You might ask what this might have to do with Real Estate and the answer is simply “nothing”. But that doesn’t change the fact that the information that follows may just prove advantageous for you to know.

Roma Downey, still know her as Monica from TV’s popular Touched by an Angel series. She was the beautiful, sensitive angel with the lilting Irish accent, the star of the show. Over its nine-year run on CBS, the show touched millions of lives with its simple message: that God has a plan for each of us and watches over us with a loving hand. The TV ratings agreed with what we all know: People long to hear that.

Roma Downey, now a parent of teens, is back with more angels. This time she’s the producer of Little Angels, a fun, animated feature for preschoolers and kindergartners. The DVD series is really aimed at young parents who grew up watching lots of TV and, like it or not, are using the TV to help them occupy their young children’s time.

Roma lives in her oceanfront home in Malibu, California, where she and her husband, acclaimed producer Mark Burnett (Survivor, The Voice), are raising their family.

As the waves crash below the cliff at yard’s edge and birds chirping from nearby bushes, Roma describes is eager to share stories from her own life and what she views as challenges of modern parenting.

These life experiences form the basis for the new “Little Angles” series.

Who doesn’t want to live near ESQUIMALT LAGOON!!

Truly the 9th wonder of our local world with beautiful sunrises, crashing surf, beach combing, windsurfing and watching waterfowl with your digital camera in hand.

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Don’t miss out on this lovely, 1 level,  3-4 bedroom home with over 1700 sq.ft.  This updated home features spacious rooms with hardwood and carpet intermixed throughout.  Two bathrooms, a large deck and wonderful sunroom are only a beginning to the special features of this home. The roof is only 2 years old, there is an upgraded 200 amp panel, new windows in 2001, 2 driveways, one of which is perfect for that semi-retirement RV, there are fruit trees and both vegetable and flower gardens.

BUT WAIT!  THERE’S MORE!

How about a over-sized garage work-shop of 864 sq.ft. fully powered with its own sub panel, 2 heaters and a dust controller.

A short walk to the Lagoon means this home is not going to be available for long.

Call us today for a tour!

Who would ever thought you could rent or purchase a home the size of a walk-in closet?

Well you can. Vancouver is one of the first cities to generate “Micro Living” but will certainly not be the last. It represents affordable housing for those who have missed the boom and are unable to accumulate the needed down payment or for those single individuals who simply want to live in the city core.

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Do you need to declutter your home and silence that inner voice egging you on to buy more stuff? Don’t risk the producers of Hoarders showing up on your doorstep. You will soon be able to down-size to a 226-square-foot apartment or condo here in Victoria.

In a city known for expensive real estate these small self-contained units — just 226 to 291 square feet — rent for about $850 per month, including cable and Internet. Location comes with a price tag, of course. These “micro-lofts” are the result of the high cost of land and while they may not be for everyone, they definitely serve a purpose.

The tenants, most 25 to 35 year-old working professionals, say they appreciate the chance to live in the historical downtown core, even if it means sacrificing on space. “It doesn’t feel that small,” says a top-floor corner suite resident with three large windows, “a ton of exposed brick, and a beautiful view of the inner harbour is hard to beat at any cost.”

All suites have space-efficient design, including flat screen TVs, compact appliances — a dishwasher, but no oven — and built-in pull-down wall beds with integrated folding tables. Put up the bed in the morning and fold out the table. Each unit comes furnished with a sofa, chairs and coffee table.

Referred to as a “cosy nook.” Owners and tenants alike can walk to work, and they would have paid the same price or more for 400 square feet in a neighbourhood much further from work.

The downside?

There’s a microwave and stove-top elements but no oven, no bathtub, but “It’s not forever, but it’s great for right now.”

We saw the Canadian economy slow in the second quarter of 2011, then gain considerable momentum over the next two quarters, but it has now begun to slow again as we roll into the new year. We are very much a commodity driven economy and rely heavily on what’s happening around the world.

Given the instability in the global economy, it appears that we will experience a slowdown in the coming year. Without a real solution, the trouble in Europe will only get worse before it gets better, and a significant recession is in the forecast for Europe at least for the first six months.Even if things turn around globally after the first half, it will take a while for the train to steam along at full speed. As of lately, we’ve seen exports and manufacturing slow, as well as softer employment numbers. Businesses are wary of hiring, especially permanent, full-time jobs because the global economy is on such a teeter totter. At the same time, income hasn’t grown at the same pace as inflation, which is a reason why many Canadians are reigning in their spending.

