Roz RainDancer Homes

@ it’s been awhile since I had to take Betty Boop for a quick charge ⚡️ 🚘 after spending 4.5 hours driving all over town . Couldn’t help but notice she stands out among the domino black and white around her. What a great reminder that it’s okay to be different. It’s okay to live a life that others don’t understand. Above all, “Be yourself, because everyone else is taken.” ~ Oscar Wilde

Investor or First-Time Home Buyer Alert: Burnaby Metrotown Condo Priced Below Assessed Value (Asking $540,000)

It's been a busy summer servicing our clients, especially with several listings and a handful of buyers on the go. I have a newsletter draft sitting for about a week and I hope to be able to finish it before the end of the month! Taking a quick moment here to share an investment opportunity or first home for those of you wanting to get into the market for the first time.

Our seller is amazing and is inviting offers from those interested in living close to the Skytrain, shops and amenities, pet-friendly building with a gym, party room, BBQ and outdoor entertaining space.

Check out the details and photos below and reach out to myself or Leonie @ 778-231-8304 with your questions and offers!

Once every 2 years, I host a special fundraiser to support a chosen charity in our community.

This season, I’ve selected GAiN (Global Aid Network), a wonderful Christian non-profit organization that provides microfinance loans to women in developing countries, helping them turn their skills into viable businesses that support their families. Beyond financial support, GAiN also offers business skills, financial education, community capacity building, and spiritual guidance to empower women and their families to thrive.

🌟 You're Invited! 🌟
Join us for a Women’s Leadership Brunch on Saturday, June 1st from 10am to 12 noon at a beautiful church venue in Surrey. It’s a fantastic opportunity to network, share discussions, and be inspired on integrating faith and spirituality into our leadership and business/workplace. Please register through the Eventbrite link: http://globalaid.net/rih

This event aims to raise $8,000 to support a Trust Group of 15 women. Currently, we are focusing our efforts on women in Paraguay, Sierra Leone, and India.

Can’t attend in person? No worries! You can still support our cause through the Eventbrite link: http://globalaid.net/rih

Join us to grow and deepen your leadership while expanding your impact. We look forward to seeing you there!

With heartfelt thanks, appreciation, and blessings to you all. 🙏

"Rooted In Hope" Women’s Leadership Brunch Fundraiser Join us for a morning of community connection + inspiration to support Global Aid Network's Economic Empowerment around the world.

It’s the marvellous month of May already! 🌸

Big News: I've recently joined the Dream Team leoniemorris & Associates, and I couldn't be more thrilled about this new chapter in my real estate journey.

Transitioning into a dream team based in the Fraser Valley was a major goal for 2024. I'm beyond grateful for the opportunity to embark on this adventure with such a passionate and dedicated agents Leonie Morris, Bradley Breary and the best admin Lindsay Thompson.

Joining a real estate team also defines my focus in the Fraser Valley (mostly Surrey & Langley), although as you know—I go anywhere in the Lower Mainland where my client wants to find their first or forever home or next investment property.

We are hosting a client appreciation event on Thursday, May 23rd @ 5-8pm celebrating YOU! It’s for all our clients (past, present + future), professional partners, and beloved community members who support us, we want to thank you! Please RSVP to [email protected]

Your trust means everything to me. In the Apr-May edition of the newsletter, enjoy current market updates, guide to farmers markets, surviving spring allergies, home reno tips and more.

Can’t wait to immerse myself in serving our community and helping each of you achieve your real estate goals! 🏡✨

🍵 Grab a refreshing bevy or yummy snack and savour here:
http://bit.ly/RainDancerHomesApr-May2024

Not a day goes by that I don’t hear people complain about the #1 pain point about ❗ High Housing Prices❗

Vancouver is one of the most expensive cities in Canada when it comes to real estate. The high cost of housing can make it challenging for first-time home buyers to afford a suitable property in a desirable location.

