Nanaimo Real Estate Resources for Buyers and Sellers

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Strata Tip of the Week - Are These Strata Fees High?

A common question we hear from buyers is: “Are these strata fees high?” At first glance, it might seem like a straightforward question, but the answer isn’t always simple. Whether strata fees are “high” depends on what they include and what you’re comparing them to. If you
Weekly Real Estate Take [March 2025 - Week 2]

Market Update This week was another record week for new listings. We had 60 single-family homes listed in Nanaimo in the last 7 days. This is not unusual this time of year. However, we have seen an unexpected decrease in sales this week, with only 10 homes selling in the last 7 days. That
Strata Tip of the Week - What is the Strata Corporation Required to Insure?

All strata corporations in BC, regardless of size, must obtain property and liability insurance, including bare land strata corporations and strata-titled duplexes. 1. Property Insurance A. The strata corporation’s property insurance must be for: Common property Comm
Weekly Real Estate Take March 2025 - Week 1

Notable New Listings I like to start by outlining the best value based on $/sqft. The 3 best value homes listed this week are 7503 Clark Cres a 5 bed, 3 bath, 4873 sqft Upper Lantzville home listed for $1,397,000 ($287/sqft), 781 Chelsea St a 5 bed, 2 bath, 2208 sqft Central Nanaimo home listed
March Newsletter 2025

This week a record number of new single family detached homes were introduced to the Nanaimo market. This is the highest number of new listings we have seen since August of 2024. That said, we have also seen an increase in sales. 19 single family homes sold in the last 7 days which is 7 more sales
Weekly Real Estate Take February 2025 - Week 4

The number of new single-family homes being introduced to the market each week is holding steady at 30 new homes per week. Sales have increased this week over last with 12 single family homes selling in the last 7 days (8 sold the week prior). Despite global market uncertainty, the Nanaimo real
Strata Tip of the Week - Should I Buy This Condo?

One of the most common questions buyers ask us when getting a strata documents review is, "Should I buy this condo?", or some variation of it. It is a fair question, but the answer is not as straightforward as many hope. There is no such thing as a condo that is objectiv
Weekly Real Estate Take February 2025 - Week 3

We are seeing a 5 week average of 30 new single family homes hitting the Nanaimo market every 7 days. Sales were steadily increasing each week up until this week. Only 8 single family homes sold in Nanaimo in the last 7 days. A drop from the 21 homes that sold last week. The general mar
Weekly Real Estate Take February 2025 - Week 2

In the last 7 days, 34 single-family homes were introduced to the market in Nanaimo. 21 single-family homes have sold in the last 7 days. The first 14 days of February indicate that real estate trading activity will remain stable and balanced into 2025. The snow-covered ground has put a temporar
Strata Tip of the Week - Strata Leaks: What Buyers Should Watch For

Purchasing a unit in a strata corporation with a history of leaks and water-related issues can carry cartain risks. However, leaks are among the most common problem in strata developments, so it’s important to evaluate not just the number of leaks reported, but also their
Weekly Real Estate Take [February 2025 - Week 1]

Notable New Listings. I like to start by outlining the best value based on $/sqft. The 3 best value homes listed this week are 703 Stirling Ave a 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,756 sqft University District home listed for $499,900 ($285/sqft), 3954 Jingle Pot Rd a 5 bed, 4 bath, 3310 sqft North Jingle Pot hom
Strata Tip of the Week - The Risk of Liability When Relying on AI for Strata Document Reviews

In 2023, the BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA) published an article titled “What You Should Know When Using Artificial Intelligence”, highlighting the growing role of AI in real estate and the risks professionals should be aware of. As AI technology becomes more integra
Real Estate Guidance Without the Pressure: Helping You Make Wise Decisions on Central Vancouver Island

Are you a buyer or a seller? Probably neither. I guess that you have questions about a pending decision, and you are looking for insight and guidance to help with your decision-making. You are not looking for someone to persuade you. You are looking for someone to help you make sense of your si
February Newsletter 2025

February 2025 January 2025 saw a 32% increase in unit sales over January 2024. This past month was the busiest start to a year we've seen in over 5 years. New listings have remained steady as have weekly sales. I’m forecasting a healthy spring market with values holding and inventory increasing. T
Weekly Real Estate Take [January 2025 - Week 5]

Market Update New listings have held steady this week, with 37 single-family homes being introduced to the Nanaimo market in the last 7 days. The most impactful change has been the number of reported sales. Spring has arrived early this year. Home sales have doubled in the last week, with
Strata Tip of the Week - The Importance of Obtaining and Reviewing Professional Reports

If you use our Strata Documents Checklist, you’ll know that we always recommend obtaining and reviewing copies of any professional or engineering reports the strata has on file. So, what are these reports, and why is it important to review them? 1. What Are Professional
Why Nanaimo is Quickly Becoming One of Canada’s Most Popular Places to Move

Why Nanaimo is Quickly Becoming One of Canada’s Most Popular Places to Move Nanaimo, a charming waterfront city on Vancouver Island, has long been a hidden gem, often overshadowed by its larger counterparts, Vancouver and Victoria. However, a recent ranking has shed light on this underrated city, p
Weekly Real Estate Take [January 2025 - Week 4]

Market Update The momentum continues as we move deeper into January 2025. This week saw 34 new single-family homes hit the market, a slight increase from the 32 new listings last week. Sales have slowed a little further, with 10 new sales this week compared to 11 last week. Our team is st
Why Nanaimo Stands Out: What Makes it One of the Best Places to Live on Vancouver Island

