To read our last e newsletter of the year, click here! 

As 2024 comes to a close, we've packed our final newsletter with some exciting content to help you wrap up the year and prepare for what's ahead. In this issue:
Declutter Guide  - Tips to help you start!
Pros & Cons of Strata Living.
Gift Ideas for Seniors  - Thoughtful presents they actually want!
Market Update  and Looking Ahead to 2025 and more!
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“This latest significant rate cut will help to sustain activity throughout the winter months, typically the slowest period for real estate transactions in Canada,” said Phil Soper, president and CEO of Royal LePage. “Buyers have woken up to the reality that property prices are rising again, and more will feel an urgency to act before affordability erodes. As a result, we are anticipating a ‘pull-ahead’ of activity and an early start to the traditional spring housing market. Adding to this momentum is the change in lending policies that come into effect on December 15th, which we believe will coax more sidelined purchasers to take advantage of their expanded borrowing power.” Many sidelined homebuyers have been waiting for rates to drop significantly before reentering the market. With another cut now in the books, many may feel that interest rates have dropped enough for them to revisit their home purchase plans. According to a Royal LePage survey, conducted by Leger, 51% of Canadians who put their home buying plans on hold the last two years said they would return to the market when the Bank of Canada reduced its key lending rate. Eighteen percent said they would wait for a cut of 50 to 100 basis points, and 23% said they’d need to see a cut of more than 100 basis points before considering resuming their search.The Bank of Canada will make its next interest rate announcement on Wednesday, January 29th, 2025. Read the full December 11th report here.

Decluttering your entire home can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. The key is to break the process into small, manageable steps. Start by dedicating just 15 minutes a day to focus on one specific area. You’ll be surprised at how much progress you can make by taking it one step at a time. Decluttering isn’t easy, yet with a plan can be easier. 

When tackling a space, approach it room by room or zone by zone. Create piles labeled KEEP, DONATE, SELL, and TRASH. While it’s never easy to let go of items, some things—like broken or unsafe items—will need to be discarded. Setting a timer for 20–30 minutes and working on just one area helps keep you motivated and prevents burnout.

Start Small, Notice Big Results
It’s best to begin with spaces where improvements are easy to see. The front entrance, for instance, is an ideal starting point. Since it sets the tone for your entire home, decluttering this area can have an immediate impact. Limit the shoes and boots by the door to those you use regularly, and store the rest. Keep only one or two umbrellas handy and stash any extras. Simplify the space by removing bulky furniture or over-the-top decor. If there are items waiting to be picked up by friends or family—perhaps belongings left behind by adult children—set a firm deadline for when these items will be donated if not collected.

Avoid diving into sentimental areas or large-scale projects like garages, photo albums, or paperwork right away. These tasks can be emotionally exhausting and slow your progress. Instead, focus on manageable spaces where the results will inspire you to keep going. Bathrooms are a great example. Start with a single drawer or cupboard. Use the nice towels you’ve been saving, donate any with tags still on, and toss out expired makeup. The key is to avoid putting unnecessary items back in the drawer!

Decluttering for Safety
Decluttering isn’t just about aesthetics—it also makes your home safer for you and your visitors. Clear pathways by removing tripping hazards from hallways and staircases. Ensure emergency items like fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and first-aid kits are easy to access. Secure loose items like cords and tools that could cause accidents. Adding nightlights to hallways and entryways is another simple way to make your home safer and more navigable.

Even if You Aren’t Selling, Think Like a Buyer
Sometimes, it helps to view your home through the eyes of a potential buyer. Seeing your space with fresh eyes can help you identify areas that feel cramped or cluttered. For example, closets that are half-empty give the impression of abundant storage space. Pack away seasonal clothes, donate items you no longer wear, and store sentimental pieces elsewhere.

Excess furniture can make rooms feel smaller than they are. Consider donating, gifting, or selling pieces you don’t use. Now is also a great time to go through extra dishes or antiques you’ve been holding onto. Ask family members if there’s anything they’d like to keep. If not, find a new home for these items through donation or resale.

One Zone at a Time
The best way to avoid overwhelm is to focus on one room or section at a time. Set a timer for 20–30 minutes and stay on task. You don’t have to declutter every day—even once a week or every two weeks is enough to see progress. What matters most is that you start and keep going.

Decluttering is about more than preparing your home for sale. It’s about creating a space that feels safe, functional, and inviting for everyone who lives there—or visits. Whether you’re planning a move or simply want a fresh start, taking small, consistent steps toward a clutter-free home will set the stage for a happier, more organized future. If the thought of decluttering is too overwhelming to do on your own, there are professional organizers that can help. Ask HELM to share our list of like minded professionals.  

Deciding to downsize is a significant life decision, especially for seniors seeking a simpler, more manageable lifestyle. Condos often come to mind as an ideal solution, yet like any living arrangement, they come with their advantages and disadvantages. Here, we explore both to help seniors make an informed decision about whether condo living is the right choice.

Rightsizing to a condo offers several appealing benefits. For those who enjoy travelling or dividing their time between locations, condos provide lock-and-go convenience. The added security and maintenance services ensure peace of mind while away. Additionally, condo living eliminates the need for yard work such as mowing lawns or shovelling snow. This can be a welcome relief for seniors looking to reduce physical strain and responsibilities. A smaller space also means less to clean and maintain, freeing up time and energy to focus on more enjoyable activities. At HELM, the process of rightsizing encourages decluttering, which not only makes the space more organized yet also improves safety by removing potential trip hazards. Another advantage is the sense of community that condos often foster. With amenities like common rooms, fitness centres, and planned social events, many seniors find condo living reduces isolation and offers opportunities for connection.

