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

When it comes time to make the decision to buy or sell, you may want to ask your real estate agent about the current market conditions. If you ask about Vancouver Island right now, you may learn that the area is in a seller's market. Most experts in the industry see the island as being in a strong seller's market, in fact. What does this mean if you own a home here? What about buying a home in these conditions? There are a few things you should know.

First, most of the mainland of Vancouver and British Columbia in general is in a buyer's market. This means that homes are readily available and overall pricing is moderate to even low. There are some pockets of better conditions, especially in Vancouver itself. However, when you move over to the Island, you'll see things change.

Additionally, much of Vancouver Island has homes that are valued reasonably, but home values are on the rise and they have been for some time. As home prices rise, this indicates that sellers can get more for their home if they put it on the market now. But, why are prices moving up? There are various reasons for this. One of the reasons is because home inventory is low. That means there are not as many homes on the market as their used to be and, even more importantly, demand for homes is higher than inventory. This pushes prices here.

What should you do if you are planning on buying a home here? The good news is it is still very affordable to purchase real estate on Vancouver Island. And, you may see your home's value rise in the short term. Second, if you plan to sell here, now is an excellent time to do so. There is high demand and good overall pricing. Most importantly, work with a local real estate agent to ensure you get the best deal possible.

You may have heard of the recent reports about Vancouver's housing market prices and just how quickly they are growing. What we also are seeing is that Vancouver Island, and other surrounding communities, are also seeing prices rise to very high levels. Some are even calling it the Vancouver Effect. In short, Vancouver's prices are growing to match other luxury real estate markets throughout the world. And, some of that is spilling over into surrounding communities including into some of the Vancouver Island communities you may be considering buying a home in.

Is it worth buying a home at these higher prices? For many people, the answer is yes. While Vancouver itself has a lot of world class charm because it is a big city, Vancouver Island has a much different type of home style to offer, but it is just as alluring. Vancouver Island is known for its relaxation and beauty. People used to visit on vacation. Now, they've fallen in love with the area and come to stay. Whether you are brand new to buying a home here or looking for your second or third investment, you know the beauty and amenities that are located here. You want to be a part of that.

Many of the people investing in Vancouver Island real estate are older. They are people looking for retirement homes as well as those looking for second homes in destination areas. Because home prices are overall affordable and interest rates make getting a mortgage for your home very inexpensive, it just makes sense to buy a home in a dream area like Vancouver Island.

If you are thinking about buying real estate on Vancouver Island, it is important to work with an area real estate agent. This way, you can ensure you are getting the best home possible and getting a great rate for it as well. Could you pass up living this close to everything you want and need?

Vancouver Island offers a variety of communities from which home buyers can choose. Some of those communities are large and have become very high valued places to call home. Others remain very affordable. Overall, the Greater Vancouver area has a wide range of opportunities for home buyers looking for affordability. If you are on the market for the perfect home on Vancouver Island, consider the value that Port Alberni can offer.

Port Alberni Backyard Dock | Image Provided by VIREB

In a recent survey, the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver found that Port Alberni was one of the most desirable places to buy a home. Specifically, this coastal area is one of the least expensive places on Vancouver Island to invest. The average home price here, as of the middle of June 2016 was $215,000. That is much less than most of the surrounding area. And, when compared to communities such as Qualicum Beach and Nanaimo, this area's home prices are as much as $100,000 less on average for those who buy in Port Alberni.

Why else should you buy in Port Alberni? It is a bit more remote than other areas. It may not have the same level of development and amenities as some of the larger cities in Vancouver Island, but it still does have a lot to offer. It is a modern town. You will find a wide range of home styles to select from including a number of fantastic homes that are estates or large lot areas. There are newer homes and condos are growing in popularity here as well. You may even find that the homes here are stunning in terms of their design but also in terms of the views from many of them. And, you cannot beat the access to the waterways from this community.

If you are looking for an affordable home for sale on Vancouver Island, it may be Port Alberni that you take a closer look at. Overall, a number of locations exist that could be just what you need.

Vancouver Island is a stunning place to live. Though much of the real estate here remains very remote and natural, there are some areas of significant growth and development, especially along the waterfront. For those who want to own real estate that is not only ideal to live in, but also ideal to rent or use as investment property, Vancouver Island offers plenty of options. If you want to invest here, it pays to get to know a bit about this region and all of the opportunities it has to offer to you. There is sure to be a stunning option for just about any real estate investment goal.

Comox Condominium | Image Provided by VIREB

What Can You Buy?

Real estate in Vancouver Island ranges widely. However, some of the most popular current investment opportunities are focused on urban condos, such as those found in Nanaimo. These condos are located along the most populated of the waterfront communities and many have very impressive views of the bays and oceans in front of them. What is interesting about these areas is that much of the area of these cities focuses on a port area that is still very much traditional in form. Looking up and into the city however, provides some impressive contrasting scenery of condos and homes located on cliffs overlooking the water.

