April 30, 2008. "Birthdays, anniversaries, memorials, festivals Measure our progress on the path." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations")
April 29, 2008. BBC news reports : Yahoo lukewarm to Microsoft bid 'Help needed' for credit crunch Rice prices hit Philippines poor $100bn Fed move over credit fears Homeowners to get 'mortgage help' Yahoo reports a jump in profits Wind of change blows in Tanzania US house prices continue to fall Euro scales $1.60 for first time RBS sets out 12bn pounds rights issue Dog-owners 'lead healthier lives' Stressed parents 'make kids ill' Alzheimer's blood test 'promise' Pesticide Parkinson's link strong Huge ice deposits 'seen' on Mars Cosmic 'treasure trove' revealed Cassini to make audacious flyby Chemical brain controls nanobots Fish key to reef climate survival Saturn moon may have hidden ocean Mars is 'covered in table salt' Methane found on distant world Solar System's 'look-alike' found Dull jobs really do numb the mind Camera 'looks' through clothing Search engines warned over data Customer data 'needs protection' BBC website 'unblocked in China' Is India facing a food crisis? India rice export prices up again Would he be even more handsome called Ryan Just what on earth is numerology The search for the 'political' gene A dog that's not for life Princess Diana unlawfully killed In search of a green machine
April 28, 2008.
Looking for a great holding property, for now, and a very lovely building opportunity for later? Here it is! A motivated seller, who has decided to move to China, and to create a new business opportunity -- he needs to move his holdings in Canada. Here's your opportunity! This almost 5 acres enjoys ocean views, plus all day/year round sun -- sunrises and sunsets from this level "ridge" area. Zoned for main home, separate guest cottage and separate studio. Arable potential, here, too. Close to exceptional beach access, to hiking/walking trails in park reserves, to golf and to all amenities. Private and quiet area of quality homes. This is a superlative investment opportunity on an Island governed by a Provincial Gov't mandate ("to preserve and protect", for the benefit of all B.C.), which guarantees a limited inventory, "ever". See Li for more details on the Islands Trust. Meantime, don't overlook this gem, and benefit from the seller's need to sell. It's truly an investment opportunity!
April 27, 2008. Mark your calendars: Sunday, May 5th, 2 to 5 p.m., at Pegasus Gallery of Fine Art -- "A century of collecting Canadian Art", showing works from 1908 to 2008. Enjoy Pegasus Gallery's newly renovated space! Graffiti Theatre presents Born Yesterday on May 8 to 11 and May 15 to 17, at 8 p.m. at ArtSpring (matinee, 2 p.m., on May 11). Tickets at ArtSpring (250-537-2102). ArtSpring's Treasure Fare & Flea Market, their principal fundraiser, is held this year on July 17 to 19th. Call April (250-537-9035) or Kay (250-653-4927) for details. Exhibition of new works, at J. Mitchell Gallery, in Grace Point Square, until May 14th. Saint Joan, by Bernard Shaw, runs till May 17th at Chemainus Theatre -- dinner and a play, and Saturday's ferry schedule allows you to enjoy! 1-800-565-7738, for ticket info. Islander, Amber Lewis, has the lead role. In Vancouver? Check out Deon Venter's latest works, at the Buschlen Mowatt Galleries. Opening reception on May 1st, 6 to 8 p.m., artist in attendance. 1445 W. Georgia St., main floor. (604-682-1234). Michael Dennis' retrospective show -- Family of Man -- opens in May, continuing through the summer, at the Salt Spring Woodworks outdoor gallery and the Hastings House Hotel. A group sculpture exhibition and public art trail, featuring works by Michael Dennis, Kathy Venter, Deon Venter, Ron Crawford, Paul Burke, Michael Robb, Peter Pierobon, Stefanie Denz, Janis Wasend, Illyd Perkins, et al, is also being hosted by Hastings House and the Salt Spring Woodworks. The sculpture exhibits will be on display at Hastings House from May to November. Enjoy!
April 26, 2008. "Worship by cultivating nine fields: Diet. Herbs. Clothing. Recitation. Movement. Meditation. Creativity. Teaching. And most important: Compassion." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations")
April 25, 2008.
Looking for an exceptional panoramic view, with proximity to Ganges Village & all of Salt Spring's amenities, yet in a tranquil area of quality homes? Here it is! A private and sunny property, with exceptional ocean/islands/mountain vistas (the best on the Island!), with a classic rancher style home, just waiting to be lifted into the 21st Century! Close to sailing club, to Ganges Village, to park reserves with hiking/walking trails, to beach accesses, and to lakes. Three bedrooms, two bath (master ensuite), open plan living (feature fireplace), dining, kitchen, easy care landscaping, decking to appreciate the viewscapes, and privacy. It's a gem! Bring your ideas, and create your dream home here!
