Low-Cost Staging Ideas for the Outside of your Home

When it comes to selling your home, preparing the exterior can be just as important as preparing the interior. The outside of your home is the first thing potential buyers see, and it can greatly impact their first impression of your property.

Luckily, there are several low-cost outdoor improvements that will make your home more appealing to buyers.

First, consider adding some potted plants or flowers to your front porch or entryway. This can help add some colour and life to your home's exterior, and create a welcoming atmosphere for potential buyers. Even in winter, small potted evergreens can have an impact.

Next, consider cleaning up your landscaping. This can include trimming overgrown bushes and trees, mowing the lawn, and removing any dead plants or debris. By doing so, you can make your home look well-maintained and attractive to potential buyers.

You may also want to consider adding some outdoor lighting to your property. This can include adding some solar-powered lights along your driveway or walkway, or even adding some outdoor string lights to your patio or deck. Outdoor lighting can create an inviting atmosphere, and make your home look more attractive to potential buyers.

Finally, consider giving your front door a fresh coat of paint. Your front door is a focal point of your home's exterior, and painting it will make a big difference. If you’re changing the colour, be sure to pick one that complements the façade.

These outdoor improvements don’t cost much, but will increase your home's curb appeal, which is proven to help sell your property faster and for a better price.

Need more advice on how to create the “wow” factor in your home when you sell? Call today!

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

BCO Coastal Gems: Owen Bay

 Located within the heart of the Discovery Island group and surrounded by beautiful natural scenery and an abundance of wildlife, this Sonora Island area offers all types of outdoor recreation and sport activities - fishing, boating, diving, and wildlife viewing, while seafood such as crab, prawns, clams and oysters are all available within minutes of this region. 

Approaching Owen Bay from the end of Busby

(Springer Point at the south tip of the development

is in the centre of the photo)

Owen Bay is located on the south side of Sonora Island on Okisolo Channel, just above Hole in the Wall rapids. 

The Discovery Islands are rich in First Nations culture and history.

view out from Busby

Owen Bay was first settled by non-indigenous people approximately 100 years ago, at times it was home to a school, church and general store, however the location did not attract a more permanent settlement in the long run. It has evolved into a quiet, coastal vacation and recreation community with a small complement of full-time residents. The Owen Bay development encompasses both a portion of Sonora Island and Busby Island, which is separated from Sonora by only a small channel.

looking across from Sonora to Busby

There are government dock facilities located in Owen Bay. Owen Bay provides excellent protection for both mooring and anchoring your boat and the roadway leading from the Government Dock throughout the area is more than adequate for vehicles if one chooses.

Owen Bay government dock

Owen Bay Rd

There are a few marine parks to enjoy within close proximity, including the Octopus Island Group Marine Park which is only minutes away. Access to Owen Bay is by boat or float plane only. 

aerial approach to Owen Bay

Campbell River is approximately 45 minutes away by boat and provides an excellent centre for supplies and services. During the summer months there is regularly scheduled water taxi service from Campbell River to Owen Bay and Busby Island. There is also regularly scheduled barge service to Owen Bay to bring propane and fuel as well as any arranged deliveries (groceries, building supplies, etc). Other areas such as Browns Bay on Vancouver Island or Heriot Bay on Quadra Island provide even quicker access through primarily protected waters. 

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

50 Years of ALR

 The Agricultural Land Reserve, or ALR, is a land classification that has been around in BC for decades, as it was created 50 years ago (in 1973). Most people know it has something to do with farmland, but what is the ALR exactly? Can you build in the ALR zone? What does it mean to own land in the ALR?

ALR land Haida Gwaii

According to the BC Government: The Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) is a provincial land zone in which agriculture is recognized as the priority use. Farming is encouraged and non-agricultural uses are restricted. ALR land makes up 5% of BC's total land-base.

This does not mean you can't simply live on ALR property. There is no requirement to farm, however there are restrictions on what else you can do on the land. Keep in mind that most ALR land is in an agriculture-rich area, so even if you are not farming your land it is probable that properties around you are being used for agricultural purposes.

ALR land Quadra Island

Properties within the ALR should have it noted on their titles, although the Agriculture Land Commission (who oversees the ALR) warns that this is not definitive. Mapping is a help in determining what land is within the ALR as well, and the ALC website hosts a number of mapping applications.

ALR mapping

The Vancouver Island region has ALR land in a number of areas, including in what might be thought of as rural residential areas close to urban centres, so it is good to do your homework when it comes to owning property in this distinct land class. This is something we research on our listings and provide mapping information for if a property does sit within the ALR.

