This is always a busy time of year in Real Estate, and 2018 is proving to be no exception! The number of listings coming on each week is exciting for those who are scouring the market for their dream home! There are more listings now available this year, than last year, and we are only half way through the month of May. Delayed offers are proving to be the norm and not the exception, so make sure all your "ducks are in a row" and you are ready to move forward if you see a property that checks all your boxes. According to a recent CIBC Capital Markets report, 47% of all existing mortages will need to be refinaced in 2018. This increase was an unintended consequence of regulatory changes that have come in waves over the last years. The purpose of the regulatory changes was to reduce risk in the marketplace but, because of rising house prices, it has also made it harder for home-buyers to qualify. Be sure about where you stand, and do not think you can wait until the last moment to secure financing.
Victoria is highly rated by many media publications who have written articles about our fine city, which reinforces my belief that Victoria is only now, being discovered by the rest of the world. Christie's International Real Estate was quoted in the Times Colonist basically saying that the company has ranked Victoria in it's top spot for it's global luxury housing list. I think we need to take this all with a grain of salt . Within the same article Kyle Kerr, the Victoria Real Estate Board President, questions whether there has been, or indeed will be, an influx of American and Asian buyers. Last year the province studied the numbers of sales to foreign buyers and we know they come in betwen 3.9 to 5.5 %. Nevertheless, the media has pegged Victoria as a popular, coveted place to live and visit! Conde Nast, ranks it as the second most romantic city outside of the USA. Read here how we even beat out Florence! The Wall Street Journal wrote an article in which they freed us from the old tag-line of the city of "The Newlywed and Nearly Dead". Well, thank goodness. We were even the feature city in the travel story the New York Times writes for their 36 hours in a city. Read where their writers spent their time in and around Victoria and where they chose to eat. It's kind of fun and maybe you will discover something you have't done yet. So, let's be clear, it is not only the Canadians from snowy climes who are looking for a place here to call home.
Where is Your Favorite Ice Cream In Victoria???
Here are some you might not have tried yet. 
Beacon Hill Drive Inn has been a soft serve institution since 1958. Located close to Beacon Hill Park it is far too easy stop once your walk on Dallas road is completed. Join the line up and see why they have been voted best soft serve ice cream in Victoria for 23 years straight.
126 Douglas Street
Chocolate Favoris has arrived from Quebec and has a prime spot downtown. Locals and tourists alike do not seem to mind standing in line for one of their dipped cones. Do not let your eyes be bigger than your stomach! A small is big enough for any grown up.
1010 Government Street
Cold Comfort started out at the Moss Street Market but within a short time found a storefront in Fernwood. We are happy. Their ice cream sandwiches are to die for!
115 North Park Street
Parachute has a byline that suggests that ice cream is the solution to all problems. Many would agree! This is one that needs to be tested by the family but I am sure it will be a hit. They have a location at uptown for this summer but you can also find them at there main location.
2626 Bridge Street
Kid Sister began as a paleta shop (Think popsicle but better!) and now they make small batches of ice cream with big flavours and their delicious paletas too! FYI you get scoops but no cones.
Fan Tan Alley
Jackson's is serving up it's ice cream from two places. Fisherman's Wharf is one and they also they have a roving ice cream truck! Listen for the bell or grab a cone and check out the houseboats.
Erie Street
Coming up around Town
Newport Realty sponsors many events in the community and one of our favorites is coming up in June. The JazzFest! It is the 35th year that this event has run and it has adapted and changed with the times to remain a premier event in the city. Macy Gray, St. Paul and the Broken Bones and Jamison Ross may be some names you are familiar with, but there are so many more fabulous acts to see, you will have a hard time deciding. Check it out here.
Jazzfest runs June 22-July 1 at many different venues around town. There are even free concerts offered in Centennial Square!
More Music
Our friends in the Millie's ( a local trio of lovely voices and people) has recorded a CD and they are having a performance and release party at Langham Court on June 27th. You can have a listen and buy tickets through the link.
It is summer BBQ season...
and there is always someone new to meet at your friend's gathering. This is a list of icebreakers for work team building, but I think they are appropriate and very helpful for simply getting to know someone new. Isn't the advice, when you don't know how to start a conversation, to just get people to start talking about themselves? Hope you find these helpful.
Enjoy your month and check back here in mid June for more Real Estate News and well, whatever else strikes my fancy to write about!
Colin
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