Owner: Pender Island Blog URL:http://www.homesonpender.com/blogs/howard_sanders/default.aspx Join Date: Fri, 09 Nov 2007 15:00:18 -0600 Rating:0 Site Description: Pender Island Real Estate information and local insights about the people, community events, and unique culture that make Pender Island, BC, Canada a vibrant place to call home. Site statistics:Click here
Take a Virtual Tour of Pender Island, BC 2008-03-06 17:08:00 Please take a visit to my new virtual tour of Pender Island
!While you're there, have a look at the rest of my site. If you have any questions about Pender Island, or the listings available on my site, please contact me for more information.Email: Howard@HomesOnPender.comCell: (250) 222-HOME (4663)Toll Free: (866) 629-3166Best Regards, Howard on PenderPS. If you have trouble viewing or loading the tour, I would appreciate your feedback.
10 Reasons Why You Should Use a Realtor to Sell Your Home 2008-03-05 12:34:00 Your home is the most likely your most valuable asset, and the largest single investment you have made. Successful professional gamblers would balk at risking the majority of their winnings on anything less than a sure thing. Then why are some home owners willing to risk it all to sell their home on their own?Selling a home without the help of a REALTOR® is not as easy as it may appear to the uninitiated. Ask yourself the following: What is my home's true market value?How will I get the word out? How do I qualify a potential buyer? Can I negotiate to a successful close? Am I an expert in real estate law? Can I write an enforceable contract?You get what you pay for and if you want the job done right, you must use a professional. Read more:Realtor
, Reasons
Bank of Canada Cuts Interest Rate to 3.5% 2008-03-05 00:45:00 The Bank of Canada
has cut the target for it's overnight lending rate by half a percentage point today to 3.5%. The banks have already started to respond by matching the BOC's cut with a cut in their own prime lending rates -- down to approx 5.25%If you are looking at purchasing property here on Pender, this should get your juices flowing, as every small decrease in interest rates brings about big savings for home buyers. Visit the Bank of Canada press release for more information.For more about Pender Island real estate, visit Howard Sanders online @ www.HomesOnPender.com Contact info:• Email: Howard@HomesOnPender.com• Cell: ( Read more:Interest
Events on Pender Island - Monday March 3 to Sunday March 9 2008-03-03 13:28:00 What's up on Pender this week? As always, it's a little bit of this and a little bit of that...but one thing is always constant, there's something for everyone:Monday
, March
39:30am - Parents & Babes free drop-in at Dragonfly Daycare Centre10:00am - Art Society Graphite Workshop with Hedi Kovacs - at the Anglican Parish HallThursday, March 61:15pm - Circletime at Playgroup - songs and stories for little ones and their parentsFriday, March 77:00pm - Women's Music Night at the Community Hall. Bring instruments, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks to share. Sing and play along no matter what your abilities.Saturday, March 810:00am - Drop-in Life Drawing session at the Community Hall. To 1pm.7:30pm - Film Night at the Hall - The 11th Hour& Read more:Sunday
, Island
Protect Your Land and Reduce Your Taxes 2008-02-28 13:33:00 Southern Gulf Islands, British ColumbiaBritish Columbia's Gulf Islands and Sunshine Coast communities are drawing more and more people who want a piece of the stunning physical beauty, gentle climate, and rural charm. Steadily increasing demand for land in these areas is resulting in higher property values and taxes. More development also means more pressure on sensitive island ecosystems that are frequently home to rare and endangered species. The Natural Area Protect
ion Tax Exemption Program (NAPTEP) is a property tax incentive program designed to encourage landowners to protect the natural features of their land. Launched by the Islands Trust and the Islands Trust Fund in 2005, NAPTEP got a facelift in early 2008 in response to landowner feedback. I encourage a Read more:Taxes
Great Business Opportunity! Inn On Pender for Sale -- Unlimited Potential 2008-02-27 11:05:00 Pender Island, Southern Gulf Islands Looking for a unique business opportunity? Do you want to get out of the city and start a new life?This 7.2 acres of pristine "C2" commercial property in the sunny Southern Gulf Islands is the perfect location! Located next to Prior Centennial Provincial Park, the Inn on Pender is an ideal setting for cyclists, hikers and motorists seeking a quiet retreat. The existing 9 room Inn - the only Inn on Pender - has an 85 seat restaurant and 3 log cabins that will provide the revenue while the rest of the property is developed. Zoning allows for up to 46 units. Use your imagination and take advantage of this opportunity! How about a Wellness Retreat on picturesque Pender Island?Loca Read more:Potential
