We’ve been in the Greater Victoria market long enough to see buyers make all kinds of decisions - some strategic, some emotional, and some regrettable. When the market was red-hot a few years ago, people waived everything: financing, inspections, and even reviewing strata documents. For some, it worked out. For others, it was the costliest gamble of their lives. Today the market is more balanced, but the question still comes up: should you get a mortgage pre-approval and a home inspection, or skip them to look more competitive? The short answer is that skipping them rarely makes sense and seldom pays off long-term. Pre-Approval: Clarity, Confidence, and Negotiating Power A pre-approval is not just a bank saying, “You’re good for X amount.” It’s the groundwork for a successful purchase. It tells you exactly what you can afford and gives sellers confidence that you’re serious. In a balanced market like Victoria’s 2025 landscape, a buyer without a pre-approval is simply not competitive. Offers with financing uncertainty tend to fall to the bottom of the list. We’ve seen deals fall apart because a buyer assumed their numbers would work out, only to find out a lender wouldn’t approve the condo’s age, strata bylaws, or the debt-to-income ratio. By then, the seller had wasted a week, other buyers had moved on, and everyone was left disappointed. A proper pre-approval also protects buyers from emotional bidding. In neighbourhoods like Saanich or Fernwood, where homes are desirable and pricing feels manageable, it’s easy to chase a property higher than intended. A lender-verified budget anchors decisions. Home Inspections: The Hidden Cost of Skipping Due Diligence Home inspections can feel like a speed bump when you’re excited about a listing, especially if the seller hints that “other buyers are coming in clean.” That’s when mistakes happen. Victoria has an older housing stock: character homes, mid-century builds, 1980s condos, and homes renovated across several decades. Problems rarely show themselves during a 20-minute showing. We’ve had clients who waived inspections and later discovered issues like poly-B plumbing, improperly vented bathrooms, hidden water damage behind drywall, or foundations that shift seasonally on rock bed. One buyer saved a few hundred dollars by skipping an inspection and then paid tens of thousands after possession. An inspection is not there to scare you or give you bargaining leverage. It’s decision-making insurance. It shows what’s urgent, what’s routine maintenance, and what’s predictable down the road. In Victoria’s climate - wet winters, salt air near the coast, and our love for older homes - understanding the condition of the property is essential. Does Skipping Conditions Actually Make You More Competitive? The myth is that a “clean” offer automatically beats every conditional offer. That was sometimes true in bidding-war days between 2021 and mid-2022. It is less true today. Strong sellers tend to choose strong buyers. They want certainty and professionalism, not last-minute chaos. A clean offer without pre-approval is a risk for them. A clean offer without an inspection is a liability for you. What Moves Offers Forward Today: Solid deposits Clear pre-approval documentation Realistic possession dates Respectful negotiation Those elements build trust. Skipping due diligence does the opposite. The Victoria Difference Every local market behaves differently, and Victoria is a unique one. Inventory is balanced, but quality homes still draw attention. Sellers know they will attract multiple showings, and most understand that serious buyers will want conditions. The right offer today is the one that shows competency, not recklessness. When we sit across from a seller reviewing offers, the ones that stand out are prepared, cleanly structured, and backed by a qualified lender, not the ones that gamble. Final Thoughts If you truly love a home, protect the purchase. Get pre-approved so you know what you can safely pay. Get an inspection so you understand what you’re taking responsibility for. Competitive offers are not made by cutting corners; they’re made by showing that you are a buyer who will close calmly and professionally.   Tatiana Small, 5-Star Review, via Google “Absolutely phenomenal service from start to finish! Scott took the time to really get to know us and understand our likes and dislikes, what were dealbreakers and what really sold us in finding our perfect first home! Being first time homebuyers, he was extremely patient with all of our questions and very thorough when it came down to the finer details. Without a doubt, I would recommend him to everyone!”   Faber Real Estate GroupRoyal LePage Coast Capital Realty📞 250-244-3430 📧[email protected] ℹ️ Scott Faber Personal Real Estate Corporation ℹ️ Cal Faber Personal Real Estate Corporation Vanessa Wood & Zachary Parsons “Building Lasting Relationships, One Home at a Time.”

