This photo is of my dad, taken last summer. 95, healthy, and prefers to age in place, he can. One of my sisters and her husband live with him in our original family home in North Vancouver which he built in1953. With the support of our entire family with visits and meal drop-offs and check-ins, it works great and we are all grateful it is working so well. Deciding to move or age in place is a life-changing decision. Aging in place is a viable option for many, who are healthy mentally and physically.  As a Realtor, I see too many times seniors having to make rushed, reactive decisions regarding moving as they waited too long to either outfit their home or get help with daily tasks like gardening they once did happily and with ease. I’ve created HELM, a  guide with a few questions, and insights. I know there are many health factors involved, and there aren't always easy solutions. There are answers and resources to help. Please ask me.  HELM is a start, a few easy questions to consider to help guide you in the direction, that is right for you and your family, to make proactive decisions versus reactive ones. My goal is to provide facts so you and your family can take action happily and with confidence. Whether you decide to age in place and simply need trusted resources from gardeners to handy persons, or do want to move, whatever is right for you, I’m happy to be your guide. I look forward to hearing from you.  Janet 604 730 2600

 

HELM, 

H Home. Do you still love your home? How easy is it for you to accomplish daily activities in your home? You have considered moving yet feel you need to declutter and that is holding you back somewhat? What do I do with our antiques and fine dishes, as no family member wants them?

 

E Expense Have you looked at the costs to move or stay? Sometimes the cost to hire a gardener or hand person equals the cost of what one would pay in monthly strata fees. Property taxes and the cost of heating, cooling, and maintaining a single-family home can be weighed against the costs of moving to a new home. Can your home be outfitted so you can age in place, for example, move the washer and dryer upstairs? Renovate a bathroom to have a walk-in shower instead of a tub? Renovate to have the main bedroom on the ground level floor?

 

L Location is staying in the exact location important or necessary to you? Have you considered the benefits of moving closer to your children and grandchildren important to you? 

 

M  Move Where would we go? What are the options? Condo? Townhome? Assisted living? With our children? There are many options, which is right for you?

To move or not to move! Once you know what you want your future to look like, to age in place or find a new home to ensure you achieve your goals becomes crystal clear.

Have more questions, just ask! I’m happy to answer them. 

604 730 2600

January area market stats are out! Many of my clients, whether first-time buyers upsizing from the city to the suburbs or seniors, resizing from the suburbs to a different suburb, obviously want to know about the neighborhood they are considering living in! How can you choose the right community?  When choosing a community to live in seeing a new neighborhood through a tourist’s eyes is ideal for getting a lay of the land! When I travel, I always do research prior to visiting the city. As well as asking friends and family, I read the local newspaper and online blogs, and enjoy reviews and articles of restaurants, hotels, galleries as well as what new neighborhoods and new shops are worth a visit. When I’m there, I always walk the neighborhoods as I'm guaranteed to stumble upon a little gem of a local designer boutique, restaurant, or vintage shop! When moving I recommend the same, take time to get to know the neighborhood as if you were a tourist. Walk it, run it, bike it, shop it, enjoy it! For a full list of what to look for including transit, schools, and other must-knows, when choosing a community,  just ask! Which area are you interested in? Curious about a neighborhood, call me! After all, it is more than just a move and I'm here to help every step of the way!

Janet 

Wishing everyone a new year filled with health, and happiness.  Do you have real estate goals for the new year? Thinking of selling, buying, investing, or simply have questions- just ask!  Let me share what's possible so you and your family can plan your next steps with confidence. 604 730 2600 

