Like how the “dream home” isn’t always move-in ready, but the right one always feels right. How the market isn’t just about what’s for sale—it’s about timing, positioning, and seeing what others miss. And how buyers and sellers don’t just want an agent—they want a strategist, a skilled negotiator, and someone who can cut through the noise.

Since April 2005, I’ve helped people in the Comox Valley buy and sell homes without second-guessing their decisions. Because when you have the right information—and someone who knows how to read between the lines—you don’t need to rely on luck.

The market? Always shifting.
The headlines? Only half the story.
The best move? The one backed by experience, strategy, and instinct.

That’s where I come in.

Two Decades in Real Estate: What I Know for Sure

• Referrals don’t come from just doing the job. They come from doing it exceptionally well. The majority of my business is repeat clients and word-of-mouth—because people don’t send their friends to just anyone.

• Numbers don’t lie, but they don’t tell the full story. Market trends, pricing shifts, hidden opportunities—I interpret the data so you can act with confidence.

• Some homes are worth the extra work, some aren’t. I’ve seen enough money pits to know when “good bones” means “bring a crowbar.”

• Negotiation is everything. Buying or selling, you need someone who can read the room, anticipate the next move, and ensure you come out ahead.

• Marketing matters. The right buyer doesn’t just find a home—they connect with it. With a background in marketing and business development, I know how to position a home to attract the right buyers. That’s why I work with top-tier photographers, videographers, and my sparkle cleaner extraordinaire to make every listing stand out.

More Than a Realtor—A Local With Real Experience

I live on the waterfront in Comox, so I understand firsthand what makes oceanfront properties unique—not just in price, but in lifestyle, maintenance, and long-term value.

I also know rural properties inside and out—because I lived that life long before I was in real estate. I’ve experienced firsthand what it means to rely on well water, maintain a septic system, and manage acres of land. These are lessons I learned through experience—so my clients don’t have to.

Beyond that, I’ve renovated homes, uncovered hidden gems, and helped first-time buyers avoid costly mistakes. I work with military relocations, growing families, first-time buyers, and sellers who need a strategic plan.

And after 20 years? I can walk into a home and give you feedback as to what’s working, what’s not, and whether you should run toward it—or away from it.

What I Bring to the Table

• A strategy-first approach. I don’t just track listings—I anticipate patterns, evaluate timing, and position my clients ahead of the curve.

• An eye for what’s real (and what’s just good staging). Some homes look flawless but won’t hold value. Others are hidden gems if you know where to look.

• Negotiation skills that actually matter. Buying? I’ll make sure you get the best value. Selling? We’re not leaving money on the table.

• A team of professionals to get it right. My personal touch staging, photography, marketing, cleaners, trades—your home’s first impression is everything, and I make sure it’s a great one.

• Clear, honest guidance. I don’t just hand you numbers—I interpret the information so you can make an informed decision with confidence.

• Straight talk. Every client gets the same level of service—whether it’s a first-time buyer, a military relocation, or a multimillion-dollar waterfront estate. If it’s not the right time to buy or sell, I’ll tell you. (And then you’ll probably send me a friend who is.)

Some Homes Speak to You Instantly. Others Take a Moment.

You walk in, and something just clicks—the light, the space, the way it fits. Other homes take a moment to reveal themselves—the morning sun in the kitchen, the way a view unfolds from a certain angle, the potential that wasn’t obvious at first.

The best real estate decisions feel the same way.

If you’re considering your next move—whether you’re just beginning to explore or ready to take the next step—I’m here to offer clarity, insight, and a process designed around you.

What’s the Deal?

As of January 1, 2025, if you sell a residential property in BC within two years of buying it, you could owe the government up to 20% of your profit. This tax is meant to curb speculative flipping and keep the market stable, but for sellers, it means one thing: timing is everything.

How It Works

• Sell within 1 year? Boom—20% tax on your net profit.

• Sell between 1-2 years? The tax gradually decreases the closer you get to the two-year mark.

• Sell after 2 years? No extra tax. You’re in the clear.

Who’s Affected?

