Elaine Bouma
357A Front St. K8N 2Z9 Belleville, ON, Canada

I think I lived on Mexican food when pregnant with our middle child. To this day my husband won’t eat it with me. But... Chilangos Mexican Restaurant is right down the street from my office and I haven’t met a Realtor yet who doesn’t love Mexican. ... So we go. Or we went....back in the day. If you happen to be ordering in one of these yummy looking dinners, have a taco and a margarita for me!

I sat in this chair for 20 minutes wondering if I loved it or if it was trying to kill me. Lulled by the idea of total relaxation while scrolling Instagram or reading my book. My dreams were shot about 2 minutes in.... Forearms locked into a sadistic blood-pressure monitoring squeeze. Any hopes of reading a book or picking up my phone dashed. Every fiber focused on escaping the arm-vise asap. At the same time, amazing things were happening to my feet and the backs of my legs... It's good for me. That's what I kept telling myself as I sat there for a full 20 minutes. The knowledge that I'd be looser and more relaxed after this pummeling. We suffer for so many good things in life. Buying the 'project' house and scrolling through DIY Pins. Learning that time is money and you can't hang onto both. Signing up for the coaching program with visions of work-life balance and unlimited income. Finding out that nothing changes until you do. Children. Here's to a new year and choosing to suffer a little for what serves to make us better.

Did you know hospital ER nurses have a special 'normal range' when they're measuring a Dutch person's blood pressure? I'm told we're out of whack because of all the dropjes we eat. That's right. Even our candy is salty.... Good thing Trenton Delicatessen is doing everything it can to safely continue serving up delicious treats through this lockdown. Follow the arrows, stay 6' apart (that's about one Dutchman ) and we'll get through this.

I said I'd do it and I'm already a day behind! Here's another young business that's been dealt a one-two by COVID restrictions. Major Mops started out as Mommy Mops, offering residential and commercial cleaning services and providing flexible work hours to parents with school-age kids.... This company has managed to pivot BIG TIME and still offers professional commercial cleaning services. They're continuing to offer essential cleaning services with the staff they're able to keep on, so let them know if you're in need!

There are some girl-things I'm seriously undereducated about. Eyelash extensions are one of them. But I work out with Tiffany and there's no denying the difference great eyelashes make.... Tiff can deadlift my bodyweight 2x over and looks like a goddess doing it. No small task, trust me. There's no curbside pickup or any other workarounds for businesses like Lashes at Tiffany’s. This is where hurts the most. Share some love and reviews if you're lucky enough to be her client!

I am not a shopper. Left to my own devices, I'd make do with whatever I could find in navy or gray, that didn't cost much. When I do shop for myself, Kimberly's DeJa Vu Boutique is one of my first stops. Kimberly and Brenda have a way of making you feel like a goddess when you're shopping here. They know clothes, and they're honest about what looks good. ... You can still come out of LD looking great by shopping on their website. Kim is in-store each day from 12-4 posting new items on their socials and offering personal shopping and curbside pickup! You've gotta move fast if you want those NineWest runners or that Michael Kors handbag. https://www.kimberlysdejavuboutique.com/

I hope everyone’s enjoying their first 2 days of LD! Many small businesses barely survived round one, but round 2 could be a TKO for some. I’m going to try to share a post from local small businesses every day who have once again modified their business plan to help keep our numbers down and Ontario safe.... Jack Tucker's Bar and Grill - Quinte West is a personal favourite...it’s close by and Mr. Picture Perfect and I often stop in for lunch or a date night meal. For those who live further out, JT’s and their sister pub:Jack Cooks Pub offer a really affordable driving service if you’ve had one too many. Oh AND the food and staff are amazing and their prices are super reasonable. Give them a try!

