Demand for Fraser Valley real estate remained elevated in August reaching the second-highest sales ever for the month against a backdrop of decreasing supply.

The Board processed a total of 2,087 property sales on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in August, an increase of 4.0 percent compared to July and a 2.4 percent increase compared to the same month last year. Sales remained unusually high for the month; second only to August of 2005.

Larry Anderson, President of the Board, said, “Homebuyers are facing one of the worst supply shortages in Fraser Valley history. Our sales are over 30 percent above normal, while our housing stock is at levels last seen in the early 80s.

“To put our supply and demand situation in perspective, for every 100 townhomes on the market in August, Fraser Valley REALTORS® sold 94. The single-family detached and condo markets also remained in strong seller’s market territory. Persistent demand and lack of supply continues to put upward pressure on home prices.”

In August, the Board received 2,107 new listings, a decrease of 36.3 percent compared to last year, and a decrease of 13.3 percent compared to July 2021. The month ended with total active inventory sitting at 4,077, a 16.8 percent decrease compared to July, and 44.9 percent fewer than August 2020.

Baldev Gill, Chief Executive Officer of the Board, added, “To improve affordability, the BC government introduced the foreign buyers’ tax in 2016 and the federal government introduced the mortgage stress test two years later. And yet, in the last five years, the price of a typical detached home in the Fraser Valley has increased by 50 percent.

“Those measures did not address the core issue, which is insufficient supply to meet the rise in our population growth. All levels of government must work together to correct the structural housing shortage.”

Across Fraser Valley, in August, the average number of days to sell a single-family detached home was 29 and a townhome was 19 days. Apartments took, on average, 29 days to sell.

MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity

Single Family Detached: At $1,336,800, the Benchmark price for an FVREB single-family detached home increased 1.3 percent compared to July 2021 and increased 31.1 percent compared to August 2020.

Townhomes: At $697,500, the Benchmark price for an FVREB townhome increased 1.3 percent compared to July 2021 and increased 23.7 percent compared to August 2020.

Apartments: At $498,800, the Benchmark price for an FVREB apartment/condo increased 1.0 percent compared to July 2021 and increased 14.1 percent compared to August 2020.

Market activity in the Fraser Valley – both sales and new listings – softened in July, however, buyers continued to significantly outnumber sellers resulting in inventory reaching the lowest for the month since 1981.

The Board processed a total of 2,006 property sales on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in July, a decrease of 11 percent compared to June and a 4.5 percent decrease compared to the same month last year.  Sales continued to remain above normal for July – 15 percent above the ten-year average.

Larry Anderson, President of the Board, said, “A summer slowdown is typical. We anticipated that once people could travel and enjoy family time safely, they would do so, and we couldn’t be happier for everyone.

“Demand for homes in our region, however, remains above average – for fourteen months we have been in a seller’s market for Fraser Valley detached homes, townhomes, and condos – and yet for the last four months, new listings in our region have been decreasing.”

In July, the Board received 2,431 new listings, a decrease of 31.5 percent compared to last year, and a decrease of 22 percent compared to June 2021. The month ended with total active inventory sitting at 4,901, a 10.5 percent decrease compared to June, and 33 percent fewer than July 2021.

Baldev Gill, Chief Executive Officer of the Board, added, “To put our market in perspective, we just came off the third-highest sales for July in the last ten years, while home buyers looking to invest in the Fraser Valley had the same level of inventory to choose from that they had forty years ago.

“For the market to reach equilibrium and upward pressure on prices to decrease, we need more inventory.”

Across Fraser Valley, in July, the average number of days to sell a single-family detached home was 26 and a townhome was 15 days. Apartments took, on average, 24 days to sell.

MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity

Single Family Detached: At $1,319,200, the Benchmark price for an FVREB single-family detached home decreased 0.4 percent compared to June 2021 and increased 30.9 percent compared to July 2020.

Townhomes: At $688,400, the Benchmark price for an FVREB townhome increased 1.5 percent compared to June 2021 and increased 22.3 percent compared to July 2020.

Apartments: At $494,000, the Benchmark price for an FVREB apartment/condo increased 0.1 percent compared to June 2021 and increased 13.0 percent compared to July 2020.

Sales on the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) remained robust in June however, for the first time since last September, monthly sales did not break a historical Sales on the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) remained robust in June however, for the first time since last September, monthly sales did not break a historical record.

