Royal LePage Islands Best Homes is running a free contest for a trip for 2 to the wonderful Las Vegas.  

Click on the link for your contest entry and competition rules

- good luck!: 

http://www.islandsbesthomes.ca/lasvegas/

Thank you to all my wonderful friends and clients who helped make this possible, Rosemarie.

3700 Gordon Head Rd, Mt Tolmie, Saanich East, Victoria 

Listed at $445,000

This is one of two like-new 2 storey, side by side 2001 owner-designed strahttp://rosiesays.ca/mylistings.html/details-43686968ta duplexes! Live in one & rent the other as a mortgage helper, or perfect for adjoining in-law/extended family! Lovely location bordering UVIC & close to Mt Tolmie! Both sides include: an appealing floor plan w/Master on main level; ensuite w/ walk in shower & soaker tub; in floor radiant heating; solar heated hot water tank; laundry rm; powder rm; 2 beds up w/ main bath up; skylight; private patio area; single garage; heat pump; 200 amp service; wired in security system; in ground sprinkler system & large Cedar Hedge separating the whole property from the street for privacy. This East side has a fully fenced yard.

More info:http://rosiesays.ca/mylistings.html/details-43686968

1870 Cedar Hill Cross Rd, Mt Tolmie, Saanich East, Victoria

Listed at $465,000

This is one of two like-new 2 storey, side by side 2001 owner-designed strata duplexes! Live in one & rent the other as a mortgage helper, or perfect for adjoining in-law/extended family! Lovely location bordering UVIC & close to Mt Tolmie! Both sides include: an appealing floor plan w/Master on main level; ensuite w/ walk in shower & soaker tub; in floor radiant heating; solar heated hot water tank; laundry rm; powder rm; 2 beds up w/ main bath up; skylight; private patio area; single garage; heat pump; wired in security system & in ground sprinkler system; This West side boasts: a larger Master, walk-in closets in each bdrm; acorn sit upon elevator; higher end kitchen cabinetry & appliances; pot lights; rich in gardens, shrubs & trees!

More info:http://rosiesays.ca/mylistings.html/details-43683823

October 16, 2014

*Island's Best Homes is an insert with the Victoria/Saanich/Oak Bay/Central Saanich News and is available now.

PLEASE NOTE: OPEN HOUSE also taking place this week-end,

Saturday October 18th from 2-4pm

1255 Tattersall Drive, Maplewood, Saanich East, Victoria.

Listed at $765,000.

For more information on this property, click here to go to Island's Best Homes: http://victoria.islandsbesthomes.ca/our-listings/?agent=3429

We are proud to announce a wonderful seminar on “Downsizing with Manageable steps to moving for Seniors” Attached is the brochure. It will be held this Friday, October 17^th, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm at Rosebank Gardens, 1485 Garnet Road. Refreshments will be provided! 

If you, or someone you know, are considering downsizing in the next year or so, this is a great opportunity to learn about the manageable steps towards achieving this goal. 

You will also be introduced to an excellent option for seniors seeking their next move. This option combines home ownership with having available services such as a daily meal and housekeeping. Come hear firsthand experience from some lovely people who have chosen this path and are enjoying it. 

Please pass this seminar notice onto anyone you know that is 65+ and considering downsizing in the near future! 

To RSVP to this Event or for more questions or info, please email or call me anytime - always happy to hear from you! ( Please scroll down for my contact details and the attached brochure )

Kind regards,

Rosemarie and Tom

Vancouver, BC – October 15, 2014.  The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that a total of 7,636 residential sales were recorded by the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in September, up 17.5 per cent from September 2013. Total sales dollar volume was $4.4 billion, an increase of 25.8 per cent compared to a year ago. The average MLS® residential price in the province rose to $574,641, up 7.1 per cent from the same month last year. 

“Consumer demand remains robust in most BC regions,” said Cameron Muir, BCREA Chief Economist. “More homes traded hands last month in BC than any September since 2009, while the Okanagan had its most robust September in nine years.”

“Population growth, low interest rates and strengthening economic conditions continue to be supportive of housing demand,” added Muir. 

Year-to-date, BC residential sales dollar volume was up 23.2 per cent to $37 billion, compared to the same period last year. Residential unit sales were up 16 per cent to 65,353 units, while the average MLS® residential price was up 6.2 per cent at $565,655.

- See more at: http://bcrea.bc.ca/news-and-publications/news-room/news-releases/2014-09-statistical-release#sthash.PZsNBN5C.dpuf

Thank you to my wonderful Sellers and Congratulations to the new Owners!

Through the month of September Rosemarie and I were very busy serving you and we needed a breather! On a drizzly sunny early October Saturday morning we boarded the Blackball Ferry and sailed across the Salish Sea to Port Angeles.   

Our first stop was some beautifully kept public tennis courts in Port Angeles. We played tennis as the clouds cleared. From there we drove half an hour west along highway 101 to Lake Crescent Lodge, our lodging for our one night getaway.  (https://www.nationalparkreservations.com/lodge/olympic-lake-crescent-lodge/#.VDX-H75H0b0) Our cabin was well appointed and the lodge was classic Americana; all wood, folksy, and very inviting!

But first we dropped our bags and headed for the Sol Duc Hot Springs (http://www.olympicnationalparks.com/activities/hot-springs.aspx). That evening we luxuriously soaked amidst the Olympic Mountains, under the stars and a rising moon; relaxing and divine! After a long soak and a delicious meal - I loved my crab mac & cheese! – we drove back to Lake Crescent. 

Back at the lodge Rosemarie and I stayed up a while to hang out in the lodge and play crib. The raging fireplace, the dark wood everywhere, the congenial groups scattered about, a glass of Prosecco; all good!

Sunday morning held in store the highlight of our mini-holiday! We rented a canoe and paddled to the far shore of gorgeous Lake Crescent.   With a brilliant sun rising over the mountains surrounding us, and with no wind, the clear, blue water was barely rippling. 

On the far shore we were amazed at being able to see the plunging mountainside shore as it plunged beneath our canoe. We could see clearly an underwater vista going down 40-50 feet – an underwater mountainside disappearing into the deep, indigo abyss.

Lake Crescent is an extraordinary place and on that exquisitely sunny Sunday morning it was a blessing to be there to sample its breathtaking beauty.

Tom Oak

Thank you to all my wonderful Friends and Clients who helped make this possible, Rosemarie