Pender Island Real Estate Blog

Open House on Pender Island - Saturday, May 17

2008-05-15T16:53:00Z

Pender Island, Southern Gulf Islands - We invite everyone to visit our open house at 3603 Jolly Roger on May 17 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

Property information

Hope to see you there!

For more about Pender Island real estate, visit Howard Sanders online @ www.HomesOnPender.com

Contact info:

• Email: Howard@HomesOnPender.com

• Cell: (250) 222-HOME (4663)

• Toll-free: (866) 629-3166

Best Regards,

Howard on Pender

Events on Pender Island - Victoria Day Long Weekend May 15-18

2008-05-15T16:24:00Z

Well, the weatherman says that the sun is coming...it's still a bit gray over here on Pender, but it's definitely warmer than yesterday. Yesterday, we actually had a fire in our woodstove. A fire in May! That's the first time I've been able to say that in the five years since we moved here.

Hardly a big deal given the weather related events in other parts of the world, but my wife is getting a bit impatient for the warmer weather -- she has tomatoes and sunflowers bursting out of their seedling pots and ready to go into the garden. Get it together weather!

We have been promised a hot sunny weekend, along with the rest of southern BC, though, so you may want to gather the family together for a weekend of springtime camping here on Pender. As always, there's lots of stuff to do. Walks in the woods, a paddle on the lake or coastline, and of course, events planned by our very active community groups. There's something for everyone.

Thursday, May 15:

7:30pm - Film Night at the Hall presents December Boys - Four orphan boys who have grown to be the closest of friends find themselves competing for the attention of the same family. (Australian)

Friday, May 16:

Long weekend ferry schedule in effect. Please check BC Ferries website for details.
7:00pm - Co-ed Music Night at the Community Hall

Saturday, May 17:

9:30am - Farmer's Market at the Community Hall until 1:00
10:00am - Beach Clean-up Day. Meet at the Driftwood Centre. Meet up again at 12:00pm for wind-up party with music and a roundtable discussion: Local Solutions to Climate Change (previously planned for Earth Day weekend, but cancelled due to bad weather)

Sunday, May 18:

12:00pm - Silk Road Firbre Studio Tour & Sale - Tour 4 studios in Magic Lake Estates (watch for the red balloons). Knitting, quilting, embroidery, wearable art. One of a kind items from 7 creative women.

For more about Pender Island real estate, visit Howard Sanders online @ www.HomesOnPender.com

Contact info:

• Email: Howard@HomesOnPender.com

• Cell: (250) 222-HOME (4663)

• Toll-free: (866) 629-3166

Best Regards,

Howard on Pender

Events on Pender Island - Thurs May 8 to Sun May 11

2008-05-08T22:57:00Z

The sun, the sun, I see the sun! The weather forecast is for sun through most of the weekend, so why not wander over to Pender and have a look? Here's a list of some of the happenings we have going on this weekend:

Thursday, May 8

7:30pm - Film Night at the Hall presents King Corn - Two recent college graduates plant a single acre of corn in America's heartland and set out to follow it on its journey from the seed to the dinner plate. What they find raises troubling questions about what we eat and how we farm.

Friday, May 9

8:00pm - Hope Rising Trio in their debut concert. Alison Vardy, Harp; Bryce Woollcombe, Tin Whistle, Flute, Sax; Paatrick Smith, Vocals, Whistle, Guitar, Mandolin, Hammmer Dulcimer. Tickets $15.

Saturday, May 10

1:00pm - The Garden Glub present Lynda Dowliing on Beyond the Basic Culinary Herbs - at the Anglican Church Hall

Sunday, May 11

9:00am - Mothers' Day Brunch at the Legion Hall, to 12:00pm
10:00am - Community Garage Sale benefitting the Medical Centre at Thieves Bay to 2:00pm
1:00pm - Family Movie Matinee at the Hall presents Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang - When an eccentric professor invents a revolutionary car, a foreign government becomes interested and resorts to skullduggery to get their hands on it.
1:30 - Texas Hold-em Wind-up Bash at the Legion Hall

For more about Pender Island real estate, visit Howard Sanders online @ www.HomesOnPender.com

Contact info:

• Email: Howard@HomesOnPender.com

• Cell: (250) 222-HOME (4663)

• Toll-free: (866) 629-3166

Best Regards,

Howard on Pender

Sittin' by the Side of the Road

2008-05-08T00:19:00Z

Pender Island is home to about 2200 full-time residents, including artists, woodworkers, writers, musicians, and even real estate agents! In a community with so many creative people, it's not surprising that some homeowners choose to express themselves by making their address markers a little special. Today I thought I would share with you some of my favourites, plus some other Pender photos that I took recently...

