The seaside town of Comox continues to attract a great deal of attention from both visitors and prospective homeowners alike. The allure of the ocean and nearby mountains, and the tranquility of this less rushed town is one that is unique on Vancouver Island. The town has maintained its quaint main street and feeling of welcome. Where else can you walk a main street and be a stone’s throw away from a nine-hole golf course with a view of the ocean and adorned by local deer?

People who are not familiar with this area will find many different home options available within a 10-minute drive of the downtown area of Comox. There are some established family neighbourhoods such as Foxxwood Heights, Lancaster Heights and Beckton Estates. However, many of the homes are scattered throughout the town in groupings smaller than those larger neighbourhoods. Unique and private properties can also be found throughout the area. Right next door is the regional area of the Comox Peninsula where you can find rural, smaller neighbourhoods. There is also a well hidden luxury homes neighbourhood that rests on larger country lots.

Just like much of the Comox Valley, Comox home prices have risen considerably over the past few years. As of the end of August 2020, the average single-family home price sits at just under $650,000 and the median price is just over that figure. Resale home prices have risen steadily for since 2015 but the rising trend has started to level off. As we head into the fall time frame activity generally starts to fall but with the craziness of this year and the fallout from the pandemic that trend may or may not take place. Only the next few months will tell as we move back to a more normal pattern.

People planning to buy a home in this spectacular part of the island should contact a local real estate expert for assistance. The options are broad and many of the homes are hidden away in many different little pockets in this highly desirable community. People often come to visit this little town expecting to buy oceanfront properties. For those who do expect to pay a premium for them. While the ocean is a short drive away from most home locations, it is not necessarily within walking distance. The area has grown and spread out considerably since the 1960s when many of the split-level homes close to the downtown area were built. Now, it is possible to find almost any type and style of home to meet most individual preferences. Many of the areas that offer larger and more private lots have older established homes. While newer subdivisions and areas have smaller lots they do have more move-in-ready options.

The Town of Comox is adjacent to Courtenay East with a secondary road dividing the two areas. It is also a short drive away from downtown Courtenay and the big box stores located in the nearby city. The airport can be accessed via a very short drive from most parts of the town. Convenience to most amenities is another feature of this lovable town. So, if you are considering a change in lifestyle and quality of life away from the hustle and bustle of the larger suburbs and city on the mainland, why not consider Comox and the surrounding area? Start by contacting a local area expert.

Luxury, executive, and million-dollar homes are all part of the real estate menu at Crown Isle. Now that we are past the half way point of the COVID-19 year, where is this local housing market headed?

Crown Isle home prices started their climb around the end of 2017and they peaked in the summer of 2018. Since that time there has been a slow but steady decrease in prices until the end of August of this year. The average price of a home remains about 150 thousand dollars above where it was three years ago. At the end of August, the average price was just above $800,000 while the median price was about $750,000.

When discussing Crown Isle, there are several factors that need to be considered. First, the age of the home makes a difference because of the difference in building codes that applied when the home was built. Today’s standards are higher, and for some aspects of a home, significantly higher. The additional systems that have recently been made part of the building code cost more money and the changes to the code have resulted in changes to indoor air quality and thermal comfort. These all come with a cost and new homes are more expensive to build. Second, when homes were first built in crown isle in the 1990s, many of the homes had shake roofs. Now, they have tile roofs. The cost of these two different coverings is fairly significant and it is reflected in the price of homes from then and to now.

As time has passed, builders have offered and added many more features in homes that have been both functional and decorative. Kitchens and master bathrooms are always a focus but other areas such formal dining rooms and specialty rooms like home theatre rooms, panties and wine cellars have also received attention. Beyond these types of indoor differences, the overall level of finishing has increased in many homes over the years. Wainscotting, and increasingly elegant ceiling shapes and levels of trim have all been part of the process to enhance beauty and elegance in these high-end luxury homes. However, while all of this has happened lot sizes have generally become smaller. These are just a few of the many factors that need to be considered when trying to compare homes built in the 1990s, 2000s, 2010s and today. Comparisons are often apples to oranges when it comes to custom built homes so it is important to have expert knowledge of the area and of the homes. This is gained by first-hand knowledge of the homes by being in them to see them all of the differences in person.

