Dr. Masaru Emoto, a Japanese researcher, claimed that water crystals could be influenced by thoughts, words, and music.

In his experiments, Dr. Emoto exposed water to various stimuli and then froze it to examine the resulting crystals. He found that water exposed to positive words, such as "love" and "gratitude," or to classical music formed more intricate and beautiful crystals. Water exposed to negative words or harsh music produced less-appealing crystals.

Dr. Emoto's work became popular, especially among people interested in positive thinking. His book The Hidden Messages in Water gained a following. However, his research has been widely criticized for lacking scientific rigor and reproducibility.

Critics point out issues with his methods, including observer bias and the inability to replicate his results under controlled conditions.

Despite the controversy, Dr. Emoto's work continues to spark interest in the idea that thoughts and energy could influence physical phenomena.

While his experiments are not scientifically validated, they raise questions about the power of positivity and our connection to the environment. To confirm his claims, more rigorous scientific studies would be required.

Summer can pose challenges for pet owners, with heat, outdoor activities, and travel impacting pet safety. Here are some tips to maintaining pets’ happiness and health during the summer months:

Beat the Heat. Pets can be susceptible to heatstroke, so it's crucial to keep them cool. Avoid walking pets during the hottest part of the day, provide plenty of fresh water, and ensure shaded areas are available. Cooling mats and pet-friendly pools can also help maintain pets’ comfort.

Traveling with Pets. Use secure carriers for car travel, stop frequently for bathroom breaks, and never leave pets in a parked car. When traveling by air, check airline policies on pet transport and choose direct flights when possible.

Outdoor Safety. Pets often spend more time outdoors during summer, which can increase their risk of becoming injured or getting lost. Use identification tags and microchips and keep pets on a leash in unfamiliar areas. Check out tips on pet-proofing backyards and ensure fences are secure.

Vancouver, BC – July, 2024

The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that 7,082 residential unit sales were recorded in Multiple Listing Service^® (MLS^®) systems in June 2024, a 19 per cent decrease from June 2023. The average MLS^® residential price in BC in June 2024 was up 1 per cent at $998,159 compared to an average price of $988,632 in June 2023. The total sales dollar volume was $7.1 billion, an 18 per cent decline from the same time the previous year.  BC MLS^® unit sales were 24 per cent lower than the ten-year average for June. 

“Sales activity in June was much softer than the same time last year, with June of 2023 representing the market peak following last summer’s pause in rate hikes,” said BCREA Chief Economist Brendon Ogmundson. “However, both sales and active listings continue to gradually inch upwards, keeping the market in balanced territory.”

Year-to-date, BC residential sales dollar volume was down 2 per cent to $38.6 billion, compared with the same period in 2023. Residential unit sales were down by 4.1 per cent year-over-year at 38,639 units, while the average MLS^® residential price was up 2.3 per cent to $997,883. 

For more information, please contact: Gino Pezzani.

Metro Vancouver home sales registered on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) remained below seasonal and historical averages in June, with inventory reaching levels not seen since the spring of 2019.

Here's a summary of the June 2024 housing market statistics.

Looking for the full story? Get the June 2024 Monthly Market Report by going to the Market Matters section of this site.

For more information, please contact: Gino Pezzani.

July has been the backdrop for significant historical events that have shaped nations, cultures, and ideologies. This article explores and reflects on some notable moments in history that occurred during July.

Canada Day, July 1: This marks the unification of the country's provinces. Activities throughout Canada include fireworks, concerts, and other festive events.

American Independence: One of the most celebrated events in July is American Independence Day, commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of the United States' journey as a sovereign nation, leading to a global impact on democracy and governance. Today, Independence Day is celebrated with fireworks, parades, and patriotic ceremonies throughout the United States.

The Storming of the Bastille: July 14 marks Bastille Day, a significant event in French history. In 1789, the storming of the Bastille, a fortress and prison in Paris, became a symbol of the French Revolution and the fight against tyranny. Bastille Day is now a national holiday in France, celebrated with parades, fireworks, and communal festivities.

