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I have sold a property at 7185 Skyline CRES in SAANICHTON
I have sold a property at 7185 Skyline CRES in SAANICHTON.
Are you looking to downsize from a large family home? This Charming Rancher in the bucolic Keating neighbourhood may be the ideal answer. This lovely 1553 ft home is picture perfect with a yard to match. The front entrance opens into a large, yet cozy, living room with a vaulted cedar ceiling and wood burning fireplace. There is a office/den adjacent which could easily be converted to a third bedroom. Down the hallway is the spare bedroom and four piece bathroom. The master bedroom is spacious and has a walk-in closet and three piece ensuite. It is facing east for those lazy Sunday mornings with patio doors leading to the backyard & birdsong. The kitchen/dining room is bright and spacious with a skylight and an Osburn wood burning stove for those chilly fall evenings. The dining room gives way to a spacious family room with access to the back patio. Other great features include a large laundry room, double garage & finished storage, fully fenced yard with beautiful sprinklered gardens
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I have sold a property at 1108 McBriar AVE in VICTORIA
I have sold a property at 1108 McBriar AVE in VICTORIA.
Picturesque family home nestled beautifully in a wonderful and quiet neighbourhood full of parks, family activities and Lochside Trail is only steps away. This home has been lovingly transformed into the perfect modern family space, complete with a stunning suite. Inside this home you will appreciate the oversize windows looking onto 1200sqft of deck and you will also love the massive family room. The French Doors leading out to beautiful decks on the front and back of the home increase the living area substantially giving you a true outdoor living experience. This is an expansive property that showcases the house in the best way possible, nestling it beautifully into the majestic trees in the front yard. Outside there are wonderfully laid out patio areas, a double carport, a separate garage, two driveways, RV Parking, and Bike Storage. All around this is a wonderful property ready to host family and friends. Make sure this one is on your Must-See-List.
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New property listed in SE Camosun, Saanich East
I have listed a new property at 1940 Carrick ST in VICTORIA.
If you are looking for a fixer upper this one will fit the bill! It's all about location and lot size for this 7000 sq. ft. property. It is close to shopping, buses, schools, the Oak Bay Rec. centre, UVic and Camoson. The exposure is bright and the street is charming. This 1960's split level home has good bones but needs a refresh throughout. There are 3 bedrooms upstairs and another one downstairs with potential to convert back to a suite or keep as extra space for the family. The 200 amp service will allow for lots of nice upgrades.There is a fireplace in the living room with oak floors that continue to the upstairs bedrooms. New windows are in many of the main floor rooms. Open kitchen plan awaits your design ideas. Expansive crawl space for lots of storage. Large back yard needs some TLC. Bring your imagination and your work clothes! Priced well below assessed value! Open House Sunday 1-3pm
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Open House. Open House on Sunday, April 22, 2018 1:00PM - 3:00PM
Please visit our Open House at 1940 Carrick ST in VICTORIA.
Open House on Sunday, April 22, 2018 1:00PM - 3:00PM
If you are looking for a fixer upper this one will fit the bill! It's all about location and lot size for this 7000 sq. ft. property. It is close to shopping, buses, schools, the Oak Bay Rec. centre, UVic and Camoson. The exposure is bright and the street is charming. This 1960's split level home has good bones but needs a refresh throughout. There are 3 bedrooms upstairs and another one downstairs with potential to convert back to a suite or keep as extra space for the family. The 200 amp service will allow for lots of nice upgrades.There is a fireplace in the living room with oak floors that continue to the upstairs bedrooms. New windows are in many of the main floor rooms. Open kitchen plan awaits your design ideas. Expansive crawl space for lots of storage. Large back yard needs some TLC. Bring your imagination and your work clothes! Priced well below assessed value! Open House Sunday 1-3pm
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Open House. Open House on Saturday, April 21, 2018 1:00PM - 3:00PM
Please visit our Open House at 3800 Sinclair PL in VICTORIA.
Open House on Saturday, April 21, 2018 1:00PM - 3:00PM
A Private Executive Family Home in the heart of Cadboro Bay backing onto Mystic Vale. This spacious 3800 sq ft 2 level home sits tucked away at the end of a tranquil cul-de-sac. Upon entering this home through the inviting and bright entryway one is struck by the open concept and creative layout. All the large great rooms - den, living room, dining room and family room radiate from the central kitchen which lends itself to a wonderful social environment - both for daily family life or entertaining friends. The kitchen, which looks out onto the park-like garden, has a separate eating area, access to the south facing deck and new quartz counters and gas cook top. The large formal dining room has windows on 3 sides letting in lots of natural light - perfect for dinner parties; the living room with gas fireplace is cozy and intimate; the family room has a gas fireplace as well, with patios doors to a south facing balcony. The grand master bedroom has views to the forest, a 5 piece ensuite and walkin closet. Finishing off the upstairs is an enviable laundry room with lots of extra room for crafts or hobbies. Down the sweeping staircase you will find two very large bedrooms, a 4 piece bathroom, a generous recreation room, sizable storage (convert to a 4th bedroom perhaps?) and a huge crawl space. The oversized double garage with 11' ceilings has ample room for kayaks and bikes. This uniquely situated home is a short walk to Peppers, Gyro Park and Uvic and close to bus routes. This extremely well built home is in wonderful condition and awaits your visit.
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I have sold a property at 11 1950 Cultra AVE in SAANICHTON
I have sold a property at 11 1950 Cultra AVE in SAANICHTON.
