IN THIS ISSUE:
• The real estate market as 2021 concludes
• Decor: fun time of year for decorating
• Good times on December event schedule
• REBGV statistics: Sales, listings story continues
• News: NV up-zone, offshore buyers, fed visit
Last look at Real Estate 2021 — first look at 2022
Winding down the old year is always a good time to reflect on the current state of the 2021 real estate market by posting — and where applicable — analyzing things that are being said. In this year’s final edition of News From Nexus you’ll have a chance to judge for yourself what seems to make sense.
Provincial government legislation for a cooling-off period upon completion of a sale
In making this announcement, the B.C. Government cited consumer protection as the main reason.
In a press release, Minister of Finance Selina Robinson said: “People looking to buy a home need to know they are protected as they make one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives…we’re moving ahead to protect people and their interests in the real estate market by
bringing in a cooling off period for homebuyers and looking at additional measures to ensure effective safeguards are in place.”
A cooling-off period allows buyers of residential homes a limited period of time to change their minds and cancel the purchase, similar to a law that already exists for pre-construction sales of condominiums.
The legislation is earmarked for next spring. On the surface, its implementation should help buyers, but the proof will be in the tabled legislation, which will be done after 
the BC Financial Services Authority consults key stakeholders and experts to assess the impacts on both buyers and sellers.
the BC Financial Services Authority consults key stakeholders and experts to assess the impacts on both buyers and sellers.
“Both buyers and sellers need to be supported and have time to make good financial decisions,” said Blair Morrison, CEO of BCFSA — now the single regulator for all B.C.’s financial services — and superintendent of real estate.
There are considerations that could impact positively or negatively for either buyers or sellers. One example is that when you sell your home you are often arranging to buy another home simultaneously, and those dates have to be coordinated for the seller who then becomes a buyer.
Watch for more on this important issue in 2022 editions of News From Nexus.
Talk of rate increase and its impact on making frenzied market more frenzied
When the Bank of Canada signalled that interest rates could start rising in mid-2022, it may have already prompted investors and first-time homeowners to rush to buy. History has shown this to be the case when rates are on the rise and now it is being credited as one of the factors in rising home prices.
That trend is now expected to continue, even though the Bank of Canada has said that inflating the market could expose it “to a higher chance of correction.”
The trickle-down effect of first-time buyers’ rushing to get into the real estate market includes more loans from the “bank of Mom and Dad” as parents see the chances of 
their offspring becoming homeowners continue to slip away.
their offspring becoming homeowners continue to slip away.
The trickle-down effect for investors includes a rush to investment and with that comes other issues, such as…
Flipping homes: investment analysis important
While on the surface, an aggressive market may appear to be a time for a quick profit as home prices climb, this is something that should be managed like any other investment. You want to be sure it’s a wise investment. You want to apply basic investment principles and have an investment analysis.
This is an area in which Nexus has a strong reputation, with a foundation of many years of providing clients with sound real estate investment advice. Real estate investing can be different from other investment avenues. It’s not as simple as buying and selling. It has to make sense, which means identifying potential costs associated with buying a property (think renovations, special strata assessments, etc.).
Nexus is equipped to provide that kind of investment advice because of its background in investments involving commercial, industrial and residential real estate.
It takes time. A quick fix, or quick flip, is rarely a good idea.
Decor: enhancing your home at Christmas
Third in a Series
Every issue of New From Nexus will feature some thoughts, tips or just observations about Decor. For December....how about what you can do for Christmas?
Something old plus something new?
That’s one theme that can be applied to take your Christmas home decor to the next level. Because this time of year is heavy on nostalgia and memories (plus you already have all those memorable ornaments), maybe all your decor needs to be even more impressive is a little freshening up.
There’s a reputable designer in New York (Jenny Wolf) who believes you can make your home feel more luxurious at Christmas by adding a few tiny touches for texture. Her suggestions include enhancing that green Christmas foliage with accents of berries and flowers, and accenting decorations or wreaths with ribbon. She also 
recommends going heavy on white light, pointing out you can never have too many white lights.
recommends going heavy on white light, pointing out you can never have too many white lights.
