Exclusive Listing - Features of the home. Port Hardy, BC

Oceanfront home with views as far as you can see. In the world class fishing and wilderness recreation area of Port Hardy, BC - at the top of Vancouver Island. Launch a kayak or stand up paddle board within steps. Cast a line off the dock with other locals to reel in dinner. Join a guided fishing charter off the coast to catch salmon, rock fish, halibut and ling cod. Or stroll the sea walk & hidden coves that are steps out the front door.

This is a lifestyle that provides a small town feel with all the amenities and West Coast wilderness.

PS if you buy this house, I will share the best way to cook lingcod, halibut, or rock fish - passed down from another west coast fishing guide. Trust me, it’s worth it!!!

Overhead view of , Port Hardy, BC. Exclusive listing for sale by Shannon Cutler and Stephen Cronk, of Macdonald Realty Ltd. Drone footage shot by Geoff Heith.

Re-wrapped resolutions: Goal setting

A resolution in disguise?

 As we are well into the new year, I look back on the month of January and the resolutions that have been made all around me. When I was younger there would be the yearly, “this year I promise to eat more green veggies, to drink less wine (except weekends), and always to train for a half-marathon.” I soon learned that new year’s resolutions were not for me. That my best chance of success would be to live the life I want, a life that makes me happy, on a daily basis.

 For the first time in my life I decided 2020 was the year to goal set. At the start of the year, my good friend and co-worker, Jeannie Shaver (also a Rockstar Realtor®), and I sat down at my kitchen table with coffee and pens in hands and we planned our year. Business style.  We set our goals for money, clients, social media, our personal lives, and for fitness. 

 At first, I felt this may be more resolutions packaged in a different colour wrapper. I soon realized that goal setting was a means for planning my business year; a way to find a sense of organization and very clear direction.  I found this comforting and quite grounding. Perhaps just what I needed.

 My goals are clear, written down, attainable, relevant and measurable. Well, sort of measurable. But all the rest, check. How can I run a successful real estate business, when I do not feel organized? I am not sure that it is possible, long-term.

 After being in business for myself, a solo-preneur, for nearly two years, there are days when I feel I have very little direction. Like today do I watch four episodes of Scandal while folding laundry and sending the odd email wearing yoga pants on my couch? While that sounds like a blissful day, it is a sure way to not do any business. Don’t get me wrong, I do feel that some downtime is required on occasion, especially with 2 young children to raise in the midst of crazy real estate life. However, if I do not have appointments one day, what do I do? 

 With setting my goals I have something to fall back on, when my day appears to have zero direction. Goals are something to check in with; to evaluate my progress. I feel my goals will hold me accountable, to myself. Well, also to Jeannie while we have our morning power hour at the office, or on the trails while we walk our dogs.  Some of our brightest ideas and biggest brainstorming sessions have been on our trail walks.

 I know my dog, Crosby, the handsomest chocolate lab you have ever laid eyes on, has made his annual resolution. His resolution is to trick me into walking with his friends more often, and to let him sleep on my bed. At this point, 1 out of 2 ain’t bad.

 Shannon Cutler
Vancouver Island Realtor® and Lifestylist
Macdonald Real Estate Group, BC

Weed, Mary-jane, marihuana, cannabis and real estate

Weed, Mary-Jane, skunk, marihuana, pot, reefer, dope, ganga, and herb are just some of the names used in place of cannabis. It has been over one year since Cannabis was legalized in Canada. What does that mean for the world of real estate? What does it mean if you are selling or buying? 

 How many cannabis plants is a person legally allowed to possess? The answer is four; 4 plants per household. Even if there are four adults living in your home, the math does not add up to 16. It still adds up to four. 