A tranquil and private Townhouse in the heart of Central Saanich. Rarely do units come available in this popular complex - residents move in and find bliss. This wonderful 3 bedroom, 3 bath end unit townhouse is a spacious 1636 feet over two levels. The tiled entrance leads to a large living room with gas fireplace and patio doors leading to the south facing and private patio (with gas hook up). The kitchen (with gas stove) and dining area are bright and cheery with newer cabinets and accented back splash. Completing the downstairs is a powder room and laundry room. Upstairs you will find an oversized master bedroom with 4 piece ensuite, 2 bedrooms, a 4 piece bathroom and an office nook looking down oto the living room. Updates to the home include engineered floors on the main, stairs and upper level; newer carpets in master bedroom and newer vinyl windows. The two-car garage has builtins and space for a kayak. Strata is very well run and has a great sense of community. OH Sat/Sun 1-3
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I have sold a property at 502 420 Linden AVE in VICTORIA
I have sold a property at 502 420 Linden AVE in VICTORIA.
420 Linden - The Perfect Place to revel in your retirement years. One of the most desirable units in the building - the south west corner with views to the Olympic mountain range and water glimpses. Walk or bike to Cook street Village, Beacon Hill Park and Dallas road waterfront. Spacious rooms in a well maintained unit are waiting for your personal touch. Features include 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, insuite laundry, brick fireplace and a living and dining room perfect for entertaining. Enjoy lazy afternoons in your cozy and bright sunroom with views to the west and south. If you are a chef you will find the kitchen can accommodate all your needs - lots of counter space and room to create. For a wonderful start to the day take your morning coffee onto the master bedroom balcony, take a deep breath of ocean air and enjoy. This steel and concrete 50+ building has a proactive council and is extremely well run. Secure underground parking, storage locker and exercise room.
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New property listed in VW Victoria West, Victoria West
I have listed a new property at 704 327 Maitland ST in VICTORIA.
Urban chic - Enjoy the spectacular views of Victoria's Inner Harbour from this unique 2 level condo five minutes from downtown Victoria. This steel & concrete building offers excellent security and a superb location with excellent walk and bike scores! Your modern home starts with an inviting entrance way which leads you into a large and bright living room with access to your balcony which looks back to downtown Victoria and the inner harbour. The updated kitchen is sunny and bright with a portal through to your dining room and views beyond. A 2 piece guest bathroom and storage complete the downstairs. Upstairs you will find a wonderful master bedroom with a walk through closet connected to a 4 piece bathroom, a second bedroom with walk in storage and the convenience of in-suite laundry. Enjoy the piece of mind that comes from a substantially remediated building and amenities that include a caretaker, gym, storage locker & more. It gets better - no age limit, rentals and pets allowed!
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Open House. Open House on Sunday, April 8, 2018 2:00PM - 4:00PM
Please visit our Open House at 704 327 Maitland ST in VICTORIA.
Open House on Sunday, April 8, 2018 2:00PM - 4:00PM
Urban chic - Enjoy the spectacular views of Victoria's Inner Harbour from this unique 2 level condo five minutes from downtown Victoria. This steel & concrete building offers excellent security and a superb location with excellent walk and bike scores! Your modern home starts with an inviting entrance way which leads you into a large and bright living room with access to your balcony which looks back to downtown Victoria and the inner harbour. The updated kitchen is sunny and bright with a portal through to your dining room and views beyond. A 2 piece guest bathroom and storage complete the downstairs. Upstairs you will find a wonderful master bedroom with a walk through closet connected to a 4 piece bathroom, a second bedroom with walk in storage and the convenience of in-suite laundry. Enjoy the piece of mind that comes from a substantially remediated building and amenities that include a caretaker, gym, storage locker & more. It gets better - no age limit, rentals and pets allowed!
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Open House. Open House on Saturday, April 7, 2018 1:00PM - 3:00PM
Please visit our Open House at 3800 Sinclair PL in VICTORIA.
Open House on Saturday, April 7, 2018 1:00PM - 3:00PM
A Private Executive Family Home in the heart of Cadboro Bay backing onto Mystic Vale. This spacious 3800 sq ft 2 level home sits tucked away at the end of a tranquil cul-de-sac. Upon entering this home through the inviting and bright entryway one is struck by the open concept and creative layout. All the large great rooms - den, living room, dining room and family room radiate from the central kitchen which lends itself to a wonderful social environment - both for daily family life or entertaining friends. The kitchen, which looks out onto the park-like garden, has a separate eating area, access to the south facing deck and new quartz counters and gas cook top. The large formal dining room has windows on 3 sides letting in lots of natural light - perfect for dinner parties; the living room with gas fireplace is cozy and intimate; the family room has a gas fireplace as well, with patios doors to a south facing balcony. The grand master bedroom has views to the forest, a 5 piece ensuite and walkin closet. Finishing off the upstairs is an enviable laundry room with lots of extra room for crafts or hobbies. Down the sweeping staircase you will find two very large bedrooms, a 4 piece bathroom, a generous recreation room, sizable storage (convert to a 4th bedroom perhaps?) and a huge crawl space. The oversized double garage with 11' ceilings has ample room for kayaks and bikes. This uniquely situated home is a short walk to Peppers, Gyro Park and Uvic and close to bus routes. This extremely well built home is in wonderful condition and awaits your visit.
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April in Victoria is Pretty Great