If we see a European recession, which at this point is very possible, the effects travel far and wide. Major players such as the US and China will suffer from export demand and will drag global growth even lower. Being dependent on other countries, we should see slower exports in the new year, and therefore prices for these commodities should be lower as well. With this being forecasted, the Canadian dollar should lose some steam, helping to offset the demand for our commodities.

As for the latter half of next year, in order to move ahead the Eurozone will have to begin a long road to recovery, which will help bolster the economies in the rest of the world. Either way you cut it, it’s going to be a long, dragged out recovery.

When it comes to housing in the near term, it may be more of a drag than we are used to over the past couple of years. With households topping out in debt and many first-time home buyers already in the market over the past couple of years, it’s expected the market will begin to normalize beginning in 2013 when interest rates will begin to get back on track.

With such a bleak outlook for the near future, we shouldn’t see any increases to short-term rates by the Bank of Canada. Rates are at all-time lows, so unless there unforeseen circumstances, we shouldn’t see rates drop in the near future either.

Let’s face it, putting your best foot forward at the office party isn’t as big a priority after a few cups of egg nog and brandy.  But save the slutty attire and tequila shots for a night out with friends. And while you might be tempted to prolong an innocent mistletoe kiss or tell that annoying colleague just how mediocre he really is, don’t because you’ll regret it in the morning.

The following are a few tips to help you survive the office Christmas party:

Show Up – Sure it’s tempting to claim a conflict or say you’re sick, but that’s really just a slap in the face to your employer. Besides, it shows a lack of respect and caring about your workplace. If these parties truly make you nauseous, show up, have a drink, do your rounds and leave. At least your presence will be duly noted.

Dress for Success – Inappropriate outfits and outlandish costumes are fine at Halloween. Know in advance whether the party is formal, semi-formal or casual. Women need to pay attention to this perhaps even more than men as your professional credibility can be easily shred to bits based on inappropriate clothes or lack thereof.

Talk About the Weather – Just don’t talk about work. And even though work is why you’re at this shindig, this is meant to be a party so leave the job behind. Besides, complaints and negative comments may not be well thought of especially during this festive time of year.

Don’t Overdo It – Vomiting into the poinsettia plant is not a good strategy no matter what time of year. Remember to have a drink so that you appear relaxed and sociable but don’t go overboard. Besides all the obvious repercussions, getting sloshed on the boss’ dime makes you look like a cheap drunk.

No sex please! – Your crush on that hot new employee is hot and heavy. Don’t let it get the best of you. Remember, you’re at a party but it’s really just an extension of your work environment. Save any come ons or pickups to the after-party party.

To the Rescue – You’re stone sober but your colleague is practically out of control. If you see your co-worker behaving aggressively, saying and doing things that are inappropriate, here’s your chance to save the day. Try to distract the person by saying “there’s somebody over here I want you to meet” or “how about we go for a walk outside for a minute?”

Gift Giving – There are a lot of variables involved when buying the right Christmas gift for people, especially people you may not know very well or personally. The first rule is don’t buy personal gifts such as underwear or perfume. Generic or funny is good, but not inappropriate funny such as chocolates shaped like body parts. Keep the gift heartfelt and generic. Books, calendars and music make good gifts as do items you consume such as chocolates, candy and wine.

Thank your host – Your employer/boss/manager went to some trouble to plan the office party even if it meant writing the cheque to cover the cost. Acknowledge that in some way. You could send a note or an email or perhaps just stop by the boss’ table on the way out and express your gratitude.

 

Is there such a thing as a best time of year to sell a house? Certainly, seasonal factors come into play when trying to sell a home, but there are other things to consider as well, like the tug and pull of supply and demand, as well as unique local market conditions.

No matter when a home goes on the market, one should take a few things under consideration that will likely affect not just the ability to sell a property, but more importantly the ability to get your asking price. Timing, it seems, is everything.

