Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about buying, selling, and investing in Nanaimo real estate. Expert guidance from Derek Gillette & Associates.

Buying in Nanaimo

How do I start searching for a home in Nanaimo?
Start with our MLS search — every active listing in Nanaimo and central Vancouver Island, updated throughout the day. Filter by neighbourhood, price, beds, and home style, and save the listings you love. When you're ready, we'll set up a personalized search so new matches reach you the moment they hit the market.
Do I need to be pre-approved before viewing homes?
It's not required for a first look, but we strongly recommend getting pre-approved early. It tells you your true budget, signals to sellers that your offer is solid, and lets you move quickly in a competitive situation. We can connect you with trusted local mortgage professionals if you need a starting point.
What does it cost to work with a buyer's agent?
In most Nanaimo transactions, the buyer's agent is compensated through the seller's listing agreement — meaning our guidance, negotiation, and paperwork support typically cost you nothing out of pocket as a buyer. We'll explain exactly how compensation works before you sign anything.
How long does buying a home in Nanaimo take?
From accepted offer to keys in hand is typically 30 to 60 days, depending on financing, inspections, and the completion date you negotiate. The search itself can take anywhere from a week to several months — it's driven by your criteria and what's on the market.
Which Nanaimo neighbourhoods should I consider?
It depends on your life: Hammond Bay and Departure Bay for ocean access and established family streets, North Nanaimo for newer builds and shopping, the Old City Quarter for character and walkability, the University District for value and rental potential. Our neighbourhood guides break each one down, and we'll happily tour you through the areas that fit.

Selling Your Home

What is my home worth right now?
Request a free home valuation and we'll prepare a comparative market analysis using current MLS® data — recent sales of comparable homes, active competition, and where your property sits in today's market. No obligation, and it's the single best starting point for a selling decision.
What should I do to my home before listing?
Usually less than you think — but the right things matter. We'll walk through your home and identify the fixes and touches that actually move the sale price, and our free two-hour handyman service can take care of many of them. Professional photography, video, and staging advice are part of every listing we take.
How will you market my home?
Professional photography and cinematic listing video, full MLS® exposure, featured placement on our websites, targeted social media, and three decades of buyer and agent relationships in this market. Your listing gets presented the way fine homes deserve — and we track what's working and report back to you.
How long will my home take to sell?
It varies with price point, neighbourhood, condition, and the season — well-priced Nanaimo homes in good condition often sell within a few weeks. When we prepare your market analysis we'll give you an honest read on current days-on-market for homes like yours, not a one-size-fits-all promise.

Working With Us

Why choose Derek Gillette & Associates?
Derek is Nanaimo's top-selling real estate agent based on cumulative MLS® sales from 1992 to 2026 — three decades of local negotiation experience, market knowledge, and relationships, backed by a full team covering marketing, photography, and client care. You get a team, not just an agent.
What areas do you serve?
Nanaimo is home base, and we work throughout central Vancouver Island — Lantzville, Ladysmith, Parksville, and Qualicum Beach included. If your plans reach beyond our area, we're glad to connect you with trusted colleagues elsewhere on the Island.
What are member accounts and what do I get?
A free account unlocks the full toolkit: save unlimited listings, create search alerts, see days-on-market and price-change history, and access sold data for verified members. No credit card, no obligation — it simply makes your search smarter.
How do I reach the team?
Call or text 250-585-3322, email us through the contact page, or drop by the Rutherford Road office. For quick questions, texting is usually the fastest way to reach us during business hours.