November always sneaks up on me, bringing with it a mix of quiet reflection and the buzz of holiday preparations. There’s a certain comfort in the rituals—pulling out that well-worn sweater, brewing a pot of something warm, and finding a moment to breathe amid the bustle.

I’ve been thinking a lot about how we each create our own version of cozy. For me, it’s the simple acts—turning off the phone for a bit, catching up on a good book, or just sitting down with a cup of tea and watching the world outside. It’s in those small pauses that I find the most meaning, and I hope you’re finding your own ways to carve out those moments, too.

This season, I’m not just grateful for the big things, but for the little ones that make up the tapestry of our everyday lives. The quiet chats, the shared smiles, the feeling of home—even if it’s just the place where you feel most at ease.

Here’s to finding those pockets of peace and savoring them, however they come.

Sincerely,

Gino Pezzani

Thomas Edison, the genius behind the light bulb, batteries, and motion pictures, also had a knack for revolutionizing job interviews. Imagine being interviewed by the man himself.

Sounds electrifying, right?

Edison wasn't your typical mad scientist working alone in a secret lab. With more than 10,000 employees throughout various companies, he needed the best minds for his cutting-edge projects. Enter the Edison Tests — detailed questionnaires that went far beyond mere technical skills.

Edison’s interviews were anything but ordinary. Picture this: He serves you a bowl of soup. If you salt it before tasting, then he marks you as someone who jumps to conclusions — definitely not what he wanted in a meticulous researcher.

Back in his day, employers rarely considered personality fit. Edison, however, was ahead of his time. His 140-question test required a whopping 90% to pass. In 1921, only 32 of 718 candidates succeeded. Even Einstein stumbled on this one!

Edison might have also accidentally invented news leaks. After his test was leaked to The New York Times, he had to rewrite the whole thing. Talk about unintended innovation!

Edison’s approach to hiring — blending technical know-how with personality insights — has shaped today’s job interview.

So next time you're prepping for an interview, remember: You might have Edison to thank for those quirky questions!

Sailing ships were the cutting-edge technology of the 18th century, and the shipbuilding boom spawned many phrases we still use today.

Loose cannon: Today, an unpredictable person. Then, a literal unsecured big iron tube that was going to hit something and cause a lot of pain. 

Batten down the hatches: Today, get ready for trouble. Then, literally get an iron bar to cover the door of a ship for terrible weather.

All hands on deck: Today, there's a problem and we need everyone here now. Then, it was the same, except on an actual ship's deck.

Show one's true colors: Today, a dishonest person who reveals who they really are. Then, a ship flying a fake flag to confuse enemies; pretty much the same thing.

Learn the ropes: Today, learn the rules and skills of a job. Then, literally learn how to tie and use ropes.

Canadian real GDP was essentially unchanged in August, following a 0.1 per cent increase in July. Service-producing industries grew by 0.1 per cent, while goods-producing industries fell by 0.4 per cent, reaching their lowest level since December 2021. Manufacturing was the largest detractor from growth for August, driven by both durable (-1.0 per cent) and non-durable goods (-1.4 per cent). The public sector saw its eighth consecutive month of growth (0.2 per cent), while utilities contracted by 1.9 per cent after three consecutive months of growth. Retail trade rose for the second month in a row by 0.6 per cent, while mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (+0.6 per cent), and finance and insurance (+0.5 per cent) also contributed to growth. Rail lockouts resulted in a 7.7 per cent decline in rail transportation, causing a 0.3 per cent decline in the overall transportation and warehousing sector for August. Finally, GDP for real-estate offices and agents was up 0.7 points month-over-month. Preliminary estimates suggest that real GDP grew by 0.3 per cent in September, contributing to a 0.2 per cent estimate for GDP growth in the third quarter of 2024.

