Thursday 28 May 2020

Private Islands

"You guys sell islands? Like, real islands?"

You can hear the slight awe, and longing, and envy, in the voices when people say this to us. It's true; BC Oceanfront sells private islands - whole, entire islands that are privately owned. They range in price greatly, depending on location, size, amenities, improvements and other details.

Owning an island in reality of course requires a lot of thought and planning. How will you get there? (Generally boat, sometimes float plane.) Do you want protected or open water? How far do you want to be from civilization?

For some people the owning of the island is enough, and it will never be developed. It will remain a natural escape from the world, perhaps for camping on or just day trips. Or just for someone in a land-locked big city to know, they own an island in the Pacific Ocean.


Other people want to live on the island, at least some of the time if not full-time (and some definitely want to live there full time). That then becomes a more involved exercise. Where does the power come from? How will water be obtained? How will the building materials get there? Some people circumvent all these complicated issued by buying an island already developed, and so only requiring upkeep. But others want to create their own, personal retreat and place. For them, the work and the creation of building is part of the desire.

Within the BCO office there is a wealth of knowledge about the realities of coastal properties, including private islands. Ed has spent years working in the remote areas of the coast, making relationships, gathering information and seeing over time what works and what doesn’t. The BCO office team specializes in gathering information about remote areas and recreational properties.

Islands are a dream for so many, and here at BCO, we really can help make that dream come true.

It's a Coastal Lifestyle ... Live It!

Thursday 14 May 2020

Selling Properties in Covid Times

As we move into the "new normal" of a world operating with Covid, real estate practices are adapting. We know people still need/want to sell or buy properties, for numerous reasons, and we want to facilitate that in a respectful, safe and sanitary way.

For now, the BC Oceanfront Real Estate Team is still working from our home offices. We do have access to our business office at Royal LePage Advance however at this time the public does not have access to the office. So we are continuing to practice best social distancing by working from home with lots of texting, online chatting and video conferences between the team. We are working towards a plan moving forward that may see some or all of us spending more time in the business office as we move into summer.


Shelley and Ed are showing properties, when the seller is ok with it and with many protocols in place. Gloves are worn by all parties, and sanitizer wipes are used to clean any touched surfaces. Sellers are leaving lights on and doors open so as few things need to be touched as can be. Virtual tours are possible, where Shelley or Ed can visit a property with their phone and do a video walk-through with the client. Vacant properties are easier to show, but safety protocols are still being followed even there. For raw land properties, Ed or Shelley can meet the client at the property or the client in some cases can walk the property by themselves. 



Our team has worked with remote clients for years, and have all systems in place to process paperwork and documents remotely. Ed and Shelley are comfortable doing business over the phone, working with clients to finalize plans, work through contracts and arrive at a successful and satisfying completion. 

If you are in the market for some real estate assistance - whether selling or buying - the BC Oceanfront Real Estate Team is here to help.

It's a Coastal Lifestyle ... Live It!