Free Fitness Programming for Older Adults Starting Soon Registration will be opening soon for Choose to Move and ActivAge, two free physical activity programs for . Both programs have online and in-person options and are led by trained staff from the BC Recreation and Parks Association. The programs are designed for those who identify as older adults living across B.C. and are currently physically inactive. Get involved to learn more about fitness, meet new friends, and make a positive healthy lifestyle change. More information in link 

Moving not only helps to maintain overall health but can also significantly extend life expectancy. A study published in the journal Circulation found that meeting the minimum physical activity guidelines (150–300 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75–150 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week) can reduce the risk of early death by up to 21%. Keep moving! It’s good for you. 

85% of senior hospitalizations are due to a fall. Here are  5 tips to prevent falls and accidents at home allowing you to safely age in place. Living at home as you age requires careful consideration and planning. The best time to think about how to age in place is before you need a lot of care. Planning ahead allows you to make important decisions while you are still able.

1. Keep walkways clear: Remove things that you can trip over, such as raised doorway thresholds, throw rugs, and clutter. If you want area rugs tape them down. May not be attractive yet are safe!

2. Have grab bars professionally installed in your shower and or tub and near the toilet. Use a shower chair or bath bench, specifically designed for bath tubs and showers. 

3. Move! Learn some strength and balance exercises. Ask your doctor or a physiotherapist what exercises are safe for you to do.

4. Keep your house well lit. Use night-lights in areas such as hallways and bathrooms. Keep a traditional flashlight handy at your bedside table. 

5. Declutter- easier said than done! Ask for HELM’s declutter starter guide to help you get started. 

6. Talk with your family, friends, and other caregivers about what support is needed for you to age safely in place! Be realistic and plan to revisit the decision as your needs change over time. Keep conversations on going. With a plan you have options, without a plan you may end up having none or few, and others making decisions for you.  

Our real estate board has introduced new statuses for MLS® listings. The introduction of the new statuses was created to clarify the true status of a listing for members and the public- buyers and sellers. The 3 new statuses are:
1)Active Under Contract: This status indicates the listing is still being actively marketed, but there is a conditional deal on the property, it has an accepted offer with subjects. This is an optional status, to be decided with your seller and brokerages may choose not to update their listings also. Because of this, if a home does not have the ‘Under Contract’ banner, it may still be under contract. 
2) Pending: Now used instead of the “sold” status, the new “pending” status is applied to listings that are unconditionally sold.
3) Closed: Listings will automatically move from “Pending” to “Closed” on the completion date and the sold price becomes public knowledge. 
Sound confusing? Have questions how this can impact you as a seller or buyer? It may be easier to simply Ask HELM- give us a call, I am always just a phone call away to share more information and guide you. I’d love to hear from you. 

Latest video on statistics from Greater Vancouver Realtors. What community statistics most interest you? Ask HELM to share them with you in your email in box or paper copy mailed to your physical mail box! 604 730 2600 or info@janethelm.com 

MLS R2916329 11710 GLENHURST STREET, in the family friendly and community focused, Cottonwood neighbourhood in Maple Ridge! This AIR-CONDITIONED 5-bed, 3-bath home with den has a well designed spacious layout. A separate entrance above-ground 1-bed + den suite with gas fireplace—ideal for in-laws or rental income. Features include additional bed/flex room downstairs, large laundry room, convenient access to double garage. Upstairs 3 bedrooms, including primary with ensuite. The large dining & living room has vaulted ceilings. Huge kitchen & eating area with gas fireplace overlook fenced backyard. Kitchen leads to covered sundeck, providing seamless indoor-outdoor living. BONUS: WORKSHOP has power! HEAT PUMP ensures year-round comfort. Family-friendly features of the neighbourhood -walk to parks, your choice of elementary and high schools, recreation & community events. This is the one!

What new rules you need to know!To ensure a smooth process and prevent issues with your tenants or the prospective buyer, it's crucial to understand your fundamental rights and legal responsibilities during the selling and buying process. The recent legislative changes affecting how a tenancy can be ended took effect on July 18, 2024.Landlords must now give three months’ notice instead of two (tenants will be given 30 days to dispute notices instead of the current 15 days) ⁣As a buyer being aware you can not move in for 4 months is imperative to know, as 4 months may not be convenient for you.  As a seller these dates are important to know as you are liable to pay tenants 12 months’ rent if they are evicted in bad faith. Know your rights!  

Moving can be both exciting and challenging, especially as we grow older and our needs evolve. Whether you're moving to a more manageable space or relocating closer to loved ones, choosing the right moving company is paramount to ensuring a smooth transition. One crucial aspect to consider is whether the moving company is licensed and insured, providing peace of mind that your belongings are protected throughout the process.

At HELM, we understand the importance of personal service and tailored solutions for older adults. We recommend starting with an in-person moving estimate. This personalized assessment allows us to meet with you and your selected movers face-to-face, ensuring all your questions are answered and your specific needs are addressed. We act as another set of ears and eyes during this meeting, ensuring clarity in every detail of your move.

Understanding the scope of services offered by your chosen moving company is crucial. Here are some key services to inquire about:

Packing: If needed, HELM can refer you to professional packers who ensure your belongings are packed securely using appropriate materials. Custom Crating: For delicate or unusually shaped items, custom crating ensures they are protected during transit. We recently moved an older adult whose art collection needed to be crated. Every piece of art arrived safe and sound! 