• Homeowners who want to sell quickly. Whether you bought a condo, house, or even a pre-sale assignment, this tax applies.

• Investors looking for a fast turnaround. The old buy-fix-flip routine just got pricier.

• Accidental flippers. Thought you’d stay, but life had other plans? You might still owe unless you qualify for an exemption.

Exemptions Exist, But They’re Tight

Not every short-term sale gets hit with the tax. Life happens, and BC knows it. You may be off the hook if you’re selling due to:
✅ Divorce or separation
✅ Job relocation (100+ km away)
✅ A major illness or disability
✅ Personal bankruptcy
✅ Death of the owner (yes, really—it’s an exemption)

No, “I just want something new” doesn’t count.

What This Means for Sellers

If you’re thinking of selling in 2025, check your timeline. If you’re under the two-year mark, do the math: is the profit still worth it after taxes? If not, you might want to hold tight, rent it out, or explore creative options.

And if you’re buying now, consider whether your plans might change. Selling quickly could cost you more than you expect.

The Big Picture

BC’s Anti-Flipping Tax is another layer in the ever-evolving real estate landscape, and like all new rules, it comes with winners and losers. The goal? Tame speculation, stabilize prices, and keep housing accessible. The reality? It’s one more thing to consider before making a move.

If you’re unsure how this affects your home or investment, let’s talk. There’s always a strategy—let’s find yours.

📩 Contact me at PhilippaBerg.ca for a no-BS breakdown of your best options.

The Comox Valley real estate market is moving—but not as fast as last year. Here’s what you need to know whether you're buying or selling.

For Sellers: Pricing Power, But Patience Required

The good news? Prices are holding steady. Over the past 12 months, the average sale price for single-family homes rose 3.98% to $888,671. Buyers are paying close to asking price, with homes selling at 98.2% of list price.

The challenge? It’s taking longer to sell. The average days on market for detached homes is now 49 days, though in January, it stretched to 90 days—a reminder that winter tends to slow the market down. If you're selling, price smart and expect a longer timeline.

Townhouses continue to be the star of the market—prices have jumped 21.5% over the past year, and demand remains strong. Condos, on the other hand, saw a 7.33% price drop in January and are taking longer to sell, suggesting buyers are holding out for deals.

For Buyers: More Choices, But No Fire Sale

If you’ve been waiting for prices to drop, that’s not happening. Inventory has increased slightly, but prices remain stable. The recent Bank of Canada rate cut could lower borrowing costs in the months ahead, which may bring more buyers into the market this spring.

What to Watch For in February & Beyond

• Interest Rates: If mortgage rates drop further, expect more buyers to jump in.

• U.S. Tariffs: A potential 25% U.S. tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum could increase construction costs.

• Spring Inventory Surge: More listings typically hit the market in February and March—if you’re buying, this could be your window for more choices.

Bottom Line?
Sellers, be realistic with pricing and patient with timelines. Buyers, there’s more to choose from, but don’t expect bargains. The market is stable, just moving at a slower pace.

Thinking about buying or selling? Let’s chat.

The Comox Valley real estate market in 2025 is setting the stage for a year of calculated moves. With mortgage rates holding steady at 4.5% to 4.75%, housing prices forecasted to rise modestly by 3.3% (BCREA forecast) and new policies shaping the landscape, it’s time for buyers and sellers to bring their A-game.

Interest Rates: Stability, Finally? After a few years of fluctuating rates, stability is here—or so we think. While fixed rates hovering around 4.5% provide a sense of predictability, any surprises from an anticipated federal election could change the narrative. Policy tweaks or incentives aimed at affordability might spark new activity or add an extra layer of uncertainty.

BC Policy Changes: Airbnb and Tenancy Rules BC’s tougher Airbnb regulations mean short-term rental properties could lose some luster, pushing more investors toward long-term rentals?  Combine this with recent updates to the BC Tenancy Act, and we could see landlords rethink their approach—or even step back altogether. These shifts could open doors for owner-occupiers but tighten the rental market further.

