My mission is to help seniors and their families navigate the maze of financial and emotional challenges that accompany the sale of their home and moving into a senior living residence. I understand this can be a stressful and challenging time for a family; it’s hard leaving a home after spending many years or decades in it. You shouldn't have to have the added stress of wondering how to sell your home and if you're doing it right. As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®), I can help you navigate this unfamiliar territory.

What is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist®?

A Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) is a REALTOR® who is uniquely qualified to assist seniors in housing sales and purchases. The SRES® designation is awarded only to REALTORS® who have additional education to help seniors and their families with later-in-life real estate transactions. 

What qualities make an SRES® different from any other real estate agent? 

• They have knowledge, experience, and compassion in dealing with senior issues

• They can suggest housing alternatives, including ones that may allow an aging parent to remain in the home instead of selling it

• They take a no-pressure approach to the transaction and have a strong service orientation

• They will take the time needed to make a client feel comfortable throughout the selling process

• They understand the emotional demands a sale can take on a senior and try to minimize them

• They tailor the marketing of a home to the needs of an older client

• They can interact easily with all generations, including seniors, adult children, and caretakers

• They are knowledgeable about local senior housing options and elder support services

• They have a wide network of other senior-focused professionals who can assist in tax counseling, financial and estate planning, and other aspects of the sale and move

What is an SRES® Professional Network?

Selling a senior’s most valued and valuable asset, their home, and the subsequent move, often requires unique expertise on a number of different fronts. One compelling reason to choose an SRES® is that you’ll gain access to their network of related service professionals. For seniors, that includes specialists across a wide array of financial, legal, property and personal services, from estate planning, to downsizing. 

An SRES® maintains a professional network that includes individuals who can help with various steps of the sale and move, offering assistance on these and other matters:

• Prior to listing: tax specialists and financial planners to examine ways to protect assets

• Preparing the home for showing: handymen, landscapers and clutter reduction specialists

• Legal considerations: real estate attorneys to help with estate planning or closing

• Moving: downsizing experts, senior moving specialists, estate sale planners, and storage facilities 

An SRES® also has ties throughout the local senior community. Many agents actively participate in a variety of senior and community service organizations. They can provide referrals to resources such as public benefit offices, transitional services coaches, grief counselors, and other services, as needed. 

Why did I decide to become an SRES®?

My decision to become a Seniors Real Estate Specialist® is rooted in a desire to help others. With me by your side, you can rest assured that the sale of your home will be easy, more enjoyable, and an all-around great experience because I'm empathetic to your situation and therefore approach the process with delicacy and compassion, walking alongside you each step of the way.

I'm here to help by tailoring meetings to your needs. Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you’d like until you feel comfortable with the steps of the sales process and other potentially-complicated details. At times, I may suggest taking breaks so you can absorb the information. My work ethic, patience, and keen negotiation and communication skills have led to hundreds of happy customers. 

If you’d like more information about my services and to learn more about active adult living centres in your neighbourhood, go to my website: www.DownsizingRealtor.ca. 

The long-awaited moment has come—your BC Property Assessment has arrived! We can picture it now: You’re holding the letter in your hands; with anticipation, you rip open the envelope. You pull out the paper and scan the writing until you find the dollar sign. Cue the gasp and wide eyes as you exclaim: “That’s what my home’s worth?!” 

The assessed value of your home is likely significantly higher than it was last year seeing as property values of BC Assessments in the Lower Mainland have increased an average of 20% from the year prior. We have even heard from some people that their assessment went up 47%! Alternatively, your value may have decreased or is lower than what you expected. Don’t fret!

Is that really the value of my home?

The short answer is no. It’s not. The main purpose of the BC Property Assessment is to determine how much municipal or provincial tax the government can get from you. These property appraisals are all done through an algorithm online. Appraisers don’t walk through every home and therefore they do not take into consideration renovations or interior layouts, etc. They base their assessments on a property’s location, size (of both the lot and the home), age, garages, and any add-ons made with permits.

Timing is also key. BC Property Assessments were done in July of the previous year. That’s six months’ worth of appreciation and other factors that aren’t reflected in the property value assessment. In many cases, as of January 2022, current values may already be hundreds of thousands of dollars higher than they were in July 2021, especially for homes over $900,000.

What actually determines the value of my home?

Unlike the BC Assessment, market value is determined in real-time and changes much more frequently depending on supply and demand. When your REALTOR® comes up with a price for your property, they take all of the following factors and more into consideration:

-Location and proximity to businesses, schools, restaurants, parks, etc.

