Anthea Helmsing | Victoria REALTOR®

One of the best things about living on the Saanich Peninsula is having so much fresh, locally grown food right at our doorstep. From sweet corn and berries to honey, eggs, flowers and fresh-baked bread, there are so many great local stops to explore.

I’ve put together a Central Saanich Farm Stand Guide, organized by route to make it easy to spend a morning farm-stand hopping and supporting our local growers.

Check out the guide below and bookmark it for your next weekend outing!

Fresh corn, berries, honey, eggs and flowers, grown just down the road. Here’s where to find them, organized by route, so you can plan a morning of farm-stand hopping around the Peninsula.

Wallace Drive & West Saanich Road

Bickford Farms

7969 Wallace Drive, Saanichton
July–October · Daily, dawn–dusk

Family-run farm known for U-pick pumpkins and hand-picked corn, harvested daily. Neighbours say it’s about $1 a cob in season.

Sluggett Farms

6881 West Saanich Road
In season · Daily, 9:30am–6pm

Farming the same land since 1876. Strawberries, eight types of non-GMO sweet corn, lettuce, broccoli and more. Also at the Peninsula Country Market on Saturdays.

Country Bee Honey Farm

6440 West Saanich Road, Saanichton
Year-round · 7 days a week

Raw honey and infusions, unique local gifts, and a small farm menagerie the kids will want to visit.

Veyaness Road

Paulz Farm

7120 Veyaness Road, Saanichton
In season

Non-GMO carrots, beets, corn, kale, Swiss chard and more, picked fresh every morning. Weekly CSA veggie and berry boxes available.

Gobind Farms

6929 Veyaness Road (near Keating X Rd), Saanichton
Strawberry season · Daily, 9am–6:30pm

A local favourite for berries, with fresh seasonal strawberries and raspberries, plus farm-made jams, syrups and ice cream.

Island View Road

Michell’s Farm Market

2451 Island View Road, Saanichton
Year-round · 7 days a week

Sixth-generation family farm growing more than 40 vegetable varieties and berries, plus pasture-raised beef. Fall U-pick pumpkins.

Firbank Farm

2834 Island View Road, Saanichton
Year-round · Wednesday–Saturday, 9am–4pm

Farm-fresh eggs, a wide range of vegetables, cut flowers and bedding plants, plus one of the area’s best pumpkin selections come fall.

Central Saanich Road

Silver Rill Corn Farm

7117 Central Saanich Road, Saanichton
In season · Check website for hours

Fourth-generation farm growing more than 25 non-GMO corn varieties picked daily, plus vegetables, berries and house-made jams. There’s also a corn maze and pumpkin patch in the fall.

Island View Mini Golf & Farm Market

Central Saanich Road, next to Silver Rill Corn
Seasonal

A neighbourhood favourite for raw honey, right beside the corn stand.

Hovey Road & Mt Newton X Road

Northbrook Farm

1438 Mt Newton X Road, Saanichton
April–November · Tuesday, Friday & Sunday

Certified-organic produce stand and part of the Saanich Organics group of farms. Self-serve U-pick blueberries are available from early July to the end of August.

Sea Dog Farm

1742 Hovey Road, Saanichton
Stand open daily

Fresh, dried and freeze-dried fruit, vegetables, berries and herbs, plus hand-tied bouquets. A walk-up stand is also reachable through Centennial Park.

Silver Rill Berry Farm

1490 Hovey Road, Saanichton
Call or email ahead

Farming the Mt. Newton Valley since the 1920s. Known for pure black-currant concentrate and award-winning jams and jellies.

Stelly’s X Road & Bear Hill Road

Saanichton Farm Market

1947 Stelly’s X Road, Saanichton
Saturdays, 10am–2pm

Family farming Vancouver Island for over 100 years. Stone-ground whole-wheat flour is milled right on the farm, plus lentils, wheat berries and eggs.

Dan’s Farm & Country Market

2030 Bear Hill Road, Saanichton
7 days a week

Fruit, vegetables, baked goods, preserves, ice cream, meat and free-range eggs, plus farm animals to visit and a picnic spot.

Northstar Organics

2200 Bear Hill Road, Central Saanich
Order ahead online

Certified-organic farm known for bulk blueberries by pre-order, plus other seasonal produce at farmers’ markets and the farmstand.