If you're like most homebuyers, I'm sure the holidays haven't stopped your home search even a little bit. We've got all the tools to show, sell and inspect homes safely during this lockdown. In fact, we've been doing this for months now. For a safe and thorough home inspection,Mike and Cathy from Quinte's The HomeTeam Inspection Service are my favourites. ... Keep them in mind whether you're planning to buy or sell in 2021! https://www.facebook.com//a.1715243695523/3709310975773633

Getting that all-too-familiar renovation itch again? I feel you. I painted my way through March, April...and most of May. I have to tell you Quinte Paint & Wallpaper has this curbside pickup thing completely figured out.... They're fast, responsive, and able to help you figure out your best shade of white online or over the phone. Support this family-owned business at either of their locations! https://www.facebook.com/quintepaint/posts/3679750142084379

I killed my own deal and I'm not sorry about it. Once in a while a house sort of falls into my lap. Seller wants to sell and it so happens I have a buyer who wants to buy.... So a deal gets put together. A win-win-win [seller-buyer-me] if it all works out. Does that mean the buyer has to buy because I’m the white knight who found this place for him/her? No. The deal is only good if it works for everyone. Right price, right terms, a good closing...all the things. It turns out that upon closer inspection, this place needed more than my buyer could put into it. Seller has already done all he’s willing to do to make this deal work. Please understand. I’m not in the business of NOT selling houses. I could have pushed the deal. Softened the blow when talking about cash flow and appreciation. Referred a cheaper contractor for repairs. Commented on how someone else is sure to buy if you don’t... But that’s only a win for 2 of us.

Y'all know just how much love I have for the CMHC. While I'm sure the CMHC's revenues have dipped since July, the same is not true of their prediction for Canada's housing market. Historically low interest rates are expected to hold into 2023. ... Job insecurity due to the pandemic may impact the housing market later this year and into early 2021. But not to the degree that the CMHC predicted. Canadians are spending less and saving more. Those dollars are being funnelled into housing. In fact, the Royal LePage Canada Home Price Forecast expects the 2020 median home price in Canada to finish 7.0% higher than 2019. Housing supply remains desperately low compared to the number of buyers searching. The lesson here for buyers: Take advantage of the seasonal 'slump' we're coming into as we get into the holiday season. Chances are you'll still be competing for your home, but with fewer buyers. Don't expect to see a glut of inventory on the market in the spring, at drastically lower prices. Those homes will disappear fast. The lesson for sellers: Take advantage of the seasonal 'slump' we're coming into as we get into the holiday season. Fewer sellers means all eyes will be on your home and only the most serious buyers will be visiting. Waiting to sell until spring means more competition in your price range. Also more buyers coming through who have more options.

Thank you Quinte Home Builders Association prez Jonathan Van Huizen for painting a clear picture of how Belleville’s proposed 120% development fee increase will impact all stakeholders including local taxpayers. Not just builders and new home buyers.

Your clutter doesn’t bother me. That laundry hamper living in the hallway outside the bathroom? Forget about it.... The nest of charging cables beside the coffee maker? No worries. It’s just a market evaluation. And I’m looking around my own place for inspiration while I write this... Your clutter won’t change the value of your home when it’s stacked up against comparable properties. Not at this stage. If there’s a clear path to your utility room, that’s helpful. If you know when your windows and roof were last replaced, great! If I can kind of see what era your kitchen is; perfect. We’ll deal with the dust bunnies later.

There are no deals. Not when you’re looking in the same place and at the same thing everyone else is. Maybe you’ve been conditioned to assume that when a house comes on the market the asking price is the starting price.... You’re not wrong in most cases. Occasionally though, a home comes on that’s priced just a little high. Watch for the homes that have been sitting on the market for more than a couple of weeks. Don’t take this as an invitation to punish the seller for his optimism. Take it as a rare opportunity to negotiate a fair price for a home you’ll consider a ‘deal’ 3 years from now.

The Bully offer. Also known as a pre-emptive offer. [That’s a polite bully, in case you’re wondering.] I don’t like them. All the other buyers and buyer’s agents scheduled to view your home dread them.... We talk about them when it’s time to list your house. As the seller, it’s up to you if you want to consider a bully offer or not. And whatever you decide, you have the option to change your mind. In writing, if you please. Because once in a while a ‘bully’ comes in with an offer that’s too good to ignore. 20 Kyle Court in Frankfrd is SOLD firm. In 48 hours vs the 96 we had planned for.

I don't rant about too many things on FB. There's enough crappy news floating around this year. But I see articles like this one and they clearly show that one guy's agenda is being pushed. Ask CMHC CEO Evan Siddall how business has been since he did a 180 on homeownership in July?... Canadians are an adaptable bunch and our other 2 non-CMHC mortgage insurers are doing their best to get qualified home buyers into the market. Yes, it’s difficult and no one expected prices to climb like they have this year. But owning a home isn’t and never should be a pipe dream. We will find a way and we will find you a home.

