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Giving Makes Me HAPPY

Christmas, Market Updates | December 2, 2020

The world happiness report for 2019 and 2020 explains that human well-being has six dimensions. Four of those six dimensions are: basic income, enjoying good health and a decent life expectancy, social support groups for solving life problems, and living in a society that is not corrupt. The remaining two—and in my opinion, the most important two—are: opportunities to pursue a great life, and adding value or being generous to others. 

As I read and reflected on this report amid the second wave of COVID-19, with lockdowns and the holiday season—or Christmas as I like to call it—in the foreground, I was reminded how these six dimensions are alive and well in my life; and I would think that for most of you, they are alive and well, too. The “happy number” on your “happy meter” should be in the high zone. 

Out of those six dimensions, the most interesting one for me is the dimension about giving. Giving appears to be good for the soul. A Gallup World Poll survey of millions of people in 130 countries found that donation giving activates a reward in the human brain. The result? Happiness! The catch is this: we only receive the happiness if it is our choice to give, or not to give. In other words, we feel happiest when we can choose where to give, feel connected to the people or cause/organization we are giving to, can see how the money is spent, and feel as though we have made a difference. 

But, what if you cannot financially give today? As noted earlier, social support is one of the six dimensions that delivers happiness. Top up your giving by lending support to others. When you do this, you are not only supporting others, but you are also receiving the support you may need. It is the cycle that never ends! This social support may in fact be even more important today than a monetary donation. COVID-19 has caused, and is continuing to cause, mental stress and anguish. If we as givers can give and offer social support, we all win. Pharrell Williams’ song “Happy” is an amazing uplifting song of happiness. Check out the lyrics below. Bad news is everywhere, especially in 2020; but as Pharrell shares, do not waste your time, because I am happy! 

Here come bad news, talking this and that
(Yeah) Well, give me all you got, and don’t hold it back
(Yeah) Well, I should probably warn you I’ll be just fine
(Yeah) No offense to you, don’t waste your time
Here’s why

Because I’m happy
Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof
Because I’m happy
Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth
Because I’m happy
Clap along if you know what happiness is to you
Because I’m happy
Clap along if you feel like that’s what you wanna do

In the spirit of the Christmas and the giving season, the Eximus Real Estate team wants to give back to our community. During this time of gift giving, we rarely have the opportunity to give the gift that could change a life. The Eximus Real Estate Team would like to do something new this year and we want you to join us in being a part of something big!

We would like to invite you to make a charitable contribution to your favourite cause!

The Eximus Real Estate Team would then like to match that donation (up to $100)!  We are limiting our donations to a total of $5,000, so the matched donations are unfortunately on a first-come, first-served basis. To qualify for your matched donation, the charity must be a non-profit charitable organization. To apply please email us by December 23rd with the following information:

  • The name of the charitable organization and their contact info
  • Your name and the amount of your contribution
  • Copy of your charitable contribution receipt. This offer cannot be applied to past contributions you have already made prior to receiving this
  • A statement from you indicating that Eximus is permitted to publish your name, the amount, and recipient of your contribution.

Once The Eximus Real Estate Team matches your contribution we will notify you by email.

The year 2020 will certainly be a year that we will remember as the year of COVID. History buffs, Netflix, and Wikipedia will have endless stories, documentaries, and pages of information about the year of the pandemic. In fact, there may be so much talk, noise, and information around COVID that the amazing story of the 2020 real estate market in Vancouver and Fraser Valley will be lost or forgotten.

The amazingly strong Sellers’ market continued through November! The strongest property type once again is the single-family homes. The inventory levels are low and well below the numbers from 2017, while sales remain high making for another record month. The trend for townhomes is very similar to the single-family market, while the condominium market brings up the rear. A note about the condominium market, if it was not for the single-family and townhome markets being in such a strong Sellers’ market we would be thrilled, or should I say very happy. However, it is playing second fiddle to the other property types. Multiple offers continue to be the norm in our marketplace. Where and when will this hot market slow is anyone’s guess. However, I believe the answer to the future market lies in the pivotal months of February and March of 2021. Reach out if you would like me to share my thoughts on the spring market.

Take care everyone and enjoy the stats, please give to your favorite charity, stay safe, and most importantly have a Merry Christmas! See you in the New Year!

Please reach out to our team for more information or help with all your real estate needs.

Click Below To See The Fraser Valley Stats:

Fraser Valley STR Stats

Click Below To See The Vancouver Stats:

Vancouver STR Stats

STR (Sell Through Rate) Formula = Sales ÷ Active Listings + Failed Listings + Sales

Randy Dyck
Personal Real Estate Corporation
604-807-4366 or randy@eximus.com