The Power To Move You Magazine - January 2023

MOVE YOU

LOOKING AHEAD TO THE 2023 REAL ESTATE MARKET

As we start a new year, the real estate market is once again shifting. After a historic run, with home sales and prices reaching record highs, they are leveling. Mortgage interest rates continue to be affected by the Bank of Canada decision to address inflation.

This month I am sharing with you some well‐researched statistics on how the real estate market reacted in the last half of 2022 as well as projections for 2023. Inventory is still low, but buyers now have a few more days to make their decision and may be able to ask for seller concessions. Sellers who price their homes right will be well positioned in the market. It’s also important to remember – there will always be buyers and always be sellers – no matter the market!

I am here to answer any questions you may have about real estate and help you through every step of your future home sale or purchase. Please feel free to reach out to me anytime!

Sincerely,

Theresa Baird Broker

Keller Williams Real Estate Associates, Brokerage 103 Lakeshore Road East, Mississauga 647-298-0997 | tbaird@tbaird.com

REALTY GROUP tbaird.com

BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL

When Kelly Emerson (senior designer) and Nadia N. Subaran (principal) of Aidan Design were first contacted by their client about a kitchen renovation, they knew it would be a rewarding project. The circa-1943 Colonial Revival home located in the Forest Hills neighborhood of Washington, DC, had seen updates. But after the homeowners lived in the home for three years, they decided the kitchen needed their personal stamp.

“Our client has such great style and is a design enthusiast,” says Emerson. “She loves colour, and she knew exactly what she wanted. We knew going into this that it would be a fun project.” The existing kitchen featured outdated, nondescript white Thermofoil cabinets and black granite countertops that made the kitchen feel dark and closed in. Column and pilaster architectural details detracted from the impressive, tall ceilings and arched windows. The footprint of the existing kitchen was workable; however, the flow of the room was not. An island with no overhang left the kitchen with no area to gather for a quick meal or homework prep with the couple’s kids. “The bones were there to work with,” says Emerson. Adds the homeowner: “I didn’t want a kitchen that felt like an extension of a living room,” she says. “The kitchen is a fun, comforting place so I wanted the design to reflect that.”

To provide storage without it feeling cabinetry -heavy, long paneled sections were added such as a pantry cabinet, which the designers placed next to the fridge and an under-the-window drawer storage. A bank of lower cabinets by the home’s entryway mimics the look of a console table.

Beyond the layout and architectural details, the traditional black-and-white look was a touch too neutral for the colour-loving homeowner. “The interiors had been updated to a certain extent but it wasn’t my aesthetic,” says the homeowner. “I have a much more eclectic look. I don’t follow one design rule book because I think it’s kind of boring.”

To begin the makeover process, Emerson and Subaran added a larger island that could accommodate

counter stools for gathering. To open the space, the designers tweaked the cabinetry layout by removing some of the upper cabinetry, allowing the room to breathe and the eye-catching copper range hood to shine. To accommodate the family’s love of cooking, the designers added a second oven and sink plus modular refrigeration versus one large refrigerator, which can oftentimes look clunky and out of place.

Colour was incredibly important, as well. “I wanted a lot of color,” laughs the homeowner, who has a penchant for Swedish midcentury design. A ninetyfour-by-forty-inch embroidered Mexican Otomi wall hanging that the homeowner had commissioned served as inspiration for the kitchen’s color palette - including the Kelly-green cabinetry on the island. “The homeowner had a lot of Swedish-inspired elements that provided a

simplicity to the overall design,” explains Emerson. After spotting a backsplash tile in a magazine, the homeowner eventually found a similar custom tile for the backsplash to complete the unique look she wanted. Whiteoak floors with a dark-walnut stain coupled with leather counter stools by west elm add warmth to the sleeker, cleaner look of the kitchen. “We love to complement vibrant colours with warm tones,” says Emerson.

The fresh remodel gave the kitchen new life and transformed it from an outdated and dark space to a bright and happy place for the family of four to gather, cook, and entertain together. “This is what I envisioned when we first began this project,” says the homeowner.

