October 19, 2009.
Monday morning radio show again, today.
I do this every Monday, between 7 and 9 p.m., with Mark Voyce (co-owner of Bocados Bistro).
It's a mix of music, community updates, interviews with Salt Spring Islanders -- to date, have had Tim Cahill talk about emergency preparedness, and the importance of setting up neighbourhood groups. We also had David Young, a very well known designer/his company is international, come in and talk about his kinetic installation at a U.S. Mall. Bruno Gonzalez, who runs Rendezvous Cafe, with Brigitte, popped by to speak about the importance of "teroir" in French wine-making, and the differences between the North American and the French approach to same. Maureen Moore, who is the on-island representative for Raffi's Child Honouring Centre project also came by, and introduced the recent fundraiser/nine writers speaking about childhood experiences event. Lisa Sliwowska also came by, and spoke about her Open Door interior design company, and her thoughts on making a space a "home". Today, it was Garth Hendren, who is also the CRD representative on Salt Spring (an elected position), and he spoke about his interest in textiles and his collection of same. He's agreed to come back, as we wanted to explore the path leading off from this, about the mingling of art and economics. More later!
This is community radio, and it is live. If you can catch it locally, it's at 107.9 on the fm dial. If not, try the website (www.cfsi-fm.com) and streaming audio.
Every Monday, it's the "Potpourri with Li" two hour show, and Mark Voyce is my producer.
No, it's not about real estate...we all have day jobs, and most of us love them/are passionate about same (I know I am!), but I really want to introduce the exceptional Islanders I've been lucky to meet, over the years, so that all Salt Spring knows them, too!
If you'd like to be included, please just email or phone me. I know it's early, but it's fun, and you get to choose some music, too! (I know, I know...I'm stuck in that 70s time tunnel).
www.liread.com
liread33@gmail.com
October 16, 2009.
If you haven't popped by the Salt Spring Roasting Company, do so soon -- enjoy a latte there, and ponder the exquisite drawings showcased on the walls. Charles Breth is a sculptor, and this is a rare exhibition of his drawings. The presentation continues till end of October.
This Monday, the 19th, there's a live multi-media show about the life of Galileo, and the music of his time. Meet Dava Sobel, author of "Galileo's Daughter". At ArtSpring, starting at 8 p.m. Call for ticket info: 250-537-2102.
This Sunday, the 18th, catch Jazz/Swing, with Quint Essentials, at Moby's (7 to 10 p.m.).
Leon Bibb and Lisa Maxx reunite with a concert at ArtSpring, on Oct. 22nd -- mark your calenders, and don't miss this one! Starts at 8 p.m. -- ticket info at 250-537-2102.
Always wanted to learn to knit? And, to do something "good" for the world? Here's your chance! Salty Yarners, a knitting group on the Island, involved in the Dorcas Project, are giving classes, starting at 2:30 p.m., on the third Monday of each month (held at Stitches). Registration is free if knitters purchase yarn at Stitches. Call Alice, for more information on both the classes and the Dorcas Project: 250-538-0211.
Tomorrow, Saturday, is the Dance at Fulford Hall, with Georgia Strait Big Band and Swing Shift Band...yes, it's the Battle of the Bands! Starts at 8 p.m. Tickets at ArtSpring and at Acoustic Planet. Enjoy!
On October 25th, there's a book launch on Galiano Island...catch the ferry, enjoy, and still make it back to Salt Spring that evening...it's a great day trip idea. It starts at 3 p.m., at Galiano's South Hall. A Thousand Dreams, Vancouver's Downtown East Side and the Fight for its Future, is a mix of history, journalism, political analysis, and first-person accounts.
Starting tonight, at 5 p.m., with a catered opening reception for a week long black culture-related art exhibit, at ArtSpring, and running through this weekend with other events (2 p.m. to 6 p.m., on the 17th, there's a documentary, at ArtSpring, about the history of blacks in B.C.). The All Souls Rising presentations end with the Leon Bibb/Lisa Maxx concert, on the 22nd. Pick up today's Driftwood weekender, for a cover story on All Souls Rising.
Don't forget to keep your fm dial at 107.9, and catch the gems of your community radio. No signal where you live? Streaming audio, at www.cfsi-fm.com will keep you in the mix! Monday mornings, 7 to 9 a.m. is my slot, along with Mark Voyce.
