News

The Mortgage Helper Math Has Changed

Posted on Sep 16, 2026

         

Posted by Jack ToplissHalf the conversations I have about larger homes in this valley end up at the same place: the suite."There's a legal one-bedroom downstairs, so that's a few hundred a month against the mortgage." Or the carriage house. Or the plan to put a small second dwelling on the property later. The suite is what makes the number work, an...

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Six Things That Can Kill Your Home Insurance in the Cowichan Valley

Posted on Aug 24, 2026

Posted by Jack ToplissMost people assume the home inspection is the hurdle. Get through that, and you're clear.Then the insurance quote comes back, and the deal is suddenly in trouble.I've watched this happen enough times that I now bring it up early with buyers. Insurers have tightened up considerably over the last few years, and there are a handf...

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Cowichan Valley Market Update: July 2026

Posted on Aug 07, 2026

Posted by Jack ToplissHere's where the Cowichan Valley market sat at the end of July, and more importantly, what it means if you're thinking about buying or selling this fall.I'm going to start doing these every month. Numbers come from the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB), and I'll give you the honest read rather than the spin.

The Headli...

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Buying ALR Land in the Cowichan Valley: What You Can Actually Build in 2026

Posted on Jul 28, 2026

Posted by Jack ToplissA big chunk of the Cowichan Valley sits inside the Agricultural Land Reserve. If you're shopping for acreage here - Glenora, Sahtlam, Cowichan Station, Cobble Hill, the flats around Duncan - there's a very good chance the property you're looking at is ALR land.And that changes what you're allowed to do with it.This is the sing...

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Which Cowichan Valley Community Is Right for You? A 2026 Guide

Posted on Jun 05, 2026

                              

The Cowichan Valley isn't one place. It's a collection of towns, villages, and rural pockets that each have their own feel - and choosing the right one matters more than most people realize when they're relocating.This is Part 3 of my Cowichan Valley relocation series. If you missed the first two, here's Part 1: a quick relocation guide and Part 2...

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What It Costs to Buy a Home in the Cowichan Valley: 2026 Prices

Posted on May 27, 2026

               

Posted by Jack ToplissOne of the first questions people ask when they're thinking about a move to the Cowichan Valley is the obvious one: what does it cost to buy a home here? This post is Part 2 of my Cowichan Valley relocation series, and it's meant to give you a clear, current snapshot of home prices in 2026 - without the spin.Prices below come...

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