-Lot size for detached homes

-Strata bylaws, contingency funds, etc. for condos and townhouses

-Interior layout, sizes, age and desirable features

-Upgrades and maintenance done to the home, especially more recently

-Recent comparable sales

That’s great, but what if I think my assessment is unfair or way off compared to my neighbour?

There are pros and cons to having a property assessment that’s either too high or too low for your property. Taxes are based on your assessment, so if it’s lower you can expect to pay lower taxes than other comparable homes in your area. On the other hand, if your assessment is much higher, you can use it to negotiate a better price when you sell. If neither of those scenarios suits you, you can always appeal your assessed value, but you have to do it before the deadline of January 31.

What could I put my house on the market for?

Regardless of what your property has been assessed for, there is no doubt that it is currently a Seller’s Market, which means you have the advantage. If you’re curious about what you could get for your home today, you can fill out the Home Evaluation form on my website by clicking here. We do a Comparative Market Analysis to evaluate the prices of properties similar to yours that have recently sold in your area. This analysis will give you a better idea of your property's market value, one of the first and essential steps as you prepare to sell your home. All it takes is less than a minute to complete and submit the form. Then, let us do the work for you! 

If you haven’t received your BC Property Assessment in the mail yet and are curious about your property value, you can search for your property online at www.bcassessment.ca.

Lower Mainland — Highlights

There’s no denying that selling your home can be stressful and often emotional. It’s a big decision with huge financial implications. The to-do list for preparing your home and setting up the listing is long. So, how can you make the process easier on yourself with the best outcome? 

Start early.

If you know you want to sell your home in the coming months or within the year, there are steps you can take now to alleviate a lot of the stress that comes with putting your home on the market. 

First, find a REALTOR® that you trust. Someone who knows the Greater Vancouver or Fraser Valley real estate market inside and out and can give you accurate, honest information and advice throughout the process.

Then you can start getting your home ready to sell. This will involve decluttering and cleaning every nook and cranny to get the best possible photos to showcase your home and entice potential buyers to book showings. (Read THIS BLOG POST for more ideas on how to make your home more attractive to potential buyers.) You may also need to do some minor repairs including painting walls, replacing light bulbs, tightening door hinges, etc.

When the time comes to put your property on the market, you’ll be ready to sell.

Another tip to keep in mind is to think of yourself as a businessperson throughout the process, not a homeowner. Your home has a lot of sentimental value to you, but not your buyers. You’ve made memories and shared experiences with loved ones, but now it’s time to separate the nostalgia from the transaction if your goal is to get the highest price possible for your home.

If you’re entertaining the idea of selling your home and would like to find out what the value of your home is, or if you have any questions about the selling process, please send us an email or give us a call, we’d love to talk to you. We offer a free consultation so you can see if we’d be a good fit and the right REALTOR® for you.

Whether or not you're planning to sell your home in the near future or a bit further down the road, keeping these simple tips and ideas in mind now will help you wow potential buyers when the time comes.

Less is More

Keep it simple. Remove unnecessary furniture, decor, toys, and personal items from shelves and any open areas, even cupboards and closets. Think "minimalist." The more surface area buyers can see, the easier it is for them to envision their belongings in the space.

Clear surfaces

All surfaces should be cleared, including bathroom and kitchen counters, coffee tables, night stands, etc. Only items that fit the room's functionality—soap dispenser, espresso machine, etc.—could remain, if they blend into the decor of the room. No more than 3 items should be visible.

De-Personalize

Though your family photos are beautiful, potential buyers don't need to see them. An unpersonalized space is ideal for potential buyers to visualize themselves in your home. Add a few neutral prints to add a little something to the walls, but remove all photographs with people.

Minimize Storage

Potential buyers will open closets, cupboards, and pantries to see how much storage space there is, and how their items will fit in your space. Keep your storage items to a minimum so buyers can see the shelving space. Minimize your wardrobe to a few neutral pieces hanging on matching hangers and reduce the number of plates and cups in your kitchen cupboards to a set of 4. Don't forget about the fridge and freezer either—organize items to showcase the appliance.

Neutral colours

Neutral colours like grey, white, beige, black, etc.—keep a small space from looking too busy or overwhelming. Colour can be sparingly added in decor elements like pillows, throw blankets, vases, and prints.

The Year in Review

Fueled by the consumer response to the COVID‐19 pandemic along with historically low interest rates, home sales hit a record high across the board in 2021! As the pandemic continues, many people remain working from home, meaning the need for housing is still a top priority for Vancouver and Fraser Valley residents. 