Conversely, other online expertise recommends adding to the Christmas decor you already have by bringing in the new to complement those well-loved homemade decorations and ornaments with shiny new pieces that can be of high quality yet relatively inexpensive. Even other "experts" may advise you to start fresh, with a clean slate.
Because these are personal choices, all are valid.
The same goes for colours. Red and green are traditional at Christmas, but you might also be inclined to think outside the box a little and do things like using two or three 
colours that are favourites as your centrepiece and place your traditional decorations around them.
colours that are favourites as your centrepiece and place your traditional decorations around them.
Themes are popular at Christmas to tie the elements together, with everything from endless Santas and snowmen or family photos embedded in ornaments that tell stories to flora and fauna decorating that focuses on the natural.
Or both, if that’s what you’d like to see in your home at Christmas.
What’s in the news this month
North Vancouver densification at work:
Called “gentle density” and on the table at the City of North Vancouver since 2014, the City’s community plan for an area in Central Lonsdale was “up-zoned” last month for duplexes and row-house development that could lead to 88 new homes.
Where international buyers come from to Canada:
Realtors across Canada participated in a 2020 international activity survey and the results announced in November showed that the top five countries from which international buyers came were (in order) China, United States, India, Hong Kong and Iran.Social housing top of mind for Feds?
As observers await the Federal Government’s plans for the “housing crisis” what made headlines during Housing Minister Ahmed Hussen’s visit to Vancouver last month was the city’s $1 billion social housing project in the Downtown East Side.Laneway homes, densification and home values
A study conducted by the UBC Sauder School of Business suggests that having a laneway home in your neighbourhood could decrease Vancouver property values, depending on the neighbourhood.
The study’s researchers found that laneway homes in Vancouver West are “associated with” a sale price that’s 2.8 per cent lower for neighbouring properties within 100 metres. Neighbouring properties that close to a new home which includes a laneway home and no garage sell for 3.8 per cent less, according to the study.
Meanwhile, laneway homes in Vancouver East had little or no impact on selling prices.
The researchers’ theory is that homeowners in more affluent areas believe the presence of laneway homes would put more pressure on existing amenities, like schools and parking. Loss of backyard privacy and having neighbouring renters were also identified in the study.
“When the second floor of the neighbour’s laneway is looking straight into the back of my house and into my backyard, that’s where we find the negative effects,” said co-author Dr. Tsur Somerville. “That’s what we’re really picking up.”
The study confirms the presence of NIMBYism (Not In My Back Yard), a point often emerging from zoning hearings.
Added co-author Dr. Thomas Davidoff:
“How many people get to live in the prime cities can affect unemployment and national productivity, and certainly housing affordability. There are consequences to these public choices. So understanding at a bit more of a granular level how neighbouring density affects homeowners is essential.”
The study was based on real estate sales records from 2009 to 2017. Since then, the importance of densification in Vancouver has become more prevalent. The issue of laneway homes and densification may not be in your neighbourhood yet, but your thoughts would be interesting in advance.
The positives that come with laneway homes focus on maintaining affordability, making homes more accessible for families and accommodating densification.
What do you think?
Send your thoughts to info@nexusrealtycorp.com.
Here is one elementary way to look at the ongoing statistical reports about home sales in Metro Vancouver:
Metro sales and prices up, listings down
Here is one elementary way to look at the ongoing statistical reports about home sales in Metro Vancouver:
When a house sells, the inventory is diminished by one. If another isn’t listed to replace it, the number of homes available for sale is down. Now multiply that…over and over. The demand remains the same, the supply continues to decrease, and the demand/supply dynamic means that the cost of the remaining items — be they homes, rental cars or televisions — continues to go up.
That’s what is continuing to happen in the housing market this year. Prices increase as home availability decreases.
The story added another chapter in November.
Residential home sales, as reported by the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver, were 3,428. That’s an increase of 11.9 per cent over November 2020 and 33.6 per cent above the 10-year average for November. In October, sales were 22.4 per cent above the 10-year average for that month.
