The Family Bit First
Wow! A HUGE thank you to everybody who voted for me in the Langley Advance Times again. I am officially Langley’s Best REALTOR® for the second year in a row!
My kids have often asked me over the years, “If you could do any job in the world, what would it be?” And my response has always been, “I’m doing it!” What a treat to genuinely love what I do.
It’s been challenging over the years — raising three kids on my own when the youngest was just 18 months old; almost going bankrupt four years in; navigating the ups and downs of the real estate market; the pandemic; government’s continual changes; and so much more. But I wouldn’t change any of it.
Despite the turbulence, there have been far more wins than losses. The amazing clients I’ve met and befriended; colleagues who make the transactions easier; the satisfaction of an accepted offer and a delighted client; move-in day when Buyers are beyond excited; and all the little thank-you messages I’m lucky enough to receive along the way.
On another note, my youngest, Levi, has pivoted very quickly and decided to go to university! He has joined his older brother and moved up north to Prince George to attend UNBC. Not quite knowing what he wants to do yet, he’s taking General Studies until he figures things out. But at 19, I think he’s got plenty of time to work that out!
I’m also delighted to share my son, Noah’s, very first newsletter. He is based in Prince George as an independent Land Use, Indigenous and Policy Expert. He works all over the province, and if you ever need anything relating to land, he is your guy!
The Real Estate Bit
Yes, the numbers are down — but my phone has started ringing again! And let me tell you, it’s a joyous sound!
A couple of listings that had sat for months and months have finally sold, while other listings that had been quiet are suddenly getting showings. Buyers seem a little more interested too, although they still have the “pick of the litter,” so to speak, and they’re continuing to show us that they are tough negotiators in this very Buyer-friendly market.
I’m often asked for my opinion on where things are headed. While I wish I had a crystal ball, I expect we’ll continue in this slower market for some time yet. And even if activity does pick up, I don’t see prices moving up immediately. There is simply too much inventory for that to happen quickly.
I also hope we see a shift in what gets built — fewer condos and more family homes. We need more housing that works for families who actually want to live here long-term.
On another note, I noticed that the number of REALTORS® in the Fraser Valley has dropped by almost 10% over the past year. That’s significant, but it isn’t surprising. We see this every time the market dips: people join the industry when things are booming, and leave when things get tougher.
Real estate is a demanding business. It requires availability, knowledge, experience, the ability to adapt, and the willingness to stay engaged when the market isn’t easy.
For Buyers and Sellers, I think that matters. You want someone who is available when you need them, understands the market you’re actually in — not the market you wish you were in — and knows how to adjust their strategy as conditions change.
In my opinion, that comes from treating real estate as a career, not a side job.
You know I’m always here for your call!
Click here for the full August Stats Package.
The Best of Both Seasons
September has a little bit of everything. Summer isn’t quite behind us, routines begin to return, calendars start filling up, and fall is just around the corner. Whether your days revolve around work, school, family, friends, or simply your own schedule — it’s a great month to enjoy the best of what’s here while settling into a rhythm for what’s ahead.
Make the Most of the Patio
Don’t pack away the outdoor spaces just yet. September can bring plenty of patio-worthy afternoons and evenings. Have breakfast outside on a sunny morning, move dinner outdoors, take your coffee to the porch, or gather around the firepit as the evening cools down. With fall officially arriving soon, these in-between days are worth making the most of.
Make Weekdays Feel Easier
As schedules get busier, a few simple routines can make home feel like a welcome landing place. Keep favourite breakfast and snack staples handy, choose a few easy weeknight meals, give keys and everyday bags a regular home, or take ten minutes in the evening to reset the kitchen. Nothing elaborate — just little things that make tomorrow easier.
Take Everyday Life Outside
You don’t need a big weekend plan to enjoy September. Eat lunch at a park, take an evening walk through a different neighbourhood, pack some snacks for a nearby trail, visit a farmers’ market, or take the scenic route somewhere you already planned to go. Even an ordinary afternoon can feel like a mini adventure when you move it outdoors.
Bring Something Good Back
September can be a fresh start without becoming a complete overhaul. Bring back something you enjoy that may have slipped away during summer — Sunday breakfast, morning walks, reading before bed, cooking together, game nights, gardening, or having friends over just because. Pick something that makes an ordinary week feel a little better.
Leave Room for the Unexpected
There’s still time for an impromptu picnic, an extra hour on the patio, an evening ice cream run, or a spontaneous drive somewhere beautiful. The calendar may be filling up again, but not every open space needs a plan.
September doesn’t have to mean rushing into fall. Enjoy the warm days, welcome back the routines you’ve missed, spend time at home and outside of it, and let the month be a little bit of both — the last of summer and the beginning of something new.
Feature of the Month
