Li's Blog: British Columbia

Did you know?  

The MLS system in Canada is geographic.   It doesn't matter where the listing agent lives or which Board the agent works under...what counts is the location of the property that is listed.  Thus, if a Calgary realtor has a listing on Salt Spring Island, for example, that listing will appear under "Salt Spring".   

A Victoria listing appears under Victoria, Duncan under Duncan, Parksville under Parksville, Sechelt under Sechelt, Kelowna under Kelowna...etc etc etc.    Thus, all Salt Spring Island listings are immediately available to a consumer doing an internet/MLS search...doesn't matter where the realtor is located, or what Board affiliation they have chosen.

Did you know?

A few years ago, the Boards allowed something referred to as a private client service...this simply means that if you encounter a realtor, as a buyer, and they say they can send you other information on a regular basis, if you give them your email address, then you will be added to their "drip feed" option...a listing in that realtor's area you want to know about can be "dripped" your way, without the realtor's input...it's a Board service then.    This is not seen by a consumer unless that consumer has encountered that realtor, and been added to their "list".   Also, it will only "drip" information, unedited, from that specific Board...in a grey area, with more than one Board affiliation possibility, this means that the information will be Board specific and so will be "partial".

For best results, always look at the MLS system...it's the total information!

Did you know? 

The Southern Gulf Islands are in what is called a "grey area".   They are on the edges of more than one Board jurisdiction, and so a realtor can choose, if on a Gulf Island, which Board to affiliate with.    For example, Galiano, Mayne and Saturna Islands listings are often only processed via the Vancouver Board.   However, one company on Mayne chooses the Victoria Board, in order to input the listings to the MLS system.    Pender and Salt Spring are often processed through the Victoria Board, although some realtors choose to affiliate with the Vancouver Board.    Thetis and Gabriola Islands are mainly affiliated with the Vancouver Island Board.   

Remember, the consumer sees only the MLS, and a search of a specific area will find a listing in that area, regardless of a realtor's Board affiliation.   

For 18 years I chose the Victoria Board affiliation (1300+ realtors belong to the Victoria Board, in total).   Now, I am choosing the Vancouver Board (10,000+ realtors work under the Vancouver Board, in total).   There are more real estate agent "eyes" on my listings, then, in the Vancouver Board, which means an increase in potential referral business.    Since all MLS listings are geographically sorted, my decision to affiliate with the Vancouver Board is for increased exposure to realtors.  

Did you know?

I am the branch office of a Whistler based real estate company...also with offices in West Vancouver, White Rock, etc.   As an individual realtor, I am a part of the Luxury Real Estate group out of Seattle, an international partnership arrangement.   As a Regent for this group, I am immediately in touch with 90 plus major companies, globally.   It is not a franchise model, but a partnership model.    What does this mean?   It allows innovation, and that is good for the consumer.   I have had a local presence (since 1989), & both live and work on Salt Spring Island, with  a local office, and I also have created productive national and international connections.    These connections are specific...not just a company logo on a business card.   I actually have those connections and all of my listings benefit from this exposure.   A logo on a business card doesn't mean that the realtor handing it out is actually using that...it has to be paid for.    I do step to the plate and pay to create this exposure for my listing clients.

Did you know?

We are now in that post-internet world.    It is a global village, just as Marshall McLuhan envisioned.   A franchise model of business, with each office independently owned and operated, under an umbrella label, is a 20th Century form...it requires adherence to that franchise format.  It is about control of information by the franchise, and the agent was in charge of disclosing same.   The 21st Century is more about the consumer, and about freedom of information/innovation, in my opinion.   There are now many ways to search information, and the MLS in Canada is also under pressure to release their control over information.    The role of a real estate company and a real estate agent, then, has changed dramatically and will continue to evolve.    More information about what this means to you?   Call me!

Did you know?

Markets are cyclical...we have been in a downmarket for some time.   Some experts suggest since 2006.   Certainly, since Fall of 2008, the surround sound has been the collapsed economic situation and its resulting chaos.    Perhaps we are now in year seven of a seven to ten year cycle...if so, this implies uptick.   Are you ready for this shift?    Call me, and let's discuss the opportunities that abound.

