Gabriola Island Real Estate Blog

On April 9^th, 2009 we hosted our 2^nd Breast Cancer Fundraiser.  What a fabulously fun night.  

The Roxy Theatre on Gabriola was the perfect venue to create a night to remember – the movie “Sex And The City” inspired the ticket buyers to turn out in their sexiest outfits that would make Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha jealous. 

The food was awesome – Sushi donated by Blue Ginger and Chocolate and Strawberries donated by Village Foods.  Another round of applause to the Surf Lodge & The Village Liquor Store for their huge donation to the making of the drink of the night -  “The Sex in the City Cosmopolitan”  and  in case you didn’t come and would like to sample one, here’s the recipe:

4 parts your favorite Vodka                                                                        

2 parts Triple Sec

2 parts Cranberry juice

1 part Lime – Fresh squeezed if possible

A handful of dried Cranberries

Cosmo rimming mix or sugar ice

Rim the glass with the lime and dip in your sugar or rimming mix.  Chill the glass in the freezer.  Pour the lime juice, cranberry juice, Triple Sec and Vodka into a martini shaker filled with ice and shake well, then pour into your chilled martini glass, garnish with a slice of lime and toss in a few dried cranberries and you’re ready to have a little “Sex in the City” of your own.  (Recipe Courtesy of www.PopArtDiva.com).

If you missed out on the first 2 functions, you will have a chance to come to our third.   And remember “It’s All About The Boobs” and Working Together To Make A Difference.

If you have an idea for a fun fundraiser function – let us know.

We have all been hearing a lot about environmental concerns and economics have certainly been taking a front seat in most discussions these days.   Earth Day Canada has pursued the mission to improve the environment since 1990.  Canadians have taken a positive action by promoting environmental awareness of ecological issues in all sectors, including Real Estate.

 As Realtors, we are taking a high priority approach in passing out information to homeowners how “the green factor” could save money by turning their homes into efficient healthy housing.  Both Buyers and Sellers will benefit using home energy conservation to reduce their cost of home ownership.

Did you know there is an “Ecoenergy” program to retrofit your home and qualify for a Grant?  On Gabriola you can call a Certified/Licensed Energy Advisor, Jeff Molloy, to book an Energy Efficiency Evaluation.  Mr. Molloy’s licensing is through Natural Resources Canada.  Call  Jeff Molloy – 250 247 0265 or email:  jeff@molloy.ca  for more information.

There are many “Energy Star” products that qualify to make improvements to your home.   These registered trademark products include heating system, ventilation system, cooling system, domestic hot water system, attic insulation, exterior wall insulation, basement or crawl space insulation, air sealing, doors/windows/skylights and water conservation.

Canadian Mortgage and Housing has information regarding Healthy Housing and recommend low emission materials and products that minimize the use of products/materials with high levels of volatile (VOCs) compounds, energy efficient rated appliances /lighting, air barrier sealing systems,  low water use plumbing fixtures/ appliances and outdoor landscape fertilization/shading/water saving/pest resistance and more.  Many of the healthy materials and products are competitively priced and have long term benefits to your family and our environment.  Visit www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca  for more information.

Be Aware, Be Smart and GO GREEN!!

DANCERS FOR CANCER

HERE WE GO AGAIN

OUR 3^RD  FUN FUNDRAISER EVENT TO HELP END BREAST CANCER

We are gaining momentum !!!   Ladies will not want to miss this one and the Gents might want to attend just to watch the Ladies act up.  

MALE DANCERS ARE COMING TO GABRIOLA

WHEN       On June 20^th

WHERE      Hosted at the Surf Lodge

TIME                       

THIS WILL BE AN OUTRAGEOUS NIGHT! MAKE SURE YOU DON’T MISS OUT

SHOW YOUR TRUE COLORS BY DRESSING IN PASSIONATE PINK

Remember 

It’s All About The Boobs and totally unacceptable that every 68 seconds a woman dies from Breast Cancer. 

Everywhere in the world a family looses a mother, a daughter, a wife, a sister.

We are determined to build awareness, increase life-saving research, find better treatments and discover cures.  All proceeds go to The Breast Cancer Foundation

A large majority of our buyers are people who are approaching the end of their working career, looking for an unhurried lifestyle, a safe place to live and a climate that does not include freezing temperatures and tons of snow.  That would be Gabriola , “The Queen of the Southern Gulf Islands”.

We all look forward to retirement.  The creation of more time to do what we want, not just a couple of times a year, but daily.  Some retirees will want to travel, some will be happy to just stay at home gardening, but whatever you choose; it will be the time to do what you love. 