2 Century Semi's in Belleville Great tenants who love living here Tenants pay all utilities Updated roof, windows, siding, aluminum... Separately metered Centrally located Extra large lot Just $274,900. Offers are being reviewed on November 14. MLS# 40042885

This is the weekend! Gail Morrison is on the run! Gail set out from the Royal LePage ProAlliance parking lot at 8:30 this morning and is running the first half of her 100km run for the RLP Shelter Foundation. Support Gail by cheering her on at a checkpoint. Hand her some sunblock...it’s a hot day for November! ... Let’s help her blow the doors off this fundraiser. Click the link to donate! https://royallepage.myetap.org//makeastatem/individual.do

A 2 minute ramble about: The election [I have no idea] The local real estate market [No one had any idea but here we are]... And what to expect from real estate moving forward. [We’re hanging on for the ride]

14 McCleary Rd in Marmora has a new price of just $319,900. If you could work without worrying about commercial rent payments... If you could own your own place without stressing over property taxes...... If you had acres of land and Hwy 7 exposure... If you could live where you work... Would you?

Pretty sure I’ve MEMORIZED my gal-darned health card number... #testresultsplease Update: I HAVE now memorized my health card number AND the 9-character code on the back. ... Still no test results.

I’m learning just how inconvenient it is to catch a cold these days. Just 2 days ago I declared that I wouldn’t get tested unless I was ordered to. The same afternoon I started to feel a sore throat coming on.... Crap. Off I go for a COVID test. My face-to-face business is on hold until test results confirm that I’m just one more of over 32,000 cold/allergy sufferers who’ve tested negative in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties. Like so many other parents and students, I can’t afford not to know. Because you know. There’s a 0.16% chance... Before you think I’m not taking this seriously, please understand that I am. I’m just tired. Tired of being locked down over COVID, and now tired at the idea of being locked down over a regular cold. But the rules must be followed if we’re going to get out of this. I have a fantastic colleague who’s helping me out with showings. I’m not going grocery shopping or to the bank or to any other public indoor space until I shake these symptoms. My school-age kiddo is going without hugs for a while. Let’s get this cold/flu/ [insert next hateful ailment here] season buttoned up. Wash your hands, wear your mask and please, please stay home if you’re not well.

Live where you work! And why not, when you can live and work at 14 McCleary Rd in Marmora. 2000 sq ft zoned rural-commercial... Steel-clad wheelchair accessible building Beautifully renovated retail/living space A list of permitted uses as long as my arm Owner occupancy permitted with municipal approval 3.8 acres with frontage along Hwy 7 Property taxes under $3K/year Fed Ex delivers Toronto or Ottawa - you’re halfway to either city Let your business serve you for a change. Cut ties with commercial rent and consider a new opportunity. MLS# 40015073 $326,000

I make sure I’m there to meet the appraiser when I help you buy or sell a home. Appraisal time is the biggest nail biter in any home buying or selling journey, IMHO. Not just for the buyer but for the seller too.... Sellers: Will the house appraise for what the buyer offered or will we have to put it back on the market and go through this again? Buyers: The market’s so hot I had to pay more than asking to even have a chance. Will the bank see the value? I get it. Not all homes need an in-person appraisal, but when they do I’m there to help the appraiser see the same value you see. Questions always come up for things that aren’t in the listing. Is the pool heated? How old is the furnace? How many offers were there? [Note: If this isn’t asked I find a way to answer it...] The appraiser is the for the bank. I’m there to make sure he/she sees the whole picture.

Do you remember what you were doing 19 years ago today? I remember when the towers fell. I had just started a new job as a veterinary technician. We were prepping for that day's surgeries. Everyone froze. The radio that played in the background was turned up. ... A hush fell over the clinic that day. We all went about our work but in quiet concentration. Some of us with tears. On that day we weren't Canadians and Americans. We weren't divided by politics, tariffs or a closed border. We were a global population. United in grief. Today is a normal workday for most of us. My kids have no memory of this event. It's up to us to never forget those who went to their last day of work or took their last flight 19 years ago today. Photo: https://www.click2houston.com//18-years-later-experts-are/

Said goodbye to my girls today! They’re starting year 3 and year 1 at Redeemer University. I also had to look UP to wish my boy a happy 13th birthday this morning. It’s crazy how spring seemed to never end with all of the kids home...lockdown...everything. ... Now over one weekend, everything’s changed. If you catch me sniffling over the next couple of weeks, don’t judge.

