It is hard to believe we are nearing the end of 2016. And what a year it was! Our business boomed along with the fastest paced real estate market the Comox Valley has ever seen. It was a mix of emotions throughout the year - celebrations of financially rewarding multiple offers for our sellers, and recovering with and fighting side by side with our buyers as they fought it out in a low inventory, high demand market. With that, and with the coming arrival of baby Christoph, we made the very easy decision to bring on an Office Manager to handle our administration.
We are thrilled to have welcomed Joyanne to our team last month. Like us, she has deep roots in the Comox Valley, having grown up here and stayed close to her family and friends that remained.
In 2011 she completed the Real Estate licensing course and she joined an established real estate firm in the fast paced Vancouver market. Her multi tasking, organizational skills and customer service experience make her a natural fit.
The warm and positive energy that she exudes allows for effective communication with our clients, cooperating agents and other industry professionals. We knew within minutes of meeting her that she was the perfect addition to our team. You will easily find an immediate sense of trust in her capabilities and the pride she takes in the quality of her work.
Some interesting stats:
The twelve month average sale price of a Comox Valley home is $409,418, up 12% from 2015. The average lot price is $175,835, up 2%. If you purchased an ‘average’ home in 2006, you paid $293,254. If you bought an average lot in 2006, you paid $149,128.
If you bought an average home in Cumberland in 2006 you paid $177,333. The twelve month average price is $360,258, up 22% over last year. The largest local YTD average sale price differential is between the old City of Courtenay ($347,561) and Crown Isle ($611.351).
Looking at average house prices in all of BC ($606,787) and Victoria ($615,066) our homes are a bargain with 86.5% of our sales occurring below those averages.
There is a natural domino effect to a real estate transaction, unless the Buyer is either a first time purchaser, currently renting, or has the ability to purchase a property without having to sell one prior to. More often than not, a Buyer will come to us with a desire to move but with the requirement of selling first. This is the classic “chicken or the egg” dilemma that they face. Do they first fall in love with the property they want to buy, and then wait to list their home until they find “the one” and risk not being able to sell their home in time, or do they risk listing their home on the hope that the “right one” will pop up at the right time - before they become, effectively, homeless. It can be a very stressful time for a purchaser. Read more on our latest blog post here.
As we take the time to reflect on 2016, we of course need to sincerely thank you for your continued and remarkable support of our business. We pinch ourselves every day that we have found success in a career that we are so deeply passionate about and that allows us to work with people that we grow to care deeply for. Real Estate, for us, is not simply a transactional event. At the core of this complicated industry of analysis, facts and statistics, there is a lot of soul. Building life long, lasting relationships is what keeps us going. It is important for us to strike the balance between the head and the heart. It's love and logic.
Looking forward to 2017 brings a sense of excitement that can hardly be described. We plan to nest in our new home, learn to raise our little human and fiercely focus on expanding and nurturing our business. Drop us a line and let us know a bit about your intentions for the coming year.
Please follow our Facebook page for sneak peaks on new listings, sales information, contests, blog updates and so much more.
Wishing you the warmest of holiday cheer this month,
5237 ISLAND HWY
Listed at $349,000
Sold for $356,000
15-2475 MANSFIELD DR
Listed at $319,900
Sold for $319,000
1057B URQUHART AVE
Listed at $229,900
Sold for $225,000
We have bought AND sold with Jake and Jas and both transactions were seamless. This amazing duo worked tirelessly to make sure we were always happy and taken care of!
We will use them exclusively for our future real estate needs and will always recommend them to our friends and family!
You guys are the perfect team and it shows!
- Erin & Parker
Site clearing underway for 24 unit townhouse project, located at the corner of Lerwick Road and Idiens Way in Courtenay. Benco Ventures BC Ltd. has applied for a development permit, which is expected to be issued soon.
This project includes a 24 unit townhouse project, which will be located at the corner of Lewrick Road and Idiens Way in Courtenay. Site clearing is underway. This project is proposed to be built to accommodate two and three bedroom apartments with garages.
Custom waterfront stunner on .68acre highbank lot. You'll be swept away with the panoramic Ocean & Mountain views in this area of fine homes. Excellent curb appeal with stucco, cedar, stone, hardi & metal. Sweeping views of the Salish Sea throughout. Great room features 15ft wall of windows, tiled wall with a fir mantle & modern fireplace - open concept entertainer's dream. Kitchen features 10ft quartz & walnut island, walk in pantry, tile backsplash, in-cabinet lighting. Main floor includes a guest room, oversized laundry, & powder room. Master on main boasts ocean views, walk through closet and spa bathroom with built shower, soaker tub, double sinks and heated floors. Upstairs are 2bdrms, 4pc bath, office & huge bonus room with wet bar & balcony.
Deer Lodge freehold 3bd home away from home on the slopes of Mount Washington. A bright 2nd floor corner condo on Linton's Loop ski run. Beautifully updated home comes complete with all furnishings. 1 bedroom with a bathroom & mini kitchenette can be locked off from main unit & rented out separately. Sleeping accommodation is suitable for up to 9 people. Propane fireplace, open floor plan, in-suite laundry, underground secure parking, storage locker, and a hot tub in the complex. There is a front desk, rental pool and caretaker. Enjoy a wide array of activities from downhill & nordic skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, mountain biking, and hiking.
$337,500
We had our second $1,000.00 draw of 2016 for our Referral Rewards program. This year so far, 20% of our business source was recommendations from our past/current clients, friends and our network. We are excited to further reward those that referred us to new clients.
For each successful personal referral that you send us, we will add your name (ie. 3 referrals = 3 entries). Your entry will remain in the pool every draw until eventually the entry is selected for a prize.
Our first draw's winner was Hilary Klassen and she chose a store of her choice for her GC. It's the holiday season - how would you spend your $1,000.00 prize?
We will be drawing a name this week to find out which of our referral friends has won!