Yes, it's Fall, and yes, it's raining, but there's lots to do and to see and to participate in. Enjoy!
Here we continue, in our 21st Century binary world...computer-speak has channeled us into this on/off, on/off, act/react, act/react universe. No grey territory of compromise available.
In economic issues, it's the argument between deflation and inflation.
Neither are good scenarios. The inflationary stream of thinking is seemingly gaining credence. Is this the reason for the sudden upsurge in activity, in the higher end property category, since the third week in September? Fear propels, as well as causes hesitation.
Good hard assets are one way to protect one's capital, in an inflationary time. Yes, gold is one vehicle, and so are fine art, gems, and other "one off" items of value. Another one is good real estate investment.
For the Gulf Islands, the Islands Trust cap on growth has created a "limited inventory" motif.
Although the real estate market in our area flattened in mid-2006, with ever diminishing sales in 2007, and a bottoming out in 2008, we have seen an uptick in activity, in 2009, in the low end residential, since February.
Undeveloped land and higher end opportunities remained very flat. Now, that seems to have changed.
It could be a fear that cash will be the next bubble that is propelling this interest. Viewings of properties over 2 million have suddenly surged, just since close of September. The first sale over two million, since February 2008, took place last week. Viewings continue, meantime, in properties between one million and four million.
The people viewing are serious, and the only "hesitation" is about the "where" to buy conundrum.
Salt Spring Island and the Southern Gulf Islands are in competition with other coastal areas, and this has been the case for the past eight or so years. The internet, which erased geography and time, also created a non-local buyer profile, for the Southern Gulf Islands.
The "long distance" buyer has to decide exactly where to locate. This creates time lags in sales, of course, as it usually means more than one visit, before the buyer decides "for" a particular location. This time lag element is present regardless of market trend in play, at any given time.
I did think we would see a "later and longer" scenario develop, this calendar year, for the higher end property options, and that it would take until the Fall for the higher end to experience that "trickle up" effect.
Inventory remains stable. Unless one has to, an owner isn't rushing to sell. "Where would I go? what would I do with the money?" is an owner's refrain. It's the same tune, though, that the buyer, in all price ranges. now seems to be humming..."if I'm going to get out of a heavy cash position, and lock into a good hard asset real estate investment, now is the time".
If the inflationary argument wins the day, we will see interest rates going up. Interesting, then, that on the 9th, Australia raised interest rates.
No one really knows what is happening...the talking heads repeat the 20th Century responses, and in this new binary world, they don't work. The results of the huge bailouts/printing of paper money/the run up of debt, may certainly end up with hyperinflation as the result. This could be with us by mid-2010.
No one has a crystal ball.
This is an excellent time to be a buyer, however. Sellers, if they are seriously for sale, will look at all reasonable offers. Interest rates remain low. Cash positions do not bring growth. Cash positions might be at risk...are the banks secure?
Mmm...sounds like a time to be securing capital, by prudent hard asset investing. For a tiny bit longer, things are in the favour of the buyer....
How may I help you to find your special Salt Spring Island or Southern Gulf Islands gem? I look forward to your call.
liread33@gmail.com
October 9, 2009.
Don't forget the J. Mitchell Gallery 2009 Fall Exhibition opening tonight...5 to 8 p.m. Show runs till November 8th. Along with the stellar roster of artists, at this fine gallery, the Fall show highlights Leroy Jensen, Gerda Lattey, and Karen Reiss. Wave, if you see me!
The Monday morning (7 to 9 a.m.) radio show that I'm doing with Mark Voyce, of Bocados Bistro, will pick up again on the 19th. As this Monday is the Canadian Thanksgiving holiday, the station is offering a day / evening of music only. Regular programming picks up next week. To date, I've really appreciated David Young coming in, to be interviewed, and offering so many great ideas in "green design" (his kinetic installation at a major U.S. mall was very interesting, indeed!). Also Tim Cahill, who heads up the Island's emergency preparedness group...call him, for pointers, in how to set up your neighbourhood for emergencies. Enjoyed, too, Bruno Gonzalez' thoughts on the differences between wine making in France and in North America...and the importance of terroir, to French wines. (Bruno and his wife, Brigitte, own Rendezvous Cafe). Maureen Moore also dropped by, to speak about Raffi's Child Honouring Centre, and also to encourage attendance at the 9 writers recent presentation...I did go, and it was inspiring!