Choosing between a brand new home and an established property is one of the biggest decisions buyers face in the Westshore. With communities like Langford, Colwood, View Royal, and the Highlands evolving quickly, both options come with unique benefits. As local real estate professionals, we often help clients explore which type of home truly fits their lifestyle and long term goals. The Appeal of New Homes New builds in Westshore neighborhoods offer contemporary design, energy efficient technology, and modern layouts. Open concept living areas, larger primary suites, and functional kitchens are now standard. These homes usually include updated heating systems such as heat pumps and smart home features that help reduce monthly utility costs. Warranty coverage is another major advantage. Buyers typically receive protection through BC’s New Home Warranty program, which covers materials, labor, and structural elements for several years. For many homeowners, this brings peace of mind and less worry about unexpected repairs. New developments also come with planned community features. Westhills, Royal Bay, and Bear Mountain often integrate parks, trails, schools, and shopping within walking distance. Families and professionals appreciate this sense of convenience without having to leave the Westshore. The Strength of Established Homes Established properties provide character, mature landscaping, and a better sense of community. Older streets often have larger lots, quieter roadways, and an established neighborhood identity. Trees provide shade, yards offer privacy, and amenities have been tested over time. These homes tend to be built with durable materials and traditional layouts suited to long term living. Renovations can be more purposeful, allowing homeowners to modernize specific areas rather than pay for upgrades they do not want or need. Many established neighborhoods also see stronger resale stability because their appeal does not rely solely on new construction trends. Maintenance is an important consideration. Roofing, plumbing, electrical work, and windows may require attention sooner than in a newer home. However, many Westshore sellers have already updated these systems, which can result in excellent value for buyers who prefer move in ready living. Which Option Is Right for You? The best fit depends on lifestyle and expectations. Those who prefer modern layouts, energy efficiency, and a low maintenance start often lean toward new homes. Others who value privacy, lot size, and established communities may find greater comfort in older properties. Our role is to help clients weigh these priorities against budget, location, and long term plans. Whether you envision living steps from a brand new school in Langford or settling into a mature View Royal street, the Westshore has a home type for every stage of life. Lou N., 5-Star Review, via Google “Scott is a knowledgeable, professional, dedicated and thorough expert in his field. Excellent at what he does and we couldn't have found a better realtor to guide us through one of the most important decisions in our lives.” Faber Real Estate Group Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty 📞 250-244-3430 📧[email protected] ℹ️ Scott Faber Personal Real Estate Corporation ℹ️ Cal Faber Personal Real Estate Corporation Vanessa Wood & Zachary Parsons “Building Lasting Relationships, One Home at a Time.”

After years of helping clients across Greater Victoria, we’ve learned an important truth. Saanich is one of the most consistently desirable places to live. It offers a balance of nature, schools, amenities, and stable neighbourhoods, all within minutes of the city. Everyday Living Made Easy Saanich offers something for everyone. You can live close to beaches, walking trails, or shops without sacrificing one for the other. The municipality stretches from coastal pockets to quiet residential areas and even rural acreages. This variety gives buyers real choice instead of compromise. Nature at Your Doorstep Locals value how close they are to parks and green space. Mount Douglas (Pkols), Swan Lake, Elk and Beaver Lake, and the coastline around Cadboro Bay are all part of daily life. A morning walk, an after-work trail run, or a family beach outing becomes simple rather than a weekend trip. Neighbourhoods Buyers Love Gordon Head: Spacious lots, quiet streets, and close proximity to UVic. Broadmead: Mature landscaping, preserved nature, and exceptional privacy. Cadboro Bay: Village atmosphere, beach access, and a strong sense of community. Royal Oak: Central location, convenient shopping, and reliable transit. Rural Saanich: Acreages, gardens, and hobby farms while still near amenities. Why Sellers Perform Well Here Saanich homes tend to hold value. The community attracts long-term buyers who prioritize lifestyle and stability. Sellers do best when they highlight walkability, green space, and flexible floorplans such as suites or home offices. Timeless upgrades generally outperform trendy remodels. Our Honest Take Clients often explore Oak Bay, Sidney, Langford, and View Royal, but many return to Saanich. It isn’t flashy. It is livable, reliable, and rooted in lifestyle. For buyers seeking nature, convenience, and long-term comfort, Saanich delivers.   Brandon Sharratt, 5-Star Review, via Google “My wife and I sold our condo in View Royal and bought a place in Esquimalt with the help of The Faber Group. Scott helped us to find and buy the perfect home for our growing family in a very competitive market. He got to know our wants and needs and worked within our schedule with a small baby. Once we found the perfect place Scott helped us to get it for under the asking price and sold our condo in one day on the market with multiple offers over asking! We are so grateful that Scott helped us through this process, answering our many questions and alleviating our concerns. Thank you for helping us sell our first home and buy a beautiful house for our family.” Faber Real Estate Group Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty 📞 250-244-3430 📧[email protected] ℹ️ Scott Faber Personal Real Estate Corporation ℹ️ Cal Faber Personal Real Estate Corporation Vanessa Wood & Zachary Parsons “Building Lasting Relationships, One Home at a Time.”

