More homes are selling in Nanaimo, and at a higher price than this time a year ago.

A total of 62 units sold in the city last month, a 13% increase from a year ago, with the average selling price up 6% to $360,799, according to the latest sales summary from Vancouver Island Real Estate Board.

As the largest city in the region, which spans Vancouver Island north of the Malahat, Nanaimo outperformed the regional average in January, based on VIREB sales data.

On average, properties sold for 3% more region-wide in January than in the same period in 2010, while unit sales rose 5%.

The average prices paid for homes that sold last month was 93% of list price, down 1% from a year ago.

“There’s activity in the market,” said VIREB past-president Jim Stewart.

“There’s not urgency. People seem to really want to look at things.”

All but one of six VIREB zones saw year-over-year selling price increases last month.

The increase ranged from 2% in Campbell River to 9% in Cowichan Valley.

Comox Valley and Port-Alberni both saw 4% changes from 2011.

The single price drop happened in Parksville-Qualicum Beach, down 12% to $341,696.

The supply of single-family homes rose 6% from a year ago, to 640 units in the VIREB region last month.

Days to sell increased 2%, with the average home staying on the market 89 days.

Condominiums are taking longer to sell, especially apartment condos.

Townhouse condos are fetching 96% of list price after an average listing period of 102 days, while patio condos are taking 151 days to sell, also at 96% of list price.

On average, apartment condos sitting on the market 191 days before closing, with the average unit fetching just 89% of list price.

More of the same is in store for the year ahead.

“While the market is not going to be sexy this year, it’s performance looks pretty average,” said Cameron Muir, the B.C. Real Estate Association’s chief economist.

Source: Darrell Bellaart, Nanaimo Daily News

Just listed on BestHomesBC.com is a house for sale in Parksville in mid-Vancouver Island. This newly constructed 1962 sq.ft. property built by the well-acclaimed Island Dream Builders has 1,389 sq.ft. on the main floor plus a double garage.

The main level has a fabulous great room with central gas fireplace, a den area by the front entry, a dining area off the well-appointed kitchen, a 3-piece powder room with shower, a mud/laundry room off the garage entry with sink and closet, and a large master bedroom with walk-in closet and 5-piece ensuite with separate soaker tub and walk-in shower.

The upper level of 573 sq.ft. boasts two further bedrooms and a 4-piece bath.

The home is located in Parksville close to all amenities, beaches and schools on Vancouver Island.

Please follow this link, Parksville new home for sale, to view the property’s details and to contact the Realtors, John and Teresa Sandiford of Royal LePage Parksville Qualicum Beach Realty, directly.

Just listed on BestHomesBC.com is a 4-Bedroom, 4-Bathroom House by Spider Lake. This 10 acre western exposed lakefront property and home in Qualicum Beach, on Vancouver Island, has a 345-foot frontage accessed by a winding wooded private drive leading to a stunning architecturally designed West Coast home, with timber framed vaulted ceilings, huge windows and exceptional finishing.

Enter through the hand-crafted “Francois Mongeau” wood-carved door into a great room with gleaming Brazilian Cherry flooring, edge grain Fir beams, floor-to-ceiling rock faced wood-burning insert fireplace with carved Fir mantle. The Red Dragon granite kitchen countertops combined with the dark maple shake cabinetry, tiled floors, gas stove and copper covered oven hood, enclosed sunroom, and nook and pantry create a warn embracing kitchen.

A 2-piece bathroom is off the double garage entrance, with laundry on main. The romantic master with French door to wrap deck boasts a 3-panel gas fireplace, huge soaker tub, walk-in 4-piece steam/shower and double sinks. A second bedroom and guest bath with onyx vessel sink graces the main floor. The open loft area above the great room is perfect for an office or den area with elevated views of Spider Lake.

The lower level has a large rec room presently used as an artist studio, a further 3 bedrooms, one ensuited, a 4-piece bathroom with laundry hook-up, an exercise room, and in-house workshop.

The property zoning allows for a second home to be built.