Here’s some tips if you want to become a home owner but stressed about affordability:

✅ Consider buying in a more affordable neighbourhood or suburb
✅ Look for properties that need some renovation work or are smaller in size
✅ Consider buying a presale (new construction) if you can wait so you have more time to save up and prepare
✅ Consider co-ownership or co-housing options
✅ Save up for a larger down payment to reduce monthly mortgage payments

❗ Down payment requirements:

✅ Save as much as possible for a down payment before starting to look at properties
✅ Consider government-backed programs for first-time home buyers
✅ Look for alternative sources of funding such as a gifted down payment from family or friends

Hope this helps you along in your home buying journey. Working with a reputable real estate agent and mortgage broker who can guide you and help you make an informed decision.

If you like what I shared, I invite you to our educational + empowering free seminar for first-time home buyers this Thursday at Surrey Libraries (City Centre)! 📖 🏡 Our goal is to arm you with information, strategies and tips so you become clearer and more confident in your home buying journey.

Register for FREE to receive the Zoom Link: http://homebuyervancouver5.eventbrite.ca

Turn Your Dreams to Reality: First-Time Home Buyers Seminar (In-Person) Tired of paying high rent? Become a home owner! Join us for an educational & empowering seminar on buying a home in Greater Vancouver, BC.

Open House This Weekend Sat/Sun Apr 20/21 @ 2-4pm in Willoughby (Langley) 🏡🌸

Excited to be hosting an Open this weekend in Willoughby (Langley) w Leonie Morris & Bradley Breary, in one of my fav neighbourhoods in the Fraser Valley. Nestled in a charming community, Willow Living presents an immaculate 3-bedroom townhome + a den/office space, offering the perfect blend of comfort and functionality. On the top floor you will find 3 generously sized bedrooms providing ample space and privacy for relaxation. The kitchen features a gas stove with 5 burners and a balcony off the eating area, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco. Close to daycares, schools, restaurants & coffee shops, Willow Living offers convenience at your doorstep. Easy access to Hwy 1 makes commuting a breeze. Designed to maximize natural light, the townhome boasts a bright and airy ambiance, creating a welcoming atmosphere throughout. Enjoy in-floor heating for cozy winters and rough-ins for A/C and EV charging. Come by to see for yourself @ 4-20155 84 Ave!

For complete media site, go here: https://listing.pixlworks.com/Leonie_Morris/4-20155_84_Ave_Langley_Twp

(See Stories for video walkthrough)

Several months ago I started a women biz friends group in the Fraser Valley south of Hwy 91/99 (Delta, New West, Surrey, Langley, White Rock, etc.) to gather the women entrepreneurs community. We are a small (50ish) group and growing. Our focus on building relationships face-to-face via monthly networking gatherings. The next one is on Sat, Apr 13 @ 10:30am to 12:30pm at Tidewaters Pub & Grill in Delta. Come join us :)

I started this group because I moved from living in Richmond to South Surrey/White Rock about 2 years ago. While I love my new neighbourhood, I really felt the geographical distance and was isolated. I found Vancouver-based networking events to be less accessible due to time/travel constraints.

This is the business group for you if you are a woman in biz looking for community/comraderie, seeing your biz friends face-to-face, exploring potential collabs and supporting each other to succeed. We believe in generosity and reciprocity + building KLT first before doing business. We believe in building deep community over time, not just one-off meetups. It’s not a place for spam, clickbait tactics by DMs, unsolicited advertising and takers. We try to keep it simple, practise ASK/GIVE as well as 1 promo day a month.

If you live in these areas and want to check us out, join here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FJDL6Vg9MV3A9Fy1uHmrlo

Don’t go about entrepreneurship alone. Don’t underestimate the power of community. Gather supportive and uplifting people around you. A rising tide lifts all ships. Let’s do this thing, TOGETHER. 🦋👑👜

🌷The Market is Blooming… Fresh Off the Digital Press: Your Spring Time Real Estate 🏡 Update 📊 Is Here!