Did you know?    There are always questions...together, let's find the answers!

liread33@gmail.com

Love authentic character homes? Looking for a rural lifestyle? Here's a gem!


Maple Bay is a treasured part of Southern Vancouver Island...a pastoral ambiance that soothes the soul.


This lovely home began life at the turn of the 20th Century as a state of the art barn. In the early 1980s, it was lovingly converted to a stylish home. Meg Tilly apparently once lived here...


Current owners have enjoyed this fine home since 1989...maintained & restored "in tone" with its yesteryear ambiance, it's a blend of English Country and French Farmhouse charm. Enticing....


Country kitchen with breakfast area, formal dining, music room, formal living, library, guest bed/bath, two offices, sep laundry, all on main level...master "suite" in upper level private wing.


Guest cottage, large barn, seasonal creek, pasture, pond...fenced veggie & flower garden, peaceful lawns, heirloom orchard...ahh...beauty, flair...with lake, valley, & mountain views, sunny (e/s/w exposures), and close to ocean.

Irreplaceable! Call me, & enjoy the Maple Bay lifestyle....

liread33@gmail.com

Thinking of an off-island jaunt, & feeling some early Spring restlessness?

On Feb 18 (noon to 5 p.m.) & 19th (11 to 4), enjoy the 6th Annual Victoria Tea Festival. Held at Crystal Garden, across from Victoria Conference Centre. Taste. Discover. Shop. Experience. A fundraiser for Camosun College Child Care Services.

On Feb 8 to 12th, it's the 50th Anniversary of Vancouver Boat Show...at B.C. Place. Come by my booth (#31) and say hello...discover Salt Spring Island & Gulf Islands properties. Call me. How may I help you to buy your dream Island property? liread33@gmail.com

Early Spring at Butchart's Gardens...be inspired by Victoria's Abkhazi Garden...on Friday, Feb 10th, enjoy a special Valentine's Dinner at Abkhazi Garden. Make a weekend of it!

Love beaches & can't take the time to walk Tofino/Uclulet's gems? Off to Point No Point, and breathe in the Pacific's energy! A baby Long Beach, on the doorstep of Victoria.

Always great to come home to Salt Spring...good to do some daytrip/weekend voyaging, too.

And your suggestions are? Always welcome!

February 3, 2012.

Choices, choices!

Late February offers a writers extravaganza...the annual Galiano Literary Festival takes place Feb 24 to 26, on Galiano Island. A stellar line-up to inspire you! For info or registration, call 250-539-3340 or GalianoLiteraryFestival.Wordpress.com(Books: Windows to the Future is the theme).

Same dates, Feb 24 to 26, on Salt Spring Island, is a new event: Words Without Borders, put on by the Salt Spring Forum, & held in celebration of Freedom to Read week. Visit their website (www.saltspringfestival.com) for details.

Galiano has been presenting this important writers venue for some years, now...wish the new kid on the block, Salt Spring, had chosen different dates...should be able to choose to attend both. Frowns to whoever chose same weekend...good to create opportunity on all the Islands!

New home for Salt Spring Arts Academy...this dance studio is now located above Home Design Centre on Upper Ganges Road...call Shelley at 250-537-4294 for more details!

Did you miss yesterday's First Thursday talk at Pegasus Gallery of Canadian Art. It featured owner, Ian Sigvaldason, talking about: Feeding the Spirit: Bowls, Rattles and Spoons. Take part in this interesting series, the first Thursday of each month. Call 250-537-2421 for more info.

Feel like dancing? Off to Meaden Hall on Feb 11th...concert presented by Swing Shift! Bring your sweetie...a Valentine's moment. Tickets at Acoustic Planet & Stuff and Nonsense.

ArtSpring presents One Thousand Cranes on Feb 13 & 14...ticket info at 250-537-2102.

Feb 4th, catch The Sweet Lowdown at Moby's...a Victoria roots-bluegrass trio. Music starts at 9 p.m.

Treehouse Cafe reopens Feb 6th, & live music starts on 10th...stay tuned!

