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 

How to save and document your and or your parents’ life story. Today ask an older adult in your life to share a memory! You most like will feel inspired and grateful.Our clients rely on our expertise to prepare and market their home to ensure it sells for top dollar and they know all the details will be taken care! They also value our system, HELM’s 55 and BETTER which shares resources including like minded professionals.Of course we can refer lawyers, financial advisors, handymen and women, gardeners, cleaners, movers and organizers, whatever our clients need, we get it for them. The topic of preserving “mom and dad’s” memories comes up often. In the next issue of our monthly, HOME with HELM in the hope of you getting to know the older adults in your life better I’ll be will be sharing tips on how to document those memories, including how to interview your parents, questions you might ask and where to go to easily have them documented.
Of course, we will include feature listings, market stats and more! Sign up here on our website, contact page. 

What a rewarding experience to be collaborating with a lovely older adult couple who are making the proactive decision to move to a new home that fits their current lifestyle. The transition is that much smoother when one moves because they want to instead of have to. When one moves because they have to (I call, a crisis move) the already overwhelming transition becomes that more stressful! Kudos to my clients for making decisions on their own terms and timeline! This lovingly maintained traditional home, has 3 beds and 3 baths, and awaits new owners to make their own cherished memories, just as the current owners did when they raised their family and enjoyed the private cul-de-sac neighborhood. Conveniently located steps away from South Meridian Park and South Meridian Elementary, this home offers both comfort and accessibility. Welcome to 16168 11B Avenue in South Surrey. 

Staging can help showcase your home’s best features and increase buyer appeal. According to the National Association of Realtors, 86% of potential buyers find it easier for themselves to visualize a property when it is staged. Home staging is the process of decorating the home in a way that showcases its best features, helping prospective buyers envision what the place would look like if they were to live there.

Even small changes, such as rearranging furniture can be enough to grab a buyer’s attention in a competitive market. 

Every year, the first week of June marks a special occasion in British Columbia – Seniors’ Week!  It's a time dedicated to honouring the contributions of seniors and recognizing the vital roles they play in our communities. From providing wisdom and guidance to actively participating in various endeavours, seniors enrich our lives in countless ways. In the Greater Vancouver area, spanning from White Rock to West Vancouver and extending throughout the province, activities are planned to commemorate this significant week. It's an opportunity for people of all ages to come together and celebrate the remarkable seniors in our communities. Whether it's a gallery exhibit in North Vancouver, an informative health expo in West Vancouver or a variety of programs and events in Pitt Meadows and or Coquitlam there's something for everyone during Seniors’ Week. These events not only celebrate the achievements of seniors but also foster intergenerational connections and promote understanding across age groups. For those eager to participate and engage in Seniors’ Week activities, finding events in your local area is made easy with the help of technology. Simply ask HELM for the link to community events near you, and you'll be presented with a wealth of options to choose from. Let's join together in celebrating wisdom, life experience, expertise, resilience, and enduring spirit. After all, honouring our seniors is not just a once-a-year event but a continual expression of gratitude for all they have given and continue to give to our communities.

As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) I have the privilege of witnessing remarkable journeys unfold as my clients embark on the next chapter of their lives. Each story is unique, and I'm thrilled to share that the most recent clients I've worked with all share a common thread: the decision to rightsize and move forward on their own terms.

Consider one couple I recently worked with. They made the choice to move to a retirement residence just around the corner from their current home. Why? So they could maintain the same doctor, stay close to their friends, and remain in familiar surroundings. For them, this move wasn't about downsizing; it was about prioritizing what mattered most in this new phase of life.

Then there's the gentleman who decided to trade his house, meticulously cared for over three decades, for a condo near his lifelong friends. While parting with his home is bittersweet, he sees it as an opportunity for someone else to cherish it as much as he has while he embraces a new chapter.

And an independent woman who opted for a centrally located apartment within walking distance to all amenities. For her, convenience and accessibility were key factors in her decision-making process.

What do these stories have in common? They exemplify the power of making decisions that align with personal desires and priorities. In a world where sudden and stressful moves often force individuals into rushed decisions, these individuals stand as a testament to the possibility of navigating life transitions with grace and intentionality.

Their stories serve as a reminder that delaying the decision to move until it becomes a necessity rather than a choice can significantly limit options, if options remain at all. Instead, they urge us to take charge of our own journey, making decisions proactively and moving forward with confidence.

Are you someone who values the freedom to make your own decisions? We all do! By embracing rightsizing and approaching life transitions with purpose, you can shape your destiny and create a future that reflects your unique aspirations and priorities.