Saturday Market

Peninsula Country Market

Saanich Fairgrounds, 1528 Stelly’s Cross Road, Saanichton
June 7–October 11 · Saturdays, 9am–1pm

Running for over 30 years, with farm-fresh produce, meat and dairy, artisan baking, local crafts and live music all in one place.

Bella Vista Drive

Bella Vista Bread Shed

Bella Vista Drive (6500 block)
Every Friday, 9am–5pm

A little shed full of fresh-baked goodness, including artisan breads, cookies, homemade jam and more, all made with lots of love.

Want to make sure your favourites don’t sell out, or need a different day? Email bellavistabreadshed@outlook.com or message @bellavistabreadshed on Instagram.

Thinking About Calling Central Saanich Home?

With its beautiful rural setting, local farms and markets, and strong sense of community, Central Saanich is a special place to call home.

If you’re considering a move to the area or have questions about buying or selling in Central Saanich, I’d love to help.

Anthea Helmsing
Victoria REALTOR® · RE/MAX Camosun
250-893-5540
helmsingrealestate@gmail.com
helmsingrealestate.com

If you’ve been thinking about downsizing your home in Sidney, BC, you may have already asked yourself one very important question:

“Where will I go if I sell my house?”

For many homeowners, particularly those who have lived in their home for many years, the thought of selling can feel complicated. You may know that you want less maintenance, fewer stairs, a smaller home or perhaps a condo or townhouse — but you may not know how to coordinate selling your current home with purchasing your next one.

This is one of the reasons subject-to-sale offers are becoming more common in today's more balanced real estate market.

A subject-to-sale offer may provide another option for homeowners who want to downsize but don't want to sell their home without knowing where they will go next.

What is a subject-to-sale offer?

A subject-to-sale offer is an offer to purchase a new property that is conditional on the buyer successfully selling their existing home.

In simple terms, you are saying:

“I would like to buy your home, but I need to sell my current home first.”

For example, perhaps you own a large family home in North Saanich or Sidney and have decided that you are ready to downsize into a condo or townhouse.

You find a property that feels perfect.

Rather than selling your current home first and then hoping you can find somewhere suitable to move, your offer on the new property could potentially be structured subject to the sale of your existing home.

If the seller accepts the offer, you then have an agreed-upon period of time to sell your current property and satisfy the conditions of the purchase.

Of course, every situation is different, and a subject-to-sale offer needs to be carefully structured with the appropriate conditions and timelines.

Why are subject-to-sale offers becoming more common?

Real estate markets change.

In a highly competitive seller's market, sellers may be less willing to accept an offer that depends on another property selling first. They may have multiple buyers who are ready to purchase without that condition.

In a more balanced real estate market, however, there can sometimes be more opportunity for buyers and sellers to negotiate terms that work for both sides.

That doesn't mean every seller will accept a subject-to-sale offer. It simply means that there may be more room to have the conversation.

And for someone considering downsizing, that conversation can be incredibly valuable.

Thinking about downsizing but worried about the timing?

This is something I hear from homeowners quite often.

You may be thinking:

“I know this house is getting to be too much.”

“I don't need all this space anymore.”

“The yard is becoming too much work.”

“I would love a condo or townhouse, but I don't want to sell until I know where I'm going.”

“What happens if my house sells and I can't find something I like?”

These are all very reasonable concerns.

Downsizing isn't simply a real estate transaction. It's a transition.

The financial side is important, but so are the emotional and practical aspects of leaving a home where you may have lived for decades.

That's why planning the process before you list your home can make such a difference.

Could a subject-to-sale offer help with your downsizing plans?

Potentially, yes.

If you are considering downsizing in Sidney, North Saanich, Saanich or the Greater Victoria area, we can start by looking at your entire situation rather than simply putting your home on the market.

We can discuss:

• What your current home may realistically sell for

• What type of home you would like to move into

• Whether a condo, townhouse or smaller home might suit your lifestyle

• What properties are currently available

• Your estimated purchase budget

• How much equity you may have in your current home

• Whether a subject-to-sale offer could potentially work

• How the timing of your sale and purchase could be coordinated

• What needs to happen before your home is ready to sell

The goal is to create a downsizing plan that works for you, rather than rushing you into a decision.

You may not have to sell first and figure everything out later

One of the biggest misconceptions about downsizing is that you have only two choices:

Option 1: Sell your home first and hope you find somewhere to go.

Option 2: Buy first and somehow carry two properties.

There can be other strategies worth exploring.

A subject-to-sale offer is one of them.

