http://steveorealestate.com/blog.php/ Blogs for Nanaimo real estate and Gabriola Island real estate Topics and More! en-us Nucleus CMS v3.24 © Weblog http://backend.userland.com/rss http://steveorealestate.com/blog.php//nucleus/nucleus2.gif http://steveorealestate.com/blog.php/ http://steveorealestate.com/blog.php/index.php?itemid=2 Coast Realty Group - Nanaimo Real Estate - Gabriola Island Real EstateLISTINGS & STEVE'S WEBSITE CLICK HERE
Nanaimo Real Estate
Gabriola Island Real Estate
Office (250) 716 7001
Toll Free 1 888 716 7001 (In North America)
Email, Bookmark Blog & Listing Sign Up Click Here]]> a Link to STEVE'S WEBSITE http://steveorealestate.com/blog.php/index.php?itemid=2 Mon, 3 Mar 2008 16:49:00 -0800 http://steveorealestate.com/blog.php/index.php?itemid=3 Nanaimo Waterfront ParkNanaimo Bathtub RacesNanaimo Windmill Palms

Click for Great Nanaimo Photos

Nanaimo is a vibrant, fun city complemented by natural beauty and some of the mildest weather in all of Canada. While most people associate rain with western B.C., Nanaimo info boasts moderate precipitation, sunny, warm summers and gentle winters. Named one of the most comfortable cities in the country by Environment Canada (2003) information, newcomers may be surprised by the weather, but they’ll soon find themselves joining in all the outdoor activities that the region has to offer.

Because Nanaimo is centrally located, and Vancouver Island’s second largest city, getting from place to place is a snap. Automobile and foot passenger ferries connect travelers to Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver, Tsawwassen, just south of Vancouver, Protection Island, and to Gabriola Island. Planes and seaplanes also make frequent flights, while long distance buses, Via Rail, community buses, and taxi-cabs combine to take residents where they want to go.
]]> Nanaimo Real Estate http://steveorealestate.com/blog.php/index.php?itemid=3 Sun, 3 Feb 2008 16:43:00 -0800 http://steveorealestate.com/blog.php/index.php?itemid=4 Gabriola Island Malaspina GalleriesGabriola Island Light HouseGabriola Island Beach
Gabriola Island information indicates it is the third largest population of the all the Gulf Islands, and year-round residents number somewhere in the four to five thousand range, making Gabriola a perfect place for retirement. While retaining its rural beauty, and giving you a feeling of space, it’s not hard to find everything you need on the island. In addition to French fare, vegetarian dining, traditional dishes and fresh seafood, you’ll find most everything else you might need in one of the shopping centres.

There are many services on the island, which include grocery stores, a pharmacy, medical centre, dental clinic, an elementary school, music lessons, insurance, health foods, gardening supplies, a farmer’s market, liquor stores, an ATM and bank, fuel, taxi service, and car repair. A hardware store, building supply, and rental store combine to serve many of the residents’ construction needs, including lumber delivery.
]]> Gabriola Island Real Estate http://steveorealestate.com/blog.php/index.php?itemid=4 Sun, 3 Feb 2008 16:40:00 -0800 http://steveorealestate.com/blog.php/index.php?itemid=5
One thing that you might come across is Americans talking about the Simplified Skilled Worker application. American residents cannot use this form. They have to do the regular one like I did. I just thought I'd give you the heads-up in case you had any clients that were asking about it. Do you know I have a Yahoo Group for skilled workers? If you have any clients emigrating, you might send them here (click link).

www.groups.yahoo.com/group/canadianskilledworkers/

Cheers,
Joelle

Entrance Island Gabriola]]> Canadian Immigration http://steveorealestate.com/blog.php/index.php?itemid=5 Sun, 3 Feb 2008 16:35:00 -0800 http://steveorealestate.com/blog.php/index.php?itemid=6
There are a range of programs, from a number of lenders, which could be available to help you in this situation. The down payment requirements of these different programs would range from as much as 35% down to as little as 10%. Generally speaking the lenders would want to establish your credit worthiness through usually a letter from your existing bank or mortgage company verifying your current status with them with regards to credit. There would also want to see the source of the down payment through bank or investment statements.

