Quarterly Newsletter, December 2011

Recent Market Activity

There are currently 98 properties listed for sale on MLS for Gabriola, 53 of these are homes and 45 are lots and acreage without a residence, in addition the are 7 commercial properties for sale. There have been 60 sales in 2011 as compared to 94 sales in 2010. This represents a 36% reduction in sales volume for 2011. The median sale price for 2011 is $277,000. Sales ranged from $68,000 for a half acre lot to $1,750,000 for 8.7 acres of waterfront with 2 homes. Prices remain stable at levels of 10-30% below the high values of 2007 and 2008. Visit our web site to view our archive of newsletters dating back to 2006.

Our forecast for 2012 is for a steady stream of sales, a slight increase in demand and stable prices. There are some excellent properties for sale offering real value, contact us and we would be happy to provide a list of our picks. We remain convinced that real estate is a good investment and that Gabriola is a superior place to live due to the mild climate, friendly and safe community, access to recreation, and a broad range of available services. Proximity to Vancouver Island broadens the job market, opportunities for small business and access to materials.

We are looking forward with anticipation to what 2012 has to offer and we are thankful to live on this beautiful island and in this supportive community. We wish you and your family the best for 2012.

Bringing in the New Year!

Tonight, December 29th, 7:30pm, A Holiday Concert at Raspberry's Jazz Cafe. Tickets $10. Call 250-247-9959 for details. New Year's Eve Party at Woodfire, Saturday, December 31st, 9pm - 2012. Special 4 course menu and live music with Amber Handley and Brad Shipley. $60 per person + tax. New Year's Eve at The Surf Pub, Saturday, December 31st. Live band "Saturday's Racket" playing blues, top forty, rock. $10, doors open at 8pm. Annual Gabriola Polar Bear Swim - January 1st - meet at the end of Stalker Road at noon for an invigorating start to the new year.

A Dream Estate on Gabriola

Fabulous waterfront estate with sweeping ocean and coastal mountain views offers sanctuary from the rigors of modern life yet 15 minutes away is a lively little town center with restaurants, coffee bar, and great shopping offering much that is local. The 9.2 acre property is exquisite with english style gardens, rolling meadows and rambling rock walls, an established orchard and towering forest with meandering trails. There is a rock quarry for landscaping and mysterious sandstone drum in an open rock meadow leading to a tranquil pond. Along the waterfront you will find a quaint cottage and various tidy little buildings. A stately country mansion offers soaring ceilings, large open and airy rooms and a dusty wine cellar, bring your imagination and imprint this home with your style. Just add new flooring, some vibrant colors and a chef's kitchen, Voila! You will never want to leave. View listing details.

View more photos.

Sincerely,
Robyn, Carly & Lesley