On the other hand, you will find other condos and single-family homes that offer walk-up access to the beaches and marinas here. Browse some of the property available in Tofino and Comox. For those that own boats or want to, these communities can be the ideal choice. They are also very popular with those who are vacationing who want to have the water right within their reach when they are visiting. These are also some of the most modern condo developments on the island.

Vancouver Island does offer a great deal of promise to those who want to own real estate here including for investment purposes. It has plenty of opportunity in terms of value, but also outstanding long-term growth potential.

Though the Canadian real estate market is growing and improving, most of it remains expanding at a slower rate. However, Vancouver Island is getting a lot of attention from those who are considering buying a home here. If you, like many others, are thinking about the various benefits of buying real estate here, take a closer look at why so many people are seeing the value in living and buying on Vancouver Island. It could be the perfect place for you to invest in real estate.

Inner Harbour, Victoria, Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island is at the heart of British Columbia’s real estate industry and with good reason. It is a large island and it remains rather sparsely populated. The region itself includes the Gulf Islands as well as a portion of British Columbia’s mainland. There’s much to love about this area. For example, a great deal of the area is protected parkland, which means you do not have to worry about overdevelopment of the natural surroundings here. There are numerous rare groves and even some old growth forests here. These are well worth protecting, as is the entire ecosystem present. The mountains are visible off in the distance, as the the oceans and waterways mingle with much of the area’s populated areas.

Aside from the natural wonder of the area, Vancouver Island also has a wide range of other benefits to offer today’s home buyer. It has become a prominent luxury real estate market. With the growth of some of the waterfront areas, there is no doubt this area has seen a great deal of attention from those looking for second homes. And, it has quickly become a popular area for shopping, entertainment, and water activities ranging from boating to incredible fishing.

If you are thinking about buying real estate on Vancouver Island, now may be the time to do so. It remains affordable in many areas, but it is growing quickly with plenty of opportunities still available.

Saturna Island is a beautiful, mountainous island located in the Southern Gulf Islands. These are in the heart of British Columbia, near Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland of the area. Saturna Island is home to some of the most vibrant of the area’s green forests, so it is not necessarily the most ideal place to buy a home if you want a large city. However, for those looking for an incredible view from every window, and the type of relaxation and peace they cannot find elsewhere, this is an ideal choice.

Many people are considering the move to Saturna Island because of the rapid population development that has been observed on Vancouver Island. Some are buying second homes here because of its more remote aspects. However, it does have a population of over 350 people and that number is steadily growing. What can this area offer to you?

Many residents are past visitors who fell in love with the island and then decided to live here. It is home to numerous parks including the Ecological Reserve. Narvaez Bay and Echo Bay are impressive locations as well. When it comes to getting around, remember that there are no roads to the island. Rather, you’ll need to take one of the ferries to the area. There is also float plane service to the area right from Vancouver International Airport. Those wishing to live on the mainland near the Southern Gulf islands have extensive options as well in the Duncan area, or north a bit towards Chemainus and Ladysmith.

Why visit and live here? You could be one to fall in love with the vibrant wildlife and the vast wilderness present. You may want to explore the wineries or do some hiking. Or, you may be one of the many people planning to build their own home here, perhaps on one of the spacious available lots. Custom homes are growing in popularity here because of their ultimately limited availability and relatively easy access to Vancouver Island, as well as the numerous amenities located nearby. This could be a great place for you to call home if you are looking for something special and remote.

When it comes down to finding the ideal home, you have to determine what qualities are best for your unique needs. If you want some of the very best views and waterfront living, you may wish to buy a home in Campbell River, a community located on the Campbell River in British Columbia. This Vancouver Island area community has plenty to offer even the most discerning of home buyers. It is close to Quadra Island as well as the Discovery Islands. It’s also known as the Salmon Capital of the World. For that, you may want to plan at least some time on the water with your fishing pole in hand.

Modern Style Home in the Campbell River Area | Image Provided by VIREB

Exploring All Campbell River Has to Offer

Campbell River is seeing a lot of attention from Vancouver Island home buyers. It is now home to more than 31,100 people. There are even more people during salmon season when tourism grows significantly. And, tourism is an important industry here as well. The community is still very much modern with the unique ability to be tucked into the natural landscape of this region.

If you buy a home here, you’ll find it offers something for everyone in terms of home styles. Many of the homes here are single family properties with ample-sized lots. You will also find that the homes are both new and old, with new developments readily available in most areas. You may also find that the community has several smaller neighbourhoods with plenty of small towne feel to them. Students who live here attend School District 72 Campbell River or one of the private schools nearby.

Take the time to get to know Campbell River. Plan to spend a weekend there. The goal is to find out if it offers everything you need – from its expansive views to its affordable housing – and then find the smaller neighbourhood that helps you to feel right at home.