, Opportunity
, Business
, Great
Your Own Share of Pender Island Paradise for $159,000 CAD - Poet's Cove Splendour 2008-02-23 13:51:00 Pender Island
, Southern Gulf Islands, British Columbia$159,000 CADOwn your own piece of the good life on Pender Island with a 1/4 share in this 2 bedroom, 2 bath intimate & private cottage at Poets Cove Resort & Spa. This is a 845 sq ft free-standing cottage. Enjoy one week a month with ocean views & access to 2 heated pools, rec centre, marina, restaurant, bar and luxurious spa. Escape from the city to peace & tranquility & bring the whole family -- or trade time for other 5 Star Resorts. More Photos and InformationFor more about Pender Island real estate, and to see all of my listings, visit www.HomesOnPender.com -- contact me directly for more information or to make an appointment to view. Contact info:• & Read more:Paradise
, Share
Building Lot for Sale on South Pender Island, BC 2008-02-21 16:24:00 Pender Island
, South
ern Gulf Islands - Pristine, private and park like 2 acres with ocean views near Mortimer Spit on popular South Pender Island. Ideally set up as weekend retreat or a temporary place to stay while building a permanent residence. Includes a partially enclosed 19.5 ft.travel trailer with shower,toilet+ fully equipped kitchen. The attached sitting area is bright and cheerful with airtight woodstove. Driveway into trailer+up to building site. Drilled well plus unique water catchment system. Backs onto National Park. A must see!$259,000 CAD - Private & Park Like!. More Photos & Property informationFor more about Pender Island real estate, visit Howard Sanders online @ www.HomesOnPender.comContact info:• Read more:Building
Affordable Pender Island Home for Sale 2008-02-20 10:19:00 Pender Island
, Southern Gulf Islands - A recent price reduction on 4563 Bedwell Harbour Road has made this beautiful island home with studio even more affordable! 1,418 sq. ft., 3 bath, 3 bdrm single story. Now $364,900 CAD - Rural Bliss. Property information For more about Pender Island real estate, visit Howard Sanders online @ www.HomesOnPender.comContact info:• Email: Howard@HomesOnPender.com• Cell: (250) 222-HOME (4663)Best Regards, Howard on Pender
Quality of Life Good for British Columbians 2008-02-19 11:19:00 GOOD NEWS!If you are considering relocating to BC from another part of the county or world, here's another good reason to make the move: A recent study concludes that a high majority of British
Columbians are happy with their quality of life. According to the Ipsos Reid Study published this month, 92% of British Columbians rate the quality of life in their community as "very good" or "good". Those living on Vancouver Island (which includes our beautiful Pender Island!) are most likely to rate their quality of life favourably (95% "very good/good".)A detailed summary of the report is available at more about Pender Island real estate, visit Howard Sanders online @ www.HomesOnPender.com Contact info:• &nb Read more:Quality
Events on Pender Island Monday, February 18 to Sunday, February 24 2008-02-17 15:43:00 Another one of my random photos from my Pender Island
/African Photos page. Here we have the Pender Island Highlanders performing for the Canada Day celebration. In the background you will also see our island RCMP officer dressed in full regalia for the occasion.It is so great to live in a small community like the one here on Pender. Celebrations like Canada Day take on a whole different meaning when you gather with a group of friends to take some time off and enjoy each others' company -- rather than running off to the mall to get some shopping in on a statuatory holiday. (Not that we don't sometimes take a day to go off island and get some errands accomplished -- I just find that I take more easy days here on Pender than I did in my "previous life Read more:February
, Sunday
, Monday
Recent Pender Island Home Sales 2008-02-13 10:43:00 There is a good inventory of homes and building lots for sale on Pender right now, with new homes and lots being added everyday. If you have been watching the Pender housing market for a while, now may be the perfect time for you to come over an take a tour! Whether you are looking for a affordable building lot for your future dreams, or an oceanfront home with beach access and mooring for your boat, I can help you find the perfect property to make your Pender dream a reality.Have a look at my website, and check out my Pender listings. You can see more homes for sale by checking out my office's listings. When you are ready, contact me to set up an appointment. I love to tour people around our beautiful island, and show them why my family have dec Read more:Sales
, Recent
, Island