In June, the Board processed 2,247 sales on its MLS®, a decrease of 24 percent compared to May and a 31 percent increase compared to June of last year. Sales continued to remain elevated compared to a typical June – 22 percent above the ten-year average. Larry Anderson, President of the Board, said, “In June, we shifted from an extreme seller’s market to a strong seller’s market.

Although demand for Fraser Valley homes remains very high – over 40 percent of active listings sold in June – we’re seeing the market settle down giving buyers and sellers more room to maneuver. Record. “We’re now seeing more subject offers and for the first time in months, we’re starting to see price reductions. In June, the Board received 3,108 new listings, a decrease of 10 percent compared to last year, and a decrease of 21 percent compared to May 2021.

The month ended with total active inventory sitting at 5,474, a 7 percent decrease compared to May, and 22.5 percent fewer than June 2020. Anderson continued, “A lack of supply continues to be the single largest factor affecting the market. Simply put, to meet current demand and get back to balance, we need about 3,500 more active listings in our region.”

Baldev Gill, Chief Executive Officer of the Board, added, “Effective July 1, as part of Stage 3 of BC’s Restart Plan, REALTORS® are again allowed to hold in-person showings and open houses while continuing to adhere to public safety recommendations.” “For more than a year, our industry has put tremendous effort into keeping the public safe and we will remain vigilant. We’d like to express our sincere appreciation to the public for your continued support and cooperation.”

Across Fraser Valley, in June, the average number of days to sell a single-family detached home was 17 and a townhome was 12 days. Apartments took, on average, 21 days to sell.

MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity Single Family Detached: At $1,324,400, the Benchmark price for an FVREB single-family detached home increased 0.1 percent compared to May 2021 and increased 33.2 percent compared to June 2020.

Townhomes: At $678,400, the Benchmark price for an FVREB townhome increased 1.3 percent compared to May 2021 and increased 21.2 percent compared to June 2020.

Apartments: At $493,500, the Benchmark price for an FVREB apartment/condo increased 1.0 percent compared to May 2021 and increased 13.4 percent compared to June 2020.

Fraser Valley’s extraordinary pandemic real estate market continued to break sales records – for the ninth consecutive month – while at the same time, reaching near-historic levels of new listings in May.  

In May, the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) processed 2,951 sales on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), an increase of 267 percent compared to May 2020 and a 2 percent decrease compared to April. (Note that last year, the market was significantly restricted due to the lockdown.) The previous record high for sales in May for the Fraser Valley region was 2,911 in 2016.   

Larry Anderson, President of the Board, said, “Demand hasn’t changed. What’s changed is supply. In the last three months, buyers have 40 percent more inventory to look at in the Fraser Valley and it’s allowed them to take back a little control. “We’re seeing resistance to multiple offers and buyers adjusting their offers, or even waiting because they have more selection. We’re a long way from a balanced market, but supply is helping us to head in the right direction.”

In May, the Board received the second-highest volume of new listings ever; approaching May 2018 levels. The Board received 3,926 new listings in May, an increase of 78 percent compared to last year, and a decrease of 22 percent compared to April 2021. The month ended with total active inventory sitting at 5,868, a 3 percent decrease compared to April, and 9 percent less than May of last year.

Baldev Gill, Chief Executive Officer of the Board, added, “In the context of BC’s Restart Plan, it’s important to remind consumers that for now, when it comes to working with a real estate professional or booking a private showing, it’s status quo. Currently, there is no easing of pandemic restrictions in the real estate sector and our Board does not anticipate new guidelines for several weeks. Your REALTOR® will continue to guide you safely through the buying and selling process, following all public safety protocols, for as long as necessary.”

Across Fraser Valley, in May, the average number of days to sell a single-family detached home was 14 and a townhome was 12 days. Apartments took, on average, 20 days to sell.

MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity

Single Family Detached: At $1,323,300, the Benchmark price for an FVREB single-family detached home increased 2.3 percent compared to April 2021 and increased 33.6 percent compared to May 2020.

Townhomes: At $670,000, the Benchmark price for an FVREB townhome increased 2.7 percent compared to April 2021 and increased 20.7 percent compared to May 2020.

Apartments: At $488,500, the Benchmark price for an FVREB apartment/condo increased 2.0 percent compared to April 2021 and increased 12.6 percent compared to May 2020.