Most recently, the very talented Lisa Sliwowska popped in, and gave some illuminating thoughts on design trends. Lisa's interior design company is called, most appropriately, Open Door. All these talented people have agreed to return, and to speak about other things they're involved in. It is community radio, and I see my show as a venue for people to share what they're about. If you'd like to come by, just give me a call...look forward to speaking with you "on air".
Corinne West, with Doug Cox, plays on the 12th, Thanksgiving Monday, at Fulford Hall...it's the Salt Spring Folk Club presentation. Soups, Suppers, Sweets by Fiddlehead Catering. Tickets at Acoustic Planet, Salt Spring Books, and Stuff and Nonsense, or, at the door.
A personal narratives workshop is being held tomorrow, the 10th. If you're a writer, then here's your opportunity to explore the narratives of lives, at a Salt Spring Community Education workshop, with Lorraine Gane. A full day, from 10 to 4. Call Lorraine at 250-537-5294, for more details.
Salt Spring's Weavers and Spinners Guild is staging its first Guild Exhibition and Sale over the Thanksgiving Weekend, at ArtSpring. Open daily, from 10 to 4 -- enjoy!
If you find yourself off island, and close to Sidney, remember the Sidney Fine Art Show -- on October 16, 17, 18 at Mary Winspear Centre, in Sidney. Door prizes every day.
Looking for a turkey dinner out, to celebrate Thanksgiving? Calvin's Bistro, Harbour House Hotel, Salt Spring Inn, and Rock Salt Cafe are all offering the traditional feast.
The Balkan Babes, an award winning women's vocal ensemble, from Victoria, will play Salt Spring on the 16th, at the Unnited Church and play Pender on the 17th, at the Community Hall. Tickets at the door, and concerts begin at 7:30. Something a little different!
Sunday, the 11th, it's jazz at Moby's, with Sue Newman & friends (7 to 10 p.m.).
Pop by and see what the talented Bruce, at Bruce's Kitchen, in Harbour Centre, is creating for you. Organic is the key to his cuisine. Eat in or take out...the healthy choice, when you're in a hurry, and want to pick up something yummy/head home. He offers a catering service, too.
Enjoy these softer days...yes, it's steadily getting darker earlier, but Fall is harvest time, and the beauty of fruition surrounds us.
This is the Canadian Thanksgiving Weekend coming up...it's always at the beginning of October, and is a signal for Fall turning to Winter, regardless of what the calendar says! The Saturday Market in the Park runs "officially" from Victoria Day in mid-May to Thanksgiving Weekend. There are often earlier and later vendors, of course, but the "main grid" falls in that seasonality that marks our Island rhythm.
Thanksgiving is at Harvest time, and it is a space in the year to enjoy fruition, and to remember what some philosophies term "the attitude of gratitude".
There are troubles abounding in the world, right now -- wars, famine, collapsed economies, bringing severe hardship among families in both developed and developing countries...no one is immune from worry and changed circumstances.
Nevertheless, this is a moment to count the many positive things in our lives, to gather with family and with friends, to enjoy the harvest feast, and also to include those who are alone...perhaps it's as a visitor in a hospital or nursing home situation, as a volunteer. Perhaps it's helping out with facilities that work with the homeless. Lots of things we can do to remember those less fortunate.
Locally, we are so lucky to be on beautiful Salt Spring Island...it's a foodies paradise, with many organic farms and restaurants that support same. Perhaps this is the year not to cook, but to go out and celebrate at one of the restaurants doing the traditional turkey dinner (Calvin's, Harbour House Hotel, Salt Spring Inn), with great organic veggies as sides.
Whatever your pleasure, remember to be thankful....
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Successfully connecting buyers & sellers on Salt Spring Island & on all Southern Gulf Islands, since 1989. I offer superb market knowledge & work for the best interests of my clients. See Li!
I love my career, and have been a real estate agent on Salt Spring Island, also selling on the adjacent Southern Gulf
Islands (Galiano, Mayne, Pender, Saturna, & water access only options, in between (Wise, Parker, Secret, Gossip, DeCourcy,
Phillimore Point), since 1989.
Living & working on a Gulf Island is very different from a "city scape". Boats & floatplanes are also a part of one's
work life, not just cars & highways (although the sea is just a highway, really).
