Cal Kaiser - Cowichan Valley Real Estate Expert

Archive for January, 2012

Best Mobile Gadgets for 2012

Posted on: January 15th, 2012 by calkaiser No Comments

Over 78% of Canadian households have a mobile phone, and nearly 46% of Canadians aged 18-34 own a smart phone.1, 2 Technology is being developed every day that allows us to carry our favourite photos, books, songs, videos and business and personal documents; organize our lives, and connect with loved ones and colleagues from a gadget that fits in the palms of our hands.

There’s never been a better time to try out the latest gadgets. This month, I’m sharing information about the latest smart phones, tablets and e-readers that are designed to entertain, streamline productivity and boost connectivity anywhere in the world. Feel free to share this useful information with your family or friends.

Sources: 1. Statistics Canada | 2. Ipsos, Canadian Interactive Reid Report

Download PDFBest Mobile Gadgets for 2012

Get Ready for the Postage Increase

Posted on: January 9th, 2012 by calkaiser No Comments

Canada Post is set to raise its rates across the board on January 16, 2012. This means that you’ll pay an additional 2 cents to send a letter, a birthday card or pay a bill.

Have you considered the actual financial impact of the 2 cent increase to our Canadian economy?

We have.

Let’s assume 10 million Canadians make a special trip to purchase 2 cent stamps taking an average of 30 minutes round trip. Let’s assume the average hourly value of their time is $22 per hour. In this projection, the cost/time value of 10 million Canadians buying 2 cent stamps is $112 millions dollars. WOW!

Download PDFCanadian Postage Increase

Wake Up Cowichan Valley!

Posted on: January 2nd, 2012 by calkaiser No Comments

Happy New Year,

Well Cowichan Valley it is time to wake up!! The rest of Canada is experiencing rising Real Estate values and as always the Cowichan Valley is lagging behind, but we do see a transition year in 2012 heading towards some positive ground in 2013. The best place in Canada is right here in the Valley, and we expect the trickledown effect of those other markets to begin this year.

The values are excellent and mortgage rates are amazing. 2011 also saw our lowest rate of Alberta buyers that I have ever seen. As of July they represented only 6% of buyers and we expect when the year-end tally is done it will be even lower. In 2007 they represented 15%. That will begin to bounce back in the near future as well.

Download PDFDecember 2011 Cowichan Valley GraphStats