Embarking on the journey to find your dream home is an exciting and personal endeavor. As you envision the space where you'll build a lifetime of memories, it's essential to articulate your desires clearly. Here's a comprehensive dream home wishlist to guide you on this thrilling quest for the perfect abode.

 1. **Location, Location, Location:**
Begin with the perfect backdrop for your dreams. Whether it's a tranquil suburban neighborhood, a bustling urban center, or a serene countryside retreat, the location sets the tone for your dream home. Consider proximity to schools, workplaces, and local amenities to ensure convenience.

2. **Architectural Style:**
Define your aesthetic preferences. Do you envision a modern marvel with clean lines, a cozy cottage…

155 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

As the snowflakes start to fall and the festive spirit fills the air, the Comox Valley transforms into a magical haven of holiday cheer. From twinkling lights to joyful celebrations, here's your guide to the top holiday events that make the Comox Valley truly special during the most wonderful time of the year.

### 1. **Comox Valley Christmas Parade:**
   The streets come alive with the twinkling lights of the annual Comox Valley Christmas Parade. Join the community in celebrating the season as festive floats, marching bands, and cheerful participants make their way through the heart of downtown. Bring the whole family and experience the joy of this beloved holiday tradition.

### 2. **Filberg Festival of Lights:**
   The historic Filberg Heritage Lodge and…

139 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

1. Comox Valley Farmers' Market

Location: Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds

The Comox Valley Farmers' Market is a year-round gem, and its winter edition is a celebration of local bounty. Explore stalls adorned with fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and handmade crafts. From hearty winter vegetables to unique holiday gifts, this market is a haven for those seeking the best of the season from local producers.

2. Downtown Courtenay WinterFest Market: Heart of the Holidays

Location: Downtown Courtenay

Immerse yourself in the festive ambiance of Downtown Courtenay's WinterFest Market. The heart of the holidays beats here, with vendors showcasing an array of holiday crafts, decorations, and unique gifts. Stroll through the charming streets, enjoy…

138 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

A Guide to Buying a House with the Bryce Hansen Team

Introduction

Embarking on the journey of buying a house in today's dynamic real estate market requires not only a comprehensive understanding of the broader market trends but also a localized approach that considers the unique aspects of specific regions. In this blog post, we'll delve into the nuances of purchasing a home in the picturesque Comox Valley, while highlighting the expertise of the Bryce Hansen Team—a trusted partner for those navigating the real estate waters in this Vancouver Island gem.

Comox Valley Real Estate Landscape

Nestled on the eastern coast of Vancouver Island, the Comox Valley boasts a diverse real estate market characterized by stunning natural landscapes, a…

192 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Contrary to popular belief, as the buyer in a real estate transaction, you do not actually pay a real estate sales representative’s commission. The real estate agent actually earns a percentage of the brokerage commission, which is laid out in the purchase contract and is calculated from the price of the house. This commission is paid for by the person who is listing their home for sale. Essentially, you get the support and knowledge of a buyer representative for free – which is a great reason to utilize a REALTOR® when you’re looking to invest in Comox Valley real estate.

If the aspect of their professional services being free to you as a buyer isn’t enough to influence your decision single-handedly, here are five more reasons a real estate…

744 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

On July 1st, 2020 The Canadian Housing Mortgage Corp. (CMHC) executed their announcement to change the borrowing rules for homebuyers. If you’re in the market to purchase Comox Valley real estate and especially if you’re a first time home buyer, you’ll want to review these changes that may have impacted you directly. Here’s a closer look at the CMHC changes – and some tips to help you get organized for obtaining a mortgage pre-approval:  

 

Understanding Debt Ratios
Gross Debt Servicing Ratio (GDS) and Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDS) are the two key metrics used to qualify you for a mortgage. GDS is calculated by totaling your estimated housing costs and dividing it by your gross annual income. TDS is calculated by totaling your GDS with other…

817 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

We’ve all heard the horror stories that can happen if you don’t do your homework when choosing a trades professional. Like the contractor that demoed a kitchen, never to be seen again; or the pool company that accepted a homeowner’s deposit but keeps pushing back the installation date.

We want to make sure these disasters don’t happen to you when you’re looking for assistance with those big renovation projects around your home. Use these 5 tips to help you find the best trades professionals in the Comox Valley that can help with your home renovations – and increase the likelihood of your complete satisfaction!

 

All in Good Time
One of the biggest considerations when hiring professional trades companies is your timeline. Do you need the project…

731 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Whether you want to stage your house for a successful sale, add a touch of modern décor to your Courtenay home, or simply stop your neighbours from being able to see what you do behind closed doors, investing in window coverings could be the solution you’re looking for.

As a seller, there are plenty of variables that contribute to selling your house quickly – and for top dollar. Taking your home to a polished completion helps a potential buyer to see value from both a completed task and investment standpoint too. Within the Comox Valley real estate market, there’s a playful balance between two main factors when it comes to great window treatments; 1) fantastic functionality and 2) desirable decoration.

 

FANTASTIC FUNCTIONALITY

When it comes…

693 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Moving can be a huge task to tackle if you’re foregoing the route of hiring a professional moving company. An independent move delegates all of the responsibility from packing, purging and delivering to you and your dedicated team of friends and family. Even when movers are involved, there’s still some parts of the process the pros are not able to do. These five tips will help make your upcoming move easier on your little ones – and yourself!

 

Prepare a Plan for Moving Week
To have things run as smoothly as possible, get a plan of action ready ahead of time. Create a timeline for the whole week before your move-in date, so you know what to expect and you have some strategies in place. Consider which rooms to pack on what days, the logistics for…

641 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

It’s no secret that homes with attractive curb appeal command higher asking prices and spend less time sitting on the market. With so many ideas on the internet to boost your home’s curb appeal, you may be wondering which projects pump up your real estate’s value best? Though there aren’t specific values connected to certain improvement projects, here are some of our favourite financially-savvy ways to boost your home's equity with a little summer upgrade;

Squeaky Clean
Before you make the decision of whether or not to paint the facade of your property, turn to the tried and true method of a deep clean of your exterior with a pressure washer or some good-old-fashioned elbow grease. A bucket of hot soapy water and a long-handled bristle brush will likely…

563 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post