I now work under the Vancouver Real Estate Board, and achieved Gold Award MLS recognition for the past ten consecutive years, while at the Victoria Board (MLS President's Award for same). In the various companies i've worked for, since 1989, I was always a 'top producer', and connected many sellers and buyers. Sales awards (at company levels, MLS/Board levels, & internationally -- references upon request) are an indicator, from one's peers in the industry, of excellence in customer service.
By the way, "Li" is a nick-name for Liane, and it rhymes with "see". Thanks!
Say hello to Bobbi, my "unlicenced assistant"! Jack Russell Terriers are "smart cookies",and Bobbi
is also a calm one (yes, it's true!). When you view property with me, she's sometimes along for
the ride -- I supply the cookies!
Salt Spring Island and the Southern Gulf Islands are "governed" by the B.C. Provincial Government,
under the Islands Trust.
The Trust came into being in 1974, with a "preserve & protect" mandate, to keep the Islands as these
pristine and park-like enviroments, for the benefit of all B.C. residents, "forever". Two trustees per
Island (not representative of population, then) are elected every three years, in the B.C. civic elections,
to manage the Trust bylaws/official community plan, on each Island. These strong zoning/density bylaws
control (& effectively "cap") growth. Limited supply, and a strong buyer demand, usually result in higher prices, regardless of market trend in play at any given time. There will always be a low inventory of properties for sale, then, on any Gulf Island, due to this Islands Trust mandate.
There is no industry on the Gulf Islands. Salt Spring Island is the largest and best serviced of the Southern
Gulf Islands (Gabriola, Thetis, Galiano, Salt Spring, Pender, Mayne, & Saturna Islands are the ferry accessed
options), with a year round lifestyle, and all the amenities required in the 21st Century.
One doesn't "have to" leave Salt Spring Island for anything, but it's easy to go to Vancouver or to Victoria or to
mid-Vancouver Island locations, on day trips. There are three separate ferries that service the Island, plus
three regularly scheduled (year round) floatplane services, so it's very simple to do daytrips to major centres,
and to return easily to the Island's charm. In the "season", there's also a floatplane service from Seattle to
Salt Spring Island.
Low supply coupled with high demand, though, often results in price escalation. The internet erased geography,
and so the buyer profile for this area is mainly from out of province, and often from out of country.
Although the Islands Trust wasn't set up to create an expensive "enclave" area, it has had this result. As soon as
one "caps" growth, for whatever reason (in this case, for environmental protection reasons), and the buyer
profile is a global one (post-internet), which means more buyers than inventory, regardless of real estate market
trends, at any given time, one has an expensive buy-in locale.
Sellers and realtors do not set a market; only buyers do that. The Islands Trust, however, is responsible for a
no-growth policy that guarantees an escalating price point in the real estate marketplace.
I have the knowledge and the expertise and the strong negotiating skills to help you to have a pleasing experience, whether selling or buying.
This is a magical Island, and I look forward to introducing it to you.
Please ask for me, by name, when you visit Salt Spring Island. I have an office in "downtown Ganges". A quick call to my cell (250-537-7647) will allow us to connect. My office is located at: # 4 - 105 Rainbow Road, across from the Harbour.
P.S. "Li" rhymes with "see"! "See Li for Successful Solutions" is my promise to my clientele.
Look forward to meeting you!
Toll free: 1-866-405-9229
liread33@gmail.com
It's definitely different than selling in a city enviroment.
For one thing, I work in what is known as a secondary home or discretionary market. No one "has to"
move to Salt Spring Island or another Southern Gulf Island -- it's all by choice!
In a primary residence (city) area, there might actually be "comparables".
In a discretionary/secondary home marketplace, though, it's full of "custom" homes and even
undeveloped land will be its unique self, without any "comparable".
Difficult for an appraiser, then, as there is so much that is specific to each property, with no real equivalent
anywhere else on the Island, plus, with a limited inventory "ever" (there's that Islands Trust, and its cap on
growth), it means the listing inventory is never very large, and so the "solds" statistics aren't very informative.
Time lags are a part of all sales, too. First, the prospective buyer has to hear about this area and
then they make plans to travel here, to view.
The entire Coast is very appealing, and so often the Island gets "interviewed", and then so do
other coastal communities. One has to sell the Island, first, thus, before one can get around to selling
a particular property on it.