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

BCO Coastal Gems: Alert Bay

The Village of Alert Bay is located on Cormorant Island in the only bay on the island that provides sheltered moorage on a year-round basis. The community averages about 450 year-round residents and the village provides a range of services, including a health centre, pharmacy, restaurants, gift shops and liquor store all located within walking distance of the ferry. Alert Bay Boat Harbour provides moorage, showers and laundry facilities. Just outside of the village is a non-commercial air strip, convenient for personal aircraft as well as for emergency services. Alert Bay is rich in cultural heritage and easily accessible by a scenic ferry ride from Port McNeill.

Activities such as whale watching, eco-tours, kayaking, hiking and biking are popular, and the area provides lots of great fishing opportunities.

Alert Bay is the gateway to Knight and Kingcome Inlets and is close to the Broughton Archipelago Marine Park, a wilderness area consisting of a maze of several small islands, inlets and adjacent foreshore at the southern end of Queen Charlotte Strait. The numerous remote, solitary islands in the marine park provide access to some of the world’s most phenomenal waterways and coastlines, with an array of indigenous marine and coastal wildlife, tremendous scenery, unlimited and unique fishing, yachting and wildlife viewing opportunities and almost endless exploring.

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

6 Quick Touch-up Ideas Before Listing

 If you’re thinking of selling, you’re probably planning to do a few minor improvements to make your property more appealing to buyers. That’s a smart idea. 

The ideas below work as well for a recreational property as they do for residential properties, as giving any living space a more clean, spacious and updated look enhances that first impression. In addition, a good clean-up and clear-out of the property prior to listing is also recommended!

So, what are the best small improvements to make? Here are a few ideas:

·         Cabinet hardware. Upgrading the hardware on kitchen and bathroom cupboard doors and drawers can have a surprising impact on the look of those rooms. The best part is, this improvement is about as DIY-friendly as it gets!

·         Cover plates. If you have older light and electrical switches, replacing the cover plates with something more stylish can make a difference. It’s probably the simplest way to give a room a more modern look.

·         Countertops. Replacing kitchen or bathroom countertops isn’t cheap. However, it’s substantially less expensive than a full-on kitchen or bathroom renovation. And, new countertops make those rooms look refreshed.

·         Kitchen sink and faucet. If your current sink is old and stained, replacing it is a fairly simple improvement that will have a big impact. Also consider updating the faucet to further enhance the look of the space. There are hundreds of styles available.

·         Carpeting. Of all the types of flooring, carpets are the easiest and most affordable to replace. New carpets also create a clean and upgraded look. If you have old carpeting on the main floor or stairs, consider replacing it when selling.

·         Lights and fixtures. If you have old light fixtures in your home, especially in key areas such as the foyer and kitchen, your lighting may be dim. New fixtures will not only make those spaces more modern-looking and appealing, but the lighting will probably also be better too.

A little freshening up of your rooms can make all the difference to a prospective buyer walking into the space for the first time.

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

BCO Coastal Gem: Port Neville

Central to all outdoors activities and wildlife, Port Neville is a picturesque 8-mile long mainland inlet that provides relatively well-protected areas for outdoor activities, including excellent salmon and halibut fishing, crabbing and prawning. Port Neville is situated in Johnstone Strait on a portion of the mainland of British Columbia that extends towards and is the closest geographically to Vancouver Island. 

Port Neville was once the site of a busy service community and until approx 2010 still had a post office. Like many of the waterways in this region it is also of significance to First Nations. Mariners appreciate the location during stormy weather as it provides a calm spot to hide.

 

The inlet and the waters of Johnstone Strait are known for their abundance of wildlife. There is a tremendous variety of mainland wildlife such as deer, cougars and bears including resident Grizzly bears who can be viewed seasonally at the head of the inlet as they feed on returning salmon. Marine wildlife includes sea lions, seals, dolphins and orca whales. 

 

Access to Vancouver Island is approximately 20 minutes away by boat - 9 miles southeast and across Johnstone Strait to Kelsey Bay, just north of Sayward. The Port Harvey Marine Resort, situated to the north of Port Neville between East and West Cracroft Islands, offers a general store, moorage and a licensed restaurant.

 

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

 

How Remote is Your Remote?

Here in the BCO office we are always cautious when someone tells us they want a remote property. That's because over the years, wehave learned that one person's remote just might be another person's crowded community. 

When you picture a remote property, what do you visualize? What do you really want? Here are some questions that can help start defining what that might look like for you.

