January 31, 2010.
Here we are, at the close of the first month of the year.
The days are definitely getting longer and this strange "warmer than the norm" weather pattern is making the daffodil, snowdrop, crocus bulbs appear a good four to six weeks early! Last year, we were afflicted with "colder than normal" temperatures, plus a lot of snow...some people, in higher elevations, were totally stuck at home for two to four weeks (no snow plows, here, as we don't usually get "real winter"). Complete opposite, this year!
There may be a cold snap, in February, that would have more snow on the Lower Mainland mountains, in time for the Winter Olympics. The organizers of the Games, though, say that the venues are all in good shape, and I'm sure that anyone visiting, to take part in the Games in person, will be enthralled by the temperate climate on this thin ribbon of the Pacific Northwest Coast!
Here, on the idyllic Gulf Islands, with their microclimate (known as "cool Mediterranean" on the Southern Gulf Islands, including on Salt Spring Island), we are definitely experiencing early Spring. So nice!
Makes people restless, though, this emerging from the cocoon of Winter-into-Spring, and that might explain why the busyness in real estate showings, so early in the year. Normally, our season runs from March Break to the Canadian Thanksgiving Weekend (early October), but the traditional responses no longer seem to be in play. The activity continues in the entry level price category, just as it did throughout 2009, but this seems to be creeping upwards in pricing. Under 420,000 in Feb. to April, 2009, then slowly climbing up to the 500,000 mark by August, 2009, and touching the boundaries of the high 600s by late 2009. Now, we're testing the low 700s. Although some of the sales, this month, may have really taken place at close of 2009/showing a completion date in January of this year, for tax reasons, it is busy and much earlier than expected.
A sign of unrest about all the printing of monies, around the world? Continuing low mortgage rates, with a concern that rates must push higher, to curb inflation? A worry that all that printing of cash is debasing currencies? Better to get out of cash, and into protected hard asset investments (there's that Islands Trust, with its cap on growth, in the Gulf Islands area), just to preserve capital? Wish I knew where that crystal ball had rolled to!
Meantime, there's things to do/places to see/people to meet. Let's all remember, too, as we float into early Spring, to spare a thought for those less fortunate. After the initial shock of the earthquake in Haiti, this country still needs our thoughts/our help. Locally, the food bank needs our largesse. Our friends and neighbours in business need our support...shop locally, when you can. Volunteer, if you have the time...look for ways to benefit the community. There is no "them"...there's only "us", and we all need to remember that individual commitment can change the world. Speaking of that, give Raffi a call, and volunteer at the newly opened Centre for Child Honouring, on Salt Spring Island.
Looking for real estate information? Drop by my office, and pick up the weekly list of "what's for sale" and "what has sold". Be informed! All available listings, free maps, knowledge of both inventory and of market trend...how may I help you to buy your special Salt Spring Island or Southern Gulf Island property? Look forward to your call!
liread33@gmail.com
How may I help you to discover special Salt Spring Island & the Southern Gulf Islands? Call me!