Downsizing is not only about moving into a smaller space. It’s a lifestyle transition, and in Greater Victoria, it often brings freedom, convenience, and more time for what matters most. After helping many clients through this process, we’ve found that the most successful downsizing journeys start with clarity: why you’re moving, what you want, and what you’re ready to let go of. Why Downsizing Makes Sense Here Greater Victoria is uniquely suited to downsizers. There are neighbourhoods where walkability replaces long commutes, strata living replaces yard maintenance, and scenic parks or beaches become part of your daily routine. For many, the trade-off of square footage brings a noticeable upgrade in quality of life. Where Downsizers Often Look Saanich Central, quiet, and close to everything—Royal Oak, Broadmead, and Cordova Bay offer townhomes, well-run strata buildings, and a relaxed pace. Victoria Core Downtown and James Bay work beautifully for walkable lifestyles. You’ll find lock-and-leave condos, vibrant food scenes, and easy access to the Inner Harbour. Oak Bay For those who prefer charm and character. Boutique condos and elegant townhome communities let you stay near oceanfront parks, cafés, and village amenities. Westshore Langford and Colwood provide newer builds with modern amenities, elevators, parking, and layouts designed with aging in place in mind.   What to Expect During the Process You’ll Reassess What You Really Need Downsizing forces you to prioritize. Many clients resist at first—until they realize that shedding unused rooms, extra storage, or an oversized yard is liberating. Lifestyle Becomes the Focus Instead of asking “How big is it?” the better question becomes “How will I live here?” Think: morning walks, a balcony with a view, less maintenance, more travel, and easier day-to-day routines. Costs Shift, But Don’t Disappear While utilities and upkeep may drop, strata fees or HOA contributions might increase. A well-managed building is worth it: predictable costs, building maintenance, and shared amenities.   Where to Start 1. Define Your Priorities List what matters most: Walkability Accessibility or single-level living Proximity to family Amenities like pools, gyms, or clubs Storage needs This list becomes your compass when emotions kick in. 2. Take Inventory of What You Own You don’t have to get rid of everything at once. Start early and work in stages: Donate or sell items you haven’t used in 12–18 months Digitize paperwork and photos Keep essentials and meaningful pieces 3. Understand Your Financing Downsizing can unlock equity, but don’t assume the smaller home is always cheaper. Location, age of building, and strata size can influence price. 4. Visit Homes in Person Photos never tell the full story. Touring a 900 sq ft condo with good light and storage can feel far better than a 1,300 sq ft layout with poor flow. What a Successful Downsizing Looks Like The clients who thrive aren’t necessarily the ones who get the biggest condo or the most amenities. They’re the ones who choose places that match how they actually live—near trails, village shops, grandkids, or a favourite café. The best move is the one that fits your next chapter, not your last one.   Shauna Sundher, 5-Star Review, via Google “Both Scott and Cal assisted us in selling and purchasing. It was a big move for us but they both assisted us in getting more than we initially expected and getting us into a really great property. They helped us work through some issues on both ends and were very professional and helpful! We recommend them to our friends and family who need an agent.” Faber Real Estate Group Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty 📞 250-244-3430 📧[email protected] ℹ️ Scott Faber Personal Real Estate Corporation ℹ️ Cal Faber Personal Real Estate Corporation Vanessa Wood & Zachary Parsons “Building Lasting Relationships, One Home at a Time.”

