Today, our local rag 'The Times Colonist' shouted out the following headline .. which is what we have been thinking for a while:
Victoria real estate turns around
Despite all the talk of recession, according to the president of the Victoria Real Estate Board, Chris Markham, Victoria seems to have pulled through.
He says: A total of 879 homes and other properties were sold in May through VREB's multiple listing service. This is a 17% increase over April and even up 14% in comparison with the 770 sales in May of 2008.
First time buyers are being spurred on by low interest rates and lower property prices. Single family homes priced from $400K - $600K are in most demand, whereas those at the higher end of the market are slower to move.
Let's hope the trend continues and starts happening elsewhere in Canada and the US.
I have heard so much about real estate lately from "first time buyers" who say they want to wait until the market "crashes"!!
I would love to know - When is the market going to crash in Victoria?
Fact is, first time buyers rarely seem to purchase when the market is a "buyers" market, for the simple reason that it is not low enough for them.
As history shows, those buyers always purchase in an "up" market because they then feel the need to buy before it is too late or before they lose out.
It would be interesting to hear other realtors' thoughts on this.
Victoria Day, this year on May 18th, is celebrated throughout Canada as Queen Victoria's Birthday, and being the first long weekend of the season the holiday timing couldn't be better.
The tourist businesses and attractions are opening up and our city is putting on its early show with new flowers.
Victoria is steeped in history as well as the arts. The Canadian Pacific Ballet is putting on a special performance of Victoria and Albert at the Royal Theatre and the McPherson Theatre, for this weekend only, 16 - 17 May, 2009.
You can also see what life was like for soldiers in 1859 or World War II at a Military Encampment, showing British Columbia’s military history and re-enacted by over 30 volunteers at the Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site. You will see demonstrations, uniforms and historic weapons.
The 72nd Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival is being held at Topaz Park. The weekend is packed with music, dance, games and competitions. You can even stop by the Single Malt Whisky Tasting School, and watch some Haggis Hurling competitions.
Come and join in the fun this weekend - May 16 and 17, 2009
While prices have been falling off from historic highs in Victoria, buyers are now getting back into the market, especially in the lower end price range.
In the greater Victoria area the average price for a single-family home in March 2009 was $534,689, down 10.46% from March of 2008, and the average price of a condo in March was $295,624, down 10% from March 2008.
The main activity in the current market is in the $350K to $500K range. So, in spite of the current economic uncertainty, I am feeling very optimistic for the remainder of this year.
I was born in England and brought up in Canada, but I thought it about time to celebrate St. George's Day (today, April 23), so I'm posting both the St. George Cross and the Union Jack.
Many people in North America celebrate St. Patrick's Day and very rarely do I see anyone celebrating St. George!
Although I like our British Columbia Flag, which contains parts of the Union Jack with a bit of BC sun!
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David Stevens Buy Sell properties Victoria, BC Homes for sale Victoria, Fairfield, James Bay, Saanich, Cordova Bay, Gordon Head, Oak Bay, Sidney, island, www.david-stevens.ca, www.victoriahomesbc.ca
![Carriage Ride in Victoria, March 2008. [Photo by Gary Woodburn]](http://s3.amazonaws.com/activerain-image-store/image_store/region_images/ar120922064592754.jpg)
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As first time buyers, we did not know what to fully expect from the process of home buying. We contacted several agents with a request to represent us in our search and purchase of a home and were surprised that David was the only agent who replied to our request. We were immediately very pleased with how personable and honest David was.
Our satisfaction grew even more with the fact that he took the time to listen to our needs and understood what we could reasonably afford with our modest incomes. David made the process of home buying so smooth for us as first time buyers. He allowed us to make our own decisions while providing us with his view on them as a learning guide. There was never a rushed or wasted sense of time while working with David. Our new home is exactly what we were looking for and we could not be happier. We have recommended David to everyone we know and will definitely keep in contact, hopefully using his assistance again one day. David Crossman and Laura Arlidge
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David – this is a small token of our appreciation for everything you’ve done to make the purchase of our new home possible. We know that it would not have happened if it weren’t for the extraordinary things you did. We love our new home and are really happy.
The Clarke Family, Victoria, BC.
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... Thank you so much for being there for us every step of the way during the sale of our home and transition to a new city. Your hard work and going the extra mile to help us will always be remembered.
Wendy, Peter, Heather, Burnaby, BC.
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David says on his website that he will work with you until you find exactly what you want. I can honestly say he did just that. He spared no time or effort until I found a suitable property. He helped define and refine my search until my specific needs were met. When asked for, David offered his opinion but would add that his opinion and interests were secondary to my own. David is a person of high integrity on all levels. I hope you will be as fortunate as I was to find David for your real estate needs. I cannot recommend him highly enough. He is invaluable as a realtor and I am honoured now to call him my friend.
Eileen S., Victoria, BC.
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I was especially impressed with David's commitment to render the cross-Canada move as easy as possible for us. He helped us research a moving company with a proven track record, picked us up from the airport when we arrived, and personally drove us to our new home. He clearly heard our needs and delivered on his promise that we would not be disappointed. A few months later, the perfect home did come on to the market! When we were transferred, he sold our home quickly and efficiently. I will never forget David for the incredible work that he did for my family. As a result, I cannot recommend him enough to anyone looking to buy or sell a home.
Dr. C.R., B.A., M.D., C.C.F.P., F.R.C.P.C. Victoria, BC.
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![The Customs House was completed in 1875 The beautiful building is no longer a government building but was recognized in 1987 and was designated a Canadian National Heritage site. [photo Gary Woodburn]](http://s3.amazonaws.com/activerain-image-store/image_store/region_images/ar12097834275098_l.jpg)
![Victoria BC Swiftsure Race. [photo courtesy Gary Woodburn]](http://s3.amazonaws.com/activerain-image-store/image_store/region_images/ar120922204581973_l.jpg)
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![Victoria BC Double Decker Bus in fron the The Empress Hotel. [Photo by Gary Woodburn]](http://s3.amazonaws.com/activerain-image-store/image_store/region_images/ar120922070295828_l.jpg)
![Carriage Ride in Victoria, March 2008. [Photo by Gary Woodburn]](http://s3.amazonaws.com/activerain-image-store/image_store/region_images/ar120922064592754_l.jpg)
![Victoria BC Legislative Buildings and boats in the Inner Harbour.
[Photo by Gary Woodburn]](http://s3.amazonaws.com/activerain-image-store/image_store/region_images/ar120922060377379_l.jpg)
![Victoria BC Legislative Buildings
[Photo courtesy Gary Woodburn]](http://s3.amazonaws.com/activerain-image-store/image_store/region_images/ar120788220917678_l.jpg)
![Totem Pole in Victoria BC Inner Harbour.
[Photo courtesy Gary Woodburn]](http://s3.amazonaws.com/activerain-image-store/image_store/region_images/ar120788196183637_l.jpg)
![Royal Roads University - Hatley Castle, Victoria, BC.
[Photo courtesy Gary Woodburn]](http://s3.amazonaws.com/activerain-image-store/image_store/region_images/ar120788182752013_l.jpg)
![Capt. Cook & Legislative Buildings, Victoria, BC Inner Harbour
[Photo courtesy of Gary Woodburn]](http://s3.amazonaws.com/activerain-image-store/image_store/region_images/ar120714711698196_l.jpg)