 Now, the trouble arises when marihuana is grown in a home or outbuilding. When in was policing and working in a drug section, I remember, dealing with, and dismantling major grow operations.  From electrical bypass to automated water cycles going 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for 90 days. Harvest. Then start again. Chemicals, water, and electricity pumping through a home.  All of these things makeup a grow operation and can directly impact the integrity of your home, or the home you may purchase. Some of these issues are:

·      Chemicals in the air can affect the air quality in the home;

·      the moisture produced from the operation produces moisture and can lead to mold, health concerns due to air quality, and structural issues with excessive moisture

·      illegal grow operations often have electrical and structural alteration in the home. obviously leading to other potential safety issues

 Even though marihuana is legal, sort of, due to the strict limits and guidelines, illegal grow operations still remain prevalent.  This means that disclosure of grow ops when selling real property is paramount. As a buyer, that is aware there was a grow op in a home, you and your agent need to make all reasonable efforts to inspect the property to find if there are any implications.

 As a seller, you will have to disclose to your agent, and determine whether you are dealing with a material latent defect or not. This is a whole different topic. But failure to disclose a latent defect can lead to potential legal liability. A latent defect is something that effects the 

 Let me know if you have questions about this. Or get legal advice before listing / buying real property that is affected by a marihuana grow operation.

As for Organized October, unfortunately, my tidying efforts are still ongoing. Don’t get me wrong, I am loving the results of this process. But it ain’t easy.  It is a little overwhelming to say the least. I deviated from her checklist. Big mistake. In turn I was wandering around tidying a closet or drawer here and there. So, I am back on track. Today I will be tackling my pantry. My pantry is huge and is a proverbial dumping ground for everything. From plastic bags, to thrift store boxes & empty wine bottles, baking supplies, and all our snacks.

 Shannon Cutler @ Macdonald Real Estate Group.

Realtor® Vancouver Island, BC.

October already... WTF?

Grab a rake &

Let’s get organized…

As I saw my breath outside this morning & the temp gauge read 4degrees, I realized summer is gone. Regardless, I still wear my flip flops. A toque and flip flops; West Coast style at its best. I fully intended, on writing a blog each month; in hopes of providing a bit of value to those who read it (T.C. J). However, this summer was so busy with work and camping, that I missed the boat. 

A few clients have asked lately if fall is a good time to sell their home. What do I know? You can sell your home anytime. I know of one deal that happened on Christmas Eve last year. Who knew? That being said, preparing a home to sell can be a monumental task. So, whether you are thinking of selling or just looking around at the chaos left by summer, fall is a wonderful time to get organized, in the yard, home, and office.  

In the yard we need to put away lawn furniture, transplant pots to the ground, rake, cover and compost. Did I mention stack wood for the fireplace? Wood, by the way, is harder to come by than one may think. And getting my 11-year-old to help stack it, is like trying to get a vegan in a meat packing plant. I digress. It is time to take advantage of the few warm days we have left and get this done. Once the rain and snow start it’s too late. 

As for the home, which is a constant battle, there has to be a better way than throwing random stuff in a box in my pantry that I drop off once a week at the SOS. Then the following week the kids say, “hey where is my special sparkle Halloween mask?”  I say the dog chewed it.  The response I receive is crying and yelling, “you sell everything of mine!”

So, I read “the life-changing magic of tidying up,” by Marie Kondo. Reading a book on tidying was more enjoyable than you may think. Her system makes sense and is all about only keeping items that bring you joy. A friend of mine recently went through the Kondo process and said that because she only kept those items that she loves, every time she leaves the house, she is wearing one of her favourite clothing items. And the material stuff, is only half the point of her process. Marie Kondo also gives everything a home. You look in one place for your keys, not 6 places. I can’t wait. I am starting the process this week, in time with the week of rain we are due on the island. Watch for videos and posts as I go through this! 

Unless you have a home office, organizing your office may not help you prepare for selling, but it will help you feel more organized. Time to go through the papers, business cards you’ve collected, and clean up the computer desktop. The Marie Kondo method helps with this to. You will see when I go through the paper purge stage.

I hope you have crisp, clear, & productive October. Hang in there as I go through the Marie Kondo process and see if this is something that would work for your life. Selling your house or not, it always feels liberating to get organized. Just in time to buy more stuff for Christmas! Haha 

Shannon Cutler 
Realtor® 
Vancouver Island, BC

One Year in Real Estate - A Thank you to my clients!