Two visits, then, if not three, become the pattern, and since the buyers aren't
"local", the time between trips can be as long as 5 to 7 months!
It can take, then, between one and four years to sell any property on a Gulf Island, including on Salt Spring
Island, and the main reason for this is because the buyer isn't "local", and the decision to purchase is a "choice",
both in the "where" and in the "when".
This time lag feature makes a "days on market" tag on an mls listing irrelevant.
In my area, there's a weekly local paper, and a monthly real estate supplement. Neither of these
are seen until the buyer arrives on Island, and so they do not offer an advertising vehicle that "brings"
a buyer. No one googles Salt Spring Island, or the Southern Gulf Islands, unless they're encouraged to
do so.
Print ads, then, in targeted venues, where the buyer profile lives, are still important in a
non-local/discretionary marketplace. If you think you saw an ad by me, in your area, you probably did!
I hope you responded, and went onto my principal website (www.liread.com).
We all do "floor duty days", but open houses don't work here, as the buyer isn't local. We're getting our
own radio station, but it's not up and running yet, so there's no t.v. or radio media spots, either. Signage
on a lawn (or up on a tree, if you're going by in a boat, and would see that more easily) is apparent, but,
again, not viewed until the buyer physically arrives on Island.
People don't move around on the Island; they arrive, they're here, then, if they have to leave
(usually only for personal reasons), they list. Then comes the search for the buyer,
who lives somewhere else in the world!
This non-local aspect to the buyer profile means that a realtor has to keep an eye on market
conditions in those buyer areas, as the B.C. market outlook won't have much relevance.
I wouldn't live anywhere else, though! This is an exceptional lifestyle choice!
If you drop into Salt Spring, please ask for me by name -- I'm the Managing Broker, of Sea to Sky Premier
Properties (Salt Spring), and I have an office in "downtown" Ganges Village (in the Clement, Murphy, Woodward law
office building, at the corner of the main road (Lower Ganges Road) & Rainbow Road. There's parking behind,
off Rainbow Road. My office (# 4 - 105 Rainbow Road) faces onto the main street, and enjoys a Harbour view. It's
adjacent to Stone Walrus Gallery). A quick call to my cell (250-537-7647) will connect us.
I look forward to meeting you, and to offering my expertise and my superlative market knowledge
and my strong negotiating skills for your benefit, during your search for your special Island gem.
Looking forward to your call!
P.S. Here's one of those "differences":
Selling real estate on Salt Spring Island & the Southern Gulf Islands is not like it would
be in a city or a town marketplace.
I was driving up a roughed in roadway, on a heavily forested acreage, recently, and
there, at the side of the roughed in driveway, were two baby racoons. The clients took
these photos, before we bundled them into my dog's car bed, wrapped in towels that I keep
for wiping off a muddy dog, on rainy days, so that we could deliver them to the Salt
Spring Wildlife Rescue Centre.
That was an interesting visit, too! Looking for a place to give a charitable donation?
Think of the Wildlife Centre -- on Lang's Road, it's not open to the public, and they have
a unique project there. Saving abandoned wildlife is one of them. (Yes, we did check with
the Wildlife Centre before we brought the babies in. Sometimes the mother is just off
foraging for food, but in the case of these racoons, they really were abandoned).
It was an adventure!
liread33@gmail.com
www.liread.com
Large list of satisfied clients upon request. Privacy is an important concern, especially in a small
community; I can supply references, but I prefer not to place same in this venue. Thank you!
With twenty years in the business, successfully connecting sellers and buyers on Salt Spring Island
and on the Southern Gulf Islands (Galiano, Mayne, Pender, Saturna & water access only islands
in between: Wise, Secret, Gossip, Parker, DeCourcy, Hudson, etc.), I bring to each sales transaction:
enthusiasm, expertise, superb market knowledge, strong negotiating skills, and a sincere desire to create
a successful buying or selling experience for you, the client.
Referrals are welcomed and are cared for.
"See Li for Successful Solutions" is my promise to my clientele. ("Li" rhymes with "see").
P.S. No one wants the cell tower near them, on this beautiful and quirky Island, and so when you call my
cell (250-537-7647), you might get the voice mail Please leave me a message. I do return all calls, asap, & will
find a cell zone to do so!
Appreciated!
liread33@gmail.com
Toll free: 1-866-405-9229
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