Your Van Isle Home Blog

The latest real estate market trends, mortgage updates, homeowner tips, and community finds.

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Record-Breaking Sale in Hawthorne Village: 93-7570 Tetayut Rd

A Record-Breaking Sale in Central Saanich 🎉

I’m thrilled to share some exciting news—I’ve just sold 93-7570 Tetayut Rd in Central Saanich, and it’s officially the highest sale on record for Hawthorne Village!

This immaculate rancher had so much to offer, and it’s no surprise it attracted strong interest. Tucked at the end of a peaceful cul-de-sac, the home backs onto a lush green space, creating rare privacy in this sought-after community. The fully fenced yard with custom planter boxes, two garden areas, multiple seating spots, and a grassy area for pets made the outdoor living space just as special as the inside.

Inside, the property shone with recent updates including a refreshed kitchen, modern bathrooms, stainless steel appliances, new flooring, updated blinds, fresh paint, and even a new heat pump. The primary bedroom was beautifully renovated with a sleek ensuite, and the second bath upgraded with an oversized shower. The bright living and dining areas were perfect for entertaining, while the double garage featured a brand-new epoxy floor.

This sale is a testament to how desirable Hawthorne Village homes have become—and how the right strategy, marketing, and presentation can deliver record-breaking results for sellers.


Thinking About Selling?

If you’re considering selling your home in Central Saanich—or anywhere on Vancouver Island—now is a great time to talk about your options. With the right preparation and strategy, your home could be the next record-breaker!

📩 Reach out to me today for a complimentary home evaluation and let’s chat about how I can help you achieve the best possible result.

Learn more about selling your home.

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

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Helping My Buyer Find Their Dream Home at 608-1159 Beach Dr, Oak Bay 🌊✨

I’m so excited to share that I recently represented the buyer on the purchase of a gorgeous property at 608–1159 Beach Drive in Oak Bay, officially sold on September 24, 2025.

This one was special. Tucked inside Hampshire House—a highly sought-after steel and concrete waterfront building with private beach access—this home offered exactly what my client was searching for: light, space, and the kind of views that instantly calm the soul.

The top-floor, corner unit spans over 1,200 sq. ft. with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a wrap-around covered deck. From nearly every main room, you’re treated to sweeping ocean and garden views, framed by lush greenery for privacy and serenity. Add in the charm of a cozy wood-burning fireplace, gleaming oak floors, and freshly updated bathrooms, and it was clear this home was the right fit.

Beyond the condo itself, the building is a gem - located right next door to the Oak Bay Beach Hotel & Spa and a short walk to the Victoria Golf Club, Oak Bay Marina, and the shops and cafés of Oak Bay Avenue. With thoughtful amenities like a guest suite, viewing lounge, workshop, free laundry, and bike storage, it’s the perfect blend of convenience and community.

Moments like this remind me why I love what I do—helping people find not just a property, but the home that feels like the one. Congratulations to my buyer on securing such a beautiful place to call home by the sea. 🌿🏡 🌊

Thinking about buying this fall in Victoria or the surrounding communities? Let’s connect—I’ll guide you through the process and help you find a home that fits your next chapter.

🏡 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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Discover Glo Restaurant & Lounge: A Hidden Gem in Burnside Gorge, Victoria

If you’re looking for a place that combines incredible food, exceptional service, and a breathtaking view, look no further than Glo Restaurant & Lounge. Nestled in the Burnside Gorge neighbourhood at 2940 Jutland Rd, Glo offers the perfect blend of atmosphere and culinary delights that will make you want to return again and again.

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Glo with both my team and my parents, and I can confidently say that every visit has been a memorable one. The meals consistently surpass expectations, leaving everyone at the table completely satisfied.

On the menu, the salmon was perfectly cooked, flaky, and flavourful. The blackened chicken was a hit, with just the right amount of spice. The ahi tuna was fresh and expertly prepared—definitely a must-try. And let’s not forget the desserts! From rich chocolate treats to light, fruity options, they were the perfect ending to an already exceptional meal.

What sets Glo apart is the atmosphere. Located on the beautiful Selkirk Waterway, dining here offers a peaceful view of the water and surrounding nature, creating the perfect backdrop for any meal. Whether you're enjoying a casual dinner with friends or a special meal with family, the ambiance truly enhances the experience.

The service was friendly and attentive, and the overall vibe is just right—inviting, yet elegant.

