Real Estate Blog for Buyers & Sellers

Category: Home Buyer Info (38 posts)

  • November 19, 2020
  • Melissa Berrigan

Renting Versus Buying a Home in Comox Valley, British Columbia

Your colleagues, friends, and family may be enjoying the comfort of their homes, but you're still living in a rental property. Such situations may compel someone to think about purchasing a property.

  • August 21, 2019
  • Melissa Berrigan

Exploring the Pros and Cons of Purchasing a Condo in Courtenay, BC

When you decide to take your first step on the property ladder, you will have plenty of property-types to choose from. Many buyers prefer to buy an existing single-family home, some want to buy a plot

  • August 7, 2019
  • Melissa Berrigan

10 Benefits of Buying a Newly Constructed House in Courtenay, BC

There are two options available when seeking a new home for your family. You can purchase a resale (meaning an older home that has already been lived in) or a new construction. While each choice pro

  • April 16, 2019
  • Melissa Berrigan

Fire!

Safety and prevention in your home   When it comes to fire, knowledge and understanding are the key to keeping your family safe. Preventative measures also go a long way.   To help preve

  • March 20, 2019
  • Melissa Berrigan

It’s patio season!

Give your deck a makeover this weekend   The outside of your home should receive just as much attention as the inside does. Luckily, you don’t have to break the bank when it comes to glam

  • January 15, 2019
  • Melissa Berrigan

Juggling moving tasks?

These tips will keep you organized     When you’re getting ready to move homes, there’s much to get done and it isn’t easy juggling all those tasks. Proper organization

  • December 14, 2018
  • Melissa Berrigan

Safe and secure

How to protect your house while you travel   Your bags are all packed and it’s almost time to hit the road. But, before you head out on your next adventure, it’s important to make s

  • December 14, 2018
  • Melissa Berrigan

Are you ready for anything?

Homeowners should have an emergency fund   With homeownership comes great responsibility—great financial responsibility.   On top of mortgage payments, there is home insurance and

  • November 23, 2018
  • Melissa Berrigan

Is it time to downsize your home?

Things to think about before going smaller   If your kids have left the nest and retirement is nearing, you may be wondering if it’s time to swap out the five-bedroom family home for a sm

  • October 15, 2018
  • Melissa Berrigan

Trick and treat your neighbourhood

It’s time to get spooky with outdoor Halloween décor   Halloween is the perfect time for spooky (or whimsical) outdoor decorations. The weather is cool, the colours are changing, a

  • August 1, 2018
  • Melissa Berrigan

Get your back to school groove back

Six ways to survive school routines like a boss   With summer headed into its final month, school is right around the corner. The transition from an unstructured summer of fun to the structured

  • August 1, 2018
  • Melissa Berrigan

Pack your gear!

Summer’s almost over, but there’s plenty of camping left to do   Hate to admit it, but summer is coming to an end. Don't panic! There is still time to make the most of the warm summ

  • June 8, 2018
  • Melissa Berrigan

Start the car and head in any direction!

12 road-worthy day trips on Vancouver Island   Summer is here and the open road is calling!   Not everyone has a week or two of vacation time to spend exploring Vancouver Island. Luckily

  • May 23, 2018
  • Melissa Berrigan

Pack like a boss!

Household packing tips to keep your move simple   Moving day will be here before you know it.   If you want a smooth and successful move, you need to be well prepared—ahead of time

  • May 18, 2018
  • Melissa Berrigan

What are your kids up to this summer?

Five ways to keep children busy during summer break   With the end of the school year fast approaching, you can feel the excitement rising along with the temperature. It’s no secret that

  • April 20, 2018
  • Melissa Berrigan

Yes, millennials are homeowners!

How people are owning homes in their twenties and thirties   Buying a home is a big decision, but it is one worth considering at any age. In Canada, the average age for first time homeowners ha

  • April 20, 2018
  • Melissa Berrigan

We live in foodie heaven

Some of the best places to eat in the Comox Valley   Deciding where to eat can be a serious challenge for people in the Comox Valley. Blessed with a variety of top notch restaurants offering fr

  • February 15, 2018
  • Melissa Berrigan

Successfully relocate with your pet

Tips to safely move animals from one home to the next   Moving is a stressful time for both you and your pet. Pets can easily become anxious when there is unexpected activity in their home, and

  • November 24, 2017
  • Melissa Berrigan

Get your winter on in the Comox Valley

With ample outdoor activities for everyone   The Comox Valley is a fantastic winter destination on Vancouver Island. With a resort that boasts one of North America’s deepest snowpacks at

  • October 23, 2017
  • Melissa Berrigan

Power save your way to a down payment

With these helpful tips   Coming up with thousands of dollars for a down payment is tough. This is especially true if you are already struggling with student loans, car payments, credit card de

  • October 23, 2017
  • Melissa Berrigan

Always work with a Realtor who has your back

That’s why you should work with me!   The market is flooded with agents. But are they all top quality?     When buying and selling a home, it’s important to work with

  • September 25, 2017
  • Melissa Berrigan

School’s back in… time to hit the beach solo!

