Homebuyers who are relocating to or within BC on Canada’s West Coast are more frequently looking to smaller communities on Vancouver Island, and real estate markets in towns like Ladysmith are seeing the benefits. In particular, active retirees make up a large portion of new residents in smaller Vancouver Island communities, and builders are building homes and communities designed to accommodate their wishes and also to take advantage of everything Island life has to offer.

Relocating from expensive cities such as Vancouver and Victoria to Ladysmith offers owners a break from both big-city life and big-city real estate prices. People are also moving from Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario. These buyers tend to be active and want to live in Ladysmith to enjoy the warmer weather and outdoor lifestyle.

As our West Coast summer finally starts to heat up, did you know your window coverings play a key role in keeping you and your family cool indoors?

Windows play an important role in the overall energy efficiency of a house, and proper window treatments from Budget Blinds of the North Island can be a great way to keep you cool in the summer and warm through the winter. Blinds, shades, shutters and drapes all provide effective insulation to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.

Budget Blinds, located in Courtenay, has a huge selection of custom window treatments to choose from, to keep your home comfortable and looking fabulous! Cellular shades, with their honeycomb-shaped pockets, are a very popular option. Their design helps to keep air from escaping or entering your home, protecting you from the elements.

Window film is also an effective way to deflect 99% of damaging UV rays, which will fade and damage flooring and furniture, while also keeping the heat out of your home.

Consider adding motorization and a timer to your new blinds, so that even while you’re away, your blinds will open and close at the best times to keep the heat in or out.

Not sure what will work best for your home? Schedule a free design consultation with Budget Blinds. Their in-house designers will help you find the window treatments that work best to create a comfortable environment for your family and guests in your home, while also providing you with long-term energy savings.

Contact them today to get started!

Ladysmith Realtor Keith Mazurenko has three listings in the prestigious ocean view community of The Gales. Two new homes are now available as well as one duplex home built in 2007.

Located at 626 Farrell Drive in Ladysmith, Unit 21 is a new construction home offering 1,818 sq ft of living space including 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. This open layout home offers a great room style living space with a natural gas fireplace, a King-sized master suite with a five-piece ensuite and much, much more. This home is listed at $649,900.

Home #19 is a luxury 1,820 sq ft rancher/bungalow-style home featuring ocean views. From the moment you enter the grand foyer of this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom homes you’ll see the high-end finishings. Hardwood and tile, heated bathroom floors, amazing cabinetry and granite/quartz counters, a gorgeous ensuite and beautiful fireplace feature wall. This home is listed at $609,900.

Built in 2007, Unit #5 offers an expansive 3,093 sq ft of space with a level-entry main floor and walkout basement. A double attached garage is also included. Offering 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, this home luxury home is impeccably finished. With expansive ocean views, a large deck, patio and a yard, you’ll have plenty of space to enjoy the outdoors. This home is listed at $769,900.

Homes at The Gales have been constructed to the highest designation of the “Built Green” program so air quality, livability, low energy costs and highest quality assured under this exclusive program. The Gales is located minutes from the beach, walking trails and golf, only 10 minutes to the Nanaimo airport and an hour to Victoria.

Contact Realtor Keith Mazurenko of Royal LePage at 250-245-0545 for more details or to arrange a personal tour of any of these homes.

Prices subject to change