Launch your kayaks from the shore which is a few shorts steps from the home. Only 15 minutes to the quaint shops of Qualicum Beach, yet when you’re at this property, tranquility and privacy prevails, stars and moonlight fill the sky when the sun fades, and nature and peace abounds. This lake does not allow power boats, so your peacefulness will not be disturbed.

Please follow this link, Qualicum Beach property for sale, to view the property’s details and to contact the Realtors, John and Teresa Sandiford of Royal LePage Parksville Qualicum Beach Realty, directly.

Just listed for sale on BestHomesBC.com is a modern character style house with 3 Bedrooms, a den, and 3 Bathrooms just far enough off Dallas Road to have a quiet ambiance but retain the lovely views. See the ocean from your dining room.

Character wooden blinds, gas stove and fireplace, classic layout with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms up and an office on the main currently used as a fourth bedroom.

Behind the white picket fence is an attractive, sunny SouthWest facing garden. Only one lot off Dallas and steps to the beaches of the area, you can walk the waterfront, visit the Ogden Point Cafe, stroll to Beacon Hill Park or walk to work.

Also a great get-away home. Ask about furnishings. Single car garage, lots of storage.

Please follow this link, James Bay Property for sale Vancouver Island, to view the property’s details and to contact the Realtor, Laurel Hounslow of Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty, directly.

Just listed for sale on BestHomesBC.com is a Nanoose Bay home with ocean view and steps to the beach. This private, 2,000 sq.ft. 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom, (two baths are ensuites) open plan rancher comes with a bonus 700 sq.ft. full height finished, heated, crawl space.

Situated on 0.43 acres on a no thru road, surrounded by million plus dollar homes, and next to a designated protected salmon bearing stream.

A fabulous floorplan with kitchen/family room with built-in fireplace, wood cabinetry and flat screen TV, and sliders out to the patio. Two bedrooms could be used as a ‘lock-off’ and are ensuited. The formal living/dining room has a feature fireplace and ocean views. The back garden has a fruit orchard, fish pond, extensive patio and putting green. Soak in the hot tub in complete privacy in the side garden that is completely decked sporting ocean views.

The home is across the street from Northwest Bay (public beach access) which has a lovely walk-on soft pebble beach fabulous for summer swimming, kayaking and boasts amazing sunsets!

Please follow this link, Nanoose Bay Property for sale Vancouver Island, to view the property’s details and to contact the Realtor, John and Teresa Sandiford of Royal LePage Parksville Qualicum Beach Realty, directly.

Just listed for sale on BestHomesBC.com is a 4-Bedroom house replete with luxury finishing. This French-inspired Chateau home has an incredible rooftop patio, offering privacy, sun and awe-inspiring panoramic ocean, forest and mountain views. The property features warm tones that create a lively facade with a sculptured drive and walkways that pave the way for livable and oh-so-fabulous interiors. Huge windows bring the outdoors in, which are already nature-oriented with warm Asian Mahogany floors, extensive tile, granite and marble.

In keeping with its earth-friendly appeal, this 3,214 sq.ft. eco-home features, low-E windows, solid alder cabinetry, low-flush, and heat pump. Southern exposed private back garden with waterfall and forested backdrop.

The unique architecture offers ‘zoned living spaces’ with 4 bedrooms, 4 baths and a grand cathedral family room on the mid-level. The main boasts a coffered ceiling den/office, a huge efficient high-end kitchen with butler’s pantry, and a delightful focal dining area, and a grand living room.

Walk to town and beaches, this home has it all!

Please follow this link, Parksville Property for sale Vancouver Island, to view the property’s details and to contact the Realtor, John and Teresa Sandiford of Royal LePage Parksville Qualicum Beach Realty, directly.

Just listed for sale on BestHomesBC.com is a 4-Bedroom Waterfront Home for Sale on 0.73 Acres in Bowser, near Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. As you cross your private engineered bridge over Thames Creek to this private enchanting 0.73 acre walk-on waterfront located at the end of the street, the magic begins.

Encircled by forest, creek and ocean this 3,782 sq.ft. entertainment home plus detached shop will delight. Wood beams, river rock fireplace, and ocean and mountain views create warmth in the living room, with the separate bar area perfectly located adjacent to the kitchen for easy entertaining flow.

