Latest Sims Real Estate Group Listing Videos & Blog Posts on Vancouver Island, BC.

April 5, 2017

$419,000 | 950 Chelsea Street | Beautiful 4 Bedroom 3 Bathroom Character Home In Central Nanaimo

Located in central Nanaimo, and only 5 minutes from the Nanaimo Hospital is where you will find this beautiful 4 bedroom 3 bathroom character home. Some of our favourite areas of the home include the living room, dining room, family room, and meditation room. All are areas that give true meaning to the word home. Over the past few years there have been many updates, including kitchen blinds, exterior painting, deck renovations, cedar fence panels, and updates to the siding, insulation and windows. Stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer with an efficient heat pump with remarkably low electricity bills.  Heading outside, you will find a large, fully fenced backyard, multiple gardening areas, and a patio area. The carport has room for two vehicles, and there is also room for RV/Boat parking. Parks, schools, bus routes, and shopping are all nearby.  All measurements are approximate and should be verified if important. MLS 422021 

March 31, 2017

1799 Dunwurkin Way | $409,000 | Private 3 Bedroom 3 Bath

When you’re all Dunwurkin, come and relax in your beautiful 1,939sqft home. Enjoy your afternoon coffee on your large balcony located off of the dining room by watching the sun set and taking in the serene ocean and mountain views. The kitchen is equipped with all new stainless steel appliances, has a separate island/bar, and a large pantry with endless amount of shelving space. The living room has vaulted ceilings and boasts in tons of natural lighting from not one but four extravagant skylights. The master bedroom, also located on the main floor, has a full 4 piece ensuite and walk in closet. Downstairs you will find a large garage/workshop, perfect for the handyman of the family. Heading outside you will find there is a lockable shed, and a great garden area that is just waiting to taken advantage of. Plenty of room for boat/RV parking. There is also a boat and furnishings that can be negotiated on as well. All measurements are approximate and should be verified if important. 

March 27, 2017

10760 Guilbridge Road | $789,000 | Custom Build Log Home Minutes From The Beach

This beautiful, truly one of a kind, custom built log home is located on 2.6 acres of land nestled in the quite area of Saltair. Boasting 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, with tons of entertaining space both inside and out, this home has everything you will ever need! A large workshop for the handyman, plenty of room for RV and boat parking and only minutes from beach access is what makes this home a special gem. Wanting something a little more unique? Every log in this home is hand picked old growth fir and the stones for the fireplace/chimney are specially picked rocks from BC's interior. With the large deck space you will be able to enjoy family BBQ's and gatherings of any size. This home is a must see. Measurements are approximate, please verify if important. 

Posted in Vancouver Island
March 1, 2017

Why Finding a Home to Buy in Nanaimo Could be Hard to Do

For those who hope to buy a home in Nanaimo, it is not always that easy to do. This is a community that continues to see a great deal of development and growth. It is a real estate market that has a large number of interested buyers and yet few homes listed. If you hope to invest in real estate in Nanaimo, your first step should be to work closely with a real estate agent that knows the area very well. This can help you to have the edge in finding the right property for your needs.

Rockridge Estates Home in Nanaimo

Rockridge Estates Home in Nanaimo | Image Provided by VIREB

What Are the Current Market Conditions in Nanaimo?

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation released some information about the current real estate market in Nanaimo and that information is quite interesting. Specifically, it says that the number of apartments available in the community is down 1.5 per cent from 2016 and more than 2 per cent from 2015. Why does this matter to you if you are looking to buy a home here? In short, it means there are still too few homes listed for sale and too many home buyers available. That can make it more difficult to you to find your dream home.

It’s also important to know that the area’s home values are rising. The current average price for a home for sale is $475,000. That makes it a bit more difficult for home buyers to afford the properties they are interested in.

Before you become frustrated, though, keep a few things in mind:

• Most people can find homes for sale that fit every one of their needs, even their budget.

• It’s important to be ready to act once you find the home you desire. Arrange finances in advance and be ready to make a decision to buy quickly.

• You can wait until the right home is available or even consider building your own.

Nanaimo’s real estate market is competitive. With the help of a local real estate agent, though, you may be able to find the perfect properly for your needs and for your budget even in this situation. Contact Jason Simard's team today to learn what real estate opportunities await you in Nanaimo.

Feb. 28, 2017

720 Bruce Avenue | $349,000 | Bright 2,100sqft Home In The University District

This fantastic fixer-upper 2,100 sqft home sits in a fantastic location within walking distance of University Village Mall, bus routes and all levels of schooling. The kitchen, dining, and living room floors have recently been replaced. The kitchen has lots of great counter and storage space and has a large deck, perfect for entertaining and hosting family barbecues. Stay warm during the winter by sitting around the living room fireplace. The backyard is large, fully fenced, and has tons of room for a shed, trampoline, pool, and even has potential to build a carriage home or suite. There is also plenty of room for RV/boat parking. This home would make a perfect family home or a great investment property. All measurements are approximate and should be verified if important. MLS#420090

Feb. 28, 2017

1591 Sherwood Drive | $459,000 | Spacious & Private 2,117sqft Home In The Heart of Departure Bay

Uniquely built 2,117sqft three storey home located in the heart of Departure Bay. This 4 bedroom 3 bathroom home is truly one of a kind. Our favourite features include custom masonry stone work, vaulted ceilings, skylights, and new painting throughout the home. There is a spacious deck just off the family/living room, that is perfect for summer barbecues and enjoying your coffee as the sun rises in the morning. The backyard has a stairway leading to a wooden gazebo where you can overlook the city. Location is another fantastic feature of this home. Only a 10 minute walk to Departure Bay Beach, and a 5 minute walk to Sugarloaf Mountain, where you will see one of the best views in town, overlooking the city & Departure Bay Beach. RV/boat or extra parking is also available at the bottom of property. This beautiful home has great suite potential and won't last long. All measurements are approximate and should be verified if important. 