Meanwhile, the “supply” continues to drop. The 3,964 new listings in November represent a decrease of 2.6 per cent from the previous year and 2.1 per cent from the previous month. This has been a consistent trend throughout 2021, with home sales consistently outpacing new listings.
Of course, this is not a blanket application, because neighbourhood statistics differ. Curiously, in the four different markets tracked by Nexus Realty, there are some exceptions. For example, year-to-year apartment listings are up in three of them — West Vancouver, East Vancouver and Vancouver West — and for two of those listings increases exceed sales increases. Attached listings also increased from November 2020 in Vancouver East. And the discrepancy between listings and sales percentages doesn’t 
reflect the figures from all of Metro Vancouver (see statistics charts below).
reflect the figures from all of Metro Vancouver (see statistics charts below).
The REBGV anticipates the general trend to continue:
“We expect home sale totals to end the year at or near an all-time record in our region. With a new year around the corner, it’s critical that this supply crunch remains the focus for addressing the housing affordability challenges in our region.”
Rising prices, obviously, make home ownership less affordable.
The total number of homes for sale is 7,144, a 35.7 per cent decrease from November 2020 and an 11.1 per cent decrease from October 2021. The sales-to-active-listings ratio is 48 per cent, and 20 per cent is the number that exerts upward pressure on home prices. By home category, the ratios are, respectively: 33.8 per cent for detached homes, 74.3 per cent for townhomes, and 53.7 per cent for apartments.
These statistics are atypical for year-end. As the REBGV puts it:
"The imbalance between supply and demand, coupled with some buyers wanting to use rate holds on lower rate fixed-term mortgages, is keeping upward pressure on home prices in this traditionally quieter time of year for the market.”
So far, there isn’t any indication when that will change.
"My home sold successfully in a timely fashion and I purchased my next residence with the confidence that I would be able to handle my finances and the move itself. I highly recommend Nexus as a firm with integrity, professionalism, enthusiasm and dedication to their clients, and a commitment to assessing and meeting the needs of their clients.”
— Sandra Booth, West Vancouver
Did you know...?
That the Point Atkinson Lighthouse on the shores of West Vancouver at the entrance to Burrard Inlet, has been a National Historic Site since 1994 on a piece of land (Point Atkinson) that was named by Captain George Vancouver?
505 - 2135 Argyle Ave., West Vancouver
Photo Credits:
Christmas decorations: Marina Khrapova, unsplash; Mountains: FangXiaNuo, Canva; Laneway House: City of Vancouver; Vancouver aerial: Edgar Bullon, Canva
Christmas decorations: Marina Khrapova, unsplash; Mountains: FangXiaNuo, Canva; Laneway House: City of Vancouver; Vancouver aerial: Edgar Bullon, Canva
Real Estate Monthly Statistics
The following statistics for West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Vancouver West and Vancouver East compare November 2021 to November 2020
(note: sales refers to number of sales, not to sale prices).
(note: sales refers to number of sales, not to sale prices).
Benchmark Price: Estimated sale price of a benchmark property. Benchmarks represent a typical property within each market.
To see more information on local stats, please click here.
With the 12th month of the year comes a plethora of entertainment and activities, even with the seemingly everlasting threat of a pandemic. For this second Covid Christmas month, the events throughout the holiday period are a little different than what used to be normal, of course. In this month's list, protocols are included when known or where applicable.
December 11
Holiday Wreath Masterclass
Fairmont Vancouver Airport
A chance to create a gorgeous holiday wreath at this festive, two-hour, socially-distanced, instructional class with all of the festive materials to customize a modern, holiday wreath from 3 to 5 p.m.
fairmont-vancouver-airport.com
Holiday Wreath Masterclass
Fairmont Vancouver Airport
A chance to create a gorgeous holiday wreath at this festive, two-hour, socially-distanced, instructional class with all of the festive materials to customize a modern, holiday wreath from 3 to 5 p.m.
fairmont-vancouver-airport.com
Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena
December 6: vs Los Angeles Kings, 6 p.m.
