What new rules you need to know!To ensure a smooth process and prevent issues with your tenants or the prospective buyer, it's crucial to understand your fundamental rights and legal responsibilities during the selling and buying process. The recent legislative changes affecting how a tenancy can be ended took effect on July 18, 2024.Landlords must now give three months’ notice instead of two (tenants will be given 30 days to dispute notices instead of the current 15 days) ⁣As a buyer being aware you can not move in for 4 months is imperative to know, as 4 months may not be convenient for you.  As a seller these dates are important to know as you are liable to pay tenants 12 months’ rent if they are evicted in bad faith. Know your rights!  

Moving can be both exciting and challenging, especially as we grow older and our needs evolve. Whether you're moving to a more manageable space or relocating closer to loved ones, choosing the right moving company is paramount to ensuring a smooth transition. One crucial aspect to consider is whether the moving company is licensed and insured, providing peace of mind that your belongings are protected throughout the process.

At HELM, we understand the importance of personal service and tailored solutions for older adults. We recommend starting with an in-person moving estimate. This personalized assessment allows us to meet with you and your selected movers face-to-face, ensuring all your questions are answered and your specific needs are addressed. We act as another set of ears and eyes during this meeting, ensuring clarity in every detail of your move.

Understanding the scope of services offered by your chosen moving company is crucial. Here are some key services to inquire about:

Packing: If needed, HELM can refer you to professional packers who ensure your belongings are packed securely using appropriate materials. Custom Crating: For delicate or unusually shaped items, custom crating ensures they are protected during transit. We recently moved an older adult whose art collection needed to be crated. Every piece of art arrived safe and sound! 

Loading and Unloading:  Some movers will pack one day, then load and unload the next day. Creating a schedule will be important. If moving to a condo, the strata will need to schedule your move, hang elevator protection blankets and block elevator time. There could even be a specific entrance you need to use. At HELM we ensure the strata manager knows of your move date and time well in advance and your movers know exactly when and where to go, so there are no surprises. 

Furniture Assembly/Disassembly: Some moving companies will dismantle furniture at your current location and reassemble it at your new home. We can also connect you with stagers and move managers who can assist with furniture placement and unpacking and art placement.

Storage: If there's a gap between moving out and moving in dates, some moving companies will provide free of charge temporary storage solution to accommodate your needs.

Cleaning Services and Junk Removal: Depending on your requirements, some moving companies, offer cleaning services to leave your old home spotless and junk removal to dispose of unwanted items responsibly.

Knowing exactly what services are included in your moving package allows you to plan effectively and ensure a seamless transition to your new home. Beyond merely transporting your belongings, you want peace of mind during this significant move. 

The relationship between you and your moving company is crucial. By choosing a licensed and insured mover and taking advantage of an in-person estimate, you can navigate your move with confidence. Establishing effective communication from the outset ensures smoother coordination and problem-solving should any unexpected issues arise. I always suggest booking your move day well in advance, as if you have to change the date, you are already in their system and most likely esier to change the date instead of simply calling, requesting a move date which they can’t accomodate. 

At HELM, we're committed to supporting older adults through every step of their move, ensuring a positive experience and a fresh start in your new home. Whether you're moving across town or across the country, let us help you make this transition as smooth and stress-free as possible. 

What does this much needed rate drop mean?This is great news for variable rate mortgage holders and home equity line of credit borrowers. And lower bond yields have led many mortgage providers to reduce fixed mortgage rates by up to 0.25% for 3- and 5-year terms.Choosing between a fixed or variable-rate mortgage depends on your financial goals and risk tolerance. How to choose a mortgage broker? Ask HELM. We are happy to share interview questions as well as information to ensure your choose a mortgage broker who is right for you and your needs. 

Recent Bank of Canada announcement! 

Check out the video!

Recently one of my clients exclaimed how he couldn’t believe how many forms and details are involved in a real estate transaction. For many of my clients it’s often been decades since their last real estate transaction.
At HELM, part of our “55 AND BETTER ” move management system ensures
that you know what to expect, what might happen, and what will happen long before we are reviewing offers at your kitchen table or putting an offer in on purchasing a new home. We provide a glossary of terms, review blank contracts and offers, go over the disclosure forms, and documents and answer your questions well in advance so that when we are reviewing offers at your kitchen table, or you are ready to purchase, and write an offer you know exactly what you are reading and what your legal obligations are. We are with you every step of the way, protecting you, one of your largest assets and ensuring your next home you purchase is right for you!
If you or someone you know is considering rightsizing, has questions, please reach out to me. I’m happy to sit down and have a conversation and share resources so you can plan your next steps with confidence. 

July 5 is Injury Prevention Day in Canada and a reminder that falls are the one of the most common preventable injuries for older adults. In fact, they are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations among people aged 65 or older. Older adults can reduce their risk of falls by increasing their strength and balance, having an annual medication review and vision assessment, and removing home hazards. Assess your fall risk and learn about proactive ways to prevent them on the BC Finding Balance website.