Feb. 24, 2017

Home Values on the Rise in Ladysmith

There’s much to enjoy about the current real estate market in Ladysmith, British Columbia. For those who are considering all of the benefits of buying a home on Vancouver Island, the current market conditions can seem a bit overwhelming. After all, home prices are on the way up and inventory – the number of homes available to purchase – are somewhat limited. What can you do, as a property buyer, to find your dream home in this type of marketplace?

Updated Classic Ladysmith Home

Updated Classic Ladysmith Home | Image Provided by VIREB

What Are Current Conditions?

Ladysmith continues to see impressive growth in real estate values. For example, in 2015, the average home price for a property was $299,300. In 2016 in January, that value rose to $336,000. That’s a 12.26 per cent increase. Expectations this year are that home values will continue to rise. With this occurring, what does it mean for today’s home buyer?

• You will find homes to buy in Ladysmith. While the inventory of available homes is lower than the area’s average, it is still not overly limited. This means that home buyers will find property to choose from.

• You’ll want to be confident in what you are looking for and be ready to renovate. Some of the homes for sale in Ladysmith may not be the most modern, but they offer promise. Many are affordable as well.

• Overall, it is possible to find a home that’s exactly what you need at the right price. Mortgages to buy homes are still affordable, so even as home values rise, it is possible to obtain a loan to buy a home. More so, with the increasing values, you’ll see your home build equity relatively quickly in most cases.

Keeping these factors in mind, it is also important to be very proactive when it comes to buying a home. Work with a local Ladysmith real estate agent that you know has exceptional experience in this market. You need someone that has the ability to help you uncover the hidden gems and value properties that can allow you to make the most out of a Ladysmith real estate purchase. You’ll find expertise like this can help make your decision a wise one. Contact Jason Simard today to discuss what you are looking for in a home in the Nanaimo area. 

Feb. 21, 2017

560 Ruby Crescent | $299,000 | Spacious 3 Bedroom 1 Bathroom Home Near Long Lake

This spacious 1,495 rancher sits in the perfect location. Only a short walk to Long Lake, and close to all levels of schooling, bus routes, shopping malls, restaurants, and many local amenities. Recent updates include new kitchen backsplash, and a 4 year old natural gas furnace. The sunken in (by one step) family room has a beautiful oak finish, 2 large closets, and a free standing woodstove in the corner , giving it a real sense of home. Not only is the backyard fully fenced, it also has couple of large trees, giving the home a great amount of privacy. There is a shed at the back of the property, perfect for storing tools and gardening supplies. The large driveway provides plenty of room for RV/boat parking. This home would make a perfect starter home, retirement home, investment property, or even a great family home. All measurements are approximate and should be verified if important. MLS 419883. 

Feb. 20, 2017

Selling Real Estate in Nanaimo

If you own real estate in Nanaimo and you hope to sell it today, the good news is that it will likely sell quickly, and it may sell for a significant sum of money. This real estate market remains very competitive. There are more buyers than there are homes available, driving up sale prices. The area continues to see limited homes available – as well as rental properties available – to meet the growing need. But, that does not mean every home will sell for an exceptionally high value, or that you will find yourself with dozens of bids and offers.

Nanaimo Home With Coastal Mountain Views

Nanaimo Home With Coastal Mountain Views | Image Provided by VIREB

How to Sell Your Nanaimo Real Estate

The first step to selling your Nanaimo real estate is to contact a local real estate expert. The Sims Team can help you understand what your home can sell for, and how quickly it would be expected to sell. This isn’t just about the general Nanaimo real estate market, but the intricate details about each of the area’s neighbourhoods. You’ll learn about the best way to price your home, for example. Often, pricing it right at or just below the most likely value of your home can help to encourage sales and more bids. However, you’ll need to know what that price is.

Overall, the average price of a home in Nanaimo is about $475,000. Your home may see more interest, though, if you make a few upgrades or add some modern touches to it. In other words, you cannot assume that your home will sell quickly and at a profit if you have not presented it in the best light possible. Work with your agent to learn more about each individual feature that you can update to improve your property's value.

Nanaimo real estate is competitive, but it offers a significant amount of promise to today’s home owner. Selling at the highest dollar amount possible takes the help of a skilled agent that can help you to market your property and find the right buyer for your home. And, of course, this becomes very important if you plan to buy a home in this competitive marketplace as well. You’ll appreciate those with exceptional experience in the area. Contact us today to discuss your Nanaimo area real estate goals.

Feb. 16, 2017

1644 Bob O Link Way | $399,000 | Large 4 Bedroom 2 Bathroom Family Home Close To All Amenities

Sims Real Estate Group is proud to present our newest listing located in Central Nanaimo. This large 2368 sqft family is clean, well maintained, and has an endless amount of room for storage. With 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a family room, rec room, and 2 extra storage rooms, you will never need to worry about a lack of space. Accessible from both the kitchen and dining room is a large deck that begins in the kitchen, and wraps around to the side of the home where there is plenty of room for a patio set and barbecue, perfect for entertaining family and friends. Their is not only a large front yard, but a beautiful fully fenced backyard with a few large trees, adding the perfect amount of privacy.RV and boat parking out front. Located only minutes away from all amenities including multiple restaurants, schools, and clubs. All measurements are approximate and should be verified if important. MLS# 419699.