Crown Isle is an amazing place to live and while there are still a few lots available in the main part of this development, they are quickly running out. This neighbourhood is the jewel of the homes market in Courtenay. Soon the main part will be fully developed and only offer resale homes on the local market. Why not drop by and see this area for yourself? It remains a bargain compared to comparable residential neighbourhoods on the mainland.

When you think of luxury what comes to mind? Homes? Cars? Something else? After visiting the Comox Valley and seeing all of what is has to offer you may think of the luxury homes in Crown Isle as the obvious answer to this question. Yes there are some really terrific high-end homes throughout this region of Vancouver Island but there is only one full-featured residential area like this one in the valley.

Ongoing since the mid 1990s, this development is nearly it full build out. It started near the main golf course complex and started spreading out over hundreds of acres of prime land over the subsequent 25 years. Now Crown Isle Drive encircles some of the platinum-rated golf course and this part of the land development should be completed over the next few years. Almost every home is built to the new owners specifications so custom and semi-custom homes in Crown Isle are the norm. But if you plan to build a home in this area, there are not many lots left and the wait time can be fairly long for one of the high-end builders so a home on the resale market may be a better option.

Walking around Crown Isle the quality of the neighbourhood becomes almost instantly obvious. In the main part of this area, the streets are wider than most other areas with sidewalks on both sides of the street. Fancy street lamps adorn the streets and there are walking paths that connect the golf course. Covenants and building schemes were put in place to maintain the upscale look and feel and conformity of this well-built residential subdivision. As you stroll around you will notice some great views of the local Comox Glacier, the nearby island mountain range and, of course, the well maintained golf course. From some vistas you may also get a glimpse of the nearby ocean.

Convenience and quality aptly describe many of the subareas of Crown Isle. The Crown Isle Plaza, Home Depot, Cosco and Tim Hortons are a short walk away from the main part of this development and so are other things like the Aquatic Centre and Regional Hospital. Home prices reflect the quality of the builds and $700,000 should be considered an entry point for a newer built 1700 square foot rancher. A tile roof, Hardi-plank siding and top notch interior finishing are included in most of the homes built over the past decade. It takes time to build such quality but the end result is impressive.

Some buyers are looking for more typical rooms within which to enjoy while others add home-theatre rooms, lavish kitchens, expansive great rooms and enjoyable outdoor spaces. Beyond the functionality are the features and interior trim found in many homes. Pot-fillers that supply water over the stove, appliance garages, and a butler pantry are fairly common features in many homes. Tray ceilings, floor=to-ceiling brick fireplaces, and wainscoting add to the interior elegance of many homes. Your imagination and budget are the only real limits on what can be accomplished within the building envelope of the lot. So, if you are looking for a retirement home, a part-time vacation residence or a quality home and neighbourhood for your family to grown up in, Crown Isle is worth a serous look. Contact an experienced local market expert for help finding that dream home that is right for you.

Many people ask how homes are selling in Crown Isle. First of all, homes continue to be listed in Crown Isle. As of the 23rd of June 2020, there are 67 homes and properties on the real estate market.  Of these, 36 are single family homes, 9 are condos, 17 are lots and 5 are in the row/townhouse (patio homes) category.

The single family homes listed start at $629,500 and they go up to $1.25 million. Most of these homes are priced in the $700 to $800 thousand dollar range. For the most part, single family homes have 3 bedroom and 2 bathroom configurations. The smallest home listed is about 1400 square feet and the largest is almost 4000 square feet. Ranchers and ranchers with bonus rooms are very popular and generally these homes appeal to the majority of Crown Isle buyers. Also popular are homes in the 1700 to 2500 square foot size.