The country kitchen and eating area has copious oak cupboards and large island, silestone countertops, with access out to the covered deck area. Stroll along 216 feet of walk-on waterfront with 2 legal lots. Keep toasty warm in the family room with a wood-burning stove in the winter months!

The master and ensuite on the main floor is grand with walk-around tiled shower. The upper level boasts a second grand master with sitting area and a 4-piece ensuite.

Lots of extras, including an efficient heat pump for cooling and heating, oversized double garage, RV parking, hot tub, dog enclosure and play area.

Please follow this link, Bowser Property for sale Vancouver Island, to view the property’s details and to contact the Realtor, John and Teresa Sandiford of Royal LePage Parksville Qualicum Beach Realty, directly.

Just listed on BestHomesBC.com is this new condo development in Sooke on Vancouver Island. Inspired by its pristine marina setting, Mariner’s Village is a healthy and sustainable community that combines dynamic spaces and buildings to celebrate its connection to the water. Two unique gateways will guide you past an inviting plaza courtyard filled with vibrant boutiques and trendy cafes.

Stroll along one of the many beaches but remember to savour the view. Vancouver Island has one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems and Conde Nast Traveler magazine’s 2009 Readers’ Choice Awards ranked it second in the “Top Islands of North America” category.

The Navigator’s Pointe condominium building at Mariner’s Village is truly an extension of the marina below with its polished cedar “masts”, angular rooflines, natural cladding and contemporary west coast style. Each spacious residence invites the stunning landscape indoors through large floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor living deck spaces. Each open floor plan is perfect for entertaining year-round and creates a sense of comfort and welcoming.

Sooke is just a short 35 minute drive from downtown Victoria with easy access to Vancouver and Seattle. It boasts an untouched natural landscape and picturesque town centre.

This pristine marina setting is quite possibly the most exciting real estate opportunity on the market today. The townhomes and condominiums currently available for sale, will offer their discerning purchasers spectacular views, oceanside living and an unparalleled opportunity to live a true resort lifestyle.

Please follow this link, Mariner’s Village in Sooke condo and townhouse development, to view the project’s details and to contact the Realtor, Darin Chamberlain of Sutton Group WestCoast Realty, directly.

Just listed on BestHomesBC.com is a beautifully renovated home on a cul-de-sac in Victoria’s Esquimalt area.

A large 6-bedroom family property for sale in Victoria on a duplex zoned lot: 3 bedrooms up, 3 bedrooms down with the possibility for a legal secondary suite – nice enough for the nicest in-laws – which offers water glimpses, views of shimmering city lights and Mount Baker.

Fully upgraded and renovated: electrical, plumbing, roof, light fixtures, gas fireplace, granite and ceramic tile flooring, new and refinished hardwood, granite and marble countertops, large windows and bright interior spaces. Large sunny deck off dining room plus deck on west side.

Five minutes to the beautiful Inner Harbour, short walk to French Immersion, elementary and secondary schools, rec centre, library and quaint mall.

Please follow this link, Victoria house for sale on Vancouver Island, to view the property’s details and to contact the Realtor, Laurel Hounslow of Royal LePage Coast Capital – Oak Bay, directly.

Just listed on BestHomesBC.com is a 3-bedroom timelessly classic property overlooking Cadboro Bay close to the University of Victoria with remarkable street appeal – meticulous enough for the most discerning buyer. This 30′s character home is a hidden treasure with stunning views, a gorgeous garden, wonderful period details and many updates for modern comfort. Nestled among stately firs and mature perennials, it offers an unmatchably peaceful ambience.

Leaded windows and doors, lovely oak and fir floors, formal Living Room and Dining Room, modern kitchen with high end appliances, main floor master with ensuite, 2 more spacious bedrooms up. Down, a gorgeous family room/bedroom with fireplace, generous workshop and rear access to a lovely garden area.

Many options for outdoor living with several patio areas to enjoy sun or shade. An easy stroll to the village and beach or UVic.

Please follow this link, Cadboro Bay House for sale, to view the property’s details and to contact the Realtor, Laurel Hounslow of Royal LePage Coast Capital – Oak Bay, directly.