For the eighth consecutive month, Fraser Valley real estate saw record-breaking sales with April topping the previous monthly high set in 2016. The 2020/2021 pandemic seller’s market in the Fraser Valley has now surpassed the previous longest stretch of seven consecutive, record-breaking months, last set in 2015/2016. For the eighth consecutive month, Fraser Valley real estate saw record-breaking sales with April topping the previous monthly high set in 2016. The 2020/2021 pandemic seller’s market in the Fraser Valley has now surpassed the previous longest stretch of seven consecutive, record-breaking months, last set in 2015/2016.

In April, the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) processed 3,016 sales on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), an increase of 338 percent compared to April 2020 and a 9 percent decrease compared to March. (Note that sales and new listings in April 2020 were significantly restricted due to the pandemic lockdown.) The previous record high for sales in April was 2,969 in 2016.

Larry Anderson, President of the Board, said, “Although it remains very competitive and challenging for buyers, April could be the turning point in this historic market. In the last couple of weeks, we have seen evidence of a change in pace.

In April, the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) processed 3,016 sales on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), an increase of 338 percent compared to April 2020 and a 9 percent decrease compared to March. (Note that sales and new listings in April 2020 were significantly restricted due to the pandemic lockdown.) The previous record high for sales in April was 2,969 in 2016.

Larry Anderson, President of the Board, said, “Although it remains very competitive and challenging for buyers, April could be the turning point in this historic market. In the last couple of weeks, we have seen evidence of a change in pace.

“In general, we’re seeing fewer multiple offers, fewer subject-free offers, and homes over-priced are starting to sit longer. The “In general, we’re seeing fewer multiple offers, fewer subject-free offers, and homes over-priced are starting to sit longer. These are positive signs that the market is responding to near-record levels of new inventory’s are positive signs that the market is responding to near-record levels of new inventory.”

The Board received the highest volume of new listings ever in March 2021 and that elevate The Board received the highest volume of new listings ever in March 2021 and that elevated pace continued in April. Last month, the Board received 5,018 new listings, an increase of 254 percent compared to April 2020, and a decrease of 1 percent compared to March 2021. The influx of new listings improved supply with total active inventory reaching 6,030 in April 2021, 20 percent higher than in March, and the highest it’s been in six months’ pace continued in April. Last month, the Board received 5,018 new listings, an increase of 254 percent compared to April 2020, and a decrease of 1 percent compared to March 2021. The influx of new listings improved supply with total active inventory reaching 6,030 in April 2021, 20 percent higher than in March, and the highest it’s been in six months.

Baldev Gill, Chief Executive Officer of the Board, added, “Buyers and sellers will note that we’re already seeing increases in home prices start to slow in response to the new supply.

“If you have an active listing now or are thinking of selling, it’s critical to work with a professional REALTOR® to ensure your asking price is realistic and competitive based on today’s market, not yesterday’s are thinking of selling, it’s critical to work with a professional REALTOR® to ensure your asking price is realistic and competitive based on today’s market, not yesterday’s.”

Across Fraser Valley, in March, the average number of days to sell a single-family detached home was 13 and a townhome was 10 days. Apartments took, on average, 22 days to sell.

MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity

• Single Family Detached: At $1,293,300, the Benchmark price for an FVREB single-family detached home increased 4.5 percent compared to March 2021 and increased 30.3 percent compared to April 2020.
• Townhomes: At $652,400, the Benchmark price for an FVREB townhome increased 4.5 percent compared to March 2021 and increased 18.0 percent compared to April 2020.
• Apartments: At $478,700, the Benchmark price for an FVREB apartment/condo increased 2.9 percent compared to March 2021 and increased 9.3 percent compared to April 2020.