One year has arrived. I cannot believe it. Is it because I am older and days go faster? Ha or is it due to having so much fun in my new career? I wanted to take a moment to thank my clients, for being my clients: 

Brent, Deanna, and Amelia – Thank you for being my first clients! Brent and I once worked together so he knew what he was getting in to JWe found a cozy family home with a gorgeous ocean view for them to enjoy for years to come. Welcome back to the island. 

 Tamara, Kyle and Freya – Thank you for sticking it out with me while we battled in the hot market of 2018, and through the weird new mortgage obstacles of 2019. It was tough at time, but we did it together! You have a family home with a yard built for BBQ parties! And lucky for us, we are now friends and have already starting making memories. 

 Natalie, Ryan and the princesses – You never knew you needed me until we met JThank you for trusting me to sell your home and find you and your new family a home to grow in. I am so pleased you decided to make Oceanside your home. One of my favourite memories is when you told me you were expecting!!!! Tears of happiness. Congratulations on all the wonderful changes over this last year. 

 Fran – I loved our coffee time together. Thank you Miss Fran for trusting me to sell your home and find you a bit of quiet privacy in your new home. Thank you for letting my daughter come over-feed your fish and eat all your cookies. We will come visit for tea soon! 

 Don and Sneak – I have yet to encounter someone else who makes such quick decisions. It was wonderful to get to know you and meet your sweet, rescue dog Sneak (I hope she enjoyed her homemade cookies). She has tons of room to play and be free. Welcome to the island. Thank you for working with me and trusting me to help you!

 Bob and Ev – I didn’t think I was ever going to find something to check all your boxes.. and there were A LOT!!!! But we did it.  We found you a brand new home built for a Queen and King (which is what you totally deserve) and sold your townhome to a couple that could not wait to move in. I look forward to more lunches with you both and cleaning out Bob’s fly gear. 

 Julia and Eugene – You were the most positive two clients! I loved how Eugene could see a silver lining in everything, even a leaky crawl! I am so glad, with Nate’s help, we were able to find you a brand-new home to fit all of your needs. Welcome to the island!!

 James – Well you are married to me so what choice did you have? The flip/reno project was a big one. It took us both, with much help from family and friends, an immense amount of time and dedication to complete this. I was amazed at your stamina at times. I would be crashed on the couch while you worked until mid-night, week after week. Thank you! I know we said goodbye to our first home together, but we are overjoyed that there is a young family loving life in those four walls! I can’t wait to start the next project with you.. ok I lied, I can wait. But it will still be epic I’m sure. 

 Pat and Peter – How lucky was I that your neighbour knows me and suggested you list your home with me? I’d say very lucky. I have enjoyed getting to know you both and know we will find you the perfect place in which to down size. By the way, your cookies are sooo delicious!

 Doreen – We’ve got this Doreen! I know it is a lot right now, but I am here to help you through. You are a strong lady, with a wonderful sense of humour. Thank you for trusting me with selling your home. Sounds like there are many more adventures in your future! 

 Lisa – My friend. I feel like we barely see each other, but now have a real excuse to do so. So many six second hugs in our future! Thank you for trusting me to sell your mom’s home.  I look forward to many more years of friendship. 

 Scott, Carey and Aiden – you know the circus anthem “da da da da da da da da da da” hahaha that is us at times!  You guys like the strangest places! But I think today we may have found The Place! Your lives are full of adventure and open mindedness. It’s awesome. Also, thanks for the chowda!!

 What a year! Thank you to my clients for your trust and friendship! Thank you to my friends, family, clients and old co-workers for your referrals and your trust! I love this industry. 

Cheers (this is where you pick up your drink) to an unforgettable first year and to many more years! 

