Nothing says family like a home filled with the smell of turkey, the sounds of chatter, of clinking plates and happy kids, and embers crackling in the fireplace. Thanksgiving is a special time to reflect and be grateful but reminds us also that, just as the temperature begins to go down, that the fall real estate market is heating up. If you are thinking listing or buying, Fall is a great time to do it. Call me anytime for all your real estate advice.

Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours.

As an individual with close ties to both real estate and charity work, I couldn’t help but notice on my recent European tour that the housing crisis is an issue shared by many countries beyond our Canadian borders. I also couldn’t help but compare the B.C. NDP’s model of applying punishing speculation taxes to address the crisis with those adopted by countries such as Finland.

ARA, The Housing Finance and Development Centre of Finland, monitors costs and quality standards, promotes innovation and excellence, and has tackled many of the issues with different strategies. Some include offering grants and guarantees on long-term loans and financing the provision of affordable rental housing. Other initiatives include applying a mix of preventative measures to social and land policies.

According to FEANSTA, an international organization working to end homelessness in Europe, Finland has actually managed to decrease the number of homeless persons without taking money out of its citizens pockets, (and ultimately its economy). If you would like your B.C. government to start looking at other ways – smarter ways – to deal with this very real issue without applying harsh taxes, contact your MLA today.

As you read this months’ newsletter I hope all “Moms” have enjoyed and celebrated a well-deserved day.  No other job in this world is more gratifying, and I am thankful every day for my wonderful children Cory and Nicole, and my step-children, Denise, Rene, Michele, Chris and Stephen, all of whom I love to the ends of the earth.

I thank my 96-year-old mother, for giving me the tools and the strength to become the woman I have grown into, and for the convictions that I pass to my children. I love you Mom.

“When you are a Mother, you were really alone in your thoughts.

A Mother always has to think twice-once for her herself and once for her child.”

-Sophia Loren

Did you know that as your realtor, not only do I have an ethical obligation but a legal one as well, to represent your best interest in purchasing your most important asset? As a buyer, you need to be informed and educated, and our buyer’s agreement, takes you painlessly and accurately through the process. Don’t fret over signing documents you don’t understand, or miss out on the home of your dreams because of a technicality. If you are looking to make that important purchase, you can rely on me to do it professionally with in your best intentions in mind. #expectexcellence

Even though sales and listings for the Victoria area are down from the same period last year, RE/MAX continues to soar “Above the Crowd!”

No doubt you have heard talk of speculation tax the NDP Government imposed in their recent budget.  Adam Olsen, MLA for Saanich and the Gulf Islands says his constituency office has received more emails about this issue than any other, a sampling of them are available in his blog.

Says Olsen, “For a retired fixed-income couple or individual, assuming the fact they can pay (an) upfront tax, the unknown of whether they’d get money back at the end of the year when they file their income taxes is problematic.”

Indeed, Mr. Olsen’s comments are a reality for at least one client couple who have already been forced to list their Victoria condo, and a deep concern for another client who wrote the eloquent letter below. 

If you face the same choice or have concerns, join the 9,000 people have signed the petition to stop this tax.  You can also write your MLA, or the Hon. Carol James, Minister of Finance and Deputy Premier.

Welcome to February, and all the Daffodils poking their heads out of the ground.

Meanwhile it is Valentines Day, and while we tried everything to find a reservation at one of our favourite places for dinner, with no luck, we came up with an even better idea.  We decided to call our favourite caterer “Nicholas Waters, owner of Toque Catering,” who helped us capture the romance of Valentines Day in our own home, with our “Boy Cooper.”

New Mortgage Rules and You

With all the chatter about qualifying for a mortgage these days it may feel impossible to the first time buyer, who has saved hard, to own your own home.  But don’t fret, these measures were implemented to protect you over the long term.  It may mean you purchase a condominium, or an older home, or simply broaden your search on the map. If you are willing to be flexible, I can find a home for you.

A trustworthy mortgage broker has experience, knowledge, access to all lenders, and can get you the best mortgage for your situation.

Victoria Mortgage Broker, John Wallace from Invis Mortgage Experts agrees, “ The new rules have made the mortgage landscape significantly more confusing, and getting good, solid advice is critical.”

While 2017 was rewarding in so many ways, there’s nothing like a brand new year to mark a fresh start.

Many of you know that the charities I have supported over the years have raised more than ten million dollars for people in need, and my work as a REALTOR and PHILANTHROPIST has ‘OPENED DOORS’ in ways I could not have imagined.

One of my fresh starts in 2018 was being selected by Boulevard Magazine to appear in their upcoming “Influencers” issue. They asked what I believe it takes to be a visionary. A leader. An influencer.

Steve Jobs said, “The people who are crazy enough to change the world are the ones who often do.” While I think being a little crazy helps, I also believe it requires: kindness, passion, determination, and being open to the opportunities that are often right in front of us but are sometimes difficult to see. Most important of all, it’s being aware of the great responsibility in the choices you make.

May all your fresh starts take you to places you’ve never dreamed of before. All the best for 2018.

Are you looking to sell?  I have clients looking for properties in most areas of Victoria, and when they find them, expect to see five new executive listings come to market.  We’re looking for:

– Condo in Bayview One – Up to 1.25 M

– Waterfront or Water View Townhouse Cordova Bay

– End Unit Condo in Sayward Hill with large patio – Not yet listed

– Rancher in Matticks Wood under 1.2

– Townhouse in Wedgewood Estates with Master on the Main