British Columbia

Considering everything, would you say that your family is better or worse off financially than six months ago? This is the first question the Conference Board of Canada asks in its survey of consumer confidence. With gas prices at $1.50 a litre in many communities, who could provide a positive response? Rising fuel prices hit home fast. They have an immediate and negative impact on household finances. This report was published by BCREA's Chief Economist - Cameron Muir

More than 2000 Canadian households participate in the monthly survey, which forms the foundation of the Consumer Confidence Index. In late June the index for British Columbia fell below 100 for the first time in five years, to 94.3. The index for Canada was worse, falling to a 13 year low of 79.6. Just 32.6% of those surveyed said now was a good time to make a major purchase, more than half (54.9%) said now is not a good time to make a major purchase. Read the rest of this entry »

I wonder how many U.S. people realize the strong message that is being sent to the rest of the world, by the current election process, about what a democracy actually means? All other countries and systems of government can see, played out in real time, with endless commentary on both sides of any question, the value of living in a democratic society. The message that anyone can achieve, that dreams can be met, that it's possible to encourage dialogue about how the country should be "run", that people are not incarcerated in prison for thought that runs counter to established government mandates, that one can voice opinion and be heard...it's a very very interesting drama that is unfolding on a world stage, in a way that wasn't really possible before the internet (which erases geography). It's a valuable lesson to see that a democratic society isn't a "pre-packaged" envelope, but is a bit messy around the edges, as different people express their different concerns and desires for a government policy. The individual voice is still a powerful voice, in a democratic nation. It's an object lesson to societies that do not trust their populations. Impressive, to view this election process. Thank you!

Ever wanted to own your own private Canadian Gulf Island? Now is the time to fulfill that dream! 
I have 3 private islands listed:

Round Island

Second Sisters Island

Pym Island

If you're a private island potential buyer, it's important to be "sea worthy" -- you will need your own boat, 
and will know how to read charts, moor safely, be "boat and ocean worthy".    The sea is just a highway,
but one does have to understand the rules of this liquid road!

Also, you have to find out whether you like to be close to other amenities, or whether you want to be 
"out there", in a more wilderness setting.     My Pym Island listing, for example, is connected to power
(off nearby Vancouver Island), and is only an 8 minute boat trip to a marina/boat slip/parking space,
& so is only 10 minutes from Sidney and from Victoria -- lots of amenities nearby, then!).    My 
Second Sisters Island is close to Ganges Village amenities, on special Salt Spring Island, so, again, is 
close to civilization, though with a lovely sense of privacy.    My Round Island listing is close to Chemainus
& Duncan communities, on mid-Vancouver Island, so, again, it's "nearby" yet offers that incredible sense
of "otherness".     For "real wilderness", check into my Vargas Island listing, 20 minutes north of Tofino,
on Vancouver Island's dramatic "west coast".    This is exceptional property, and there is the option to 
connect to a cable, delivering power, but you are not close to amenities such as shopping, hospital, etc.
To be comfortable on Vargas, then, which is incredibly beautiful, you would also need to be self-sufficient.

Are you a contender to enjoy your own private island?    Give me a call, and let's go view!

How do you know if the marketing your Realtor is using is actually drawing people to your home? Your Realtor can use Listingnumber.com to track the effectiveness of the various forms of marketing. The real estate industry is full of perceptions regarding what marketing is effective and what isn't. Well now a Realtor is able to collect their own data specific to their efforts and know what works to sell their clients properties. I am looking forward to using this tool and will share my data over time through my blog. Update: Listingnumber.com adds a three character code to the end of the url not five as I state.