This past week we’ve had the warmest and longest stretch of pure spring sunshine in the Greater Vancouver region. As the green buds emerge from the branches and bright tulips and daffodils dot the lawns in our neighbourhood, there is a spirit of renewed optimism for the spring and summer season, both in life and in the real estate market!

In this edition, I share about the market waking up to the spring season: listings are up, prices are up, home sales have risen for the second consecutive month in 2024. Many buyers I met last year are coming around and saying they are ready to go now, whereas sellers have been more optimistic in listing their homes.

On a personal note, I share about what it took to put down roots in a new neighbourhood… the Fraser Valley women in business community that I started that is making a huge difference (featured photo credit ). If you’re a woman in business, come join us!

Also in this jam-packed edition:
💰 BC Budget highlights on housing
💲Make sure you declare your Empty Homes / Speculation Tax by March 31st to avoid fines!
🏗️Featured Presale in Surrey Central: Park George 🌆 which offers best price in the area, unbeatable location, and great amenities
🛠️Spring time redecorating/renovation and gardening tips
💸Did you know that the government will subsidize your secondary suite?
😎Spring break activity guide for kids and families in Metro Vancouver
👜Networking brunch for women in biz friends April 13th in Delta

🍵 Grab a refreshing bevy or yummy snack and savour here:
http://bit.ly/RainDancerHomesMar2024

🏡 Top 5 Tips to Secure Your Home 🔐

I love my neighbourhood in which is a peaceful bubble, close to the U.S. border, close to the beach and surrounded by city parks, a greenbelt behind us, great schools + a wonderful mix of small business and big box chains for shopping + friendly community.

Like everywhere else in the Lower Mainland, it’s growing… and densifying. Everything is here, and it makes me never want to leave (except to cross Hwy 99 to see my friends and have meetings!)
Do you feel the same way? Your home is your sanctuary… which is why you need home security.

I lived in “ignorance is bliss” until recently I heard about a break-in at our townhouse complex, which (for real) gave me anxiety for a few days. Granted, it was in a home that was hidden from plain view, and the residents had been away for a few weeks. Still, it got me thinking about the importance of home security.

This article “The holistic approach to home security” offers some good tips, highlighting the importance of considering all factors in protection, including people, possessions, and property (and beyond basic home alarm systems): https://www.keepsafesystems.ca/index.php/blog-roll/the-holistic-approach-to-home-security.html

The new year is also a great time to review your insurance coverage, include for your home. Check out the guide New Year, New Coverage? Why the New Year is a Great Time for Insurance Review: https://www.zoocasa.com/blog/new-year-insurance-review-benefits/

What do you do to keep your home secure? Got other strategies not listed here? Let me know in the comments or DM 🙂

Freshly Issued from the Digital Press is the February edition of the newsletter commemorating the much-anticipated Lunar New Year which begins February 10th, ushered in under the auspicious symbol of the Dragon 🐉, which holds profound significance in Chinese and most South / East Asian culture.

👉 Grab your fav bevy + read the latest here : bit.ly/RainDancerHomesFeb2024

�I have to confess that holidays are a hard time for me due to not being geographically or emotionally close to my family of origin, who are spread throughout the globe. This is a common theme among immigrants. What does give me joy and comfort is the diverse community of chosen family I have nurtured over the years to journey together with and honour significant holidays and celebrate life’s milestones. �

Dragon symbolizes power, strength, and good fortune, making 2024 an especially auspicious time for matters concerning money and wealth. The Year of the Dragon offers a unique opportunity to look after your financial foundation, possibly consider a real estate “move” or other investment(s). It is also a time to reaffirm the importance of family, friends and community. While it is important to build wealth and accumulate assets, equally important is investing in our relationships and cherishing the time that we have together (with food as the main love language, of course! :) 🥟

🧧 Happy Lunar New Year of the Dragon! 恭喜發財! 🧧 May 2024 will bring you and your family more blessings, success and meaning! 😇🌟

[Photo Caption: Two of my favourite meals in Asia: enjoying Peking Duck in Malaysia & congee for breakfast at Singapore’s The Vagabond Club during Lunar New Year 2023] �

Not a day goes by without me hearing about how ‘stressed’ people are. I get it, 2023 was a rough ride. I’m sure we don’t need an extra helping of interest rates roller-coaster or never-ending inflation. Less stress and more grace is definitely in order for 2024.

