Welcome back to our monthly “how you doin’?” We’re so glad you chose to stay! If you’re finding it in your inbox it’s because at some point you’ve trusted us with your email address. Our plan is to make it worth your while to have a read through because we know that most of you, like us, are feeling email fatigue.

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It’s hard to believe how quickly this past month has gone by… it’s weird really that so much is happening, and yet nothing is happening all at the same time.

We find ourselves at home again this Spring rather than at singing lessons and softball games, and like you, we can’t wait for a full calendar again. Local takeout lightens the busy workload and curbside pick up at Michael’s is saving this not so crafty mom from coming up with things to keep Audrey busy. She’s pretty lucky that one of her best friends lives next door and can meet her on the lawn for some safely distanced FaceTime :)

The “big girls” are doing a pretty good job of keeping their rooms clean and going on bike rides in various combinations of two at a time, though I will admit there’s a lot of Minecraft and Netflix happening here (and likely things stuffed under their beds).

As we move toward another round of learning at home, know that we know how you’re feeling with the pressure to work and “teach”. No matter how you’re making it work, you are doing your very best for your family and we hope that you realize how amazing that makes you. So much love coming your way <3

We’ll “see” you next month but in the meantime, remember that we’re here for you if you need us!

~ Melissa

• Way back in 2009 when I started in real estate we might expect a house to be on the market for 90 days as a baseline. As I’m sure you know, things are moving at a crazy pace right now! It almost feels like if a property is for sale longer than a few weeks there’s something wrong. Well, I would say you’re right. The average days to sell in Norfolk for residential listings were 14 in January, 15 in February and 8 in March. That’s why if something doesn’t sell quickly, more often than not, the asking price is stretched just too high even in this market.

• We write a weekly blog (most Mondays!) about the Market in one way or another. It may be helpful tips, suggestions or experiences we’ve had as well as cold, hard numbers (stats). The one thing we promise is that you’ll at least pick up one thing you didn’t know before reading it. This month we take a look back at The house you just bought firm doesn’t appraise…Now what?! to offer you some insight and advice on this issue that remains prevalent in the current market.

• Have you always dreamed of waterfront living? Located at 46 Grand St., this one is in the heart of Port Dover. With a double boathouse and nearly 75 feet of waterfront, this charming home is the perfect vacation without going anywhere!. Be sure and check out this beautiful listing and contact Sarah to schedule a viewing.

Here is where you will find our gold star list for the month. People and pets we love; books and quotes that touch and inspire us; television shows and movies we can’t stop watching; songs we won’t stop humming; clothing and accessories we own and covet; and all the other stuff we love and think maybe you just might love too. 

I was feeling as if I had watched all the shows in all the land…and then we found Yellowstone on Prime. It is a series that follows a family of ranchers in Montana and their constant conflicts with land developers and a Native reservation. I’m addicted and can’t wait for the new season to be released in June!

With the weather getting warmer, we should probably turn off the television and get outside. One thing that always lifts our spirits instantly is plants. We’re so grateful that Eising Garden Centre is open during the current lockdown to help us welcome Spring!

Four times a year, I find myself rushing out to pick up the newest copy of Magnolia Journal. I truly read this magazine cover to cover. It is filled with recipes, home decor ideas, gardening tips and loads more lovely content to get me inspired for whatever season we are in.

Kind people are our kind of people! We can’t resist a good pay-it-forward story and @cocoabarnewportbeach recently caught our attention during our Instagram scrolling. This Australian coffee bar offers a free coffee policy to patrons who have no job. What a wonderful gesture for those struggling in what is a difficult time for many.

Music is so important to us and our families. Sophie and Audrey have been working on a duet of the song Cover Me In Sunshine by P!nk and Willow Hart. This melody is an instant mood-booster!

Could this be any cooler? You can book a stay at this FRIENDS Themed Airbnb in Beverly Hills, California. Abby is a diehard FRIENDS fan and this destination just moved to the top of her bucket list.

We are so excited for our friends from PopUp Norfolk. They have transformed from popping up into a permanent shop in the heart of Port Dover. Cabin 519 will continue to showcase the talent of Norfolk County artists and makers. We can’t wait to honour, appreciate and support our creative community when they open up their doors in May. Mark your calendars to check them out!

Feeling sluggish? Need a boost? Train with Kerrie has created Virtual Workouts for this month to inspire you to get moving! Here you will find free virtual workouts to do from home. Complete them anytime, at your own pace!
Let’s stay motivated, during yet... another lockdown.

We recognize there are not a lot of events for us to safely enjoy happening right now. In the meantime, we do our best to scour all the local channels available to us to fill our our Events calendar to present you with a well-rounded list of options each month. Check it out and see if there is something there for you! (We encourage you to check in with the organizer of the event to ensure that the event is still running)