Join me, and other members of Seniors Network and Age & Dementia Friendly Task Group as we offer our annual  free Senior Wellness Fair on Saturday, October 25, 2025!  

Planning for the future isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. Whether you’re thinking about how to stay in your home safely, considering new living options, or supporting a loved one, having the right information and resources at your fingertips can make all the difference.

That’s why I’m inviting you to join me—and other members of the Seniors Network and the Age & Dementia Friendly Task Group—for our annual free Senior Wellness Fair on Saturday, October 25, 2025.

This event is designed with you in mind. It’s a chance to:

• Gather trusted resources on health, housing, safety, and community supports.

• Learn tips for aging in place—from home modifications to daily living strategies.

• Meet local vendors and service providers who can support you or your loved ones.

• Ask questions in a safe and supportive environment.

One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and your family is peace of mind. By having a plan and knowing what resources are available, you’ll be better prepared to handle life’s transitions—whether they come tomorrow or years down the road.

The Senior Wellness Fair isn’t just about information—it’s about empowerment. It’s about walking away feeling more confident, more connected, and more prepared for the future.

📅 Save the Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025
💲 Cost: FREE!
📍 Hosted by the Seniors Network & Age & Dementia Friendly Task Group. Maple Ridge Seniors Activity Centre        12150 224th Street Maple Ridge  

I hope to see you there! Bring your questions, bring your curiosity—and bring a friend or family member who could benefit, too. Together, we’ll explore ways to live well, age well, and plan well.

Written by Janet Helm, Realtor® and Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) 

Whether you’re thinking of selling soon or just planning ahead, the question of painting before putting your home on the market is a common one—and the answer is: it depends. Some homes benefit from a fresh coat of paint, while others shine just as they are.

A fresh, neutral colour can make a home feel bright, clean, and inviting. It can modernize a space and help buyers imagine themselves living there. Often, just a few targeted touch-ups are all that’s necessary—entrance mouldings, door frames, or kitchen cabinets, for example. If you don’t have the original paint, many hardware stores can colour match, and I’ve helped many clients successfully do just that. A little refresh in the right places can go a long way in creating a welcoming impression without a full repaint.

However, not every home needs painting. If your walls are already in good condition and painted in neutral tones, a full repaint may not make a noticeable difference. Natural features like brick or wood can be appealing as-is, and in some cases, the value of a home is really in the land itself rather than the interior updates. Time and cost are also important considerations—painting can be labour-intensive, so if you’re on a tight schedule, it may not be practical.

If repainting isn’t feasible—or if you want to show buyers the potential of your home without lifting a brush—virtual staging is a smart alternative. Using digital tools, we can refresh wall colours, update furnishings, and create an inviting, neutral look that helps buyers envision themselves living in your space. It’s a flexible, cost-effective way to make your home stand out online and in marketing materials.

Ultimately, the decision to paint depends on your home, your timeline, and your goals. Sometimes a few touch-ups are enough, sometimes a full repaint is worthwhile, and sometimes virtual staging can do the job without any physical changes at all.

If you’re unsure what’s best for your home—whether that’s painting, touch-ups, virtual staging, or other updates—please reach out. I’m here to guide you and connect you with trusted, like-minded professionals who can make the process simple, effective, and stress-free.

Written by Janet Helm, Realtor® and Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) 

September is harvest season—the apples and pears are picked, and the air has that first hint of autumn. It’s also a good time to take stock, prepare for the months ahead, and make sure you and your loved ones have the right support in place.

As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist®, I often hear the same question: “Where do I go to find trusted help?” Whether it’s home maintenance, planning ahead, or staying connected, it can be overwhelming to know where to turn. That’s why I’ve created a list of vetted, like-minded resources. If you’d like to be connected with any of the following, simply contact me  and I’ll introduce you to the right person. Each of these resources has been carefully selected because they share the values of care, respect, and reliability. 