A hand-formed masterpiece by a local clay artist.

The entrance to the world famous Pender Island Disc Golf Park:

A local artist's studio sign:

A gorgeous rendition of the sunsets visible from this home's deck!

OK, so it's not a sign, but it is a handcrafted, split-rail fence made bya local artist from reclaimed cedar:

Free range eggs anyone?

The (now closed) Pender Island General Store, located in Port Washington

We even have our own library, run by a dedicated staff of volunteers!

For more about Pender Island real estate, visit Howard Sanders online @ www.HomesOnPender.com

Contact info:

• Email: Howard@HomesOnPender.com

• Cell: (250) 222-HOME (4663)

• Toll-free: (866) 629-3166

Best Regards,

Howard on Pender

BC Ferries Extends Paper Ticket Conversion Deadline

2008-05-06T04:18:00Z

If you travel to Pender or any of the Southern Gulf Islands from Swartz bay on a regular basis, you may have a book of Prepaid Ferry Tickets. These tickets offered reduced fares for passengers and vehicles on the Swartz-SGI routes.

On April 1, BC Ferries introduced the new Experience Card -- an electronic, prepaid swipe card that can be used to pay for ferry travel, including reduced fares, wherever they're available. The new cards offer some advantages over the old prepaid paper tickets. Here are a some of the benefits of the new cards:

Loss protection for your balance when you register the card at bcferries.com

Transfer capability between cards
A travel history report showing travel on your card (handy for business travellers who need receipts)

Earn a bonus by converting your old paper prepaid tickets to the new Experience Card by May 31st, 2008. If you convert by the deadline, BC Ferries will exchange them at the value of the new prepaid ticket price as of April 1. After the deadline, you will still be able to convert your tickets, however, the conversion will be at the old prepaid rate as of March 31. Read this Service Notice for more information, and for a list of participating terminals.

For more about Pender Island real estate, visit Howard Sanders online @ www.HomesOnPender.com

Contact info:

• Email: Howard@HomesOnPender.com

• Cell: (250) 222-HOME (4663)

• Toll-free: (866) 629-3166

Best Regards,

Howard on Pender

BC Ferries - Queen of Nanaimo Out of Service -- Make Reservations!

2008-05-01T15:39:00Z

If you are planning a trip with your vehicle to Pender (or any of the Southern Gulf Islands for that matter) in the next few weeks, please be aware that the boat which regularly services our little piece of paradise, the Queen of Nanaimo, will be out of commission from May 3 to June 6 for her scheduled maintenance.

The replacement vessel, the Queen of Tswwassen is a lovely old gal, and a real workhorse. However, you should know that she is considerably smaller than the QON -- therefore, it is important that you make reservations for any travel between Tswwassen and the Southern Gulf Islands. There is no charge for reservations on this route.

Read the official Service Notice from BC Ferries here.

For information about our beautiful island, please see me new Pender Island Guide. Check out all of my office's Pender Island Real Estate Listings

Hope to see you on Pender soon!

Best Regards,

Howard on Pender

Contact info:

• Email: Howard@HomesOnPender.com

• Cell: (250) 222-HOME (4663)

• Toll-free: (866) 629-3166

Events on Pender Island, BC May 1 - May 4

2008-05-01T15:30:00Z

Welcome to May everyone! It seems as though the weather gods think the new month is cause for celebration -- the Pender forecast is for sun and warmer temperatures right through the weekend (unless you count a bit of rain on Friday...which I choose not to count, as it disturbs my "right throught the weekend" assertion.) Anyway -- enough of my ramblings...

