In some cultures, cleaning is more than a quick task. It’s a shared value and a regular practice. In Germany and Japan, two countries known for their cleanliness, tidying is often thorough, intentional, and deeply ingrained in daily life.

In Germany, cleaning extends beyond the home to fences, sidewalks, and shared spaces. While surveys show Germans spend about three to five hours a week cleaning, the focus is on deep cleaning rather than surface tidying. Rugs are cleaned on both sides, and windows may be washed weekly or even daily.

In parts of southwest Germany, a tradition called Kehrwoche, or “sweep week,” assigns residents turns to clean communal areas, reinforcing shared responsibility.

In Japan, the principle of Kiyomeru emphasizes purification, balance, and gratitude. Cleaning goes beyond floors and counters to include baseboards and vents and is seen as a way to care for both home and mindset.

Across these cultures, cleanliness reflects respect for shared space and daily life.

Many of us grew up hearing the familiar rhyme, “Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold.” Often attributed to Joseph Parry, the 19th century Welsh composer and musician, its message still feels timely.

As life gets fuller, it is common to lose touch with people we once knew well. Yet disconnection is not inevitable. Building friendships takes real time and care. Research published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships shows it takes about 50 hours of shared time to form a casual friendship and nearly 200 hours to become close friends. Those relationships represent a meaningful investment that does not simply disappear.

Still, many people hesitate to reconnect. Social psychologists Lara B. Aknin and Gillian M. Sandstrom, writing in Communications Psychology, found that more than 90% of people report losing touch with an old friend.

Over time, familiar connections can begin to feel distant, even when the foundation is still there.

The month of May sits at the edge of summer. It is a season of longer days, lighter schedules, and renewed openness. As we move toward summer, it may be the perfect time to reconsider the connections that once mattered. An old friend is not a stranger. Often, all it takes is a simple message to reopen a conversation.

As the season shifts, consider reaching out. Some of the strongest connections are the ones already waiting to be rediscovered.

As late March flows into early April, the Painted Lady butterfly begins to appear across the southern United States and California, signaling that the season of movement and growth is well underway. These butterflies may look delicate, but they are the most determined travelers on the planet, taking part in a remarkable 9,000-mile migration that stretches from Africa’s Sahara Desert to the Arctic Circle.

No single butterfly completes the journey. Instead, the migration unfolds across multiple generations, with each new Painted Lady instinctively continuing the path forward. They rise high into the sky, sometimes thousands of feet above the ground, catching favorable winds that carry them vast distances. Constantly flying, breeding, and laying eggs, they move with the rhythm of the season, responding to rainfall, blooming plants, and opportunity.

Their arrival in early April tells a powerful story of persistence and quiet determination. Progress is rarely fast or immediately visible, yet the Painted Lady shows us how meaningful change unfolds when each generation contributes its part. No single butterfly carries the full weight of the journey, but together they accomplish what once seemed impossible.

The Painted Lady reminds us that growth does not require certainty, only commitment and trust in the process. It happens by showing up, adapting to changing conditions, and trusting the winds that carry us forward, season by season, as small efforts turn into something truly extraordinary over time.

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Highlights:

• Canadian fixed mortgage rates face upward pressure as geopolitical instability sends oil soaring.
• Tariffs and the Iran conflict are driving growth and inflation concerns.

The Bank of Canada is walking a tight rope of double-sided risks.

Canadian retail sales increased by 1.1 per cent to $70.7 billion in January compared to the previous month. Retail sales were 1.5 per cent higher compared to the same last year. Furthermore, core retail sales, which exclude gasoline and automobile items, increased by 0.9 per cent in January. In volume terms, adjusted for rising prices, retail sales were up 1.0 per cent in January.

Retail sales in British Columbia were up 0.2 per cent in January month-over-month and rose by 1.9 per cent compared to the same time last year. In the CMA of Vancouver, retail sales were largely unchanged from the prior month and were 2.2 per cent above the level of January 2025.

January’s print marks a strong start to the year for retail activity as other aspects of the economy continue to struggle. Growth was found in six out of nine subsectors, resulting in one of the largest monthly increases in overall retail sales in recent months. After its fourth consecutive rate-hold on Wednesday, the Bank of Canada faces a quandary of balancing inflationary pressures from rising oil prices with a struggling labour market and economy. Ultimately, the Bank’s policy direction hinges on its perceived persistence of the supply shock from the US-Iran war, which, unfortunately, remains uncertain.

April arrives with a noticeable shift. The air feels lighter, color starts to return, and everyday life seems to stretch out a little more. It is a month that reminds us how good it feels when things begin to open up again.

There is an energy in April that feels hopeful without being demanding. It encourages us to step outside more, to re-engage with our surroundings, and to welcome change with a sense of curiosity rather than urgency. Even simple routines feel refreshed when the season itself feels new.

April is also a natural time for clearing space. Not just closets or calendars, but mental space too. Letting go of what feels heavy. Making room for what feels energizing. Choosing what deserves your attention as the year continues to unfold.

As the days grow brighter, my hope is that you allow yourself to enjoy the small signs of renewal all around you. April does not ask for perfection. It simply invites you to show up and take part in what is unfolding.

Wishing you a month filled with fresh air, new perspective, and moments that feel genuinely uplifting.

Kind regards,

Gino Pezzani
Your Real Estate Consultant For Life

Owning a pet may do more than brighten your day. It could also help keep your mind sharp. A study from the American Academy of Neurology found that long-term pet ownership is associated with better cognitive health and happiness.