Dockside Realty Welcomes New Property Manager 2008-02-11 13:10:00 As a proud member of the Dockside Realty
team here on Pender Island, it is my pleasure to introduce you to the newest member of our extended family: Bev Gerry of Island Explorer Property Management. Are you looking for a short or long term rental on Pender Island or elsewhere in the Southern Gulf Islands?Island Explorer Property Management (IEPM) is a fully licenced and bonded property management company serving the Southern Gulf Islands of British Columbia, Canada.IEPM offers a large inventory of short to long-term rentals on SaltSpring, North and South Pender, Galiano, Mayne, Thetis and Lasqueti. Depending on the property, your stay can be as short as two days, or as long as one year. Properties range from rustic cottages in the woods offering
Valentine's Day 2008 on Pender Island, BC 2008-02-10 23:02:00 Whether you already live on Pender, or are contemplating a romantic getaway this coming weekend, there are a number of events that may take your and your significant other's fancy for Valentine
's Day. Below is just a sample of what's happening. For more information about Pender Island
, please see Pender Info & Links.Thursday, February 14:The Pistou Grill: Chef Pierre Delacote is once again offering a mouth watering set menu for Valentine's Day. A small, intimate bistro located at the Driftwood Mall, the Pistou is many locals favourite place for a special night out. Pierre's set menu nights bring together world class cuisine and great value for money -- a pairing that is hard to come by these days. $55/per
Back from Wales! 2008-02-03 13:01:00 My wife Theresa and I got back from Wales
a week ago today. Many of you asked me to post pictures of our trip, and I am sorry it has taken so long to get down to the task...alas, I have spent the week catching up with the growth of my inbox, and have neglected my blog terribly!Our time in Wales was busy and full, but also refreshing and satisfying. It was great to back in the UK -- I have missed it -- and I haven't been back in over 5 years. We spent much of our time visiting family. My mother, brothers and grandmother live on Anglesey, while my father, as well as my aunt, live close to London.In between family visits, we managed a 3 night getaway on a narrow boat along the Llangollen Canal. The boat was well decked out (pardon the pun!), an
Events on Pender Island, BC Friday, Feb 1st 2008-02-01 11:29:00 We're back from Wales! I will be posting some holiday photos on Sunday, but I thought all you Pender visitors would like to know what is happening on our friendly little island this weekend. The weather is shaping up to be great here, so why not escape the snow in Vancouver and Victoria and pop over here for a short break...Friday
, February 1st:7:30pm, School Auditorium -- The Gulf Island
s Concerts Series presents Winds of the Southern Cross. This group is one of Australia's most successful and widely respect chamber ensermbles, establishing a reputation for ground-breaking performances. The group's unique combination of oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, piano and soprano allows for a wide vaiety of repertorie in many different genres. Admission
Off to Wales! 2008-01-10 13:22:00 Tomorrow morning, my wife and I are leaving for a 2 week holiday in Wales
. We are going to visit my family, most of whom relocated to the Isle of Anglesey from Bedfordshire, England almost 10 years ago. Anglesey is located in northwest Wales – perhaps not the winter beach vacation of my dreams, but it will be great to see my family again. We have also booked a canal boat for 3 nights along the Llangollen Canal, located in Shropshire, in west England, on the border with Wales. We can’t wait! We have vacationed on the canal before, and it really is the best way to relax and unwind.On our 3 day journey, we’ll travel only 15 miles…(life is much slower on the canal). And if the weather is so bad that its getting past our raingear
More Tips to Reduce Wood Smoke Pollution 2008-01-09 11:48:00 OK, so you have your CSA/EPA certified wood stove, and have properly prepared, seasoned and stored your wood for maximum burning efficiency (see previous posts…) Here are some burning tips to help you get the most enjoyment and efficiency out of your stove: Starting the FireAlways start the fire with small pieces of wood or kindling lit with crumpled newspaper. Completely open the air supply vent. When the fire from the kindling subsides, add several small pieces of firewood. Gradually increase the size of the wood as the coals build up. Stack wood loosely in your firebox, so plenty of air circulates around it. Your fire will burn hot and efficiently rather than smoulder and generate wood smoke. Maintaining the FireKeep the flame bright and lively. Your fire should Read more:Pollution
, Smoke