A rare opportunity calls to you on this large irregularly shaped lot filled with mature trees and perennial gardens. A charming bungalow with space to entertain and relax.

Near Forster Park, great schools and a short drive to all that downtown Oakville has to offer.

This could be your new home! Just reach out to book a showing or click here to visit our website to find out more.

COMING SOON 9 WEBB AVENUE BRANTFORD

This elegant Terra Model home was built by Empire Homes and received a complete renovation to the main and upper level 5 years ago.

The renovations were meticulously detailed and have significantly elevated the home, allowing it to be turn-key ready for the next happy homeowner.

This ideal family home is both bright and spacious, with generous room sizes allowing for plenty of space to entertain family and friends.

On the second level, the luxurious primary suite features hardwood flooring, a large walk-in closet, an additional double wide closet, and exquisite primary ensuite. The extensive feature list for this spectacular 4 bedroom home is too impressive to fully capture here. So please take a moment to check out our virtual tour or book your own private showing to see it for yourself!

COMING SOON 80 PORT STREET MISSISSAUGA

FOR LEASE 94 LAKESHORE ROAD EAST (REAR) MISSISSAUGA

This trendy and chic loft-style condo is located in a highly desirable boutique building.

Located in a spectacular area with restaurants, retail stores and the transit all close by.

A beautiful opportunity is just waiting for the right person. Call Theresa and find out if this could be you.

UNDERSTANDING CO-OWNERSHIP

Co-ownership of property enables you to share ownership interest in a piece of real estate with other buyers

A co-owned home is a property that was purchased and is owned jointly by two or more people. All owners are included on the title of the home, and all parties hold a portion of ownership in the property. When you choose to buy a house with other buyers, you enter into a financial and legal partnership and a new living arrangement.

The practice of co-ownership has traditionally taken the form of a group of friends or family members coming together to buy a second home or a child who

inherits a house from their parents or grandparents.

While co-ownership isn’t a new concept, it has become a more viable path to second home ownership. As real estate prices continue to rise, it can make more financial sense to combine finances with other buyers and share the costs of buying and owning a home - especially for those who feel priced out of a home in the current market. In fact, the number of co-buyers with different last names has increased by 771% between 2014 and 2022.

Soak up the stunning desert views in this gated mountaintop retreat. Sleek, contemporary architectural indooroutdoor living.

The home includes an elevator, comes fully furnished and professionally decorated, and opens up to an infinity pool and patio.

This extraordinary lifestyle is just waiting for someone to reach out and grab it. That someone could be you.

From its days as a bohemian hangout toward the end of the 19th century to its role as the epicentre of Swinging London, Chelsea has made its mark as one of the most desirable neighbourhoods in London.

Located on a quiet side street in the heart of the district, this splendid home is just a short stroll from the shopping, dining, pubs and galleries of the King’s Road.

Call Theresa to find out more about this fantastic opportunity.

Sleek and sophisticated, this modern home occupies a west-facing corner lot on coveted Di Lido Island in Biscayne Bay.

The open floor plan Great room is perfect for both daily living and entertaining with easy access to cozy outdoor spaces.

To find out more about this sunny getaway down south reach out to Theresa directly. She looks forward to hearing from you!

Casual elegance flows through this modern island compound with a main home and a detached guest house.

The home, on the north end of Sullivan’s Island, offers a mix of relaxing indoor and outdoor spaces.

The luxurious primary suite opens to the pool area and includes a spacious ensuite bathroom. The home comes fully furnished and professionally decorated.

Contact Theresa today to find out all that you have been waiting for.

Will Canada’s foreign buyer ban move the needle?

It still might not be widely known, even amongst Canadian realtors, but Canada’s two-year ban on foreign investors purchasing residential property came into effect on Jan. 1, 2023.

The Parliament of Canada passed legislation – the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act on June 23, 2022 – and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation says, “it’s anticipated that this will help reduce foreign money coming into Canada to buy residential real estate.”

