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Finally, the days are getting longer and the hope of spring is in the air.

It's a great time to plan projects around the house and yard and focus on goals that will ultimately bring you satisfaction, and a sense of accomplishment. Getting started is the key to seeing results so here are some suggestions to help you move forward while creating new habits:

 

1) Make a list of what your goals are and timelines of when they will be completed which will help you focus and give you guidelines. It also helps to share your list with someone so they can assist in helping you become accountable.

 

2) Motivation is one of the biggest tools people use to reach their goals. When you are outlining what you want to do, keep in mind "why" it is important. When you feel tired and unmotivated, remind yourself of the motivation behind your goal. 

 

3) Turn down the noise and try meditating and focusing on the results you want to have in your life including the projects and goals you have set. Visualizing is one key to success in accomplishing your desired outcome. Display pictures and quotes around your house to remind you of what you want.

 

4) Do the small things with persistence and passion. Break down the goals into smaller tasks that are easily performed and allow you to feel the sense of accomplishment. By compartmentalizing, you will not be overwhelmed by the bigger task and you will feel victorious, then encouraged to take on more.

 

5) Manage your time and you will manage your life better. We have too many distractions that impede us from reaching our goals; large and small. Many times Social Media can gobble up hours of our time that we had previously intended to use for other projects. Reward yourself "after" you have completed what you had set out to do for that day. Try to remind yourself that you are in control of how to spend your time.

 

Once you have completed one of your goals, enjoy the fruits of your labour, but don't allow it to be a means to an end. Set new goals and projects and practice the principles that helped you get there. Creating good habits creates good results!

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 As we approach Christmas Day and the beginning of a New Year, we look back and remember moments of years gone by. Sometimes memories are welcomed like an old friend bringing familiarity and comfort to our soul. Other times a snapshot of deep loss or sudden tragedy can evoke feelings of pain and regret.

 

One ideal we all share is that the spirit of Christmas is "meant" to be a time of HOPE and PEACE. Albeit this vision is often interrupted with reminders of experiences we may have encountered at some point in our lives; sickness, loneliness, loss, poverty, and prejudices of all forms are painful realities which can impede our ability to experience the true joy and love that Christmas is meant to bestow. For those of us, I extend my heartfelt prayers and wishes for healing and strength.

 

At this time I also want to thank all of you who have given me support and friendship throughout the year. I wish all of you a Very Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with HOPE and PEACE!

 

 

Always, 

 

Linda

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It’s that wonderful time of the year! I don’t mean when the kids go back to school; it’s when the season of Christmas is in full bloom.  Parking lots are swarming with anxious shoppers, while stores are ringing out “Deck the Halls,” displaying flashing coloured lights, Santa’s and snowmen of every size. Amidst all the clamour and glitz, you decide it’s time to sell your house.  With parties, Christmas pageants, and preparation for this festive celebration, selling your house seems virtually impossible, but it’s not. If time is of the essence, and selling your house is imminent, here are a few suggestions:

 

  1. Allow your Realtor to host an Open House with fragrant apple cider brewing in a slow cooker. Put a tray of holiday treats out for buyers to enjoy while viewing your home. You can use the Christmas décor and joyful ambience to allow buyers to experience how cozy and inviting your home is.
  2. If it’s icy and cold, make sure pathways and entrances are de-iced and walkways are well lit.
  3. As with selling any other time of year, keep pathways open and sweep leaves and debris to give an overall “clean and fresh” appearance. Do the necessary “touch ups” with paint and trim. Spruce up the yard and keep decorations tasteful and remember that quite often “less is more”.
  4. Turn up the thermostat and put the fireplace on while playing soft music in the background. This allows buyers to feel relaxed and comfortable in your home. The overall experience is what helps to sell your home.
  5. Remember to check all lights to make sure no bulbs are burnt out. Turn all the lights on for showings because a well illuminated home not only feels more approachable, it allows buyers to see what the house offers.
  6. With all the preparation of dinners, entertaining, and shopping, take some time to de-compress and allow your Realtor to do their job in marketing your home and getting it SOLD.
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Recently I listed a beautiful farm in North Bradner, Abbotsford, B.C., surrounded by stunning mountains and blissful serenity. It is interesting how many "out of town" buyers are calling me and asking a lot of questions about this town 'East of Langley'. I have to chuckle because I know Abbotsford as a thriving and industrious city.

 

Many years ago when my family moved from Vancouver to the town of Clearbrook, I felt like we were moving to the other side of the world. The narrow highway stretching over the original Port Mann Bridge to the small community of Clearbrook, was a significant adjustment. This small town housed single lane roads, a strip shopping centre consisting of a pharmacy, food store, hardware store, and a laundromat. Abbotsford, Sumas, and Matsqui were other small towns in close proximatey with essential amenities. Over the years one Municipality was formed from Abbotsford, Sumas, and Matsqui (which included Clearbrook). The new municipality embodied the one name of Abbotsford. 

 

Much growth has occurred over past decades, and Abbotsford is now a thriving city. With lower mainland house prices skyrocketing in recent years, the domino effect has included prices rising in Abbotsford, which is still more affordable than the Metro Vancouver area. People move farther out for many reasons, affordability being a key factor. Compounding this trend is the province's 15% property-transfer tax for foreign buyers purchasing in the Metro Vancouver area. Other areas including Abbotsford are more appealing because the tax does not apply there at this point! Abbotsford is a great place to live and invest!

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Our annual REALTORS Care Blanket Drive is fast approaching!

Time to start saving your gently used blankets, sleeping bags and warm clothing (jackets, hats, gloves) and NEW socks and underwear. 


The drive this year will run from November 14 - 21. 

My HomeLife Benchmark office at 1920 - 152nd St is one of the DROP OFF locations.

  

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