However, there are challenges associated with downsizing to a condo. Strata fees, which cover maintenance, amenities, and reserve funds, can be a significant monthly expense, and these fees can vary widely. Condos also come with rules and bylaws, which might include restrictions on holiday decorations, pet sizes, or noise levels. While these regulations are meant to promote harmony, they may feel restrictive to some. Additionally, the health of the building is a critical factor. Unresolved maintenance issues or insufficient reserve funds can lead to unexpected levies or special assessments. To avoid such surprises, it is crucial to have a knowledgeable realtor to carefully read strata minutes and assess the building’s financial and physical condition and identify potential red flags. Lastly, living in a condo requires shared decision-making with other owners, which can sometimes be challenging for those who value autonomy.

Seniors should also prioritize their lifestyle needs, ensuring the condo aligns with important factors such as proximity to family, access to transportation, or the presence of a vibrant social community. Careful budgeting is equally important to account for all associated costs, including strata fees and potential assessments, to ensure financial stability.

Rightsizing to a condo is not for everyone, yet can be an excellent choice for seniors looking for a simpler, safer, and more community-oriented lifestyle. By weighing the pros and cons thoughtfully and collaborating with knowledgeable professionals, seniors can confidently make a decision that enhances their well-being and aligns with their long-term goals.

A surprise announced this week. Being recognized is a nice gesture, even though it’s not why I do what I do. It is however in these moments that remind me why I love what I do. I’m incredibly grateful for my clients who trust me with one of the most important decisions of their lives. These awards are a reflection of the relationships and trust. To my husband and sons who have been supportive from day one, to my likeminded colleagues and brokerage whose behind the scenes admin and conveyancing is top notch, professional! What a way to close out 2024! I'm excited for 2025!

Thank you! It has truly been a privilege to assist in navigating not one, but two significant transitions for this wonderful family. First, helping an older couple move to a retirement residence they hand picked on their terms and timeline, a well planned move, and then guiding them through the next step—selling their cherished family home. What an incredible journey it has been! This process wasn’t just about selling a house; it was about honouring the beautiful memories and deep love that have been woven into those walls over the years. From raising children to celebrating milestones, that home has been the backdrop to so much of their shared story. I am grateful to have been part of this chapter and to have had the opportunity to support the couple and their adult children during this meaningful time. Thank you for allowing me to be part of it all!

Most older adults don’t want or need more stuff. Consider giving thoughtful gifts that focus on meaningful experiences and personal connections, rather than just material items. One of the most cherished gifts you can offer is your time and presence. Whether it’s a visit, a shared meal, or simply spending an afternoon together, your company can be the greatest gift. 

Simple Ways to Make the Holidays Brighter for Seniors

1. The Gift of Connection
   Sometimes, the greatest gift isn’t something you can wrap. A warm greeting, eye contact, and a heartfelt “Season’s Greetings” or “Merry Christmas” can make someone’s day. If you have older adults in your life, a quick phone call or a visit can mean the world to them.
   

2. Create Shared Experiences
   Instead of giving material gifts, consider planning experiences that foster connection and create lasting memories:

   • Holiday Movie Night: Watch a classic holiday film together with some popcorn and hot chocolate.

   • Baking Together: Bake holiday treats like cookies or pies, and enjoy the sweet results as a team. Or simply provide holiday baking they can bring out for family and friends later.

   • Local Outings: Take a trip to see holiday lights, attend a festive concert, or visit a holiday market.

3. Bring the Celebration to Them
   If they aren’t able to get out, bring the holidays to their home. Help decorate their space with small, meaningful touches like a tabletop tree, or potted poinsettia. Fresh cut flowers should already be in a vase to avoid  fussing about to find a vase.
   

4. Write a Thoughtful Note
   A handwritten card can be a cherished keepsake. Share fond memories, express gratitude, or simply remind them they are loved.
   

5. Volunteer Your Time
   If you know a senior who might be alone during the holidays, invite them to join your family’s celebration. Alternatively, volunteering at senior centres or delivering holiday meals can make a big difference.
   

A Season of Heartfelt Giving

This holiday season, let’s embrace the spirit of recognition and inclusion for our older adults. A little time, attention, and thoughtfulness can go a long way in turning a potentially challenging season into a cherished one.

Spread the joy, share the warmth, and remember—most of the time, the best gifts are those you can’t find under the tree.

Do you know what a Men’s Shed is? I had the privilege of being a guest speaker recently, sharing information on downsizing and the importance of being proactive, strategies to manage every step of the process.

The Alouette Men's Shed provides a positive space for men to gather, work on projects, and connect– it’s a community hub that’s quietly making a huge impact in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. It’s also helping to combat the growing issue of social isolation among older men by offering regular, meaningful social interaction. The benefits are clear – they’re not just building things, they’re building stronger, more connected communities.

As the Canadian website states beautifully, “simply put, a Men’s Shed is a group of men who get together in their community to develop new skills, discover new interests, and make new friends. But it’s so much more than that. For many men, aging and retirement can lead to loneliness and a loss of purpose; and that’s where Men’s Sheds come in.”

As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®), I’m happy to share this resource with my clients and community. If you know any men who would benefit from the supportive environment at Alouette’s Men’s Shed, or if you need help with a project (just remember their motto: “No ladders or deadlines!”, reach out to them. Have tools you would like to go to a good home? Men’s Sheds often welcome donations of tools as well! Visit their website below to see how they are helping our communities.

Local Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows https://alouettemensshed.ca/

Visit the website and history of Mens Shed https://mensshedscanada.ca/

Find a shed in your community https://mensshedscanada.ca/mens-sheds-canada/