But Elton Ash, executive vice-president, Re/Max Canada, believes the vast majority of people are still not aware of this.

“I brought it up (recently) at our internal… regional development group…and they all looked at me like, ‘what are you talking about?’,” says Ash.

“I believe, as the Canadian Real Estate Association believes, it’s going to be a similar experience to what happened in British Columbia when the foreign buyer’s tax was implemented in 2016 and then the speculation and vacancy tax was introduced in 2018. It really had a negligible effect.”

Ash said foreign owners just swallowed the cost at the time, and in the end, those measures had no effect on curbing foreign ownership. He said research indicated that it was around 2 to 3 per cent of the total market for Vancouver.

“It seemed draconian to bring in this tax when it was

Written by Mario Toneguzzi / Photograph by realestatemagazine.ca

Source: realestatemagazine.ca

such a small part of the market,” added Ash. “Now we look at it coming across Canada.

“I think there’s a bigger issue with the reputation of Canada accepting immigrants, accepting people coming into this country and especially when a lot of our immigration policy is tied to wealth. The wealthier an immigrant is, the easier it is to get into the country... part of that is buying a home. Now the way that the act has been passed, it’s a prohibition. This isn’t a tax. It’s a prohibition on buying property in Canada.

“So I think it does more damage to Canada’s reputation as a welcoming country around the world than anything else.”

Phil Soper, president and CEO, Royal LePage, said there has been a long tradition in Canadian politics at both the provincial and federal levels of looking to foreign investors as a problem for housing in this country.

“It’s mostly unfounded,” said Soper, adding that research has indicated that the number of transactions involving foreign buyers who didn’t intend to live in a Canadian property was minimal and never enough to move the needle on affordability.

“But it’s an easy target. It’s easy to point to foreigners and say they’re the challenge and then put into place legislation, whether it’s taxes or a more draconian outright ban and say that’s the problem and we’re taking action,” Soper added. “It’s much harder to address the real problem, which is a grave shortage of housing in this country, and get municipalities working with provinces working with the federal government to fix that problem. That’s a big complex challenge on the same scale as working to improve our health care system.

“Putting a ban or a tax on foreigners, most of whom have very limited voice in Canadian politics, is an easy target.”

Soper said it’s also worth noting that legislation was enacted at a time when markets were exploding, and inventory levels were at all-time lows.

“The good news about this legislation is that it’s not permanent, which would have been really problematic, and probably encouraged challenges under free trade agreements as unlawful. So a two-year ban, a temporary ban, it will go quickly. It may not be worth the effort for someone who feels that Canada is breaking trade law,” he said.

“The second thing that makes it less concerning for me in practical terms is that it doesn’t include recreational property. Canadians are the largest buyers of recreational property in the United States, for example. They’re also significant investors in places like Latin America. They like to own recreational property, and it would have been unconscionable if we banned Americans from buying a cabin or a cottage in Canada when we wanted to buy exactly the same thing in Arizona or Florida. So they were smart enough to carve that out and not include that as part of the ban.”

Linda Kristal, vice-president of advocacy, CREA, said the association has reached out to realtors to inform them of the changes and worked with provincial associations to make sure they are aware of the legislation.

“First and foremost, for a long time, we’ve been arguing that the federal government needs to get serious about supply. Focus on supply. And measures that tinker around the margins are beside the point when we’re looking at the number of units that are short currently in this country. You know, roofs over heads,” Kristal said.

“Also, members have expressed concerns, and we’re concerned; Canada is certainly a country that has built its reputation on being open to the world, welcoming the world, and this is certainly going to put that reputation into question.”

PRETTY IN PINK

A THOUGHTFUL KITCHEN REMODEL GLIMMERS

For this snazzy bachelorette pad in East Nashville, Tennessee, Lauren DeBello - owner and principal designer of her eponymous firm - created a splendid hub for her client who acquired the house ahead of the real estate boom. “Before it was even an up-and-coming neighbourhood, she bought the home and ended up taking a job in California and renting it to a friend,” says DeBello. “When she moved back, she found all this equity in the house, so she decided to renovate the kitchen and update other elements as well.”