Dont Forget This New CRA Tax Rule!!

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/personal-finance/household-finances/article-sold-your-home-cra-may-penalize-you-if-you-fail-to-report-it/


 

It is hard not being smug when you live here. Easter weekend was for the most part sunny and warm, but don't tell that to friends or family in Edmonton or Calgary. The climate patterns are all over the map these days. Someone said to me the other day that cruise ships heading up to Alaska have been able to alter their start dates because the winter snow and ice are not as much of a factor as they used to be on route to the North. 

This time of year always brings a rush of activity to the market with the number of listings increasing, as people love to sell when their garden is looking its best. After many years we finally completely fenced our yard and the garden is once again taking shape. The deer had free rein for years and ravaged it mercilessly. The fruit trees all were eaten back and left for dead and our raspberry canes were trampled. My wife Sue and I have spent some backbreaking hours weeding the vegetable garden beds and we will slowly start to plant for a bit of a summer harvest. Garlic was planted in the fall and it is coming up nicely. Raspberries, rhubarb and a thornless blackberry were next and some peas and sweet peas have been planted. It was nice to have some onions and shallots last year so we will do that again. With the weather warming up soon, we hope to plant some lettuce and kale, and then round things out with some beans and basil. Asparabroc is new to us... always fun to try something new. Look at the size of the morel mushroom Sue found in the veggie garden last year. You can judge the size next to her index finger. And no, we didn't make mushroom soup out of it.

                                                          


As promised, here are FOUR of my most

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


1. My kitchen and ensuite bathroom are really outdated. Should I put money into fixing them up before I put my home on the market? I think it really depends on the house. If your home has been beautifully updated but the kitchen and bathroom are lacking I think its worthwhile (if you have the budget for it). However, I think you should keep the design and palette neutral (no accent colours please!). Alternatively, if the bathroom and kitchen are from the same era as the rest of the home, I think it might be wasted money. Of course this depends greatly on many other factors - your personal motivation, time impediments, permitting process to get the work done and availibility of trades (unless you are capable of doing it yourself).


2. Why is everyone these days holding off listing until the spring? The market seems flooded then with inventory. Is there a benefit to listing in a quieter time of year? Is your market very active? Is there an imbalance between inventory and buyers? If the answer is yes, then I would say any time is a good time (with the caveat that I would avoid August and most of December). The advantage of course is that fewer people are selling during the shoulder months, so you have less competition for that perfect buyer. 