John Woods, AMP
The Mortgage Centre, Essex & Kent Mortgage
427G Fitzwilliam St., Nanaimo
250-754-1904 (866-840-1704)
250-754-1907 (Fax) (866-329-1986)
www.downtownmortgagecentre.com
woods.j@mortgagecentre.com
]]> Mortgage Financing http://steveorealestate.com/blog.php/index.php?itemid=6 Sun, 3 Feb 2008 16:30:00 -0800 http://steveorealestate.com/blog.php/index.php?itemid=7
As a broker, I offer competitive coverages and rates from a number of different insurers. This allows me to tailor your home insurance coverage to your individual requirements, including regular homes on city lots, condos, modular homes, rental homes, rural and hobby farms, as well as Business, (home and office based), Marine and travel trailer.

I provide coverage quickly and efficiently, while still taking the time to explain exactly what your policy will cover, the limitations and exclusions, as well as the costs involved. I will also, once everything is finalized, fax a confirmation of coverage to your lawyer or notary at no charge to you.

I recommend you contact me as soon as the offer is written, even if there are subjects. This will avoid any possible delays in providing coverage. The information can then be saved and when the subjects are removed and you are ready to complete the sale, it is simply a matter of binding the coverage already approved by you.

Your home is one of your greatest assets; I would love to help you protect it. Thank you.

Judith A. Church
Coastal Community Insurance Agencies
6365 Hammond Bay Road
Nanaimo, B.C. V9T 5Y1
250-390-8940 phone
250-390-8949 fax
hammondbayinsurance@cccu.ca
www.cccu.ca website
]]> House Insurance http://steveorealestate.com/blog.php/index.php?itemid=7 Sun, 3 Feb 2008 16:25:00 -0800 http://steveorealestate.com/blog.php/index.php?itemid=8
My name is Carl Barstead and I represent HouseMaster Home Inspections on Vancouver Island. We are the oldest National Home Inspection Franchise in Canada, and have been providing home Inspections "Done Right" since 2001 on Vancouver Island. We have now completed over 5000 inspections. We have four fully qualified building inspectors and a professionally staffed office to help all home buyers and sellers. Our computer generated reports with digital colour photos are very clear and concise. They are uploaded at the completion of the inspection to our secure website, enabling our client to view the complete report anywhere and share it with anyone they choose. Included in our Inspection Resource Guide is a DVD outlining home maintenance projects which helps to put our clients at ease. We also include a free Shaw Cable certificate, good for internet and TV, and contractor rates at the Brick. Our reports are backed with a written guarantee. We invite your clients to visit our website to compare us to other companies on Vancouver Island.

Carl Barstead
(250) 740-0380 (866-547-9999)
housemastervi2@shaw.ca
www.vancouverisland.housemaster.com

Platinum Inspection Services

Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Vince McKinnon, owner /operator of Platinum Inspection Services Ltd of Nanaimo. I specialize in residential home inspections offering clear, concise and easy to read reports accompanied by digital photos where required. My service is personal and geared to the needs of each client and this is reflected in the fee for services rendered, in other words my fee schedule is flexible, depending on the type of Home Inspection you require.
I have 30 years experience as a professional property claims adjuster and am a graduate of the Carson Dunlop Home Inspection Training Program, which is touted to be one of the best in Canada. I am also a member of CAHPI (B.C.)Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors. I am fully insured and bonded.
With my knowledge and background I offer a unique perspective to the world of Home Inspection. I also offer my clients solutions to problems uncovered during the inspection process. In addition a list of proven and qualified experts is available if required.
If you are looking for the Best in Home Inspection Think Platinum. Please call my company where each customer receives Platinum Service with Platinum Protection, I guarantee it.

Sincerely yours,
Vince McKinnon B.A.
Ph:250-739-1016
platinuminspections@telus.net]]> Building Inspections http://steveorealestate.com/blog.php/index.php?itemid=8 Sun, 3 Feb 2008 16:25:00 -0800 http://steveorealestate.com/blog.php/index.php?itemid=9
Steve was very kind and has posted a link to Harbourlights Clinical Counselling Services which is a new Clinical Nanaimo Counselling Service.