The Economy

While the economy does not follow the predictable ebb and flow of the seasonal changes in real estate and in buyer attention, the economy, it’s state and it’s prospects boil down to property values, and consumer confidence. When the economy is under fire, people are nervous about their jobs. There is generally a reluctance to spend, accumulate debt or make major purchases.

The market will tell you what a home is worth. The problem is, during an economic downturn, the market may value your home lower than you had hoped, or than from when you started.

That may succeed in removing a number of buyers from your pool. For those that must buy a property though, the economy will play less of a factor in the decision to purchase, but it may give them power at the bargaining table, and it may be more difficult to get the desired price. Interest rates figure into this as well. The lower they are, the more your pool of buyers may increase as well, as the cost to borrow comes down and people, in theory can borrow more.

Springtime

While Victoria may be the exception to some degree, in a country like Canada, where there are four distinct seasons, seasonal influences play a large part in creating good selling conditions.

Wintertime brings with it a series of challenges, among them the weather, holiday distractions and lack of interest from buyers.

When the snow thaws though, and greenery re-emerges from the ground, buyers tend to re-emerge as well. The spring tends to be the peak of the market, simply because the timing suits people in general. The weather is more favourable, properties generally can be better displayed, and moves and property closings can more reasonably be managed through the summer months, so for those with families relocating is less disruptive.

According to data, home sales begin in February with transactions actually being initiated shortly after the new year. Closings peak through late May, June, July and August and this has been a consistent trend since the early 2000’s. For sellers then, they will likely have the opportunity to engage more traffic and interest in their homes.

Patience is a Virtue

While the springtime may typically be a more optimal time to sell, there will typically be more competition on the market.  Sometimes, if a seller is flexible on their dates, it may be advisable to wait until the spring market to list, simply because of the flood of buyers onto the market. Often, a property will sell for more, and sell much faster because of volume.

As there will be more properties on the market, the seller really needs to take time to make their property stand out, using the slow winter months to actively prepare their homes to list.  For some, it can take weeks, or even months to de-clutter and re-organize their properties to best reflect the space, and the positive attributes.

Remember, even though you may list in the spring, the selling process begins now behind the scenes.  Think staging before selling.

I love the look of stainless-steel appliances but for a number of you, they can be frustrating to keep clean.

When you are cleaning them, Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish or an ammonia-based window cleaner like Windex will do the trick.

For more stubborn marks it may take a little bit of elbow grease, but both products work well.

Ammonia is especially effective at removing fingerprints. Instead of paper towels, we like to use a cloth and preferably one made of microfiber. Best yet, it is reusable.

With all the uncertainty surrounding many of the world’s economies at the moment, there was a semi-sure bet that the Bank of Canada would stay put, given the strength of the headwinds blowing against our borders.

Yet again, Mark Carney is holding the overnight rate at 1 %. The Bank Rate is correspondingly 1 1/4 per cent and the deposit rate is 3/4 per cent.

The Bank of Canada said in a release:

“Uncertainty around the global economic outlook has increased in the weeks since the Bank released its October Monetary Policy Report (MPR). Conditions in global financial markets have deteriorated as the sovereign debt crisis in Europe has deepened. Additional measures will be required to contain the European crisis. The recession in Europe is now expected to be more pronounced than the Bank had anticipated in October, as a result of increased deleveraging and tighter financial conditions, as well as necessary fiscal austerity and structural reforms.”

It isn’t just the Eurozone that is experiencing turbulence. Employment data released last week from Stats Can with an unexpected job loss suggests that economic conditions may not be as favourable as one might have thought a few months ago. Seemingly, employers are beginning to lose confidence are showing an unwillingness to hire.

The figures were not completely unexpected though, as the BOC had cautiously predicted sluggish growth, at best through the end of this year, and early next.

On the upside, inflation targets are coming closer to target levels, but not enough to counterbalance the threats that exist on the other side of the coin. They do expect inflation to continue to moderate, as food and gas prices begin to float down.

Many economists suggest that this latest rate hold is a sign of things to come, with the BOC required to keep borrowing costs low until the Eurozone crisis is more handily contained, which at this point, is not in the immediate future.  The BOC is still adopting their “wait and see” policy on fiscal policy, and have not ruled out further stimulus if the economy requires it.