First, the formerly L-shaped layout was modified to become a custom galley kitchen that vibes with the living room. “It was very dark and dated and situated in the back of the home with a deep laundry closet that took up a lot of space and a bedroom door next to the exterior door to the deck,” the designer explains. “The kitchen is her gathering space, and she didn’t love the fact that it was right next to the bedroom.”

The solution was to relocate the bedroom door and remove the laundry closet. New exterior doors welcome natural light further enhanced by a fresh coat of white paint. Crisp-white cabinets let the homeowner stash her stuff in style. “She likes to entertain, so we added a little bar space with a wine fridge and more storage,” says DeBello. “She also likes to cook, so there is an appliance garage as well.”

A custom island made by a local carpenter provides additional prep space and a cozy spot for meals. The chic piece with a slim profile and chalky-gray base (Night Club by Behr) makes an impression from the entrance. “Now the whole space is open, so when you walk in the front door, you see the living space and the kitchen that were a little bit divided before we knocked down the doorway,” she explains.

As for the boho aesthetic, the homeowner was drawn to the palette and other particulars associated with the Southwest, like the desert and the Joshua Tree House. An inspiration photo with a blush backsplash led to the exquisite handmade clay tiles that were installed without grout to highlight the imperfections and distinctions. “Every tile looks like it’s a different colour,” says DeBello.

The effect is striking. “We really let that tile have its moment; it goes all the way to the ceiling,” she says. “It’s great to be able to do color with a backsplash. Everybody loves to keep it safe, so it’s really fun when someone wants to take the chance and go bold.”

Open shelving and wall sconces are among other highlights in the heart of the home. “She wanted light and bright and fun with pink and gold that have a touch of femininity,” says DeBello. A vintage oushak runner with a Southwest feel adds colourful charm underfoot.

Due to supply-chain issues, the white appliances originally planned for the space were unavailable, but their stainless steel replacements turned out great. “They give it a little bit of dimension,” says DeBello, who credits her client with being incredibly patient and kind.

Other practical aspects like a double oven flanked by drawers join classic elements like an apron-front sink with a champagne-bronze faucet the designer describes as “no frills, but sleek.” Sturdy surfaces include quartz counters and engineered wide-plank wood floors.

Lastly, a new laundry area with a window adds more natural light. “It helped to maximize the width of the space by tucking it in back and stacking it,” she says. “We created a little wall so it was not as open to the living room.”

This thoughtful remodel allowed her client to have her cake and eat it too. “This way, she has that natural entertaining space inside and out,” says DeBello. “She easily doubled her storage, and the home flows nicely from the kitchen to the living area. Now she can have a space she can be proud of.”

ANYTHING BUT VANILLA FLAVOURFUL,

FUNCTIONAL DETAILS

IN A FAMILY KITCHEN

At long last, this family of five’s home was almost complete...except that they’d saved the best part of their revamp for last. “They had settled in, decorated the entire house with beautiful antiques woven in and a gorgeous selection of colors, and hired me to make the kitchen the icing on the cake,” says Sarah Robertson, founder and principal of Studio Dearborn. “They reached out to me in April of 2020, the first month of Covid, and gave me a tour on FaceTime,” she recalls.

The existing kitchen in their Colonial Revival home in Larchmont, New York was hardly worthy of a magazine spread. It had lackluster speckled gray countertops, tile walls painted with a fruit basket and bursts of foliage, and clunky cabinets. “It was an original white builder kitchen - very plain vanilla,” says Robertson. “I can’t say it was in terrible condition, and we found a home to donate the cabinets to.” But even beyond aesthetics, there were some functional issues - the types of things that are major bugaboos for Robertson, who is known for her exquisitely organized kitchens. “The kitchen has a beautiful view out into the yard, but the sink was up against a wall with no view.” Set over blonde-wood floors, the island also had an irregular shape with unappetizing clipped corners, which she felt harkened back to the heyday of the 1980s. “I like a classic look!”

