OTHER COLUMNISTS

by Lauren Walker I recently started reading “100 Rules for Living to 100” by Dick Van Dyke. Many older individuals find it difficult to maintain a positive attitude as they age, and yet it is so crucial. I definitely recommend this book! Being Stubbornly Optimistic What gets you out of bed in the morning? “I’ve made it to one hundred, in no small part, because I have stubbornly refused to give in to the bad stuff in life: failures and defeats, personal losses, loneliness and

by Tina Y. Gerber – McCurley The average age for one experiencing dementia is not a single number because its prevalence increases significantly with age, particularly after 65. Dementia is not a typical part of aging, but age is the biggest risk factor. Dementia includes difficulty with familiar tasks, problems with language, disorientation with time and place, poor judgement, withdrawal from social activities and planning or problem solving. Communication difficulties can b

By Shawn Lackie It’s easy to take cheap shots at a person or a situation. We seem to be overrun with bad news or salacious stuff we just can’t turn away from. Train wreck anyone? So I thought, what about talking about the positives in this profession. There are lots of them, but it would seem, it’s easier to turn over rocks and see the slime underneath and make a big deal about that. Trust me. There are many good people in this business. People who care, people who want to ma

By Shawn Lackie I had to laugh at a recent headline, in one of the on-line, so-called expert, sites, regarding Real Estate. The BIG NEWS was, “Underbidding” was back and prevalent in many GTA neighbourhoods. Underbidding? Since when did THAT become an issue? Like, when someone is asking $1.2 Million for a property and you have the temerity to offer them $1.1 Million? Excuse me, but isn’t that what used to be considered the norm? A seller lists a home for X dollars. The buyer

By Lauren Walker Most of my clients are over 65. What do you think their biggest challenge is? The fear of falling is very real, but I’ve learned over the years the fear isn’t the fall itself. The fear is not being able to get back up. Let me share with you how I help my clients. Facing the Fear I’ve worked with this client for several years, and one of her biggest fears is not being able to get up after a fall. My client was very anxious about it, I admit, but I told her to

by Tina Y. Gerber – McCurley Life doesn't come without it's various pains, struggles or hardships, but God promised to give you strength to get through them. Fear attempts, in it's way, to keep us frozen in pain. The more we struggle the deeper we sink. These feelings can paralyze us, however, if you call on the Lord, He will save you. We need to do more than eat healthy food, take vitamins, exercise, and rest to feel your best. Who has time for everything … stop spreading yo

By Shawn Lackie I was recently reading a monthly report on a local internet news site about house prices in the Durham Region. It got me thinking. I read those as do thousands of others, but what are we really to believe? The reason I ask is that I mentioned this before in a piece I called "Tell Your Numbers To Shut Up" in October. And it made me wonder. What DO people believe? Many real estate boards would have you believe what they say is the gospel truth. I think some coul

by Lauren Walker It seems Christmas is coming quickly! I am so happy to share my latest happenings, as its been a busy few months. Christmas Ornaments It is that time of year, and my 2025 Christmas Ornament, “The Place to Meet for a Christmas Treat,” featuring Hanks Pastries, has already sold out. I currently have two designs available, so please check my Facebook page for more information. Santa’s Float Fundraiser I’ve partnered with the North Durham Chamber and my design, “

By Shawn Lackie The Real Estate landscape has certainly changed in the last two years (yah think?). What used to be a crazy ride for buyers and sellers has almost died out completely. High interest rates and seller greed finally caught up with the market. Buyers who were once throwing money at sellers with no thought about it are now sitting back and patiently waiting for the next shoe to drop. Or at least interest rates. We had one drop in September, and more are on the way.