 

3. We have been trying to put offers in on places and have lost out a few times. Should we make our offer unconditional? I am never comfortable with uncondtional offers. They are very stressful for everyone. However, if the situaton warrants it then try to be as prepared as possible. Have your Realtor review all permit documentation, the Heritage registry, zoning limitations, bylaw complaints. I would even suggest, if time permits, to review the OCP (official community plan) and see if there is anything afoot in the local neighbourhood. If possible, do a pre-inspection (the big drawback of course is that if you have to do this multiple times it can get expensive) which may require building inspection as well as scoping the perimeter drains and of course for older homes, an oil tank scan. 






                                                                      


 I said that I would pass on more information about the Victoria Consevatory of Music Garden Tour that Newport Realty helps to sponsor. The dates are Saturday May 12th and Sunday May 13th. The tickets are $35.00 each and that allows you access to 10 gardens which each have VCM students, faculty and guest musicians entertaining throughout the day. It is a wonderful event and I am sure it will become an annual outing as it is so much fun looking beyond someone's garden gate. Enjoy this promotional video and use this link to purchase tickets.

                    


                                                                   

                                                                   

When we moved to Victoria we bought a house in Rockland and this amazing Cherry tree came with it. It's incrediblly beautiful and although its showing its age, its blossoms are prolific. 


                                                                           

                                                                        


Frank Lloyd Wright Robie House in Chicago




 

I am so lucky to have friends who like to cook and entertain, and it is always nice when we share in the duties of making the meal. I enjoy making desserts and so that is often what I contribute. Here is one of my favorites!


Log Cabin Nut Bars



 Preheat oven to 375 degrees


 Prepare 9 x 13 baking pan by lining it with parchment paper so it comes up the sides (this creation is GOOEY so you will need the paper)


Crust

2 1/3 cups flour

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

3/4 cup cold butter

1 large egg (lightly agitated)


Whisk flour sugar, bp and salt

Blend in buter with your fingers or pastry blender or even pulse in a food processor until mixture resembes course meal.

Turn out dough and knead a few times on counter

Press into pan and...

Bake 15/20 minutes or until edges are golden and starting to pull away from edges

Cool for about 20 minutes


Topping

1/3 cup maple syrup

1/3 cup honey

1/2 cup packed light golden sugar

1/4 tsp salt

1/3 cup butter cut into pieces

2 tbs whipping cream

1 cup whole almonds toasted

1 cup hazelnuts toasted with skins removed (do your best, I know this is a pain)

1 cup cashews, salted and roasted

1 cup pistachios, salted and roasted


Bring syrup, honey, sugar and salt to a boil in a large heavy saucepan over moderate heat until sugar is dissolved. 

Boil for 2 minutes without stirring

Add butter and cream and boil, stirring for 1 minute

Remove from heat and stir in all nuts until coated

Spread mixture evenly over crust and bake until top is caramleized and bubbling - about 15-20 minutes.

Cool completely before cutting into squares

Store for three months in freezer before eating (Ok I'm kidding. Indulge!)


Next month is our youngest daughters graduation ceremony from high school. GULP! It is sure to be a hectic month as the market is becoming busier every day. Take some time to check my blog in May for Real Estate news and other fun and informative information.











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Open House. Open House on Saturday, April 7, 2018 1:00PM - 3:00PM
Please visit our Open House at 3800 Sinclair PL in VICTORIA.
Open House on Saturday, April 7, 2018 1:00PM - 3:00PM
A Private Executive Family Home in the heart of Cadboro Bay backing onto Mystic Vale. This spacious 3800 sq ft 2 level home sits tucked away at the end of a tranquil cul-de-sac. Upon entering this home through the inviting and bright entryway one is struck by the open concept and creative layout. All the large great rooms - den, living room, dining room and family room radiate from the central kitchen which lends itself to a wonderful social environment - both for daily family life or entertaining friends. The kitchen, which looks out onto the park-like garden, has a separate eating area, access to the south facing deck and new quartz counters and gas cook top. The large formal dining room has windows on 3 sides letting in lots of natural light - perfect for dinner parties; the living room with gas fireplace is cozy and intimate; the family room has a gas fireplace as well, with patios doors to a south facing balcony. The grand master bedroom has views to the forest, a 5 piece ensuite and walkin closet. Finishing off the upstairs is an enviable laundry room with lots of extra room for crafts or hobbies. Down the sweeping staircase you will find two very large bedrooms, a 4 piece bathroom, a generous recreation room, sizable storage (convert to a 4th bedroom perhaps?) and a huge crawl space. The oversized double garage with 11' ceilings has ample room for kayaks and bikes. This uniquely situated home is a short walk to Peppers, Gyro Park and Uvic and close to bus routes. This extremely well built home is in wonderful condition and awaits your visit.
Read
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