Placing in the Top 5 in all 5 categories for the month of May at KW ELITE CANADA is an example of when you love what you do, results naturally happen! Thank you to my clients for your trust, and the opportunity to provide exceptional customer service, more than just a move experience. I am grateful to be making a difference, being a trusted guide, a rightsizing coach, and providing customized move management services to seniors in our communities! Hearing from another client, HS in Burnaby is rewarding. “Janet, I am now not worried about anything. Thank you very much for caring so much. You’ve made a difference.” 
Thank you KW ELITE for the recognition. Congratulations to my like-minded colleagues!  #seniorsrealestatespecialist

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It was a special day this past Saturday as the Association of Neighbourhood Houses of BC’s Sasamat Outdoor Centre recognized my dad, Elmer Helm, the first Director of the Association for his contribution and leadership. Of the many accomplishments of the 30 years he worked for the ANHBC, alongside several other passionate and dedicated employees in 1980 spearheaded and negotiated with the government for the 5 acres where Sasamat Outdoor Centre is today. Upon his retirement in 1990, the camp’s lodge was named, Helm Lodge in his honour and they gave my dad a beautiful wood paddle with an artist’s rendition of the lodge printed on it. My dad thought it was a good time to gift the paddle back to the lodge. I was so proud and inspired to hear him speak about the history of the outdoor centre like it was yesterday. It was a lovely reminder of how when people are passionate about what they do, it really doesn’t seem like work. I was grateful to see so many people who came out to celebrate, from past camp councillors to present leaders and volunteers. Sasamat Outdoor Centre is an incredible resource for families and children who might not otherwise have an outdoor experience. My dad loves the outdoors and knows how important it is for well-being. Growing up we were always camping on river banks, lakes and oceans, often fishing and enjoying the fresh air. Thank you Dad for sharing the importance of nature, being passionate about helping others, sharing the power of volunteering and leading with compassion, kindness and gratitude. I also couldn’t help but think Mom brought the sunshine!

Hands raised in unison when I asked, “who has too much stuff?” Chuckled comments included, “53 years worth.” “My kids don’t want any of it.” “Who will take my encyclopedias?” “I walk into the room, then turn around and walk out.” Sharing suggestions and a plan at my RIGHTSIZING seminar was fun. Being able to be a resource for people was very rewarding. Organizing belongings and Rightsizing your home can be overwhelming, yet with a plan, can be easier. What’s next in the HELM SEMINAR SERIES? "Considering buying a strata home? What you need to know!" And another requested topic: "Aging Actively in Place." AT THE HELM monthly e-newsletter shares market updates, resources, next seminar topics and locations. Email janet@janethelm.com to receive it.  UPDATE: I found a home for a couple's encyclopedias! A local artist upcycles books into journals. She is thrilled to make use of them.  #realestate #seniorsrealestatespecialist #downsizing #rightsizing #senioradvocate 

As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) I know that aging in place is more than just an option; it is the best possible lifestyle for many mature adults, one that also offers greater ease and peace of mind to their family and friends. We all prefer making our own decisions at our own pace and on our own terms. Having resources to ensure you can age in place safely and happily is paramount. You need a plan. What support, resources, and information do you need? Whether you are aging in place or thinking of making a move, start early! Life can change quickly and having a plan in place will be paramount to the success of your aging-in-place experience. Let HELM be your guide as I’m happy to share my resources with you, experts I’ve hand selected for their like-mindedness, fair pricing, and timely delivery. My “crew members” provide solutions to the challenges with issues involving mature adults. Some roles are obvious, like an elder law attorney, housekeeper, or organizer. I also share services that are perhaps not as well known, like pet placement, art, coin, and antique appraisers. I suggest as you would with any professional, to interview them, and ensure they are the right fit for you. I don’t receive any fees for referring them, it's simply another service I offer to ensure you have the information you need to plan your next steps with confidence.  

Call 604 730 2600  I’m always available for a conversation over a cup of tea or coffee! 

As a senior real estate specialist sharing resources with my clients is an important part of my process which is valued by my clients and their families. I recently had a conversation with a client and thought I’d share what I learned as perhaps someone else will value the information. My client, a senior, recently lost the love of his life. He said he is having better days thanks to a bereavement walking group provided by The Vancouver Hospice Society. 
After sharing the news with a friend, she let me know The Ridge Meadows Hospice Society also provides this service. After a quick Google search, I found several bereavement walking groups in different communities. 
The quote by George MacDonald on The Vancouver Hospice Society’s website, “Do not hurry as you walk with grief” is a lovely reminder that we all grieve and heal differently and there isn’t a timeline. 
If you know someone who might value knowing bereavement walking groups exist please share. For more resources on either aging in place or thinking about making a proactive decision to move, just ask! I'm always just a cup of coffee and or tea away. 

I just returned from Palm Desert where I enjoyed family time with my dad, one of my brothers, my sister-in-law, and my two sisters! 96-year-old dad taught us a few tips on the pickleball court! I also enjoyed meeting like-minded colleagues! One of the reasons I chose Keller Williams as my brokerage, is the win-win attitude, and likemindedness of the people- come from service first, provide excellent customer service, and the business easily grows with referrals from happy clients.  Thank you James and Travis for welcoming me to your Palm Springs office (once a jewelry store frequented by Elizabeth Taylor!) As we deal with the cold weather in Vancouver, and the real estate market normalizes, it’s an ideal time to purchase in the Palm Springs area! Are you or someone you now curious about the Palm Desert real estate market- whether to purchase an investment property with rental potential, or looking for yourself for an instant summer vacation to play golf, tennis, pickle ball, and or simply relax, shop, and admire the mid-century modern architecture, just ask! 604 730 2600 For more photos of this fun trip including my dad playing pickleball head to our Instagram page janethelmhome and or our Facebook page janethelmrealtor  

November 14- 21 The REALTORS Care® Blanket Drive is a partnership between the REALTORS® of the Greater Vancouver, Fraser Valley, and Chilliwack and District Real Estate Boards and their communities. Your donations will help those in need across the Lower Mainland. The donations stay within the community they're collected and go directly to those in need.

Items we’re looking for:

Blankets, sleeping bags

Warm clothing - coats, jeans, pants, sweaters, scarves, gloves, mitts, hats socks (new) underwear (new)

For drop-off locations click here 

Blanket Drive charity recipients click here

To arrange for pick up, call 604 730 2600 

Collaborating with our senior client and her daughter, the power of attorney was a lovely experience as I got to meet and learn more about this wonderful family, including meeting adult children and grandchildren. It was a rewarding experience to guide this family with the expected; our expert advice, pricing, marketing strategy, and negotiating skills, yet also peace of mind, compassion, and clear communication to ensure expectations were exceeded.  Who do you know looking for, "more than just a move" experience? Ask HELM, always a cup of coffee and or tea away to answer your questions so you can plan your next steps with confidence.