Services You May Need This Season and Beyond

• Handy persons for small repairs

• Gardeners and yard care help

• Gutter clearing and fall prep

• Snow removal (it’s best to line this up early!)

• Fence, deck and or stair repair

• Painters

• Wills and estate planning

• Retirement residences

• In-home care and support

Greater Vancouver Senior Centres

Senior centres provide welcoming spaces for adults 55+. They are an untapped resource for older adults. They typically offer a mix of fitness and wellness programs, arts and creative workshops, learning opportunities, social clubs, volunteer opportunities, and friendly gathering spots such as cafés or lounges. These centres are vibrant hubs for staying active, connected, and engaged in community life.

West Vancouver

• Seniors’ Activity Centre – westvancouver.ca

• Join me for my free Rightsizing Seminar Empowering Seniors at West Vancouver senior centre November 21 

North Vancouver

• Silver Harbour Seniors’ Activity Centre – silverharbourcentre.com

• Join me for my free Rightsizing Seminar Empowering Seniors at the Silver Harbour Centre October 15

Ridge Meadows (Maple Ridge / Pitt Meadows)

• Ridge Meadows Seniors Activity Centre – rmssseniors.org

• Join me, and other members of Seniors Network and Age & Dementia Friendly Task Group as we offer our annual  free Senior Wellness Fair on Saturday, October 25, 2025  check out page 36 in Ridge Meadows newsletter The Grapevine for all the details!

Burnaby

• Confederation Seniors’ Centre – burnaby.ca

• Bonsor 55+ Centre – bonsor55.plussociety.org

• Cameron Seniors Centre – cameron55plus.org

Coquitlam

• Dogwood Pavilion – coquitlam.ca

• Dogwood Seniors 50+ Society – dogwoodseniors50plus.com

Port Coquitlam

• City of Port Coquitlam Seniors – portcoquitlam.ca

White Rock

• Kent Street Activity Centre – whiterockcity.ca

Vancouver

• City of Vancouver Seniors’ Centres – vancouver.ca

I’m happy to help connect you with the right people at the right time. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, please ask. I’m always happy to guide you toward the right support. 

Wishing you a cozy and happy September,
Janet

What a journey it's been for this lovely couple!

From the very beginning, S & N placed their trust in me, and I couldn’t be more grateful. Navigating the ups and downs of a subject-to-sale roller coaster isn’t for the faint of heart—yet these two handled every twist and turn with patience, grace, and an incredible sense of humour. I am grateful they allowed me to be their trusted guide, and being there through each step of the process. Today, they’re celebrating the sale of their beautiful 3 bed / 3 bath waterfront duplex townhouse. A stunning home, in a dream location—and a well-earned moment of celebration.

S & N, thank you for your kind words:
“It was a great privilege to work with our Realtor Janet Helm. Thank you for being there with us on every step of our journey. You are amazing!” – S & N

The feeling is absolutely mutual. Congratulations on this exciting new chapter—living with family allowing you to continue to age in place with confidence! 

Their decision to move was a proactive one—to join their adult children in a multigenerational living lifestyle. Since the move meant relocating to another city, they took it upon themselves to visit in advance, making sure they liked the community, including finding a new doctor, church, and ensuring everything was in place and is the ideal fit and choice for them and their family.I have no doubt their next chapter will be filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories with their family.

Written by Janet Helm, Realtor® and Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) 

The seasons are shifting again — that gentle reminder that change is always around us. September has always felt like a new beginning to me… maybe it’s the cooler air, the light, or the routines returning after summer vacations.
It’s also a special month in my home — one of my sons celebrates his birthday, and with that comes a moment of reflection on how fast, the years pass!
This time of year, many of my clients start to consider what’s next. Whether it's rightsizing, moving closer to family, or adapting a home for aging in place, thoughtful planning makes all the difference.
If you or someone you love is thinking about a move — now or in the near future — know I'm always just a phone call away.
I'm grateful for another September — and for the trust so many families place in me during such meaningful chapters of life.
Wishing you a month of clarity, comfort, and connection.