Six of the best beaches to wander when summer is over   The beautiful beaches of the Comox Valley rank among Vancouver Island’s best. We are blessed with numerous clean and safe beaches t

  • September 25, 2017
  • Melissa Berrigan

Is renting for you?

Four reasons why you might want to rent rather than buy a home   For many, renting a home has always been that one step before home ownership. For others, renting is a lifestyle choice. And for

  • August 25, 2017
  • Melissa Berrigan

Five reasons to visit the legendary Village of Cumberland

Cumberland is a place where memories are made... and not forgotten   Located in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island, the legendary Village of Cumberland has character, interesting people, an

  • August 25, 2017
  • Melissa Berrigan

The ultimate military relocation checklist

Keep your sanity before, during, and after you pack up   Moving is an adventure. It can also be a stressful time filled with endless to-do lists, time constraints, boxes, and packing paper. But

  • July 12, 2017
  • Melissa Berrigan

Real estate options for seniors in the Comox Valley

The Comox Valley is a great place for anyone 55-plus to call home   When it comes to real estate during retirement years, it’s all about downsizing, amenities, active living, and a mild c

  • July 12, 2017
  • Melissa Berrigan

Seven simple ways to raise your credit score

To help you qualify for a mortgage   When it comes to qualifying for a mortgage in Canada, lenders look at your credit score to judge whether you are a risk, or not. They take a close look at t

  • May 15, 2017
  • Melissa Berrigan

5 ways to discover the Comox Valley

Come discover the wonders of the Comox Valley   The Comox Valley is the place to be! Whether you’re a resident or simply passing through, our communities offer endless ways to keep you bu

  • April 20, 2017
  • Melissa Berrigan

Five things to ask yourself before buying a vacation home

Things to consider before purchasing vacation property   Who doesn’t dream of a second home in a warmer climate, at the lake, or at your favourite ski destination?   Having a getaw

  • April 20, 2017
  • Melissa Berrigan

Get your family hiking in and around the Comox Valley

13 fantastic family-friendly day hikes   A variety of terrain awaits the eager hiker in and around the Comox Valley. Whether you’re looking to stretch your legs or head out with the famil

  • March 27, 2017
  • Melissa Berrigan

7 digital tools that will help make house hunting a breeze

Online tools and apps for the tech savvy house hunter   There is no way to sugar coat it. Buying a home can be a daunting task. With so much to take care of in terms of house hunting, purchasin

  • March 13, 2017
  • Melissa Berrigan

What you need to know about relocating to the Comox Valley

Top 4 things you should know about living in the Comox Valley   The Comox Valley is a wonderful place to call home. Beyond the natural beauty, temperate climate, and abundance of outdoor activi

  • October 15, 2016
  • Melissa Berrigan

Qualifying for a new mortgage? Improve your credit!

First mortgage or fifth, boosting your credit rating is always a good thing   Whether you are a first-time home buyer or renewing for the last time, having a good credit score is a big deal

  • October 4, 2016
  • Melissa Berrigan

The best restaurants in the Comox Valley

Welcome to the Valley – I hope you brought your appetite!   Okay, so if home is where the heart is, and the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach, then I guess home is wh

  • September 26, 2016
  • Melissa Berrigan

Schools and kids’ programs in the Comox Valley

Keeping your children busy and happy in your new community!   Moving to a new community always presents some challenges, and when you have children it can be even more difficult. Having helped

  • August 10, 2016
  • Melissa Berrigan

Have You Seen My New Website?

I’m excited to announce the launch of my new website, MelissaBerrigan.ca! Not only is it more beautiful than ever, it helps showcase the many amazing properties that I am privileged to represe

  • February 15, 2016
  • Melissa Berrigan

Can You Afford to Buy a New Home?

If you're throwing your hard-earned money away on rent each month, putting that same amount towards your own home could be an incredible advantage. However, it's also imperative to consider whether yo

  • January 31, 2016
  • Melissa Berrigan

The Benefits of Investing in Income-Producing Properties

Making money in any real estate venture is a difficult task, and many people don't have the skills (or the stomach) for flipping houses. An alternative to this intrinsically risky activity is to purch