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Real Estate Information

20 Real Estate Myths vs. Facts 

Posted on Feb 19, 2026 in Real Estate Information


By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

What Buyers & Sellers Need to Know in Today’s Market

The real estate market in Greater Victoria is unique. With strict laws, coastal pricing, and high demand, it’s easy to believe myths that could cost you time and money. Whether you are buying, selling, or investing, understanding the facts can...

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Navigating Victoria’s Real Estate Market: The Impact of Limited Land Supply and Development Restrictions

Posted on Jul 31, 2025 in Real Estate Information



By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

Victoria, British Columbia, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and high quality of life. Nestled on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, this charming city draws residents and investors alike who are eager to enjoy its mild climate and coastal lifestyle. But behind V...

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Housing Affordability in Today’s Real Estate Market: What Buyers, Sellers, and Policymakers Need to Know

Posted on Apr 01, 2025 in Real Estate Information


By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

Housing affordability is one of the hottest—and most challenging—topics in real estate today. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a seasoned homeowner, a seller, or a policymaker, the rising prices, fluctuating interest rates, and tight inventory impact you.This blog dives deep into why housing...

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How to Tell If a Neighborhood Is on the Rise 

Posted on Aug 02, 2024 in Real Estate Information


Investing in a rising neighborhood can be highly lucrative, offering the potential for substantial property value appreciation and attractive rental income. However, identifying these up-and-coming areas requires careful observation and analysis. Here are some key indicators that a neighborhood is on the rise:

1. Increasing Property Values

One of the...

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Where You Can Buy a House in B.C. on a Single Income

Posted on Jul 03, 2024 in Real Estate Information



Buying a home on a single income can be challenging, especially in a high-demand real estate market like British Columbia (BC). However, it's not impossible. With careful planning, research, and a bit of flexibility, you can find affordable areas where you can achieve your dream of homeownership. Here are some of the best places in BC where you can...

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Oil Tanks Facts in Victoria BC Homes 

Posted on Apr 17, 2024 in Real Estate Information


In Victoria, BC, as in many older cities, residential properties may have buried or above-ground oil tanks that were used historically for heating purposes. As natural gas and electric heating became more popular, many homeowners stopped using oil heat, and the tanks were often left in place. These abandoned or unused oil tanks can pose environment...

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Old Versus New ways of Doing Business in Real Estate 

Posted on Apr 16, 2024 in Real Estate Information


The real estate industry has evolved significantly over time, with advances in technology, changes in consumer behavior, and shifts in regulatory environments leading to both old and new ways of doing business. Here's a comparison of some key aspects:

1. Marketing and Advertising:
  • Old Ways: Traditional marketing methods included newspaper ads, flyers...

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BC Land Title Charges Explained 

Posted on Apr 15, 2024 in Real Estate Information




In British Columbia, land title charges refer to various legal interests, encumbrances, or rights associated with a property that are registered on the land title. These charges can affect the ownership, use, and transferability of the property. Here are some common types of title charges that may appear on a land title in BC:

  1. Mortgages: is a form o...

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What is an Assignment Sale in BC Real Estate 

Posted on Apr 15, 2024 in Real Estate Information




An assignment sale occurs when the original buyer of a property (often a pre-construction unit such as a condo or a townhouse) sells their interest in that property to another buyer before the original closing date with the developer. In real estate terms, this "interest" is the contract or right to purchase the property upon its completion. The or...

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New Home Warranty (2-5-10) in BC Explained

Posted on Apr 15, 2024 in Real Estate Information

New home warranty in BC
The "2-5-10" home warranty is a mandatory insurance coverage that builders in British Columbia must provide when they sell a new home. This warranty is part of BC's Homeowner Protection Act and is designed to protect home buyers from construction defects. It is often referred to as a "2-5-10 year warranty" because it covers different components of...

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The Closing Process in a Real Estate Transaction - BC

Posted on Apr 15, 2024 in Real Estate Information


The closing process for real estate transactions in British Columbia (BC) involves several important steps and legal requirements to ensure that the sale of the property is completed smoothly and legally. Here is an overview of the closing process for real estate in BC:
  1. Acceptance of Offer: Once the buyer's offer to purchase the property is accepted...

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The Importance of Title Insurance in BC's Real Estate 

Posted on Apr 15, 2024 in Real Estate Information


Title insurance is an essential aspect of real estate transactions in British Columbia (BC) and offers several important protections for homebuyers and lenders. Here are some key reasons why title insurance is important in BC real estate:

  1. Protects Against Title Defects: Title insurance protects against issues with the title of the property, such as...

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The Difference Between a Real Estate Lawyer and Notary Public

Posted on Apr 15, 2024 in Real Estate Information




The primary difference between a real estate lawyer and a notary public, particularly in the context of real estate transactions, lies in their qualifications, scope of practice, and the services they provide:

  1. Qualifications:
    • Real Estate Lawyer: A real estate lawyer is a licensed attorney who has completed a law degree and passed the bar exam in the...

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Facts on Real Estate Taxes

Posted on Apr 11, 2024 in Real Estate Information

Visit Janine Thomson website

Real estate taxes in BC

By January 2022, there were several real estate-related taxes and measures in place in British Columbia (BC) aimed at addressing housing affordability and speculative practices. While these measures may not necessarily be "new" at the time of my last update, they have been significant in the BC real estate landscape. Here are some of them:

  1. Speculati...

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Virtual Home Buyer Program 

Posted on Jan 04, 2021 in Real Estate Information

Janine Thomson - Victoria Real Estate Agent



As a Realtor and the fact that we are considered an essential service, the growing concern for Canadians during this Coronavirus Pandemic is the anxiety over purchasing a home safely and effectively. Buying & selling real estate has not slowed down, instead it's grown even more. Modern real estate has been virtual for some time and now more than ev...

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