April 24, 2008. It's interesting, this business of real estate companies, and the marketing of same. When I arrived on Island, & entered real estate in 1989, there were 9 realty companies, and 89 realtors on this one tiny island. From the close of 1994 to the end of 1999, however, B.C. (including on Salt Spring Island) saw suppressed market conditions. The rest of Canada, and the U.S., were "booming" in real estate sales during that same period, but B.C., which has a history of going against the grain, was in the doldrums. In that "flat time", what had gone up by around 60%, between 1989 & 1993, had sunk by 30% at the close of 1999. Please note, though, that prices did not drop to the levels in existence before that mini-rise in values. Today, after value rises of 60% plus, between early 2001 and the close of 2005, and a flat time in 2006 and 2007 (although for different reasons, in each calendar year), we seem to be in a "softened" mode in sales. Prices are remaining relatively stable, and listing inventory continues relatively "thin", but there is a sense that the constant rising has begun to show a downward trend. As more inventory comes onstream, we will see price reductions in a more sustained manner. There are currently 8 realty companies on Salt Spring & 60+ realtors. When times are good in real estate, there are always new realtors going through the B.C. Real Estate system, and there are a number of new realtors in the past year. The real estate companies are: - Arvid Chalmers Real Estate Ltd. (one realtor, working from home, a local office). - Island Quest Realty (one realtor, working from home, a local office). - Island Explorer Real Estate (one realtor, office in Ganges, also doing Property Management, a local office). - 1% Realty (one realtor, with a licenced assistant, working from home, & running his licence through a Victoria office. Although 1% promises full mls service, for a cut commission rate, there is no national or international presence. There is also nothing "extra" over the mls.ca presence). - Sotheby's International Realty Canada, Ltd. (two realtors, formerly with Royal Lepage, with a branch office in Ganges, running their licences through a Victoria company. Sotheby's is a Canadian franchise, mainly on Lower Mainland & in Victoria, with an office in Toronto, and also an office in Quebec. There is no affiliation with the Sotheby's auction house, and unless the individual realtors advertise in non-local venues, there is no connection with a larger real estate network. (A U.S. based company, Cendant, which owns several different real estate franchises, paid to use the Sothebys name, for a certain number of years, but beyond the name, there's no connection with the auction business, or its clientele/database. Cendant subsequently sold this particular franchise to a company called Realogy. Sotheby's International Canada Ltd., then, is simply a franchise, purchased by two Canadians, who are trying to build a viable real estate company. They may use the term "international", but they are currently only a local Canadian franchise, with very few offices, to date, in Canada, and there is no world wide Sotheby's company -- it is all individual areas, individual franchises.). - Creekhouse Realty (seven realtors, local office, in Ganges. This office is soon to be amalgamated with a Victoria company, Pemberton-Holmes. Pemberton-Holmes had a branch office in Ganges, until the early 1990s -- it was managed by Arvid Chalmers -- & so it's interesting that this connection to a Victoria company is returning to Salt Spring. There are approximately 240 realtors in the Pemberton-Holmes grouping, and it is a local Victoria company, without a national or international presence). - Royal Lepage Salt Spring Realty (approx. twenty realtors on SSI, part of a Canadian national franchise, with no international presence, office in Ganges. (Former companies, who disappeared in that 1994 to 1999 "downturn", such as: Island Bound Real Estate, Gulf Islands Realty, NRS Realty, Century 21 Real Estate, Windermere Realty, all had offices on Salt Spring, before 1994's "slide", and they all amalgamated under the Royal Lepage banner). There are approximately 13,000 Royal Lepage realtors in Canada, and 600 offices in Canada. Royal Lepage does not have an international presence, and is a totally Canadian based company. It is, however, a viable national company. - RE/MAX Salt Spring (seven realtors, local office in Ganges, plus affiliation with RE/MAX International, truly a global realty company, and the only International real estate office on Salt Spring & the Southern Gulf Islands). Island Heritage Realty, also in business before 1997, became a part of RE/MAX Salt Spring, in 1997. There are approximately 118,500 RE/MAX realtors around the world, and 6300 offices, globally. There is a very strong referral network amongst RE/MAX realtors. Although each company is individually owned and operated, thus giving it a "local presence", it is truly a part of the RE/MAX International company, and the referral network between all of these global offices is huge. In real estate, some company structures treat their sales force as employees. The company takes a "split" from commissions earned, and one usually starts every year with something like a 60/40 "split" (realtor gets 60% of his earned commission, and the company takes 40%. As soon as a certain bench mark in commissions has been earned, the split might go to 70/30, and, after another bench mark has been achieved, it might go to an 80/20 "split". Sometimes, a 90/10 split is offered, to a top producer, in this kind of a company structure. This kind of employee/split situation can be attractive to a new realtor and to a part-time realtor, as they don't pay until they earn). Another type of company structure is known as a 100% house -- this means that the realtor is an independent contractor, and is meant to receive his total commission, minus office expenses. A "desk fee" is paid, by the realtor, every month, whether or not the realtor is producing a commission. This kind of a company structure benefits the top producer realtor, but it is not a company system that would help a new realtor or be attractive to a part-time realtor. A top producing realtor, though, appreciates being in control of his business. For more answers re the kinds of real estate companies in existence, which ones are available on Salt Spring, etc., give Li a call. It's important to note, on Salt Spring Island & the Southern Gulf Islands, which have become, since the Internet was viable, and which erased geography, a totally secondary home marketplace, with a mainly out of province, if not out of country, buyer profile. Very essential, then, to make sure that one's listings are promoted with both a company and with a realtor that takes the information to the world. Marshall McLuhan was right -- it is a global village. Call Li today, for details on how to make certain that your listing reaches your buyer. Local advertising is only seen when the buyer arrives, physically, on Island. It doesn't "bring them". For a true 21st Century marketing program, with genuine results, contact Li Read...your Salt Spring Island & Southern Gulf Islands connection! Li works for you. Waiting for your call!
