Happy New Year - 2023 and Welcome to Some Federal Tax Changes for Homeowners

Thinking of buying or selling real estate in 2023?  There has been a few new Federal tax changes to know about as well as the new residential property rule for individuals who purchase a residential property and sell it withing 12 months of their purchase (not many do but always good to know the changes)... may be subject to the 'Residential Anti-Flipping Rule'.  Under the new rules, any profit from the sale of residential real estate (inluding rental property) would be taxed as business income and ineligible for ether the 50 percent capital gains rate or the principal residence exemption.  There are some exemptions... a household addition such as birth, adoption or care of an elderly parent also if there is a marriage or common-law partnership breakdown, threat to personal safety, change in employment, insolvency or involuntary disposition, such as from a natural or human-caused disaster.

As of January 1, 2023 the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act (Foreign Buyers Ban) is in force.   

• Does not apply to Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
• Applies to Non-Canadians directly or indirectly purchasing residential property in Canada for a period of two years.
• Applies to residential property, including detached houses or similar buildings of one to three dwelling units, as well as parts of buildings such as semi-detached houses, condominium units, or other similar premises.
• Applies to direct or indirect purchases of residential property, including purchases made through corporations, trusts or other legal entities.
• Establishes penalties for non-compliance applicable to Non-Canadians, as well as any person or entity knowingly assisting a Non-Canadian in violating the prohibition.  Click here for more detail.

I hope this helps a little for now and best to discuss with your accountant and/or lawyer.  If you would like any help listing or on the buying side please call Brenda direct 250.744.4556  Wishing all a healthy New Year and a warm personal thank you to Kate Campbell for drawing the ad above... Cheers to all!

Oak Bay Royal LePage Top Producer - October 2022

Thirty two years licensed.  Raised in Oak Bay.  Happy to help 250.744.4556 direct line. ~ brenda

Royal LePage Oak Bay Top Producer - April 2021

Raised in Oak Bay and lived in the Henderson, Estevan, North and South Oak Bay locations.  Are you considering a move to Victoria? In particular, the Oak Bay or Fairfield areas... please call Brenda's direct line at 250.744.4556.  Licensed since 1990.  Happy to help... 

Thinking of Selling in Oak Bay or Fairfield?

Brenda has been licensed for more than 30 years with the Victoria Real Estate Board.  She was raised in Oak Bay and knows it well.  If you are considering a move, don't hesitiate to call her with any questions you may have, direct at 250.744.4556.  FIVE star service! 

Brenda Russell is proud to have helped her Buyer's purchase this gorgeous condominion that was for sale, 103 - 1370 Beach Drive, South Oak Bay Victoria BC V8N 2S6. 

One of South Oak Bay's favorite Condominium buildings. One may ask why?...the location, concrete construction and reputation. The strata is extremely well run. This two bedroom suite has been fully updated. Bright and impeccable. Heated floors in the both bathrooms, insuite laundry and an architecturally designed kitchen. Open concept living/kitchen areas with a fireplace. Relax in the sunshine on the large patio while enjoying your coffee cocktail. Two underground parking stalls...but you probably won't need them...  walk to the avenue, marina and parks! Just enjoy it all.

Swiftsure International Yacht Race 2017

What a gorgeous day to watch the yachts set sail at the 74th annual event that runs all weekend finishing Monday May 29th at 6 am.  This year was a little different than past years...Four Long Courses, a tactical race testing knowledge, sharp skill, and endurance. These racing yachts are also very technical.  Approxiamtely two hundred yachts registered for one of the following races: Swiftsure Inshore Classic, The Hein Bank Race, The Cape Flattery Race and The Juan de Fuca Race. Congratulations to ANOMALY - skipper Bill Elmer for finishing first in The Swiftsure Inshore Classic. Click Here to watch this race live right now with the 2017 Race Tracker which uses GPS transponders to show you real time positions of the participants during the Four Long Course races. A Big thank you to all of the volunteers and the Royal Victoria Yacht Club. I hope you enjoy the photos below!