As local realtors in Greater Victoria, we’re often asked where clients can find beachside living without sacrificing convenience. Cordova Bay is almost always part of that conversation. Located along the east coast of Saanich, this neighbourhood blends ocean views, quiet streets, and a welcoming community feel that appeals to families, retirees, and professionals alike.   The Beach Is the Heart of Cordova Bay Cordova Bay Beach is one of the neighbourhood’s defining features. Its long stretch of sandy shoreline feels peaceful even in summer. Residents walk their dogs, paddleboard before work, or enjoy calm evening sunsets with neighbours. It’s the kind of waterfront that isn’t just a view - it becomes part of your lifestyle.   A True Village Feel The neighbourhood centres around amenities like Mattick’s Farm, home to boutique shops, cafés, and local businesses. It’s where residents grab coffee, browse artisan goodies, or stop in after a walk. Golf lovers appreciate having Cordova Bay Golf Course and The Ridge right at their doorstep, and cyclists enjoy easy trail access to Lochside and beyond.   Cordova Bay offers a wide spectrum of housing options. Classic coastal homes with large lots and ocean views Modern builds designed for entertaining and privacy Townhomes and well-planned strata communities for low-maintenance living Luxury waterfront estates that rarely hit the market Inventory remains limited because residents tend to stay. When a good home becomes available, it attracts serious interest quickly.   Schools, Parks, and Everyday Convenience Families are drawn to the strong school catchments and walkable parks. Nearby amenities like Broadmead Village and Royal Oak keep day-to-day living simple. Many clients choose Cordova Bay because it delivers a relaxed, coastal pace without the inconvenience of being “far away.”   Our Realtor’s Take If you’re looking for a neighbourhood that feels like a getaway without leaving the city, Cordova Bay delivers that balance. The beach, the greenery, the village hub, and the character of the homes create a lifestyle that’s difficult to replicate elsewhere in Greater Victoria. Whether you’re downsizing, relocating, or buying your first piece of the island, this community rewards thoughtful buyers who value long-term living. If you’d like a breakdown by budget or housing type, we’re happy to help.   Devon Marchtaler, 5-Star Review, via Google “Scott was very patient with us as we started our family and took about a year to decide on place we thought would be fit for our home. He went above and beyond and still continues to this day to keep in touch and periodically checks in to see how we are doing. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a realtor to either sell or buy their home.” Faber Real Estate Group Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty 📞 250-244-3430 📧[email protected] ℹ️ Scott Faber Personal Real Estate Corporation ℹ️ Cal Faber Personal Real Estate Corporation Vanessa Wood & Zachary Parsons “Building Lasting Relationships, One Home at a Time.”

As realtors who have worked through hot cycles, slowdowns, and everything in between, we can confidently say that Greater Victoria is currently a balanced market. Not the runaway bidding wars of 2021-2022, and not the ultra-cautious environment immediately after the interest rate hikes. Instead, we’re in a middle ground where good properties sell, and buyers have room to think. Inventory and Sales Pressure The clearest indicator of balance is inventory relative to demand. At the end of October 2025, the Victoria Real Estate Board recorded 3,423 active listings across Greater Victoria. That’s well above the extremely low inventory levels of the pandemic boom, but it isn’t oversupply. It allows buyers to compare options without forcing sellers to slash prices. The sales-to-active-listings ratio sits around 18-20 percent. Industry standards consider roughly 12-16 percent a buyer’s market and 20-28 percent a seller’s market. The mid-to-high teens is the territory we call balanced. In practice, this means neither side has full leverage: buyers can negotiate, and sellers can still get fair results when priced correctly. What Prices Are Doing Prices in 2025 are steady overall, though the behavior varies by product type. The benchmark price for a single-family home in the Victoria core is approximately $1,276,500. That is down about 1.8 percent from 2024. The drop is far from a crash; it’s more of a normalization after years of outsized growth. Condominiums are holding firm. The benchmark condo price in the core is just over $551,000, up roughly 0.6 percent year-over-year. This segment benefits from affordability pressures and downsizers returning to the city. Townhomes sit in between. Average sales this year hover around $815,000, with a median around $794,500. They offer more space than a condo without the single-family price tag, and they remain attractive to young families. Across all property types, homes are selling close to listing price. Most transactions land in the 97-98 percent of asking range, which is another sign of equilibrium. When a market favors sellers, you see