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Buyer & Seller Resources

Welcome to the Buyer & Seller Resources Library, your comprehensive source for real estate knowledge, homeownership information, and local insights throughout Greater Victoria, Southern Vancouver Island, and the Gulf Islands.

Whether you're buying your first home, preparing to sell, investing in real estate, or simply exploring the local market, this page is designed to provide valuable information to help you make informed decisions. With over 100 informative articles and resources, you'll find expert guidance covering a wide range of topics, including buying and selling strategies, homeownership tips, property checklists, contract and legal considerations, home design ideas, market insights, neighbourhood guides, and much more.

Beyond real estate, you'll also discover articles that showcase the best of Vancouver Island living, including local attractions, parks, community highlights, seasonal activities, and things to do throughout Greater Victoria and the surrounding regions.

This growing library is regularly updated with new content, ensuring you have access to current information and practical resources whenever you need them.

Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page to explore the various resource categories and topics available. Consider this your one-stop knowledge centre for real estate, homeownership, and life on Vancouver Island.

Due Diligence Checklist for Buying Foreclosure Properties in British Columbia

Posted on Sep 01, 2025 in Foreclosures


By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

What to Check Before Buying a Foreclosure in Victoria BC Before You Make an Offer

Buying a foreclosure can look like an exciting opportunity. A lower price, potential upside, and the possibility of building equity can make foreclosure properties in British Columbia appealing to investors and hom...

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How Much Below Market Can You Buy a Foreclosure in Victoria BC?

Posted on Sep 01, 2025 in Foreclosures


By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

The Truth About Foreclosure Deals in Victoria BC — And Why “Bargain” Properties Are Often a Myth

If you have been browsing foreclosure deals in Victoria BC, you have probably seen the common belief that foreclosures are where buyers scoop up homes for pennies on the dollar. 
It is one of the bigg...

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Buying a Foreclosure in Victoria: A Step-by-Step Guide for Investors and Home Buyers

Posted on Sep 01, 2025 in Foreclosures


By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

For many buyers and investors, the word foreclosure sparks thoughts of hidden deals, below-market prices, and investment opportunity. In reality, buying a foreclosure in Victoria BC is very different from what many people expect, especially compared with the U.S.

In British Columbia, most forecl...

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Victoria’s Real Estate Trends: 2025 and Looking Ahead to 2026 

Posted on Aug 29, 2025 in Market Statistics - History

By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

1. Market Snapshot & Sales Trends

  • Balanced Market with Strong Activity
    • June 2025 saw 761 properties sold, a 15.1% increase from June 2024. Condo sales surged 23.3%, while single-family home sales rose 17.5%
    • July maintained momentum with 680 sales, up 4.6% YoY. Condo sales continued to trend upward...

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Predictions for Victoria’s Housing Market in 2026 

Posted on Aug 29, 2025 in Market Statistics - History


By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

As we approach 2026, Victoria’s housing market stands poised at a crossroads of enduring demand, shifting demographics, macroeconomic headwinds, and policy dynamics. This blog explores what buyers, sellers, and the market at large might expect in the coming year. We’ll examine current data, for...

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The Current State of Victoria’s Real Estate Market in 2025 

Posted on Aug 28, 2025 in Market Statistics - History



By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

Victoria, British Columbia, continues to hold its spot as one of Canada’s most sought-after real estate destinations. With its blend of West Coast charm, mild climate, strong economy, and vibrant lifestyle, it’s no surprise that buyers and investors from across the country — and abroad — look h...

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Smart Strategies for Buying or Selling a Home in Victoria in Today’s Market 

Posted on Aug 28, 2025 in Facts on Home Ownership



By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

With Victoria’s real estate market evolving, buyers and sellers need strategies tailored to today’s conditions. Whether you’re purchasing your first condo or selling a family home, success comes down to timing, preparation, and knowledge of local regulations.

