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

I hear this often, and I see it firsthand with my clients who are 55 and better. Many have already spent months, sometimes years, thoughtfully decluttering and letting go of “stuff.” By the time the holidays arrive, the idea of receiving more things is not always welcomed. What they value most is not what comes in a box, but what comes with time, attention, and connection.

The holidays bring a mix of emotions. For some older adults, this season is joyful, yet for others it isn’t. Many older adults don’t want or need more things. What people, older or not, value most is connection, laughter, and shared moments with friends and family. How we spend time with people during the holidays is just one way of showing care that can continue throughout the year.

The way we greet older adults matters. Asking how they are does not always provide a happy answer. Instead, try something light and welcoming, like “Nice to see you,” “I am glad we can spend a few minutes together,” or “I have been looking forward to seeing you.” Small shifts in the way we connect make visits feel cheerful and inviting.

A short visit is often the best gift of all. Twenty minutes of conversation can mean more than anything wrapped in a box. Bring a warm smile and perhaps a small treat. Homemade or store bought holiday cookies are always welcome. If they have a pet, a small toy can be a sweet addition. A precooked meal or something they can pop into the freezer is both practical and thoughtful. If you would rather visit than cook, consider sharing a cup of coffee or tea. You can sit together for a few minutes or go for a short stroll.

A holiday plant feels cheerful and seasonal, and if you choose to bring flowers, make sure they are already in a vase so they do not have to search for one. Family photos are treasures as well. If they have a framed photo of you that is a few years old, bring a current one. This simple update shows love and presence, and the real gift is the conversation that follows and the time you spend together.

In the end, older or not, we value connection, friendship, and shared moments. A visit, a laugh, a walk, a coffee together, all of these gestures show care during the holidays and reflect the relationships we celebrate all year long. These thoughtful gestures are the gifts that stay in the heart long after the season fades.

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

Many people believe the myth that there’s no rush to make decisions about their home and belongings, that everything can wait until the “right time” or a future move. In reality, waiting often leads to rushed choices, stress, and missed opportunities to preserve the things that truly matter. It’s what I call a crisis move.

Downsizing, or as most know I prefer to say, rightsizing, is often misunderstood. It is not about giving up the things you love or moving into a tiny, cramped space. Rightsizing is about simplifying and optimizing your home to better fit your lifestyle, whether you move or stay. It allows you to keep the items that matter and let go of what no longer serves you. Done thoughtfully, rightsizing creates freedom, reduces maintenance, and makes your home feel comfortable, safe, and suited to your needs.

The truth is, starting early gives you time to make thoughtful decisions at your own pace. By decluttering, gifting, and sorting through belongings now, when the time comes to move or make a change, the process feels lighter and more manageable. Rightsizing is not about rushing. It is about preparing in a way that preserves what you love and makes life simpler.

One of the often overlooked benefits of starting early is the ability to make intentional choices about your belongings. Items can be appraised, gifted to a charity that is meaningful to you, or placed somewhere they will be genuinely appreciated.

I recently visited clients and had the pleasure of meeting their daughter. As we toured the home together, she noticed a couple of old cookie tins and exclaimed, “Ahhh, those were Gramma’s, I remember those!” Her mother asked if she wanted them. I got to witness a beautiful moment between a daughter and her mother, all sparked by old cookie tins. In a crisis move, those tins may have been thrown out. It is rarely the monetary value of items that matters, but the memories and connections they carry.

Crisis moves often lead to decisions being made on someone else’s behalf, treasured items lost, or possessions sent to places where they are not valued. Rightsizing allows you to maintain control and dignity, ensuring that the things you care about are handled with care.

Starting early also creates opportunities to share meaningfully with family and friends. Gifting items gradually can create new memories and allow others to enjoy something special. Thoughtful preparation removes the pressure when lifestyle changes occur and transforms the process into an empowering experience rather than a stressful one.