multiple offers and over-asking. In a soft market, homes sell well below list. Right now, neither extreme is dominant. How This Feels on the Ground If you’re a buyer, you can breathe. You’re no longer racing through 15-minute showings only to hear the home sold before you’ve reached your car. You can walk through several properties, compare finishes and layouts, and analyze monthly costs. You still need pre-approval and a strategic approach, but you have the luxury of choice. If you’re a seller, strategy matters more than ever. A well-priced home in a core neighbourhood like Fairfield, Oak Bay, or East Saanich still attracts strong attention. Listings that land above the comparable range or need too much work for today’s buyers will sit. Presentation, staging, and timing have become essential strategies again rather than optional add-ons. Why Balanced Markets Are Often the Best Balanced markets tend to be healthier and more sustainable. In an overheated market, buyers stretch beyond comfort, waive due diligence, and often regret the decisions that follow. In a weak market, sellers feel trapped or discouraged. Balance creates clarity. It allows everyone involved to act rationally, negotiate fairly, and make informed decisions. The Greater Victoria market is dynamic by nature. It reacts to interest rates, lifestyle migration, limited land supply, and the value people place on this region. But right now, the numbers and the day-to-day experience line up: this is not a market tilted heavily toward either party. It is one in which preparation and proper advice matter more than brute force. Justine Dancey, 5-Star Review, via Google “Cal and Scott treated us like family. We had only 5 days to find a home and Cal cleared his schedule to make himself available to us. Cal guided us in the purchase of our home, as if we were a member of his family asking for advice. I knew we could trust Cal. His service to us did not stop with the purchase of our home…he helped us find trades people and provided information about rental incomes in the area. We were new to the Island and I honestly felt that Cal adopted us and has made sure we had everything we needed. We did not just gain a realtor, but a friend. If you are looking for a realtor you can TRUST, and will look out for YOUR interests— then Cal and Scott are IT!!!” Faber Real Estate Group Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty 📞 250-244-3430 📧[email protected] ℹ️ Scott Faber Personal Real Estate Corporation ℹ️ Cal Faber Personal Real Estate Corporation Vanessa Wood & Zachary Parsons “Building Lasting Relationships, One Home at a Time.”

After many years working with buyers across Victoria and the Westshore, we can tell you that the biggest shock rarely comes from the purchase price but from everything else that gets layered on top. New buyers tend to focus on the mortgage payment alone, but the real financial picture includes closing costs, maintenance, taxes, and lifestyle adjustments. If you want to feel comfortable and confident in your first year of ownership, it’s essential to budget for more than just the loan. Legal Fees and Title Costs Every home purchase in British Columbia requires a lawyer or notary to complete the deal. For most properties in Greater Victoria, legal fees typically fall between $1,400 and $2,500 depending on the complexity of the transfer, whether you’re purchasing a condo, and whether your lender has extra requirements. This is non-negotiable. Your lawyer or notary will handle title transfer, mortgage registration, trust funds, and coordinate with your bank and the seller’s legal team. Property Transfer Tax (PTT) This is the one that surprises buyers the most, especially those relocating from provinces with different rules. In BC, the Property Transfer Tax is: 1% on the first $200,000 of the purchase price 2% on the portion from $200,000 to $2 million 3% above $2 million If you’re not a first-time buyer and you buy a $900,000 home, the tax alone is thousands of dollars due at closing. Some exemptions exist for qualified first-time buyers and for certain new construction properties, but those apply in fewer cases than people expect. It’s critical to verify your eligibility before you shop. Inspections and Due Diligence Even though inspections aren’t legally required, skipping them is a costly gamble in Victoria’s market. Older homes, especially in areas like Oak Bay, Fernwood, or parts of Saanich, may have aging infrastructure, knob-and-tube wiring, or perimeter drains that haven’t been touched since the 1980s. A typical inspection ranges from $500 to $800, more if you add sewer scope, mold testing, or specialized assessments. It is one of the best investments you can make. Insurance: Annual Premiums and Lender Requirements Before a lender will release funds, you must carry home insurance. In Victoria, premiums vary widely based on the age of the home, proximity to the ocean, heating type, and whether you have a mortgage helper or short-term rental. A safe estimate is $1,200 to $2,500 annually. Condos require strata insurance, and owners must also carry their own contents and liability policy. Do not assume