While I can’t control interest rates or the $8 for a head of cabbage, I can give you tips to stay sane in this overstressed world. 😌

One of my fav ways to de-stress + relax is through acupuncture. I am biased because I have Asian heritage, but really… Asian or not, it benefits everyone. I am a big fan of acupuncture as a holistic, non-invasive and effective modality for health and wellness. Holistic health care doesn’t have to break the bank. That’s why for the past 10 years, I have been loyal to Poke Community Acupuncture (the OG clinic in Vancouver with a $40-70 sliding scale). I love my nap times there.

😌💤Know someone who could benefit from free acupuncture? Throughout January, they are offering a “bring a friend for free” on Wednesday afternoons, 2-6pm with acupunk Amy. Payment can be split in two, or you can treat your friend! To book a treatment, go tohttps://poke.janeapp.com/ or call (604) 568-7322.

🌟 Hot Off the Digital Press – the January newsletter is live, and it's packed with info + inspo to kickstart your 2024 on a positive note! 💖

👉 Grab your fav bevy + savour the goodness here: bit.ly/RainDancerHomesJan2024

In this edition, we're saying goodbye to overdoing and embracing the beauty of grace and space and focusing on what really matters, aka JOMO instead of FOMO.

Plus, this is probably the longest market update I’ve written/compiled, packed with relevant 411 on 2023 Market Recap & What’s In Store for 2024, including the scoop on Canada’s wartime housing strategy to roll out in 2024 + good news for EV owners as new BC strata rules make it easier to charge your vehicles.

New Year is the perfect time to declutter your home, clear your mind, and detox your body to make space for new blessings to come… that’s why I added The Georgia Straight's guide to Vancouver’s best saunas, the compelling science behind forest therapy based on innovative research from my alma mater University of British Columbia, plus 6 reasons to declutter your home in the New Year.

Phew! What else did I miss? Of course! Happy Lohri and Happy Chinese New Year of the Dragon! I recommend “Gang Haggis Fat Choy”, an intercultural fusion community banquet with yummy multi-course dim sum, music, poetry + performances, on Jan 28 @ 12pm, $60. Check out [gunghaggis.com] for deets + tix.

👉 Read the newsletter here: bit.ly/RainDancerHomesJan2024

(Photo Caption: Honouring the 3 spiritual traditions that have influenced who I am today: Christianity, Buddhism and Nature-Based Indigenous Medicine. All photos taken in Ho Chih Minh, Vietnam, 2019)

What are you anticipating 2024 will bring? Happy reading + don't forget to share your thoughts and favourite takeaways.

A few days into the new year and it still feels very new, but already it has a lighter energy than 2023, don’t you think?

Spent NYE staycationing downtown the DOUGLAS, Autograph Collection nice dinner (probably the only time of the year I eat steak), walking hand-in-hand on Robson St., then returning for yummy reading time from piled-up lifestyle magazines brought from home (one of my fav ways to relax), and heart-to-heart w Honey🍯Bear 🐻, then in-room breakfast in bed the next day.

(This photo was taken at dinner. I didn’t actually drink the complimentary sparkling wine. It was just for posing ;)

2023 was a year of new beginnings, unexpected challenges plus some painful yet profound lessons worth their weight in gold. Through it all, I can still say that there has been a lot of love, abundant blessings and much to be grateful for. 2024 is quite the auspicious year of the Dragon in Chinese astrology, as well as a powerful “8” universal year in numerology.

Spent part of my holidays learning about the 2024 energy forecast, reviewing + reflecting + releasing 2023 as well as visioning, preparing, and tuning in for what’s coming. Are you ready?!?!

