Posts Tagged ‘Saanich’

Broadmead is one of those neighbourhoods in Saanich that reveals itself slowly. It isn’t flashy, and it doesn’t rely on trendy developments. Instead, it offers something harder to replicate: privacy, natural beauty, and a sense of calm that makes everyday life feel a little easier. As local realtors, we often describe Broadmead as the sweet spot between convenience and serenity. If you want proximity to shopping, schools, and services without the feeling of living “in the city,” this is where many buyers end up.   A Community Built Around Nature Unlike many newer subdivisions, Broadmead was designed to preserve its natural environment. Homes are nestled among Garry oaks, arbutus trees, rocky outcrops, and walking paths. Instead of manicured uniformity, the area feels organic, like a neighbourhood that grew out of the land. Buyers are often surprised by how quiet it is. Even on larger streets, there is a softness: muted traffic, birdsong, and the rustling of trees. For anyone coming from denser urban living, it feels like an exhale.   Homes with Space and Character Broadmead’s housing stock tends to include larger lots and well-built residences from the 1980s and 1990s. Many retain their original hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, skylights, and generous floorplans. Updates vary - some owners have renovated kitchens or bathrooms, while others have preserved the style that suits the architecture. The result is variety without chaos. You won’t find rows of identical houses, nor extreme mismatches. Broadmead’s development guidelines have helped maintain a cohesive aesthetic, and that consistency supports long-term property values.   Convenience Without the Noise One of Broadmead’s biggest advantages is its location. Residents enjoy quick access to Royal Oak, Elk and Beaver Lake, the Lochside Trail, and several community parks. Groceries, dining, and medical services are minutes away, yet you won’t feel like you’re living beside a commercial zone. Families appreciate the nearby schools and recreation centres. Professionals value the short commute to downtown Victoria or the airport. And retirees enjoy quiet streets, walkable green space, and homes designed with livability in mind.   Who Broadmead Appeals To Broadmead tends to attract buyers who want lifestyle stability rather than constant movement. These include: Professionals seeking privacy and a quieter home base Families wanting more outdoor space without rural isolation Retirees looking for a well-maintained community close to amenities Homeowners ready to trade “new and trendy” for timeless and established If you picture yourself sipping coffee on a quiet deck, surrounded by native trees instead of traffic noise, Broadmead will feel like home. Our Realtor Perspective We’ve worked with many clients who initially overlook Broadmead in favour of areas with more immediate flash. After a few tours, they begin to see the appeal. There is a grounded quality here, an easy rhythm of life that doesn’t require explanation. You walk the neighbourhood, you feel how it functions, and you understand why properties rarely stay on the market long. Broadmead isn’t about impressing visitors. It’s about taking care of the people who live there. If you’d like help understanding Broadmead’s market, recent sales, or which properties tend to hold value over time, we’re here to guide you.   Lorraine Pelser, 5-Star Review, via Google “I would not dream of ever using a realtor other than Cal. Apart from the fact that he is was exceptionally knowledgable and resourceful, he was also honest, truthful and always acted in my best interest while at the same time treating all parties with dignity and respect.” 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.”