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2023 Blog Rewind on Homes For Sale in Comox Valley

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To mark the end of 2023, we will be continuing our tradition of writing a year-end recap on all of our blog articles from the year. By reading what we’ve written below, you’ll get a chance to catch up on any missed content from the past twelve months. From January to November, we have written numerous real estate articles to ensure your preparedness. Be sure to view the full posts by clicking the article titles in the summaries if you haven’t already. 

Winter and Spring Recap

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Jan – Why Invest in a House for Sale in Comox?

Buying a house for sale in Comox can provide you with a new sense of pride, freedom, and stability. In this post, we listed a few of our top reasons to invest in a house for sale in Comox. Check it out!

Feb – When is the Right Time to Buy a Home in Comox Valley?

2022 was a rocky year for homeowners and real estate professionals alike. And, if you were wondering how 2023 was going to pan out, our blog was a great place to start. In this article, we took a closer look at housing trends in Comox Valley, and more generally, Vancouver Island. 

Mar – Safety Tips When Moving into a House in Comox Valley 

As you work towards unpacking your belongings and getting used to your new home, there are a few things you should keep in mind. The most important being safety and security. Although Comox is relatively crime-free, the advice we provided here was to ensure that your new home remained safe and secure. 

Apr –  How to Maintain Your Comox Valley Home’s Value?

Purchasing a home in the Comox Valley is a big investment. To maintain the value of their home, homeowners must be prepared to do a lot of upkeep. In this blog post, we went over our top tips on how to ensure your home is profitable when it comes time to sell. 

May – How to Maximize Space in Comox Valley Real Estate For Sale?

As more and more people occupy urban homes, space has become a rare commodity. Especially, since many homeowners are downsizing due to the high cost of living. In this article, we discussed the various ways in which you can get smarter with space. 

Summer and Fall Recap of Homes For Sale in Comox Valley

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June – Advantages of Adding a Laneway Home to a Comox Valley Property For Sale!

A laneway home, also known as a carriage house, accessory dwelling unit (ADU) or garden suite, is a small home that’s built on an existing home’s property. In this article, we wrote about the advantages of why you should build a laneway home. 

July – Property for Sale in Comox Valley – Things That Fail a Home Inspection

One way that buyers gauge the value of a potential home is by getting a home inspection. In this article, we went over some of the most common things that fail a home inspection.

Aug – How to Maintain the Value of Real Estate in the Comox Valley?

Homeowners must take the time to protect their investments. When it comes to real estate, this means keeping things clean, making necessary updates, and doing regular maintenance. In this post, you’ll find a list of tips to help you out. 

Sept – How to Add Value to Condos in the Comox Valley?

Home renovations are a great way to add value to your property. However, you must choose the right upgrades for your space. In this post, we discussed everything you need to know about renovating condos in the Comox Valley. 

Oct – Are You Ready to Buy a House in the Comox Valley?

If you’ve been renting for the last little while, you might be wondering when is the best time to buy. To help you out, we listed some reasons that you’re ready to own a house in the Comox Valley.

Nov – How to Make Comox Valley Houses More Sustainable

Reducing your home’s impact on the environment is a great way to take action and preserve the Comox Valley landscape. Check out our home sustainability tips in this post!

Contact us Today!

Thank you to everyone who tuned into our blog this year! If you are curious about buying or selling homes for sale in Comox Valley in the new year, we encourage you to contact us today! Moreover, if you have any questions about properties in the area, be sure to reach out to us! We are excited to get your new year’s real estate goals on track. A home in the Comox Valley is a great lifetime investment. Be sure to check out our social media here, and return next year for more real estate-related content! We look forward to working with you soon.

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How to Make Comox Valley Houses More Sustainable

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Reducing your home’s impact on the environment is a great way to take action and preserve the Comox Valley landscape. Building a greener and more eco-friendly town is an integral part of reducing our carbon footprints. By making small changes to our homes, we can save both money and the surrounding ecosystems. Many of the improvements we are going to discuss in this post can be done at little or no cost and take very minimal effort/time. In addition to these, we are going to list a few larger improvements that will require a higher upfront investment, but equate to greater long-term savings. Follow along below to discover the ways that you can make your Comox Valley houses more sustainable!

Budget-Friendly Ways to Make Comox Valley Houses Eco-Friendly

  1. Limit & Properly Dispose of Waste

Limiting and properly disposing of waste is a great way to start improving your household’s sustainability. It’s also a hands-on way to educate kids about the importance of local waste management. Consider creating an area in your home that is dedicated to the separation of waste. This could be under your kitchen sink, in the garage, or in another convenient location. Make sure you have the appropriate recycling bins (glass, plastic, paper/cardboard), waste bins, and compost bins. Happy separating!