Hope 2024 will bring you and your family more blessings and success, meaning, fun and fulfilling things to fill your heart and spirit! 😇🌟

After a few weeks of fullness, wrapping up work, a bunch of social gatherings, creating and sending holiday greeting cards (virtual + snail mail), coming up with thoughtful gifts, shopping, wrapping, indulging, eating, drinking and being merry, it's time for some .

It seems I care more about cocooning than the fact that I’m supposed to be on today! (oh yes, btw…) They were doing a news story on the new wartime housing strategy the federal government is rolling out in early 2024… the interview happened quickly last week and I was told that it would be airing today.

If you catch it, let me know. I’ll ask for the video clip + share, of course.

Before I take time off tech, I wanted to express my gratitude for YOU being in our community—for your friendship whether recent or long-time, for your fellowship (for my Christ-faithful and service/ministry folks), and your love and support in life + biz.

Honey 🍯 Bear 🐻 and I are wishing you a joyous and meaningful holiday season and a blessed New Year! 🎄🎁🌟

👑 Roz RainDancer, Holistic REALTOR® (Vancouver)
📱 604-723-1727

Holy Wow! God’s canvas is 🌅🧡💜

Hot off the Digital Press is the latest newsletter, "Unwrapping the Gift of Time: Your Guide to a Fun and Meaningful Holiday Season."

📰 Newsletter Highlights
* The importance of slowing down and being in silence + prayer during this Advent + Yuletide season 🤲
* Mini snapshot of community connections in the past month
* A brief year-in-review plus my fav tools + guides for a clear, honest and fruitful review of 2023 and powerful 2024
* Early Winter Market Update 🏡 (buyers + sellers are in holiday mode but there is more choice now since 2021 and some deals to be had!)
* A mini gift guide for the foodies + book lovers on your list 😋🍓🍳📚🔖
* You’re invited to a (free) couples + family skate on Dec 22 evening, as well as recommendations for unique holiday events + experiences this season

🔗 Grab a hot cocoa and take a few moments to savour the goodness: bit.ly/RainDancerHomesDec2023

We hope you find the newsletter both informative and inspiring as you navigate through the holiday season. Feel free to share it with friends, family, and community to spread the love.

Wishing you a joyful and meaningful holiday season! 🎄🎁🌟

[Photo Caption: After we set-up the Christmas tree in our pajamas]

Hot Off the Digital Press is the November edition of the RainDancer Homes newsletter. This month’s theme is “Dealing with the Difficulties of Life (Illness & Divorce, Death & Grief) 💔❤️‍🩹 and Finding Light in the Darkness”. 🕯️

This year, one of the hardest things for me to come to terms with is the death of my first love who died at the young age of 40 from a 5-year battle with cancer.

Illness and divorce, death and grief are difficulties of life that can touch everyone and discriminates no one. If you are going through a difficult season, I see you, I hear you and I’m here for you. � �It’s important to be prepared and informed about how to deal with these realities. They are not fun or sexy, nor would I wish it upon anyone. But I bring awareness to it (and share related resources) so that you can give yourself the gift of being well-resourced and well-supported during difficult times.

November’s Market Update 🏘️ is expanded to include economic trends + Top 3 BC Real Estate News. There are deals to be had in the detached homes market. 🤑 It’s also Financial Literacy Month, so check out Vancouver Public Library personal finance workshops. Heads up first-time home buyers: get the scoop on how to win $8,000 by opening up an FHSA. 💸

This month’s Community Connections focus is on multi-faith community prayer, transforming grief through poetry, + a free workshop from a counsellor on coping with eco-dread and climate anxiety. 🌏😩

Each month I send out an intentionally curated newsletter, that includes market updates/industry trends, solution-focused articles (also on LinkedIn), inside scoop on community events and holistic lifestyle reviews and recos.

Check out this month’s issue @ http://bit.ly/RainDancerHomesNov2023 + click ‘Subscribe’ at the top left hand corner to receive it right in your Inbox.

