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October 2025

10 Smart Home Upgrades That Add Real Value to Your Property

Posted on Oct 27, 2025 in Home Design and Trends


By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

If you’re a homeowner in Victoria, BC, thinking about selling or simply wanting to increase your home’s value, certain upgrades can make a major difference. The right improvements not only make your home more enjoyable to live in now but can also lead to a higher selling price when it’s time to...

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10 Smart Things Buyers Can Do Before Purchasing a Home to Make the Move-In Smooth and Stress-Free

Posted on Oct 27, 2025 in Buyers Info & Facts



By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

Buying a home is one of the most exciting milestones in life — but it can also feel overwhelming if you’re not prepared. Between financing, inspections, and moving day logistics, there’s a lot to manage. The good news? With a little planning ahead, you can make your home purchase (and move-in...

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Understanding Manufactured Homes in BC

Posted on Oct 22, 2025 in Manufactured & Mobile Homes Info


By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

Manufactured homes — sometimes called mobile homes — are an affordable and flexible housing option across British Columbia. They can be found in manufactured home parks or placed on private land (bare land), offering a range of ownership options for different lifestyles and budgets.However, not...

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Understanding the Responsibilities of a Strata Council in British Columbia 

Posted on Oct 21, 2025 in Strata Facts and Information



By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

If you live in a condo, townhouse, or any other strata property in British Columbia, you’re part of a community that’s governed by a strata council. But what exactly does the council do? How much power do they really have, and how do they operate day to day?Let’s break down the key roles and re...

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10 Fun Things to do with your friends for creative fun experiences in Victoria  

Posted on Oct 19, 2025 in Lifestyle



By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

If you’re looking for fun, creative outings in Victoria for girlfriends or adult groups, I’ve put together a blog-style guide to 10 inspiring local venues where you can dive into hands-on classes, social crafting, art, cooking, and more. After the list I’ll also include some “how to pick the ri...

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Earthquake Preparedness for Victoria: How to Stay Safe

Posted on Oct 12, 2025 in Earthquake Preparedness


By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

Living on the West Coast of British Columbia, including Victoria, BC, means enjoying ocean views, mild weather, and coastal beauty — but it also means living in one of Canada’s most seismically active regions. Scientists agree that Vancouver Island and the coastal areas of BC sit along the Casc...

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Saanich & the “Missing Middle”: How Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing & Garden Suites Are Changing Residential Development in Greater Victoria

Posted on Oct 12, 2025 in Small Scale Multi Unit Housing


By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

As housing costs continue to rise on Vancouver Island, municipalities around Greater Victoria are changing zoning, bylaws, and permitting rules to allow more housing diversity—especially in single-family neighbourhoods. Saanich is front and centre among them. Here’s a close look at what’s chang...

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Three Fabulous West Coast Inspired Winter Desserts for 2026

Posted on Oct 11, 2025 in Recipes



By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

When the chill of winter sets in and twinkling lights fill the night sky, there’s nothing quite like indulging in a decadent dessert inspired by the flavors of the West Coast. Our 2 Fabulous West Coast Inspired Winter Desserts for 2025 combine seasonal ingredients, regional charm, and gourmet a...

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The Most Difficult Items in Older Homes That Affect Home Insurance Approval 

Posted on Oct 11, 2025 in Home Insurance


By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

Older homes in British Columbia — especially those built before the 1980s — are full of character and charm. But beneath the beautiful woodwork and vintage details can lie a few costly surprises that make insurance companies nervous.Whether you’re buying or selling a character home in Victoria...

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Understanding the Foreclosure Process in Victoria: From Listing to Court Approval

Posted on Oct 11, 2025 in Foreclosures


By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

In today’s changing real estate market, foreclosures are becoming a topic of growing interest for both homebuyers and sellers in Victoria, BC. A foreclosure happens when a homeowner falls behind on mortgage payments and the lender takes legal steps to recover the debt through the BC Supreme Cou...

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Build Canada Homes: What Mark Carney’s Housing Plan Means for Victoria

Posted on Oct 11, 2025 in In the News


By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

Victoria, has long struggled with skyrocketing home prices, limited supply, and rising rents — challenges shared across Canada. To tackle this crisis, the Carney government has launched Build Canada Homes (BCH), a major federal housing initiative designed to make homes more affordable and incre...

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What Building Products Contained Asbestos & Why It Was Banned in Canada 

Posted on Oct 11, 2025 in Appraisals & Home Inspections


By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

Asbestos was once called a “miracle material.” It was strong, heat-resistant, soundproof, and inexpensive — everything a builder could want. Unfortunately, it was later discovered that asbestos exposure causes serious and often fatal lung diseases, leading to a national ban in Canada.Below is a...

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Understanding Vermiculite and Asbestos in BC Homes: What Homeowners Need to Know 

Posted on Oct 11, 2025 in Facts on Home Ownership


Many older homes in British Columbia — particularly those built before the 1990s — may contain vermiculite insulation or other materials that include asbestos. While these were once considered innovative building materials, today they pose serious health and insurance challenges for homeowners and buyers alike.If you’re purchasing, selling, or reno...

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West Coast Inspired - Our 3 Top Winter Gourmet Recipes

Posted on Oct 10, 2025 in Recipes


By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

Winter on the West Coast is a feast for the senses — the earthy aroma of cedar and rain, the sweetness of maple syrup, and the comforting richness of slow-cooked dishes made with local ingredients. Our Top West Coast Inspired Winter Gourmet Recipes celebrate the heart of British Columbia’s culi...

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