $534,689 in March. The median price also rose to $515,000. The six-month average was $540,179. The overall average price for condominiums was $292,252 last month, virtually unchanged from $294,393 in March. The average for the last six months was $285,848. The median price for condominiums rose in April to $273,950. The average price of all townhomes sold last month was $400,695 down slightly from $405,003 in March. The median price rose, however, to $390,000. The six month average was $399,826.

There were 3,861 properties available for sale at the end of April, virtually unchanged from the 3,859 properties available in the same month a year ago. There were also 3,859 properties available for sale at the end of March of this year.

MLS® sales last month included 421 single family homes, 204 condominiums, 74 townhomes and 11 manufactured homes.

SOLD Great Family Home close to Thetis Lake SOLD

Immaculate, bright, South facing 2002 built family home located on a quiet cul-de-sac close to schools, shopping, Thetis Lake walking trails and much more. Features include 5 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms with soaker tubs, gourmet kitchen with eating space, formal dining area, large living and family rooms, gas fireplace, double garage, fully fenced rear yard and an easy care lot. Very easy to suite. This one is a must see!!! Call Lorne Tuplin at 250-217-4600

Real Estate Sales Gain Momentum in March

Real estate sales throughout Greater Victoria gained momentum in March. A total of 602 homes and other properties sold in March through the Victoria Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) up a significant 49 per cent from the 403 sales in February. There were 707 sales in March of last year. Prices, meantime, remained very stable with modest increases in some sectors. There were 3,859 properties available for sale at the end of March. That represents a seven per cent increase compared to March of last year and only a minor increase from the 3,844 properties available for sale at the end of February.

Victoria Real Estate Board President, Chris Markham, says the rebound in the market over the last month is welcome news. "Total sales last month were higher than the March figures during each year from 1995 to 2001 - a market which we considered to be balanced." said Markham. "Sales seemed artificially low in January and February. Lower interest rates and the resulting increased affordability have energized the entry-level housing market. Last month’s substantial increase exceeded my expectation and provides us with renewed confidence that the market is returning to a healthy and balanced state," he added.

Markham noted that prices remained strong and stable in March. The average price for single family homes sold in Greater Victoria last month was $534,689 down slightly from $542,396 in February. However, the median price rose to $503,751. The six-month average was $540,244. The overall average price for condominiums was $294,393 last month up from $286,985 in February. The average for the last six months was $288,661. The median price for condominiums also rose in March to $266,500. The average price of all townhomes sold last month was $405,003 up from $381,383 in February. The six month average was $398,320 while the median price in March was $356,450.

MLS® sales last month included 343 single family homes, 163 condominiums, 64 townhomes and 11 manufactured homes.

Wondering if the recent McLeans article giving Victoria a bad rap is accurate? canadianbusiness.com seems to heartily disagree! Check out their positioning for Victoria here... http://list.canadianbusiness.com/rankings/bestplacestolive/2008/prosperity/Default.aspx?sp2=1&d1=a&sc1=6&sub=n1&df=bestcities

It is a little hard to read here but go to the article and you will find us in the #2 spot. That's more like it!

SOLD NEW LISTING

SOLD Looking for affordable accommodation?

Look no further! This is a 1600 square foot 2 bedroom home with a 2 bedroom in-law accommodation. Features include character fixtures & fireplace, exposed fir floors, 2 fridges, 2 stoves, 2 washers, 2 dryers, dishwasher, gas foreplace in lower level and all for only $429,900! Immaculate condition. Call Lorne Tuplin at RE/MAX today 250-217-4600.

SOLD New Listing - Great Starter Unit! SOLD

Looking to get into the market? Look no further! Unique 2 story condo located on a bus route and only minutes to downtown Victoria! Offering 2 bedroom PLUS open den, 1.5 bath & in-suite laundry. This unit has newer laminate floors, fresh paint plus new tub, surround pedestal sink & toilet in main bathroom. Sliders off the dining room onto the patio, perfect for summer BBQ's. ....not a lot in this price range so call today!! Easy to show. Call Lorne Tuplin 250-217-4600 at RE/MAX Camosun.

Worthwhile Canadian Initiative
Canadian banks are typically leveraged at 18 to 1--compared with U.S. banks at 26 to 1.
Published Feb 7, 2009

Read it here

http://www.newsweek.com/id/183670

Big Time Gas Gouging Hits Victoria! (again, still)

Your gas prices are 21.8¢ per litre above the normalized cost of 77.1¢ per litre in Victoria.

With today's crude oil price of $33.77 USD per barrel and the US dollar at $1.24 CAD, the price of regular unleaded gasoline in Victoria should be 77.1¢ per litre at normal profit margins.

At a price of 99.9¢ per litre, you are paying 21.8¢ per litre in pure excess profit. Across Canada, an extra margin of 21.8¢ per litre generates an additional profit of 21.8 million dollars per day.

Calculations based on Hugh Mackenzie's Gas price gouge: The sequel.
From http://www.gasgouge.ca/

If you would like to make your thoughts known where they count, contact
Honourable Blair Lekstrom Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources
Contact Information
Phone:250 387-5896
Fax:250 356-2965
PO Box 9060 STN PROV GOVT Victoria BC V8W 9E2
E-mail the minister EMPR.Minister@gov.bc.ca
Honourable Blair LekstromMinister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources
Contact Information
Phone:250 387-5896Fax:250 356-2965PO Box 9060STN PROV GOVTVictoria BCV8W 9E2

SOLD Excellent retirement or get away condo! SOLD

"The Beaufort on Fifth". One of Sidney's finest condominiums one block off Beacon Ave. Walk to shopping or just take a stroll along the ocean front - it's all available in picturesque Sidney by the Sea! This is a corner unit with lots of light. Open plan with living, dining & kitchen all open to each other. Immaculate unit, rentable & priced to sell! Call Lorne Tuplin at RE/MAX 250-217-4600 to view.

SOLD Secluded 1/2 Acre on the Park SOLD

Tired of looking at homes that are boxed in... too close to neighbors? Check out this immaculate 3-level split on a 21,780 sq foot totally private lot backing right onto Mill Hill Park! Front valley & distant mountain views. Total recent reno including shingles, Kit cabinets refinished, counter tops, new siding on front, total int & ext paint, all flooring, gas stove in family room, 660 sq ft cedar deck, rock walls, raised flower bed with rock walls and interlocking stone patio & walk ways leading to the park, new front landscaping by landscape architect, U/g sprinks F&B, Stainless steel appliances, Maytag Neptune washer/dryer. Owner licensed. Call Lorne Tuplin - RE/MAX Camosun 250-217-4600