Events on Pender Island, BC Tuesday, Jan 8th to Sunday Jan 13th 2008-01-08 12:04:00 Now that New Year’s has come and gone for another year, we are all settling in to our “normal” patterns of life again (except, of course, those of us who have made resolutions involving ridding our lives of unhealthy patterns!) Or perhaps you have resolved to take up a new hobby or get out into the community more…Pender Island
is full of community and hobby groups where you can meet new people and possibly take up a new pastime! Take a moment to see what is happening this week. Maybe you will find something that perks your interest…Tuesday
, January 8th:7:30pm -- Shop Craft Guild meets for Router Workshop and Demos7:30pm -- Pender Islands’ Community Hall Directors meet Wednesday, January 9th:6:30pm – Women’s Institute meetsT Read more:Sunday
Pender Island Ferry Dock Closed for Repairs Jan 8th to Jan 10th 2008-01-07 14:24:00 The Otter Bay ferry dock on Pender Island
will be closed on Tuesday, January 8th (after the 7:20 sailing to Vancouver and the 7:45am sailing to Victoria) until the end of the day on Thursday, January 10th in order for repairs to be made to one of the dock’s aprons. The terminal is scheduled to re-open on January 11th for the arrival of the ferry from Vancouver at 7:05am. Check www.bcferries.com or call 1-888-223-3779 for up-to-date schedule information. BC Ferries will be operating a foot passenger service via water taxi from Otter Bay Marina to the government dock at Swartz Bay (Victoria). Free parking at Swartz Bay for Pender Island vehicles will also be available. The water taxi schedule is as follows: Tuesday, January 8th: Leave Otter B Read more:Repairs
, Closed
Reducing Wood Smoke Pollution 2008-01-07 11:38:00 Wood smoke contains over 100 pollutants -- these pollutants not only negatively impact the environment but are also linked to a wide range of health problems. According to Environment Canada, residential wood combustion is a major contributor to winter smog. However, by choosing a wood stove that has been certified for low emissions by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the US or the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), you can significantly reduce the wood smoke emissions you produce. Another way to reduce the amount of pollutants coming from your wood heating appliance is to only burn properly prepared and seasoned firewood. Here are some important tips to consider: Wood Condition & Seasoning Firewood needs to be dry. Obtain your firewood in earl Read more:Reducing
, Pollution
, Smoke
Poets Cove 1/4 Share For Sale On Pender Island, British Columbia 2008-01-05 14:05:00 Pender Island
1/4 Share
• 845 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2 bdrm single story - MLS® $159,000 CAD - Poet's Cove Splendour South Pender Island, Southern Gulf Islands - Own your own piece of the good life on Pender Island with a 1/4 share in this 2BR-2BA- 845 sq ft free standing intimate & private cottage at Poets Cove Resort & Spa. Enjoy one week a month with ocean views & access to 2 heated pools, rec centre, marina, restaurants & luxurious spa. Escape from the city to peace & tranquility & bring the whole family -- or trade time for other 5 Star Resorts. Rental Demand is up. Assessment includes taxes. Property information Read more:Columbia
, British Columbia
, British
Choosing A Wood Heating Appliance for your Home 2008-01-05 12:31:00 As I wrote yesterday, approximately 20 percent of the single family dwellings in Canada are heated to some extent with wood. According to Environment Canada, residential wood heating is the third largest source of fine particle emissions associated with human activities. That said, the efficient use of wood fuel is much more eco-friendly than other fuels like kerosene and natural gas. If you decide to buy a wood stove, choose one that has been certified for low emissions by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the US or the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). The benefit of the EPA/CSA wood stove for emission reduction is substantial. In a controlled environment, emissions from an EPA/CSA wood stove are reduced by an approximate average of 80%. When using an Read more:Appliance
, Heating
Heating Your Home with Wood: Eco-friendly? Carbon Neutral? 2008-01-04 13:56:00 Approximately 20 percent of the single family dwellings in Canada are heated to some extent with wood. According to Environment Canada, wood is used in more than 3 million Canadian homes as either a primary or secondary heat source. Of course, woodstoves and fireplaces are not only used for heating purposes, but also to create a “comforting and cozy” atmosphere.The Environment Canada site goes on to say that, in Canada, residential wood heating is responsible for 29% of the fine particle emissions associated with human activities. This makes it the third largest source of these emissions overall. Wood smoke contains over 100 pollutants -- these pollutants not only negatively impact the environment but are also linked to a wide range of health problems, and residenti Read more:Neutral