People I know you all think Realtors have got it all together all the time. I know you do. But once in a while we each have a moment.... While I haven’t quite had a moment like this (yet), I really hope that when it happens, I too, can laugh my a off about it and record a 4 minute video for the entire planet to enjoy. That is all.

If there's one thing that the past few months have brought to my attention, it's the importance of running a LEAN and adaptable business. Entrepreneurs who have adapted quickly and remained flexible have weathered the storm. Some of the changes they've made have proven to be for the best, regardless of the global situation. If you've been watching your overhead costs climb vs. your income, I'd like to talk to you about making a move that might prove to be a game-changer for y...our business. Maybe it's time to live where you work. Give up commercial rent. Move your business to an area that allows you to stretch your legs [and your budget] just a little. Maybe it's time to think about Marmora. Check out this 2000 sq foot rural commercial property at 14 McCleary Rd. right along Highway 7, halfway between Ottawa and Toronto. Living space for you AND your business. MLS# 40015073 $326,000

Looking for the perfect home and neighbourhood to raise your family in? Check out my new listing at 28 Britton Place in Belleville's west end! 5 bedrooms 2 bathrooms Fully finished basement... Pool All in a safe, quiet neighbourhood near schools, shopping and with Bell Fibe internet. Don't wait long to schedule your visit! Offers will be reviewed on August 31. $449,900 MLS# 40012751 See more

It hit me today that there are so many things I about living where I work. There are so many things I don’t love about it too, but they’re short term irritations. Yesterday’s trip to Marmora, for instance, to pick up yet another Marketplace find for the stone house. ... A midday trip with Mr. Picture Perfect to pick up a used table doesn’t work when your schedule is not your own. We could never have taken on the Stonehill reno project if we weren’t self-employed. We’d have never had this opportunity if we hadn’t taken a risk years ago and bought the property next door to live and run our business from. A business we’ve been able to grow because we don’t pay commercial rent somewhere else. We live where we work. Are you loving where you live and work right now?

Surprise, [CMHC CEO] Evan Siddall...Canadian homebuyers are doing just fine without you. Canada's other 2 private mortgage insurers have picked up a ton of business since CMHC (a Crown corporation) drastically changed its underwriting policies for high ratio borrowers, effectively shutting out first time home buyers and making mortgage qualification harder for...almost everybody. Mr. Siddall seems shocked that Genworth and Canada Guarantee aren't following the CMHC's lead and... has sent a letter warning them of the 'doom and gloom' that will surely befall them if they don't fall in line. Meanwhile these 2 companies are raking in all sorts of extra business since July 1, even underwriting mortgages that would have easily met CMHC's new criteria. From the article: If CMHC gets into financial trouble, the Canadian taxpayer bails them out. Not that that has happened, because Canadian housing has been strong for decades, but if CMHC has problems, that’s what happens, says Soper. If a private company gets into trouble, they go out of business or their shareholders abandon them. There is no bailout for private companies, so the underwriting rigour in the private sector is very, very good, because they don’t want to write bad policies. ~ Phil Soper, Royal LePage President and CEO Hopefully Mr. Siddall's successor is a little more forward-thinking.

Friday night on the farm... man I love this place.

Looking for that perfect balance? Waterfront living but not the waterfront price tag? A quiet neighbourhood but easy access to restaurants, shopping, and entertainment?... Your own place but worry-free yard, pool and tennis court maintenance? Yes. Tennis court maintenance. Then look at this Pier 31 condo at 31-2 Keegan Parkway in Belleville. MLS 40007163 $434,900 Link to the listing is in comments.

I wore heels to a showing for the first time in 4 months. That was Saturday and my feet still haven’t let me forget. [Don’t make fun of my tiny socks...it’s COVID season y’all, and I haven’t had a pedicure since last summer.]... Anyways. Between and actually remembering to make up the top half of my face, I was reminded of how much my style has devolved since March. How much we’ve all had to adapt, yet still get stuff done. How have you adapted? How is your fall of 2020 looking compared to what you expected in the spring? Is it better, worse, or just...different? I’d love to know! Drop a comment or send me a message!