the building coverage protects you as it rarely covers your unit or deductible. Strata Fees and Special Assessments If you purchase a condo or townhome, monthly strata fees cover shared areas, building insurance, landscaping, and long-term maintenance funds. Newer buildings may have higher fees if they include amenities like gyms or pools. What many buyers fail to budget for is special assessments. These are extra charges levied for major repairs, such as elevator replacements, roofing projects, or exterior remediation. We always advise reviewing strata documents, depreciation reports, and meeting minutes before you write an offer. You’re not only purchasing the unit itself, you’re also investing in the financial condition of the entire building. Maintenance and Repairs Homeownership comes with the responsibility of ongoing upkeep. Even well-maintained properties need regular service: heat pumps, gutters, roof moss removal, appliance replacements, driveway sealing, and routine landscaping. A general rule is to have 1–2% of the home’s value set aside annually for maintenance. In Victoria, where moisture and mild winters accelerate wear and tear, buyers who skip this category are often caught off guard. Moving and Lifestyle Changes The final cost most people overlook is the one that impacts their daily life. Moving expenses, furniture purchases, strata move-in fees, utility deposits, or landscaping for a bigger yard. If you’re moving for lifestyle reasons, expect costs you may not have planned for. Living in View Royal or Metchosin could mean longer commute times, a downtown condo might require paid parking, and a property near the shoreline often needs added protection from salt air exposure. The Bottom Line The mortgage is just one piece of a much larger picture. Successful homeowners budget realistically, not optimistically. They prepare for legal fees, taxes, inspections, maintenance, insurance, and the rhythms of real life after the keys change hands. Fortunately, with proper planning, these expenses can be manageable. As a team that has guided Victoria buyers through every type of purchase from heritage homes to brand-new condos, our best advice is simple: understand the full financial journey, not just the monthly payment.   Liam Grigg, 5-Star Review, via Google “The real estate market felt daunting, especially when it was our first time entering it. But, working with Scott made the whole process so much easier. He was really excellent at asking questions, showing us a variety of places, and helping us narrow down exactly what we were looking for. Scott was flexible, never pushy, and I really felt supported by him throughout! He made a big difference in helping us find THE place and we couldn’t do it without him. I can’t wait to work with Scott again in the future.” Faber Real Estate Group Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty 📞 250-244-3430 📧[email protected] ℹ️ Scott Faber Personal Real Estate Corporation ℹ️ Cal Faber Personal Real Estate Corporation Vanessa Wood & Zachary Parsons “Building Lasting Relationships, One Home at a Time.”

Recreation at the Heart of Langford Langford has quickly become one of the Westshore’s most desirable communities, and much of its appeal lies in the incredible amenities that make everyday life feel effortless. Recreation is at the heart of the city’s identity. City Centre Park is a perfect example. Families can spend a full afternoon bowling, playing mini-golf, or letting the kids explore the indoor PlayZone, all without travelling into downtown Victoria. Just steps away, Starlight Stadium hosts major rugby, soccer, and football events, bringing a sense of excitement and community pride to the neighbourhood. Add in the Westhills YMCA and aquatic centre, ice rink, and climbing gym, and it becomes clear that Langford is not simply a place to live. It is a place designed to play. Everyday Convenience Within Minutes Convenience is another major draw. Everyday errands are easy to handle thanks to the variety of shopping hubs in the area. Belmont Market, Millstream Village, and Westshore Town Centre offer everything from groceries to boutique shopping, while Costco, Walmart, Real Canadian Superstore, and Canadian Tire provide big-box convenience. The core of Langford along Goldstream Avenue has a charming small-town feel with cafés, bakeries, and locally owned shops lining the street. For residents, the ability to access essentials within minutes is one of the neighbourhood’s greatest advantages, especially for busy parents, commuters, or shift workers. A Growing Local Food Scene Langford is also earning a reputation for its diverse dining options. Whether it is brunch at House of Boateng, a casual bite at Liberty Kitchen in Belmont, or an afternoon coffee at Rhino Coffee House, there is a growing selection of places that bring people together. The area’s restaurants and cafés contribute to a walkable, lively atmosphere, especially around the city core and Westhills. They add the kind of lifestyle value that many buyers look for when choosing where to settle. Nature at Your Doorstep Perhaps the most defining aspect of Langford is its deep