  1. Research Rebates

The initial cost of making big changes to your home like adding solar or investing in energy-efficient appliances can be expensive. Because of this, the government sometimes incentivizes these sorts of projects by offering rebates to help with the initial cost. Doing some research to see if you can get money for making a sustainable upgrade is a great step in the right direction! 

  1. Xeriscape Your Home

The landscaping in our yards is often centred around a lush, green lawn. While lawns are appealing and good for playing with children, they are detrimental to the environment. Grass requires an incredible amount of water and care in order for it to remain a vibrant green. And, in Comox Valley, water restrictions usually dictate that our lawns will be beige for a large part of the year anyway. Our recommendation is to switch to xeriscaping. Xeriscaping is a form of landscaping that focuses on using native plants and eliminating the use of grass. This will help you cut down on your water bill and give back to the land.

  1. Use a Clothesline

Drying clothes outdoors is something that people have been doing for centuries. While it may not always be possible due to weather, it remains an effective way to reduce energy consumption and save money.

Luxury Upgrades to Make Your Home More Sustainable

  1. Invest in Quality Windows

Poor windows are notorious for causing loss of heat in our homes. This is especially true for those who live in an older home with single-pane windows. Leaky windows can cause you to spend thousands of dollars more on your monthly heating and cooling bills without even knowing. If you want to cut back on energy loss, start by resealing your windows. If you find that this doesn’t make much of an impact, consider replacing your windows with more energy-efficient ones. 

  1. Consider Solar

Nowadays, many property owners are switching to solar energy. New technologies have made solar much more accessible to homeowners looking for a greener way to live. Implementing solar energy in your home will drastically reduce the amount of electricity you consume. And, you’ll make your home sustainable since it will be running primarily on clean energy. Many companies offer rebates for solar, so be sure to look into this prior to investing!

  1. Switch out Your Appliances

In one home, there are several appliances that are used on a daily basis. For instance, a refrigerator, freezer, oven, HVAC system, dishwasher, washer and dryer. The amount of energy required to operate these appliances on a daily basis is considerable. If you truly want to cut back on energy bills, investing in energy-efficient appliances is a must. Look for Energy Star appliances if you choose to make the switch. However, it is important to not throw away aging appliances that still work—this defeats the purpose of being environmentally friendly. Instead, see if you can find new homes for your appliances when they’ve exceeded their use. 

Contact us About Comox Valley Houses!

If you are curious about buying Comox Valley houses, we encourage you to contact us today! If you have any questions about properties in the area, be sure to reach out to us! We are excited to get your fall real estate goals on track. A home in the Comox Valley is a great lifetime investment. Be sure to check out our social media here, and return next month for more real estate-related content! We look forward to working with you in the near future.

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How to Add Value to Condos in the Comox Valley?

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Home renovations are a great way to add value to your property. However, it is important that you choose the right upgrades for your space. After all, making the wrong renovations can end up hurting your return on investment. The best remodelling projects will ensure that your home doesn’t exceed the average price point of similar homes in your area. You want to make sure that when all is said and done, your home has the updated features and finishes without being on the upper end of the price spectrum for comparable properties. In this article, we are going to be going over everything you need to know about renovating condos in the Comox Valley. Follow along below to learn more!

Before you Begin…

Before you can begin doing renovations in a condo, you will need to get written approval from your strata. There are very few renovations that homeowners can conduct without prior approval from their strata board. If you are planning on doing any sort of rewiring, altering plumbing, or removing walls that will need written consent beforehand. 

Instead of waiting for your strata council to meet, you can send them an email to speed up the process. In your E-mail, be sure to break down each project into small steps. You’ll also want to include your anticipated start and finish dates, building permits, and insurance information. 

Ideas for Renovating Condos in the Comox Valley

  1. New Flooring/Soundproofing

Condos are often constructed with carpet since it helps to dampen noise throughout the building. However, carpeted floors are not favourable for most buyers. Especially, if they are in rough shape or outdated. By updating the flooring in your condo you can get a better ROI. Installing hardwood flooring or replacing old carpets with new ones is a good idea. Whatever flooring you choose, you want to make sure that it’s easy to clean and maintain. 

  1. Energy Efficient, Quiet Appliances

Nobody likes a loud washer and dryer. Or, a dishwasher that doesn’t clean the dishes. If you notice that your appliances are starting to go, it’s a good idea to replace them. Buyers often search for homes with new appliances since they tend to be more energy efficient. Not to mention, more aesthetically pleasing. If you’re thinking of updating your appliances, choose models that are stainless steel. By installing them prior to listing, you can make them a point of sale! 

