I must admit, I was surprised this morning to realize today was actually Sunday. It's that week where every day is Sunday isn't it? And, here in southern Ontario, we have a month of Sundays coming up.

I'm still basking in the glow of Christmas. It's been really wonderful!

We've had a ridiculous 25 lb turkey for two experience, one that will probably continue for the entire month, and, that's just fine with us, we love turkey! And, I learned to spell pterodactyl.

We've been blessed with some amazing neighbours who have made sure we were super supplied with baked goodies!
​
And, there's a Big Bang Theory marathon running on TV this week! I've been laughing for days!

Which is why I'm posting this particular photo today ~ a very creative Christmas card sent to me by a friend/client last year. I've kept it on my Bulletin Board all year because it makes me laugh.

Now, I think I may spend some time shopping online to update my loungewear wardrobe.
​
Enjoy the week everyone! And may all your sweaters be ugly & bright!

December has always been my favourite month. I love the snow, I love the slower pace that comes so naturally between Christmas and New Year's. I love looking back on the highlights of the year, and looking forward to what next year will bring. I love Christmas trees, the warmth of the fire, the smell of fresh cut greenery, and the turkey in the oven.

I also love that we make a point of touching base with our friends and family. Even though the large family gatherings and parties with friends can't happen this year, I think we can all find more creative ways to connect with our favourite people.

We can still find the spirit of the season, make a few new traditions, enjoy the small moments, and celebrate the little things that make us happy. We all deserve to treat ourselves this year especially.
​
I wish all of you a truly peaceful and joyful Christmas season!

In real estate, we talk a lot about market value, and, that's important. It's important to buyers, and sellers, not to mention, banks.

But, there is another kind of value, something more personal, that we place on things, maybe especially on our homes. And, sometimes, that is far more important than anything else.

I think this year, more than any other, has highlighted that value difference.

Home prices are rising fast, and much of that can be explained by economics ~ low inventory, high demand, etc. But, this week, for me and my clients, was a huge lesson in paying for what you need, when you need it.

In two different scenarios this week, the buyers were at a point where they NEEDED to buy. With offer competitions, it's tough to find that sweet spot that will win the bid, but, not put themselves in a position where they've succumbed to the frenzy of winning at any cost.

As an agent, it's my job to calculate market value to help determine an offer price. But, that's really just the baseline. As a human, it's sometimes more important to figure out what that second value is ~ that value that speaks to the safety, security, and comfort of having a home in the right place, with the right amenities, and at the time it's really needed.
​
Sometimes, as it did this week for my clients, that personal value blows the market value out of the water. And, that's OK. If this year has taught us anything, it's that quality of life is the most important thing.