Population Trends: The Elephant in the Room More people are leaving BC than moving in, which could temper demand in some areas. However, the Comox Valley’s appeal to retirees, remote workers, and lifestyle-driven buyers keeps it resilient. Local amenities, natural beauty, and community appeal continue to draw people in.

Remote Work and Lifestyle Preferences Remote work trends are boosting demand for homes with offices and outdoor spaces. The flexibility to live and work anywhere is encouraging buyers to prioritize lifestyle, making Comox Valley a top destination.

Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Flood zones, fire risks, and rising insurance premiums are shaping buyer preferences. Homes with eco-friendly upgrades, climate-resilient features, and safer locations are commanding attention. Sellers, addressing these concerns before listing could provide an edge.

Stock Market vs. Real Estate With the stock market facing volatility, many investors are turning to real estate as a more stable option. Tangible assets like homes and rentals offer security and long-term value, even amid economic uncertainty.

What It Means for Buyers and Sellers Buyers: With investors stepping back and competition easing, 2025 could be your year to secure a long-term home. But don’t wait too long—supply isn’t infinite, and lifestyle properties will still command attention.

Sellers: Today’s buyers are selective. A polished, realistically priced home will still attract strong offers, especially in sought-after segments like single-family homes and rural escapes.

2025 is shaping up to be a year of thoughtful decisions, where preparation and strategy will define success.

Happy to chat anytime! 

Philippa Berg

The real estate landscape in British Columbia just got a shake-up. With new rules under Bill 14, buying, selling, or renting a property now comes with an updated rulebook. Let’s break it down so you’re ready to make your next move.

Key Changes You Should Know

1. Plan to Stick Around: 12 Months Required

Landlords evicting tenants to move in must now stay for at least 12 months. This change eliminates short-term evictions and ensures genuine intent. Buyers, if you’re eyeing a tenanted property, consider this in your timeline. What Happens If You Don’t Wait 12 Months? Failing to meet the 12-month occupancy requirement can have serious consequences. Tenants can report the violation, leading to penalties, including fines and compensation payments to the displaced tenant.

2. Growing Families Get a Break

Landlords can no longer raise rent just because your family grows. Adding a child to your household won’t lead to an unexpected rent hike.

3. No More Baseless Evictions

Frivolous eviction notices are out. Landlords must follow strict guidelines to ensure tenants aren’t being unfairly displaced.

4. Evictions Go Digital

All Notices to End Tenancy for personal use must now be issued through an online portal. This ensures compliance and standardizes the process. You can access the portal Here

5. Three-Month Notice for Buyers

Buying a tenanted property and planning to move in? You’ll need to provide tenants with three months’ notice—down from the previous four months. Yes, you read that right. The government initially extended the notice period to four months before walking it back to three. Why? Let’s just say it was a case of trying to fix one problem and creating another. The rollback helps buyers who need possession quickly align with mortgage and financing deadlines.

6. Faster Dispute Resolution

Tenants now have 21 days to dispute a Notice to End Tenancy for buyer occupancy, helping streamline the process for buyers needing possession.

What This Means for Buyers and Sellers

Buyers: Plan your move-in timeline carefully, factoring in the three-month notice period and possible tenant disputes. Work with an experienced agent who knows the rules.

Sellers: Be transparent about tenancies to avoid surprises during the sale. Clear communication can make all the difference.

For Landlords

Landlords, these rules are here to stay, so play by them. Use the online portal for all notices, and be prepared to commit to a full year if you’re planning a personal-use eviction. The penalties for non-compliance aren’t worth the risk.

Larger Rental Buildings: A Quick Note

For those managing larger buildings (five or more units), personal-use evictions are no longer allowed. While less relevant in the Comox Valley, it’s good to know for multi-unit investors.

Bottom Line

BC’s updated tenancy laws bring new challenges but also opportunities to level the playing field. Whether you’re buying, selling, or renting, staying informed and working with professionals can make all the difference. These rules seem to change frequently, so staying in the know is essential. To dive deeper into these regulations, visit the BC Tenancy Act.

Got questions? Let’s talk.

Philippa Berg