1. Do you want/need road access?
For some people remote means no one can drive to the property (generally getting there by boat instead, although some may even be hike in) while for other people having road access may be important, even if it's hours away from civilization and a dirt or gravel road.

2. Do you want/need any services?
Does your version of remote mean absolutely no services and either creating off-grid systems or just doing rain water collection, fire and an outhouse? Or do you still want access to power or cell service or telephone/internet service?

3. How close do you want other people?
Remote for you might mean no one within sight or sound of your property or even within a day's walk. For someone else it might mean being part of a small community of properties.

4. How close do you want to be to a service centre or amenities?
While someone may want to live off-grid, they may not want to be more than a couple hours from a service centre or at least access to basic amenities such as food shopping or fuel. Someone else may not care about access to amenities, being willing to travel over a distance to get to any sort of services.

Whatever your remote may be, the BC Oceanfront Real Estate Team can likely find the right property for you!

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

BCO Property Visits

 The end of summer has seen the team very busy out of the office, visiting a number of remote properties. Unlike going to a residential property that can be driven to, visiting these types of properties involves a great deal of planning and a very long day of travel (sometimes even two days).

Early morning boat trip out of Zeballos to Centre Island 

meant an overnight in Zeballos for Greg.

One of the first considerations is what is the best way to get there? Many times that is by boat, either by water taxi or with one of the team boats. The decision to take a team boat includes where the launch will be from and whether it makes sense to trailer a boat to that location or is it more expedient to arrange for a water taxi pickup? When boat is not practical or going to be very time-consuming, then we might look at a float plane. This can sometimes be an economical option and definitely can save on travel time.

Float plane drop off at Hot Springs Oceanside.

Recently Shelley and Greg visited our new listing at Hot Springs Oceanside to get photos and put a sign up. This was done with the services of a float plane company out of Tofino (Atleo Air). Even if a property is undeveloped it can still be quite a visit, as we try to get lots of good photos, to ascertain the lay of the land, follow any trails, etc and also find the right spot to get a sign or two up (depends on the size and dimensions of the property).

Walking the property at Hot Springs Oceanside.

Before heading to the property a lot of work needs to be done. While we can pinpoint a property on a map, being able to identify it either from the air or water is another matter! So lots of satellite images and google map closeups of the shoreline, etc are prepared to assist with finding the property. If it has improvements on it, or a dock, that makes it easier. Making sure there are signs, nails/screws and tools for putting up a sign, paperwork and data sheets so all the needed information is collected and the general gear required for a remote outing is all done the day before.

Satellite cadastre map for Hot Springs Oceanside listing.

These are full day excursions, starting with a drive to the launch point (or float plane dock). Then the ride to the property. Once on the property, there is a lot of work to be done. And while doing it, don't forget to be taking lots of photos! The team feels a lot of pressure on these trips to get as much done as possible, as a return trip isn't something that can be done quickly or off the cuff.

Nootka Sound fieldtrip.

We call these types of property visits BCO field trips, and while they are a lot of work they are also a major highlight of the work we do. Every trip is an adventure!

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

Real Estate and Service Providers

Working in residential real estate you get to know the local building inspectors, city hall staff, mortgage brokers and insurance brokers through helping your clients with purchasing and selling properties. These are the service provides and relationships most experienced agents will nurture over the years, and BC Oceanfront is no exception.

Working in niche real estate such as remote, recreational and resort property sales however, there are other service providers that we also get to know.

1. Water taxis. When trailering a boat just doesn't fit in the schedule, or there are other properties to be viewed on the way, or the boat is on the other side of the island, sometimes taking a water taxi is a better way to get to a property. And certainly for other agents and for prospective buyers, water taxis are sometimes the best option. 

2. Float planes. When boating somewhere will take too long, or the property is simply more easily accessed from the air, chartering a flight with a float plane is the way to go. At one point Ed did own a float plane, but in recent years BCO has worked with local charter companies for flights when needed.

3. Well Diggers. Can a well be dug or drilled? Has one been dug or drilled that information is needed for? Well diggers are the people you need to talk to.

4. Waste Water Practitioners. Septic systems and grey water systems are a big deal on properties outside of service areas, and knowing who the experts are helps.

5. Surveyors. Sometimes property boundaries haven't been checked in over 50 years, or sometimes there are questions about easements or shared areas. If this is important to a buyer, then a surveyor is needed. 