December 8: vs Boston Bruins, 7 p.m.
December 10: vs Winnipeg Jets, 7 p.m.
December 12: vs Carolina Hurricanes, 7 p.m.
December 6: vs Los Angeles Kings, 6 p.m.
December 8: vs Boston Bruins, 7 p.m.
December 10: vs Winnipeg Jets, 7 p.m.
December 12: vs Carolina Hurricanes, 7 p.m.
December 14: vs Columbus Bleu Jackets, 7 p.m.
December 18: vs Toronto Maple Leafs, 4 p.m.
December 19: vs Arizona Coyotes, 7 p.m.
December 23: vs Anaheim Ducks, 7 p.m.
December 23: vs Anaheim Ducks, 7 p.m.
December 27: vs Seattle Kraken, 7 p.m.
www.canucks.com
Abbotsford Canucks at Abbotsford Centre
www.canucks.com
Abbotsford Canucks at Abbotsford Centre
December 5: vs San Jose Barracuda, 4 p.m.
December 22: vs Tucson Roadrunners, 7 p.m.
December 23: vs Tucson Roadrunners, 3 p.m.
www.abbotsfordcanucks.com
www.abbotsfordcanucks.com
December 6 - January 3, 2022
Soar With Santa
FlyOverCanada, Canada Place
A daily family experience, flying with Ol’ St. Nick across Canada and the North Pole in an original cinematic experience (masks mandatory, proof of full vaccination and government ID required), 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
flyovercanada.com
Soar With Santa
FlyOverCanada, Canada Place
A daily family experience, flying with Ol’ St. Nick across Canada and the North Pole in an original cinematic experience (masks mandatory, proof of full vaccination and government ID required), 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
flyovercanada.com
December 15-16
Music for the Winter Solstice 2021
Heritage Hall, 3102 Main St.
The annual tradition of warm and inspiring music presented in a safe and caring environment with venue capacity for the live performances capped at 75 per cent and general admission seating (performance available online) at 7:30 p.m.
musiconmain.ca
December 17, 18 and 20
Christmas with Chor Leoni
St. Andrews-Wesley United Church
A wonderful eclectic program of Yuletide music in the newly restored church at 1022 Nelson St., with the choir joined by critically acclaimed violinist/fiddler Cameron Wilson during daily matinee and evening performances
chorleoni.org
St. Andrews-Wesley United Church
A wonderful eclectic program of Yuletide music in the newly restored church at 1022 Nelson St., with the choir joined by critically acclaimed violinist/fiddler Cameron Wilson during daily matinee and evening performances
chorleoni.org
Until December 24
Vancouver Christmas Market
Jack Poole Plaza
A host of daily festive activities for the whole family
vancouverchristmasmarket.com
Until December 31
A Seat at the Table
Museum of Vancouver
Daily exhibition that explores historical and contemporary stories of B.C.’s Chinese Canadians and their struggles, using food and restaurant culture as an entry point to reveal the diversity of the Chinese immigrant experience, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
museumofvancouver.ca/a-seat-at-the-table-mov
Until January 2, 2022
Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol
Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage
A heartwarming new musical, based on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton
artsclub.com
Vancouver Christmas Market
Jack Poole Plaza
A host of daily festive activities for the whole family
vancouverchristmasmarket.com
Until December 31
A Seat at the Table
Museum of Vancouver
Daily exhibition that explores historical and contemporary stories of B.C.’s Chinese Canadians and their struggles, using food and restaurant culture as an entry point to reveal the diversity of the Chinese immigrant experience, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
museumofvancouver.ca/a-seat-at-the-table-mov
Until January 2, 2022
Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol
Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage
A heartwarming new musical, based on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton
artsclub.com
Until January 2, 2022
Christmas at Canada Place
Daily celebration of the holidays, featuring the historic Woodward’s Windows and the Avenue of Christmas Trees, with light displays best viewed after 5 p.m. (vaccine passports not necessary — practice social distancing), 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
canadaplace.ca/events/christmas
Until January 2, 2022
Vancouver Art Gallery
Vancouver Special: Disorientations and Echo — The second in a series of exhibitions, this one with a primary emphasis on recent works that hold a particular resonance for this time and place not previously exhibited in Vancouver
www.vanartgallery.bc.ca
Until January 3, 2022
Festival of Lights
VanDusen Botanical Gardens
Winter wonderland every day with more than a million lights illuminating the entire garden setting featuring unique light features, themed areas, holiday music and tasty treats; 4 p.m to 9:30 p.m.
