There is a major difference between scrolling through online listings and putting your boots on the ground to explore a neighborhood. This past Tuesday, June 16th, I headed out on our local Realtor Tour to preview some spectacular new spots for my clients. I wanted to check out everything from street safety to how close the nearest playgrounds are, ensuring my buyers always have a 24/7 advocate in their corner.

My first stop brought me to the wide-open spaces of Nanoose Bay. I pulled up to 1793 Stewart Rd, a breathtaking 1.5-acre property listed by Lisa Duthie with Royal LePage Nanaimo Realty. Priced at $1,574,900, this beautifully appointed 2,700-plus square foot rancher features an impressive great room with 11-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, an open-concept granite kitchen, and a finished studio. The property is located in the desirable PQ Nanoose neighbourhood, offering a peaceful rural lifestyle while staying in close proximity to the scenic hiking trails at Nanoose Regional Park and a quick drive to Nanoose Bay Elementary School.

From there, I moved into Upper Lantzville to check out 8109 Northwind Dr, listed by Shanon Kelley with Royal LePage Nanaimo Realty and co-listed by Leanne Drolet with Royal Lepage Sterling Realty. This 2,400 square foot home is priced at $999,800 and sits at the end of a long, winding driveway on a private half-acre lot with sweeping, panoramic views of Nanoose Harbour, warm wood flooring, and a cozy gas fireplace. It feels completely tucked away from the world, yet it is located just a short 5-minute trip to Seaview Elementary School and the local sports fields at Lantzville Park.

Right around the corner, I toured a custom West Coast gated estate called "The Sanctuary" at 7817 Superior Rd, listed by Jayda McLauchlin with Royal LePage Nanaimo Realty. Priced at $1,850,000, this massive 4,270 square foot home sits on over two fully fenced acres and showcases a private 2-bedroom in-law suite with its own separate entrance. It is a dream setup for extended family or anyone wanting a premium mortgage helper, located within the peaceful Upper Lantzville neighborhood with close proximity to the Seaview Elementary school catchment area.

To round out the Lantzville leg of the tour, I checked out 7487 Forest Turn Way, listed by Kiel Lukaniuk with REMAX Professionals. This updated 4-bedroom family home is priced at $849,000 and features a kitchen with a custom coffee bar, a rear entertainment deck, and a garage set up as a workshop. It is tucked perfectly into a quiet cul-de-sac where kids can play safely, sitting just minutes from amenities, local schools, and the beach access at Huddlestone Park.

My last stop was in one of North Nanaimo’s most prestigious executive neighborhoods to tour 4839 Fillinger Cres, listed by Patty Lew-Lapointe with Real Broker. Priced at $1,289,900, this custom-built home boasts premium finishes like wide-plank white oak floors, a quartz island, and an elevated upper deck with breathtaking panoramic ocean vistas. It also includes a lower-level 1-bedroom plus den suite. The location is unbeatable, sitting on a quiet no-thru street right in the catchment for Frank J. Ney Elementary School and just steps from the beach and playground at Fillinger Park.

While driving between these neighborhoods, I also got a sneak peek at a few upcoming properties that are not listed yet in the MLS. We realtors call them pocket listings or sleeve listings, and I have direct access to them. In a hot market like Nanaimo, speed and knowledge are huge factors, and I will introduce these properties to you as soon as possible.

My real estate business isn't built on cold corporate automated emails; it’s built entirely on real human connections. I put my heart into every negotiation to protect families. Because I dedicate all my time to being a 24/7 advocate, my business relies completely on referrals. That’s why I run an amazing referral program. When you introduce me to a friend, family member, or neighbor looking to buy or sell anywhere from Duncan to Courtenay, I love to say thank you with a special client gratitude package upon closing.

Want to beat the weekend crowds? Click here to explore our upcoming open houses and see new properties first, or call my direct line anytime at 250-961-0001 to hear about the off-market sleeve listings I found this week!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is Ion "John" Bucur? I am a licensed real estate professional with eXp Realty serving Central Vancouver Island, specializing in single-family homes, luxury marketing, and suite/waterview properties.

2. What is a local Realtor Tour? It’s a dedicated day where local agents open up their brand-new listings exclusively to other active realtors so we can preview layouts, analyze neighbourhood features, and match homes with our active buyers immediately.

3. What are pocket listings and sleeve listings? These are upcoming homes scheduled to launch on the public market soon. I have direct access to them, giving my buyers a massive competitive advantage before multiple offers pile up.

4. How does your referral program work? If you refer a friend, family member, or neighbor looking to buy or sell on the Island, I show my appreciation with an amazing client gratitude package upon closing.

5. What makes your approach to real estate different? I bring a "Boots on the Ground" work ethic, providing premium luxury marketing tools, like drone photography, professional videos, and custom floor plans, to every single listing, regardless of the price point.

6. Are Nanoose Bay and Lantzville good areas for families? Absolutely, because both communities offer a beautiful balance of rural privacy, excellent community parks, and highly rated local elementary schools.

7. What is the catchment school for properties on Superior Road and Northwind Drive? These neighborhoods sit within the catchment area for Seaview Elementary School in Lantzville.

8. Can I view pocket listings online? No, sleeve or pocket listings are kept off the public MLS system initially, which is why you need a connected local agent to gain access to them.

9. What areas do you actively serve? I live in Nanaimo and actively work with buyers and sellers along the entire Central Island corridor, from Duncan all the way up to Courtenay.

10. How can I contact you about these listings? You can reach me directly on my cell at 250-961-0001, email me at john.bucur@exprealty.com, or visit www.nanaimohomesales.ca.