We are located at:

Unit 222 - 20 Townsite Road,
Nanaimo, BC, V9S 5T7
(250) 758-4227

Website: http://www.harbour-lights.ca

Email: info@harbour-lights.ca

We offer evidence based Clinical Counselling services to individuals, couples and families. We begin any new potential client with a free 1/2 hour consultation session so you can make the best informed decision before beginning. We also have a sliding scale for fees for those who need support in affording the fees of a Clinical Counsellor.

Give us a call today if you need some help.

Mark Giesbrecht, MA, RCC
]]> Nanaimo Counselling http://steveorealestate.com/blog.php/index.php?itemid=9 Sun, 3 Feb 2008 16:20:00 -0800 http://steveorealestate.com/blog.php/index.php?itemid=10 Vancouver Condos

Follow these tips suggested by Maggie Chandler and with a little effort, you can make your home sell more quickly and at a better price.

1. What You Show Is What You Get!
Faded walls and worn woodwork will reduce the appeal of your home. Why try to tell a prospect how your home could look when you can show them just how bright and fresh your home can actually be with a reasonably amount of redecoration? A quicker sale at a higher price will result. Invest in a quick coat of paint, if necessary.

2. Let the Sun Shine In
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT...Open those drapes, curtains or blinds all the way, so the prospect can see how bright and cheerful your home really is.

3. Fix That Leaky Faucet!
Dripping water discolours sinks and suggests faulty or worn-out plumbing. Paint that ceiling stain where the bathtub upstairs overflowed "last year". Any indications of plumbing problems will cause concern on the behalf of the buyer, even if unwarranted.

4. Little Things Mean a Lot!
Take a few minutes to check that your doors don't stick or have loose knobs on them. And don't forget your windows and cabinet drawers. Get all those minor flaws fixed as they detract from your home's value.

5. Big Closets!
Make them look bigger by having them neat and well organized to show that your home has ample closet space. Put any out-of-season clothes into storage somewhere else!

6. Bathrooms Sell Homes!
Make your bathrooms sparkle! Check and repair any damaged or discoloured caulking in the bathtubs and showers, and be sure that the towels and area rugs are clean and bright.

7. Bedrooms Shouldn't Sleep!
Keep these rooms bright and cheerful. Remove any excess furniture and be sure to use attractive and colourful bedspreads, and fresh curtains.

8. Shine On!
Your home's illumination in the evening can be a "welcome" sign to that prospective buyer! Turn on all inside lights before showing your home at night and the purchaser will feel glowing warmth as a result of your lighting.

9. Two's a Couple and Three's a Crowd
Don't have too many people present during a showing since the potential buyers will feel like intruders and want to hurry through your house. The goal is to encourage them to spend as much time in your home as possible so that they can "get comfortable".

10. Stay in the Background Please!
Maggie Chandler, or the showing agent knows the buyer's needs and desires and can better emphasize the virtues of your home when you're not "tagging along". We prefer you not to be at home when we show.

11. Music Soothes the Savage Beast.
But not the potential buyer! When we show your home, turn off that blaring radio or television. This will allow the showing realtor and buyer to talk freely and not be distracted.

12. Curb Your Dog!
Many people are afraid of dogs or allergic to cats. Keep all pets out of the way and not underfoot.

13. Be It Ever So Humble!
As long as you have done your best to keep your home clean and tidy, never apologize for the appearance of your home. After all, you live there day by day.

14. A Word to the Wise!
Let me discuss the selling price, terms, possession and other related factors with the purchaser or their agent. My many years of experience will bring your negotiations to a satisfactory conclusion.

15. All Showings By Appointment Only!
Only allow agents to show your home to prospective customers by appointments made through your agent. This is for your safety and allows them to track showings and obtain feedback for you.
]]> Real Estate Articles http://steveorealestate.com/blog.php/index.php?itemid=10 Sun, 3 Feb 2008 16:12:00 -0800