Let's Talk

Get in touch

Buying, Selling, or Investing? just have some questions? Just ask! We're here to help.

Contact Agent
Agent Photo

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.

Best Time to Sell a House in Victoria BC: 2026 Guide 

Posted on Jul 25, 2026




By Janine Thomson | Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

GREATER VICTORIA & VANCOUVER ISLAND REAL ESTATE


Homeowners frequently ask me, “When is the best time to sell a house in Victoria?”

Spring is traditionally considered the most active selling season, with early fall providing a second opportunity. However, choosing the right time to sell involves much more...

Read More

Best Neighbourhoods in Victoria BC: 2026 Buyer Guide

Posted on Jul 25, 2026 in Neighborhoods of Greater Victoria




By Janine Thomson | Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

GREATER VICTORIA & VANCOUVER ISLAND REAL ESTATE

One of the first questions buyers ask me is, “What is the best neighbourhood in Victoria?

”The honest answer is that there is no single best neighbourhood. There is only the neighbourhood that best fits your lifestyle, budget, preferred type of home and dail...

Read More

How to Create Clean Garden Bed Edges & 8 Different Border Styles in Victoria BC 

Posted on Jul 15, 2026 in Gardens & Outdoors


By Janine Thomson, REALTOR® | Pemberton Holmes
Greater Victoria and Vancouver Island Real Estate

A well-defined garden edge can transform an ordinary yard into a polished, intentional landscape. Clean borders separate flower beds from lawns, reduce grass encroachment and create a finished frame around plants, pathways and outdoor living areas.

Garden...

Read More

The Best Scenic Drives Around Vancouver Island 

Posted on Jul 15, 2026 in Exploring Vancouver Island



By Janine Thomson, REALTOR® | Pemberton Holmes
Greater Victoria and Vancouver Island Real Estate


Beautiful Scenic Drives on Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island is made for road trips. Its highways and quieter country roads pass through old-growth forests, coastal communities, mountain valleys, agricultural land and stretches of shoreline that feel wonderfully removed from city life. One drive ma...

Read More

Why Isn’t My House Selling in Victoria BC? 10 Common Reasons Homes Sit on the Market

Posted on Jul 01, 2026 in Sellers Info & Facts


By Janine Thomson, REALTOR® | Pemberton Holmes
Greater Victoria and Vancouver Island Real Estate




Selling a home in Victoria can feel frustrating when the market appears active, buyers are still viewing properties, and other homes seem to be selling — but yours is sitting.

The truth is, a home that does not sell is not always a “bad” home. Often, it is...

Read More

Is Now a Good Time to Buy in Victoria BC? 

Posted on Jul 01, 2026 in Buyers Info & Facts


By Janine Thomson, REALTOR® | Pemberton Holmes
Greater Victoria and Vancouver Island Real Estate



Buying a home in Victoria BC is one of those decisions that is both financial and deeply personal. For some buyers, the right time to buy is when prices soften, inventory increases, or sellers become more open to negotiation. For others, the right time is...

Read More

Why Realtors Don’t Give Mortgage Advice in British Columbia 

Posted on Jun 02, 2026 in Mortgages & Financing


By Janine Thomson, REALTOR® | Pemberton Holmes
Greater Victoria and Vancouver Island Real Estate

One of the most common questions buyers ask their REALTOR® is, "How much should I put down?" or "What mortgage should I choose?" While real estate professionals work closely with buyers throughout the home purchasing process, there is an important reason...

Read More

The Ultimate Summer Market Guide 2026 for Victoria & Gulf Islands

Posted on Jun 02, 2026 in Exploring Victoria


By Janine Thomson, REALTOR® | Pemberton Holmes
Greater Victoria and Vancouver Island Real Estate




From Sooke to Sidney & the Gulf Islands

One of the best parts of summer in Greater Victoria is exploring the incredible variety of outdoor markets that appear throughout the region. From farm-fresh vegetables and locally raised meats to handmade jewelry, a...

Read More

Multiplex Housing in Victoria 

Posted on May 28, 2026 in Duplex/Triplex Homes


By Janine Thomson, REALTOR® | Pemberton Holmes -  Victoria BC

Victoria's housing landscape is undergoing one of the most significant transformations in decades. As housing affordability, population growth, and housing supply continue to dominate discussions across British Columbia, municipalities throughout Greater Victoria are adapting their zoning...

Read More

Foreshore Leases & Waterfront Properties in Victoria 

Posted on May 28, 2026 in Waterfront Properties




By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes
Greater Victoria and Vancouver Island Real Estate

Victoria’s waterfront real estate market offers some of the most desirable and prestigious properties on Vancouver Island. From oceanfront estates in Cordova Bay and Ten Mile Point to waterfront homes in North SaanichSidneySooke, and Oak Bay...

Read More

Buying a Condo in Victoria BC  - 2026

Posted on May 19, 2026 in Strata Facts and Information


By Janine Thomson - Realtor | Pemberton Holmes
Greater Victoria & Vancouver Island Real Estate
Updated July 31, 2026


Buying a condo in Victoria, BC can provide a more accessible entry into the Greater Victoria real estate market, a convenient low-maintenance lifestyle, or an appealing option for downsizers and investors.

However, purchasing a condomini...

Read More

Fire Safety in British Columbia Real Estate: What Buyers Need to Know

Posted on Apr 15, 2026 in Strata Facts and Information



By Janine Thomson | Pemberton Holmes

Fire safety in British Columbia is no longer just a building requirement, it has become a critical legal, financial, and compliance issue that is directly impacting strata corporations, property values, and real estate transactions across the province.With the introduction of the new Fire Safety Act, combined wit...

Read More

Why Real Estate Lawyers Must Review Title, Charges, & Documents 

Posted on Apr 15, 2026 in Contracts in Real Estate


By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

In British Columbia’s real estate landscape, subject removal is one of the most critical decision points in a transaction. It is the moment a buyer moves from conditional interest to a firm, legally binding commitment. Yet, too often, buyers are left navigating complex legal documents—such as t...

Read More

Earthquake Risk on Vancouver Island: Where Victoria Sits, New Scientific Discoveries, and How to Stay Safe

Posted on Apr 15, 2026 in Earthquake Preparedness



By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

Living on Vancouver Island offers incredible natural beauty, but it also places us in one of the most seismically active regions in Canada. Understanding the earthquake zone affecting Vancouver Island and Victoria, along with recent scientific discoveries offshore, is essential, not just for sa...

Read More

The Power of Attorney in a B.C. Real Estate Transaction

Posted on Apr 15, 2026 in Estate Sales and Probate



By Janine Thomson, REALTOR® | Pemberton Holmes
Greater Victoria and Vancouver Island Real Estate
Updated July 2026

A Power of Attorney can be an extremely useful planning tool when someone needs assistance buying, selling or managing real estate in British Columbia. It may be used when an owner is travelling, living outside Canada, dealing with illnes...

Read More

View Older Posts View Newer Posts
Explore more

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

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

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 

Stay Connected