Courtesy of Natalie King

Direct: 778-870-4323 | natalieking@live.ca www.NatalieKingHomes.com Natalie King Real Estate Agent

Selling Real Estate Since 2005 with Integrity, Dignity, and Grace. Always making my clients #1 goals, my #1 goals. Providing my clients with genuine professionalism throughout their Real Estate experience, while decreasing any stressors or difficulties with authentic care.

2026 | ISSUE 8

BEYOND THE PHOTO WALL

Many homes have a wall of family photos updated each year with school pictures, family trips, camping adventures and Christmas cards. Over time, the memories grow, but the wall space does not. Using a digital photo frame could be the solution. Share both new and old memories without the clutter by going digital. Digital photo frames let you display hundreds of images in a single frame, rotating through old favourites and new moments with ease. They’re a simple way to keep your photos visible without covering every wall in your home. Digital displays don’t fade in sunlight and rearranging your collection is simple. You can add new photos instantly from your phone instead of finding another frame, another nail and another empty spot on the wall. Setup is usually straightforward: download the app, connect to Wi-FI and select the photos you want to share. Many digital photo frames also allow family members to contribute photos remotely, making them a great choice for staying connected. Digital picture frames are the most straightforward and user-friendly way to display photos. There are alternatives. With some basic tech skills, you can use a tablet and slideshow or set your photos up as a television screensaver.

Muffins

APPLE CINNAMON

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 4 medium apples, peeled, cored and diced For the topping • 2 tablespoons melted butter • ¼ cup granulated sugar • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour • 1½ cups granulated sugar • 4 teaspoons baking powder • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon • 1 teaspoon salt • 2 large eggs • ⅔ cup vegetable oil • 1 cup milk

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°f (190°c). Line or lightly grease 18 muffin cups. 2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. 3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, milk and vanilla. 4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. 5. Fold in the apples until they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. 6. Fill each muffin cup about three-quarters full. 7. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden. 8. Brush the tops with melted butter, then sprinkle sugar and cinnamon.

DON’T LET ANYONE ROB YOU OF YOUR IMAGINATION, YOUR CREATIVITY OR YOUR CURIOSITY.”

MAE JEMISON PHYSICIST & ASTRONAUT

GET IN THE GAME WITH PICKLEBALL

Pickleball has quickly become a popular sport across Canada, gaining traction over the last number of years. Pickleball is affordable, easy to learn and doesn’t require expensive equipment, making it an easy choice for people looking for an outdoor activity they can enjoy with friends and family. Pickleball combines tennis, badminton and table tennis on a smaller court, using a paddle and a lightweight ball. Usually played in doubles, it’s a social and physical activity. If you’re interested in trying pickleball, check your local recreation centre or community association. Pickleball courts are now appearing in parks, recreation centres, schools and public spaces across Canadian communities. Many offer beginner lessons, drop-in sessions and equipment rentals, making it easy to get started and join a growing community. If you’re interested in watching pickleball, then you’re in luck. Canada’s national pickleball league (CNPL) has eight teams from Vancouver to Montreal playing professionally nationwide.

EASY COTTAGE DECOR IDEAS

Enjoy the charm of cottage-style living without needing a lakeside cabin. Bring the relaxed feel of cottage living into your home, even if it’s in the bustling downtown of Edmonton or Toronto. This cottage-cozy look can be created with simple materials, textures and a mix of natural elements and cozy patterns. Cottage-style décor brings cozy comfort to your home with soft textures and complementary patterns. Start with natural wood finishes, soft whites and subtle colours to create a calm backdrop for daily living. Mixing patterns, such as florals, gingham and plaid, adds visual interest while keeping the space warm and welcoming. Add woven baskets, framed embroidery, cross-stitch, paintings, linen cushions, vintage plates, antique finds, handcrafted art and ceramic accessories to introduce texture. Houseplants, wildflowers, branches or ferns collected on a weekend walk bring life indoors. One of the best parts of cottage style is that nothing must match perfectly. As a result, mixing family heirlooms with newer pieces creates a home that feels collected over the years.

SUDOKU Squares Fill this 9x9 grid using numbers 1 through 9 so that every row, column, and 3x3 section contains each number only once.

What do you call a pen that’s always on time? “Write” on schedule! What do trees use to browse the internet? Root-Er connections! Where do sick boats go? To the dock Why did the chef get married to

the baker? It was loave at first sight!

SOLUTION

Home sales lose brief momentum

$688,000 apartment

$1,822,900 detached DOWN 7.0% year-to-year

DOWN 7.5% year-to-year

$1,030,400 attached DOWN 6.0% year-to-year

BENCHMARK PRICES

16,476 ACTIVE LISTINGS 2,061 SOLD LISTINGS

detached 6,088 6,796 apartment detached 639 952 apartment

41.3% SALES TO NEW LISTING RATIO

4,991 NEW LISTINGS

42 DAYS ON MARKET (detached)

8.0 MONTHS OF INVENTORY

VANCOUVER, BC (August 2026) — The Greater Vancouver REALTORS ® (GVR) reports that residential sales in the region totalled 2,061 in July 2026. “Last month, we reported broad gains in home sales across all home types, raising the question of whether demand would continue to build into the summer. Instead, July sales were down nearly ten per cent, led by an 18 per cent drop in apartment sales, confirming to market watchers that the June momentum was not sustained,” said Andrew Lis, GVR chief economist and vicepresident data analytics. “Over the past few years, the sales activity story has often been one step forward, one step back, and the June and July data are a prime example of this pattern.” There were 4,991 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service ® (MLS ® ) in Metro Vancouver in July 2026. The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the MLS ® system in Metro Vancouver is 16,476. Across all detached, attached and apartment property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for July 2026 is 13 per cent. The MLS ® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,088,800. This represents a 6.2 per cent decrease over July 2025. Sales of detached homes in July 2026 reached 639, the benchmark price for a detached home is $1,822,900. This represents a 7 per cent decrease from July 2025. Sales of apartment homes reached 952 in July 2026; the benchmark price of an apartment home is $688,000. This represents a 7.5 per cent decrease from July 2025. Attached home sales in July 2026 totalled 454, the benchmark price of a townhouse is $1,030,400. This represents a 6 per cent decrease from July 2025. Statistics reflect market activity in July 2026 | Source: Greater Vancouver REALTORS ® (GVR) | Market values stated are of the benchmark of Vancouver and surrounding region. Individual home market values will vary and are affected by factors such as location, size, interior and exterior condition. Please call to get an up-to-date evaluation of your home.

Natalie King Real Estate Agent Direct: 778-870-4323 | natalieking@live.ca www.NatalieKingHomes.com

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