April 23, 2008.
Looking for that character charm, with all the conveniences of today? Here's a wonderful recreation of an authentic country house, with new construction melded seamlessly into a restoration of a 1920s/30s country home. It's beautiful! On almost five acres, very sunny (s/s/w exposures), private, easy care landscaping, meadow area, ponds, seasonal creek, forest trails, plus orchard. Keep sheep or llamas or a horse, or, just enjoy the pastoral ambiance! Zoned for main home, plus sep. guest cottage and sep. studio, and there are lovely sites for same. Close to lake, beaches, golf, & all amenities, yet in a very attracting and quiet rural area. You will love this! Master/study with ensuite, plus sewing room/bedroom, plus guest bed and bath on upper level (storey and a half design). Formal living, with library/den off, formal dining, country kitchen with breakfast area, and easy access to expansive & private decking. Lower (garden) level has been left for your finishing ideas -- more bedrooms? Family room? Office? You decide! Double garage, here, too (home to those classic cars!). Enjoy!
April 22, 2008. Change is the only constant, as both Heraclitus & Thales, philosopers in Ancient Greece, promised us. It's human to prefer the status quo, I suppose...at least we "understand" the boundaries that custom creates in our lives. Change involves chaos, that antidote to the established form, and chaos brings with it upheaval of what we're used to. It can be very exciting and liberating, but also very frightening. Right now, the subprime issues and resulting credit crunch have unleashed huge insecurity throughout the world. Banks, those repositories of tradition, were involved in the subprime mortgage fiasco, and suddenly are seen to be merely human organizations, and therefore ripe for problems. Governments seem unable to stem any tide, whether positive or negative. Regionalism continues globally, and at the same time, there's a movement for more control, in countries. Perhaps it's a seeking for the stability that seemed the "norm", in the past decades. The response to global warming shows the dichotomy -- yes, people want to change to save the world, but change requires a reshaping of socities, and everything gets bogged down to "good will" responses, with very little credible movement towards the kind of change required. It's very sweet, in one way, that humans actually think they can affect Nature. Archeologists might point out that shorelines have been higher and lower, in antiquity, so it might be realized that Nature itself has an agenda that humankind merely falters under. Nature is totally itself, apart, impassive, and there is no notice taken of people and their communities. Think of the tsunami that hit the coastline and killed natives and tourists alike, indiscriminately. A huge wave caused by an earthquake below the ocean, &, in spite of all our technology, there was no warning. "Some day" there will be an earthquake on the Pacific Coast. Everyone knows this, yet there is this "oh, well...yes..." continuation of life at the edge of the sea, and few take precautions by outfitting their homes and cars with an "emergency kit". Maybe it's the human condition to be "blinkered", to only see the immediate? What about Pompeii? Gone in an instant! No one in control of Nature, then. Mmmmm.... Perhaps it's a good idea to watch the stars, on those clear evenings, and to try to inculcate a desire for a "broader view", beyond our tiny skins? Your thoughts?
April 21, 2008. "Put forth your effort With no thought of gain." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations")
April 20, 2008.