I highly recommend you check out Glo Restaurant & Lounge for your next dining experience in Victoria. You can learn more about their menu, hours, and specials by visiting their website. Trust me, you’ll want to book a table soon!

Need more recommendations? Contact me today and I’ll introduce you to more great places to eat, shop, and play in Victoria and around southern Vancouver Island.

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

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Fall Home Buying Guide: Tips for Buyers in Victoria, BC

Why Fall Can Be a Smart Time to Buy a Home in Victoria, BC

When people think about buying a home, spring and summer usually come to mind. But here on Vancouver Island, fall offers unique advantages that can make it an ideal season to house-hunt. If you’re considering a move, autumn could be the right time to find your next home—on your terms.

Less Competition, More Opportunity

By fall, the rush of summer buyers has slowed down. With fewer people competing for the same properties, you’ll often have more room to negotiate and a better chance of securing the home you want.

Motivated Sellers

Homes that remain on the market into fall often belong to sellers eager to close before the holidays or year-end. That motivation can work in your favour—whether through price adjustments, flexible timelines, or covering some closing costs.

See the Home in Real Conditions

Victoria’s mild but rainy fall weather can highlight things you wouldn’t notice in summer. From drafty windows to soggy lawns, autumn showings give you a clearer picture of how a home really performs.

Faster, Smoother Closings

With fewer transactions in the pipeline, lenders, inspectors, and lawyers typically have more availability. That can mean a less stressful, faster closing compared to the busy spring market.


What to Look for When Buying in Fall

When viewing homes this season, pay attention to:

  • Roof & Gutters – Look for missing shingles or clogged gutters after fall rains.

  • Heating System – Ask for furnace or heat pump maintenance records.

  • Windows & Insulation – Drafts are easier to notice when temperatures drop.

  • Drainage – Check for pooling water near the foundation.

  • Lighting – Shorter days make natural light and good indoor lighting even more important.

  • Neighbourhood Atmosphere – Fall brings quieter routines, so you’ll get a true sense of traffic, noise, and community feel.


The Bottom Line

Buying a home in fall isn’t just about timing—it’s about opportunity. With motivated sellers, less competition, and the chance to see how a property performs in real West Coast weather, autumn can be one of the smartest seasons to make your move.

Thinking about buying this fall in Victoria or the surrounding communities? Let’s connect—I’ll guide you through the process and help you find a home that fits your next chapter.

🏡 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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Victoria Real Estate Market Quiet but Steady to Summer’s End

As summer winds down, the Victoria real estate market followed a familiar seasonal trend—slowing slightly in August but maintaining overall stability. A total of 525 properties sold across the region, down 3.7% compared to August 2024 and 22.8% fewer than July 2025.

Condominium sales dipped by 16% year-over-year, with 152 units sold, while single-family homes saw a modest increase of 6.3%, with 268 sales.

The number of active listings at the end of August sat at 3,600, down slightly from July but up 12.8% compared to the same time last year. This boost in available inventory gives buyers more choice than they’ve had in years.

Price trends were relatively steady:

  • Single-family home benchmark (Victoria Core): $1,308,100, up 1.6% year-over-year but down a bit from July.

  • Condominium benchmark (Victoria Core): $551,300, down 1.4% year-over-year and from July’s value.

What This Means for Buyers

For buyers, this is a more balanced and less pressurized market than what we saw several years ago. With more inventory and stable interest rates, you have time to carefully evaluate homes, negotiate, and make decisions without the intense bidding wars of the past. Fall could bring fresh listings as sellers who prepared over summer enter the market, giving you new opportunities to explore.

What This Means for Sellers

If you’re selling, pricing strategically is key. While demand remains steady, buyers have more options and more time to compare. Homes that are well-prepared and marketed properly are still moving, but expectations around timelines should be realistic. With fall historically being a busier season than late summer, now is an excellent time to list if you’ve been waiting.

The Bottom Line

Victoria’s market is steady, balanced, and entering a season that traditionally sees more activity. Whether you’re considering buying or selling this fall, the conditions are favourable for making thoughtful, well-planned moves.

Thinking about making a move this fall? Let’s connect—I’ll walk you through the numbers, help you understand where opportunities lie, and guide you toward your next home or sale.

👉 Start your fall home search or request a market evaluation here.

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

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Why Summer 2025 Is a Smart Time to Buy in Victoria, BC

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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MLS® property information is provided under copyright© by the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board and Victoria Real Estate Board. The information is from sources deemed reliable, but should not be relied upon without independent verification.