In the end, rightsizing is not about loss. It is about making your home and life fit you better. Do not wait until a crisis forces decisions. Begin now, take your time, and focus on what truly matters. The process is manageable, meaningful, and even enjoyable when approached thoughtfully. 

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

The holidays are a time of connection, generosity, and goodwill. Unfortunately, they are also a time when fraud increases. Scammers know people are busy, distracted, and often more trusting during this season. Older adults can be especially targeted. Fraudsters are highly skilled, convincing, and persistent. The people behind them are professional, persuasive, and well rehearsed. Anyone can be caught off guard, regardless of age, education, or life experience. This is why awareness is so important.

There are many different types of scams circulating right now, from fake phone calls and emails to text messages that appear to come from banks, delivery companies, or even family members. The RCMP has an excellent resource that lists scams from A to Z and explains how they work. It is worth reviewing and sharing. They also explain why reporting scams is so important. Reporting helps authorities track patterns, warn others, and prevent future losses.

One of the biggest challenges with fraud is that many seniors do not report it. Some feel embarrassed. Others worry their family or friends will think they are no longer competent or capable of managing their affairs. This fear keeps many people silent.Being targeted by a scam does not mean someone has done anything wrong. It means a criminal used manipulation and pressure to deceive.

The BC Government has excellent resources as does the The BC Office of the Seniors Advocate. Both offer practical fraud prevention tips and guidance tailored specifically to older adults. These tools are designed to inform, not alarm, and to support independence and confidence.

Fraud prevention works best when it is shared. Talk about it with friends, family, neighbours, and community members. A quick conversation or shared link could prevent someone you care about from losing money or personal information.

As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®), looking out for older adults is part of what I do, whether it is housing decisions, planning ahead, or helping people stay informed and protected. Awareness is one more way we support independence and peace of mind.

And finally, a little tongue in cheek reminder about one of the most common scams targeting older adults. If Johnny, your grandson, is really in jail and urgently needs money wired right now, Johnny can hang out there for a few hours while you call family members and confirm the story. Real emergencies stand up to verification. Scams do not.

Staying informed, asking questions, and taking a pause before acting are powerful tools. This season and all year round, awareness is one of the best gifts we can share.  

November home sales extended the trend of slower-than-average sales observed this fall. Here's a summary of the November 2025 housing market statistics.

WATCH the recent market news here

READ the latest market news here

Every community has its own unique local market. If you would like specific statistics and what they mean for you, I am happy to have a conversation. I’m always just a phone call away. 

As the Senior Outreach Partner for Polygon Gallery’s annual “Meet Me at the Gallery” Holiday Tea, I’m happy to invite you to this wonderful community event at the gallery. Join me, visitors, and other supporters for a festive time of connection, conversation, and inspiration including a curator-led tour of the new exhibition, Lee Miller: A Photographer at Work (1932–1945). Celebrate the season, share time with friends, and enjoy our vibrant arts community. Hope to see you there! The date is: December 3rd 10am -12pm. There is a convenient car drop off and pick up area, street parking, underground parking, and a bus stop just a few steps away.

Meet Me at The Gallery is a daytime art program dedicated to enriching the lives of seniors and friends in our community with monthly get-togethers inspired by the gallery’s current exhibitions. Visitors are invited to drop-in on the first Wednesday of every month at 10:00 am to make new connections with art, and each other! A different activity will greet visitors every month, with social time to follow. Read about Meet Me At The Gallery in The North Shore News!  Advance registration is helpful, but walk-ins are always welcome. Plan your visit information. 

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

JUST SOLD! Celebrating another successful RIGHTSIZE with HELM - right time, right plan, right move! Spring often gets all the attention in real estate, yet Fall and Winter can actually be an ideal time to sell. With fewer homes on the market, your property stands out. Buyers looking during these seasons tend to be serious and ready to act, not just browsing.