Looking for a very quiet and private oceanfront property, with easy access to a walk-on beach, and summer moorage potential? Views "forever" (ocean, islands, mountains -- Mt. Baker's majesty!). Lovely, custom built/custom design home offers 16 foot ceilings, all principal rooms enjoy the ocean vistas, & the exterior shows no hint of the loveliness within. The exterior is very pleasing, and this home faces the sea, so the street side offers an appealing facade, but no suggestion of the allure within. Don't overlook this beauty! Master ensuite, country kitchen, separate laundry, guest bath, formal entry/foyer, formal living and dining, all with ocean panorama, on main level. Lower (garden level) offers family room, office (could be third bedroom), plus guest bed and bath. Double garage & great workshop (artist?). You will love this!
April 19, 2008. Mark your calendars for: May 2 & May 3, at ArtSpring, at 8 p.m., for O Fortuna -- SS Singers at Work & Play. Tickets: $15 for Adults, $12 for Seniors, Child under 12 $8. Sunday May 25th, 8 p.m., ArtSpring, it's The Platters and the Ink Spots. Enjoy some nostalgia! April 27th, Salt Spring hosts Jimmy Bowskill, with his Band, at ArtSpring. Phone for ticket information -- renowned Canadian Blues musician. Tonight is El Zoco Locos Quartet, playing at El Zocalo, from 7 to 10 p.m. Enjoy! In celebration of International Dance Day, Salt Spring's Lobby Dancers will make their final free appearance of the season at ArtSpring's lobby, on Friday, April 25th. It begins at 6:40 p.m. See you there! The 5th Annual Salt Spring Island Folk Dance Festival is at Fulford Hall, the May 2 - 4 weekend. The first of monthly African drum & dance nights begins tonight, at Beaver Point Hall. Advance tickets are $15 at Acoustic Planet, Salt Spring Books, or, $18 at the door. It's Spring!
April 18, 2008. "Meaning in life is arbitrary. Why ruin the universe with rigidity?" (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations")
April 17, 2008.
Here's a sunny and private oceanfront acreage, with easy access to a sandy beach (warm ocean swimming, in this area!), fenced lawn area, easy-care landscaping, and your own private forest, with walking/hiking trails. Appealing "west coast contemporary" home, with ocean panorama from all principal rooms. Terrific master/study/ensuite, in its own "private wing". Guest bed/bath, plus separate studio/"suite". Large formal living, great kitchen with breakfast area, plus separate dining room. Lots of storage, here, plus mudroom/laundry. Office with a view! Separate double garage, adjacent to home, plus large garage/workshop, also separately sited on property (lots of room for those classic cars!). Sunsets forever, here! Ready to just move into, and enjoy this estate style property. Salt Spring is waiting for you!
April 16, 2008. Have Spring Fever? Want to try something a little different? Treat yourself to lunch or dinner "out", somewhere different, and spoil yourself a little! How about a wine tasting experience at either the Garry Oak Vineyards or the Salt Spring Vineyards, at the "south end"? What about lunch or dinner (or even breakfast!) at the Rock Salt Cafe, on the seaside, at Fulford Village? Hastings House is open again, with their wonderful a la carte menu choices, with a view of Ganges Harbour pearling away from your table...wonderful! Live Jazz plays at Moby's, at the Salt Spring Inn, and at El Zocalo's -- phone for times/dates. Looking for a specialty wine? Try The Local's selections! Bocado's Bistro, in Grace Point Square, offers lunch and dinner -- new owners, great menu, good kitchen. Give it a try! Auntie Pesto's, also in Grace Point Square, offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Piccolo's is the place for that special evening! Calvin's has some of the best food in town, with service to match! All of the above offer al fresco dining, on patios or decking, in warmer days. Take out gourmet pizza at Pomodoro's! TLC means exactly that -- they're in Harbour Centre. The French Bakery is now open, across from Moby's, in the Salt Spring Marina's area. If you haven't tried Brigitte's fare, you're in for a very special treat! Your picks?? Always welcome! Sometimes, treating yourself as a tourist, in your home location, is all that's needed to wake up the "juices", after winter's cocoon. Enjoy!
April 15, 2008. If you haven't wandered the galleries in Ganges Village for awhile, you'll appreciate the visits. Start with Grace Point Square, and admire the monumental sculptures by Lynn Demers, that welcome one from either the road or the seaside entrances. Showcased by J. Mitchell Gallery, Lynn's work has become extraordinarily impelling. J. Mitchell Gallery's Spring Show is on right now -- check this out! Steffich Fine Art (formerly Thunderbird Gallery) has the Michael Hames gallery room, so don't miss this part of this gallery's offerings. Frankly Scarlet offers an array of specialty art pieces, in jewellery design. Windflower Moon's selection of jewellery and metaphysically oriented designs, plus an extensive book and CD selection, isn't to be missed. Pegasus Gallery has reopened, and their newly reconfigured space is terrific. This gallery's showcase of major Canadian Art should be on everyone's list! ArtSpring's Bateman Gallery is always a place to enjoy the talents of local artists -- some very worthwhile shows are presented in this venue. Don't overlook ArtSpring's offerings. Martinus' Gems, with innovative design ideas, is another stop that needs to be made! Jerry Ringrose's new gallery, on the corner of Drake and Fulford- Ganges Roads is another "must see". Jerry's glass work is incredibly inspiring! The Stone Walrus is reopening later this month, and the owners will be selling off their incredible collection, created over several years, in this next year. They have sold the building, and will be in place, as a business, for a full year, and will be selling, at greatly reduced prices, their collection of antiques, collectibles, jewellery, fine art from around the world. Don't miss this opportunity! Feel like a drive? Pick up the 2008 Artists Tour Map from the Chamber, and enjoy the various specialty galleries, in all parts of the Island. Lots to see and to do, and to admire -- the talent on this Island is amazing! Enjoy!