How do you grow your investment portfolio and protect your sanity at the same time? If you’re like me, the idea of watching the stock market or investing in mutual funds gives you a rash. Where's the happy medium?... I'd argue that it's real estate. Now. Not all real estate investments are a sure bet. There's a lot more research needed than you'd put into your RRSP investment. The benefit is that real estate continues to follow one of the most predictable cycles out there. As with most investments, if you’re willing to hold onto it for a while, it will appreciate. And the part I love? When it comes to real estate, you control it. It’s up to you how much money goes into your property and how much income you pull out. You alone decide when to buy and when to sell. What's even better? There's an investment property out there for everyone. From the most risk-adverse to the leveraged-and-loving-it. I'm excited about the real estate investment opportunities I see in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties. Send me a message if you need more info!

I miss church. The music, the message, the people, the handshakes and hugs. It might be a while yet before we can attend in-person, but I hope that when we do everyone has a sense of humour about wearing masks!

I just walked in the door feeling a bit ‘meh’ about the last 2 weeks. Thinking I haven’t done enough...hustled enough...prioritized peoperly. Honestly I probably haven’t. ... But I often forget that it’s not about the hustle. It’s not about how hard I’ve worked. How many things I’ve stayed on top of and what’s slid through my fingers. It’s about the people. And something I’ve done in the last 2 weeks has mattered to some people. Thank you so much to a lovely couple for the beautiful flowers! This is such a lift for me today.

Recently I've been spending some time 'up north'. Not like, Roslin or Stirling. I mean REALLY up north. Marmora. ... This town fascinates me. It's quaint without being pretentious. Pretty, but not overpriced. Hugging the south edge of Crowe Lake, Marmora doesn't care if you can afford an expensive cottage or if you just want to dip your toes in on the weekend. The lake is accessible to all. Right now it's just a tiny dot along highway 7. But Marmora is ready to bloom. It's the gateway to eastern Ontario's cottage country and 45 minutes from Peterborough and the 115. Only 2 hours from Toronto, it's the ideal place to live and work, or even live where you work. Thinking about moving your business out of the big city? Since I happen to know it's been done in Marmora, I'd invite you to contact me. More canoeing, less commuting. https://youtu.be/pcl1ZCQM_s4

A couple of weeks ago I posted this photo of me sporting a mask on my personal page. Overall the comments were positive but I did learn that there’s certainly some different attitudes about masks being mandatory in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties. Some people think it’s unnecessary, others resent it and some wonder why we weren’t doing this back in April?... Hindsight is 20/20. Or 2020. One thing I’ve noticed since the ‘face covering required for entry’ signs have started popping up, is how hard people are working to keep working. We are an adaptable, co-operative community. Spaces are clean, people are respectful, and our economy is moving again. It’s such a relief to see. As uncomfortable as wearing a mask is I’m happy to do it for the sake of these businesses trying to keep their doors open. For these employees who are back to work. For homeowners who are making a move. For those who are at risk. Whatever our feelings are on the subject, let’s respect the rules so we can keep working!

There's an investment property for everyone. If you're an investor who's all about the numbers (because that's a type) ... Then you need to check this out. 2 legal non-conforming duplexes on one commercial corner lot. 4 rented units and positive cash flow. 1 low price. Send me a message for ALL the numbers! MLS# 272939 & 272948

Once a month my [functionally dysfunctional] family gets together at Dad and Nina’s place for burgers. I say functionally dysfunctional because while Mom and Dad aren’t married to each other anymore, we do Christmas, Thanksgiving, and any other family events ALL together. Including ‘Grandpa Night’. ... That’s Dad in the awful shirt dishing up more ice cream than anyone needs to eat in a month for each of the grandkids, whether they’re age 5 or 17. A family dinner might not seem like a big deal to some. I’m one of 6 kids. We’re all married with kids of our own. When we’re all here, that’s 15 adults and 20 grandkids (some who are already adults). To be fair, it’s not often we’re all here. I have sibs in Alberta and Arizona who we don’t get to see as often as we’d like. But for this group of 26, Phase 3 is a pretty big deal. Who’s in your list of fifty favourite people?