There is something special about homes in Fall and Winter. Seasonal staging such as cozy throws on patio chairs, a fire crackling inside, and twinkle lights makes every room feel warm and welcoming. This is also a great time to showcase any recent updates you’ve made, such as a new furnace or windows, which can reassure buyers and add value. Neighbourhoods with shovelled driveways, skis or sleds outside send a sense of community and life that helps buyers picture themselves settling in.

Winter also coincides with one of the biggest months for corporate relocation. Many companies set their budgets in January, leading to job changes and relocations in the early part of the year. This can be a significant advantage for you as a seller. People moving for work are often on a tight deadline. They must find a place, settle in, and start their new job. This urgency can work in your favour and can lead to quicker decisions, less negotiation  and more straightforward transactions. 

Every season has its advantages, yet knowing when is best for you to sell is what matters most. With HELM as your guide, you’ll find the timing that fits your needs and your family’s plans. My 55 AND BETTER System is designed to guide Rightsizers through every step of the process with clarity and confidence.

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

A Home with HELM e-newsletter subscriber and longtime community advocate recently made me smile when she shared that her 82-year-old sister calls hiring help around the home “staffing up.”

I meet many people who want to age in place and doing so successfully almost always means having some level of support. That usually begins with asking for help, something that can feel bigger than it sounds. No one wants to admit they need help. For some, it may feel like admitting they are not capable. There can be a fear of how neighbours, family or friends might perceive it. The common refrain is “I’m fine” or “I’ll ask when I need it.” Unfortunately, by the time help is finally requested, it is often during a crisis.

So how do you hire help wisely, safely and with confidence?

1. Start early

Don’t wait for an emergency. Bringing in support while things are going smoothly helps you build trust and find the right fit before it becomes a necessity.

2. Do your homework

Referrals are valuable, yet it’s important to vet them yourself. Ask questions like: What did they do particularly well? Were there any challenges along the way?

3. Ask for written estimates

Always get quotes in writing. Compare not only the price but also what is included. Does the service provider have insurance, training and references?

4. Be cautious with “too good to be true” offers

You often get what you pay for. If a company pressures you to “today only price,” that is a red flag. Quality help is worth the time and proper vetting.

5. Do not hire on impulse

Take some time to think about it. Ask for clarification on anything that feels unclear. Feeling comfortable and confident matters more than moving quickly. 

6. If the help is not working out, speak up right away

Let the person know immediately and explain why. Clear communication saves time, money and frustration for everyone involved. It is far better to adjust early than continue with a situation that is not a good fit.

Aging in place successfully takes planning, trust and teamwork. Whether you call it “staffing up” or simply building your support network, having the right people in your corner makes all the difference. If there is a type of service you are considering, let me know, I’m happy to share my resources with you. 

As the Senior Outreach Partner for Polygon Gallery’s annual “Meet Me at the Gallery” Holiday Tea, I’m happy to invite you to this wonderful community event at the gallery. Join me, visitors, and other supporters for a festive time of connection, conversation, and inspiration including a curator-led tour of the new exhibition, Lee Miller: A Photographer at Work (1932–1945). Celebrate the season, share time with friends, and enjoy our vibrant arts community. Hope to see you there! The date is: December 3rd 10am -12pm. There is a convenient car drop off and pick up area, street parking, underground parking, and a bus stop just a few steps away.

Meet Me at The Gallery is a daytime art program dedicated to enriching the lives of seniors and friends in our community with monthly get-togethers inspired by the gallery’s current exhibitions. Visitors are invited to drop-in on the first Wednesday of every month at 10:00 am to make new connections with art, and each other! A different activity will greet visitors every month, with social time to follow. Read about Meet Me At The Gallery in The North Shore News!  Advance registration is helpful, but walk-ins are always welcome. Plan your visit information. 

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

First off, I’m not a lawyer, so this information is simply a guide and not intended to be used as legal advice. 

I understand that many people delay setting up a power of attorney due to worries about potential misuse or simply thinking they'll handle it later, but having one in place is a powerful way to protect your wishes and give you peace of mind.