April 14, 2008. "Sun shines in the center of the sky. All things turn their faces to the light." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations").
April 13, 2008.
Looking for a beautiful home, ready to just move into and enjoy? With oceanviews? With all day sun/year round? Here it is, awaiting your pleasure! Wonderful kitchen, a cook's dream space, with inviting solarium off (enjoy that morning coffee here!). Formal dining, with ocean vistas, plus dramatic living room (floor to ceiling feature stone fireplace), and library/den off. Master/study, with ensuite, in its own "wing". Guest bedrooms (two, one with a loft/office or children's playroom), guest bath, plus separate laundry, also in its own "wing". Formal entry foyer invites one into the living room. Large oceanview decking, with hot tub. Lower (daylight) level, with its own inviting decking, offers games room, bedroom/bathroom, lots of storage, terrific workshop area, plus wine room. A "cat walk" deck leads from this garden level to a gazebo with a view, and a firepit for cosy summer evenings, viewing the stars! Sunrises and sunsets, from this private acreage. Zoned for main home, plus separate studio and separate guest cottage, you can add spaces as you desire. Fenced organic veggie garden, plus orchard (you can be self-sufficient, here!). Separate carport. A custom design and build, by one of Salt Spring's premiere builders -- many unique features here, and all beautifully ready to enjoy!
April 12, 2008. BBC news reports : Gold hits $1,000 for first time Home speculators strike gold in California Grain traders buzz as prices soar Global credit crunch, facts and figures The Iraq war: Counting the cost The crunch bites deeper in the US Cloning treats mouse Parkinson's Staying in shape 'hard for women' Vitamin D 'cuts risk of diabetes' Pratchett funds Alzheimer's study Pollution 'alters brain function' 'Healthier hearts' for cat owners
April 11, 2008. Spring Meal: "Feta Spaghetti: 1 pound dried spaghetti 3 tablespoons olive oil 4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled handful of fresh parsley, chopped (serves four) * Cook the pasta until al dente. * Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a small skillet. Add the minced garlic and saute until it begins to brown. * Then, remove the skillet from the heat and set aside. * Once the pasta is cooked, drain it thoroughly and transfer it to a serving bowl. * Add the feta cheese and parsley to the olive oil and garlic in the skillet and then toss with the hot spaghetti. * Serve immediately. Shredded Carrot and Apple Salad: 1 apple, peeled and cored 4 carrots, peeled 1/2 lemon, juiced 1 tablespoon dried currants 1/2 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced 1/2 lightly toasted cumin seeds salt to taste Optional: 1 tablespoon toasted pine nuts (serves four) * grate the apple and then the carrots into a bowl. Add the lemon juice and toss to cover. * add the currrants, pepper, and cumin, and toss together with the salt. Mix in the pine nuts, if desired, and serve. Fresh Minted Lemonade: 5 - 6 fresh mint leaves, minced 1/4 pound sugar 4 lemons, juiced 5 cups water (serves four) * In a bowl, or in a mortar with a pestle, crush the mint and sugar; this releases the flavor of the mint leaves. * Place the mixture into a pitcher with the lemon juice, then stir in the water. * Serve cold." (Three Bowl Cookbook: The Secrets of Enlightened Cooking from the Zen Mountain Center -- by David Scott & Tom Pappas)
April 10, 2008. Salt Spring Concert Band presents "Sounds of the Silver Screen", featuring a century of movie music, on Friday, April 18th, at 8 p.m., at ArtSpring -- mark your calendars! If you haven't caught J. Mitchell Gallery's Spring Opening yet, it's on till the 22nd. Three monumental bronze sculptures, by Lynn Demers, will be on display at Grace Point Square. The Salt Spring Painters Guild show remains at ArtSpring until the 20th -- don't miss this! Steffich Fine Art showcases their "size matters" show, until the 19th. Tune into Randy's Vinyl Tap on Saturday nights, 7 to 9 p.m., CBC Radio 1 and Sirious Channel 137. Gene Grooms & Friends play the Fulford Inn pub every other Sunday (Barley Brothers play the alternative Sundays). Enjoy!
