NelsonLocal.com Newsletter

Issue 4 - Spring 2006

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Real Estate In Nelson
Garden Tip
Inside NelsonLocal.com
Waterfront For Sale

Real Estate In Nelson

“As we head into spring, the residential real estate market in BC is as strong as ever,” said BCREA President Dave Barclay. “February tends to be a slower month for real estate sales, but we’re seeing considerable activity in several areas of the province—the type of activity we’re accustomed to seeing during the summer months of years past. British Columbians understand the value of real estate as an investment and, with the help of realtors throughout the province, continue to realize the dream of owning a home.”

Real Estate prices continue to rise in the sought after Nelson and Kootenay areas. With an average residential unit cost in the city of Nelson at $312,943, and despite the slow increase in mortgage rates, buyers are still edger to invest and establish roots in the Koots.  Multiple offer situations on properties in the area are becoming the norm as the demand for housing still exceeds the supply available.  The spring market has begun and more listings are coming on the market each week.  Be sure to update me if your buying criteria has changed to ensure that you are receiving adequate listings suitable to your needs.

Kootenay Real Estate Board Statistics year to date as reported to the end of March 2006

Nelson Residential   Year to date: average sale price $312,943 from $220,781 in 2005 (Increase of 41%)

Rural Residential      Year to date: average sale price $252,632 from $180,942 in 2005 (Increase of 39%)

Nelson Condo Sales  Year to date:  average sale price $278,500 from $110,000 in 2005 (Increase of 153%)

Nelson Duplex           Year to date: average sale price $285,000 from $151,000 in 2005 (Increase of 88%)

For more stats on the market in Nelson over the past ten years, view them on www.NelsonLocal.com under the Buyer & Seller Resources page.

Grow A Garden In The Shade

Landscaping can bring great personal enjoyment while adding curb appeal to your home.  If you have shady areas that need some ‘life’ to them, it’s time to get planting.  Lack of sunshine due to the coverage of large trees and minimal southern exposure need not hinder your inspiration for creation.

The soil around large trees will typically be harder and less fertile than other areas.  Mixing top soil with compost and organic fertilizers is a great way to get your garden area established.  Don’t forget that frequent watering will be essential for the growth of new plants in shaded areas.

Establish multiple raised garden beds to create depth in your garden space. Top soil should not be deeper than about 3 inches for the best growth results. Birch bark, pine cones, rock, and cedar chips are all great accents to incorporate into your landscape design. 
Some plants that due well in the shade include:

Rhododendrons –  flower in the early spring
Hydrangeas –  flower in late summer
Hostas – a staple for every garden
Ferns – add fullness 
Cowslip – bloom in the spring
Witch Hazel – small flowers bloom in late fall
Columbine – nice in a rock garden

Inside NelsonLocal.com

My website www.NelsonLocal.com won an award for one of the best BC Real Estate websites.  The BC-Realty.com Real Estate Site Award is given in recognition of a site's contribution to the British Columbia real estate industry. It is rewarded to sites that display both creativity and a commitment to their user/client. The award is based on site design, ease of navigation, and most importantly content and relevance. 

I’d like to thank my web designer Brian Chard (www.brianchard.com) for all his hard work and commitment to helping NelsonLocal.com be cutting edge. 

New to the site within the next month will be the NelsonLocal Blog section.  What is a blog you ask? It is an online journal that will be regularly updated with Nelson news, real estate info, current local events, and a mixture of personal postings that are fun or of interest that I’d like to share with everyone.  So bloggers…..stay tuned.

NelsonLocal.com has extensive Real Estate links, helpful sections for both Buyers & Sellers whom are thinking about making a real estate investment decision, International & Immigration resources for out of country investors, awesome maps available of the area, mortgage calculators, design tips, real estate statistics, and of course updated listings that I have.

Speaking of listings…..my inventory is at an all time low and I need you to pass my name along to anyone you know thinking of selling in or outside the Nelson area.  If you are happy with my service, the best compliment I can receive from friends and clients are future referrals. 

Waterfront Listings Available

2 lots available in John’s Walk subdivision each priced at $210,000
.46 acres, 3 bdrms, 2 year old home, close to Nelson - $749,000
1.17 acres with small cabin in Balfour  - $525,000
4.5 acres with 4 bedroom cabin, 3 bay garage close to Balfour - $625,000
3.36 acres bare land across the orange bridge in Nelson - $365,000
.28 acre with 102 feet of beach, lovely 1500sqft home - $599,000
70x324’f with 4 bedroom home in Proctor - $785,000
6.75 acre parcel with beautiful 4 bedroom home in Roseberry - $1,500,000

For further listing details on any of the waterfront properties please contact directly at info@nelsonlocal.com  or on cell 250-354-3382

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