A Few Photo's During Friday Night Inner Harbour Festivities

Photo of The Swiftsure Yachts Heading to Clover Point

Photo of Spectators Enjoying the Start Sequence at Clover Point

Photo From Oak Bay's King George Terrace Look Out 

On a personal note: Completed years ago my 'Basic I' which I remember very well...having capsized in order to pass this level... and enjoying hot choclate afterwards to warm the body from the ocean temperatures... ha ha ha - below is a little photo of me and my son while sailing for a week down the coast of Baja Mexico...in a harness on deck and my son below... an incredible experience from 1997 and realizing a full week of sailing was enough for me... smile... Wishing you all a great weekend and if you have any real estate questions please call me direct at 250.744.4556, twenty-eight years of experience... stay tuned for more updates. Cheers!

Oak Bay Artists' Studio Spring Tour 2017

This year there are 26 local Artists in this self guided free event, Saturday and Sunday April 22 -23 2017 from noon - 4:30pm.  The artists will be opening their home studios to the public showing paintings in watercolour, acrylic, oil as well as jewelry, art cards, ceramics, photograhy, paper castings, woodcuts and more. Come and walk, drive or ride your bike to locations shown on the map above.  Meet the artists!

Several of these artists have received nationwide and international recognition.

1.  Victor Lotto - An award winning painter in acrylics and watercolour, Victor invites you to his studio to see his latest paintings from Canada and his travels overseas.

2.  Pam Stonehouse - Pam explores trees, water, flowers, animals and the unexpected by foot, bike and canoe.  Cards, prints, canvas and metal.

3.  Avis Rasmussen - 'Tour Memory Lane' triptych linocuts, drypoint polymer prints.  All original artworks.  'Garden World,' chapbooks, rubbings, and cards.  Plus print your own card...

4.  Claire Christinel - An award winning artist, Claire welcomes you to her studio!  Enjoy her most recent vibrant landscpe paintings, in either oils or acrylics.  Her art cards will also be available.

5.  Anne Hansen - Anne is famour for her oystercatcher art.  She is also fond of herons, bears, woodpeckers and bald eagles.

6.  Linda Lindsay - Linda is known for her sensitively sculpted, and life-like terracotta and bronze figures. She is passionate about representing the best in humanity.

7.  Jean Betts - Jean's textiles reflect her continuing studies in Japan.  Handwoven silk scarves, linens and decorative pieces using handspun yams and natural dyes.

8.  Myra Baynton - A selection of water colour and acrylic paintings that represent local and international settings.  These works are inspired by the vibrancy of nature and travel.

9.  Vivian Lochridge - Vivian's style is direct.  Her brush strokes evoke a kind of synesthesia, the sound of colour.  She explores, in oils, the balance and harmony of form.

10.  Arlene Davey - In Chinese Brush Painting, the choice of subject matter, simplicity of composition and direct manner of execution bring life to this traditional medium.

Below is a photo describing the artist, location and phone number

11.  Flo-Elle Watson - Using up-cycled white porcelain for her canvas;  Flo-Elle creates an original one-of-a-kind, permanent, non toxic, and functional piece of art.  Flo-Elle welcomes you, come and view her latest creations.

12.  Bonnie-Anne Goodwin - Bonnie has collected antique and spiritual beads in her travels.  She now is creating unique bracelets and necklaces.

13.  Sandi Madsen - The studio is full of beautifully hand crafted pottery and silver jewellery.

14.  Paul Redchurch - Once again, Paul is back with an eclectic mix of water-colours and acrylic paintings as well as his always popular greeting cards.

15.  Robert Amos - Overflowing with creativity, Robert's studio is a must see.  Paintings of Oak Bay, musings about James Joyce, books and prints and umbrellas.  Don't miss it.

16.  Sarah Amos - "Well made, strong confident new oils of Oak Bay and Victoria.  An eclectic group of smaller paintings too."

Below is photo showing off more artists contact information for the 18th Annual Oak Bay Artists' Studio Spring Tour for 2017

17.  Erik Thorn - "My work mostly in acrylic, reflects my love of colour, natural patterns and details."  Exhibition and collections in Canada, France, Scandinavia, and New Zealand.