April 9, 2008.
Looking for a level, arable small acreage, just steps to the lake, with potential for lake views, and with opportunity to grow flowers and vegetables? Here's a gem! Some development of the land (easy to bring back the orchard & veggie garden areas), some outbuildings (including a greenhouse) could also be brought back into good order, and a lovely forest area, with private walking trails -- just steps to a lake access. Sunny (s/sw/w exposures), private, and quiet area of quality homes, close to all amenities yet very serenely itself. Rare to find this kind of property, relatively untouched, and awaiting your development ideas. Don't overlook this beauty. A good holding property, or, develop your dream now. Could be self-sufficient, here!
April 8, 2008. "life is short, make fun of it" (motto on a decorative cushion)
April 7, 2008. Winning sales awards is something that occurs at the end of a process. During the year, one is busy creating & expediting marketing programs for sellers, programs that "work", by delivering buyers. One is also busy with those buyers, when they finally turn up, physically on Island, to view what caught their attention at an earlier moment. One isn't keeping track, then, to see what kind of an award level has been achieved. Real estate is a very "consuming" career, and I often think it's good training to be a Buddhist -- one is always "in the moment". Targeted print ads, in the areas where the buyers live, still are important features of marketing, for Salt Spring's secondary home/discretionary market. There is no "local buyer", in our Southern Gulf Islands area. The internet is also very important, but, oddly enough, for our small area/with a global buyer profile, that off island print ad is often is the "director", or pointer, to the internet. One isn't tracking the sales process, then, when very busy with both sellers and with buyers, called forth by one's work for the sellers. Later, at year's end, the real estate boards, which have been tracking sales activity, report same. Real Estate companies, with their own awards systems, also track sales action and report same at each year end. Awards, then, are a recognition, by one's peers, of the work done in a particular calendar year, and they do not survive that year's work. In real estate, each year is a separate segment, and that's why awards always have a year attached to them; one is not allowed to advertise a :blanket award", as it's specific to a particular year's work. In the Victoria Board area, they no longer rank sales associates, but simply group them, alphabetically, in segments of activity -- the Gold Award is given to the top 10% in the Board area, the Silver Award to the next grouping, and the Bronze Award to the third grouping. This "rating", based on sales activity, honours, then, the top 30% of sales agents, in the Victoria Board area. The RE/MAX International system does rank realtors, and so there is such a thing as the "top selling realtor" in the RE/MAX International company. All of it is based on sales activity. In 2007, I was very honoured to receive the MLS Gold Award, which places me in the top 10% of the entire Victoria Board area (Victoria, Oak Bay, Esquimalt, East Saanich, West Saanich, Saanich, North Saanich, Sooke, Metchosin, Langford, Highlands, Malahat, Salt Spring Island, Pender Island, and some other "neighbourhood" areas). I was also very honoured to receive the MLS President's Award, for 2007, in recognition of having achieved the Gold Award for ten consecutive years. Only five realtors, in the Victoria Board, received this award, in 2007. RE/MAX International recognized my work with the Chairman's Club Award, for 2007 (this honour is given to the top 1% in sales, in the entire RE/MAX International organization). RE/MAX is an international company, with offices around the world, and a large group of proactive and top producer sales associates. RE/MAX is the only international company on Salt Spring Island. In 2004, I was awarded the RE/MAX Lifetime Achievement Award, and this was, indeed, an honour. This award is not "year specific", and, once achieved, remains in place. My real estate career is based on a sincere desire to connect sellers and buyers, to aid the accomplishment of a dream, in the case of a buyer, and to help a seller bridge the decision to sell and to go on to their next venture. I also believe in giving back to the community, and I support several groups -- the Children's Miracle Network is a big part of my work for the community. All monies raised here go the the B.C. Children's Hospital, and many Gulf Islands families have been helped by this wonderful work. It is a "local" charity, then. I also gift the local high school's resource centre, on a regular basis, as I think it's vital to encourage students to be their very best. Fundraisers for the elementary school, and the daycare centres, also always get my support. The Land Conservancy's work, to continue to save untouched land, also gets my consistent support. The local hospital, the Transition house, the SPCA, ArtSpring & other related arts groups, also get my continued support. The costs of being in business, today, as a real estate agent, especially in a secondary home marketplace, such as Salt Spring Island & the Southern Gulf Islands, with no "local market", are very high. Board and office fees, company portions of commissions, the high cost of print advertising media, the growing cost of internet marketing, the general expenses associated with offices (insurance, office tools, car/floatplane travel, client gifts, phone/pager costs, etc. etc.) mean that the "take home" of a commission shrinks quite quickly. It's essential, too, to attend seminars, conventions, board classes on new developments & continuing education. The real estate business encompasses law, financing, and knowledge of product & of markets. It's essential to keep "current". It's a very important career, and does involve the largest asset of most families. Buying and selling real estate can involve happy times, but can also find people in stress -- divorce and death and moving to assisted living are reasons for some sales, and the stress connected with same is very difficult on those involved. I don't believe that real estate is a "part time" business, and even though one is allowed to hold a second & unrelated job, now, in B.C., I think it's important to be "whole hearted" in one's career, and to truly "be there", as a full time/full service realtor, and to be working for the benefit of the client. The "golden rule" applies very well to this important "people business". I love what I do, and it is important to me to connect the two parties to a transaction -- the seller and the buyer -- in a successful manner. I truly do put the clients needs first, and I am very far down the line, in a sales transaction. I do pro bono work, and I try always to be professional and caring in my efforts to be the bridge in a sales transaction. It is an honour, at the end of a year's endeavour, to be recognized for work well done, and I appreciated the various sales awards that came my way, in 2007. Thank you to all who were a part of my success -- without you, I could not have accomplished my goals. Truly appreciated!