Depending on your circumstances, there may also be other financial or transaction strategies that could help bridge the gap between selling your current home and purchasing your next one.

The important thing is to understand your options before you make a decision.

Downsizing can be an opportunity — not just a move

For many people, downsizing isn't about giving something up.

It's about creating a home and lifestyle that better fits the next stage of life.

Perhaps you want:

• Less maintenance

• A smaller yard

• Fewer stairs

• More freedom to travel

• A lock-and-leave lifestyle

• To be closer to family

• A home that is easier to manage

• To spend less time maintaining a property and more time enjoying life

A well-planned downsizing move can provide all of those things.

But the process can feel overwhelming if you don't know where to start.

Start with a conversation — not a For Sale sign

If you've been thinking about selling your home or downsizing for a long time, but have been holding back because you don't know how the buying and selling process would work together, let's talk about it.

You don't have to list your home tomorrow.

In fact, I often think the best place to start is simply by sitting down and looking at the possibilities.

We can talk about your current home, what you would ideally like to move into, what your options may look like and whether a subject-to-sale offer could potentially help make the transition easier.

There may be a way forward that you haven't considered yet.

If you've been thinking about downsizing in Sidney or the Saanich Peninsula, I'd be happy to help you create a plan — one step at a time, and on your timeline.

Thinking About Downsizing?

Whether you're just starting to think about downsizing or you're ready to make a move, having a plan can make the process feel much less overwhelming.

Contact me to arrange a no-pressure conversation about your home, your options and what your next move could look like.

There is something so special about handing over the keys to first-time home buyers. ❤️

After an exciting search, my clients found the perfect place to call home—a charming rancher with a beautiful backyard in one of Victoria’s most desirable locations. The perfect place to put down roots, entertain family and friends, and create memories for years to come.

Congratulations on this incredible milestone! Thank you for trusting me to be part of such an exciting chapter. Wishing you nothing but happiness in your very first home! 🥂🔑

#Sold #FirstTimeHomeBuyers #VictoriaBC #VictoriaRealEstate #DreamHome HomeSweetHome RancherLiving BackyardGoals NewBeginnings YYJRealEstate

🏡 SOLD | Family Home with Suite Successfully Sold 🏡

A heartfelt congratulations to my long-time clients on the successful sale of their beautiful family home with suite! It has been such a privilege to help guide them through this important transition as they downsize into a rancher that better suits their next stage of life.

Downsizing is about more than just moving—it’s about creating a home that supports the lifestyle you want moving forward. I’m grateful to have been part of that journey.

Congratulations as well to the buyers as they begin an exciting new chapter in a wonderful home. Wishing you many happy memories for years to come.
A special thank you to @nordman.brock and @owenstaceyrealestate for representing the buyers and for being an absolute pleasure to work with throughout the transaction. Successful real estate transactions are always built on strong collaboration, professionalism, and teamwork.

Thinking about downsizing, selling your family home, or making a move on Vancouver Island? I’d be happy to help guide you through the process.

#SoldVictoriaBC #VictoriaRealEstate #VancouverIslandRealEstate #DownsizingSpecialist #RancherLiving FamilyHome HomeWithSuite SidneyBCRealEstate SaanichPeninsulaRealEstate SoldHome RealEstateSuccess AntheaHelmsingRealEstate VancouverIslandLiving

SOLD ✨ 2344 Ocean Drive

This truly was the perfect family home, and I’m so happy for my clients as they move on to their next chapter. After spending some time on the market, a fresh perspective, updated strategy, and renewed marketing approach helped bring the right buyers through the door.

Every home eventually finds the right new owners and a bright future ahead — and I’m so thrilled this beautiful property is beginning its next chapter. Congratulations to my wonderful sellers on a successful sale! Thank you so much for reaching out to me for the sale of this lovely family home with so much potential!! 🎉 🎉 🎉 🎉

#SOLD #yyjrealtor #yyjrealestate

Congratulations to my wonderful buyers on finding the perfect next chapter!

This move wasn’t about leaving waterfront living behind—it was about finding a waterfront home that better suited the lifestyle they were looking for. They wanted to downsize, but not too much, stay in the same wonderful area they love, and enjoy a fresh outlook.

Their previous waterfront home was absolutely beautiful, but they were hoping for a warmer setting, more interesting ocean views, and a larger patio where they could spend even more time outdoors. This home was exactly the right fit.