For those who do not wish to spend the time maintaining a home and yard, there is an option that should be considered.  The Gulf Island Retirement Condos known as the Gabriola Garden Homes is an exceptional quality retirement community, designed exclusively with the housing needs, requirements and expectations of active retirees.  The complex offers a carefree lifestyle, but also has a tooled workshop for the woodworkers, outdoor gardeners plot and an activity/party center with full kitchen.  The complex is secure with enter-phone system for controlled access, security lights, monitored fire protection and emergency generators for safely and comfort during power outages.   Each unit comes complete with full size appliances, including in-suite laundry, a wall thermostat controlled gas fireplace and a garden door off living room to either a covered deck or terrace.  The building is wheelchair friendly as well. 

This fabulous complex has the advantage of being only 3 blocks to shopping, medical offices, library and the Gabriola-Nanaimo ferry service (which is only a 20 minute crossing to downtown Nanaimo, the hub of Vancouver Island). 

It should be clarified that this is not “an old folks home” – the age limitation is 60 years.   If you are looking to free up time to “be on the go” and have a “carefree lifestyle” in a beautiful  community, give us a call.

There are currently 2 units for sale in Gabriola Garden Homes, both are 1 bedroom plus sleeping den and 2 full baths.  Prices are $199,900 and $239,900.

As a member of the Silva Bay Yacht Club, I can tell you, there is lots of fun to be had.

We are approaching the end of the year’s Sprinter which is what we call Winter on Gabriola.   The season’s festivities started with a Salute the Compass sail past, then a day Winter Blues cruise, on to Valentine’s Day cruise with kite flying competition, our yearly Commodore’s Ball, a St Patrick’s Day Bash, and ended with a 1 or 2 night Spring Cruise with a pot luck dinner. 

The month of May brings us into the Summer with a 2 nighter End of Spring Cruise to Bowen Island, another to Princess Cove including a Blind Dinghy Race, SBYC Sailpast and BBQ, a 3 nighter to Jedediah Island, Beat the Heat Summer cruise to Sidney Spit, a Scavenger Hunt Cruise to Chemainus, and the best of all, the too much fun overnight Mystery Cruise.

Now there is one more trip many of us are paid to attend in conjunction with the Gabriola Power Squadron and that would be the Grand Wine Tour in June.  Oh boy, the Skippers will depart Gabriola to arrive in Cowichan Bay Marina for Happy Hour and an overnight smoozing with each other.  Then the next morning we get chauffeured by limousine to Merrydale Cider and lunch at the Ocean Grand Resort at which point we will be ready for wine tasting at Venturi Schultz Winery, Cherry Point Winery and Silverside Winery.  Wow, how much fun will this be.   I can’t wait.

The end of August brings us to Falter, as we call the last 4 months of the year.  The plan for 2009 is a 2 week cruise to the San Juan Islands, a fall cruise to Montague Harbour Marine Park, a “Pirates of the Caribbean cruise to DeCourcy Island with a pot Luck dinner and finally in preparation for the coming of Christmas, a Cool Yule Lighted Boat Parade at our home base, Silva Bay Resort.

If you are living on Gabriola, with or without a boat, you may just want to check out our Silva Bay Yacht Club.  The photos show what a truly great group of people we have as members and the loads and loads of fun we have.   I should make it clear that there is opportunity to join in on nearly every festivity, even though you do not have a boat, most functions will be accessible by vehicle and there are almost always B & B’s available for accommodation.  To see photos of our shenanigans, check out our website @  www.silvabayyachtclub.com 

Don’t forget you must have your

Canadian Coast Guard Pleasure Craft Operator Card

To run a boat as of September 15^th, 2009

Regan Lall, Captain of the vessel Eveready, really knows and loves our local waters.  His family has been on Gabriola for more than 50 years.  Having fished here since he was a young boy, he has become an expert on the surrounding Gabriola fishing grounds.  Fishing just becomes a part of life when you live on a Southern Gulf Island.

Captain Lall reports that Ling Cod will open on May 1^st and the Spring Salmon are on their way across Georgia Strait and will be feeding around Gabriola Island in the next weeks to come. 

Although June, July and August are the best catch months, the rest of the year is good for bottom bouncing, crabbing, prawning /shrimping  and going out for lunch and a 4 hour eco tour. 

The Eveready is a 28 foot Harbercraft, Kingfisher Welded Aluminum, fully outfitted with the latest Radar, Sonar, GPS, Fishfinders, VHF Radio and is Coast Guard approved.   Perfect for 4 guests but certainly will accommodate 6 ,  plus crew, very comfortably and there is a private head (washroom) on board.

If you would like more information go to www.go-fish-charters.com

In the last century, it seems, we have come full circle.  In the early to mid decades of the 20^th Century, many families lived together.  Grandparents, parents, children and grandchildren cohabitated in the same home-property providing a sharing of the day to day tasks, support in health care, babysitting services and insurance that all would receive good foods, good morals and security .   