Market Update for Metro Vancouver

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential home sales in the region totalled 2,688 in December 2021, a 13.1 per cent decrease from the 3,093 sales recorded in December 2020, and a 21.6 per cent decrease from the 3,428 homes sold in November 2021.

The total number of homes currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 5,236, a 38.7 per cent decrease compared to December 2020 (8,538) and a 26.7 per cent decrease compared to November 2021 (7,144).

This is the lowest supply of homes on the market that Metro Vancouver has seen in over 30 years. With demand still at record-high levels, Vancouver residents can expect home prices to continue to grow until a more adequate supply of homes is available.

To view the year-to-date and historic statistics for Metro Vancouver (which includes: Downtown, Westside, Eastside, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Richmond, Tsawwassen, and Ladner) CLICK HERE.

Market Update for Greater Vancouver

To view the year-to-date and historic statistics for Greater Vancouver (which includes: Burnaby, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Pitt Meadows, and Maple Ridge) CLICK HERE.

December Market Update for Fraser Valley

In December, Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) processed 1,808 sales, second only to December 2020’s record‐setting 2,086 sales. New listings in December were 1,278. By month’s end, active inventory finished at 1,957 units, 60 per cent below the 10‐year average, and the lowest in 41 years.

Despite the decrease in supply, single-family, townhouse, and condo sale prices continued to increase in December. But, like Metro Vancouver, with demand still at record-high levels, Fraser Valley residents can expect home prices to continue to grow until a more adequate supply of homes is available.

To view the year-to-date and historic statistics for Fraser Valley (which includes: Surrey, South Surrey, White Rock, North Delta, Cloverdale, Langley, Abbotsford, and Mission) CLICK HERE.

Curious how the market is doing in your city? Whether you're looking to buy, sell, or invest in Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Surrey, Langley, or Abbotsford, these Lower Mainland market update statistics will give you insight into the Vancouver and Fraser Valley real estate markets.

If you'd like more details about your specific market, please send us an email, we'd love to chat more. You can also fill out the Home Evaluation form here.

When entertaining this holiday season, wow your guests and ramp up your festive spirit with these four holiday cocktails.

MISTLETOE MARGARITAS

Yields: 4 cocktails

Requires make ahead components: Yes, for garnish

Ingredients:

2 tbsp kosher salt

1 lime wedge, for rim

2 cups cranberry juice

12oz tequila

8 oz triple sec

½ cup lime juice

12 cups ice

Fresh mint, for garnish

Sugared cranberries*, for garnish

Directions:

1. Put kosher salt in a shallow dish. Wet the rim of each glass with the lime wedge then dip into the salt.

2. Combine cranberry juice, tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and ice in a blender. Blend until smooth.

3. Pour into the salt-rimmed glasses and garnish with mint and sugared cranberries.

4. Enjoy!

*Sugared Cranberries Recipe:

1. Combine ½ cup granulated sugar and ½ cup water in medium saucepan over medium heat (this is also how you make simple syrup). Stir until sugar is dissolved.

2. Stir in cranberries until well coated. Don’t let cranberries sit in liquid for too long before going to the next step.

3. Using a slotted spoon, transfer cranberries to a wire rack to dry and cool for an hour.

4. Once cool, work in batches and roll cranberries around in more granulated sugar.

PEPPERMINT BARK MIMOSAS

Yields: 6 cocktails

Requires make ahead components: Yes, for rim

Ingredients:

¼ cup dark chocolate chips, melted

3 candy canes, crushed

3 oz peppermint vodka

3 oz white creme de cacao

1 bottle prosecco or sparkling wine

6 candy canes, whole, for garnish

Directions:

1. Melt dark chocolate chips in a saucepan over medium heat. Pour melted chocolate onto a small plate.

2. Place 3 unwrapped candy canes in a ziploc bag and crush with a rolling pin. Pour crushed candy canes onto a separate plate.

3. Dip the rims of the champagne flutes first in the melted chocolate, then in the crushed candy canes to coat.

4. Pour ½ oz peppermint vodka and ½ oz white creme de cacao to each champagne flute and  top up with prosecco.

5. Enjoy!

SUGAR COOKIE MARTINIS

Yields: 1 cocktail

Requires make ahead components: No

Ingredients:

Vanilla frosting and sprinkles, for rimming glass

1 ½ oz vanilla vodka

1 ½ oz irish cream

2 oz whole milk

1 oz amaretto

1 tsp powdered sugar

Ice

Cocktail shaker

Directions:

1. Pour the sprinkles into a shallow dish. Dip the rim of the martini glass in the frosting (or spread it along the rim) and then dip it into the sprinkles. Set glass aside.