April 6, 2008. There's a meeting, today, with two experts in attendance, to discuss the topic of incorporation. It begins at 2:30 p.m., at the Community Gospel Chapel, at 147 Vesuvius Bay Road. The Islanders for Self-Government are sponsoring this meeting (no cost for this event), and the various pros and cons of a possible incorporation, for Salt Spring Island, will be presented and discussed. In a Gulf Islands municipal structure, which is what is in place on Bowen Island (they first turned down the incorporation suggestion, from the Government, and the second referendum saw the passing of this legislation, on Bowen), the Islands Trust remains in effect, with two elected trustees, each civic election, so the bylaws remain in place. The CRD function would be taken over by an elected council, and Salt Spring would be responsible for its own affairs, and all tax monies raised on Salt Spring would remain on Salt Spring. At the moment, the tax income raised on SSI goes to support other islands (good roads on Cortes, paid by SSI tax payers, for example). It's important to attend, today, if you have the time available, and to hear directly the pros and cons of incorporation for Salt Spring. As mentioned in a previous blog entry, there are no "checks and balances" in place, right now, with the current trustees (who ran as one "person", in the last election) and the CRD representative (who concurs with the two trustees), and the proposed budget has skyrocketing costs associated with it, which will be reflected in higher taxes, for Salt Springers. Make sure you attend, if you can, and hear the "other side" of a proposed Gulf Islands Incorporation, which is in place (successfully) on Bowen Island. Will report in to you.
April 5, 2008. When I arrived on Salt Spring, in 1989, there were nine real estate offices and 89 realtors, with more starting each year, as we climbed towards a "mini-high" in the real estate market, that peaked in 1993. From late 1994 to late 1999, there was a "downturn", locally, and at the end of that slide (values dropped by about 30% from their rise of 60%), there were three real estate companies left, and around 30 realtors. Many part-timers had quit the business, and smaller companies had collapsed into some of the larger ones, or simply closed. At that time, though, the Real Estate Act of B.C. would not allow realtors to hold other jobs; one was a realtor, and could not work at other businesses, at the same time. About two years ago, the Act changed (now called the Real Estate Services Act of B.C.), and one of the changes meant that one could work at another job/career, while being a realtor. (I don't know that I'm in favour of this, as I think it takes away from the professionalism that should be a part of this career, and it also allows a "part time" aspect to the job -- since real estate is about current information, it's not always possible for a part time realtor to be "in the loop" of market shifts/trends, as their attention is not going to be whole-hearted). At this moment, there are seven real estate offices on Island and over 60 realtors. There are many part-timers, and many "new realtors", and the main business is still done by 8 to 10 real estate agents. There is a real estate truism out there that says 80% of the business is done by 20% of the people, and that's probably still the case! I work at RE/MAX as it is the only local office which truly does have an international presence. RE/MAX International is the parent company, and it has offices throughout the world, and attracts a top selling group of realtors, in every region. Locally, this offers that arrow to the international buyer, that is so important to our secondary home marketplace. From late 2000 to 2006, we saw a 60% increase in pricing, on SSI, and another big upsurge in real estate investment. At the moment, things remain stable, but if we start to go into a market cycle downturn, we may see another 30% drop in values, from the current high. This has occurred in the U.S., and may be occurring right now, in both Alberta & in Ontario markets. Salt Spring Island is a secondary home marketplace, with a mainly non- local buyer profile (often from out of province/out of country), and so this local market is affected by outcomes in the home areas of this buyer profile. Nevertheless, with all of the worry over the stock market volatility, the health of banks/financial institutions, the validity of cash (whose cash? how much is being printed? what's backing same? what about inflation?), there may be a mini-surge in hard asset investment, particularly by that second or third home buyer, who may be looking to preserve capital. Salt Spring offers a protected investment area because of the Islands Trust (strict growth controls through very severe zoning restrictions). The Trust is a government mandated body ("to preserve & protect, for the benefit of all B.C." is the Trust's mandate). This might be why there is a flurry of action, right now, by buyers, in our secondary home/discretionary marketplace. Purchases may not be about appreciation, in the short term, but simply about preservation of capital. Your thoughts? Always welcome!