Freehold ownership dominates the Crown Isle subdivision while there are also strata properties for sale. Bare-land strata properties can be found in the newer gated community areas. Most of the homes being built today are custom or semi-custom in nature. A few spec homes are also available from local builders but most of the offerings show up on the resale market. Home construction in Crown Isle started back in the mid 1990s and it continues in two main areas. The Eastern part of Crown Isle Boulevard that encircles the golf course is being completed over the next few years and the secondary part of Crown Isle to the north of Ryan Road is also being expanded. The amount of vacant land continues to decrease as this 871 acre development nears maturity as a fully build area.

So what kind of single family homes have sold in 2020? There were 5 sales in January, 5 in February, 5 in March and one in April. Some homes with accepted offers have yet to appear in the database as being sold. The status of these home sales will change once their contracts become unconditional.  when all types of homes and properties are included, there have been 30 sales this year to date.  So yes, the market continues to be active.

If you are not familiar with what Crown Isle offers it will be worth taking a trip to this area so that you can see first-hand what both the area and the high-end subdivision have to offer. Where else can you get the scenic views, the family-friendly neighbourhood, and amenities so close to one another? You can walk to Cosco, Home Depot, Time Hortons and the local Crown Isle Shopping Plaza. The Courtenay aquatic centre and regional hospital are just a few extra minutes farther away. Also close by is a middle school and a high school. What are you waiting for? As the locals say drop by for a Tee time and stay for a lifetime.

COVID-19 and Comox Valley real estate. Yes, we are open for business. Real estate services were declared an essential service by the government of BC. Many award-winning realtors are still working and helping their clients buy and sell homes. There has been a great deal of confusion and fear generated by the government on this virus and the propaganda on the news has been continuous. Fear not, the real estate industry has been given some guidelines so that we can continue to work with you to provide real estate services.

The World Health Organization provides us guidance on the use of masks in the context of COVID-19 . The document provides advice on the use of masks in communities, during home care, and in health care settings in areas that have reported cases of COVID-19. It is intended for individuals in the community, public health and infection prevention and control (IPC) professionals, health care managers, health care workers (HCWs), and community health workers. This updated version includes a section on Advice to decision makers on the use of masks for healthy people in community settings. Under Community settings it states:

Studies of influenza, influenza-like illness, and human coronaviruses provide evidence that the use of a medical mask can prevent the spread of infectious droplets from an infected person to someone else and potential contamination of the environment by these droplets.  There is limited evidence that wearing a medical mask by healthy individuals in the households or among contacts of a sick patient, or among attendees of mass gatherings may be beneficial as a preventive measure. However, there is currently no evidence that wearing a mask (whether medical or other types) by healthy persons in the wider community setting, including universal community masking, can prevent them from infection with respiratory viruses, including COVID-19.

A study conducted by the National Academy of Sciences dated April 8, 2020, examined the effectiveness of homemade fabric masks in protecting others. They concluded:

The current level of benefit, if any, is not possible to assess.

According to the US Center for Disease Control (CDC), the virus spreads mainly through close contact from person to person through respiratory droplets from an infected person who coughs, sneezes or talks in close proximity to someone else. So, perhaps some common sense is needed in conjunction to what these health experts are telling us above. One interpretation could be:

Forget the masks – just stay away from someone who is coughing or sneezing and do not come in close physical contact with someone you do not know.

So, based on a more liberal application of common sense, there is NO need to be fearful of this virus that the top health bureaucrat (Dr Fauci) in the US describes in his March 26, 2020 editorial in the New England Journal of Medicine on COVID-19 – Navigating the Uncharted in which he states:

This suggests that the overall clinical consequences of Covid-19 may ultimately be more akin to those of a severe seasonal influenza (which has a case fatality rate of approximately 0.1%) or a pandemic influenza (similar to those in 1957 and 1968) rather than a disease similar to SARS or MERS, which have had case fatality rates of 9 to 10% and 36%, respectively.

Back then to real estate. Using a bit of common sense and a few precautions, buyers and sellers should be able to continue to sell and buy homes with the help of a competent real estate agent without an irrational fear that can be generated by the propaganda currently being employed on television and through other media. People, continue to live your lives and look forward to an enjoyable and rewarding real estate experience.

