Window coverings are one of those finishing touches that can really make a room feel complete. More than just decorative elements, they play a key role in light control, privacy, energy efficiency, and even acoustics. But with so many options out there, where do you begin?

Let’s break it down.

Step One: Define Your Priorities

Before choosing window coverings, take a moment to think about your needs for each room. Ask yourself:

• Do I want to control how much light enters the space?

• Is privacy a concern—especially for bedrooms or bathrooms?

• What’s the primary function of the room (e.g., sleeping, relaxing, working)?

• Am I trying to save on energy costs?

• What’s the overall design style I want to achieve?

Once you have your priorities set, shopping becomes much more focused—and a lot less overwhelming.

The Big Three: Types of Window Coverings

While there are countless variations and customizations available, most window treatments fall into three main categories: shades, blinds, and curtains (or drapery). Here’s a quick look at each:

1. Shades

Shades are typically made from a single piece of fabric and can be pulled up or down to control light and privacy. They’re versatile and come in a range of styles and materials—from light-filtering to blackout.

One popular option is Roman shades, known for their soft, folded look that adds timeless elegance. For a clean, modern aesthetic, roller shades are a great minimalist option. Looking for high-tech convenience? Many shades now come with motorized options that can be controlled with a remote or smartphone app.

2. Blinds

Blinds offer a sleek, structured look and come in both horizontal and vertical slat formats. Unlike shades, blinds allow you to adjust the slats for customizable light control throughout the day. Materials range from wood and faux wood to aluminum and vinyl—each offering different price points and design vibes.

Blinds work well when paired with curtains for an extra layer of privacy or style. They’re especially effective in home offices, kitchens, and bathrooms where practical function often comes first.

3. Curtains and Drapes

Curtains add softness and warmth to a room, and depending on the fabric and length, they can create anything from a casual cozy vibe to dramatic elegance. Floor-to-ceiling drapery panels help elongate the height of a room and make smaller windows appear more substantial.

For larger windows or sliding glass doors, drapes offer a functional and stylish solution. Want to add charm to your kitchen? Café curtains—which only cover the lower half of a window—provide a balance of privacy and light while keeping things visually light and airy.

Bonus Tip: Mix and Match with Purpose

You don’t have to choose just one type of covering. Layering—like pairing blinds with sheer curtains—can give you the best of both worlds: functionality and visual interest. Just be sure the styles complement each other and fit your overall interior theme.

The Finishing Touch

To “close the curtain” on this post—pun fully intended—remember that window treatments should not only look good but also serve your lifestyle. Match your coverings to your interior design style, whether that’s modern, traditional, bohemian, or anything in between. And don’t forget to explore custom options if you have uniquely sized windows or specific functionality needs.

Investing a little time into selecting the right window coverings can truly transform a space. After all, they’re one of the few elements in your home that impact light, mood, and privacy all at once.

You’d think a buyer-friendly market would be buzzing with activity—but in March, that just wasn’t the case. Despite low mortgage rates, more homes to choose from, and sellers ready to negotiate, Metro Vancouver saw the slowest March for home sales since 2019.

Let’s break it down:

Sales Are Sluggish

Only 2,091 homes sold in March across Metro Vancouver—a 13.4% drop from the same time last year. That’s also 36.8% below the 10-year March average, so things were much quieter than usual.

Buyers Have More Power Than Ever

In addition to the growing inventory, March also marked the seventh straight interest rate cut from the Bank of Canada, bringing the overnight rate down to 2.75%. That’s a big deal. Lower rates typically mean lower monthly mortgage payments, more buying power, and more room to negotiate—all major perks for buyers.

Yet, despite all of that, many would-be buyers are still sitting on the sidelines.

Listings Are Way Up

Sellers, on the other hand, seem ready to go:

• 6,455 homes were newly listed in March—a 29% increase year-over-year.

• Total active listings hit 14,546, a massive 37.9% jump from March 2024, and the highest we’ve seen in nearly a decade.

There’s no shortage of options for buyers right now.

Sales-to-Active Listings Ratio

This handy metric shows the balance between supply and demand:

• Detached homes: 10.3% (leaning buyer's market)

• Townhomes: 21.5% (borderline seller’s market)

• Apartments: 16.2% (balanced market)

For context: under 12% = downward pressure on prices. Over 20% = prices tend to rise. Right now, most of the market is still balanced, but townhomes are nearing a tipping point due to limited inventory.

Home Prices Stay Mostly Flat

• Overall benchmark price: $1,190,900

  • Down 0.6% from last year

  • Up 0.5% from February

Detached homes:

• Sales down 24.1%

• Price: $2,034,400 → up slightly from both last year and last month

Apartments:

• Sales down 10.2%

• Price: $767,300 → down from last year, but up 1% from February

Townhomes:

• Sales down 4.6%

• Price: $1,113,100 → down slightly year-over-year, but up a bit month-to-month

What’s the Takeaway?