The study analyzed data from more than 1,300 adults in the University of Michigan’s Health and Retirement Study. According to CNN, the strongest benefits appeared among people who had owned a pet for five years or more.

Dogs and cats were the most common pets studied, but people who owned birds, fish, or reptiles also showed cognitive benefits, suggesting companionship in many forms can be helpful.

Researchers emphasize that the findings show an association, not proof of cause and effect. However, prior research shows pet ownership can reduce stress, blood pressure, and cortisol levels, which may support brain health.

Premium credit cards love to advertise big rewards: Uber credits, airport lounges, luxury hotels, even four-figure welcome bonuses. It can feel like you are missing out if you do not have one.

But those perks come at a cost. Annual fees are steep. The American Express Platinum now costs about $895 a year, and Chase’s Sapphire Reserve runs roughly $795, according to The Wall Street Journal. Ultra-premium cards like the Amex Centurion charge thousands more.

Time is the hidden expense. Comparing cards can take hours, and managing perks requires ongoing effort. According to Kiplinger.com, about 40% of card benefits go unused. 

Nick Maggiulli of Dollars and Data argues that, for most people, the payoff is not worth the hassle unless rewards are a hobby.

A simpler strategy works better. Choose one card with benefits you will actually use. If you shop on Amazon, a Prime card delivers automatic rewards. If you travel often, a travel card may be worth the effort.

The best rewards card is not the flashiest. It is the one that fits your life.

Relaxing, attractive, and highly desirable, outdoor living spaces continue to stand out as one of the smartest upgrades homeowners can make.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Housing Survey, homeowners spent about $827 billion on home improvement projects between 2021 and mid-2023. That represents a jump of more than $200 billion from the prior two-year period. Outdoor improvements are a significant part of this trend, with leisure-focused projects making up nearly 19% of all home upgrades, according to Angi.

Outdoor living has evolved far beyond a simple deck and grill. Today’s homeowners are creating spaces that feel like natural extensions of the home. These may include open-air rooms with seating, dining areas, fireplaces, or televisions. Florida rooms offer bright, climate-controlled comfort year-round, while sunrooms and solariums highlight beautiful views and bring in abundant natural light.

Enclosing a patio or deck is easier than ever. Modern enclosure systems can be customized to fit your space and budget, with options such as vaulted ceilings, skylights, tinted glass, and built-in electrical access. All-season rooms cost more but they provide the greatest flexibility for year-round use.

Whether you want a peaceful retreat, a place to entertain, or a feature that appeals to future buyers, outdoor living spaces deliver comfort, enjoyment, and lasting value.

Canadian real GDP grew by 0.1 per cent in January after increasing by 0.2 per cent in December. Goods-producing sectors rose by 0.2 per cent, while service-producing industries were largely unchanged from the previous month. Detractors from growth were led by manufacturing (-1.4 per cent), and wholesale trade (-1.2 per cent). Conversely, mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (1.2 per cent), construction (1.1 per cent), and retail trade (0.8 per cent) drove January’s growth. Output for the offices of real-estate agents and brokers fell by 6.1 per cent month-over-month. Preliminary estimates suggest that real GDP by industry increased by 0.2 per cent in February. 

January's GDP data, accompanied by a strong flash estimate for February, is a pleasant surprise after the Canadian economy lost over 100,000 jobs in the first two months of the year. However, this report reflects conditions prior to the Iran conflict, which lies at the heart of the Bank of Canada’s next meeting decision. Looking ahead, the Bank’s forward guidance during its next rate announcement will dictate the likely trajectory of monetary policy amidst the Middle Eastern conflict. Nonetheless, we tentatively expect a fourth consecutive rate hold as the Bank continues evaluating the length and depth of the global oil price shock, which remains highly uncertain.

When we think of spring cleaning, closets and kitchens usually come first. But refreshing your furniture and carpets can make an instant difference, leaving your home feeling lighter, brighter, and cleaner.

Start with your vacuum.

Before you clean anything else, make sure your vacuum is ready to do its job. Empty the bag or canister, replace filters if needed, and check hoses for clogs. Take a minute to remove hair and threads wrapped around the brush so you are actually picking up dirt, not just pushing it around.

Vacuum absolutely everything.

Go beyond the floors. Vacuum carpets, rugs, baseboards, and all upholstered furniture. Remove couch cushions and use the wand to reach into crevices where crumbs and dust love to hide. You might be surprised by what you find.

Refresh cushions and pillows.

If cushion covers are removable, wash and dry them according to the label instructions. This simple step can completely change the look and smell of a room. While you are at it, replace any flattened or worn-out throw pillow inserts for an instant upgrade.

Tackle stains and odors.

Spot-clean carpet stains as soon as you notice them. For lingering smells, sprinkle baking soda generously over carpets and rugs, let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum it up. For tougher stains or heavily used areas, consider renting a steam cleaner or hiring a professional carpet cleaning service.

Don’t forget the windows.

Clean windows let in more light and make everything feel fresher. Wash or dry-clean curtains, wipe down blinds and shades, and clean the glass and windowsills to remove built-up dust.

Give throw rugs some love.

Take rugs outside and shake out dust and dirt. If they are washable, follow the care instructions and give them a proper cleaning before putting them back in place.

A little extra effort on your soft surfaces can completely change how your home feels this spring. Cleaner carpets, fresher furniture, and brighter windows all add up to a space that feels renewed and ready for the season 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