What's on this weekend:

Saturday, May 3:

9:30am - Farmer's Market at the Community Hall. Come out and support local farmers and artists. Find produce, tasty treats, beautiful island-made crafts and more! Until 1pm
10:30am - FREE Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off at the Recycling Depot. Please note there is no regular recycling today
11:00am - Pender Pirates' first game of the season. Come by to watch the kids play ball, have a snack at the concession and for your chance to win the 50/50 draw!
7:30pm - Film Night at the Hall presents The Golden Compass - Based on the novel by Phillip Pullman. In a parallel universe, a young girl journeys to the far North to save her best friend and other kidnapped children from terrible experiments by a mysterious organization.

As a bonus, I thought I would give you idea about all of the group meetings that go on here on Pender. I don't usually include them in my Events List, but if you are considering a move to Pender, you may be interested in reading about some of the many groups that you can join to meet your neighbours and get involved in the community:

Thursday, May 1:

Solstice Theatre Directors Group meet

Friday, May 2:

Let's Go Walking Group meets Fridays & Mondays in the Anglican Church parking lot
Floral Art Designs workshop at the Plum Tree Court community Room
Free Friday Drop-in Sessions at Playgroup
Newcomers Graduates meet for lunch at Chippers Restaurant at the Golf Course

Saturday, May 3

Paths on Pender Transporation Committee meets at Firehall #1
Legion Executive meets at the Legion Hall
South Pender Islands Trust Information meeting at Firehall #3

For more information about any of the groups listed above, please contact me. A full list of groups and activities is included in my Pender Community Information page, which is a part of my new (and extensive) Pender Island Guide -- here you will find general Pender Information, maps, photos and island news.

Best Regards,

Howard on Pender

Contact info:

• Email: Howard@HomesOnPender.com

• Cell: (250) 222-HOME (4663)

• Toll-free: (866) 629-3166

Price Reduced on 3603 Jolly Roger on Pender Island, BC

2008-04-30T22:18:00Z

Pender Island, Southern Gulf Islands - Announcing a price reduction on 3603 Jolly Roger, a 2,052 sq. ft., 3 bath, 2 bdrm 2 story. Now MLS® $399,000 CAD - B&B Potential.

Property information

For all my listings and more information about Pender Island, please visit my website at HomesOnPender.com

Pender Island Events - Thursday, April 24 to Sunday April 27

2008-04-24T16:27:00Z

If the last 2 days are any indication, it appears as though "normal" spring weather patterns are reasserting themselves here on Pender. Our mediterranean climate pretty much abandoned us for the past 2 weeks, but we're tough! We can handle snow in April! (As long as there's some promise of sun on the horizon...)

If you are planning to make your way over to Pender this weekend, you may be interested in what's on over the next few days. Here's the schedule:

Thursday, April 24

7:30pm - Film Night at the Hall presents Before the Devil Knows You're Dead - starring Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Ethan Hawke, Albert Finney & Marisa Tomei. When two brothers organize the robbery of their parents' jewelery store the job goes horribly wrong, triggering a series of events that sends them, their father and one brother's wife hurtling towards a shattering climax.

Friday, April 25

10:00am - Nu-To-Yu's world-famous Stuff-A-Bag Days. Get a paper bag from the front counter, then dive into our fabulous thrift store's inventory of clothing, fabric, yarn and more. As much as you can fit into a bag for only $5.00. Get there early for the best selection! Also on Saturday. 10am to 4pm on both days.

7:30pm - presents Missa Gaia - A Celebration of the Earth. Featuring the Pender Island Choral Society, Lester Quitzau, Mae Moore and Mark Miller. Also on Saturday, April 26 (same time) and Sunday at 2pm. Tickets are $20 for Adults and $10 for Children under 10. See you there!