The First Moon Landing: On July 20, 1969, humanity achieved a monumental feat with the first moon landing during NASA's Apollo 11 mission. Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to walk on the moon, an event memorialized by Armstrong's iconic words, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." This achievement marked a milestone in space exploration and remains an inspiration for scientific discovery and human ingenuity.

International Ice Cream Day, July 21: International Ice Cream Day celebrates one of the world's most popular desserts. What's your favorite flavor?

The Signing of the Civil Rights Act: On July 2, 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law the Civil Rights Act, a landmark legislation in American history. This act aimed to end segregation and discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The Civil Rights Act became a cornerstone for advancing equality and social justice, laying the foundation for future civil rights movements.

2024 Summer Olympics, July 26: Let the games begin in Paris!

These historical moments remind us of the power of change and the importance of commemorating milestones that continue to shape our world. Each event offers lessons in courage, determination, and the enduring spirit of humanity.

At a glance (3 minute read)

• BC landlords must use the Landlord Use Web Portal to create personal or caretaker use eviction notices starting July 18, 2024 and must include information on who is moving in.

• Other changes to the personal or caretaker use eviction rules include a four-month notice period, 30-day dispute window, mandatory 12-month occupancy, and higher penalties for bad-faith evictions.

• The portal aims to protect tenants from false evictions and provide a transparent process, with data used for better regulation and support for renters and landlords

For more information, please contact: Gino Pezzani

The link:New eviction rules: Landlords required to use new website to create personal-use eviction notices, and more (gvrealtors.ca)

Canadian employment was largely unchanged from the previous month, contracting by just 1,400 jobs, to 20.516 million in June. The unemployment rate rose by 0.2 points to 6.4 per cent, the fifth consecutive monthly increase, and up 1 point from this time last year. Average hourly wages rose 5.4 per cent year-over-year to $34.91 last month, while total hours worked were up 1.1 per cent from June of last year.

Employment in BC fell 0.3 per cent to 2.854 million, while employment in Metro Vancouver fell 1.2 per cent to 1.591 million in June. The unemployment rate fell 0.4 points in BC to 5.2 per cent while falling in Metro Vancouver by 0.7 points to 5.4 per cent last month. 

Link: https://mailchi.mp/bcrea/canadian-employment-june-2024-july-5th-2024

For more information, please contact: Gino Pezzani.

Life certainly has a knack for keeping us on our toes. Among work, family and the myriad small tasks that fill our days, it's too easy to overlook the importance of pausing to catch our breath.

Reflecting on how much can change in just a few years is astonishing — new jobs, new friendships and a host of new experiences. The prospect of starting anew can be equally thrilling and daunting. But therein lies its beauty, right? Each day presents a fresh opportunity to reinvent ourselves — to craft something novel and to discover joy in the endeavor.

What I've realized is that change is the only constant in life. People weave in and out of our lives, and we find ourselves embarking on new paths — sometimes nearby, sometimes far away. Change is a part of the adventure, and each move brings us a step closer to where we're destined to be.

If you're at a crossroads or simply contemplating a shift in your life, then remember that you're not navigating this alone. Making significant life decisions can be daunting, and having a trusted friend can truly lighten the load. Also remember that you are that friend to someone else who’s going through a transition.

Here's to embracing both the monumental and the minute changes and to navigating this marvelous journey of life. I look forward to staying connected and am here for you whenever you need support or someone to talk with.

Gino

RE/MAX Heights Realty

(604) 418-9366

On July 3, 2024, the Provincial Government announced significant changes that came into effect July 18, 2024, to protect residential tenants from ending tenancies in bad faith. Under the Residential Tenancy Act, a landlord can end a tenancy for personal or caretaker use.

As you navigate the complexities of selling tenant-occupied properties, it's crucial to be aware of the latest regulations, including Bill 14 Tenancy Statutes Amendment Act, 2024, and best practices to ensure compliance and protect all parties involved. Here are the key points you need to know.

Key Changes Effective July 18, 2024

1. Mandatory Use of Landlord Use of New Web Portal:

• Landlords must use this portal to generate Notices to End Tenancy for personal or caretaker use.