Real estate sales activity remained steady throughout Greater Victoria last month with a total of 482 sales via the Victoria Real Estate Board’s MLS service, virtually unchanged from 483 sales in October and 479 last November. Overall prices remained mixed, depending on price measure and property type.

The continued stability in sales is indicative of a balanced and healthy market. For many seller’s who are searching for that elusive dollar, that would be a hard statement to swallow.

We are pleased to see that sales last month are higher than in November of last year and showed little to no change from October. Looking forward we anticipate continued stability as we move into 2012.

There were 11 single family homes that sold for over $1 million in November including one for over $6 million in Oak Bay.

The total number of properties available for sale eased last month to 4329 compared to 4687 at the end of October. Inventory levels remained 16 per cent higher than a year ago but have fallen back from the peak of over 5000 earlier this year.

The average price for a single-family home sold in Greater Victoria last month was $592,034, down slightly from $595,836 in October. The median price declined as well to $530,000 while the six-month average declined to $613,259.

The overall average sale price for condominiums last month was $320,558, up from $307,329 in October while the average for six months declined slightly to $321,941.

The average sale price for townhomes was $380,675 compared to $428,040 in October.

Total MLS sales last month included 293 single family homes, 104 condominiums, 48 townhomes and 10 manufactored homes.

As humans, we form ill-conceived notions about people based on education, upbringing, and experience.  These notions, many of which on the surface appear to pose little threat, eventually stick to the signposts of our society becoming a sort of common knowledge.

Think about the used-car salesperson. What image did you conjure? Was it favourable? Likely not. Regretfully the same applies to a real estate profession. Matters not how professional Cheryl and I conduct ourselves. Change in thinking will only occur client by client.

For a multitude of reasons, there are a number of ill-conceived ideas about the industry and those in it.  “We’re rank slightly below lawyers and slightly above used car salesman.” That is a common joke and a lot of people fit us into that bracket with no humour intended.

It’s common for clients to think they are paying Realtor®s too much for the service they provide. There’s a saying in journalism, “that to get to the bottom of a story, you should follow the money”.  That saying could well be applied to our first misconception about Realtor®s.

What is not understood, is we’re responsible for everything. We pay our own taxes, do all our own advertising, personal marketing, inclusive of web design and hosting, and we pay for the marketing of our clients property; out of our pocket I must add and with no guarantee of an income. We bear the cost of all printing, whether it be the contracts needed to complete a task, marketing literature, business cards and we have to purchase all those signs and frames that the municipalities collect and throw in their dumpsters, plus we support a healthy insurance premium with extra insurance to protect those I drive around.

Now take into consideration we have no unemployment benefits, no company paid medical benefits, sick or holiday leave. There is no company pension plan and the risk of a lawsuit has increased with our countries poor economy and general attitude.

In fairness the industry has had a history of “less-than-ethical” characters, and this is an image that we are shedding with tougher professional regulations. Regretfully it’s a lot more cutthroat now, compared to when I first entered the industry. The freedom of information through the web has led to much of that.

I find it hard not to laugh at people who think a career in real estate is easy money. Unless those people have dealt with rejection, day in and day out, they have no concept of what’s involved to garner a commission.

I recall all to often the number of people who I have driven (my fuel, plus car’s wear and tear) all over hell’s half-acre, only to have them decide that some other realtor will be able to show them something that is not available to me. I’m still haunted by the young couple my wife and I drove around for close to three years, looking at over 100 homes and writing four offers, all of which they low-balled in a rising market. In the end they advised us that they felt we were unable to service them and turned to another unsuspecting Realtor.

Then there are the times when we receive an unexpected gift from a happy client. There is never any need for such kindness, but their delight in the results that we were able to provide overwhelmed them to generosity.

While we may trail behind the Lawyers of today, unlike them, our evenings, weekends and holidays are not our own (unless we chose to ignore our clients which is yet to happen) and our evenings don’t often represent valued family time. A 70-hour work week is not uncommon.  I even missed the birth of my grandson because work demanded such. Pretty hard to catch up on that moment lost.

For me, I’m drawn to this profession because it allows me to see and touch so many people, their lives, their passions, their personal causes. It’s because of this connectedness of the industry and how I am able to apply 47 years of experience in a way that my clients can benefit, that makes it all worth while for me.