vandusenfestivaloflights.ca
Until January 3, 2022
Holiday Splash
Vancouver Aquarium
Scuba Santa, Jelly Snow Globe, The Polar Express™ 4D Experience and more in Stanley Park (vaccinations required, face masks mandatory for 5 years and over; 10 a.m to 5:00 p.m.
www.vanaqua.org
Until January 8, 2022
Imagine Picasso
Images of over 200 of Pablo Picasso’s paintings on display together for the first time ever, admired from a fresh perspective at the Vancouver Convention Centre
imagine-picasso.com
Until January 22, 2022
Bright Nights Christmas Train
Stanley Park
A special train sounding its whistle and chugging through the magically lit forest of Stanley Park with folks of all ages enjoying iconic light displays Bright Lights staff will prioritizing safety for all; noon to 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. (11 p.m., December 18-23)
vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/bright-nights-train.aspx
Until January 23, 2022
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
With Capilano Canyon and the river below, the famous bridge illuminated with 500,000 lights, plus the Arc de Lumina light tunnel
www.tourismvancouver.com/listings/capilano-suspension-bridge-park
Until March 27, 2022
Museum of Anthropology, UBC
Sankofa: African Routes, Canadian Roots Centred on works by contemporary artists from Lagos, Nigeria, and Vancouver, an exhibition with stories, histories and projects of African and Black affirmation
moa.ubc.ca/exhibition/sankofa Until
Until April 15, 2022
Gulf of Georgia Cannery — Waves of Innovation: Stories from the West Coast
An exhibit featuring stories of adaptations and innovations in the commercial fishing industry and their effects on west coast communities, with four key areas highlighted — energy, fishing, preservation and innovations of today
gulfofgeorgiacannery.org
Until April 18, 2022
Winter Vallea Lumina, Whistler
An evening excursion filled with unexpected enchantment, cryptic radio transmission and the lingering traces of two long-ago hikers in search of the scenic trailhead where the real journey begins
vallealumina.com
Christmas at Canada Place
Daily celebration of the holidays, featuring the historic Woodward’s Windows and the Avenue of Christmas Trees, with light displays best viewed after 5 p.m. (vaccine passports not necessary — practice social distancing), 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
canadaplace.ca/events/christmas
Until January 2, 2022
Vancouver Art Gallery
Vancouver Special: Disorientations and Echo — The second in a series of exhibitions, this one with a primary emphasis on recent works that hold a particular resonance for this time and place not previously exhibited in Vancouver
www.vanartgallery.bc.ca
Until January 3, 2022
Festival of Lights
VanDusen Botanical Gardens
Winter wonderland every day with more than a million lights illuminating the entire garden setting featuring unique light features, themed areas, holiday music and tasty treats; 4 p.m to 9:30 p.m.
vandusenfestivaloflights.ca
Until January 3, 2022
Holiday Splash
Vancouver Aquarium
Scuba Santa, Jelly Snow Globe, The Polar Express™ 4D Experience and more in Stanley Park (vaccinations required, face masks mandatory for 5 years and over; 10 a.m to 5:00 p.m.