(Photo Caption: Burning sage & lighting a candle as I pray 🙏)

As I write this, I am celebrating with a first-time home buyer for their closing today and new home possession tomorrow! 🥳🎉👏 congrats JJ! (more about their story later ;)

With the rising inflation and rising housing costs, I’ve heard from so many folks that they feel concerned that their dream of owning a home is just that, a dream… out of reach. 🙁

But with the right education (information is power), proper planning, positive mindset, resources + support, it absolutely can happen for you.

In April 2023 the Canadian government introduced the tax-free FHSA (First Home Savings Account) to help potential home owners save for their down payment.

The contribution room is $8K per year up to a maximum $40K (it starts when you open an account).

Are you maximizing the government incentives available for your first property?

At the first-time home buyer seminar we cover details on how to open an account + info on four (4) other governmental incentives, as well as a step-by-step guide, join us tomorrow Thursday, Oct 26 @ 7-9pm.

If you are tired of paying high rent and serious about getting into the market in the near future, join us for an educational and empowering workshop on home ownership.

🔑 Last-minute sign-ups OK!
Register here for free: http://homebuyervancouver3.eventbrite.ca

Hope to see you there and help turn your dreams to reality! You deserve to have the home you’ve been dreaming of. 🏡

(New Home Wishes courtesy of )

🗝️ Do’s & Don’ts for First-Time Home Buyers: Part 3

If you're a first-time home buyer in Vancouver, it can be overwhelming and anxiety-inducing with so many things to consider. But here’s a tip when you’re shopping for homes and making offers:

✅ DO: Do your homework on the neighbourhood, the history of the property, the strata if applicable, and any future development plans. Do compare 3-5 homes before putting in an offer to ensure you are choosing the best option for you. Once an offer is accepted, you enter into a legally binding contract with the seller.

❌ DON’T get stuck in analysis paralysis, take too long to decide and miss your chance. In a hot market, you could lose out over another buyer who is more confident in their offer. Work with your REALTOR® to put your best offer forward and be willing to negotiate if needed.

If you're a first-time home buyer, don't miss out on our upcoming free seminar! Our goal is to arm you with information, strategies and tips so you become clearer and more confident in your home buying journey. Join us on October 26, 2023, 7-9pm.

Register for FREE: http://homebuyervancouver3.eventbrite.ca

🗝️ Do’s & Don’ts for First-Time Home Buyers: Part 2

If you're a first-time home buyer in Vancouver, it can be overwhelming and anxiety-inducing with so many things to consider. But here’s a tip when you’re shopping for homes and making offers:

✅ DO: Consider other costs, like property taxes, maintenance, utilities, and possible renovations. These can add up and impact your monthly budget. So, make sure to factor in all these additional costs.

❌ DON’T get too hung up on the purchase price! If the price sounds like a deal, but if you have to invest in significant renovations, it could end up costing you the same or more compared to another property that is move-in ready.

If you're a first-time home buyer, don't miss out on our upcoming free seminar! Our goal is to arm you with information, strategies and tips so you become clearer and more confident in your home buying journey. Join us on October 26, 2023, 7-9pm.

Register for FREE: http://homebuyervancouver3.eventbrite.ca

🗝️ Do’s & Don’ts for First-Time Home Buyers: Part 1

If you're a first-time home buyer in Vancouver, it can be overwhelming and anxiety-inducing with so many things to consider. But here’s a tip when you’re shopping for homes and making offers:

✅ DO: Get pre-approved for a mortgage before you start looking, and touch base with your mortgage broker before each offer to ensure your financing is ready to go. Getting pre-approved means you'll know how much you can afford, so you won't fall in love with a property that's out of your budget.

❌ Do not make another large purchase or take on additional debt such as a car loan that may affect your ability to qualify for a mortgage.

If you're a first-time home buyer, don't miss out on our upcoming free seminar! Our goal is to arm you with information, strategies and tips so you become clearer and more confident in your home buying journey. Join us on October 26, 2023, 7-9pm.

Register for FREE: http://homebuyervancouver3.eventbrite.ca