After the Studio Dearborn team worked their magic, though, the kitchen transformed like a caterpillar

into a regal butterfly: timelessly beautiful and endlessly transfixing, even for 6 a.m. cereal runs at the rift oak breakfast bar, with its custom brass grills. Everything down to the teensiest detail was carefully considered, from the solid-brass hardware by the Foundryman UK to the burnished brass faucets from California Faucets. Even the twin pendant lights from Visual Comfort seem to nod to Colonial-era muses, while in a slightly more modern silhouette.

Organization is always key for Robertson, and that’s especially evident here. The kitchen is as beautifully organized as a French chef’s mise en place. Need a place to charge your phone? Just pull open the Docking Drawer next to the butler’s sink, which is fitted with a Blade charging outlet. Need to find the bread? Look no further than the custom Bradco Stainless insert in the bread drawer, which is itself tucked beneath the Wolf microwave drawer, which hides the appliance out of

Source: homebydesign.com

sight. Next to the range, pullouts hold walnut cutting boards from Hammertown (made in Great Barrington, Massachusetts) and even tailor-made spots for olive oils, vinegars, and everything from your spoons to your whisks. To solve a storage dilemma and get her clients the vertical pullouts they wanted with style, she created side-by-side “apothecary drawers” in rift oak. Just twenty-four inches wide, “they gave us the ability to do narrow pullouts and give them all the types of storage they wanted without having to be a bunch of skinny cabinets.” There’s a potato bin, hidden waste cans...the list goes on. Plus, here every pot has a lidliterally - tucked neatly inside its own angled cubby in the pan and lid drawer.

To select the kitchen’s hues, which seem to call to mind the moody, anglophile-approved cookeries of Great Britain, Robertson pulled colors from the rest of their existing home. “Some designers say to look in your clients’ closets to get a sense for their palette; I look around their home to see what’s working and do renderings to help clients visualize [their new space],” she says. The shade on the anchoring island, a Ben-

jamin Moore historic color the designer had used in another project, Templeton Gray, worked perfectly with the shade of the adjacent family room—Farrow & Ball’s Mouse’s Back. “We looked at a lot of samples and because it was Covid, I was bringing bags over to them and setting up outside on their patio,” she says. “I can’t say it was a bad gig, the patio was beautiful!” Pulling all the colors together? A vintage rug from Old New House underfoot that supplies graphic, timeworn charm.

The kitchen’s pièce de résistance is arguably the new sixty-inch range, which sits on a diagonal due to stairs behind the wall that could not be moved. So it wouldn’t feel sterile, “We made a feature out of it by making this really pretty statement zinc hood [by Fine Design Enterprises] that went across the range,” she says. Another timeless touch: the counter and backsplash, an intricately veined Calacatta Suprema marble they fell in love with. “We all loved the idea of having that stone everywhere,” she says, adding that it supplies an instant Colonial-era feel. “It makes it feel more classic.”

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM CANADIAN REAL ESTATE IN 2023

Despite a strong start to the year, real estate in 2022 was largely defined by a lack of affordability, spurred by one of the most polarizing interest rate hike cycles in Bank of Canada (BoC) history. As a result, many buyers and sellers found themselves staunchly sidelined, even as home prices began to come down.

But with the new year comes renewed hope and a chance for Canadians to reenter the real estate market… albeit with adjusted expectations.So what’s in store for real estate in 2023? Experts are forecasting a lot of the same, but also some reprieve on the (distant) horizon.

PRICES MAY FINALLY BOTTOM OUT

Canadian housing markets were in correction mode for the better part of 2022, and while the worst of the correction seems to be in the rearview, many major markets are still seeing downturned conditions. With that said, prices are yet to come down in a meaningful way, dropping just 0.98% month over month in November, according to data from the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA).

THIS KIND OF GRADUAL DECLINE IS EXPECTED TO PERSIST

INTO 2023.