For more about Pender Island and PI real estate, visit Howard Sanders online @ www.HomesOnPender.com

Contact info:

• Email: Howard@HomesOnPender.com

• Cell: (250) 222-HOME (4663)

• Toll-free: (866) 629-3166

Best Regards,

Howard on Pender

NEW Listing! Artisan 2 BR Home For Sale on Pender Island, BC

2008-04-23T00:03:00Z

Artistic Craftsmanship

• 2,052 sq. ft., 3 bath, 2 bdrm single story - MLS® $439,000 CAD - B&B Potential

Pender Island, Southern Gulf Islands - Artistic Craftsmanship throughout! This comfortable 2+ BR home in Magic Lake Estates has a completely finished lower level with family room that could be a separate self contained guest accommodation. Located on a Cul-de-Sac at the end of a quiet road. Features include: extensive use of finely crafted wood for finishing, soaker tub, ceramic tile shower in ensuite, wood floors, slate floor in entry, custom kitchen cabinets, new top of the line kitchen appliances, airtight woodstove in family room, designer lighting throughout,one step entry to main living area.

Property information

For more about Pender Island real estate, visit Howard Sanders online @ www.HomesOnPender.com

Contact info:

• Email: Howard@HomesOnPender.com

• Cell: (250) 222-HOME (4663)

• Toll-free: (866) 629-3166

First Quarter 2008 Sales Statistics for Pender Island, BC

2008-04-20T06:17:00Z

27 properties sold on Pender Island from January to March 2008. Of those, the Dockside Realty team sold 16, making us the top selling office on Pender to date this year. I was involved in 4 of those sales, putting me near the top of all agents on Pender Island in terms of sales.
(Source: Victoria Real Estate Board)

Residential home sales are stronger than bare lot sales so far this year, however, the 2 bare lots that sold went for close to, or at, list price.

Looking to buy on Pender Island? Please view my listings, as well as those listed by my office, Dockside Realty. Then call or email me to book an appointment to view or for more information. I love showing our beautiful island off to prospective new residents or investors!

If you are considering selling your Pender Island property, please contact me, or request a FREE, no obligation Current Market Evaluation of your home or lot. I will tell you how much your property is worth in today's market, and about my unique and effective real estate marketing strategies, which include traditional printed advertising and extensive internet exposure for your Pender Island real estate.

More than 80% of people looking to buy property now start their search on the internet. List with me and make sure they see your home first! My website consistently ranks at or near the top of the major search engines such as Google, Yahoo, MSN and AOL.

For more about Pender Island real estate, visit Howard Sanders online @ www.HomesOnPender.com

Contact info:

• Email: Howard@HomesOnPender.com

• Cell: (250) 222-HOME (4663)

• Toll-free: (866) 629-3166

Best Regards,

Howard on Pender

Events On Pender Island - Earth Day, Saturday April 19, 2008

2008-04-15T21:26:00Z

What are you doing this weekend? Why not make some plans for a last minute getaway to Pender this weekend? The natural beauty will leave you refreshed and renewed!

As you may know it is Earth Day this Saturday, so while you are here you can take some time to enjoy a walk on one of our many forest trails, or public access beaches. For a map and some local tips, please drop by my office at Dockside Realty in Hope Bay. While you're there, you can also visit the Artist Gallery, have some lunch at Hope Bay Cafe, and do some souvenir shopping!

Also on the go are some events for Earth Day. Here's the rundown:

Saturday, April 19

9:30am - Pender Island Farmers' Market - The market continues with locally grown/made food and crafts every Saturday until 1pm.

10:00am - Beach Cleanup - Join the Beach Buddy group and help with the BC Coastal Cleanup's 20th year. Meet at 10am at the Driftwood overflow parking lot. Dress for the weather and bring gloves. Bags are provided.

12:00pm - Earth Day Celebration - Return to the Driftwood to dispose of the garbage you collected, then gather under the tents to celebrate Earth Day with displays, prizes and live music.

7:30pm - Film Night at the Hall presents Earth Day film Garbage Warrior - The story of renegade architect Michael Reynolds who uses beer cans, water bottles and other assorted garbage to produce thermal mass and energy-independent housing. New Mexico-based Reynolds have devoted the last 30 years to advancing the art of "Earthship Biotecture" by building self-sufficient, off-the-grid communities where design and function converge in eco-harmony. Garbage Warrior is a timely portrait of a determined visionary, a hero of the 21st century.

Come see us here on Pender! If you've never been, now's the time! Check the ferry schedules, find a place to stay, and you're golden!