connection to nature. Surrounded by lakes, trails, and parks, residents have access to the outdoors at every turn. Langford Lake and Glen Lake offer scenic boardwalks, swimming areas, and gentle paths ideal for morning dog walks or evening strolls. The famous Galloping Goose Trail weaves through the community, providing a convenient route for cyclists, joggers, or commuters. A short drive away, Goldstream Provincial Park immerses visitors in old-growth forest, waterfalls, and the annual salmon run. This experience never loses its magic, even for long-time locals. Designed for Community and Growth Supporting all of this is a strong community infrastructure. The city continues to evolve with thoughtful development, adding schools, community facilities, health services, and transit routes designed to handle growth. The library inside the Westhills YMCA shows how Langford prioritizes bringing amenities together, creating spaces where people can connect, learn, and engage. It is a city built for modern life, and one that continues to attract young families, retirees, professionals, and investors alike. Why Langford Stands Out For anyone considering a move to the Westshore, Langford is hard to overlook. Its balance of recreation, nature, convenience, and lifestyle amenities makes it more than a suburb. It is a thriving, self-contained community with room to grow. If you are curious about what living here could look like, we are always happy to share neighbourhood insights, local listings, and real-world advice to help you find the perfect fit.   Hilary Mathieson, 5-Star Review, via Google “Scott and the rest of the team at the Faber Real Estate Group are fantastic! Scott went above and beyond to find us the perfect property that checked all the boxes. He was extremely attentive and professional and made the entire process very enjoyable. His extensive experience in the real estate industry helped us to choose a property that suited us and he was able to give us lots of helpful insight throughout our experience. Highly recommend to anyone in need of a trustworthy, knowledgeable real estate agent.” Faber Real Estate Group Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty 📞 250-244-3430 📧[email protected] ℹ️ Scott Faber Personal Real Estate Corporation ℹ️ Cal Faber Personal Real Estate Corporation Vanessa Wood & Zachary Parsons “Building Lasting Relationships, One Home at a Time.”

When sellers ask which renovations will boost their home’s value, they often expect expensive upgrades like full kitchen remodels or high-end flooring. The truth is simpler. As experienced realtors, we see buyers respond most to updates that reduce future work, improve functionality, and create a clean, move-in-ready feel. Fresh paint, modern fixtures, updated hardware, and tidy landscaping often do more for resale than costly design experiments. Kitchen and Bathroom Upgrades Kitchen and bathroom updates can add value, but full renovations rarely guarantee a dollar-for-dollar return. Buyers notice modern surfaces like new countertops, refreshed cabinets, updated faucets, and newer appliances. Small changes can refresh a space without a full remodel and make the home feel move-in ready. Flooring Matters More Than Luxury Consistency matters more than luxury. Homes with multiple flooring types feel disjointed. Installing a single, mid-range floor or replacing worn carpet can modernize a home instantly and create flow. Buyers want to see a home that won’t require immediate work. Avoid Highly Personal Upgrades Expensive, niche renovations often miss the mark. Built-in wine cellars, specialty media rooms, or custom outdoor spaces may appeal to few buyers. Unless you plan to stay long-term, these projects are better as lifestyle upgrades rather than investments. Maintenance Protects Value Repairs like new roofs, windows, plumbing, or heat pumps don’t add emotional value but prevent price reductions or failed negotiations. Maintenance is about protecting value, not creating it. The Move-In Ready Advantage Buyers pay a premium for move-in ready homes. They want confidence, not imagined work. Focus on improvements they will notice immediately: fresh paint, updated lighting, new faucets, consistent flooring, and a tidy front yard. Every property is different. The smartest renovations make your home easier to fall in love with while protecting its value. Small, practical updates often deliver the best results.   Gerry Lenz, 5-Star Review, via Google “It was a true pleasure working with Cal. We could not have asked more from Cal in how he looked after us from showing to closing. He made the whole process as easy as possible for us, and it was obvious that he cares about his clients and looking after them. The communication from both Cal and Scott was clear, fast and professional. We would absolutely recommend the Faber Real Estate Group!” Faber Real Estate Group Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty 📞 250-244-3430 📧[email protected] ℹ️ Scott Faber Personal Real Estate Corporation ℹ️ Cal Faber Personal Real Estate Corporation Vanessa Wood & Zachary Parsons “Building Lasting Relationships, One Home at a Time.”