• Landlords using the website portal will be required to have a Basic BCeID to access the site.

• The portal will require landlords to provide details about the persons moving into the home. The details of the new occupant of the home will be shared with the tenant.

• While using the website portal, landlords will be given information about the required conditions for ending a tenancy and the penalties associated with ending the tenancy in bad faith.

• They will also be informed about the amount of compensation they will be required to issue to tenants when ending a tenancy.

2. Extended Notice Period:

• The Two-Month Notice is changing to a Four-Month Notice on July 18, 2024.

• Tenants will have 30 days to dispute Notices to End Tenancy, extended from 15 days.

3. Occupancy Requirements:

• The individual moving into the property must occupy it for at least 12 months.

• Landlords found to be ending a tenancy in bad faith could be ordered to pay the displaced tenant 12 months’ rent.

We need to be aware of these new rules when we are buying or selling tenant-occupied properties if the buyer wants vacant possession (whether on the completion date or otherwise). Any notice to end a tenancy for the buyer’s personal use given to a tenant on or after July 18, 2024, cannot end the tenancy until after the expiration of the four-month notice period. 

How do the new requirements impact an offer on a home when rent is paid on the first of each month? If all contract subjects were satisfied or waived on July 22, 2024, a Four-Month Notice to tenants using the portal’s notice generator could be provided on or before July 31, 2024, and could require the tenant to vacate the home by November 31, 2024.

What if the tenant does not vacate the home? As has always been the case with tenant-occupied properties, sellers and buyers should be advised to obtain legal advice to ensure they understand their rights and responsibilities in circumstances when a tenant does not comply with a notice to vacate and remains in the home after the date that the tenancy was supposed to end.

Legal Advice for Ongoing Transactions
If you are currently in the middle of a transaction involving a tenant-occupied property, it is strongly advised to seek legal advice to navigate these new regulations effectively. Legal advice can help ensure compliance with the transition to the new rules and protect the interests of all parties involved by informing them of their rights and obligations arising under the new rules.

Additional Resources:

• For more details on the new regulations and to access the Landlord Use Web Portal, visit BC Government Residential Tenancies or contact the Residential Tenancy Branch at 1-800-665-8779.

• Selling Tenant-Occupied Properties During the Residential Tenancy Act Transitional Period.

• Legally Speaking #574: Landlords Take Notice – Recent Amendments to BC Tenancy Legislation by Amy Peck.

• BrokerConnect (June 2024): Bill 14 Tenancy Statutes Amendment Act.

Real Estate Errors and Omissions Insurance Corporation: Selling tenanted property – don’t let assumptions get you into a tough situation.

For more information, please contact: Gino Pezzani.

The Martin family hadn't gathered at the old family lake house in years. Over time, distance and life's busy pace had seen the once-close family drifting apart. This summer, however, Grandma Martin, the matriarch of the family, decided it was time to bring everyone back together. She sent out invitations for a grand family reunion, urging everyone to bring something special to share.

As the reunion day approached, the Martins arrived from various parts of the country, each carrying unique ingredients for a massive family meal. Aunt Ella brought spices from the South, Uncle Joe brought fresh fish from the coast, and the cousins brought vegetables and fruits from their local farms. The youngest ones gathered wildflowers and decorations to adorn the tables.

Under the old oak tree, they shared old family recipes and their new dishes this year. The once-quiet lake house was now buzzing with activity as everyone found a role. The kitchen was a symphony of chopping, stirring, and laughter.

When the meal was ready, they laid out a long table under the twinkling fairy lights. As they sat down to eat, each dish told a story of where they came from and who they had become.

Grandma Martin raised her glass in a toast. "Just like this meal, we are each unique but when together, we create something richer and fuller."

As the night set in, the children lit sparklers, running around the yard. In the distance, fireworks began to dot the sky, celebrating Canada Day. The family, now reconnected, watched in awe, reminiscing about the Canada Days spent at this very lake house.

The reunion, while seemingly just a gathering, was a reminder of their strength in unity. The family, like the community they symbolized, was strongest when together.