I hope your near is off to an energizing start!
Last month, my husband and I celebrated Christmas with our children and their families. If you have grown kids, you can probably relate to how special it is to all gather under one roof. My son and his family live not too far away in Nanoose Bay, but my daughter and her family travelled all the way from Colorado.As we shared a holiday feast festive music and laughter in the air, I felt deep gratitude for living in such a beautiful and peaceful place. Canada is a wonderful country to live in, and Vancouver Island is simply the best place to call home!In 2024, I plan to deepen my relationships with the local community and continue sharing the best of Vancouver Island in my monthly newsletter. Contact me if you’re in the mid-island region and want to go for a coffee. Or let me know if you have any questions about the area. I’m happy to connect!
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New Year’s Resolutions for Your Home
The new year brings fresh energy, making it the perfect time to tackle home projects!Here are some ideas for home-related resolutions:- Declutter your space
- Reduce your energy use
- Install smart home technology
- Start a monthly home maintenance schedule (clean gutters, change furnace filters, etc.)
- Create a weekly cleaning routine
- Improve the air quality of your home
- Apply a fresh coat of paint
- Add edible plants to your garden
- Personalize your home with art and decor
Mortgage Trends in 2024
While we don’t have a crystal ball to predict what will happen to mortgage rates in 2024, bond yields in Canada have moved in line with interest rates over the past several years. Thus, it can be helpful to follow bond market trends, which have been dropping as of late.At the same time, interest rates will not come down unless inflation rates drop. So if inflation rates fall in 2024, the Bank of Canada will be more likely to reduce interest rates and more potential buyers will pass the stress test to qualify for a mortgage.In the meantime, buyers who are ready with funds have less competition, so it’s a good time to go house-hunting. For homeowners who are thinking of selling, now is a good time to work with a realtor to prepare for a sale in 2024.Learn More Save the Date: Estate Planning for Homeowners
Date: Wednesday, February 7, 2024Time: 6-7 PM Pacific TimeJoin a lawyer and a wealth management expert for a conversation about planning for your estate’s future, factors to consider when creating your will and naming your executor, plus more. Additional details will arrive in your inbox soon but you’re welcome to email me to pre-register.Love golf? Get 50% off your Fairwinds membership
Fairwinds Golf Club in Nanoose Bay offers a semi-private 18-hole course only 15 minutes away from Nanaimo and Parksville. Facilities include two large practice greens, a year-round driving range, and a short-game practice area. PGA-certified professionals provide lessons, camps, and clinics for golfers of all levels. Members can also participate in various leagues and social events while enjoying exceptional food and service.For a limited time until March 31, 2024, you can purchase an annual membership for 50% off.Learn MoreQuiet Market Closed Out 2023
Compared to November, December sales were 36% lower for single-family homes, 30% lower for condo apartments, and 22% lower for row/townhomes. There were 796 active listings of single-family homes in December 2023 compared to 895 listings a year ago, while the benchmark price sat at $753,000. Conversations with buyers and sellers indicate that folks are in a waiting pattern as policy changes, such as restrictions on short-term rentals, take effect. An active spring is still forecasted as policy impacts, and perhaps interest rates, settle down.Read More