For more about Pender Island real estate, visit Howard Sanders online @ www.HomesOnPender.com

Contact info:

• Email: Howard@HomesOnPender.com

• Cell: (250) 222-HOME (4663)

• Toll-free: (866) 629-3166

Best Regards,

Howard on Pender

4 BR For Sale in Pender Island - Lake AND Ocean Views

2008-04-14T00:24:00Z

Great Price!

• 2,100 sq. ft., 2 bath, 4 bdrm 2 story - MLS® $370,900 CAD - Ocean and Lake Views

Pender Island, Southern Gulf Islands - All the house & double the views! This south facing, approx 2100, 4BR, 2BA home is renovated, updated, and ready to move in. From the giant sundeck you will get a rare bird's eye view of both the ocean & nearby Buck Lake. With a NEW kitchen, NEW appliances, NEW bathroom, NEW flooring & NEW fixtures throughout, you won't be disappointed! Easy-care property, quiet street, on water & sewer with marina, beach access and swimming nearby: what more do you need?

Property information

For more about Pender Island real estate, visit Howard Sanders online @ www.HomesOnPender.com

Contact info:

• Email: Howard@HomesOnPender.com

• Cell: (250) 222-HOME (4663)

• Toll-free: (866) 629-3166

Best Regards,

Howard on Pender

It Ain't Easy Being Green (Especially These Days)

2008-04-02T21:57:00Z

Right from the start, you should know that this post has nothing to do with Pender Island. Or real estate. It's all about amphibians -- you know, frogs and friends -- and what is happening to them.

In a much earlier life, I worked as a Keeper at Whipsnade Zoo in the UK. Then I went on to work as a photographic safari guide in Zambia. As you can gather from this, I love animals. All animals. Even the ones other people refer to as "slimy and gross."

Which is why this post is about the Amphibian Ark. The Ark is project of the combined efforts of the global conservation community -- among them zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, natural history museums and organizations (large and small) -- dedicated to protecting and preserving this vulnerable population.

2008 has been named "The Year of the Frog" -- a campaign to generate public awareness and understanding of the amphibian extinction crisis. Amphibians are severely affected by habitat loss, climate change, pollution and pesticides, introduced species and over-collection for food and pets. They currently face the most signicant mass extinction since the dinosaurs. Without an immediate and sustained conservation effort, up to half of the world's 6000 species of amphibians could be gone within our lifetime.

The most immediate threat to amphibians is a deadly parasitic fungus called Amphibian Chytrid, which may have been exacerbated by climate change. Currently untreatable and unstoppable in the wild, the fungus can kill up to 80% of native amphibians within months.

It is wildly thought that the fungus will run its course by 2017. In the meantime, the Amphibian Ark's purpose is to collect and maintain, in captivity, select species that would otherwise go extinct. These species will be kept in zoos and aquariums around the world until they can be reintroduced securely into the wild.

For more information, or to see what you can do to help, visit their website, and for up to the minute news about the crisis, visit the aptly named Frog Blog.

Thanks for listening.

And for those of you who came looking for Pender Island real estate information -- please visit my site @ HomesOnPender.com

Have You Heard of Eco Balls?

2008-04-01T21:08:00Z

REDUCE YOUR LAUNDRY BILLS BY UP TO 80% AND HELP SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT TOO!

What are they and what are they for?

Eco-balls are the environmentally sensitive way to do your laundry. You simply place 3 eco balls in with your wash, INSTEAD of your regular laundry detergent.

Together, they produce ionized oxygen that activates the water molecules naturally and allows them to penetrate deep into clothing fibres to lift the dirt away. Imagine: no detergent going into the water supply...now that's a GREEN idea!

According to this website, there are many benefits of switching to eco balls:

One set of eco balls will last for about 1000 washes -- how much would your detergent cost you for that many loads?
They soften clothes without fabric softener
They work in cold water and in a quick wash cycle
They are antibacterial and hypoallergenic, so they are suitable for those with sensitive skin
They are kind to your clothes (less fading and wear)

I found these last night when I was surfing around the web -- the only problem I can see is that I could only find them for sale on UK sites! How can I get my hands on some to try them out?

If you know where these are available for sale in North America, please let me know. I would love to try them out to see if they are truly as good as they claim!