March shatters monthly sales and new listings records in the Fraser Valley SURREY, BC – Fraser Valley real estate hit two historical highs in March, setting records for both sales and new listings processed in one month since the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board’s (FVREB) inception in 1921. In March, the FVREB processed 3,329 residential and commercial sales on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), an increase of 131 per cent compared to March 2020 and 18 per cent more than were processed in February. The previous record of 3,006 sales was set in March of 2016. Larry Anderson, President of the Board, said of this month’s statistics, “This market is uncharted territory for Fraser Valley real estate. The surprising strength of the economy, the influence of the pandemic and a lack of inventory of all property types has created unprecedented demand for housing in our region. “It is very stressful for buyers. REALTORS® are working hard to guide them through what has become a protracted, powerful seller’s market. As we continue to help our clients grapple with escalating prices and multiple offers, March did bring some good news. It set a record for volume of new listings received improving selection,” said Anderson. The Board received 5,087 new listings in March, an increase of 91 per cent compared to March of last year, and 56 per cent more than were processed in February. The previous high for new listings was 4,458 in April 2008. Total active inventory for March was 5,012, a decrease of 18 per cent compared to last year’s 6,083 active listings, however 22 per cent higher than February 2021. Baldev Gill, Chief Executive Officer of the Board, added, “The impact of the pandemic on the market cannot be overstated and as we know from the province’s latest announcement, we are in a precarious situation currently. Since the end of the first lockdown in 2020, the real estate profession has led the way on protecting its members and the public. “Realtors take this extra duty to protect their clients during private, in-person showings very seriously and will continue to remain vigilant until vaccines are rolled out to the greater population,” added Gill.   Across Fraser Valley, in March, the average number of days to sell a single-family detached home was 15 and a townhome was 14 days. Apartments took, on average, 31 days to sell.   MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity Single Family Detached: At $1,237,900, the Benchmark price for an FVREB single-family detached home increased 6.4 per cent compared to February 2021 and increased 25.3 per cent compared to March 2020. Townhomes: At $624,500, the Benchmark price for an FVREB townhome increased 4.0 per cent compared to February 2021 and increased 13.7 per cent compared to March 2020. Apartments: At $465,400, the Benchmark price for an FVREB apartment/condo increased 3.2 per cent compared to February 2021 and increased 6.5 per cent compared to March 2020.

For the sixth consecutive month, Fraser Valley’s real estate market experienced property sales at levels never seen before in the 100-year history of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB).

In February, the FVREB processed a total of 2,815 sales on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), an increase of 108 percent compared to February 2020, and 64 percent more than were processed in January 2021. To provide a historical perspective, sales in February were 88 percent above the 10-year average for that month; and 18 percent higher than the previous record of 2,387 sales in February 2016.

Chris Shields, President of the Board said of this month’s record numbers, “This is new territory for us. We have never seen such consistent and persistent demand for housing in the Fraser Valley.

“What’s fueling the demand is the combination of record-low interest rates and the response to the pandemic. It’s not something that could have been predicted and it has created a very complex market for buyers that requires the knowledge and expertise of a professional. For family-sized homes, prices climbed 3 to 5 percent in February alone and sold on average in three weeks. We understand the stress and frustration with the market currently and we’re here to help guide and protect home buyers.”

The Board received 3,265 new listings in February, an increase of 28 percent compared to February of last year, placing it second-highest for February for new listings in the last decade. The total active inventory for February was 4,120, down 28 percent from last year’s 5,741 active listings, and the lowest ever for the month.

Baldev Gill, Chief Executive Officer of the Board, added, “We know more people are choosing to move to the Fraser Valley right now because they’re seeking more usable space, a better quality of life, and they recognize that their housing dollar goes further. The challenge is selection. We anticipate as the vaccination roll-out accelerates, confidence in the list will increase and we’ll see inventory return to more normal levels. In the meantime, REALTORS® will continue to ensure consumer safety is at the forefront of all home viewings and transactions.”

Across Fraser Valley, in February, the average number of days to sell a single-family detached home and a townhome was 21 days. Apartments took on average 35 days to sell.
 
MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity

• Single Family Detached: At $1,163,400, the Benchmark price for an FVREB single-family detached home increased 5.1 percent compared to January 2021 and increased 19.9 percent compared to February 2020.
• Townhomes: At $600,300, the Benchmark price for an FVREB townhome increased 3.4 percent compared to January 2021 and increased 10.1 percent compared to February 2020.

Apartments: At $450,900, the Benchmark price for an FVREB apartment/condo increased 2.5 percent compared to January 2021 and increased 5.3 percent compared to February 2020.

In a month that is usually one of the quietest in real estate, Fraser Valley’s market continued at a breakneck pace, producing the strongest January sales on record as well as a modest uptick in new listings.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed a total of 1,718 sales of all property types on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in January 2021, an increase of 76 per cent compared to January 2020 and 18 per cent fewer then were processed in December 2020. Sales in January set a new, record high for the month; 72 per cent above the 10-year average, and 28 per cent higher than the previous record of 1,338 sales set in January. In a month that is usually one of the quietest in real estate, Fraser Valley’s market continued at a breakneck pace, producing the strongest January sales on record as well as a modest uptick in new listings.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed a total of 1,718 sales of all property types on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in January 2021, an increase of 76 per cent compared to January 2020 and 18 per cent fewer then were processed in December 2020. Sales in January set a new, record high for the month; 72 per cent above the 10-year average, and 28 per cent higher than the previous record of 1,338 sales set in January 2016. 