 Shannon Cutler
Vancouver Island Realtor®

Realtor Life

May 12, 2019

 Realtor® life

 This week has brought about some crazy days. My daughter turned 6, three homes completed, we said good bye to our Jensen home & welcomed a new family, I met 2 new clients, and have spent over 12 hours on the phone with Microsoft support. To top this off, Macdonald Realty kindly put us in a two-day training course. Did I mention my lawn is not mowed, the laundry is piled up, and we have yet to be able to sit down to a family meal? 

Between blowing up balloons on the weekend and decorating cupcakes, I was negotiating an offer and trying to calm down an older client who was moving out of one home into another, this week, while his wife is hugging surfers (at my request) in Australia. I think she got the better end of the deal.  This lovely couple sold their lovely townhome in Nanaimo to settle in a brand-new Windward Construction rancher on a quiet street in Parksville. I welcomed him to his on Wednesday, and even though the keys for the home were missing, he was smiles all around.

 Speaking of client stories, one client had bought a new home and was concerned he wouldn’t receive his landscaping credit. I assured him he would. When James (hubby) went to take down a sign for me, my client again told James of his concern. James said, “not to worry. Shannon will get your money for you. No one wants her after them.” Haha true. But then he also said, “well if she does not get your money I will send her over with a rake and shovel.” 

 On Monday I had the privilege of meeting my newest client. Thank you to my friend who referred her to me! She is a lovely lady and local grandma. She was looking to list her home for sale in the coming month. After a serious conversation today and a few tears, I hugged her goodbye. When I went to leave we found that my necklace was caught on her shirt. She pulled me along through her home until we could cut ourselves free. Talk about a first impression. 

 I also want to say a big thank you to J, J, and C for three new referrals! Yes, I know. Referrals are my bread and butter baby! When someone trusts me enough to refer their family or friend to me, then I know I am doing something right. Keep them coming. Refer someone to me. I will pay you a referral fee. Yes, I will. Except to Dale, who refuses to take my money. So I tried to send him and his wife to dinner while I babysat. He said no. When she found out that he refused my offer she flipped. Haha… 

Being a Realtor® is seriously crazy, fun, hectic and interesting. #realtor #lovemyjob 

Shannon Cutler

 PS I will be announcing a draw this week… stay tuned

Realtor® life

Realtor® life

 Part of a being a good Realtor® is being knowledgeable in your community. Knowing the answers when people ask them: Where do I take my dog to the vet; Where do I find a good Americano? Is there a good French Immersion school nearby? Do you know a babysitter? The list goes.  From septic field cleaning to coffee and wine drinking.. 

 I am constantly out and about. If you know me, you will know I can’t sit still for long. Even while writing this I will likely get up three times.  Moving around allows me to get out and learn about my community. It provides me the opportunity to enjoy what Parksville, Qualicum, Nanaimo, and surrounding area has to offer. 

 For example, this week I purchased client housewarming gifts. I like to buy local. Most of my client gifts I buy from Robert Held Art Glass. He is a glass blower and creates one-of-a-kind glass pieces for every taste and season. I can find a piece for everyone. I have clients who are millennials and have made a giant bar in their home. For them I was able to find a galaxy ball for this space in their new home. For my lovely friend who referred them to me, I was able to find a classy piece to hang in a window. Robert Held Art Glass even has a glass blowing experience where you can participate. I often take my kids in their to watch the process. Don’t miss it!

 On another day this week I hiked up Notch Hill in Nanoose Bay, BC. It is a 35-60 minute hike that loops around giving unobstructed views of the mountains and Nanoose Bay. This is a dog and child friendly hike but is a pretty good climb. Taking the lower ridge (left at the fork) will allow for a more gradual climb rather than straight up. The parking lot is easily accessible from Powder Point Rd (right hand side). Climb and enjoy!

My handsome hiking partner Crosby!

 What is it that you want to know about? I love it when people call, DM, or email me with questions about the area. If I don’t know, I will research it or I will go try it. Any excuse for me to go eat, drink, run, or experience something new. I am in! 

