August is a busy month for families as the back-to-school season approaches. It’s also a fantastic time to focus on finding a home that meets your family’s needs. Whether you’re relocating for a better school district or looking for more space to accommodate your growing household, August offers a great opportunity to settle into a new home before the holidays roll around.

Here are three key tips to help you find the perfect family home this August:

1. Prioritize School Districts

For families with school-aged children, a great school district is often at the top of the priority list.

• Research schools in the areas you’re considering—look at ratings, programs, and extracurricular activities.

• Visit the schools if possible to get a sense of the environment and community.

• Even if you don’t have children, homes in top-rated school districts tend to hold their value well, making them a smart investment.

2. Focus on Family-Friendly Features

Think about what your family needs to thrive at home.

• Look for homes with multiple bedrooms, open living spaces, and functional layouts.

• Consider proximity to parks, playgrounds, and family-friendly amenities.

• Storage is key for families—look for homes with ample closets, garage space, or basements for organization.

3. Plan Ahead for a Smooth Move

Moving with kids can be challenging, so preparation is essential.

• Get your kids involved in the process by letting them pick out their rooms or help pack.

• Time your move carefully to minimize disruptions to school schedules.

• Partner with a realtor who understands your unique needs to streamline the process.

Ready to find the perfect home for your family? Let’s make it happen before the school bell rings! Reach out today to get started.

Wildfires are an ever-present threat in many regions, and the recent wildfire seasons in British Columbia have underscored the importance of preparedness. Following FireSmart principles can significantly reduce the risk of wildfire damage to your home. Here are the key FireSmart tips to keep your home safe.

Create a Fire-Resistant Zone

• Clear Space Around Your Home: Maintain a minimum 1.5-meter non-combustible zone using gravel, stone, or other fire-resistant materials. This includes not having shrubs under your eaves.

Prune Trees and Shrubs

• Vegetation Management: Prune branches to at least 2 meters above the ground to reduce ladder fuels and remove any dead or dry vegetation.

Maintain Your Roof and Gutters

• Regular Cleaning: Keep your roof and gutters clear of leaves, needles, and debris. Consider installing gutter guards.

Use Fire-Resistant Building Materials

• Building Standards: Choose Class A roofing materials like metal or asphalt shingles and fire-resistant siding such as hardie-board.

Design a Fire-Resistant Garden

• Fire-Safe Landscaping: Plant fire-resistant species, keep plants well-watered, and avoid plants that produce lots of dry, dead material. Many nurseries offer a FireSmart Plant Program.  See the FireSmart website for additional information.

Keep Sheds, and Store Firewood and Combustible Materials Safely

• Proper Storage: Keep sheds, firewood, and other combustible materials at least 10 meters from structures. Ideally, uphill or on the same level as your home, never downhill.

Seal Eaves, Vents, and Soffits

• Prevent Ember Intrusion: Use fine mesh screening to block embers from entering attics and ensure all openings are properly sealed.

Choose Deciduous Trees Over Conifers

• Tree Selection: Deciduous trees are less combustible than coniferous trees like pines or firs. Planting deciduous trees over conifers can reduce fire risk around your home.

Prepare an Emergency Kit

• Emergency Preparedness: Include essentials like water, food, medications, and important documents, and ensure each family member knows the evacuation plan out of their neighbourhood and established plans with friends or family in neighbouring communities is a good idea.

Stay Informed and Involved

• Community Engagement: Participate in local FireSmart community programs and stay updated on local fire weather conditions and alerts.

Implementing these FireSmart principles can significantly enhance your home’s resilience against wildfires. Many people start at the furthest reaches of their property when, in fact, the most significant impact is on improvements made near the home. Simple changes can make a big difference, providing peace of mind and protecting your property.

Given the recent severe wildfire seasons in BC, where thousands of hectares have burned and many communities have faced evacuation, it’s more important than ever to be proactive. The BC Wildfire Service and local authorities have emphasized the need for preparedness and community involvement. In BC, building standards are increasingly incorporating FireSmart principles to ensure new constructions are better protected against wildfires.

Sources:

• BC FireSmart: firesmartbc.ca

• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): nfpa.org

• BC Wildfire Service: bcwildfire.ca

• BC Building Code: British Columbia Building Code bccodes.ca

Remember, being proactive and prepared is the best defense against wildfires. Stay safe, stay informed, and stay FireSmart!

1. Knowledge of the Community

Having lived in the Cowichan Valley for most of my life, as a Duncan realtor, I know what each neighbourhood in our community offers to potential homeowners and can offer you the best advice on a home to suit your unique situation.

2. Expert on Value

I have been a realtor in the area for 10 years during which time I have gained extensive knowledge of the housing market and the various factors that influence it. This enables me to provide clients with sound and accurate advice regarding housing prices, meaning I can tell you when the best time to buy or sell is and ensure you receive maximum value no matter what side of the equation you're on.

3. Knowledge of Local Regulations

The last thing you need after moving into your new home is to find out about a bylaw or covenant that isn’t a fit for your family or your lifestyle As a local agent, I am an expert in the local rules, regulations and bylaws. Therefore, I can ensure there are no post moving day surprises for you and your family.

4. Professional Contacts

I have built relationships with other local professionals whose services you may require during ALL facets of buying and selling your home. Whether you require a lawyer, home staging experts, interior designer or a renovation expert, I can connect you with people who you can trust will provide you with the same level of service and expertise that you can expect from me.

5. Support for Local Businesses

Trustworthy trades can help in the areas of renovations, building maintenance, home safety, landscaping, home inspections, and so many more. These are all vital parts to selling and buying at the best possible price. As your local real estate agent, I am proud to support local trades. I strive to maintain good relationships with businesses and trades in this area to ensure that each of my clients receives the best, most comprehensive care for their home.