From Our Blog

Best Home Features That Add the Most Value on Vancouver Island

Best Home Features That Add the Most Value on Vancouver Island

Understanding the best home features that add value to your home is one of the smartest things you can do before listing, refinancing, or planning a renovation. Whether you own a heritage home in Oak Bay, a newer build in Langford, or a waterfront property on the Gulf Islands, certain features consistently carry more weight with appraisers and buyers alike.
Relocation Appraisals for CAF & RCMP Members

Relocation Appraisals for CAF & RCMP Members in Victoria BC

Receiving a new posting brings many responsibilities, from preparing your current home for sale and organizing the move to finding a new home and helping your family transition. Amidst all these tasks, arranging a home appraisal is a vital step, especially if your relocation is managed by Sirva (formerly BGRS). For Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel and RCMP officers under their federal relocation programs, often referred to as the Integrated Relocation Program (IRP), this appraisal determines the Fair Market Value (FMV) of your primary residence, which directly impacts your eligibility for various relocation benefits.
Why Vancouver Island Mortgage Brokers Rely on AIC-Designated Appraisers for Lender Submissions

Why Vancouver Island Mortgage Brokers Rely on AIC-Designated Appraisers for Lender Submissions

Vancouver Island mortgage brokers depend on accurate, lender-accepted property valuations to close files on time. When a lender orders an appraisal as part of a mortgage submission, the report needs to be credible, compliant, and defensible. That is why brokers placing residential mortgage financing appraisals across Southern and Central Vancouver Island consistently turn to appraisers who hold a designation from the Appraisal Institute of Canada (AIC).
The Hidden Costs of Buying a House in Victoria

The Hidden Costs of Buying a House in Victoria

Buying a house in Victoria is one of the most exciting financial decisions you will ever make, but it can also be one of the most expensive if you are not prepared for what comes beyond the listing price. Victoria, BC is a desirable market with strong demand, limited inventory, and rising property values, which means buyers need to be especially careful with their budgeting. Many first-time buyers focus almost entirely on the purchase price and mortgage payments, only to be caught off guard by the range of additional costs that surface before, during, and after closing.
home value calculator

Home Appraisals vs. Online Home Value Calculators for Vancouver Island Homeowners

When you use a home value calculator, you get an instant estimate with very little effort, but is that number actually reliable? Whether you are trying to figure out what your property may be worth before listing it, refinancing, or simply satisfying curiosity, the tool you choose matters more than most homeowners realize. You can hire a certified appraiser who will spend time thoroughly evaluating your property, or you can type your address into an online calculator and get a result in seconds. Both approaches claim to tell you what your home is worth, but they differ significantly in accuracy, reliability, and the situations in which each is appropriate.
Eco-Friendly Homes and Their Impact on Home Appraisal Value on Southern and Central Vancouver Island

Eco-Friendly Homes and Their Impact on Home Appraisal Value on Southern and Central Vancouver Island

Eco-friendly homes are reshaping how appraisers assess property value across Southern and Central Vancouver Island, and understanding which upgrades actually move the needle can save you thousands in misguided renovations. While some green home improvements deliver meaningful returns, others barely register with professional appraisers. The gap between trendy sustainability buzzwords and features that actually impact your property’s assessed worth is wider than most homeowners realize, and knowing the difference matters when you are planning your next project.
Understanding the Role of Appraisals for Mortgage Refinancing On Vancouver Island

Understanding the Role of Appraisals for Mortgage Refinancing on Vancouver Island

When you're considering mortgage refinancing in Victoria and across Vancouver Island, an appraisal is a critical step that helps determine your loan terms, interest rate, and whether you get approved. During this process, a professional appraiser visits your home to assess its current market value by examining its condition, size, and location, and comparing it to recently sold properties in your neighbourhood.
How to Get the Best Appraisal for Investment Properties in Victoria

How to Get the Best Appraisal for Investment Properties in Victoria

An accurate investment property appraisal is essential for understanding the true value of your residential real estate portfolio. Whether you're buying, selling, or refinancing rental properties on Vancouver Island, proper preparation can significantly impact your valuation. From property maintenance to gathering documentation, the work you do beforehand sets the stage for success. Let's explore how you can position your investment properties for the best possible appraisal outcome.

How to Increase Home Value for Victoria Homeowners in 2026

If you're looking to increase your Victoria home's value, understanding which renovations deliver meaningful returns can make a significant difference in your selling price. In the 2026 market, strategic improvements will not only enhance your living experience now but will also position your home competitively when it's time to sell.
Community Amenities and impact on home value

Community Amenities and Their Influence on Home Value

When determining your home's value, the quality and variety of community amenities surrounding your property play a major role. It’s not only the size or style of your house that matters. Factors such as nearby schools, parks, walkability, transportation, and infrastructure all contribute to a neighbourhood's desirability.

Related Links

appraisal institute of canada logo
Sauder School of Business Logo
VREB (Victoria Real Estate Board) Logo
We’re Hiring!
close slider

Job Title: AIC Candidate Appraiser

D. Fritz Appraisals Inc. is an established Real Estate Appraisal company that has been part of the Capital and Cowichan Valley community since 1998. We are excited to announce our company is ready to grow again and are searching for an AIC Candidate Appraiser to join our busy team to expand up-island in Nanaimo and the surrounding area.

The position available will be an independent contract, with a commission-based fee split. The successful Candidate will work under and be mentored by our AACI designated Appraiser. Our small team also consists of a CRA designated Appraiser (owner), three other AIC Candidates, and two Office Administrators. This is a work from home position, with an online virtual office to maintain and encourage communication and teamwork within the company. All computer software will be provided.

Responsibilities Include:

·      Perform on-site inspections, ensuring measurement accuracy, taking photographs and data collection;

·      Pull comparable sales and assign values to complete appraisal reports efficiently;

·      Meet turnaround times to ensure client satisfaction;

·      Develop relationships with lenders, brokers, clients, and other members of the public;

·      Continuously improve their knowledge regarding cost, market, and valuation trends;

·      Abide by all company policies and procedures­­­;

·      Attend staff meetings as required.

Qualifications Needed:

·      Valid Driver’s License and driving record that meets company standards

·      Clean Criminal Record check

·      A keen interest and knowledge of Vancouver Island’s real estate market

·      Registered Candidate Appraiser with the Appraisal Institute of Canada (AIC)

·      Must have proficient writing skills, be thorough and attentive to detail

Please forward a PDF copy of your resume and cover letter to [email protected].