Thanks to Leanne MacKenzie for setting me up with this sweet COVID caddy for showings! No more Lysol wipes rolling around on the floor of my car... #thirtyonebags

This highlighted red square is part of a zoning map. Zoning maps aren't terribly exciting compared to looking at the buildings that are actually on the map. There happen to be 2 income-producing duplexes on one of the 3 red blocks on this zoning map. ... That one in the southeast corner of Dundas St. E and Burnham St, as a matter of fact. They're not terribly exciting to look at, but they're making money. For the investor that's looking a little further down the road, this zoning map is a thing of beauty. All 3 of those red blocks are for sale. They're zoned C2-22 which means these properties could be turned into a busy little commercial enterprise. Imagine your own professional business or medical plaza with apartments above. Imagine having parking spaces available to rent for the hospital 2 blocks away. Imagine the possibilities while collecting rent from your 2 legal non-conforming duplexes next door. Now imagine looking up 4 MLS numbers to get all of the information on these 3 red blocks: 188 Dundas St. E: MLS# 272935 190 Dundas St. E: MLS# 272931 196 Dundas St. E: MLS# 272939 196A Dundas St. E: MLS# 272948

Interval training in air you can chew on...not the best choice. Also it turns out I run better with a podcast.

I don’t know if you’ve ever moved with little ones, but I’m sure you can appreciate the stress. This family’s closing day also happened to be about 40 degrees so by the time they were packed and moved nobody was in a fabulous mood. When this 7pm text came in my heart broke a little. ... 6 minutes, 2 phone calls later and everyone was reunited. No stuffy gets left behind.

‘Sandwich Generation.’ Ok it’s more of a demographic than a generation, but it describes a growing segment of buyers here in the Quinte area. We used to be anxious to move out and leave Mom and Dad behind. ... Mom and Dad used to live in fear that the kids would never grow up and leave. That’s changing. Families are coming back together under one roof, for all kinds of different reasons.

Happy Canada Day!

This old house has a whole new look now that the willow stump is gone! And the steel is on and new windows are in and the porch is done and.... Thanks to the Picture Perfect Landscaping Quinte Ltd. crew for helping out!

Celebrating these amazing Dads today! Happy Father’s Day to all the dads.

Cruise through all of our Royal LePage ProAlliance Realty, open houses from the comfort of your couch!

So this just happened. Somehow this crazy tomboy grew up, finished high school and graduated tonight. *sniff* ... We even persuaded her not to show up in jeans and a tshirt. We’re so proud of you Ingrid Bouma!

Some Quinte Christian High School staff stopped by for a ‘surprise’ visit to congratulate our grad today! Thanks to this amazing school for supporting our students through distance learning. Limited face-to-face time with her teachers has absolutely stunk. ... But developing the self-discipline needed to complete grade 12 online - really well - means this kid is super-prepared for university. Someday she’ll thank me for pointing that out. Probably not in 2020 though.

Selling a house is a lot different than selling a home. You know what I mean. Sometimes we simply sell houses. Pre-construction, new builds, vacant or distressed...houses.... Don't get me wrong, I like selling houses a lot. But I love selling homes. This little 3 bedroom, one bathroom home may not look like much. But look again. Beth raised her own kids and many others here. She was [still is] 'that mom'. That mom that believes if you want to know what your kids are up to then you need to keep them close to home. That mom that knows if your kids' friends feel welcomed and they’re well fed, then they'll all stay close to home. That mom that knows that all kids need a safe place, not a magazine-perfect, spotlessly clean place. Beth's also that mom who knows when it's time to pack up 42 years of memories, and move on to something more manageable. Congratulations to this dear lady! It's been a pleasure helping you sell your home.

I’ve been too quiet about the events in Minneapolis and around the US over the past 2 weeks. Heartbroken, and yet still clueless about how help. This morning I watched a zoom interview about what it’s like to be a black Realtor in Canada.... Stupidly, until now I figured a black professional’s experience would be the same as mine. It never occurred to me how that assumption alone underscores how deeply ingrained white privilege is. How rampant racism exists even in a country as ethnically diverse as Canada. It’s not enough to stay silent. Black lives matter. Our attitudes matter.

Self care = More work. Just different work.