An affordability report by RBC’s assistant chief economist Robert Hogue, published in December, forecasted that the national benchmark price will fall 14% from its 2022 peak by spring. Hogue further stipulated, “it will likely take years to fully reverse the tremendous deterioration that took place since 2021.”

Hogue also emphasized that price depreciation will vary from market to market, saying that the more significant corrections in average home prices will be among properties in smaller markets, such as markets across the Prairie provinces, while affordability will continue to be “overstretched” in BC and Ontario.

BANK OF CANADA WILL END ITS RATE HIKE CYCLE

December marked the BoC’s seventh consecutive interest rate increase, however, the hike cycle has done little to bring down inflation. Canada’s inflation rate was unflinching in November, falling just 0.1% from the month prior.

With inflation remaining stubborn, many experts are convinced that we haven’t seen the last of interest rate hikes - the next rate decision is scheduled for January 25 and the consensus seems to be an increase of 25 basis points - however, they also agree there is an end in sight.

Moshe Lander, Senior Economics Lecturer at Concordia University, told STOREYS in a previous interview that he anticipates the Bank will have “more of a steady hand” in the year to come.

“They do need to take a pause at some point,” he said. “They need to at least sit out one meeting and just say, ‘we want to see what happens,’ whether that comes in the first meeting or the second meeting of 2023.”

As for what this will mean for prospective buyers — Jill Oudil, Chair of CREA, stated in a recent report that it could actually create favourable conditions.

“… while the interest rate situation facing buyers is unlikely to improve over the first half of 2023, it is more likely to remain the same,” she said. “However, it may also be the first spring market in a number of years where buyers have a shot at not being out-competed for properties that catch their eye.”

MORTGAGE CARRIERS WILL FEEL THE RATE PAIN

Regardless of the Band of Canada’s next moves, mortgage carriers will be in a tight spot in 2023. In an interview from December, Ron Butler of Butler Mortgage

talked to STOREYS about the detriment of further interest rate hikes to existing mortgage carriers, even if the next increases are relatively moderate.

“The house inflation is 10 times, therefore the mortgage inflation is 10 times,” he said. “People who have a primary-based mortgage product or HELOC are going to have difficulties with the continued escalation of their payments.”

The situation won’t be much better for those who are mortgage shopping. With runaway inflation and high rates bleeding into 2023, both variable and fixed-rate mortgage carriers are expected to remain unattractive for the rest of the year, says Butler.

IMMIGRATION WILL HEAT UP HOUSING DEMAND

In 2022, Canada welcomed a record-breaking number of new permanent residents - 431,645, according to an announcement released earlier today. That figure trumped a previous high of 405,000 new permanent residents in 2021.

Moreover, the federal government’s latest immigration targets are the loftiest in Canadian history. Under the 2023-2025 Immigration Levels Plan, Canada will welcome 465,000 new permanent residents in 2023, 485,000 in 2024, and 500,000 in 2025 for a total of 1.45M new permanent residents over the next three years.

With the government upping the ante on immigration housing demand is bound to intensify, injecting the market with urgency that was lacking in 2022 due to the high cost of borrowing. And with new housing supply being offset by lofty development costs and existing inventory remaining scarce, Canadians, new and existing, will continue to turn to the rental market, compounding the affordability challenges already facing the sector.

EASY VEGAN FRENCH TOAST

INGREDIENTS

1 ripe bananas

3/4 cups almond milk

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

8 slices crusty bread (about 3/4-inch thick slices)

1 tablespoon vegetable oil , divided

1 1/2 cup quartered strawberries

toasted sliced almonds (optional) maple syrup (optional)

DIRECTIONS

In bowl, mash banana using fork. Mix in almond milk and cinnamon. Soak 4 slices of bread in banana mixture, turning to coat both sides. In large nonstick skillet, heat half of the oil over medium heat. In two batches, cook bread until golden, about 3 minutes per side. Repeat with remaining bread, adding oil as needed. Garnish with strawberries. Scatter almonds over top (if using); drizzle with maple syrup (if using).

CHANGE IT UP

Use fruit that is in season for the topping - try raspberries and/or blueberries.