Loading and Unloading:  Some movers will pack one day, then load and unload the next day. Creating a schedule will be important. If moving to a condo, the strata will need to schedule your move, hang elevator protection blankets and block elevator time. There could even be a specific entrance you need to use. At HELM we ensure the strata manager knows of your move date and time well in advance and your movers know exactly when and where to go, so there are no surprises. 

Furniture Assembly/Disassembly: Some moving companies will dismantle furniture at your current location and reassemble it at your new home. We can also connect you with stagers and move managers who can assist with furniture placement and unpacking and art placement.

Storage: If there's a gap between moving out and moving in dates, some moving companies will provide free of charge temporary storage solution to accommodate your needs.

Cleaning Services and Junk Removal: Depending on your requirements, some moving companies, offer cleaning services to leave your old home spotless and junk removal to dispose of unwanted items responsibly.

Knowing exactly what services are included in your moving package allows you to plan effectively and ensure a seamless transition to your new home. Beyond merely transporting your belongings, you want peace of mind during this significant move. 

The relationship between you and your moving company is crucial. By choosing a licensed and insured mover and taking advantage of an in-person estimate, you can navigate your move with confidence. Establishing effective communication from the outset ensures smoother coordination and problem-solving should any unexpected issues arise. I always suggest booking your move day well in advance, as if you have to change the date, you are already in their system and most likely esier to change the date instead of simply calling, requesting a move date which they can’t accomodate. 

At HELM, we're committed to supporting older adults through every step of their move, ensuring a positive experience and a fresh start in your new home. Whether you're moving across town or across the country, let us help you make this transition as smooth and stress-free as possible. 

What does this much needed rate drop mean?This is great news for variable rate mortgage holders and home equity line of credit borrowers. And lower bond yields have led many mortgage providers to reduce fixed mortgage rates by up to 0.25% for 3- and 5-year terms.Choosing between a fixed or variable-rate mortgage depends on your financial goals and risk tolerance. How to choose a mortgage broker? Ask HELM. We are happy to share interview questions as well as information to ensure your choose a mortgage broker who is right for you and your needs. 

Recent Bank of Canada announcement! 

Check out the video!

Recently one of my clients exclaimed how he couldn’t believe how many forms and details are involved in a real estate transaction. For many of my clients it’s often been decades since their last real estate transaction.
At HELM, part of our “55 AND BETTER ” move management system ensures
that you know what to expect, what might happen, and what will happen long before we are reviewing offers at your kitchen table or putting an offer in on purchasing a new home. We provide a glossary of terms, review blank contracts and offers, go over the disclosure forms, and documents and answer your questions well in advance so that when we are reviewing offers at your kitchen table, or you are ready to purchase, and write an offer you know exactly what you are reading and what your legal obligations are. We are with you every step of the way, protecting you, one of your largest assets and ensuring your next home you purchase is right for you!
If you or someone you know is considering rightsizing, has questions, please reach out to me. I’m happy to sit down and have a conversation and share resources so you can plan your next steps with confidence. 

July 5 is Injury Prevention Day in Canada and a reminder that falls are the one of the most common preventable injuries for older adults. In fact, they are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations among people aged 65 or older. Older adults can reduce their risk of falls by increasing their strength and balance, having an annual medication review and vision assessment, and removing home hazards. Assess your fall risk and learn about proactive ways to prevent them on the BC Finding Balance website.

Proceeding cautiously, potential homebuyers in British Columbia are mindful of the region's steep cost of living and moderate average salaries. Many anticipate a potential cooling down of the housing market ahead, which could translate into more advantageous purchasing conditions. This cautious stance means that despite reduced interest rates, buyers are not rushing into transactions. Instead, they are holding out for a possible market adjustment that could lower home prices and offer improved buying opportunities. Although historically real estate prices tend not to decrease, there remains hope for a shift.

Interestingly, even with a substantial inventory in the Lower Mainland, buyer confidence remains subdued, as evidenced by below-average reported sales in the Vancouver area.

Buyers on the sidelines are advocating for more direct government support, such as tax credits, grants for first-time buyers, and particularly initiatives to increase housing supply. Without complementary policies, the impact of interest rate cuts alone is limited.

The recent rate cut by the Bank of Canada in June 2024 aims to stimulate the housing market, yet it faces challenges from economic uncertainty, high property costs, and diminished consumer confidence. Prospective homeowners require not only lower interest rates but also assurances of stable employment, affordable housing choices, and a strong economic outlook to confidently navigate one of their most significant financial decisions.

As temperatures rise, it's essential to look out for the more vulnerable members of our community, including older adults. Extreme heat poses significant risks to older adults, who may have more difficulty coping with high temperatures. Let's ensure our seniors are well-informed about how to stay safe and cool during the hot summer months. If possible, offer to share information on nearby cooling stations or even take them to one. They are typically set up at senior centres, rec centres, libraries and town centres. City or District halls will have specific cooling station locations posted on their website. Seniors are particularly susceptible to heat stress due to factors such as living without air conditioning, medical conditions, and the body's reduced ability to cool itself with age. Medications and reduced mobility can further increase the risk. To help seniors stay cool, check on on them,  perhaps pop in with a bottle of water, ensure they have fans if they don’t have air conditioning, and encourage them to keep shades closed during the hottest parts of the day. Another tip is to dress in light fabrics and avoid strenuous outdoor activities. By being proactive and compassionate, we can help protect our older adults from the dangers of extreme heat. Stay cool, Janet