Live music at Harbour House Hotel on Friday...featuring the amazingly talented Vaughn Fulford with Oscar Riley...music begins at 6 p.m. Saturday enjoy Lloyd English & Ian Van Wyck...don't miss them! Sunday, catch Diana English, also at 6 p.m. Lucky Islanders!

Every Saturday, at Salt Spring Inn, enjoy those Island treasures: The Barley Brothers. 6 p.m. start.

Missed the ArtSpring meeting of Spinners & Weavers group yesterday morning?  More coming up, between March & May... get involved!

Saturday, Feb 18th, at 7:30 p.m., enjoy the Salt Spring Players...at ArtSpring. Pre-concert talk at 6:30 p.m. Music by Rossini, Ravel, Rachmaninoff, Paquito D'Rivera...presented by Matthew, Laurie & Jim Stubbs. Tickets at ArtSpring.

February is that hiatus between real Winter & Early Spring...yes, still rain & grey but also sunsplashed days to lift the spirit...California Quail are dashing across country roads, lambs are gamboling, early rhodos are spilling blossoms, carpets of snowdrops froth in meadows, daffodil & tulip bulbs are emerging in gardens...take a walk at low tide on Fernwood Beach, enjoy a picnic at Ruckle Park, check out the views from Mt Maxwell Park on a crisply clear day...ahhh...breathe...it's February and Spring is on its way!

February, 2012.

January & February are the "winter holiday" months...skiers love the mountain escapes (Whistler, Telluride, Vail, Aspen) & sunseekers are finding delights on beaches (in Hawaii, Southern California, Florida, Caribbean islands, and Mexico).

It's a time when the Pacific Northwest Coast enjoys its "lull" time....we are a seasonal marketplace.

Property inquiries right now are mainly by phone, text, email, & Facebook, from potential buyers who are "elsewhere"...important then, as a seller, to be "out there"...have to be "seen" in order to be picked up on the Ethernet circles...that initial discovery is what brings interest, which is what brings a subsequent physical visit to satisfy that initial curiosity...then, if the visit "clicks", there is an offer & a potential sale outcome.

This process all takes time.

Sellers need to understand the time lag aspect in all discretionary area sales.

On Salt Spring & the Southern Gulf Islands, the buyer profile is now mainly from out of province/out of country, and this has been the case since the Internet erased time & geography. Since 2001, perhaps?

In not being a "local buyer", it immediately builds in time lags, regardless of market trend in play.

A downmarket trend may extend the time lag envelope, as the buyer becomes "reluctant", but the distance between discovery to arrival to decision-making is a long one, regardless. It involves travel and discovery of an unknown destination...thus might mean two visits before a final decision is taken. It can take anywhere from 3 months to 3 years to sell a property in a discretionary area.

A successful transaction always involves a willing seller and an equally willing buyer. This equation has been a lop-sided one for several years, in our secondary home/discretionary marketplace...and it's been the same, globally, in most secondary home/resort-based areas.

The "flat" period began in 2006; the economic debacle was evident to all by late 2008. All secondary home regions were afflicted by the fact that a discretionary purchase is always one of choice. One can put on hold the purchase of a second or third recreational home or a retirement decision can be deferred.

The uncertainty of the inflation vs deflation debate has also kept people, who are able to act, still choosing to hold cash positions.

Struggling homeowners have tried massive price reductions...with the strong Canadian Dollar against the U.S., and many sunbelt properties having reduced by 50%, we saw one of our traditional buyer profiles (Albertans) heading south of the border.

Price reductions did not work, for the most part, in our secondary home area...the discretionary buyer remains on the sidelines, and historically low interest rates are not yet generating sales action, either.

It's about consumer confidence, of course. Until that returns, we can expect further doldrums in any secondary home environment, regardless of price point or property type, and that affects Salt Spring and other Gulf Islands, too.

Nothing remains up or down "forever"...all markets have cycles. In some areas of the U.S. there are reports of increased sales volume, resulting thinning of inventory, prices remaining suppressed but stable. This is good news, if authentic information and not wishful thinking. Statistics can be manipulated to support any particular situation!

I always think our local area is the tail of the dog...when the head shakes, the tail responds later, whether in an up or a down scenario.