“Buyers are very motivated right now,” said Chris Shields, President of the Board, “Lending rates are the lowest they’ve ever been, your housing dollar goes further in the Fraser Valley and we’ve seen a societal shift in the last year in how people value their homes. People are asking us to find them more space. 

“Buyers are very motivated right now,” said Chris Shields, President of the Board, “Lending rates are the lowest they’ve ever been, your housing dollar goes further in the Fraser Valley and we’ve seen a societal shift in the last year n how people value their homes. People are asking us to find them more space.

“I am working with a young couple who want and are able to move up – from a condo to a townhome – due to interest rates and the equity they’ve gained over the last couple of years. The challenge is supply. It improved slightly in January, but we’ve got a long way to go to replenish our housing stock. It remains a seller’s market.

The Board received 2,784 new listings in January 2021, an increase of 26 per cent compared to January of last year. Total active inventory for the month was 4,210, down 18 per cent from last year’s 5,143 active listings, and still 30 per cent below the 10-year average.

Baldev Gill, Chief Executive Officer of the Board, added, “Homeowners may be reluctant to sell because of concerns about buying and selling safety protocols; or the challenge of finding a new home to buy. The industry has worked hard to make it as easy as possible for you to thoroughly evaluate homes online first and then, for serious, final consideration, strict regulations are in place for in-person viewing

In January 2021, the average number of days to sell a single-family detached home in the Fraser Valley was 35, compared to 60 days in January 2020; 28 days on average to sell a townhome and 37 days for apartments, compared to 47 and 49 days respectively, in January of last year.

MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity

• · Single Family Detached: At $1,106,500, the Benchmark price for an FVREB single-family detached home increased 2.5 per cent compared to December 2020 and increased 15.2 per cent compared to January 2020.
• · Townhomes: At $580,800, the Benchmark price for an FVREB townhome increased 0.8 per cent compared to December 2020 and increased 7.2 per cent compared to January 2020.
• Apartments: At $439,800, the Benchmark price for an FVREB apartment/condo increased 0.3 per cent compared to December 2020 and increased 4.4 per cent compared to January 2020.

We know life gets busy so we've kept this concise and simple for you. 

1. ROTATE YOUR MATTRESS: Help your spine out and prolong your mattress by rotating or flipping it at least once a year. Your body and wallet will thank you for it.

2. DEEP CLEAN YOUR GARBAGE DISPOSAL: This should take less than 10 minutes. Cleaning your garbage disposal is something we often overlook but it's an important task for home maintenance.

Bob Vila takes you step by step on how to properly and easily clean your garbage disposal.

3. TOUCH UP INTERIOR WALLS AND DOORS: Keep your home in tip-top shape and remove those scuff marks and touch up the paint.

4.  HAVE HVAC UNIT SERVICED: Your HVAC unit should be serviced at least once a year.  Not only does regular maintenance help in reduced utility bills but it can extend the life of your HVAC system.

TIP: Watch for local special deals and coupons for this service.  It's very common for companies to offer coupons for servicing HVAC systems.

5. CLEAN REFRIGERATOR COILS: Extend the life of your refrigerator and increase its efficiency by periodically cleaning its condenser coils. Follow these steps and you should have it done in less than 15 minutes.

6.  CHECK CAULKING AND GROUT AROUND SINKS, SHOWERS AND TUBS: Water seeps through unseen areas.  Help mitigate water damage and potential mold issues by checking caulk and grout around your sink, tub and shower.  Caulk and repair where needed.  

7. SET UP WATER LEAK DETECTORS: Water heaters, washing machines, basements all have the potential to cause havoc from a major water leak. Other areas of your home have the potential to leak too.  Invest in water leak detectors.  There are several types on the market and some you can be alerted on your phone.  

8.  TEST YOUR HOME FOR RADON: You can't see or smell radon.  But, it's a dangerous gas and breathing in high levels of this gas can increase your risk for lung cancer. 1 out of every 15 homes have high radon levels.  It's pretty inexpensive to buy a radon test.  