Prep time: 10 Minutes 4 servings

Source: canadianliving.com

NEW YEAR ANXIETY IS TOTALLY NORMAL - HERE’S HOW TO HANDLE IT

Does the end of the year leave you feeling uneasy? You could be dealing with new year anxiety. Here’s how to handle it, according to two mental health experts.

Christmas Day has officially been and gone –and although the festive season is still very much underway, many people will now begin turning their attention towards the approaching new year.

While the cost of living crisis continues to loom over proceedings, for many people, the start of the new year is an opportunity to let their hair down, reflect on the year just gone and make some (tentative) plans for the future.

But if you’re someone who struggles with new year anxiety, things will probably look a little different. You may still be planning on celebrating New Year’s Eve, but underneath the surface, the idea of a new year beginning likely fills you with discomfort and unease.

Because there’s a lot going on at this time of year, it can be hard to pinpoint exactly why you’re feeling out-of-sorts and do anything about it. So, to help you understand why you’re feeling anxious – and take steps to relieve these feelings – we asked the experts to explain all.

WHAT CAUSES NEW YEAR ANXIETY?

New year anxiety is typically caused by a whole bunch of factors that add up to create an underlying sense of unease and dread.

“New year anxiety can be triggered by a multitude of factors ranging from the practical (eg overloaded

schedules, extended time spent with family, strain on finances), to the existential (eg “What am I doing with my life?”),” explains Catherine Hallissey, a chartered psychologist.

“Many people feel pressure to make the upcoming year their ‘best year ever’ which can lead to crippling anxiety before the year even begins, and others may feel stuck in disappointment with not having achieved all they wanted to this past year.

“Add to that some uncertainty about the year ahead and you have the perfect ingredients for anxiety.”

The lull in activity following Christmas can also play a part in making us feel anxious and on edge. The days leading up to 25 December tend to be busy and full of action, but the days following it can be pretty slow and uneventful. This sudden contrast can be unsettling.

Jacqueline Carson, a psychotherapist and hypnotherapist, explains: “In the run up to Christmas we’re usually pretty busy and focused on what we need to do. Often times it can feel like a climax, and when the big day is over, we have a lull until New Year’s Eve.”

She continues: “This can trigger anxiety because there is the uncertainty of the ‘bit in between’ and the lack of structure. When we are working and rushing around it’s almost like we are running on the adrenaline, but when this stops, suddenly our

brain doesn’t know what to do.

“Physically and mentally we can struggle to adjust to the period of calm in between – especially when we are anticipating a build-up again.”

HOW TO COPE WITH NEW YEAR ANXIETY

There are steps you can take to ease your new

year anxiety.

Knowing what could be causing your new year anxiety is the first step towards dealing with it –but there are other things you can do to relieve your anxiety as well.

One of the easiest (and most effective) places to start is by adding some structure to your days, Carson says.

“The best way to deal with new year anxiety is to create some structure for yourself,” she explains. “Make some time for you, but use it to do something you enjoy. You don’t want to be too rigid, but having a plan of what you’re doing each day will help you to stay focused on the present.”

Keeping up with your regular self-care is also important (including monitoring how much you’re drinking) as well as making space for mindfulness and gratitude practise if possible, Carson adds.

On top of this, Hallissey stresses the importance of not putting too much pressure on yourself during an already taxing period of the year.

“Resist the urge to make resolutions, as they’re a highly ineffective way of making changes in your life,” she explains. “Instead, set a specific and realistic goal for the year ahead and – here’s the key – make a specific and detailed plan of how you’re going to achieve that goal.”

Finally, Hallissey suggests, try to give yourself space to feel everything you’re feeling - no matter how ‘unseasonal’ it may feel.

“If you’re struggling with anxiety at this time of year, the first step is to acknowledge what you’re feeling,” she explains. “Even if you feel like you’re surrounded by people who are full of joy and optimism, know that not everyone feels that way and you’re not alone.”