For Buyers in Victoria

  1. Get Pre-Approv...

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Understanding Zoning, Bylaws, and Development Rules in Victoria 

Posted on Aug 28, 2025 in City Zoning & Bylaws



By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

If you’re planning to buy, sell, or invest in Victoria real estate, understanding zoning and bylaws is crucial. These regulations affect not just what you can build, but also how a property can be used.

What is Zoning?

Zoning divides the city into land-use categories. For example:
  • R1 (Single-Famil...

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Understanding Strata Living – What You Need to Know Before Buying a Condo or Townhouse

Posted on Aug 28, 2025 in Strata Facts and Information


By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

When you’re buying a home in British Columbia, one of the most common choices—especially in urban areas like Victoria or Vancouver—is a strata property. Condos, townhouses, and some duplexes all fall under strata ownership. While strata living comes with many benefits, it also means you’re buyi...

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Inside the Strata Council – How AGMs, Minutes, and Governance Work 

Posted on Aug 28, 2025 in Strata Facts and Information



By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

In our first post, we explored the basics of strata living, including fees, bylaws, and what it means to own a condo or townhouse within a strata corporation. Now, let’s go deeper into how these communities are actually managed.Behind every well-run strata is its strata council—a volunteer boar...

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Decoding Strata Financials – Depreciation Reports, Contingency Funds, and Strata Fees

Posted on Aug 28, 2025 in Strata Facts and Information


By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

In the first two posts of our series, we explored the basics of strata living and the role of the strata council and AGMs. Now it’s time to tackle what many buyers find the most intimidating part of strata ownership: the financials.Understanding how a strata manages its money is just as importa...

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Strata Laws in BC – What Every Buyer Should Know Before Signing 

Posted on Aug 28, 2025 in Strata Facts and Information


By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

In our series so far, we’ve covered the basics of strata living, the role of strata councils and AGMs, and how to interpret strata financials like depreciation reports and contingency funds. Now let’s finish with the framework that ties it all together: the laws that govern strata corporations...

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Understanding the Different Types of Land Ownership in Real Estate 

Posted on Aug 13, 2025 in Facts on Home Ownership


By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

When buying or selling property, understanding the various types of land ownership is crucial. The type of ownership affects your rights, responsibilities, and how the property can be used or transferred. In this blog, we’ll break down the most common types of land ownership you’ll encounter in...

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Building the Homes of Tomorrow: Designing for Climate Resilience 

Posted on Aug 13, 2025 in Green Eco Friendly Homes


By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

As extreme weather events become more common—whether it’s intense storms, flooding, tornadoes, wildfires, or earthquakes—our homes need to do more than just look beautiful. They need to keep us safe, adapt to changing conditions, and last for generations. The good news? Builders, architects, an...

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Building a Low-Carbon Future: Energy-Efficient Homes in Victoria 

Posted on Aug 13, 2025 in Green Eco Friendly Homes



By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

Victoria, BC, is already known for its natural beauty and mild climate—but behind the postcard views, the region is also working hard to reduce its carbon footprint. As British Columbia pushes toward net-zero emissions by 2050, homeowners have an important role to play in making houses more ene...

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Buyer, neighbourhood & market resources

Everything you need as a buyer in Greater Victoria — guides and tools, a live home search, the neighbourhoods to explore, and what the market is doing right now. Tap any card to dig deeper.

Get In Touch

Janine Thomson

REALTOR®

Pemberton Holmes

103-814 Goldstream Ave  Victoria,  BC  V9B 2X7 

Mobile: 778-678-5466

Phone: (250) 384-8124

Toll Free: 1-800-665-5303

Fax: 250-380-6355

info@janinethomson.net

Get In Touch

Janine Thomson

REALTOR®

Mobile: 778-678-5466

Phone: (250) 384-8124

Toll Free: 1-800-665-5303

Fax: 250-380-6355

EMAIL

Office Info

Pemberton Holmes

103-814 Goldstream Ave  Victoria,  BC  V9B 2X7 

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