Although this wonderful option may still be practiced in some rural communities, it has basically been lost in the fast moving Western world.  Grandparents find themselves living alone at an age when the support is so very important.  Parents say goodbye to their grown children as they leave the nest and grandchildren are only seen on vacationing visits.  Wow, how did we loose site of that one?

Now in the 21^st Century the tables seem to be turning back and more, and more families are endeavoring to enter the practice of combined family living.   It does not seem to be out of necessity but out of the want to assist and be assisted, care and be cared for, love and be loved. 

This change seems evident in the Gulf Islands, where the population is small, the climate is temperate, the air is clean, the organic produce is plentiful and life is safe with the separation from the big centers by “the big pond” the ocean.

On Gabriola Island, 5 acres will allow for a main residence and a small secondary home for Grandma and Grandpa or other family members.  Even on a small lot of ½ an acre, the lot coverage is 20%.  This would allow a home of approx 4000 sq ft – plenty of room to house extra family members. 

If you listen, you will hear the talk that is the beginning of the change that is taking place.  The conversations are wide spread.  It can be heard in the mainland cities and the smaller towns of British Columbia as well as on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.  It is certain that the Maritimes, Eastern and Prairie Provinces are experiencing the same thought process.  What an awesome turn of events! 

I

If you live on “The Queen of the Southern Gulf Island” or “Isle of Arts” as Gabriola is called, you will already know about everything that is said in this article. The name Gabriola comes from the Spanish who anchored in the Islands bays in the 15^th century. Gabriola’s museum is well worth the time to explore exhibits on the Island’s local history.

Most come to buy real estate on Gabriola Island for peace and quiet, but might actually be surprised when they move here. It seems, you need a day diary to remind you of the variety of recreation opportunities and lively social activities. This ocean paradise offers escape from “hustle, bustle” of city life, inclement weather and high criminal activity.

Gabriola is the second largest of the Gulf Islands chain, located between Vancouver Island and the mainland of British Columbia. It is just the perfect size for cycling one end to the other, and hikers and horseback riders will love the wooded trails through Gabriola’s many parks. And let’s not forget about the well respected “Gabriola Golf and Country Club”.

The shores of Gabriola Island are a scuba mecca for diving along the Island’s reefs, passages and underwater cliffs. The numerous ocean parks offer sandy swimming beaches with waters warmed by the summer’s sun and an opportunity to pick oysters, clams and mussels.

There is a bevy of artists and musicians that delight the residents and visitors in many venues throughout the year – some are art tours, some are music festivals – all are well advertised and draw hundreds of participants and supporters.

As the community of Gabriola grows, doing business from and on the Island has become an easier road. Gabriola now has added an emergency medical clinic to the many services already provided. Property owners here are proud of their community where everyone looks out for everyone. If you are looking for a West Coast real estate home, make Gabriola Island real estate part of your investigation. Don’t miss out!!!

rate-sheet

There are a lot of people suffering from lost sleep over the last 6 months.   Lost sleep and worry will affect your health and how you perform in the task of making good decisions for today and tomorrow.

We must believe the Pros in this field.   We are a strong Nation, both financially and physically.  The Canadian Dollar is strong when compared to most of the other currencies in the world.  It is only the buoyed up US Dollar that makes us wince, but keep in mind, this is not actually a true indicator of where we sit in the “Big Picture”.

There are many industries that are feeling the crunch and certainly those employed in these industries may have to make smart decisions or possibly take a different route for their well being.  

There is liquid money out there and these investors are grasping the opportunity for future growth.   The investments they make will remove the burden from someone who               ”Needs to Get Out”.

Gabriola attracts those who want a quieter, back to the earth lifestyle, better climate than the inclement weather districts and a life with the ocean on your doorstep.   As in all other locales, Gabriola’s prices have adjusted, making us attractive to those that still want to make the move.  

There are still people who need to upgrade and downgrade their residences, move away or move here.  The market is active, sales are happening and there is a good choice of product to choose from.  Remember, the market is affected by only 2 things – supply and demand.  We have the supply and the demand is good.  Confidence is growing in the market place as fear is pushed back. 

So the basics question is: Are you waiting to purchase a new home?  What are you waiting for – the housing market will turn back around just like the current economy.   Prices are the best they have been in years and rates are even lower.   If you are a seller… you may be selling in a buyer’s market, but , you will also be purchasing in a buyer’s market.  This is a fantastic time to buy that rental property – rent trends are increasing with low vacancy and great rates.  This buyer’s market is also an unbelievable opportunity for you to start planning for your retirement.

Feel free to call us – we would be happy to give you an evaluation or assess your situation so that your decision making is right for your future.