18.  Miriam Thorn - "I use oil pastels, watercolours, mixed media and photography inspired by natural forms and music."  Exhibitions and collections in Canada, USA, UK, France, Scandinavia, New Zealand and Australia.

19.  Joan Turner - "I am at a new location but my art is still the same! Vibrant Colours! Looking forward to seeing art lovers!."

20.  Joanie McCorry - Discover the new magic Joanie has created via her three dimensional paper castings, collages and photos.  New greeting cards on display.

21.  Marie-Andree Allison - Represented in several ancient media, the subjects displayed are either figurative or abstract.  A long-time visual artist and art educator, Marie offers demonstrations in some of the techniques.

22.  F. Caroline Hunter - An award winning artist, Caroline welcomes you to her home to view her watercolour and acrylic paintings and cards.

23.  Greg Stoneman - Greg is pleased to welcome you to his Jactone Studios to view his unique styles of multimedia woodart.

24.  Val Woulters - "Shapes and colours I notice everyday inspire me to express the peace and joy of nature through the use of mixed media o canvas"

25.  Bruce Vallance - Bruce continues to explore boat, figure and eclectic themes.  His garden and renovated studio akes this a 'must see' visit.

26.  Myrna Germaine-Brown - Myrna is creating larger works inspired by familiar subjects and surroundings using her painted and dyed fabric enhanced with pastels.

Below is a photo of artists in this weekends special free self guided tour

Wishing you all a fabulous weekend and please stay tuned for more Oak Bay updates! 

Being a Professional REALTOR® - August 2014

God said I need somebody that will get up before dawn with the dedication of the sun.  Risk time, energy and investment for no salary or guarantee work long hours on the street prepare and deliver presentations serve and attend to others emergencies then stay out past midnight at a meeting at the school board...so God made a REALTOR®.  God needed somebody mentally tough that could wake up unemployed everyday yet gentle enough to have compassion for others.  Someone that could build a bridge between people and technology.  Someone to arrive home nightly in the dark to accommodate others time tell them 'thank you for the opportunity' and mean it... so God made a REALTOR®.  God said I need somebody that can sell like Carnegie.  Make contacts and write contracts handle objections and deal with rejections and who can finish her forty hour week by Wednesday noon then weary from contingencies and people eccentrities and volatility's put another forty hours and sacrifice a weekend too...so God made a REALTOR®.  God needed somebody that does not measure their work in hours but by their satisfaction of their clients someone to handle emotions unemotionally.  To meet with triumph and disaster and treat those two impostors just the same.  God said I need somebody strong enough to knock doors and be ignored, direct mail and email, run ads, deliver notepads, yelp and blog and work like a dog, make calls and get up from falls and who will stop her efforts when called upon to mend the broken spirit of a colleague or a client...so God made a REALTOR®.  It had to be somebody who would honor ethics and integrity and not cut corners.  To keep their head when all about them are loosing theirs and trust themselves where others doubt.  Someone that could hold on when there is nothing left inside except the WILL which says 'hold on'.  Who would laugh and then sigh and then respond with smiling eyes when her son says he wants to spend his life doing what mom does...so God made a REALTOR®.   

Please stay tuned for more updates about Victoria and Oak Bay real estate. 
 

I was featured recently in the Oak Bay News. The article was about the importance of decluttering when downsizing a home after decades. If you are selling a home in Victoria I mentioned in the article below how an hour's consultation with a professional home stager can dramatically improve a home's appeal by decluttering and rearranging furniture to best show off the home's attributes. Sometimes Seller's feel overwelmed when preparing to put their home on the market. Please remember you are not alone we will take one step at a time to figure out the best way to prepare before listing the home. I have had estate sales and homes in Oak Bay where we just painted a little or moved a few pieces of furniture around and the photo's looked fantastic!

You can read the full article below or contact me if you have questions about selling a home in Victoria.

Downsizing a Home After Decades

Even an hour’s consultation with a professional home stager can dramatically improve a home’s appeal by decluttering and rearranging furniture to best show off the home’s attributes, says realtor Brenda Russell.

