Why This Time of Year Matters — Comox Valley Homes Team

The holidays in the Comox Valley bring cozy gatherings, festive events, and time spent with the people who matter most. It also happens to be one of the most common times for real estate conversations to happen—often without anyone planning it.

Here’s why the season naturally sparks important housing discussions:

People Finally Have Time to Think

Between work, commuting, and life’s busyness, it’s tough to step back and assess your living situation. The holidays offer a pause—giving families time to reflect on whether their current home still fits their needs.

Visitors Fall in Love With the Valley

Out-of-town guests often experience the Comox Valley at its best: strolling downtown Courtenay, skiing at Mount Washington, or walking along the Comox Marina. Many leave asking, “What are homes going for here?”

Meaningful Family Discussions

Whether it’s downsizing, upsizing, helping kids into their first home, or planning a future move, family gatherings tend to spark honest conversations about housing goals for the year ahead.

A Fresh Start in the New Year

January is one of the busiest months for buyers and sellers. The ideas discussed in December often turn into decisions once the new year begins.

Thinking About a Move?

The Comox Valley Homes Team is here to help you take the next step—whether you’re buying, selling, or just exploring your options.

Reach out anytime. The conversation starts with you. 

Buying a new home is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make, and when you have a family, the stakes are even higher. The cozy bungalow that's perfect for a toddler might not be the ideal space for a teenager who needs privacy and a place to study. To make a smart investment that will serve your family for years to come, it's essential to think beyond your current needs and consider how your family's lifestyle will evolve.

Here's a guide to help you find the perfect family home, with tips on what to consider from the first walk-through to the final move-in day.

Location, Location, Location: More Than Just a Mantra

The old real estate adage is true, but for families, "location" means more than just a good address. It's about finding a community that supports your family's day-to-day life and future.

• School Catchment Areas: This is a top priority for many families. Before you even fall in love with a house, do your homework on the local schools. Most school districts have a "school locator" tool on their website where you can type in an address to see which schools a property is zoned for. Look at school ratings, read parent reviews, and check for any special programs or choice schools that might be a good fit for your children.

• Proximity to Parks and Amenities: A good neighborhood for kids is one with places to play. Are there parks, playgrounds, or green spaces within walking distance? How far is it to the local library, community center, or sports fields? A house near these amenities can be a lifesaver for busy parents and a hub for social activity for kids.

• The Neighborhood Vibe: Is the neighborhood family-friendly? The best way to find out is to become a local for a day. Visit the area on a weekend and take a walk around. Do you see other children playing outside? Are there bikes and toys in driveways? This can be a great indicator of the community's demographics.

The House Itself: A Home for All Ages

While a house's aesthetic appeal is important, its layout and features are what will truly determine its long-term suitability for your family.

• Layout and Flexibility: An open-concept floor plan is fantastic for keeping an eye on young children while you're in the kitchen, but it may not be ideal for a teenager who wants a quiet space to do homework. Consider a home with multiple living areas or a finished basement that can serve as a playroom for little ones and a hangout spot for older kids.

• Bedrooms and Bathrooms: As your family grows, so does the need for personal space. A house with enough bedrooms for each child (and an extra for a guest room or home office) is a significant long-term plus. And don't underestimate the value of having more than one bathroom, especially as kids get older and their morning routines get more complicated.

• Storage, Storage, Storage: Kids come with a lot of stuff—toys, books, sports equipment, and school projects. Look for a home with ample closet space, a large mudroom, or a basement that can be organized to keep clutter at bay.

• Safety and Accessibility: For families with toddlers, features like stairs without handrails or sharp corners might be a concern. When your children are grown, you might be thinking about aging parents or your own future mobility. A home with a ground-floor bedroom or the potential to add accessibility features could be a smart move.

The Backyard and Beyond: Your Private Retreat

The outdoor space is just as important as the indoor space, and for families, a backyard is often the heart of the home.

• Privacy and Greenspace: A private backyard offers a safe haven for kids to play and for the whole family to relax. Does the yard back onto a busy street or a public park? Does it back onto a greenspace or a quiet neighbor's yard? Consider how easily a fence could be added for privacy and security.

• Noise Levels: To get a true sense of a home's environment, visit the property at different times of the day and week. A quiet street on a Tuesday morning might be a different story on a Friday night. Listen for traffic noise, barking dogs, or other sounds that could impact your family's peace and quiet.

Finding the perfect family home is a journey of balancing your current needs with your future aspirations. By taking the time to research the neighborhood, think about long-term functionality, and visit the property at different times, you can make a confident choice that will serve your family well for many years to come.

As both a real estate professional and a father of three, I know firsthand how important it is to find a home that adapts to a family’s changing needs. If you’re looking for a place that can grow with you, I’d be glad to help guide the process.

There’s no denying it—getting into the housing market today is more expensive than ever. Higher prices, elevated interest rates, and low inventory have made homeownership feel out of reach for many, especially first-time buyers. But with the right mindset, it’s still possible to take that important first step.

Today’s buyers often need to make compromises. That might mean choosing a smaller home, an older one, or a location that’s a little outside your ideal zone. But by shifting your focus from “dream home” to “smart start,” you can make a strategic move that sets you up for future success.

Look for homes with “good bones”—a solid structure, functional layout, and room to grow. With a little sweat equity, you can update and personalize the home over time. Improvements like painting, landscaping, replacing flooring, or refreshing a kitchen or bathroom can go a long way. Work with your real estate agent to identify which upgrades are worth the investment and which ones will bring the best return.

Real estate has consistently proven to be a strong long-term investment. According to the Real Estate Investment Network, Canadian real estate has outperformed the stock market over the past 25 years when leveraging is considered. Even during slower years, home values tend to increase over time, helping you build equity and financial security.

If you're ready to consider a home with potential, check out 1535 Willemar Ave in Courtenay. This well-cared-for home sits on a large 0.241-acre lot and has exciting future potential, including possible redevelopment into a fourplex with City of Courtenay approval. It's centrally located, making it ideal for long-term living or investment.

As housing affordability continues to challenge many across British Columbia, Courtenay remains a desirable location for both families and retirees seeking a balance of lifestyle and value. However, with interest rates still elevated and rental demand increasing, buyers are looking for ways to make homeownership more sustainable—and adding a secondary suite is one of the best options.

A suite can significantly offset mortgage payments, providing monthly rental income while also increasing the overall value of your property. Whether it’s for a long-term tenant, a family member, or a short-term rental (subject to local bylaws), homes with legal suites are in high demand.

In Courtenay, we’re seeing more buyers prioritize income potential, especially those entering the market for the first time or downsizing but wanting flexibility. With limited rental inventory, a suite also gives you a unique advantage in today's competitive market—making your property more appealing now and into the future.

If you're considering a home with income potential, we currently have a well-designed option available:
👉 719 9th Street, Courtenay – This 2019-built home features 3 bedrooms and 2 baths upstairs, with a fully legal 2-bedroom suite on the ground level. Located near downtown and local amenities, it offers flexibility for both investors and homeowners alike.

Now more than ever, purchasing a home with a suite is a smart strategy in the Comox Valley market. If you'd like to discuss how this type of home could work for your goals, we’d be happy to help.