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

October has arrived with its golden leaves, cool mornings, and quiet reminder that change — when approached with intention — can be both refreshing and reassuring. There’s something comforting about things that stand the test of time — a well-loved home, a trusted friend, or that favourite pair of jeans that just fits right, no matter the season. Some things don’t need to be new to be valuable. They just need to be cared for.

This time of year often inspires reflection — about where we are, what feels like home, and where we might be headed next. Whether you're thinking about downsizing, staying put with some smart updates, or simply exploring future options, planning ahead can bring peace of mind.

As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®), I’m here to help you navigate those decisions with clarity, compassion, and experience. It’s never about rushing change — it’s about preparing for it in a way that feels right for you.

So as we enter into this season let’s take time to be grateful for what’s been, and gently prepare for what’s next.

Wishing you a cosy, colourful, and thoughtfully planned autumn, Janet 

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

“Janet, thank you for everything. My mom would have really liked you.” For this family, it meant a daughter grieving her mom while carrying the responsibility of being executrix. Selling the home, sorting belongings, dealing with probate—it’s a lot. Thankfully, her mom had an updated will and her affairs in order. Even then, it was a lengthy and overwhelming process for her and her family. As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist®, I step in as a navigator—guiding families through both the planned moves and the crisis ones. My job isn’t easy yet it is always rewarding. With a plan, you have options. Without one, choices become limited. If you or someone you know needs guidance, Ask HELM. I'm always just a phone call away.
(SOLD: MLS R3016636 )

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.Wellness fairs bring the community together while offering convenient access to preventive care, early detection services, and resources that support older adults in living healthier, more fulfilling lives.

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! You're welcome to bring non-perishable food items to support the local Food Bank.
📍 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. 

In today’s market, we are seeing more and more subject-to-sale offers—and let me tell you, and my clients can tell you- they aren’t for the faint of heart! These offers require patience… patience… and yes, even more patience. When you accept one, it’s like lining up a row of dominoes—everything has to fall into place just right for the deal to close.

A subject-to-sale offer means the buyer’s purchase of your home depends on them selling their own property first. Until that happens, your deal can’t move forward. To protect yourself,  we protect our clients by including a 48-hour time clause (sometimes called a “bump clause”). This allows you to keep showing your home to other prospective buyers. If another buyer decides to write an offer, you can accept it—on the condition that the first buyer has 48 hours to remove their “subject to sale” condition. If they can’t, the new offer takes priority.

There are definite upsides to this kind of offer. In a slower market, it can secure you a committed buyer who might not otherwise feel confident making an offer. Sometimes, buyers in this situation will offer a higher price or more favourable terms because they really want your home. Having an accepted offer on the table—subject to sale—can also signal to other buyers that your property is desirable, which can create a sense of urgency. And in certain situations, such as when your home appeals to a niche market or we’re in a buyer’s market, this approach can be a smart move.

But there are also challenges. The biggest is uncertainty—you’re relying on the buyer’s ability to sell their own home, and that’s something you can’t control. Often, it’s not just one other home in the mix; a subject-to-sale offer can involve several linked properties, each of which needs to sell within the agreed timeframe. This creates more moving parts and can make flexibility on dates essential. Coordinating all these sales can be complicated and time-consuming, as every transaction in the chain has to line up perfectly for yours to close.

The bottom line is that subject-to-sale offers can work well when used strategically, yet they require patience. If you’re the first seller in the “domino chain,” your position is strongest when your agent includes a well-structured 48-hour bump clause, keeping your home on the market and your options open.

If you’re thinking about selling and wondering whether to accept this type of offer, let’s talk. I can help you weigh the pros and cons in more depth for your specific situation. 

Rightsizing Isn’t always about moving—It’s about choosing what’s right for you!

At HELM, we don’t talk about “downsizing.” We call it Rightsizing—because this stage of life isn’t about giving up space, it’s about gaining clarity, confidence, and control. And here’s the thing: rightsizing doesn’t always mean moving.

For some, it means finding a new home that better fits their lifestyle. For others, it means modifying their current home to age in place safely and comfortably. Either way, it's about aligning your living situation with your goals—not the other way around.

If you’ve been thinking about making a change—or even just wondering where to begin—my free interactive seminars are the ideal place to start. Join me, Janet Helm, award-winning Realtor and Seniors Real Estate Specialist, for a fun, informative session where we explore all the options—from "Should I renovate?" to "What do I do with all this stuff?" and “Where would I even move to?” 

I’ll walk you through real-life solutions, share practical tools, and answer your questions so you can take your next steps with confidence.

Upcoming Events:

• 📍 Silver Harbour Centre, North Vancouver Wednesday October 15  10:00am - 11:30am.

• 📍 West Vancouver Seniors’ Centre  Friday November 21 st  12pm-1:30pm 

Bring your family, friends and questions—whether you're ready to move, stay, or simply start the conversation.

And if you’re part of a group, club, or community that would benefit from this talk, let’s connect. I’m always happy to bring the conversation to you.

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

It’s the weekend, and as you get ready to visit open houses, it’s important to keep in mind- smart devices are often active during your tour. In today’s smart-home era, doorbell cameras and surveillance systems have become part of everyday life. So before you comment on the retro carpet or low ceilings—pause and remember, these devices may be in use during your visit.

I understand why people use them. It’s their home, and they’re letting strangers walk through it. Cameras and smart devices offer a layer of comfort and security—and many of my clients who are selling let me know when they’re using them. They’re not hiding anything—they just want to feel secure.

I always let my buyer clients know: just assume there are cameras. Not just inside, often outside too. Doorbells, light fixtures, and even motion sensors may include audio or video capabilities. It’s best to stay aware and intentional about what you say—and when and where you say it.

During a showing, avoid detailed comments about the home’s price or condition, reactions that show too much enthusiasm or hesitation, strategic conversations about making an offer or how much you're willing to spend, and personal opinions about decor, renovations, or layout choices. Even respectful observations can sometimes be misread or taken personally by sellers.

Keep feedback neutral and save detailed conversations for after the tour. Avoid discussing pricing or offer plans until off the property. Be mindful of body language, as facial expressions even eye rolls can speak loudly! Ask your Realtor questions privately or once you’re off the property. Most buyers are thoughtful and perceptive. The key is simply to be aware that anything you say might be overheard—so keeping things low-key during the visit is always a good move.

We can’t avoid smart devices—they’re part of how we live today. In real estate, the best approach is to assume they’re in use as a little awareness goes a long way.

So next time you step into an open house, save the detailed conversation for after the tour!

Please note this post is for informational purposes only and not intended as legal advice. Always consult legal professional regarding surveillance and disclosure laws. 

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

I'm grateful to have guided my clients through the sale of their beautiful penthouse—now officially SOLD for the highest price per square foot recorded in the building. MLS R3021168
420 12460 191 STREET in Pitt Meadows!
This was more than just a transaction—it was a proactive decision into a new chapter. As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) I understand that timing, strategy, and sensitivity to each client’s unique needs make all the difference. What made this experience truly special was the trust we built and the collaborative spirit throughout. It was an honour to support such a wonderful family through this important move. Congratulations M and L!