Condominiums achieve unprecedented favour

among Canadian homebuyers

 

Double-digit sales gains reported in most major markets in 2007

 

 

After more than three decades of slow but steady growth, the condominium concept has finally clicked with Canadian homeowners.  The lifestyle has proven to be a solid investment in housing markets across the country, chalking up some of the most impressive gains in residential real estate in 2007, according to the RE/MAX Condominium Report.

 Their universal appeal is substantiated, with every market reporting increased momentum in condominium sales volume over 2006 levels.  In fact, 80 per cent of markets surveyed reported double-digit gains in sales year-over-year, with 53 per cent reporting increases over 20 per…

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Willy Wonka look out! Great turnkey operations just in time for the Christmas season. The Hammond Bay Fudge Company is the number one stop for luxury chocolates, sugar free chocolate and fudge! It operates at two great locations with lots of public traffic. Positive sales stream with strong growth potential. Business for sale only.

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Almost brand new, custom built home in a family friendly sub-division in Chase River. It’s completely finished on both levels offering lots of living space for you to enjoy. Enter through the solid wood door and you are greeted with a warm open space that is flooded with sunlight, not to mention the great mountain and valley views. The top floor enjoys an open concept which includes a large living room with gleaming maple hardwood floors, an adjoining dining room and kitchen with maple cabinets, centre island, and custom Italian porcelain tile floors, and a deck to enjoy the view. The kitchen also has top of the line Stainless Steel Frigidaire Professional Series appliances, a built in dual zone wine cooler, and a built in dust pan that goes straight… Read Full Post

Slow and steady growth forecast for residential real estate  in major Canadian markets in 2008, says RE/MAX  Canadian home sales to top 500,000 in 2007   After posting extraordinary gains in 2007, housing market performance will moderate in most major Canadian centres in 2008, according to a report released today by RE/MAX.  The RE/MAX Housing Market Outlook 2008 examined residential real estate trends in 18 markets across the country.  The report found that while economic prospects will continue to improve next year, few major markets are expected to exceed record sales levels set in 2007.  Winnipeg, Hamilton-Burlington, Kitchener-Waterloo, London-St. Thomas, Ottawa, Sudbury, Saint John, Halifax-Dartmouth, and St. John’s are all predicted to buck the… Read Full Post

Ideal retirement home offers 816 sqft of living space with 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. Some of the features of this home include newer carpet and linoleum, large enclosed porch, workshop, and nice size lot with its very own apple tree.  This park is 55+ and allows small dogs and cats and the monthly pad fee is $375 per month. Great location at the south end of Nanaimo close to amenities and on the bus route.

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Consumers and real estate professionals alike are happy to see that Nanaimo’s housing market is continually climbing and holding strong. Vancouver Islands Real Estate Board number’s show:

• Average sale price of a single family home is up 8% from one year ago, from $319,000 to $346,000 (roughly).
• Unit sales are up from 107 in August 2006, to 152 August 2007.

These numbers are due to availability of listings, low interest rates aiding in affordability, and consumer confidence. Although the average price of a home in Nanaimo may seem high at $346,000, our prices are still good compared to the rest of BC, particularly Vancouver. The Vancouver Island Real Estate Board says they anticipate further increases in months ahead so now is the time to… Read Full Post

Here are some ideas and tips to get your home winterized and ensure its air is clean and the home is energy efficient during those chilly winter months.

 

• Duct Cleaning – removes 5 to 6 pounds of dirt from a home’s heating and cooling system and should be done every four or five years.
• Filter Cleaning – This includes furnaces and central air conditioning systems which should be checked annually by a licensed professional and the filters should be replaced or cleaned every three months. This will help to prevent breakdowns.
• System replacement – Often older furnaces and central air conditioning systems work well enough to do the job but it is worth considering the installation of a new system before the old one wears out. Today’s technology…

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A house foundation must be designed and constructed to carry the house load as well as protect against external forces. Besides supporting the weight of the house it acts as a retaining wall to hold back those forces of soil and water. The foundation wall itself must be strong to withstand this external force or it will crack and shift. When a wall is overloaded from pressure such as frost heave, saturated soil, improper back filling, or other conditions, it can move laterally and bow inward often cracking. Deep foundations with constructed with concrete blocks are particularly vulnerable.

To help avoid excessive external pressure against a finished foundation, grading and drainage should be maintained to direct all water flow around and away from the…

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