Hello;
 
According to the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board, in our area (Nanoose Bay, Parksville, Errington & Qualicum Beach) there were 84 single family homes listed in August and there were 51 SFD sales (an 11% decrease over August, 2013).  The average price was $380,661 (6% less than the average August, 2013 sale price).  As for building lots, there were 30 lots listed last month and there were 3 sales, (2 less than the 5 lot sales in August 2013) and the average sale price was $125,833 (52% less than the average lot sale price last August).   As for apartment/condominiums, there were 12 condos listed and 3 sales in August (1/4 of the 12 condo sales that took place last August) & the average sale price was $152,633 (30% less than the average sale price in August, 2013). As for patio homes & townhouses, there were 45 listed last month & 13 sales (there were 12 sales in August, 2013) and the average sale price was $354,040 (almost 30 % higher than the average sale price in August 2013).

Though some of these figures are discouraging, plse remember this is a one month snap shot of our market.  Overall, 2014 has been much stronger than 2013 (the number of SFD sales is up 20% this year) and currently the list/sell ratio for single family homes is 58%. If you want to sell your property, you want to be “in” the market and not just “on” the market; meaning the listing needs be handled professionally and priced correctly.  Royal Lepage is the largest and most successful real estate company in our area and I have been a top producer within the company & community for over 24 years.  This provides the exposure you want and more importantly, the experience you need in this market.  My goal is to not only to get your property sold; it is to get you the most money possible!
If you would like to sell, please call me @ 1-877-248-4348, locally @ 250-248-7612 or e-mail me at sold@shaw.ca
Karen & Debbie
Royal Lepage 

SMASHED POTATOES
 

Boil small potatoes (generally 3 per person, unless there are teen boys, then you will need more) until just tender.  Drain & place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.  Use the bottom of a glass and flatten until they are about 1/2-3/4 inch thick.  Generously drizzle olive oil & sprinkle with freshly ground salt (be generous) & ground pepper  (you can do this in the morning, cover with saran wrap and leave on counter until dinner time)  Bake for approx. 45-1 hour at 375-400 degrees.  I often will drizzle a little more oil on top if I prepared them in the morning.  You want to bake them until they are quite crispy.  They are delicious!!