Michael Peterson's Blog: All Categories

Now that the Easter holidays and Spring break have come and gone, Spring is officially here! In Nanaimo, the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) sales summary data released by the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB) for March 2008, shows a drop in unit sales with average sale price increases. The average sale price across the VIREB region for March 2008 was $338,846. This is an 8 per cent increase from the $313,560 posted at the end of March 2007. Unit sales volume increased slightly from the end of February 2008 to the end of March 2008, but dropped approximately 30% from March 2007. It’s a balanced market with plenty to choose from and we’re seeing more and more interest from elsewhere in Canada. As always, proper pricing continues to be key in this…

Michael hosted his 2008 Client Appreciation Evening on Friday, March 28th at Gallery 223 downtown Nanaimo where wine, art and jazz were enjoyed by all. The Gallery was a wonderful host with plenty of old and new artist’s work on display. The Wellington Jazz Trio played beautifully in the corner while clients mixed and mingled enjoying a glass of wine from a local brewery called Wine Works. Several door prizes were won by the attending guests including art from the Gallery, gift certificates, and wine with stem wear. A good time was had by all and we look forward to next year’s event.

New regulations and licensing systems are going to be introduced by the BC government this fall to regulate the home inspection industry. This will ensure home inspectors have up-to-date training on buildings codes, electrical, natural gas, and fire code regulations. They are also discussing whether to make insurance mandatory for home inspectors to cover situations where consumers claim financial loss over a mistake made by an inspector.

Currently BC home inspectors are self-regulated with two organizations offering voluntary membership and certification. Online courses and a set of exams that lead certification, if desired, are available through the BC branch of the Canadian Association of Home and Property inspectors. Applicants are also allowed to…

A beautiful 14 year old mobile home in one of the nicest and well cared for parks in Nanaimo. A quiet area that is just steps away from Westwood Lake Park with direct access to walking trails and wildlife. This 1581 sqft home with security system features a formal living and dining room, a bright kitchen with nook, a family room, an enclosed sunroom, a master bedroom with a 4 piece ensuite, another large bedroom, a good size laundry room as well as a mud room and crawl space for extra storage. Outside you will find a covered porch out back as well as a detached wired shop for the handyman. Out front there is lots of parking with a double deep carport and a low maintenance yard. This is a senior orientated park and pets are not allowed. Don’t miss viewing…

Investment alert! Split entry home with 3 bedrooms up and a 3 bedroom suite down. Home does need some TLC but is strong with impeccable structure. The house rents for $2400/m hydro included with shared laundry. Nice size, level, front and back yards with a single carport out front with room for extra parking. House is so close to the College it’s practically on campus great for student rental bringing in a good income. Good neighbors and seller says its the last rental on the block! All measurements are approximate and to be verified if important.

Split level home with a 2 bedroom suite! Upper floor has 3 bedrooms, master with ensuite and plenty of storage. The main floor living room has vaulted ceilings, a wood burning fireplace, and a large kitchen. There is also a large lower room that is currently used as a bedroom but could be a family room. This suite rents for $1100/m. Lower suite has 2 bedrooms and rents for $600/m. The home is located on a quiet, dead end street with a large lot and backs onto Sherwood Forest which is full of wildlife and is designated as a breeding ground for our local green hummingbird. 40 foot hedges on both sides of the home make the yard very private. Other homes in the area are selling for over $400,000. With a little TLC this home would be a great investment.

All…

A little gem just waiting to shine once again, this character home in central Nanaimo has a total of 1310 sqft and a detached bachelor suite out back off the lane. 2 bedrooms and 1 bath on the main floor of the house and a bonus room in the attic with a 3 piece bath that could be used as an office, hobby room or another bedroom. All rooms are large and bright. There is hardwood floors under the carpet and with a little TLC this home could shine. There is a nice size yard out back with a shed, garden area. This home had great potential.

All measurements are approximate and are to be verified if important.

RENOVATED and UPGRADED mobile home in Southgate MHP, close to all amenities and highway access.  This 2 bedroom, 1 bath home offers 672 sqft of living space along with new pine ceilings, new 30year roof, new electrical, plumbing, hot water tank, siding and skirting, and a new pressure treated wood deck and stairs. Pets, kids and rentals allowed. Just move in and enjoy!