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There are plenty of reasons to buy a home in Nanaimo. Of course, you may have heard that the real estate market here is very hot. People are placing multiple offers on homes as quickly as they come on the market. Yet, as a home buyer you have to consider why it may be a good time to buy here. Why are so many people who are buying real estate right now set on buying a home within this community? There is plenty to be excited about here!

Shoreline Home in Nanaimo | Image Provided by VIREB

Get to Know Nanaimo

This is a city on Vancouver Island with a great deal to offer. It is known as the Hub City, which is attributed to the layout of the community. However, it has become, in many ways, the hub of the region and the island itself. Here, you are sure to find a wide range of homes to choose from in various neighborhoods. You will also find that its central location on the island makes it perfect for those who want to have access to the beaches, the big city, or even the most remote of areas. Nevertheless, it is quite modern with many of the amenities you may desire.

Why else should you buy a home in Nanaimo right now?

• The area’s local economy is strong and growing. Tourism is a key component, as is the forestry and mining industry. It is also seeing a significant growth in the service industry.

• The school system is large and thriving here. For those interested in buying a home in a competitive area, the 30 elementary and secondary schools here really stand out. The Vancouver Island University is also located here.

• There is a strong sports industry and numerous cultural amenities in this community. It also offers various recreational benefits and features.

For all of these reasons, today’s home buyer on Vancouver Island really does need to take a closer look at what Nanaimo has to offer. Contact Jason Simard and the Sims Real Estate team today to discuss your real estate goals.

Nanaimo is one of the most competitive real estate markets in the region. That is not so good news if you plan to buy a home here. If, on the other hand, you are a home seller, it means plenty of opportunity for you to sell your home at a price that is likely to be significantly higher than what it would have been just a few years ago. But, how can you sell a home in today’s marketplace? How can you ensure you get the best possible outcome if you list your home?

Recent Construction Home in Nanaimo | Image Provided by VIREB

Should You Sell Now?

A key factor in the rising home values in Nanaimo is the lack of homes on the market. Home buyers outnumber the homes listed on today’s market, creating far more demand and improving home values as a result. If your home is one that can meet the needs of the market, you may want to consider listing now. The lack of inventory is helping to drive multiple offers to many homes listed. Some homes are selling within days, not weeks or months as it was a few years ago. In short, you may be able to sell your home for a higher value in a shorter amount of time.

However, there are specific things to keep in mind:

• Pricing your home properly is essential. You will need to price your property according to market trends, but also in a way that will help attract home buyers.

• This is a competitive market, but not every home sees the same level of attention. You’ll need to ensure your home offers the features and benefits homebuyers are looking for in the homes they buy.

• You will need to have expert negotiators by your side to help you through the process.

This is a competitive market, and that is a good thing for the seller. Yet, it is also important to take into consideration the importance of working with a local agent to make the most out of this market. Contact Jason Simard and the Sims Real Estate group today to discuss your Nanaimo area real estate goals.

Buying a home in Nanaimo offers plenty of opportunity. If you are buying your first home here, you are faced with some exciting, but big decisions to make. This is an ideal area to buy into for a first home, though. It has a strong sense of community. There are numerous neighbourhoods with various amenities to cater to most needs. And, the community has plenty of areas with affordable options. But, are you ready to buy a home here?

Modern Style Nanaimo Home | Image Provided by VIREB

A Few Tips to Make It Easier

Investing in a new home in Nanaimo is a solid financial decision for many people. It provides a wide range of opportunity, and with home values growing, it is possible to build equity quickly. But, there is more to it than just this. Consider these tips:

• Before you consider looking for homes, talk to a mortgage lender first. Learn how much you qualify to borrow. New lending rules may make it harder for some borrowers to afford larger loans, especially if you do not have a 20 per cent down payment.

• Consider Nanaimo's neighbourhoods carefully. As noted, there are many areas here, and each one offers something unique. You’ll want to find an area that’s right for your needs. Writing down a list of desired features can help you prioritize your goals and bring some focus to your home search.

• Consider all of the options available to you here including various home styles, various price points, and features. You’ll want to make a decision based on where you are likely to be in five years from now. What features will be important to you then? 

Regardless of where you are planning to look in the Nanaimo area, contact the Sims Real Estate group to get your search started. We can help you to get the best possible price on the home you find and fall in love with. Take a look at all of the options and benefits that Nanaimo has to offer. Which area is going to be the place you begin your search for your first home?

