Summer is moving fast, and thankfully we are seeing some warmer temperatures! As we step into August, there are still several weeks to enjoy beautiful local beaches, summer BBQ’s, and the company of your friends and family. Check out the article below on how to create a low-maintenance garden at home while you are out and about appreciating the sunny weather!
On the real estate side of things, due to the Bank of Canada’s interest rate increase, we are experiencing a rebalancing in the real estate market; we are coming out of a strong sellers’ market and now the market activity reflects a more balanced market. Buyers have time to complete their due diligence and maybe even visit more than one property! Sellers will have to have an adjustment in their selling mindset and make sure they have proven strategies for the realities of the current market. We have lots of experience in this type of market so we can gladly help with that.
Although there is an adjustment in the overall number of active listings and sales, properties are still selling, just in a calmer climate. Higher interest rates might seem less than ideal, but in the long term, they are expected to bring inflation down. If you have any questions on real estate, please don’t hesitate to connect with us. We’d love to chat about any and all of your questions!
Ally and Dennis
August 2, 2022 – A total of 510 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region this July, 38.9 per cent fewer than the 835 properties sold in July 2021 and a 16.7 per cent decrease from June 2022. Sales of condominiums were down 39.4 per cent from July 2021 with 172 units sold. Sales of single family homes decreased 35.9 per cent from July 2021 with 254 sold.
“We’d previously indicated a shift in the local housing market,” said 2022 VREB President Karen Dinnie-Smyth. “This continued be the case in July as sales dipped, and we saw fewer listings come to the market, with more of the existing inventory remaining for sale. This slowdown means a calmer and more friendly environment with time for decision-making, which benefits sellers and buyers and will be a relief to many.” See the full report HERE.
Gardening doesn’t have to be difficult with endless hours in the sun. Whether you are new to gardening, have a green thumb, or just want pretty plants without the work- check out these low-maintenance flowers and shrubs!
Marigolds
Marigolds are a staple annual plant in SO many gardens and for good reason- you plant them and leave them! They flower the entire season with very little maintenance (a little water now and then), plus they are a hardy little plant that tolerates most soil conditions. Bonus – they do not spread!
Rosemary
This perennial herb is wonderful for gardens as it is easy, fragrant, and gives you an herb you can use in the kitchen! It is known to be evergreen in certain climates too.
Meadow Sage
This deer-resistant perennial is easy to care for and rewards the beginner gardener with long-blooming deep purple flowers. It’s a favourite of hummingbirds and bees, and will become a favourite of yours, as it comes back year after year. Bonus – it doesn’t need super nutritious soil!
Creeping Phlox
Grown easily over rocks and in tough soil conditions, this perennial provides a carpet of gorgeous blooms in early spring, just when you’re really craving colour in the yard. Flowers come in white, pastels, saturated hues, and even candy stripes. Phlox spreads but is not invasive, ideal for an easy and satisfying ground cover.
Goatsbeard
This flowering perennial gets its name from its fluffy, wispy white flowers. It’s a shade-tolerant plant, so it’s great for filling in areas of the yard that don’t get much sun. They’re nice and low maintenance because our frequent BC rainfall usually keeps them sufficiently hydrated. Bonus – you can cut the flowers and display them in a vase for about a week!