9. CLEAN YOUR FURNITURE: Winter months often mean spending more time indoors. Take some time and get your furniture in tip top shape and fresh.YOu can get it professionally cleaned or If you prefer to clean them yourself take a look at cleaning tips here for leather furniture.  For fabric furniture cleaning tips head on over here.

In a year when the real estate market was at a standstill for months due to COVID-19, total annual sales in the Fraser Valley still finished 12.4 per cent above the 10-year average due to unrelenting, pent-up consumer demand during the second half of 2020. In December, the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) processed a staggering 2,086 sales, the strongest December on record and 81.2 per cent above normal for the month. New listings in December, were the second highest on record at 1,502. By month’s end, active inventory finished below typical levels, at 3,949 units. The total sales volume for the year in Fraser Valley was 19,926; an increase of 28.7 per cent compared to 2019’s 15,487 sales and placing it fourth highest for annual sales since 2011. In 2020, sales of the three main residential property types were as follows: 8,176 single-family detached; 5,102 townhouses; and 4,357 apartments. Year-over-year, sales of detached soared by 41.7 per cent compared to 2019; townhome sales increased by 31.2 per cent and sales of apartments increased by 5.9 per cent.   Chris Shields, President of the Board, observes, “The pandemic upended everything in 2020 and how the real estate market responded to it was nothing short of remarkable. No one could have anticipated a six-month stretch like we’ve just experienced. Typical seasonal cycles did not apply, how we conduct business had to change to keep the public safe; and most unexpected, has been the unwavering demand for family-sized homes in our region and so far, there is no sign of it slowing down.”   A total of 31,693 new listings were received by the Board’s MLS® in 2020, an increase of 3.7 per cent compared to 2019. As with annual sales, 2020 was also the fourth highest year for new inventory for the Board in the last decade.   Baldev Gill, Chief Executive Officer of the Board, adds, “Although listing volumes appear healthy, our region’s current overall inventory is 28 per cent below normal. For those who have been thinking of selling but have held off due to the pandemic, the industry has mastered how to keep consumers safe using technology and strictly following provincial health guidelines. Ask your REALTOR® if now is a prudent time to list because the market currently is favouring sellers.”   MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity Single Family Detached: At $1,079,500, the Benchmark price for an FVREB single-family detached home increased 1.7 per cent compared to November 2020 and increased 13.3 per cent compared to December 2019. Townhomes: At $576,200, the Benchmark price for an FVREB townhome increased 1.1 per cent compared to November 2020 and increased 6.9 per cent compared to December 2019. Apartments: At $438,300, the Benchmark price for an FVREB apartment/condo increased 0.6 per cent compared to November 2020 and increased 4.7 per cent compared to December 2019.

As we put 2020 behind us and welcome the arrival of 2021, it’s time for new beginnings. January is a great time to reflect and make plans for the year ahead. Since many of us are spending more time at home, making it a comfortable place to live and work has become more important than ever.

Whether your New Year’s home projects include a major renovation or just cleaning out a closet, January is a good month to curl up by the fire, dream and make plans. To help, we’ve put together a few tips to create a cozy, calm and relaxing home.

Plan the year’s decorating and remodeling projects. Gather ideas, get estimates from contractors and make a plan for any home improvement projects, such as updating your kitchen, renovating your bathroom or finishing the basement.

Clean your pantry and refrigerator. Throw out expired ingredients, unhealthy food and leftovers. Keep fresh fruit and nutritious foods within easy reach.

1. Take down holiday decorations. Wrap your outdoor and indoor lights around a piece of cardboard to avoid tangling. For any decorations you did not use this past holiday season, consider donating them to save space for the items you really love and use.

2. Update (or create) your home inventory. Keep a record of your home’s furnishings and valuable possessions. If items are damaged or lost, you can use the inventory to submit an insurance claim to help recoup its replacement value. 

3. Organize files. Place instruction manuals and warranties into a folder for easy reference. Sort, file or shred other documents. The beginning of the year is also a good time to update your digital documents and records using a simple filing system.

4. Test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. Press the test/reset button to check whether the detectors are operating as expected. Replace batteries or purchase a new detector, as needed.

5. Prepare for winter storms. Place flashlights and batteries in every room of your home in case a winter storm knocks out your power.

Once you complete a few of these items, you will gain a fresh perspective on all the exciting possibilities for your home (and yourself) in the New Year.