Bryon Howard

FOOD DRIVE

Beautiful furnished one-bedroom Home on the shores of Denman’s Island, B.C. For rent.

This small island (19 km long and 5 km wide) is a ten-minute ferry ride from Buckley Bay, Vancouver Island. There are sandy beaches, rocky coves, hiking trails, lush forests, and picture-perfect farmlands to enjoy. The beauty of Denman's natural environment appeals to artists and outdoor enthusiasts. One can closely observe deer, swans, herons, hawks and the majestic bald and golden eagles! Enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, swimming from this beautiful private 3 acre property on the ocean.

For more information visit http://www.ownerdirect.com/hornbyisland/vacation-rentals/125556.htm

For the past few months we’ve all seen the headlines … “Financial Meltdown”, “Recession”, and “Hunker Down”. The word of the year for 2008 is ‘bailout’.

Looking ahead at 2009, what will you choose to fill your head with? One of hope, resilience and knowing that, “this too will pass?” or, will you bury your head in the sand along with all those other doomsday prophets?

I believe 2009 is the year that many folks will get back to reality in spending habits. Life may become simpler.

This morning as I was preparing my kids sandwiches, I used the last zip lock sandwich bag. I began to consider my school days. I wondered to myself, “Will I buy more zip lock sandwich bags”?

Growing up, I was the youngest of six kids. My parents were born in the depression, in rural Prince Edward Island. It was natural for my Mom to send us to school with our sandwiches wrapped in the recycled 1 litre milk bags. I was quite embarrassed about my sandwich wrappers for most of my school years. However, by the time I was in grade 12 – and a leader in my school – I began to think that my sandwich wrappers were cool – and I appreciated my Mom’s habits.

Last night I attended an information session put on by One Change. Their flagship project is Project Porchlight. I have volunteered to distribute free energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) door-to-door in our neighborhood.

Did you know that if every Canadian house hold changed one bulb in their home to a Compact Florescent light bulb, it would be similar to taking 66,000 cars of the road!

This one simple action will help to save you money, and help to save our planet. Simple action making global impact!

So as we enter into 2009 take some time and reflect over your past year. Take time to set some goals for 2009. Think about Financial goals, Time goals (how much time will you work, spend with family and friends, etc.), Strategic Goals (is time to “make the switch”, do something new, replace your role at work), Association goals (… or mentorship, who are you hanging out with).

In 2009, recycle your lunch bags, change your light bulbs – and prosper! I hope to see you on your door step – where I will be giving away light bulbs promoting simple change, joining our South Calgary Community Association, and talking to you about real estate!

Threat of global recession to hinder home sales

in major Canadian housing markets in 2008 and 2009, says RE/MAX

Recovery linked to economic stability next year

Global economic uncertainty weighed heavily on residential real estate activity in most major Canadian centres during the latter half of 2008. Although the forecast for 2009 promises more of the same, most markets are expected to weather the storm, says RE/MAX.

Housing market performance will clearly be contingent on economic performance at a local, provincial, and national level in 2009. Issues affecting the overall economy are impacting housing markets across the country and the situation is not expected to be remedied until consumer confidence is restored. If inventory levels remain stable, pent-up demand kicks into gear, and lower interest rates stimulate home-buying activity, we could see a bounce back as early as spring.

The RE/MAX Housing Market Outlook for 2009 examined residential real estate trends in 22 markets across the country and found that average price held up remarkably well in 2008, despite 13 centres reporting double-digit declines in home sales. Solid gains earlier in the year likely served to prop-up housing values at year-end. The prognosis for housing activity in the first six to nine months of 2009 is somewhat static, given continued volatility in financial markets and the threat of recession, but as stability returns, housing markets are expected to recover.

Nationally, 440,000 homes are expected to change hands in 2008, down 15 per cent from record 2007 levels. Canadian housing values are expected to hover at $300,000, a nominal three per cent decline from last year’s historic peak. By year-end 2009, unit sales should match 2008 levels, while average price is forecast to fall another two per cent to $293,000.

Major markets are evenly split in terms of housing performance in 2009, with 11 centres forecast to match or exceed 2008 home sales and 11 expected to slide from 2008 levels. The highest percentage increase in unit sales is anticipated in Saskatoon, where the number of homes sold is forecast to climb three per cent in 2009. Housing values are expected to hold the line in 2009, with St. John’s, Montreal, Kingston, London, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, and Regina posting modest gains in average price in 2009.

Canada’s real estate environment is considerably more complex than it has been in recent years. The landscape is definitely changing -- with most markets shifting into either balanced or buyer’s territory. The shut out is over. Sellers no longer rule the roost. Opportunities exist for purchasers like never before, including lower interest rates, greater inventory levels, the luxury of time to make decisions, and the upper-hand at the negotiating table. Motivated vendors will need to take note of the new mindset and set their prices accordingly.

Canadian sellers are slowly adjusting to new realities. For most markets, 2008 started in balanced territory and moved into buyer’s market conditions during the latter half of 2008. The year ahead will prove challenging, especially for vendors.

While the economy will dictate real estate performance next year, it’s important to remember that demand still exists in the marketplace. In the midst of stock market turmoil, sold signs continue to appear on lawns across the country. With affordable lending rates and increased selection, first-time and move-up buyers with good credit may choose to play their investment strategy safe and purchase a home. The comfort of a tangible investment like real estate goes a long way in tough times.

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Nobody has been untouched by this current economic crisis ... other than the guy who lives in a basement suite, drives a rusty 1989 Ford Escort, and works at MacDonalds.

I just got off the phone with my friend Tim Johnston. Whenever I speak to Tim I get this sense of excitement ... that I know what I must do.

I should speak to him more often.

Tracing through the cycles of time Tim has watched Oil, Gas, Gold and Silver take off in each cycle when the calamity (recessions) hit. In August, that happened. Commodities went through the roof.

Tim believes that December will be the worst month. Retail sales will be down.

In the next 4-14 months Tim beleives there will be incredible buys on stocks, commodities and struggling businesses.

I'll be watching globe corp "g" and looking to buy Suncor "SU" in the teens.

Today globe corp is $32. Its high was $52 and low $17. Suncor is at $27.