Proceeding cautiously, potential homebuyers in British Columbia are mindful of the region's steep cost of living and moderate average salaries. Many anticipate a potential cooling down of the housing market ahead, which could translate into more advantageous purchasing conditions. This cautious stance means that despite reduced interest rates, buyers are not rushing into transactions. Instead, they are holding out for a possible market adjustment that could lower home prices and offer improved buying opportunities. Although historically real estate prices tend not to decrease, there remains hope for a shift.

Interestingly, even with a substantial inventory in the Lower Mainland, buyer confidence remains subdued, as evidenced by below-average reported sales in the Vancouver area.

Buyers on the sidelines are advocating for more direct government support, such as tax credits, grants for first-time buyers, and particularly initiatives to increase housing supply. Without complementary policies, the impact of interest rate cuts alone is limited.

The recent rate cut by the Bank of Canada in June 2024 aims to stimulate the housing market, yet it faces challenges from economic uncertainty, high property costs, and diminished consumer confidence. Prospective homeowners require not only lower interest rates but also assurances of stable employment, affordable housing choices, and a strong economic outlook to confidently navigate one of their most significant financial decisions.

As temperatures rise, it's essential to look out for the more vulnerable members of our community, including older adults. Extreme heat poses significant risks to older adults, who may have more difficulty coping with high temperatures. Let's ensure our seniors are well-informed about how to stay safe and cool during the hot summer months. If possible, offer to share information on nearby cooling stations or even take them to one. They are typically set up at senior centres, rec centres, libraries and town centres. City or District halls will have specific cooling station locations posted on their website. Seniors are particularly susceptible to heat stress due to factors such as living without air conditioning, medical conditions, and the body's reduced ability to cool itself with age. Medications and reduced mobility can further increase the risk. To help seniors stay cool, check on on them,  perhaps pop in with a bottle of water, ensure they have fans if they don’t have air conditioning, and encourage them to keep shades closed during the hottest parts of the day. Another tip is to dress in light fabrics and avoid strenuous outdoor activities. By being proactive and compassionate, we can help protect our older adults from the dangers of extreme heat. Stay cool, Janet 

How to save and document your and or your parents’ life story. Today ask an older adult in your life to share a memory! You most like will feel inspired and grateful.Our clients rely on our expertise to prepare and market their home to ensure it sells for top dollar and they know all the details will be taken care! They also value our system, HELM’s 55 and BETTER which shares resources including like minded professionals.Of course we can refer lawyers, financial advisors, handymen and women, gardeners, cleaners, movers and organizers, whatever our clients need, we get it for them. The topic of preserving “mom and dad’s” memories comes up often. In the next issue of our monthly, HOME with HELM in the hope of you getting to know the older adults in your life better I’ll be will be sharing tips on how to document those memories, including how to interview your parents, questions you might ask and where to go to easily have them documented.
Of course, we will include feature listings, market stats and more! Sign up here on our website, contact page. 

What a rewarding experience to be collaborating with a lovely older adult couple who are making the proactive decision to move to a new home that fits their current lifestyle. The transition is that much smoother when one moves because they want to instead of have to. When one moves because they have to (I call, a crisis move) the already overwhelming transition becomes that more stressful! Kudos to my clients for making decisions on their own terms and timeline! This lovingly maintained traditional home, has 3 beds and 3 baths, and awaits new owners to make their own cherished memories, just as the current owners did when they raised their family and enjoyed the private cul-de-sac neighborhood. Conveniently located steps away from South Meridian Park and South Meridian Elementary, this home offers both comfort and accessibility. Welcome to 16168 11B Avenue in South Surrey.