  1. Maximize Your Kitchen Space

In a condo, maximizing space is everything. So, if you can make your kitchen feel or look bigger, it’s probably a good idea. One of the best ways to improve your kitchen is by adding more counter space. If you have room for a kitchen island or the potential for more counter space, capitalize on it! While you’re at it, consider replacing old laminate countertops with granite, quartz, or marble. This will instantly elevate your kitchen!

More Valuable Remodelling Projects!

  1. Add Built-in Storage Wherever Possible

Storage comes at a premium in condos. From cabinetry to closet systems, it all makes a big difference in how you are able to store your belongings. Smart storage systems are essential in small homes because they help maximize the space that you have. Additionally, the level of storage that your unit possesses can make the difference between your listing and someone else’s. Having great storage will help reduce clutter, promote organization, and create more living space. Talk with a contractor about how you can add built-in storage solutions to your condo. 

  1. Upgrade Doors to Save Space

Upgrading your condo’s doors is a great way to maximize space and update the look of your unit. Most condo doors were chosen by the developer because of their affordability rather than their functionality for the space. Consider replacing closet doors with sliding or bi-fold doors. Bonus points if they are mirrored! You can also change out the hardware on your doors or repaint them for an updated look. Sometimes the simplest changes can make all the difference. 

  1. Don’t be Afraid to Repaint

If you want to update your condo but are on a tight budget, consider repainting. Sometimes, all it takes is a fresh coat of paint to revamp your space completely. If you’re planning on selling right away, choosing neutral colours is best. 

Contact us About Condos in the Comox Valley Today

If you are curious about what other things you can do to up the value of your condo in the Comox Valley, we encourage you to contact us today! If you have any questions about homes in the area, be sure to reach out to us! We are excited to get your summer real estate goals on track. A condo in Comox Valley is a great lifetime investment. Be sure to check out our social media here, and return next month for more real estate-related content! We look forward to working with you in the near future.

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How to Maintain the Value of Real Estate in the Comox Valley?

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Buying a home is one of the biggest investments a person will make in their lifetime. So, it is important that homeowners take the time to protect their investments. When it comes to real estate, this means keeping things clean, making updates when needed, and doing regular maintenance. If you have plans to one day cash in on your investment, it will be critical that you have taken care of your property. After all, it is difficult to turn a profit on a poorly maintained home. To help you get a better understanding of how to protect the value of your real estate in the Comox Valley, we’ve compiled a list of tips. Follow along below to learn more!

Ways to Protect the Value of Your Real Estate in the Comox Valley

  1. Improve Your Curb Appeal

If you want to sell your home, you need to give the best first impression. To do so, it is important that you maintain your home’s curb appeal. This means weeding garden beds, replacing soil where needed, mowing the lawn, pruning plants, and raking away debris. Moreover, you may consider pressure washing outside surfaces like your driveway, walkways, steps, deck, siding, or fence. It is also good practice to repaint the exterior of your home if it is looking faded or weathered. Simply spending a couple of hours per week in your yard can drastically improve your curb appeal. Thus, protecting the value of your property!

  1. Perform Regular Maintenance

Nobody wants to pay full price for a home in disrepair. So, it is crucial that you spend the time and money to perform regular maintenance. This doesn’t just mean fixing major issues with your plumbing, HVAC system, or electrical. It also means taking care of the little things. For instance, replacing broken or missing shingles, tending to your leaky faucet, cleaning your gutters, and other mundane tasks. By staying on top of your home maintenance, you can preserve your property’s value. 

  1. Keep Renovations to Code

Home renovations can be super exciting! Not to mention, great value boosters for your home’s worth. However, this is only the case when renovations are kept to city code. While your renovations may better suit your lifestyle, they can seriously harm your property’s worth if they aren’t done right. To avoid making any mistakes, be sure to do your research before taking on a new home improvement project. And, don’t be afraid to hire a professional if you’re not confident you can get the job done right. The last thing you want is to spend more money down the road!

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More Tips!

  1. Update Appliances When Needed

After years of living in a home, appliances start to break down. From toilets to kitchen ovens, lots can begin to malfunction. This is no fault of the homeowner, but rather the years of wear and tear. No matter how well you take care of your appliances, they’ll all need to be replaced eventually. When you replace older items, don’t feel pressured to buy the most expensive, high-tech model. Although, whenever possible, look for something that is energy-efficient. 

