There’s nothing quite like the feeling of handing someone the keys to their very first home. It’s a mix of pride, relief, and a little bit of disbelief that all adds up to one of my favourite moments in this job, and that’s exactly the moment I got to share with this client.

This was his very first home, and from our first conversation to the final signature, it was a genuine joy to work through together. He told me afterward that he felt supported the whole way through, and honestly, that’s the kind of feedback that means more to me than almost anything else. Buying your first home can feel like a lot, and my job is to make sure it never feels like too much.

He’s getting the keys to a new build in Esquimalt, just a short walk from the ocean and close to Saxe Point Park, one of my favourite spots on this side of town for a morning walk or an evening sit with a coffee. He’s also just minutes from the Archie Browning Sports Centre and the local farmers markets, which makes settling into a new neighbourhood so much easier. There is something about already knowing where you will go for a swim or a Saturday morning stroll through fresh produce that turns a new address into an actual home a lot faster.

Deals like this one do not come together without good people on both sides. A big thank you to the listing agent and her team for such easy, collaborative work throughout. And on the financing side, our mortgage partner made everything seamless. Having a mortgage broker I trust in a client's corner makes all the difference, especially for a first time buyer navigating the process for the first time.

If you are thinking about your first home and the whole idea feels overwhelming, I’d love to talk it through with you. That is exactly the kind of conversation I’m here for.

Jacqueline Ross, REALTOR®
Your Van Isle Home
call/text: 250-415-5656
jac@yourvanislehome.com
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Some purchases come together because the timing is right, the home is right, and the buyers are ready. That was exactly the case with Unit 1 at 840 Craigflower Road in Esquimalt, and I am so pleased to share that my clients have officially found their next chapter here.

This is a 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath townhome in Shangri La Estates, a well-established strata community sitting right on the edge of Esquimalt and Vic West. At 1,315 finished square feet over two levels, it lives generously. There is a fully renovated kitchen that was taken to the studs in 2020 and rebuilt with real care, a dining area large enough for a proper dinner party, a private patio with access to common green space, and three bedrooms upstairs with a full 4-piece bath. The updates throughout are the kind that matter: hard flooring, soundproofing between units, vinyl windows, and a newer hot water tank. This was a home that had been genuinely looked after.

What made this purchase meaningful was not just the home itself but the process of getting my clients there. Of the couple, one of them was a first-time buyer. They were navigating a market with two active listings in the same complex at the same price. Understanding what each unit offered, how the strata was run, and what the numbers actually meant for their long-term budget was the work we focused on together. They did not just buy a home. They made an informed decision about a community they are going to love being part of.

Esquimalt is a neighbourhood that rewards curiosity. The walk to Banfield Park and the dock, the proximity to schools and shopping, the easy connection to downtown Victoria on foot or by bike — it all adds up to a place that feels like home quickly. I have watched this pocket of the city grow in confidence over the years, and it is a genuinely wonderful place to put down roots.

If you are starting your own search in Esquimalt or anywhere across Greater Victoria, I would love to help you find the right fit. Let's talk.

Jacqueline Ross, REALTOR®
Your Van Isle Home
call/text: 250-415-5656
jac@yourvanislehome.com
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The Bank of Canada just lowered its key interest rate to 2.25%, marking the second cut in a row — and for anyone thinking about buying or refinancing, this could be a golden window of opportunity. Let’s break it down.

💡 What This Means for You

The central bank’s move makes borrowing slightly cheaper, especially for variable-rate mortgages and anyone renewing soon. It’s not a massive overnight drop in payments, but it does signal a more supportive lending environment.

If you’re buying:

• Lower rates can stretch your affordability just a bit further.

• A pre-approval now locks in a lower rate if things rise again.

• Victoria’s market is still steady, so being prepared helps you act fast when the right home appears.

If you’re refinancing:

• Your variable-rate mortgage may see a small payment dip.

• Fixed-rate borrowers can explore new terms when their mortgage renews.

• It’s worth reviewing break-even numbers with a trusted broker to see if a refinance saves you money.

🌊 Why It Matters in Victoria

Our market moves differently from the rest of the country — limited supply, coastal charm, and lifestyle demand keep things balanced. A rate cut doesn’t mean “cheap housing,” but it does mean a little more breathing room and opportunity for smart, strategic buyers and sellers.

Now is a great time to:

• Review your budget and ideal monthly payment

• Get pre-approved to stay ready

• Talk strategy with your REALTOR® and mortgage advisor team

💬 Let’s Chat

Whether you’re planning to buy, sell, or refinance, I’m here to guide you with the local insight, strategy, and heart it takes to make your next move confidently. And if you need a recommendation for trusted mortgage brokers who can help make sense of your financial options, I’m happy to connect you with them. 

📞 Let’s connect today — YourVanIsleHome.com
Because finding your home (and your people) in Victoria starts with a conversation.

Jacqueline Ross, REALTOR® 
Coldwell Banker Oceanside
(250) 415-5656
jac@yourvanislehome.com
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If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines waiting for the right time to buy a home in Victoria, this summer might be your chance.

While spring often steals the spotlight, summer brings quieter conditions, solid selection, and the chance to move at your own pace—especially in a year where market activity is steady but not frantic.

Here’s why buyers have more breathing room right now—and how to make the most of it.

1. More Inventory, Less Pressure

The Victoria Real Estate Board reported over 3,700 active listings at the end of July—a 10% increase from this time last year. This means you have more homes to choose from and, in many cases, more time to explore your options.

While spring was fast-paced with multiple offers on hot properties, summer brings a bit more balance. You may still encounter competition on well-priced listings, but you’re also less likely to be rushed into a decision.

2. Pricing Is Predictable—And That’s a Good Thing

In July, the benchmark price for a single-family home in the Victoria Core was $1,338,800, up 3.3% from last year. Condo prices, meanwhile, dipped slightly to $563,300, which could mean great entry points for first-time buyers or investors.

Flat or slowly rising prices mean you can shop with more confidence—knowing that you’re entering a stable market, rather than one that’s swinging up or down dramatically.

3. Life Is Just Easier in the Summer

If you're relocating, upsizing, or timing a move around school schedules, summer offers practical benefits:

• More daylight = better viewing times

• Easier to coordinate movers or renovations

• Kids can start school in September already settled

• You can actually enjoy the move without rain, mud, or winter blues

And hey—what better time to fall in love with a neighbourhood than when the Island is showing off its summer best?

4. You Can Still Shop Smart

Yes, the Bank of Canada held rates steady, and that’s good news—but be aware of credit card balances or debts that might affect your approval. We broke that down in this month’s Mortgage Minute blog.

Want to get pre-approved or check if your credit score is buyer-ready? I can connect you with trusted local mortgage pros who’ll give you a realistic picture before you fall in love with a listing. Just ask me.

Let’s Make It Happen Before Fall Frenzy Hits

Late August is a perfect window for serious buyers—inventory is strong, the market is balanced, and fall competition hasn’t ramped up yet. If you're thinking of buying this year, let’s start with a quick, no-pressure chat about what you’re looking for.

🏡 Click here to book a buyer consult or browse active listings now → search

Jacqueline Ross, REALTOR® 
Coldwell Banker Oceanside
(250) 415-5656
jac@yourvanislehome.com
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