2020 was a year filled with overwhelming challenges. There was pain and hurt, and many changes for all of us, for some more tragic than others. Weddings, celebrations of life, birthdays and parties were postponed or cancelled. Lives were lost. Lives changed forever. With constant shifting, we did though find our resilience and strength. We shared our appreciation for our essential workers from nurses, doctors, teachers, grocery store employees and more. We saw people get outside and enjoy nature more. We saw people get to know their neighbours, and even deliver their groceries. We saw companies revise their systems to a “there’s always a way” attitude to be able to continue to help their clients. And we saw people invest in their homes to create spaces inside and out they could work out in, work in, teach in and happily spend the extra time in. This past year I’ve focused on what matters most to me- my family, my health, my friendships, and my purpose: to gratefully share what’s possible so people can take action with confidence. The end of 2020 marks my 2^nd year in a new career, a shift that unexpectedly has brought me more passion and commitment to my purpose. I’m grateful to my clients who trust me with their real estate goals, more than just a move, yet a collaboration, a relationship built on authenticity and trust, whether I’m selling their home, helping them find their next dream home and or investment property. 2020 goodbye, and yes thank you. All that being said, I’m ready to ring in 2021! 

The news today of a COVID-19 vaccine arriving in Canada hopefully eases the stress and fear and sheds a grateful light at the end of this tunnel!  Realtors deemed an essential service during the pandemic, I continue to take my responsibility of keeping my clients, family, colleagues, and community safe by following a strict protocol. Ask about my COVID-19 safety systems I have in place to protect you and your family.  To read the most up to date safety protocols The Real Estate Board of Vancouver has issued, click here.

Thinking about purchasing an investment property? Ask me for my list of tips and suggestions to consider when purchasing a property as an investment! A location where the population is growing and a robust community strategy underway represent a potential investment opportunity and Squamish is just that community! 

Renown for its entrepreneurial spirit, a beautiful town nestled in the mountains, close to Whistler and Vancouver, come take a closer look at what Squamish has to offer and why people are investing in this community. Check out our Youtube videos featuring 2.7 acres in Garabaldi Highlands and a downtown condo walking distance to the ocean and why these are wise investments! Excited to learn more about Squamish? Just ask. Contact me directly at 604 730 2600 or janethelm@kw.com 

In the world of covid safety realistic concerns mean that sometimes client meetings and transactions must be conducted virtually, absolutely, I agree. However many of my clients prefer face to face meetings, to handwrite their signature after they have read contracts on paper instead of a screen. Many of my clients prefer communicating via a phone call, as they don’t have a smartphone to text, or email to respond to. Of course, I have strict covid systems in place to ensure everyones' safety is a top priority. My mom always said, “Janet, good manners open doors.” Indeed they have. Face-to-face meetings provide me with the opportunity to really connect with my clients for which I'm grateful. Respecting how someone prefers to be communicated with never goes out of style. Who do you know who values good ‘ol fashion customer service? Let’s meet! 604 730 2600

Sold over the weekend and well above asking, my latest listing, a post and beam beauty brought 20 groups to view it in one weekend. 19 of the people who viewed the home are avid mid-century modern architecture fans and raved about the well-preserved beauty. The lucky new owners will retain the architecture and bring the gem back to its glory days! 

Check out my youtube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8eauc0Uazw

and MLS Listing  R2509004 for photos. Being a fan of the timeless architecture myself, pieces from my own collection were brought in to help stage the home. 

Are you interested in buying or selling a post and beam home? Wondering why so many people are drawn to the architecture and mid-century modern style? Just ask! I'd love to help! 604 730 2600 

Last week, I received this email in my inbox. It was a wonderful read to start my day. All our lives have changed due to the pandemic. Many of us are finding our homes simply don't fit our lifestyle anymore. Is your once-loved open concept home not zoom friendly? You need a private office space with walls! Is your once upon a time comment, “no need or time for a yard”, have you yearning for room to breathe fresh air, exercise, and grow your own food? You’ve been homebound for months and your home just doesn’t fit your life-now what? Give me a call!  Let me find buyers for your current home and find your next dream home! Not sure about buying or selling during this time?  I have implemented systems to ensure your health and safety are my number one priority. Whether you need more space or less space, let me be your guide home, every step of the way! Call me or email me and let's discuss your real estate goals!