A POA is a legal document that lets you give authority to another person to make financial and legal decisions for you. Your POA can be:

1. General: your POA is able to make financial and legal decisions for you.

2. Specific or Limited: your POA can only make the financial and legal decisions you set out in the POA, such as taking money out of your chequing account to pay your bills. You can also limit the length of time the POA is valid. Note: A General, Specific or Limited POA ends when you become mentally incapable unless the POA contains an enduring clause.

3. Enduring: is a POA that specifically permits the attorney to continue to act for you if you later become incapable of managing your own affairs.

If your POA covers real estate it must be prepared according to the rules outlined in the Land Title Act of British Columbia. Given the complexity of real estate transactions and the legal implications of selling property under POA, it is highly recommended to consult with a lawyer experienced in British Columbia real estate law. Legal counsel will guide you through the process, help draft any necessary documents, and ensure that all legal requirements are met.  Realtors must be aware of the challenges that exist when representing someone who claims to have the legal right to act on behalf of a property owner on the basis of a POA. Is the POA valid? Was it properly executed? Does it empower the attorney to deal with real estate property? Has it expired? Has it been revoked? Has it been terminated through the death of the grantor? These are all questions that need to be answered before listing a home for sale! 

How to choose a POA? Most people select their spouse, a relative, or a close friend.
Select someone you trust to represent your best interests, not just the closest person to you. Your POA should be nearby for emergencies, calm under pressure, and ideally have some understanding of medical processes. Ensure they agree to take on this responsibility willingly.

Below are two links you may find of value and provide some peace of mind. National Initiative for Care of the Elderly information on Power of Attorney and the  Government of Canada site, what every older adult should know about Power of Attorneys.

Having a POA is part of your long term planning, “having your ducks in a row” as my mom used to say!  If you have any questions regarding this topic or getting your ducks in a row to provide peace of mind, just ask! I’m always just a phone call away. Janet 

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

During my seminars, Smart Moves: Empowering Choices for Older Adults and Their Families, I share a truth that catches people off guard: the majority of falls happen at home. Not out in the world, not while travelling but in the very place we should feel safest.

As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®), I work closely with older adults and their families to ensure the homes we live in support both our safety and our independence. While home modifications can sound complicated or expensive, the reality is that many fall-prevention strategies are simple, affordable, and immediately effective.

Below are practical changes that can help reduce your risk of falling, most of which can be done in a weekend.

Safer Stairs and Walkways

• Keep stairs, walkways, and outdoor steps in good repair and free from clutter.

• Install sturdy handrails on both sides of all staircases and outdoor steps.

• Ensure stairways are well-lit, with switches at the top and bottom.

• Add nightlights to outlets in hallways and bathrooms to keep areas bright during the evening.

• Apply a non-skid surface to outdoor steps to prevent slipping, especially in wet or icy conditions.

• Have snow removal company lined up now, don’t wait until it snows!

• Have  neighbour or family member “salt” your driveway and walkway during cold weather season. 

Smarter Bathroom Design

• Use a bath seat to shower or bathe while seated.

• Install a raised toilet seat for easier transitions.

• Have grab bars professionally installed near the toilet, bathtub, and inside the shower.

• Wipe up any spills immediately to avoid slippery surfaces.

• Replace loose or bunched rugs with non-slip mats in the bathroom and hallway.

A More Accessible Layout

• Keep daily-use items within easy reach to reduce the need for climbing or stretching.

• Store heavier items in lower cupboards to prevent injury.

• Remove any rugs that shift or slide - even decorative ones and replace them with non-slip options.

• Don’t use ladders or step stools- ask for help instead. People want to help. 

These changes don’t require a full renovation or major investment. Yet together, they help create a safer home, one that supports confidence, and continued independence. That matters not just to older adults, but to their loved ones too.

If you're considering how to age in place successfully or want to explore housing options that better suit your changing needs, contact me. These are conversations worth having before a crisis forces the issue. When we plan ahead, we open the door to more choice and more peace of mind. 