OUR MISSION

We are on a mission to raise $10,000 for CAMH (Centre For Addiction And Mental Health) and CADDAC (Centre For ADHD Awareness Canada). It is without a doubt that ADHD and mental health issues are common in our community and continue to be a contributing cause of death around the world. The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health is a psychiatric teaching hospital located in Toronto and ten community locations throughout the province of Ontario. At CAMH, it’s their goal to provide hope and a path toward recovery from mental illness and substance use for anyone in need.

There are approximately 2 million individuals affected by ADHD in Canada. Individuals, families, and parents with children are left scrambling to cope, figuring out how and where to get support for their ADHD. As well, they are trying to figure out how to pay for expensive programs.

Our families have been directly affected by ADHD and Mental Health issues so in hopes that one day no one else will have to experience the angst of dealing with ADHD or any kind of addiction or depression, we have chosen to donate a portion of our professional fees to these charities. As well, when you refer a friend or family member to our team not only will they receive award-winning service, but they will also be contributing to these extremely worthy causes. Together we can help calm minds and ensure that everyone gets the support they need.

We encourage you to visit both of their websites at www.camh.ca and www.caddac.ca and check out the incredible work they are doing in our community and beyond!

Welcome to this fantastic home located in Laurel Meadow of Shadow Wood at the Brooks. Experience stunning sunsets from your backyard oasis.

3 optional championship golf courses, fitness centre, tennis courts, beach club, pickleball, Rookery restaurant and so much more all nearby.

Reach out to Theresa to find out more about this extraordinary opportunity.

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Overlooking both the 12th and 13th fairways and a beautiful lake, this home has one of the best views in Vasari. Just a short walk to the clubhouse with both indoor and outdoor dining venues, golf, tennis courts, a fitness centre and bocce. Beaches, the airport and the expressway are all close by. Contact Theresa to find out what makes this place so special before it is snatched up.

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Why Is the Realty Group One of the Best in its’ Marketplace?

Knowledgeable, current, and quick to respond - what more do you want when hiring a real estate agent and broker? Collectively they have years of experience and the right connections to boot. Every step of the process was enjoyable, collaborative and transparent. Bonus points for the Matterpoint edge which makes virtual viewings easy! Two houses sold and one bought with the help of their solid guidance. We are thankful for Lindsay and Theresa and look forward to moving into our new home and community.

Today marks one year since I accepted an offer for the sale of 64 Arthur Street North Guelph. I remember the day very well as I was quite nervous, not sure what would happen and if the house would sell as you thought. You were right of course! I was able to review the offers with you and Lindsay in your offices and my son in law Milton and I at his house in Kitchener. My recall is how you walked us through each offer in order and then answered my questions. You appeared very well prepared through the computer lens. You might remember I was anxious to move forward with my retirement and wanted to wrap everything up by the end of the year. You negotiated quite successfully with the winning bidder and obtained the closing for the date I wanted before Christmas. The house sold well over asking. You told me lawyers don’t do a lot of work between Christmas and New Years. Imagine my surprise at this as I have spent most of my work life in the non profit or municipal sector where workers only get statutory holidays off. I was ready for a new beginning. The sale of my home of forty five years was the last block to get started on retirement life. However, everything unfolded as you predicted and I am remain so very grateful for your knowledge and expertise getting me to the house sold conclusion. Your professionalism and calm guidance during the process alleviated much of my concern for achieving this goal. Lindsay and you were most helpful with suggestions to prepare the house for staging. The number of views and home visits during the COVID period were a strong indicator that your marketing plans were right on target. I really appreciated that you communicated regularly with me and were very responsive. The coordinating required for inspection and staging may have been routine for you but was quite a learning curve for me! I also learned that you were able to juggle contacts with the local real estate agents with courtesy and humour. Thank you most sincerely for all of your efforts. It would be my pleasure to provide a reference for any clients who wish to sell their home through your firm. Wishing you the best of continued success,

Your neighbours chose the TB Realty Group to help them buy, sell or lease in 2022. We can help you with your real estate needs in 2023.