Another year on the COVID-19 treadmill of time . . . when the days and months move quickly and yet the passing of time seems to stand still. It was another year of finding balance; high highs, low lows, optimism, pessimism, togetherness, and division. 

In 2021 we saw a province wide trend – buyers were looking to shift from the bustle of city life to the quieter lifestyle that can be found in smaller communities. It was a strong market for sellers and, as the year wrapped up, we experienced a lack of inventory that resulted in high prices and bidding wars. 

Jeffrey continues to be absolutely integral in the day-to-day operation of our business. His skill and hard work was recognized with the remarkable achievement of being named one of the top 35 agents across Canada under 35 with Royal Lepage. As a team, we once again received The Red Diamond Award which is in the top 2% of all Royal LePage agents nationally for 2021. These awards mean a great deal to us, both professionally and personally. We have achieved continued success in an unpredictable market, in an unpredictable world, during an unpredictable global pandemic. Your trust in us to guide you through the process of buying or selling a home is truly what means the most to us. I am proud of what we have done together as a team and I am proud of how Jeffrey and I have continued to adapt to the ever-changing circumstances in this business – to help our clients achieve their goals and keep us all stay safe while doing so. 

In other news on the business front, we have a new social media coordinator, Kirsten Merrifield, who has become an essential part of our marketing team. Expect to see more of Guelph’s hidden gems and behind the scenes action from the Dodd Team! 

After almost two years of limited contact with friends and family our time at the cottage in Quebec this summer was more meaningful than ever. Restrictions were lifted, we saw a glimmer of life as it once was, and our grandkids returned to the lake. If 2020 taught us anything it’s not to take these days for granted and we carried that with us into 2021. Having our kids and our grandkids together, and the time we were given to connect with our family and oldest friends is so important to us. It was a beautiful summer and we hope a sign of things to come in 2022.

Adam continues to work his way up the ranks of his trade in the gas industry and we are so proud of his accomplishments. Jessie has returned to the very different and slightly less friendly skies with Air Canada, which leaves us tentatively optimistic for a return to travel and adventure abroad. Not immune to the real estate pandemic trend, Jessie and her family have moved from Squamish, BC to tropical Vancouver Island and we cannot wait to see their new home. We were also thrilled to celebrate the birth of our third grandchild, as Jeffrey, Julie, and Leo welcomed sweet Penelope into their family at the end of the year. 

On the home front, Our yellow lab Clive is mercifully transitioning from a boisterous puppy to a sage and angsty teenager. He is the third lab our family has loved from Cooperslane Kennel and what beautiful dogs and lovely companions they have all been. My most popular pandemic activities from last year remain shared interests with friends around the world – baking, the Peloton community, and gardening. I’m proud that our home in Guelph will once again be featured on Guelph’s 2022 Horticultural Garden Tour this summer.

We are so thankful for the trust of our clients during this unpredictable and ever evolving pandemic reality. Guelph has seen considerable growth this year as buyers have sought out those quiet communities closer to nature, but it remains, as always, a close-knit community. We’re thankful for our friends in this town now more than ever. 2021 gave us a taste of a return to what matters most to us – connection with family and friends, shared meals, shared laughter, and shared lives. I hope the next year brings with it much health and time for you all to do what matters most to you. We’re always available if you have questions regarding anything at all, from that cute little house on the corner, to the best place for a take-out meal. You can reach me directly at 519-546-2243, and Jeffrey at 519-400-5933.