If you’re buying your first home on Vancouver Island, Langford is often the city that rises to the top of the list. It combines affordability, modern amenities, walkable neighbourhoods, and a growing job market, all while staying within reach of downtown Victoria. For many new buyers, Langford offers something rare: a chance to get into the market without compromising lifestyle. More Room for Your Budget One of the biggest barriers for first-time buyers in Greater Victoria is cost. Central Victoria and many surrounding neighbourhoods come with benchmark prices that make home ownership feel out of reach. Langford stands out because the housing stock is newer, more diverse, and often more accessible. Condos, townhomes, and smaller single-family homes are widely available, offering a variety of entry points into the market. While prices fluctuate with interest rates and demand, Langford consistently remains more affordable than comparable Victoria neighbourhoods. For many first-time buyers, this difference is the key that gets them onto the property ladder. Modern Homes and New Infrastructure Because Langford has grown so quickly over the last decade, many homes are newer and built to modern standards. First-time buyers benefit from features that are often reserved for upscale developments in older communities: energy-efficient construction, practical layouts, newer roofs and systems, and fewer immediate maintenance concerns. The city’s infrastructure has evolved alongside its housing. You’ll find sports facilities, new schools, shopping centres, medical services, playgrounds, trails, and community hubs that make everyday life easier. This makes Langford incredibly livable from day one, especially if you’re coming from a rental or smaller condo. Lifestyle Without the Premium Price Tag Langford is well-known for its outdoor lifestyle. The city is surrounded by lakes, mountains, golf courses, and nature trails. Whether you want to hike Mount Finlayson, paddleboard on Langford Lake, or bike the Galloping Goose Trail, recreational options are minutes away. And unlike older urban cores where space is limited, Langford has large parks, wide streets, and room to breathe. The commercial side has also kept pace. The Westshore Town Centre, Belmont Market, Costco, boutique gyms, locally owned cafés, and countless restaurants create a sense of convenience that first-time buyers appreciate. You can settle in quickly without feeling like you’re giving up the amenities of a larger city. Strong Rental Demand and Secondary Suites Even if you’re not planning to be a landlord right away, it helps to know what your options are. Langford has a high rental demand due to its young workforce, proximity to nearby post-secondary institutions, and people relocating to the Westshore from across the Island and mainland BC. Many homes in Langford are built with rental suites, lower levels, or carriage homes. First-time buyers can offset mortgage costs or build equity faster by renting a portion of their property. For some buyers, this financial flexibility is the deciding factor in choosing Langford over other communities. A Community Designed for Growth, Not Sprawl Langford’s growth has been intentional. Rather than simply pushing outward, the city has invested in schools, sports facilities, community programs, and safe neighbourhoods. That’s part of why families, young professionals, and first-time buyers keep choosing Langford and why property values have historically held strong through market fluctuations. When you buy your first home, you’re not just buying the current property you’re buying into the future of a community. Langford’s trajectory remains positive, especially as more services and infrastructure arrive in the Westshore. Final Thoughts If you’re a first-time home buyer, Langford offers a rare combination of affordability, lifestyle, and future value. You don’t need to sacrifice space, convenience, or outdoor access to get into the market. And because the community continues to mature, there’s long-term upside that goes beyond the purchase price. Whether you’re considering a condo, townhome, or starter house, Langford deserves a close look. It remains one of the most accessible and enjoyable entry points into home ownership in Greater Victoria.   Michael Billington, 5-Star Review, via Google “Excellent experience with Faber group! Zach is an amazing young professional, he is very knowledgeable and explained everything to me (a first time buyer) very well. Towards the end I got to work with Cal as well who was also very kind and professional. I would certainly recommend Faber group.” Faber Real Estate Group Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty 📞 250-244-3430 📧[email protected] ℹ️ Scott Faber Personal Real Estate Corporation ℹ️ Cal Faber Personal Real Estate Corporation Vanessa Wood & Zachary Parsons “Building Lasting Relationships, One Home at a Time.”