I saved a life today. It's really much easier than you might think.

I can literally say I saved a life today.  But 100+ other individuals did as well, having visited the Victoria Clinic of Canadian Blood Services.

I started giving blood 5 years ago, when a relative was diagnosed with hemachromatosis:  an excess of iron in the bloodstream.  This is genetic commonly passed down on the male side of the family.  The good news is a relatively easy remedy:  bloodletting.  My Doctor suggested donating blood, to deal with this possible condition (turned out that I do not have it) and also to contribute to the local blood supply.

Since that first visit, I have been back 32 more times and often with groups.  My Lodge of Odd Fellows brings a group of 5 or so every 2 months, usually capped with liquid replenishment at the local pub.  Today, I joined my friend and fellow Real Estate Board Past President Dennis Fimrite, who gave his 125th donation- to compliment his dad, Rod, who had given 175 times before recently dealing with cancer which makes him no longer eligible to donate.

175 (or 125) is an incredible number when you consider that one can only donate whole blood every 56 days.  That means Rod has been donated for at least 27 years and Dennis 19- provided they kept to the strict 56 day period.

Since starting to donate at the clinic, I have also become a volunteer once a month and am also on the Speaker's Bureau, where I give an educational presentation on the need for blood.  Here are some of the key points discussed:
-British Columbia uses more blood than it generates.  Per capita, we are the weakest Province in the country for donations.  In fact, BC imports blood from other Provinces just to keep up with demand.  We need to get better at this.
-whole blood only has a shelf life of about 35 days, although because of demand it is generally used within 5 days.
-blood can't be frozen, although the plasma can be separated and kept for a time.
-we do not possess the technology to replicate blood.
-the need for blood is high:  In emergencies, cancer patients can require 5 units,  internal bleeding 8 units, a car accident 50 units (!?!)
-ongoing treatment for cancer patients can require 5 units of blood weekly

You may think that blood is readily available.  Could you imagine this very possible scenario:  a technician in an Emergency Room opens the fridge, only to find there is not enough blood to restore life to a trauma victim.  That person could require the 50 units mentioned above, which would have to come from 50 different donors within the month- all needing to be the matching blood type.

Blood for transfusions can drastically improve someone's health also.  Or keep loved ones with you just a little longer.  When my dad was ill, transfusions gave him extra energy and provided us several extra precious days with him.  We had wonderful conversations and moments I will never forget.  We knew transfusions could not cure him but both times he received blood, I was proud of my own commitment to donate, knowing that someone else's family might benefit from my donation in a similar way.

To me, donating is a social experience.  I enjoy going with a group of friends, visiting and catching up.  Sometimes we make a fun wager on who will donate fastest (I owe Dennis $5 bucks today- his 5:50 beat my 7:00!).  Sitting around the table afterward with cookies and juice with further chatting is another bonus.

All this within a 60 minute visit every 2 months in a great atmosphere with people I know.  And I saved someone's life.

Please consider donating today.  If you haven't given before, it's easy and can be fun!  Call 1-888-TO DONATE

Victoria Real Estate just isn't what it used to be

As expected of a longtime Real Estate Agent, every day someone asks me "What's happening in the Real Estate market?".  The doom and gloom in the media seems to have died down, as reductions in transaction numbers and softening prices are no longer "hot news".

Here's my typical response today:  The market isn't white hot any longer.  Sales are still happening- to the tune of over 10 sales per day in the Capital Region- and prices are remaining surprisingly stable.  What the market feels like to me is about 15 years ago.  The sales numbers are relatively similar (prices, naturally are quite different) but most importantly, the "tempo" is similar.

Agents who have been licensed for 10 years or less have a different experience of the marketplace.  The local market started its upward trend in 2002, with prices doubling at 2007.  Sales numbers were exploding and the market was crazy!  During that time, an Agent's biggest frustration was finding property for their client or clients.  Most had sold their home quickly and at strong dollars but consequently had to rush to act on new inventory that was coming up.  Multiple offers were common, with buyers often losing out on several before finding success.

When 2008 rolled around, things started to change.  Properties were staying on market for longer and expiries or unsold properties were outnumbering successful sales.  Then the crash happened of late 2008/early 2009.  Prices tumbled and virtually everything stalled.  From an Agent's perspective, it was very interesting observing the specific areas which dried up and those which continued to remain strong.  A testament to which locations weather the storms better than others.

Then 2010 arrived:  sales numbers did not catch up to prior months but strangely, sales prices increased and the all time peak of average house prices were seen in the last quarter of that year at around $640,000.

Fast forward to today:  unsold properties outnumber sold properties so the success rate is less than 50%.  Properties take longer to sell, with far fewer showings than in recent markets.  Open houses are quieter and inquiries on print or sign calls has dropped to nearly nil.  But sales continue.  Properties priced well in the market still sell, often within the first 2 weeks on market.  Multiple offers are still seen, again on properties which are deemed to be "hot buys".  There are just fewer lookers out there and less activity.  Just like 15 years ago.

Many owners now are at the point where they could not sell today for what they purchased at back in 2008-2011.  In fact, prices now are inline with the 2006/2007 market.  What is in store?  Optimistically, we feel prices will remain stable in coming years.  For those waiting until the market picks up again, that wait might be as long as 5 years from now.

We'll still see sales in Victoria, though.  People move because their lives are improved in some way by a change in residence:  growing family, downsizing, relocation, etc.  And they'll still move, regardless of what the current market is doing or what the numbers are!

 Call or email me for more discussion on this topic or to chat about Real Estate in general.
Visit my YouTube channel, where you'll find weekly sales updates and resources including over 30 short Educational videos for buyers and sellers.