Want more tips like these?
Sign up for my monthly e newsletter HOME with HELM or reach out directly. Whether you're planning a move, helping a parent, or exploring ways to stay safely in your current home, I’m here to help. 

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

I first met Sarah at her neighbour’s open house. She had been living in her home for decades and, like many, was quietly considering a move. Her husband had passed away several years earlier, and she felt it was time to start making some proactive decisions about her future. I was there supporting the neighbour’s family, specifically their daughter who was acting as a power of attorney and feeling overwhelmed by the logistics of helping her parents move. Things eventually worked out well for them, and Sarah took notice. She shared with me that she did not want to wait for an emergency and be forced to sell instead of choosing to sell on her own terms. That kind of situation, what I call a crisis move, often means decisions are rushed or made by others. In the end, you are left second guessing choices that may not be the best fit after all.

A few weeks later, I met Sarah at her home. She shared what she was looking for and had decided that an independent retirement residence was the right fit. She wanted a place where she could stay social, have space to paint, and travel without worrying about gardens, house maintenance, or security. Being able to walk to nearby shops and enjoy meals without cooking were also high on her must have list. I answered her questions and introduced her to several retirement residences that suited her lifestyle and future needs. I also accompanied her on the tours, serving as a second set of ears and a sounding board along the way.

Sarah selected a residence close to her brother and his family. Her name was added to the waitlist. A few months later, a suite became available. Excited, we went to see it. But as soon as she stepped inside, she cried. “This is not the home for me,” she said. The suite felt dark, surrounded by too many trees for her liking. The layout did not feel right. This was going to be her last home, and she knew it had to feel just right. I reassured her that another suite would become available. And it did. A couple of months later, we toured a different suite in the same residence. The moment Sarah walked in, she smiled. She walked to the window and exclaimed, “This is where I will put my easel!” The space was filled with natural light, ideal for painting. There was ample room to display her art. It felt like a home to her.

One of HELM’s trusted movers helped set everything up, her bed made, TV connected, phone working. When I visited Sarah shortly after her move, her easel was right where she imagined it. She was settled, happy, and most importantly she had made the decision on her terms and her timeline. Was everything perfect? No. Adjustments, meeting new people, and getting settled in a new home and community came with challenges. And what if she had waited to make the move? She might have found herself in a home that simply was not right for her. Touring retirement residences is not just about checking boxes. It is about discovering how a place feels, seeing yourself in the space, and understanding what truly fits before a decision becomes urgent.

For some of you, you probably have memories of your parents in dingy, sad old folks homes. You may also be thinking, “It is too soon for that,” or “Those places are for old people.” And for many, a retirement residence may not be the right next step. Yet the real difference comes from knowing, because you have toured and explored your options rather than just assuming, what truly feels right for you.

Take a couple I recently helped rightsize to a fifty five plus condo. We toured a retirement residence together, and afterward, they realized it simply was not right for them. Instead, they chose a condo close to a senior centre, within walking distance of shops, and near their adult children. The day they selected their new home, they were smiling and excited to make design updates and truly make it their own. It was the right move because they had explored their options.

Another couple I worked with was sure they wanted to move to a specific retirement residence. When I asked if they had toured it, they admitted they had not. I encouraged them to visit, not just that one but others too. A few weeks later, I followed up. They said, “Well, thank heavens we did. Because the one we thought we would like, we did not. And we ended up choosing a completely different one.” Imagine if they had waited until a crisis. They might have ended up choosing the wrong home.

Touring is more than a task. It is a step toward peace of mind. Whether you are considering a move now or simply starting to gather information, giving yourself the opportunity to see, feel, and experience different environments allows you to make choices that reflect your values, needs, and timeline.

Part of HELM’s 55 AND BETTER system includes accompanying our clients on tours if they prefer. We also provide a list of questions to ask during the tour and a separate list to reflect on afterward. Would you like me to share these lists? Or perhaps you would like key contacts at a variety of residences so you can arrange a tour. Just ask.