Courtesy of Shelina Wardrope

REAL ESTATE A MAJOR PLAYER IN CANADA’S ECONOMY

You may only interact with your REALTOR® when buying or selling your home, so you might not realize that they are part of a profession that has a dramatic and vital impact, not only to your local economy, but to that of the entire nation. Real estate is big business in Canada. But did you realize just how big? According to Statistics Canada nearly half of Canada’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) during the first quarter of 2022 was due to residential investment, or homebuilding. Likewise, the international market research firm Research and Markets (www.researchandmarkets.com) states that the real estate market in Canada recorded revenues of more than $58 billion (US) in 2020, a total expected to climb to nearly $64 billion (US) by the year 2025 – representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly two percent. The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), Canada’s national real estate organization, reported in its literature that there are currently more than 150,000 real estate brokers, agents and salespeople working through 74 real estate boards and associations across Canada. Of course, each of these individuals are only the most visible component of the profession. Like with any business staff must be hired, offices rented, equipment purchased and complimentary industries supported. Wherever there is a REALTOR® there is also a webmaster, graphic designer, home inspector, sign maker, interior designer and many other crafts and tradespersons - the ripples fan out widely. Real estate is also an excellent career path for those just entering the profession. As the nation’s population ages (including REALTORS®) there will be a need to fill those vacant spots and to guide the industry forward into a future that promises to be as exciting as it is different.

1. I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I have no body, but I come alive with wind. What am I? 2. You measure my life in hours and I serve you by expiring. I’m quick when I’m thin and slow when I’m fat. The wind is my enemy. 3. I have cities, but no houses. I have mountains, BRAIN TEASERS Courtesy of https://bit.ly/3OXbly4

but no trees. I have water, but no fish. What am I? 4. What is seen in the middle of March and April that can’t be seen at the beginning or end of either month? 5. You see a boat filled with people. It has not sunk, but when you look again you don’t see a single person on the boat. Why?

4. The letter “R.” 5. All the people were married.

1. An echo 2. A candle. 3. A map.

Answers:

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Take a break! Can you find the hidden words? They may be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, forwards or backwards. Enjoy!

Calm Down Catnap Chill Out Comfort Cool Off Daydream Doze Ease Freedom Holiday Leave Leisure Loosen Up Luxuriate

Peace Picnic Quieten Recess

Simmer Down Sit Back Slacken Sleep Slumber Take A Break Take It Easy

Relax Relief Repose Reprieve Respite Rest Sabbatical Serenity Settle Down Siesta

Time Off Time Out Uncoil Unwind Vacation

Courtesy of www.puzzlechoice.com