www.vanaqua.org
Until January 8, 2022
Imagine Picasso
Images of over 200 of Pablo Picasso’s paintings on display together for the first time ever, admired from a fresh perspective at the Vancouver Convention Centre
imagine-picasso.com
Until January 22, 2022
Bright Nights Christmas Train
Stanley Park
A special train sounding its whistle and chugging through the magically lit forest of Stanley Park with folks of all ages enjoying iconic light displays Bright Lights staff will prioritizing safety for all; noon to 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. (11 p.m., December 18-23)
vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/bright-nights-train.aspx
Until January 23, 2022
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
With Capilano Canyon and the river below, the famous bridge illuminated with 500,000 lights, plus the Arc de Lumina light tunnel
www.tourismvancouver.com/listings/capilano-suspension-bridge-park
Until March 27, 2022
Museum of Anthropology, UBC
Sankofa: African Routes, Canadian Roots Centred on works by contemporary artists from Lagos, Nigeria, and Vancouver, an exhibition with stories, histories and projects of African and Black affirmation
moa.ubc.ca/exhibition/sankofa Until
Until April 15, 2022
Gulf of Georgia Cannery — Waves of Innovation: Stories from the West Coast
An exhibit featuring stories of adaptations and innovations in the commercial fishing industry and their effects on west coast communities, with four key areas highlighted — energy, fishing, preservation and innovations of today
gulfofgeorgiacannery.org
Until April 18, 2022
Winter Vallea Lumina, Whistler
An evening excursion filled with unexpected enchantment, cryptic radio transmission and the lingering traces of two long-ago hikers in search of the scenic trailhead where the real journey begins
vallealumina.com
Bill Reid Gallery
A small but significant collection of art and archives related to Bill Reid and his legacy, with a majority of it (161 works in a variety of media from jewelry to prints and sculptures) from the Simon Fraser University Bill Reid Collection.
www.billreidgallery.ca
A small but significant collection of art and archives related to Bill Reid and his legacy, with a majority of it (161 works in a variety of media from jewelry to prints and sculptures) from the Simon Fraser University Bill Reid Collection.
www.billreidgallery.ca
Worldwide Webcams
A website catering to people who miss travel, visiting virtually everywhere with webcams from Argentina to Zanzibar, and many places in between
skylinewebcams.com
A website catering to people who miss travel, visiting virtually everywhere with webcams from Argentina to Zanzibar, and many places in between
skylinewebcams.com
Chan Centre - Virtual Stage
In order to keep patrons, artists and staff safe during the pandemic, Chan Centre performances following the guidance provided by the BC Re-start Plan
tickets.ubc.ca or chancentre.com
Buckingham Palace
A virtual tour of the official residence of Queen Elizabeth, the focus of many moments of national celebration — jubilees, weddings, VE Day and the annual Trooping the Colour on The Queen's official birthday
www.royal.uk/virtual-tours-buckingham-palace
BC Sports Hall of Fame and Museum
Many of Canada’s most talented athletes at Indigenous Sport Gallery, Canadian Dragon Boat Exhibition, Greg Moore Gallery, Rick Hansen Gallery! Daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
bcsportshall.com
Britannia Mine Museum
BOOM! An award-winning live action attraction inside the historic mine
www.tourismvancouver.com/listings/britannia-mine-museu
Grouse Mountain, The Peak of Vancouver
Plenty of activities for all ages when purchasing a mountain admission ticket
www.tourismvancouver.com/listings/grouse-mountain-the-peak
Virtual Tours of 12 Famous Museums
Experiencing museums from London to Seoul from the comfort of your home
www.travelandleisure.com/attractions
North Shore Events
www.vancouversnorthshore.com/events-calendar/
West Vancouver United Church
Sunday service 10 a.m.
wvuc.bc.ca/worship/
Tourism Vancouver
Virtually Vancouver, and more
www.tourismvancouver.com
Need some culture or learning in your life?
Go to a virtual museum — you’ll find a lot of them through Google: artsandculture.google.com
Go to a virtual opera: www.metopera.org/
Visit the Science Centre: www.scienceworld.ca/
Nature web cams can be fun to watch. explore.org/livecams
Search for lots of free learning programs for kids and adults online.
Virtual programming at your favourite library
westvanlibrary.ca/
nvcl.ca/
nvdpl.ca/
vpl.ca/digitallibrary