  1. Clean Often

As a homeowner, you likely lead a busy life that makes it hard to keep up with cleaning. However, doing your best to clean on a weekly basis can do wonders for your property value. Instead of waiting until your showing day, try and clean on a more frequent basis. This will make things easier for you in the long run and ensure that your property ages well. 

  1. Protect Your Home From Pests

Pests are a major red flag for potential buyers. Things like rodents and insects can harm your home’s structure and create an unsanitary living environment. Unfortunately, many homeowners wait until it’s too late to deal with these sorts of problems thinking that they will go away on their own. However, without human intervention, you can easily have an infestation on your hands. If you notice signs of pests in your home, contact a professional pest control expert to help you out. Pests are not something that you want to ignore!

Contact us About Real Estate in the Comox Valley Today!

If you are curious about what other things you can do to maintain the value of your real estate in the Comox Valley, we encourage you to contact us today! If you have any questions about homes in the area, be sure to reach out to us! We are excited to get your summer real estate goals on track. A house in Comox Valley is a great lifetime investment. Be sure to check out our social media here, and return next month for more real estate-related content! We look forward to working with you in the near future.

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Advantages of Adding a Laneway Home to a Comox Valley Property For Sale!

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A laneway home, commonly referred to as a carriage house, accessory dwelling unit (ADU) or garden suite, is a small home built on an existing home’s property. These units are self-contained and can be used for a number of different purposes. Whether that be vacation rentals, housing family/friends, or as a home office. If you are thinking about adding a laneway home to your Comox Valley property for sale, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we will be going over all of the advantages of why you should build a laneway home. Follow along below to learn more!

The Perks of Having a Laneway Home on Your Comox Valley Property for Sale

  1. Generate Extra Income

One of the biggest benefits of having an ADU is that you have a large opportunity to generate extra income. Renting out your laneway home can provide you with additional monthly cash flow. This is great for those who are interested in finding ways to pay off their mortgage, travel more, or retire sooner. If your property is zoned correctly, you could even consider doing vacation rentals. Overall, the possibilities for bolstering your income are limitless when you have an ADU!

  1. Add Value to Your Property

Another awesome perk to having a laneway home is that it will add value to your property. Even if you don’t rent out your garden suite, when it comes time to sell your home, this additional living space is likely to boost your profit. This is because an ADU provides buyers with so much flexibility and opportunity. For instance, if a buyer needs space for a home office, a property with an ADU will be an enticing option. 

  1. Create a Multipurpose Living Space

If you decide against renting your laneway home, it can be converted to fit a number of different needs. For example, a home gym so that you can work out in peace and without any additional costs. Or, as a guesthouse for when friends and family come to visit. Other options include a home office, teen hangout spot, kid’s play area, workshop, or entertainment space. This flexibility is great for those who spend most of their time at home. An ADU is a great way to provide separation between work and play. They are also great for growing families that need more privacy/division.

More Benefits!

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  1. Multigenerational Living

Besides generating income, one of the main reasons that people choose to build ADUs is for multigenerational living. Since COVID-19, multigenerational living has become increasingly popular. However, in order to maintain some privacy, many homeowners opt to build ADUs. If your parents need support or you have adult children who need a place to live, an ADU can provide the space they need without sacrificing everyone’s privacy. 

  1. Support Family From a Distance

A laneway home is also a great option for those who need to take care of family members with disabilities or illnesses. An ADU provides the person in care with some independence, while still affording the ability to get assistance when needed. Having this option can make caretaking much easier and less stressful. 

  1. Create More Housing in Your Community

Lastly, a large perk of building a laneway home is that you will be creating additional housing in your community. Given Canada’s high cost of living, it is important that more affordable housing options are created. Carriage homes can help alleviate housing problems by generating more spaces to live in high-density areas. If you can, consider building a carriage home to help create more housing options for members of your community. 

  1. Sustainability

Laneway homes are typically quite small and can be an excellent option for a sustainable home. Especially, if it is built with energy-efficient appliances and materials. In addition to this, ADUs usually use fewer resources to build and maintain compared to full-size homes. If you want to create more sustainable housing in your community, consider investing in a carriage house!

Contact us Today

If you are curious about what other perks come with building an ADU on your Comox Valley property for sale, we encourage you to contact us today! If you have any questions about real estate in the area, be sure to reach out to us! We are excited to get your summer real estate goals on track. A house in Comox Valley is a great lifetime investment. Don’t hesitate to contact us with any concerns or inquiries about real estate in Comox Valley. Be sure to check out our social media here, and return next month for more real estate-related content! We look forward to working with you in the near future.