What makes Nanaimo one of the best places to live in Canada? More importantly, what is unique about Nanaimo compared to other Vancouver Island communities? After all, everyone on Vancouver Island has access to epic wilderness. What's unique about Nanaimo? I take a shot at answering this question
Strata Tip of the Week - How Proactive Stratas Make the Most of their New Home Warranties

If you’ve read our previous blog titled New Home Warranties in Strata Corporations, you’ll know that in British Columbia, newly built homes (including strata-titled properties) or significantly reconstructed buildings must be covered by third-party new home warranty insu
Weekly Real Estate Take [January 2025 - Week 3]

Market Update The flow of new listings is starting early in 2025. The number of new listings hitting the market this week has doubled from last week with 32 new single family homes hitting the market in the last 7 days. New sales have declined subtly from 16 last week to just 11 this w
Hot Take: Realtor Websites Don't Sell Homes—Expert Guidance Does

Hot Take. Realtor Websites don't sell homes. Home's are sold through home showings. Your agent should help ensure your home is shown in its best light and make sure it has been exposed to the greatest number of potential buyers. Serious buyers. Serious buyers are working with an advisor and using
Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Growth, Success, and Community Impact at John Cooper & Associates

2024 has been an incredible year for John Cooper & Associates. Together, we’ve grown, succeeded, and made a lasting impact on our community.Our team helped buyers and sellers navigate over $41 million in real estate transactions, with $58 million in listings, each one creating new beginnings.W
Weekly Real Estate Take [January 2025 - Week 2]

Market Update December was an unseasonably busy month with sales up 35% over December 2023. Sales have slown down a bit in January, as is to be expected. New listings have remained steady with 18 new single family homes being introduced to the Nanaimo market in the last 7 days. I am predicting t
Important Reminder: BC Property Valuations Are Not Accurate Indicators of Your Home's Value

Important reminder for British Columbia property owners. The BC Assessment Authority has released their 2025 Property Valuations at bcassessment.ca. This is your annual reminder that this value is NOT a good indicator of your home's actual present value. It is impossible to accurately determine
John Cooper & Associates Named Finalist for the 2025 Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards

We are thrilled to announce that John Cooper & Associates has been selected as a finalist for the 23rd Annual Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards, hosted by Business Examiner. This prestigious event celebrates exceptional businesses across the island, and we are honored to be recognized
Strata Tip of the Week - Not All Depreciation Reports Are Created Equal

When buying a strata-titled property, reviewing the depreciation report isn’t just a good idea, it’s essential. This document provides critical insights into the condition of the strata corporation's common property and assets, as well as projected maintenance, repair, and
Weekly Real Estate Take [January 2025 - Week 1]

Notable New Listings. I like to start by outlining the best value based on $/sqft. The 3 best value homes listed this week are 3279 Shearwater Dr a 5 bed, 5 bath, 5,274 sqft Hammond Bay home listed for $1,649,000 ($313/sqft), 3574 Oakridge Dr a 6 bed, 6 bath, 4,587 sqft Departure Bay home listed fo
January Newsletter 2025

January 2025 December 2024 was a busier month than expected and there is much optimism about the 2025 real estate market. Anecdotally, I have been meeting with many homeowners who are preparing to make a move. Homeowners who are early to market have a keen advantage and avoid the competition that
Weekly Real Estate Take December 2024 - Week 3

Market Update This week, the Nanaimo real estate market continues to show activity as we move deeper into the holiday season. New listings remain steady with 16 just listed, matching last week’s 15. Sales also saw a slight increase, with 16 sold this week compared to 14 last week. Typically, we ex

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Strata Tip of the Week - Are These Strata Fees High?

Weekly Real Estate Take [March 2025 - Week 2]

Strata Tip of the Week - What is the Strata Corporation Required to Insure?

Weekly Real Estate Take March 2025 - Week 1

March Newsletter 2025

Weekly Real Estate Take February 2025 - Week 4

Strata Tip of the Week - Should I Buy This Condo?

Weekly Real Estate Take February 2025 - Week 3

Weekly Real Estate Take February 2025 - Week 2

Strata Tip of the Week - Strata Leaks: What Buyers Should Watch For

Weekly Real Estate Take [February 2025 - Week 1]

Strata Tip of the Week - The Risk of Liability When Relying on AI for Strata Document Reviews

Real Estate Guidance Without the Pressure: Helping You Make Wise Decisions on Central Vancouver Island

February Newsletter 2025

Weekly Real Estate Take [January 2025 - Week 5]

Strata Tip of the Week - The Importance of Obtaining and Reviewing Professional Reports

Why Nanaimo is Quickly Becoming One of Canada’s Most Popular Places to Move

Weekly Real Estate Take [January 2025 - Week 4]

Why Nanaimo Stands Out: What Makes it One of the Best Places to Live on Vancouver Island

Strata Tip of the Week - How Proactive Stratas Make the Most of their New Home Warranties

Weekly Real Estate Take [January 2025 - Week 3]

Hot Take: Realtor Websites Don't Sell Homes—Expert Guidance Does

Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Growth, Success, and Community Impact at John Cooper & Associates

Weekly Real Estate Take [January 2025 - Week 2]

Important Reminder: BC Property Valuations Are Not Accurate Indicators of Your Home's Value

John Cooper & Associates Named Finalist for the 2025 Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards

Strata Tip of the Week - Not All Depreciation Reports Are Created Equal

Weekly Real Estate Take [January 2025 - Week 1]

January Newsletter 2025

Weekly Real Estate Take December 2024 - Week 3