There are more service providers we use on occasion, but these are some of the most important. Because we work in this type of real estate regularly, we know who to call and what information to ask for, allowing us to be of assistance to our clients and to market our listings fully.

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

Power Considerations

 When dealing with recreational and remote properties there are considerations that don't come up with regular residential properties. For instance - is there power and where does it come from?

Some recreational and remote properties are close enough to small communities that they can hook into existing BC Hydro power supplies. It can be surprising how many boat access communities, such as Quatsino on the NW coast of Vancouver Island, actually have power from BC Hydro. This is then just like obtaining power for any new property - lines need to be accessed and power brought into the property through coordination with BC Hydro, neighbouring properties and local communities.

What are the options for locations with no established power grid?

Gas fuel is one of the most commonly used power sources. This involves generators and usually a battery bank to store power so that the generators aren't running all the time. This requires gas to be brought on to the property, and general upkeep on the equipment. Some smaller communities, such as in the Discovery Islands, have regularly scheduled gas deliveries arranged with barge companies and local suppliers, while in other cases deliveries are arranged individually or gas is brought in by the owner.

Solar power is now a common choice, and it is not unusual to see a house or cottage with an array of solar panels on the roof, or as a stand-alone system. These supply a battery bank which stores the energy. Some larger properties use solar power but keep a gas generator on hand as an emergency back-up system. Often there is a hybrid approach, with lighting being solar power driven and appliances being gas, for example.

Another option for those who have access to a running water supply is personal use hydro-power. This requires a license for the water use, and on a good, strong water source can be a great power supply. There are a variety of set-ups depending on the amount of power required.

All of the options have pros and cons when it comes to upkeep, initial cost of installation and materials, efficiency, etc. It requires some good research both on the options and the property itself. At BCO we have a good deal of information on alternative energy and are always looking out for new and innovative ideas in power for remote/recreational properties.

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

Private Islands

Buying an island may seem like a dream to many, but in reality private islands are sold in almost every budget category. They are not common, because there simply aren’t a lot of them, but there is a wide variety, from a small rocky islet  to a large developed estate.

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. 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.

Like any remote coastal property, logistics are a part of the consideration of owning a private island. Here is what you need to consider.

1. How will you get there? Is this easily accessible by boat? How far is it from a launch point? Is it easier to take a float plane to the property? If you want to travel to the island regularly, how long will that take you?

2.   2. What are the services? If there aren’t any already in place, how will you service a residence if that is what you want to have on the island?

3.   3. How will you get supplies to the property?

Private islands are fun to market as each one has something special, a character all its own. People love to look at the listings and we always get lots of questions about them. They are rarely the oddest coastal property we have listed but they are generally the ones that people are most curious about.

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

8 Steps for Preparing for a Recreational or Remote Listing

Ready to sell a recreational property, or your remote residence? Here are some tips to make both the listing and showing process go smoothly. The more of these things that can be done ahead of a site visit, the better for both the photos and site description used our marketing materials.

 1. Accessibility

photo via unsplash

Is the entrance clearly marked with identifiers? Are the access routes clear for vehicles to drive along? If the access is by water, is the dock/property easily visible from the water with identifiers? Are there tie-ups available?

2. Grounds

While people expect to see some equipment, etc on the grounds, have you cleaned up the extra items? Are they neatly put away, or scattered around the property? A general clean up of the grounds is advised. This includes winter blow-down of branches, etc.

 3. Water Supply

photo via unsplash

Has the water supply and source been clearly marked? Are there directions for turning on and shutting off the water if required? Has the water supply been cleaned or serviced recently (if so, paperwork stating the details should be provided)?

 4. Residence

If there is a residence on the property, has it been cleaned? Are there belongings left out or are they put away? The neater it can be left, the better. Do the doors/windows stick? Are there small repairs or projects that can be finished which will enhance the showings? Do you have a spare key to provide us or can one be hidden at the property? 

 5. Docks/Piers/Ramps

photo via unsplash

Are there loose boards? Do they need to be power washed so they aren’t dirty/slippery? Are there simple repairs that can be done to enhance the showing?

6. Outbuildings

Any outbuildings on the property should be accessible and in a reasonable state of cleanliness.

 7. Paperwork

photo via unsplash

If you have done work (or had work/inspections done) on the property, paperwork providing details of that work is always good to have readily available should people ask.

8. Septic System

If there is a septic system on the property, marking the pipes, tank location, etc is a big help, and having any paperwork related to the system on hand is a benefit.

 Doing these things will definitely make it easier to present the property, and gives prospective buyers a better understanding of what your property offers.

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