Despite exhibiting growth in 12 of 20 overall industries, the Canadian economy remained at virtually the same level of output compared to July. These findings further justify the Bank of Canada's decision to cut the overnight rate by 50 basis points earlier this month. However, a strong preliminary estimate for September suggests a potentially stronger economy in the final quarter of 2024 amidst the Bank's cutting cycle. Steady, positive monthly growth, accompanied by headline CPI settling around its 2% target range, would suggest a return to a more gradual pace of rate cuts by the Bank of Canada, though the door remains open to more aggressive moves if October inflation and jobs data show continued weakness. 

https://mailchi.mp/bcrea/monthly-economic-growth-august-2024

For more information, please contact: Gino Pezzani.

Autumn is the perfect time to focus on your wellness because the season can bring a change in weather and routine.

Embrace Seasonal Foods: Incorporate the bounty of seasonal produce into your meals, such as squash, sweet potatoes, apples, and pears. These foods are rich in vitamins and other nutrients that can help boost your immune system and keep you feeling satisfied.

Layer For Outdoor Activities: Don't let the cooler temperatures keep you indoors. Layering allows you to stay warm and comfortable while enjoying outdoor activities.

Enjoy Warm Beverages: Swap out your usual cold drinks for warm beverages that can provide comfort and hydration. Herbal teas, warm apple cider, and even a homemade chai latte can be soothing, enjoyable, and hydrating.

Practice Mindfulness: Take a few moments each day to appreciate the beauty of the changing season. Whether it's through a mindful walk, meditation, or simply sitting quietly with a warm drink, these moments of mindfulness can reduce stress and enhance your overall well-being.

Set A Gentle Routine: With the hustle and bustle of the season, setting a gentle and flexible routine can help you stay balanced. Prioritize activities that bring you joy and relaxation, and don't be afraid to adjust your schedule, if needed. A balanced routine can help you manage stress and maintain a sense of calm.

By subtly incorporating these tips into your routine, you can enjoy a healthy and vibrant autumn season.

About BCREA’s Housing Monitor Dashboard

The BCREA Economics team has created the Housing Monitor Dashboard to help REALTORS^® monitor BC’s housing market. This dashboard, which is updated monthly, provides up-to-date data on key variables for public education and use. Focuses include: 

• Resale Home Market
• Construction
• Rental Market
• Borrowing Costs
• Other BCREA Data

In the dashboard, the image and data are available for download under each chart, where possible.

For more information, please contact: Gino Pezzani.

Have the price tags on Halloween costumes caused a scare? You're not alone. Halloween costumes can get quite pricey, especially given that the outfits will likely get worn only a few times. And many children will quickly outgrow their Halloween costumes, meaning you may have to shell out for a new costume every year. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to lower Halloween costume and decoration costs.

You can make many great costumes and decorations yourself, spending only a few dollars on supplies.

1. Seasonal products often come at a premium due to high demand. Sometimes you can find great costumes outside of the Halloween section.

2. After Halloween wraps up, you can often find awesome costumes on the cheap. The same is true for Halloween decorations. Instead of waiting until next year, pick up some stuff this November.

3. Thrift stores often put together Halloween collections where you can find costumes, props, and costume-ready clothing pieces. 

Pumpkins are not just for jack-o'-lanterns — they’re a nutritional powerhouse offering numerous health benefits. Rich in vitamins A and C, pumpkins play a crucial role in boosting immunity and maintaining eye health. They are also high in fiber, which aids digestion, promotes a healthy gut, and helps keep you feeling full for longer periods. Additionally, the antioxidants found in pumpkins are effective in combating chronic diseases and promoting overall well-being.

There are many delicious and versatile ways to integrate pumpkins into your fall diet. Try adding pumpkin puree to your smoothies for a nutrient-packed breakfast, or incorporate it into soups for a rich and creamy texture. Baked goods like muffins and bread also benefit from the addition of pumpkin, providing extra moisture and flavor. Don't forget about roasted pumpkin seeds, which make a tasty and nutritious snack. 

Embrace the pumpkin season for a healthy autumn boost and enjoy the myriad of ways this versatile vegetable can enhance your meals and your health!