Real estate market information is not enough for people. Those that trust me with their real estate needs, trust me to find the right fit for their lifestyle. I call myself a lifestylist! Shannon Cutler Realtor®, community expert, and lifestylist. I like the sound of that! 

Real Estate Market Statistics - Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB) released the following this week:

6100 Garside Road New single family home 4 sale

Our March 2019 statistics show that sales of single-family homes board-wide dipped by 23 per cent year over year. The good news is that March delivered a 36 per cent increase in home sales over February.

Last month, 309 single-family homes sold on the MLS® System compared to 399 in March 2018 and 227 in February. In the apartment and townhouse categories, sales dropped by 10 per cent and 30 per cent, respectively.

Housing sales have weakened throughout most of the province, which BCREA largely attributes to the mortgage stress test (Guideline B-20). In the VIREB area, the stress test is helping reduce demand for higher-priced properties and pushing buyers towards less expensive homes. In turn, this is compressing the lower end of the market.

THE NUMBERS: MARCH 2019

Active Listings Year Over Year

• Single-Family - up by 20 per cent (976 to 1,172)

• Apartments - up by 20 per cent (237 to 284)

• Townhouses - up by 24 per cent (148 to 183)

Benchmark Prices: Board-Wide

• Single-Family - $510,800 (6 per cent increase)

• Apartment - $319,800 (8 per cent increase)

• Townhouse - $414,700 (8 per cent increase)

Benchmark Prices: By Zone

• Campbell River - $417,200 (8 per cent increase)

• Comox Valley - $507,100 (8 per cent increase)

• Duncan - $471,500 (5 per cent increase)

• Nanaimo - $554,300 (4 per cent increase)

• Parksville-Qualicum - $577,300 (4 per cent increase)

• Port Alberni/West Coast - $299,400 (8 per cent increase)

Month over month, Campbell River, Parksville-Qualicum, and Port Alberni saw modest reductions in their benchmark prices while Comox Valley, Duncan, and Nanaimo recorded small increases.

Trend-wise, VIREB’s housing market has transitioned from one favouring sellers to one that is balanced or near balanced.

Source of Info: Vancouver Island Real Estate Board, April 2019 (http://www.vireb.com)

LOFT SPACES - HOUSE FLIP PROJECT STILL ON THE MARKET

Loft space - bright, open, warm and room for your ideas.

Well the house flip project, 355 Jensen Ave W, Parksville, has been listed for over a month. I wish I had news that the house had sold; or that we have even had any offers. We have not. Many Realtor® s have shown the home, some have even come twice. Still no offers. Thankfully, most of the Realtor® that have come through are professional enough to provide valuable showing feedback. Showing feedback has been as follows: “great renovations, but not sure about the loft space upstairs;” “concerned about what is going to be built in the lot behind.”

No offense taken to any of the feedback! I actually appreciate the time and effort a Realtor® and their client goes to, to send the house showing feedback.  

 I would like to encourage those shopping in the real estate market, especially those in the Parskville / Qualicum Beach area, to think of the loft space as a blank slate. Over the years the loft space has had many different functions: been a spare bed room with a futon or murphy bed, a children play room, a man cave, a yoga space, a computer / TV room, a women’s cave, and a teenager’s cave. Your imagination for this room is the limit for the use. 

 During the renovation we actually considered a major renovation, by taking the rear wall out and turning it into a closed in bedroom. This too, is possible.  Don’t let this room deter you from finding a home in this gorgeous house.

As for the property behind the home, on Hirst Ave, it has been vacant and for sale for 10 years intermittently.  Zoning on that street is for multi-family. The last known plan for the lot was for a 3-level condo building, not a 10 story apartment building. The backyard of 355 Jensen Ave is large and private.  There are well established trees in the yard and room to plant more.

 Do not let these two issues stop you! This home is under $550 000, is newly renovated, and has tons of extras to suit many lifestyles. Have you seen what is out there for $550 000? This is a fantastic option.

 The real estate market in the Nanaimo, Parksville, and Qualicum (N Qualicum) areas are moving! T’is the season to find the home you deserve. Good luck in your search!