April 4, 2008.
Here's a beauty, on the seaside! An original Arts & Crafts home, restored beautifully by a Quebec architect, working with a local contractor with a love of restoration/renovation projects. The architect added a garden level self-contained suite, plus storage, and an upper level superb master/study with ensuite, and linked these different spaces with a "tower staircase". Very unique and very beautiful! Fir floors, original retained where possible, a cook's dream kitchen, formal dining, formal living, den/library, plus a "morning room". You will love this gem! Private, sunny, oceanside deck for alfresco dining by the sea, and with sunrises and sunsets, plus ocean vistas over Booth Bay, all the way to Thetis Island. Warm ocean swimming here, too! In lovely Swan Point, close to everything, yet very tranquil. Enjoy!
April 3, 2008. "Do you know Where you are On your journey?" (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations")
April 2, 2008. Have you joined the Islanders for Self-Government yet? It doesn't mean that you are necessarily wanting to have a municipal structure, within the Islands Trust jurisdiction. Joining this group just means that you would like a referendum on this subject, and that you are not necessarily content with the current trustees managment of Salt Spring Island. It means that you would like a democratic vote on this issue, and let the Islanders speak. It costs $20, to join, and you will then receive email updates, regularly. Enough names and the Provincial Government will understand that the entire Island is not necessarily behind the current changes to the OCP (Official Community Plan), that are being put in place by the current trustees. If their agenda isn't your agenda, then it's important to contact the MLA for our area (Murray Coell), the Ministry contact (Ida Chong), and the CRD director, locally (Gary Holman), & the two trustees, locally (George Ehring & Peter Lamb). Silence is not an answer. To join the Islanders for Self-Government, make a cheque out to them for $20, and mail to: Islanders for Self Government, Box 827, Salt Spring Island, B.C., V8K 2W3 (if you live off island, then this is how to do it). If you're on Island, you can also drop off your request for membership to Johnson's Shell Service, to North End Fitness, to Island Star Video, & to Paint Plus. It's important to keep an alternative voice "alive". Recently, in the weekly Driftwood newspaper, the Islanders for Self Government noted the following: Advertised increase in Islands Trust taxes: $291,000 or 5.9% Actual increase in Islands Trust taxes: $342,000 or 6.8% Actual increase in Islands Trust Budget $651,052 or 11.8% Actual increase in Islands Trust Budget since current trustees were elected in 2005: $2,001,481 or 48.2% Actual increase in Islands Trust taxes since 2002: $2,435,306 or 83.9% Bowen Island actual increase in municipal taxes 2002 - 2007: $780,000 (31.5%) (See www.islandgov.org for links to source documents) ISG wants the provincial government to update the 2002 incorporation study. Joining ISG sends a clear message to the Provincial Government that Salt Spring Islanders want the opportunity to assess the benefits of incorporation for themselves. Imagine...an Island Municipality within the Trust. It is possible to have both (as on Bowen Island). Don't ignore this issue -- it's important, and it's important to let the MLA and the Ministry, plus the local trustees/local CRD elected representatives, plus the CRD director in Victoria, know that there is an alternative voice on SSI.
April 1, 2008.
Here's a very special oceanfront retreat home, on beautiful Scott Point! Panoramic vistas of ocean and islands, plus a dock to keep your boat at home! Wonderfully renovated "original character cottage", with private garden area, easy care landscaping, this gem offers a cook's dream kitchen, cosy living room with feature fireplace, gallery style den/study, large laundry/guest bath, plus mudroom entry, and a master/study with ensuite that is reached by an elevator or by stairs from expansive verandah style decking (like a treehouse!). Separate studio/guest, too! A very pretty home, on a sunny and private property. Ready to just move into and enjoy!
Entries from Past Months
March 2008
February 2008
January 2008
December 2007
November 2007
October 2007
September 2007
August 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
April 2007
March 2007
February 2007
January 2007
December 2006
November 2006
October 2006
September 2006
August 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
April 2006
March 2006
February 2006
January 2006
December 2005
November 2005
October 2005