It could be that we will look back two years from now & decide that the bottom-bottom in the housing market occurred between October 2010 & October 2011. We may actually be in year 7 of a 7 to 10 year cycle, which implies an upward process has begun. Sales volume will improve, if this is so, and sales of undeveloped land would also show improvement...a resulting thinning inventory would presage price increases.

Certainly it is currently a historic buyers market moment...price reductions of a substantial amount, good selection of properties, motivated sellers, historic low interest rates...what is needed is a significant recognition of this by the still reluctant buyers who could act.

This lack of confidence/lack of action is a global reaction to continuing economic uncertainties. Salt Spring & the Gulf Islands are affected, as are all secondary home/discretionary/resort-based areas. That global village means we're all linked into the same information loop.

I always think that January/February continue what was going on in November/December. It seems to take until March to have the true tone of a year become evident.

In the meantime? Keep up to date on the day to day shifts in economic issues (the media will be sure to keep you easily in their narrow focus tunnel vision reports!), and also tune out, from time to time, to practice your periphery vision, which is always open to the creative spark that evolves the new....

If we're in one of those major societal shifts, with the same lifestyle schism as the Agrarian/Industrial Revolution split offered, then our outcomes might depend on which side of the abyss we're on. What abyss? Well, the one separating the 20th from the 21st Century, of course! If you're on the right side of this major divide, then opportunity abounds....

There are always buyers & sellers. Inventory & prices may shift & change...the dance of markets is wave-like...an up & down rhythm.

Looking for details on "what's for sale" & "solds to date"? Call me...Salt Spring Island, Southern Gulf Islands, Southern Vancouver Island...I look forward to helping you to discover your dream. Waterfronts, oceanviews, farms, building lots, commercial/investment, recreational...call me!

How may I help you to buy your Salt Spring Island or Gulf Islands property?

liread33@gmail.com

In October, 2011, I was very pleased to receive an award for prowess in Social Media Marketing.

The award was presented by the prestigious international group, Luxury Real Estate. Based in Seattle, with their head office in the tech savvy "Emerald City", the LRE group membership is truly global....

In this post-Internet era, which has completely changed the landscape of real estate marketing & sales, it is essential to acknowledge that we are now in that Global Village time (thank you, Marshall McLuhan, for your wise forecast words, back in the 70s)...technology has changed the face of all business, and especially all people-centric ones.

As the first realtor on Salt Spring & the Gulf Islands to have a website, & one of only a handful in B.C. to have a website that early (1996), I have always explored the shifts & opportunities of our time. One has to be "in the now" in our business.

In early 2008, I began to pay attention to the burgeoning social media revolution...it was seemingly completing the shifts delivered by those early Internet days of the mid-90s.

The digital world is a consumer-centric one. It's a bottom up model, and the old top down dynamic is over. Twitter can create a societal revolution, and in an eyelid's blink. Facebook & Twitter & YouTube are knitting & perling us into a connected mesh of community experience.

The blurring of our once separate selves continues...the personal & the corporate have become holistic. It's just about "us"....

Marketing, then, has changed dramatically...to meet the consumer's changed demands. The experience of connection is a part of it.

I've been blogging since 2005, and consistently experiment with the current social media options...new ones keep flooding in. It is a necessity to connect the information needed with the person who needs it, of course...the methodology of doing so has changed. It is not business as usual!

More info about this dynamic marketing opportunity, & how it can benefit you, in selling or buying your Gulf Islands/Salt Spring Island property? Call me!

liread33@gmail.com

February 1st...if you live in the great Pacific Northwest Coast region, then you know what this date means.   Early early Spring, of course!

This has been such an odd year, weather-wise.   A true La Nina pattern, delivering unusual, not normal conditions all over the world.   This typically "wet coast" environment has experienced Arctic Cold, Pineapple Express monsoon style rains/high winds, and all in about a three week period!

Today, everywhere, it's one of those mountains jumping into the sky days, sun splashing us into energy, vistas to soothe the soul...coffee places with patios are suddenly busy as we all turn our faces to the sky, like buttercups drinking in that sun.