We’re in rare territory:

• Lowest mortgage rates in years

• Tons of active listings

• Willing sellers

• And prices holding relatively steady

If buyer demand catches up in the months ahead—especially with spring in full swing—we could see things start to shift quickly. Waiting too long could mean missing this sweet spot.

Wondering if it’s the right time to make a move?
Let’s talk strategy over coffee (or something stronger if we’re doing math). I’ll help you make sense of the market and spot the opportunities—whether you're buying, selling, or just curious.

The Metro Vancouver housing market is heating up as we close out 2024, with buyer demand continuing to rise in November after an October that saw buyer's begin to return to the market. Here's a simple breakdown of the key points:

Home Sales on the Rise

Home sales in November saw a 28.1% jump compared to November last year, with 2,181 homes sold. While that's still 12.8% below the 10-year average, it's clear that activity is picking up following a similar boost in October.

New Listings Increasing

Sellers are also getting in on the action, with 3,725 homes newly listed in November, up 10.6% from the same time last year. This is slightly above the 10-year average for new listings, but is helping to provide winter inventory for those eager buyers looking to get in before the Spring Market.

More Choices for Buyers

The total number of homes for sale hit 13,245, a 21.2% increase year-over-year and significantly higher than the 10-year average. This gives buyers more options as they navigate the market.

Prices Holding Steady – For Now

The benchmark price for all residential properties sits at $1,172,100, down slightly (0.9%) from last year and almost unchanged from October.

However, experts warn that if demand keeps growing and new listings don’t keep up, we could see prices start climbing again in 2025. With another expected interest rate drop on December 11, we could see increased buyer demand in the Spring. This of course all really depends on bond yields and how the economy is fairing as reductions from the Bank of Canada do not directly correlate to reductions in mortgage interest rates.

Sales-to-Active Listings Ratio

This ratio is an important measure of market health.

• Overall Residential Sales to Actives Ratio: 17.1%
• Detached homes: 12.7%
• Townhomes: 23.1%
• Apartments: 18.7%

What does this mean? When the ratio is below 12%, prices tend to fall. Above 20%, prices often rise. Right now, the market is balanced, but it’s worth keeping an eye on.

Price Breakdown by Property Type

• Detached Homes: Benchmark price is $1,997,400, up 1% from last year.
• Townhomes: Benchmark price is $1,117,600, up 1.8% from last year.
• Apartments: Benchmark price is $752,800, down 1.2% from last year.

What’s Next?

With demand rising and inventory still steady, the market remains balanced. But if buyer interest continues to grow and new listings don’t keep up, prices could edge higher in the new year.

Thinking about buying or selling? It’s a good time to start planning. Let’s chat about your goals and how to make the most of this market.

In an era where life moves at an increasingly rapid pace, families often find themselves seeking ways to strengthen their connections and support one another. One beautiful solution that has been gaining popularity in recent years is multi-generational living. This arrangement involves several generations of a family—grandparents, parents, and children—sharing a home. While it may not be suitable for everyone, multi-generational living comes with a range of benefits that can significantly enhance family life.

1. Stronger Family Bonds

Perhaps the most obvious benefit of multi-generational living is the opportunity to build stronger family bonds. With everyone under one roof, family members have more time to connect, share stories, and create lasting memories. Grandparents can play an active role in their grandchildren's lives, providing guidance and wisdom, while parents have the support they need in raising their children.

2. Shared Financial Responsibilities

The financial burden of homeownership or rent can be daunting. Multi-generational living allows families to pool their resources, making it easier to afford a larger and more comfortable home. Shared expenses for utilities, groceries, and maintenance can significantly reduce individual financial stress, providing families with greater financial stability.

3. Caregiving and Support

As parents age, the need for caregiving often arises. In a multi-generational household, family members can readily provide the care and support required. This arrangement ensures that elderly family members receive the attention they need while allowing them to maintain their independence and dignity.

4. Cultural and Heritage Preservation

Multi-generational living can be a powerful tool for preserving cultural traditions and family heritage. Grandparents can pass down customs, recipes, and stories to younger generations, ensuring that important cultural elements are not lost over time.

5. Education and Learning

Children in multi-generational homes benefit from exposure to a wider range of life experiences and knowledge. Grandparents, with their wealth of wisdom, can provide valuable insights and mentorship. This diverse learning environment can contribute to a child's personal and intellectual growth.

6. Enhanced Emotional Support

Life can be challenging, and having family members around for emotional support is invaluable. In times of crisis or personal difficulties, knowing that your family is right there to lend a hand or offer a listening ear can make a world of difference.

7. Increased Security

A multi-generational household often means increased security for all members. Having more people around can deter potential intruders, and elderly family members can feel safer knowing there are others to assist in case of an emergency.

8. Reduced Loneliness

Loneliness can be a significant issue, especially for the elderly. Multi-generational living provides regular companionship, reducing the risk of social isolation and loneliness, which can have adverse effects on mental and physical health.

As someone who has experienced the benefits of multi-generational living and close family ties, I'm in a unique position to help guide you and your family through the process. If you have any questions about it or would like to look into your options, then reach out to me anytime.