2. In a cocktail shaker, combine vanilla vodka, irish cream, milk, amaretto, powdered sugar, and ice. Close lid and shake for 20 seconds to mix and chill ingredients.

3. Strain cocktail into the prepared glass.

4. Enjoy!

SANTA CLAUSMOPOLITAN

Yields: 1 cocktail

Requires make ahead components: Yes, for rimming glass

Ingredients:

1 candy cane, crushed

Juice from half a lime

Zest of half a lime

1 lime wedge, for rim

1.5 oz citrus or regular vodka

2 oz cranberry juice

1 oz cointreau (optional)

Ice

Fresh cranberries, for garnish

Cocktail shaker

Directions:

1. Place unwrapped candy cane in a ziploc bag and crush with a rolling pin. Pour crushed candy cane onto a shallow plate. Alternatively, granulated sugar can be used around the rim. Rub lime wedge around rim of glass then dip in crushed candy cane or sugar to coat. Set glass aside

2. In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and cointreau. Close lid and shake for 20 seconds to mix and chill. 

3. Strain cocktail into the prepared glass. Add lime zest on top and garnish with cranberries.

4. Enjoy!

This may seem hard to believe, but many people thoroughly enjoy their moving day and the time leading up to it. The secret? Being organized. Make sure you have the right tools, start early and work steadily. Make progress every day instead of leaving it all until the last minute.

Here are 14 tips for packing like a pro:

1. Develop a master “packing/to do” list so you won’t forget something critical.

2. Purge! Get rid of things you no longer want or need. Have a garage sale, donate to a charity, or recycle.

3. Before throwing something out, remember to ask yourself how frequently you use that item and how you would feel if you no longer had it.

4. Pack like items together. Put toys with toys and kitchen utensils with kitchen utensils.

5. Decide what, if anything, you plan to move yourself. Precious items, such as family photos, breakable valuables, or must-haves during the move should probably stay with you.

6. Use the right box for the item. Items packed loosely are more likely to be damaged.

7. Put heavy items in small boxes so they are easier to lift. Keep the weight under 50 lbs., if possible.

8. Do not over pack boxes, boxes that are packed comfortably will be less likely to break.

9. Wrap each fragile item separately and pad the bottom and sides of boxes.

10. Label every box on all sides. You never know how they will be stacked and you do not want to have to move other boxes aside to find out what is inside.

11. Use colour-coded labels to indicate which room each item should go in. Colour-code a floor plan for your new house to help your movers.

12. Keep your moving documents together, including phone numbers, the driver’s name, and van number.

13. Back up your computer files before moving your computer.

14. Inspect each box and all furniture for damage as soon as it arrives. Remember, most movers won’t take plants.

Literally translated, feng shui means "wind-water." This ancient Chinese practice harmonizes individuals with their surrounding environment using energy, or chi. Using the five elements—wood, earth, water, fire, metal—it creates balance with the natural world in our interior spaces.

Feng shui not only makes our homes healthier and more organized, it also places emphasis on physical and mental health, success, and healthy relationships. A positive energy flow is conducive to bringing these elements together, which is why the placement of furniture and elements in our home is important.

How to create feng shui in your home:

1. THE FRONT DOOR

The front door is a crucial element of feng shui as this is the "main portal." if you will, for energy to enter your home, and therefore it should be warm and welcoming. Also, avoid direct line-of-sight from the front door to the back door if possible. You want to slow down the path of energy and allow it to move around the whole house. If this is not an option in your home, add a patterned rug on the floor, artwork on the wall, or a round table. Alternatively, if you face a wall upon entering your home, if can feel like you're "hitting a wall" every time you walk in. Hang a mirror at eye level to open the space.

2. CLUTTER-FREE

Clutter is an energetic anchor. It blocks energy from being able to move freely though our homes as well as our minds.

3. NATURAL LIGHT

Allow for plenty of natural light and air to enter your home. The combination will bring good energy and rejuvenating of your spirit and mind. If you don't have many windows, hang mirrors to reflect light and make the room appear bigger and brighter.

4. COMINE THE 5 ELEMENTS

Whether physically or symbolically, find ways to incorporate and combine the five elements into your decor. Some ideas for each element are:

FIRE: warm tones, fire place, candles
WATER: fountains, mirrors, aquariums, boats
EARTH: plants, ceramics, crystals, nature art
WOOD: plants, carvings, heirlooms
METAL: tools, games or toys, statues