The real estate market in the Comox Valley has once again been energized and it is now active. A few recent multiple offers should show us that many people are once again in the house buying and selling mindset. However, there is not a great deal on the market when compared to years past. For example, all of the custom and semi-custom homes in Crown Isle being offered on the resale market are numbered in the “less than 30” spectrum. Asking prices range from just under $700,000 to over $1.2 million. So, if you are in that market perhaps now is the time to move forward and find your dream home in a great upscale neighbourhood.

The City of Courtenay has even more to offer an aspiring home shopper. Courtenay offers many different styles, types and price ranges from which to shop for homes. There are about one hundred and fifty homes on the market at this time of year. Single family homes can be found in the low $400,000 range up to around $2 million so if you are looking for options now is a good time to look. If you are a seller, buyers are becoming increasingly active so contact a great award-winning realtor and get the listing process underway.

Next is the Town of Comox. There are about 60 homes on the single-family housing market at this time of year. The asking price of most homes exceeds the $500,000 threshold and the odd home will hit the market above $2 million. Once again, why not get out and start looking for your next dream home in this quiet ocean-side community with terrific views of the ocean, mountains, and even the nearest glacier, a short distance away. Scenic paradise and great people. What more can you ask for when considering quality of life and a new unhurried lifestyle far from the hustle and bustle of the nearby mainland?

Some people are asking if the Comox Valley real estate market is still active in April of 2020 with all of the Coronavirus restrictions. The short answer is yes. The BC government announced that real estate services are an essential service so real estate agents can provide you with the services that you need to sell your home and move up or down to your next home purchase.

The City of Courtenay forms the largest part of the resale homes market in this region of Vancouver Island. As of the 2016 Statistics Canada census of the Comox Valley there were 66,527 people living in the valley and there were 32,076 private dwellings. Of these, 20,230 were single detached homes. The City of Courtenay accounted for 25,529 people and 12,013 private dwellings at that time and 5970 were single detached homes. The city population grew 5.7% from 2011 to 2016 and with similar growth the city should be around 27,000 people by the census of 2021.

Courtenay’s lively downtown core features an assortment of shops, galleries, and restaurants — many with locally
produced ingredients from a thriving agricultural community. The stunning Courtenay Riverway connects downtown
Courtenay with the City’s southern boundary. This walkway borders the Courtenay Estuary, off ering visitors an
opportunity to view a variety of birds, fi sh, and native plants. World-class recreational opportunities await in Courtenay and its neighbouring communities, including golf, mountain biking, skiing, and hiking. The total value of building permits in 2018 was $91.9 million compared to only 60.8 million the year prior. Real estate growth was similar. One hundred and two subdivision lots were approved in 2018 compared to 90 the year prior. Today there are a considerable number of homes on the Courtenay resale housing market with a wide spectrum of styles and types of single family homes available for purchase.

The town of Comox is the next largest community in the Comox Valley. As of the 2016 census, there were 14028 people living in this seaside community in 6410 private dwellings of which 4150 were single detached homes. The town population grew about 2.9% during the previous 5-year period and there is an expectation that this growth will be exceeded when the 2021 statistics are taken. A population of 15,000 or more is not unrealistic. Comox is primarily residential in nature, and it covers almost 1,700 hectares. Located in the centre of a rich agricultural area producing potatoes, vegetables, fruit and dairy products, Comox retains a friendly village atmosphere. At any given time there are a significant number of homes for sale on the Comox resale housing market. The moderate climate of the area, unsurpassed recreational opportunities and comprehensive community services are just three of the reasons that Comox is rapidly becoming known as a preferred retirement location.

Another highly desirable location is the luxury homes subdivision of Crown Isle. There are quite often a good selection of custom and semi-custom homes for sale on the Crown Isle resale housing market. The entry price point for a detached single family home is around $700,000.  While some of the housing options include strata properties (bare-land, patio homes and condominiums, the vast majority offered freehold ownership both on and away from the golf course. One only has to drive through this magnificent area to see why it is so attractive to home buyers.