, Carbon
, Heating
BC ASSESSMENT NOTICES SENT TO PROPERTY OWNERS IN THE GULF ISLANDS 2008-01-03 10:28:00 More than 16,500 property owners in British Columbia’s Gulf Islands can expect to receive their 2008 Property Assessment Notice in the coming days. Assessments are the estimate of a property’s market value as of July 1, 2007. This common valuation date ensures that all properties are assessed fairly and there is an equitable base for property taxation. The real estate market creates property value, which is reported annually by BC Assessment. “Most homes in the Gulf Islands are worth more on this year’s assessment roll than they were on the 2007 assessment roll,” said Brian Hawkins, Area Assessor. “Most home owners in the Gulf Islands will see modest increases in the 10% to 20% range.” Changes in property assessments are reflective of movement in t
Earth Hour – Take an Hour to Make a Difference on March 29, 2008 2008-03-18 22:25:00 On 31 March
2007, 2.2 million people and 2100 Sydney businesses turned off their lights for one hour - Earth
Hour. If the greenhouse reduction achieved in the Sydney CBD during Earth Hour was sustained for a year, it would be equivalent to taking 48,616 cars off the road for a year.Sydney icons like the Harbour Bridge and Opera House turned their lights off, and citizens held unique events such as weddings by candlelight -- the world took notice. Inspired by the collective effort of millions of Sydney residents, many major global cities are joining Earth Hour in 2008, turning a symbolic event into a global movement to reduce global warming. Here’s the deal: On March, 29, 2008 at 8pm, you simply turn off all of your lights for one hour. THAT’S IT. There’s
Events on Pender Island, BC -- Thursday March 20 to Monday, March 24 2008-03-18 16:24:00 Welcome to all of our visitors who have come over to spend Spring Break with us here on Pender! I know that many more of you will be coming over in a couple of days for Easter. Here's some of what's up this looong weekend:Thursday
, March
20Special Easter holiday ferry schedule in effect Thursday, Friday & Monday
. 7:30pm - Film Night at the Hall presents: Across the Universe. Admission by a suggested donation of $5. Friday, March 212:00pm - Easter Concert: The Confession Stone (Songs of Mary) - Anglican Parish Hall6:00pm - Friday Night Dinner at the Legion -- Turkey!6:30pm - Hawaiian Luau Dinner at the Pistou Grill. 4 course set-menu for $55/person. Phone 250.629.3131 for the menu and reservations. Highly recommend Read more:Island
SOLD! On Pender Island, BC - March 2008 2008-03-21 13:57:00 My most recent sale on Pender Island
:This beautiful, "almost finished" home appealed to the buyers I brought from Vancouver. Its modern, loft-style feel is highlighted by stunning, south-facing ocean views from the wrap-around deck.Don't let another gorgeous Pender Island home pass you by! View my listings, then contact me for more information. I would love to show you your dream home or getaway, and I enjoy touring people around Pender, to show them everything that our unique island community has to offer.Contact info:• Email: Howard@HomesOnPender.com• Cell: (250) 222-HOME (4663)• &nb Read more:March
Reminder: Earth Hour Approaches! 2 Days to Go... 2008-03-27 10:52:00 Just a quick reminder to everyone that Earth
Hour is coming up on Saturday, March 29. The concept originated in Sydney, Aus in 2007, and has now spread worldwide, as a movement to help fight global warming. Individuals, businesses and organizations are requested to sign up, then participate by turning off all lights, appliances and power using devices from 8pm to 9pm local time.For more information, see my previous post, or go straight to EarthHour to sign up. Read more:Reminder
What Did You Do for Earth Hour '08? 2008-03-29 23:05:00 Over here at our place, we had the fire burning in the wood stove. We lit a few candles for some extra lighting, and then we got out the dice and scorecard for a few rounds of Yahtzee!Add a beer for me and a glass of wine for my wife, and the hour passed almost too quickly...Because we lose power more often than you city dwellers (trees blown over during windstorms can cause havoc with power lines)...we have a regular routine that we quickly pick up when the room goes dark. The candles, wind-up lantern & radio, and headlamps are all in a shoebox in the laundry room. That said, turning out all the lights voluntarily was a bit different. I heard some cynic on the news today call Earth
Hour a "gimmick," but from my point of view it was more about mak
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