According to Brian Milner of the Globe & Mail Sunday Feb 5th, “If there were an award for the sector of the economy that produces the biggest volume of statistics week in and week out, housing would certainly be a top contender. Some of the data can prove useful for discerning or affirming trends. Other numbers add little clarity. And still others just muddy the waters.”

Here’s a headline example for you:

RBC ECONOMICS RESEARCH – DAILY ECONOMIC UPDATE – February 8, 2012

“Canadian housing starts decline by less than expected in January.” Now is that positive or negaitive? I think they want you to read on to find out.

We have just received all the numbers for January and it always amazes me how they can always be manipulated to make a point. Housing starts may be up, maybe average price for condos slips, it can be overwhelming. However I feel your real estate professional, who is always aware of the statistics and takes the figures into account, also can advise you with a “gut feeling” about the market. You know how busy your phone has been, you get a vibe from other Realtors in the office, you can’t fail to notice all the SOLD or PRICE REDUCED signs that crop up. Real Estate can be a 24/7, highly competitive occupation and successful Realtors are constantly aware of the market, it is all around them and part of their lives.

So the question remains, is it an art or a science? I believe it is a well practised blend of both. Realtors will always research their advice, check the numbers and do their due diligence; then deliver their opinion with a healthy dose of intuition developed from their experience. So don’t feel overwhelmed by the headlines, they can be over complicated and misleading.

As I finish writing this article this morning it seems Statistics Canada have released a barrage of data from the Census and the conclusion is that people are moving West and Kelowna is the fastest growing area in BC, and the 4th highest in Canada...so I had better get to work!

I am sure you will agree that most Realtors are pretty gregarious. If you put a bunch of us together in a room it gets pretty noisy, fun and even a little competitive! We enjoy interacting with people, the excitement of negotiating a deal and expanding our network of clients and friends.

However there is a lot more to real estate. There are a lot of i’s to dot and t’s to cross, photographs to catalogue, measurements to verify, adverts to design, database management and, of course, plenty of filing. This is often where an assistant can round out a team. My wife is our Assistant and she gets great pleasure and satisfaction from working behind the scenes to enhance everything that we do. She doesn’t mind the repetitive tasks, is happy when everything is organized and as it should be. When you need to find a file she can find it straight away with a flourish! Our clients appreciate that she has time to remember and note the little things, like the name of their new baby!

Isn’t it wonderful in the world that it takes all kinds of people to make things happen. A Real Estate office is no different, made up of many personalities, each with their own role. Take the time today to look around your workplace and note the different people that make up the team, I am sure they each have a unique role that suits them. Letting people know you appreciate their special strengths and skills is a great way to make a life long friend!

Photo: Contributed

Neighbourhood Watch, Block Watch, Town Watch, Crime Watch - whatever the name, it's one of the most effective and least costly ways to prevent crime and reduce fear. Neighbourhood Watch fights the isolation that crime both creates and feeds upon. It forges bonds among area residents, helps reduce burglaries and robberies, and improves relations between police and the communities that they serve.

A few concerned residents, a community organization or a law enforcement agency can spearhead the effort to organize a Watch. Members learn how to make their homes more secure, watch out for each other and the neighbourhood, and report activities that raise their suspicions to the police or sheriff's office.

Watch groups are not vigilantes. They are extra eyes and ears for reporting crime and helping neighbours. Neighbourhood Watch helps build pride and serves as a springboard for efforts that address community concerns such as recreation for youth, child care, and affordable housing. One of the crimes most frequently reported to the police is residential burglary. It's also the most preventable. It doesn't take much or cost much to outsmart most burglars. They're usually not professionals, but rather people taking advantage of an easy target. Burglars may do more than steal things. If they're surprised by someone coming home or if they choose a home that's occupied, someone may get hurt.

Maintain your yard and keep ladders and tools inside when you're not using them. Don't hide your keys under the doormat or in a flowerpot. That's the first place burglars look! It's much better to give an extra key to a trusted neighbor.

Mark your valuable property like TVs, VCRs, computers, cameras and stereos with your driver's license number.

Keep a record of your property in a safe place. Install an alarm system for summoning emergency help. If you park your car outside, never leave a garage door opener in the car.

Make sure all exterior doors have good locks, at least deadbolt locks with a 1" throw. Always lock up when you go out, even if only for a minute. Secure sliding glass doors with bars or locks, or put a broom handle in the door track. Make sure your windows have good locks, especially those at ground level. Make sure all porches, entrances, and outside areas are well lit. Trim any bushes or trees that hide doors or windows.

When you go away, ask a neighbor to collect your mail and newspapers, and offer to return the favor. Put an automatic timer on at least two lights and a radio. Consider photo-electric sensors to turn outside lights on and off automatically. Tell a trusted neighbor when you're leaving and when you'll return. Include an itinerary and phone numbers where you can be reached in an emergency.

There's more to crime prevention than locks and lighting. The fact is, concerned neighbours who watch out for each other are the frontline defences against crime.

Get to know your neighbours and discuss your concerns about the neighbourhood. Be alert to things that invite crime like poor street lighting,boarded up buildings, a lack of recreational activities or jobs for teens, vacant lots littered with debris and inadequate daycare and after school programs. Work with law enforcement, civic groups, schools, churches and service clubs to solve the problems. Alert law enforcement to suspicious activities and any crimes. Report nonworking street lights, abandoned houses and other problems.

Join a Neighbourhood Watch group. If there's no Watch organization in your neighbourhood, start one with help from local law enforcement and community groups.