BCO: Looking Forward to 2018

A new year can sometimes bring new challenges. As you may be aware, the Superintendent of Real Estate in BC has recently brought some new changes into the way real estate assistance is delivered to clients. One of the changes which will have a larger impact on our office than perhaps others is the elimination of Limited Dual Agency. In the past and especially with our recreational properties, we have been able to work on behalf of both seller and buyer with their permission and understanding of what that means. We will no longer be able to provide this service. The new rules come into effect in March 2018 and we are still working out how the BCO Team is going to approach these changes. Our clients’ best interests are always at the front of mind and will continue to be as we move forward in this changing real estate landscape.

Campbell River continues to thrive, serving as a hub for many coastal industries. The City continues to promote a diverse economic and cultural community, and there is a lot of physical development happening throughout. Perhaps the biggest draw to Campbell River though is the lifestyle it provides – giving some of the best access to beaches, lakes, mountains and forests of anywhere on the coast.

In the recreational market we have seen some long standing inventory be consumed and a start in an upward trend in prices.

While there continues to be a steady small presence of American and international buyers, the majority of people looking at properties on the BC Oceanfront website are Canadian, predominantly from the island and lower mainland. Buyers are looking for recreational property close to home, and many are exploring downsizing from a larger family home to a smaller residence plus a recreational property.

Early in 2018 we look forward to introducing a selection of private lakefront acreages on northern Vancouver Island – something not seen before.

The BCO Team wishes all our clients a contented holiday season and we look forward to working with you in 2018.

BCO Coastal Gem: Winter Harbour

On the north-west tip of Vancouver Island sits the community of Winter Harbour. Renowned for access to amazing west coast fishing, this small village is home to about 20 full-time residents yet services hundreds of people during the fishing season. Well-protected moorage, services in the village, and (gravel) road access make this a popular choice with fishermen and adventurers looking to access the northern west coast of Vancouver Island.

The boardwalk adds a charm to this village, and is a nice walk. It's also a great spot to watch the boats or just look out over the water. There is a nice walking trail in the village as well. Winter Harbour has its own Post Office, and a small general store. There are a number of fishing charter companies that base out of Winter Harbour, and the docks do get busy in the summer.

Winter Harbour is a great place to visit while exploring Northern Vancouver Island, providing vistas that not many people get a chance to see.

Winter Harbour is at the mouth of Quatsino Sound, and is also accessible by boat from Coal Harbour (45 - 60 minute boat ride). The drive in from Port Hardy can take up to 2 hours, and it is advised that you watch for logging trucks!

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

Winters on the West Coast

Winter weather on the west coast is tough to predict. Yes generally it is rainy and grey, but then some years you get unexpected sunshine in December. Most years in February you can count on some days of sunshine. Some years we get a lot of snow while other years we get barely a trace.

Being by the coast though, winters are always beautiful. The light in winter is different, even on sunny days, with the sun further south and not directly overhead as it is in the summer. The storms are breathtaking. While the grey can sometimes be monotonous, it can also provide calm.

Right now we are in the midst of warmer days and cooler nights, which on the coast means one thing -- fog! Some days the sun is breaking through, but many days right at the water's edge the fog stays. As soon as you get up a hill or away from the water, you see the blue sky above. Eerie and magical all at once.

We are used to being called the wet coast, but true west coasters learn to embrace the wacky west coast winters. It gives us abundant green foliage (our lawns are greenest in the winter and our many evergreens dominate the landscape), exhilarating storms and misty fog. 

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