by Tom Osterberg

There are two trends impacting real estate photography that you should know about if you’re thinking of selling this year.
 
First, more than ever before, buyers are relying on pictures to decide whether or not to schedule a viewing. They expect to be able to go online and “tour” your home via the photography. If they don’t form a good impression of your home from the pictures, they may quickly lose interest in your listing. 
 
Second, everyone is a photographer these days! Most people have phones with cameras, and many think they can take a decent picture. 
 
Unfortunately, taking a “decent picture” isn’t good enough. 
 
Your listing photos need to accomplish a lot. They must: 
• give buyers the information they need: room sizes, layout, views, property details, etc; 
• showcase the most enticing features of your home; 
• communicate the functionality, spaciousness and style of each room; 
• provide a sense of what it’s going to be like to live there; and, much more.
 
In short, listing photos need to help sell your property. When you consider that these pictures are often the first look-see buyers get of your home, you can appreciate how important they are. So, don’t leave listing photos to chance. There is an art and science to taking them. Think of it this way. If better listing photos encourage just five percent more buyers to schedule a viewing, that could result in a faster sale at a higher price. 
 
Having professionally taken photos, that are ready when your home hits the market is an integral part of my marketing strategy. Paying attention to the details is what will make your move go smooth, Call me today at 604-615-6446 to find out what else I do to get you top dollar for your home! 

Wild Forager Catering is a husband-and-wife team specializing in weddings and custom catering, from farm to table dinners to family celebrations. The alchemy of food and gatherings is the root of creation for the Wild Forager. The Passion behind it is a melting pot of curiosity and love for food and the world it comes from.  From their choices of Ocean Wise seafood to ethically raised beef and local seasonal vegetables, they are committed to being a responsible producer that befits our community and food culture. 

On the apron strings of his grandmother, Chef Jonathon Gee found a passion for cooking. From a young age, there was only one path set in front of him.  Growing up in the Fraser Valley steeped in agriculture has cultivated his love for serving food grown and foraged locally. With over 25 years of cooking experience and 18 of those years being in the Fraser Valley's premier wedding establishments, The Wild Forager is his newest palette of creative expression.

Erin and Jonathon started Wild Forager in January 2019 organically growing from a simple decision to start saying yes to anyone who asked if they catered functions. They did a week with a CBC production at Harrison Hot Springs and from there, their business started to grow.  Based in Agassiz, they service Hope to Maple Ridge, 2 to 200 people.  

Like many in the hospitality industry, COVID forced them to adapt.  They started offering premade freezer meals with local producers like Creekside Dairy & Creamery.  They added traditional meals to their menus such as beef lasagnas, cabbage rolls, and shepherd’s pies made with local organic beef.  They started doing pop-up kitchens serving hot fresh meals.  Follow them on Facebook to see when their next pop-up dinner will be.

Wild Forage Catering
(604) 819-4792
www.wildforagecatering.com  

When you walk into Art of Alchemy, you will be greeted by a smiling Cyprys Wales. Behind that smile is someone who has a passion for the beauty industry, lifelong learning, and caring for others. Not only does she love doing hair but strives to be a positive role model and influence in her community. Cyprys grew up in Mission and enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her foster fail dogs. 
 
She wants Art of Alchemy to be a leader in the community. Upon finishing school, she quickly knew her goal was to open an education-based salon. She is excited to be working alongside Riverside College, offering workplace apprenticeships through their Cosmetology program. Often, these opportunities end in job placements for those students entering the work field.
 
She believes that excellent customer service is about honesty and educating clients. She is always willing to listen and wants her clients to have peace of mind when they are sitting in her chair.  Art of Alchemy is continually expanding their knowledge to provide clients with the newest products and services available.
 
She was fortunate enough to learn, gain experience, and grow her clientele under Shannon Porter at Casa del Sol.  When it was time to branch out on her own, the support of family and friends helped Cyprys set up Art and Alchemy at her current location.  She believes it was the community’s welcoming support that allowed her to open a new business during the pandemic and still be here a year and a half later. To give back to her community, she has worked with numerous non-profits in Mission.
 
Cyprys and her team are excited to continue to grow and serve Mission in the years to come.

The sign in the window says “You Made It!” and after 10 years in business, Silver Creek Cafe has definitely made it as one of Mission’s most enduring places to enjoy a cup of chai with a good book or lunch with friends.
 
Located off the beaten path in the heart of the Silver Creek Industrial Park, it is a coincidence that Raj Gill set up her cafe on Gill Avenue. Although the road was not named after her, Raj has made quite an impression on the industrial area. Known for her constant smile and sweet disposition, she has customers coming from near and far to enjoy herhome cooking.
 
Silver Creek Cafe’s friendly service, free Wi-fi and the delicious all day breakfast, lunch and Indian cuisine will haveyou coming back for more. It could become your home away from home as you enjoy your coffee and watch the news on TV or quietly read your favourite community magazine. You may even catch yourself watching the trains rumbleby in the distance.
 
Having first appeared in What’s On! Mission Magazine in 2012, Silver Creek Cafe is also one of this publication's longest running advertisers and all of the What’s On! Team, past and present, wish to congratulate Raj on the 10thanniversary of her business.  She says “I’m so thankful for the continued support of my customers for the past 10 years.  Without them, I wouldn’t be here today.”
 
“As enthusiastic promoters and eager customers of Silver Creek Cafe, we look forward to another 10 years working with local gems like Raj and will enjoy many more meetings with colleagues and friends in her cozy cafe.” - EllenNguyen, What’s On! Mission owner/publisher.