January Newsletter

The New Year is the perfect time for celebration and turning over a new leaf. It’s also one of the best times to move, especially if you want to start fresh in a new location. Whether you’re just searching for a starter home for sale or a forever home with room to grow, planning out your move in advance is key. 

FINDING THE RIGHT NEW HOME FOR YOU 

Where we choose to live is a big decision that will influence and affect practically every decision that follows. You may never feel fully at home if you don’t choose the right property upfront. What makes a home “right” for you? One key factor is your new home’s location. This is one thing that cannot be changed, so choosing the right neighbourhood for you is key when planning a move. 

Many of us are spending more time at home these days. Choosing a home that is the right size to suit your current and near-future needs is crucial. Will you be working from home? Do you have, or will you get, a pet? These are all important questions to consider.

PLANNING A MOVE

Moving can be stressful – in any circumstance. Properly planning a move can help reduce your stress and make everything run smoothly on the big day. Make arrangements to disconnect any utilities at your current home and set them up at your new address. 

If you are using professional movers, do your research and be sure to budget for the expense. Not all moving companies are created equal. You’ll want to check out online reviews and/or ask your friends for references for reputable companies. 

Not all of your possessions need to spark joy, but packing and paying to ship things that you no longer want won’t make you happy either. It is a good idea to take stock of all your stuff well before you move. Sort everything into three categories: 1. Keep it. 2. Trash it. 3. Donate it. When it comes time to pack everything up that you are keeping, be sure to label your boxes by content and/or by room. You don’t want to open every box when you get to your new place to find that sweater that makes you feel warm and safe. 

On moving day, be sure to pack a bag of essential items like a toothbrush, change of clothes, phone charger etc. Keep this bag with you. This will help make your transition from one home to the next a smooth one. 

QUIET DECEMBER CLOSES OUT THE YEAR

Last month, 200 single-family homes sold in the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB) area, a 10 per cent decrease from one year ago and a drop of 18 per cent from November. Sales of condo apartments in December came in at 35, declining by 53 per cent year over year and dropping by 36 per cent from November. In the row/townhouse category, 27 units changed hands in December, down 46 per cent from one year ago and 41 per cent from November.

Inventory continues to build over what was available in December 2021, but active listings did drop from November 2022. Year-over-year listings of single-family homes rose to 895 from 223 one year ago but dipped by 25 per cent from the previous month. VIREB’s inventory of condo apartments was 248 in December 2022, up from 67 listings one year ago and down by 13 per cent from November. There were 229 row/townhouses for sale last month compared to 56 one year ago and 266 in November.

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