Life has been a whirlwind lately, hasn’t it? During the hustle and bustle, it’s easy to lose sight of the joys, big or small, that light up our days — a kind word from a friend, the warmth of the sun on your face or even a peaceful cup of tea. These moments are the ones that truly matter and stitch our days together into the tapestry of life.

Every day, I try to take a few moments to appreciate these bits of happiness. Although doing so can be challenging, everything seems a bit brighter and a bit lighter, when I do, similar to finding bits of treasure in the most unexpected places.

So, here’s my nudge to you: Take a moment to enjoy the small things like listening to your favorite song, calling an old friend or savoring that first sip of morning coffee. Whatever it is, let it fill you with joy!

Remember, it’s one step, one smile, one cherished moment at a time.

Gino Pezzani

Your Real Estate Consultant For Life

I ran across this old story recently, and reading it again instantly made me feel spry. I hope you enjoy it.

I am now, probably for the first time in my life, most like the person I have always wanted to be. Sure, sometimes I despair over the wrinkles, the baggy eyes, and the sagging chin. In fact, often I am taken aback by noticing that old person in my mirror, but I don't agonize over it.

I have a wonderful life and would never trade my amazing friends or loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. I've become kinder to myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need but looks so avant-garde on my patio. I am entitled to overeat, to be messy, to be extravagant. I can say “no” and mean it. I can also say “yes” and mean it.

Great freedom comes with aging. Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 a.m. or sleep until noon? I will walk the beach in a swimsuit that is stretched over a bulging body and dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the bikini crowd. They, too, will get old!

As I become older, it is easier to be positive. I care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong. I like being old because it has set me free.

I genuinely like the person I have become. I won’t live forever, but while I am still here, I will waste no time lamenting what could have been or worrying about what will be. Today, I wish you a day of ordinary miracles and the unexpected freedom of aging with joy.

For more information, please contact: Gino Pezzani.

As we bid farewell to winter and welcome spring, many of us anticipate the rejuvenation that this season promises. Yet, for some people, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs at specific times of the year, can make this transition challenging.

Understanding the nuances of SAD during this transition is crucial because it's a time when we're encouraged to gradually increase our exposure to natural light, engage in regular physical activity outdoors, and establish a stable routine to help our bodies adjust. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and journaling, can also serve as powerful tools to navigate this change, process our feelings, and embrace the new season with open arms.

Support systems can play a vital role when someone is experiencing SAD. Whether reaching out to friends, joining support groups, or seeking professional help, connecting with others can provide comfort and guidance. As the days lengthen and nature awakens, let's remind ourselves that it's OK to seek help and take time to adjust to the brighter days ahead.

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.

Canadian real GDP grew 0.2 per cent in February, following a 0.5 per cent increase in January. The growth was driven by services-producing sectors (+0.2 per cent), led by growth in rail, air, and pipeline transportation. Residential construction activity fell by 0.5 per cent, declining for the fourth consecutive month following a burst of activity in the summer and fall of 2023. Cooler home sales caused GDP from offices of real estate agents and brokers to fall 1.9 per cent last month, undoing some of the growth in December and January. Preliminary estimates suggest that output in the Canadian economy was essentially unchanged in March.

Amid cooling inflation and weakening labour markets, February's rather soft GDP report provides additional support for the broadly anticipated beginning of rate cuts in June. Although growth appeared strong in January, this was largely due to the conclusion of public sector strikes in Quebec, which caused a temporary boost to growth. Meanwhile, February's growth came in cooler than expected and the preliminary estimate for March is for zero growth. Markets currently expect the Bank to make its first overnight rate cut since early 2020 at its next meeting on June 5th. 

Link: https://mailchi.mp/bcrea/canadian-real-gdp-growth-february-2024

For more information, please contact: Gino Pezzani.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 leek, thinly sliced (white and light green parts only) 3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated 1 tablespoon mild curry powder

1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional) 1 cup sliced carrots

1 cup sugar snap peas, trimmed

1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces 1 cup frozen peas, thawed

1 can (14 oz) coconut milk (light for a healthier option) Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Salt and pepper, to taste 

Prepare the base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the leeks, garlic and ginger, sautéing until the leeks are soft and translucent.

Spice it up: Add curry powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander and chili flakes. Stir well for about a minute until the spices are fragrant.

Add veggies: Mix in the carrots and cook for 3–4 minutes. Then add the sugar snap peas and asparagus, cooking for another 5 minutes until they start to soften, but retain some crunch.

Simmer: Stir in the thawed peas and coconut milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and cook for another 5 minutes. Avoid boiling to keep the vegetables crisp.

Season: Add lemon zest and juice, then season with salt and pepper. Serve over a bed of fluffy quinoa or basmati rice for a complete meal.

This spring vegetable curry is light, zesty and bursting with the flavors of the season. The asparagus, sugar snap peas and fresh herbs bring a crisp, fresh dimension that's perfect for a springtime meal.

Enjoy this delightful dish as a celebration of the season's bounty!

May 1, International Workers' Day: Also known as Labor Day in some countries, this day is a celebration of laborers and the working classes.

May 5, Cinco de Mayo: Commemorates the Mexican Army's victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. It's widely celebrated in the United States to honor Mexican culture and heritage.

May 12, Mother's Day: Celebrated on the second Sunday in May, it's a day to honor and celebrate mothers and mother figures.

May 20, Victoria Day: Canadian holiday on which the British sovereign's birthday is celebrated. In 1845, during the reign of Queen Victoria, May 24, the queen's birthday, was declared a holiday in Canada.

May 27, Memorial Day: This US holiday honors military personnel who have died in the performance of their military duties. It is also the unofficial start of summer.

After falling more than 2 per cent in January, retail sales in BC were up 1.2 per cent in February and were up 2.6 per cent from the same time last year. In the CMA of Vancouver, retail sales were down 0.2 per cent from the prior month and were up 4.2 from February 2023. 

Link: https://mailchi.mp/bcrea/canadian-retail-sales-february-2024-april-24-2024

For more information, please contact: Gino Pezzani.