You have so many options when it comes to buying a home in the Nanaimo area, just starting your home search can seem a bit overwhelming. Whether you have your heart set on a specific area, perhaps one you’ve visited before, or you are looking for a home in a new place, this community has something to offer everyone. Take a look at a few of the most popular Nanaimo neighbourhoods to get a feel for which one may be right for your specific needs.

View from a Nanaimo Townhouse in Edgewood Estates | Image Provided by VIREB

North Nanaimo

This community has some of the best waterfront homes. Luxury home buyers in Nanaimo often turn to this area first because of the new development options, the beautiful views, and the community itself. However, land is a bit harder to find now than it was here, making it a great place to live if you want to invest.

Brechin Hill

Another location to visit and check out along the waterfront is Brechin Hill. It has some fantastic condos located along the waterfront. However, you will also find some fantastic homes including custom built properties and historically charming homes. A nice benefit here, especially for weekend residents or commuters is the easy access to the BC Ferries terminal.

Departure Bay

Perhaps one of the most popular of areas because it is larger, is Departure Bay. It is also one of the most diverse communities in the area. Homes range widely in style and size here. You’ll find everything from starter homes to large, waterfront luxury homes. Some nice subdivisions in the area are Lynburn Estates and Sherwood Forest, but you’ll also find a number of smaller communities as well. These homes range from new to moderately aged with many being built in the late 1980s.

Are these neighbourhoods in Nanaimo right for you? Of course, there are many additional options that may fit your unique needs as well. Take a good look at your options. Call the Sims Real Estate team today to discuss your goals, and which areas are most likely to suit you. Homes are available in just about every area of this city, so now is the time to start looking!

Nanaimo should never be confused as a brand new city, though it should also not be thought of as an old city. It’s a unique combination of both, growing and diversifying with each year. The increased demand for homes in the area has encouraged a higher number of new home developments, but there are some areas to the city that are simply ideal for those who want character, historic charm, and a simply beautiful home. One area to look for this type of home is South Nanaimo. What factors make this community such an ideal location to purchase a home?

New Home in South Nanaimo BC | Image Provided by VIREB

Why South Nanaimo Stands Out

As a home buyer in any area of Nanaimo, you know that you are not just buying a home, but buying a life within a vibrant community. South Nanaimo is no exception, and can be the perfect place to start your search. The community is a core component of the heart of the historical importance of this area. The area is over 150 years old, becoming fully developed around 1853 when the fishing, coal mining, and forestry industries gained prominence. As you look across the eclectic range of homes for sale in South Nanaimo, you are sure to find a style that suits your goals and needs.

The community has a number of newer subdivisions. These are some of the most desirable in the region because they are limitedly available. There isn’t much more land to develop in this area, after all. Still, many people don’t want the newest homes here. Rather, they are after the older homes, those that have been present for some or most of the city’s history. With that in mind, much of this area has seen a good deal of renovation itself. It’s as modern as any other part of the community, in fact, but with a lot more historic charm wrapped into it.

As you consider South Nanaimo, and the other areas of this city, call Jason Simard and the Sims Real Estate team. Working with a Vancouver Island real estate agent that knows the region well is the best way to ensure you find your dream home in this area of our beautiful community.

Before you can buy a home in Nanaimo, you have to make the decision that the community is the right one for your specific needs. Whether you have lived here all of your life, or you are just moving to the area, some of the biggest concerns for homebuyers is the economy and job market. Will you be able to find a job here, or close enough to commute comfortably? What type of work is available? There is no doubt that Nanaimo has something for everyone when it comes to home buying, but knowing that you’ll find the type of employment that is right for you isn’t always easy to do.

Nanaimo’s Economic Makeup

Years ago, this community wasn’t much more than a mining town. Coal and forestry industries were the dominant forces in Nanaimo’s overall economic environment. That changed over time, of course. The pulp mill that was built in the 1950s was a start to that change. Later, the area developed into a local economy that’s been built on tourism. That is where it is today – a tourism centric community with so much more to offer.

And, the community has also seen a great deal of tech growth in recent years. This comes from an investment in Innovation Island, a government program aimed to encouraging startup tech companies to move into the area. That is still very much present within the area as well. Of course, you will find that job growth here, especially in the areas of technology, healthcare, and tourism, will continue to grow and prosper. There is a great deal of development along the waterfront, including potential conference spaces. This will help to make the city an even larger urban player in the Vancouver area.

As you consider all of the options in Vancouver real estate, focus in on all of the potential benefits that Nanaimo has to offer to you. With so much to expect, you will likely want to buy a home in this vibrant community. Contact Sims Real Estate today to discuss your Nanaimo real estate goals and needs.