I’m so happy we found the one. Wishing you both many wonderful years making memories by the water and enjoying everything your new home has to offer. Congratulations! ❤️

#Sold #WaterfrontLiving #DownsizingDoneRight #OceanViews #PatioLiving SaanichPeninsula VancouverIslandRealEstate HomeSweetHome RealtorLife

🏖️ CONGRATULATIONS TO MY WONDERFUL CLIENTS! 🏖️

A big congratulations to my clients on the purchase of their quarter-share vacation property in beautiful Parksville!

As they embrace retirement, they were looking for a way to enjoy more travel, relaxation, and time on Vancouver Island without the responsibilities that come with full-time property ownership. This quarter-share opportunity was the perfect fit—offering the freedom to enjoy a vacation lifestyle while maintaining flexibility and peace of mind.

One of the things I love most about working with retirees is helping them create a lifestyle that aligns with their goals. Retirement isn’t just about where you live—it’s about how you want to live. Whether that’s downsizing, relocating closer to family, finding a low-maintenance home, or securing a vacation property to enjoy for years to come, every move should support the life you’ve worked so hard to build.

Parksville continues to be one of Vancouver Island’s most sought-after retirement destinations, known for its stunning beaches, mild climate, welcoming community, and relaxed pace of life.

Thank you for trusting me to be part of this exciting next chapter. Wishing you many wonderful memories, peaceful mornings, and unforgettable vacations ahead!
Thinking about downsizing, retirement living, or finding the perfect Vancouver Island getaway? I’d be happy to help.

If you’ve been thinking about downsizing or simplifying your lifestyle, you may have come across Victoria Harbour by Chartwell at 777 Belleville Street.

It’s one of the most desirable senior living options in Victoria—and for good reason.

This guide will walk you through:

• What living at Victoria Harbour by Chartwell is like

• How buying and selling works for this type of move

• How a Senior Real Estate Specialist® helps make it simple

Why Seniors Are Choosing Victoria Harbour by Chartwell

Victoria Harbour by Chartwell offers a lifestyle that’s easy, comfortable, and connected.

Here’s what makes it so appealing:

• Prime downtown location at 777 Belleville Street

• Walking distance to downtown shops, restaurants, and the harbour

• Bright, modern suites with full kitchens

• Optional services like dining, housekeeping, and wellness programs

• A built-in community with social activities and events

For many seniors, it’s the perfect balance of independence and support.

Understanding Ownership and Your Next Step

One of the biggest questions is:

“Do I still own a home if I move here?”

Most people moving to Victoria Harbour by Chartwell are:

• Selling their current home

• Using that equity to support their next stage of living

• Choosing a low-maintenance lifestyle instead of home ownership

This means your current home sale becomes a key part of the plan.

Selling Your Home Before Moving

Selling a home later in life can feel like a big step—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

A clear plan makes all the difference.

This usually includes:

• Deciding what to keep, donate, or pass on

• Preparing your home to look its best

• Pricing it properly for today’s market

• Timing the sale with your move

With the right support, this process can feel calm and manageable.

Buying or Securing Your Spot at Victoria Harbour

Each person’s needs are different.

Some are looking for:

• A smaller, easy-to-manage space

• A social and active environment

• Peace of mind knowing support is available if needed

A Senior Real Estate Specialist® helps you:

• Understand your options at Victoria Harbour by Chartwell

• Compare suites and timing

• Coordinate your move with your home sale

• Avoid feeling rushed or unsure

How a Senior Real Estate Specialist® Helps

This type of move is about more than real estate.

It often involves:

• Downsizing years of belongings

• Coordinating movers and timelines

• Supporting family members through decisions

As a Senior Real Estate Specialist®, Anthea helps by:

• Creating a simple, step-by-step plan

• Connecting you with trusted professionals (movers, organizers, cleaners)

• Preparing your home for sale

• Managing the timeline so everything lines up

• Being there to answer questions along the way

The goal is to make your move feel smooth, supported, and stress-free.

Moving to Victoria Harbour by Chartwell is about more than changing homes.

It’s about:

• Less maintenance

• Less stress

• More time to enjoy your day-to-day life

With the right guidance, this transition can feel like a positive and exciting next step.

Thinking About Making a Move?

If you or a loved one are considering a move to Victoria Harbour by Chartwell, it helps to start with a simple conversation.

Anthea Helmsing, Senior Real Estate Specialist®, is here to guide you through:

• Selling your home

• Understanding your options

• Creating a plan that works for you

Reach out today!

helmsingrealestate@gmail.com