People in Victoria will be inspired by the "face" of the dramatic Olympics and Seattle souls will get that frieze of frozen beauty on the back side.   Mt Baker & Mt Rainier, no matter where you live, are riveting sights today.

Sea and sky and island beauty...WOW for all of us, as Nature says, yes, I can be alluring, too.

Still not out of the woods, yet, re more cold/snow, I know, but today holds the promise of erupting earth folding and bulging its way into true Spring.

I'm ready!  

Those who live on the Pacific Northwest Coast love to see the end of January...the calendar says that Winter lasts till March equinox, but coastal people here know that February delivers Spring to our softer "wet coast" region.

Already, snowdrops are out, early rhododendrons are in bloom, daffodil & tulip bulbs are poking up, early flowering ornamental cherry trees are frothing into being, & forsythia is spreading its sunshine hue in protected corners....

Some daring gardeners, with the help of plastic wrap covers, are starting early Spring veggies...salad anyone?

Sometimes, February can be warmer & sunnier than June (a traditionally rainy month here)...let's hope this La Nina turbulent weather year delivers this soft climate gift!

Days are getting steadily longer, temperatures are warming, the earth is shrugging off its winter rigidity, Spring is whispering its way forward....

Ahh...February...welcome!

Thinking of creating a spectacular holding for your family, or investing in a corporate retreat? Looking for the challenge of creating a unique development? Here is an amazing opportunity on tranquil Mayne Island!


Mayne Island is one of the ferry accessed Southern Gulf Islands, & offers easy access from both Vancouver & from Victoria...two different ferry routes, here.


Though so close to major centres, Mayne enjoys that magical "apart" feeling...you will find yourself relaxing into peace.


All services/amenities are available on Mayne, without the "big box" intrusion...quick ferry trip delivers you to either Vancouver or Victoria for your "big city daytrip"....best of all worlds!


This beautiful almost 65 acres is unspoiled & awaiting your ideas...approximately 10 acres in pasture with heirloom orchard...lovely sandy bays, coves, includes all of magical St John's Point, this oceanfront property also enjoys stands of old growth coastal forest (Fir, Cedar, Hemlock, Maple, Alder)...St John's Point is a lovely Arbutus & Garry Oak preserve.

The property may offer subdivision potential...current owners, who have softly used this unique holding since early 1950s, do not wish to do this.

Call me, & let's view this gem soon. Bring your architect!

Totally beautiful, & extremely rare to find an almost untouched oceanfront holding in this region. The Southern Gulf Islands are in the heart of some of the best protected boating waters in the world!

Mayne Island is part of the temperate microclimate of this islands grouping..."cool Mediterranean". This oceanfront acreage has all day sun exposures (e/s/sw/w/nw), sunrises & sunsets, and inspiring views of ocean/islands/mountains.

A WOW property, & irreplaceable! Call me!

liread33@gmail.com

Looking for a yesteryear Island hideaway...with proximity to all services/amenities?

Check out tranquil & pastoral Thetis Island!


Part of the Southern Gulf Islands, & enjoying the same microclimate known as "cool Mediterranean", Thetis is a short & regular ferry trip from Chemainus, centrally located on nearby Vancouver Island.


Here is an amazing oceanfront opportunity on peaceful Preedy Harbour, with dramatic views, & superb sun exposure...enjoy those "forever" sunsets!


Renovated (by a west coast style architect with a zen/Scandanavian flair), this one level living is nestled into a sweeping bay...walk the "wow" beach! Warm ocean swimming here, too...moor your boat just off-shore.


Terrific kitchen, separate laundry & wine room off, breakfast bar...easy access to expansive Oceanside decking. Separate dining, library/den, spacious living with feature fireplace, window seat with a view...two large bedrooms, master ensuite, plus full bath...solarium off living and sliders out to Oceanside deck from all principal rooms.

Orchard, meadow, fenced veggie garden, fenced flower garden...new septic...excellent well...a pastoral oceanfront gem!

So many features here to just move into & to enjoy, immediately...& in all seasons. Plans by architect to add onto this renovated original structure, if desired...or just relax into this oh so alluring retreat...the choice is yours!

Call me, & let's view soon. This is a rare offering, & it's waiting for you....

liread33@gmail.com