— image credit: Niels Nohr photo

• by Angela Cowan - Oak Bay News
• posted Aug 2, 2014 at 2:00 PM

Moving is a stressful experience at the best of times, and downsizing after living in the same house for decades can seem like an insurmountable task, but with a few phone calls and a little bit of effort, the process can be relatively pain-free.

“The first call should be to a realtor who specializes in (the neighbourhood) and specializes in downsizing,” says Cassie Kangas, a realtor with DFH Real Estate and a lifetime resident of Oak Bay. She’s been selling homes in the community for eight years, and says that the general rule of moving every seven years doesn’t apply here.

“It’s much longer,” she says. “I went to elementary school with kids whose parents are still living in Oak Bay. We’re looking at 35 and 40 years for some people.”

After such a long time, she says, it’s important that no surprises crop up when the house goes on the market.

“I definitely recommend doing a pre-inspection,” says Kangas. Dealing with old oil tanks in the yard or anything that would make the house unliveable – like a roof in need of replacement – is a must, but renovations aren’t always necessary.

“It’s usually not worth putting any money into the house, unless it’s something that needs to be done that would impede the sale of the home,” she says. “It’s more realistic to just price the home where it needs to be, reflecting any work it might need.”

Tearing out walls or replacing the kitchen might be a bit much, but a coat of paint and a professional’s eye can do wonders to interest buyers, says Brenda Russell, realtor with Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty. Russell has been licensed for 24 years, and has seen what a little bit of staging can do.

“Doing a colour consultation or even just changing a few pieces of furniture around…I always encourage even an hour’s consultation,” she says. “It doesn’t cost very much, and when you bring a professional in, then you’ve got a ‘wow’ experience.”

Russell adds that while professional help can be invaluable, to remember that every house is individual, and no house is going to be perfect.

“Every home is different. Your neighbour’s isn’t the same as yours,” she says. “Even a brand new house isn’t perfect, so there’s always going to be something to look at.”

Both Kangas and Russell agree that the important thing is to take the process one step at a time, and not be afraid to call in help if needed.

“It’s about gently getting started, and gently working through the process,” says Kangas.

Victoria Symphony Splash Tonight - August 2014

The event has started at the Inner Harbour.  Performace starts this evening at 7:30pm.  After 3pm chairs can be placed on the upper and lower causeways.  A Twenty Five year celebration for The Splash and is now the largest annual symphony event in North America!

Each year a young soloist is chosen to perform with the Victoria Symphony a tradition starting in 1994. Erik Lin is nine years old.  He started piano lessons at age five.  May 2013, he was invited to perform at the opening of the David Foster Foundation Theatre at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel. Along with many prior performances, awards and honours.  I'm sure Eriks music teacher, Ingrid L. Henderson will be smiling from ear to ear tonight along with his family and 40,000. other people... smile.

If you can please donate $5.00 for a button supporting the event.

Have Fun, Be Safe... please stay tuned for more updates.

Below is a photo of the Victoria Inner Harbour showing off the Empress Hotel and Causeway.

Victoria Real Estate Market Update for June 2014

Thanks to Ubertor, my web provider.  This month an infographic was created to help understand the Victoria Real Estate Board statistics.  Below you will notice that 680 properties were sold in the region for the month of June compared to 664 in June 2013 so an increase of 2.4 percent.  A balanced market.  Pricing is more stable and predictable.  I like to look at the graph showing the number of Listings vs. number of Sales.  I hope you find this helpful and maybe even a little easier to understand.  Please call if you have any questions or would like help with your real estate wants/needs.  Look forward to hearing from you my direct mobile line is 250.744.4556 or toll free in North America 1.800.550.0585  Please stay tuned for more updates! 

Oak Bay Willows Beach July 2014

Wednesday evening The O'Brien Family will be performing at Willows Beach park starting at 6:30pm.  Originally from England the family have established themselves as one of the most exciting and fresh volcal and instrumental groups on Vancouver Island.  What a treat this will be! Bring a blanket and watch the sunset...enjoy it all here in Oak Bay.  Let's go... Located on the corner of Dalhousie and Beach Drive.  Lots of parking available as well.