Thinking about a bigger place but hesitant because of today’s rates? You’re not alone. Still, sometimes staying put costs more in comfort and lifestyle than moving up does. Here are five quick signs it might be time to upsize.

⸻

1. Your Home Doesn’t Fit Anymore

If every corner’s packed — kids, office gear, or storage boxes — it’s a sign your life has outgrown your space.

⸻

2. You Avoid Having People Over

When hosting feels stressful because there’s nowhere to sit, it’s time to find a layout that actually works for how you live.

⸻

3. You’ve Built Strong Equity

Rising home values may have boosted your buying power more than you think. Even with higher rates, your equity could make the move possible.

⸻

4. You’re Always Compromising

Sharing rooms, no home office, or zero outdoor space — constant sacrifices add up. Comfort matters.

⸻

5. You Plan to Stay Long-Term

If you’ll be in your next home for 7–10 years, short-term rates matter less. Buy smart now, and let time do the work.

⸻

Bottom line: Upsizing isn’t just about more space — it’s about a better fit for your life. Want to know what your current home’s equity could unlock? Reach out anytime — I’m happy to walk you through it.

House hunting is one of the most exciting parts of the buying process, but it can also be overwhelming if you’re not prepared. After helping a lot of clients find their homes, I’ve learned a few things that make the experience smoother, more enjoyable, and a lot more productive.

Here’s what your realtor (👋 me) wishes you knew before we start touring homes:

⸻

💰 1. Get Pre-Approved Before We Hit the Road

I can’t stress this enough. A pre-approval isn’t just a “nice to have.” It’s the foundation of a smart home search.

It tells us exactly what price range to look in, makes your offer stronger when the right home comes along, and saves everyone time (and heartbreak).

⸻

👟 2. Wear Shoes That Slip On and Off Easily

It sounds simple, but trust me, after a few showings you’ll be glad you did. Most sellers ask buyers to remove their shoes, and if we’re seeing multiple homes in one afternoon, that can mean a lot of tying and untying.

Slip-on shoes = smooth sailing.

⸻

🎯 3. Narrow Down Your “Must-Haves” and “Nice-to-Haves”

Before we start touring, it helps to be clear on what really matters to you.

Is it location? Lot size? A specific layout?

Having a shortlist keeps us focused and ensures we’re only seeing homes that truly fit your lifestyle and budget, not ones that just look good in photos.

⸻

🐶 4. Let Me Know About Pets or Allergies

If you’re allergic to cats or dogs, or have your own furry friend, please tell me in advance. Some homes have pets that may trigger allergies, and others have pet restrictions that could affect your plans.

A quick heads-up helps me plan better and keep everyone comfortable.

⸻

🗓️ 5. Flexibility Is Your Friend

Sometimes homes sell quickly or a showing schedule changes last minute. The more flexible you can be, especially in this market, the better chance we have of getting in to see homes before they’re gone.

⸻

🤝 Final Thoughts

My goal as your realtor isn’t just to open doors. It’s to guide you through the process with as little stress as possible. A bit of preparation goes a long way, and when we work together as a team, finding your next home becomes a lot more fun.

1. Invest in Real Estate

A HELOC can be a smart way to finance an investment property without having to sell other assets. You can tap into your existing home’s equity for a down payment, then use rental income or appreciation from that property to build long-term wealth. Essentially, you’re letting one asset help you buy another — a classic move in real estate investing.

2. Help Your Kids Get into the Market

With housing prices where they are today, getting that first down payment together can feel impossible for younger buyers. Parents can use their line of credit to help bridge that gap — either as a temporary loan to their kids or by co-investing in the property together. It’s a way to help them get started sooner while keeping control of how much you’re actually lending.

3. Fund Renovations or Value-Add Projects

If you already own a property that could use some updates, your HELOC can fund renovations that boost its value. Whether it’s adding a suite, finishing a basement, or updating the kitchen, that borrowed money can quickly turn into increased equity.

4. Keep Flexibility for Future Opportunities

Unlike a traditional loan, a line of credit doesn’t cost you anything until you use it. Having one set up gives you flexibility — whether that’s jumping on a great investment opportunity or handling unexpected expenses without scrambling for financing.

The Bottom Line:

Used wisely, a line of credit isn’t just debt — it’s leverage. It can help you expand your portfolio, assist your kids, and unlock the full potential of your existing assets.

If you’d like to talk about how this strategy could fit your situation or the current market, I’m always happy to walk through real examples.

Everyone loves to talk about interest rates. Every time the Bank of Canada makes an announcement, the headlines light up: “Rates up again!” or “Cuts finally coming!” But here’s the thing: interest rates alone don’t tell you whether it’s actually a good time to buy.

Let’s talk about the part most people miss: how prices, rates, and monthly payments all interact.

⸻

🏡 The Real Math of Affordability

When interest rates are high, most buyers pull back, which usually puts downward pressure on prices.

When rates drop, demand heats up again, and prices tend to climb.

It’s a constant push and pull between the two.

So while a lower rate feels better, it doesn’t always mean your monthly cost will be lower.

Here’s a simple example:

    •    In 2022, a $1,000,000 home at a 1.9% interest rate would have cost roughly $3,600 per month.

    •    In 2024 or 2025, that same home might cost $850,000, but at a 5.5% rate the payment jumps to around $4,600 per month.

Even though the home price dropped by $150,000, the higher rate made the monthly payment increase.

But the reverse is also true. If rates drop again while prices stay lower, affordability improves fast.

For example:

    •    That same $850,000 home at a 3.5% rate would be about $3,800 per month.

So a buyer who purchased during a slower market at a good price could actually end up paying less overall once rates drop and they refinance.

⸻

🔁 You Can Change Your Rate, Not the Price You Paid

A key mindset shift for buyers:

You can always refinance your mortgage when rates fall, but you can’t go back and re-buy your home for less.

Buying during a quieter market (like now) often means:

    •    Less competition and stress

    •    More room to negotiate

    •    The chance to lock in a lower price and refinance later

In other words: today’s rate isn’t forever, but today’s price might be.

⸻

🧠 The Bottom Line

Affordability is about balance, not just rates. If you focus only on interest rates, you might miss great opportunities while everyone else is waiting for “the perfect time.”

If you’re curious how the math looks for your specific budget, I can break it down and show you what your monthly payment might look like now versus if rates dropped or prices rose again. Sometimes seeing the numbers side by side makes things a lot clearer.

Buying a pre-sale home, a property purchased before it’s built, can be exciting. You get a brand-new place tailored to your taste, often with time to plan your move and lock in pricing before completion. But it also comes with unique risks and responsibilities that every buyer should understand before signing.

⸻

The Rewards

1. Price Lock-In

One of the biggest draws of pre-sales is locking in today’s price for a future home. If the market rises before completion, you’ve potentially built equity before even moving in.

2. Customization & Modern Design

Buyers often get to choose finishes, layouts, and color schemes, making it feel like a custom home without the hassle of building from scratch.

3. Lower Up-Front Costs

Pre-sales usually require a deposit structure spread over several months, giving you time to save and prepare financially.

⸻

The Risks

1. Market Changes

If the market dips before completion, you may be paying more than the home is worth at closing, and lenders might appraise it lower than your purchase price.

2. Interest Rate Fluctuations

Your mortgage rate isn’t locked until closer to completion, so rising rates can affect your affordability down the line.

3. Developer Delays or Issues

Construction delays are common, and in rare cases, projects can stall or cancel entirely. Always research the developer’s track record.

⸻

Exit Options if You Don’t Want to Complete

Sometimes life changes between purchase and completion. Maybe you move, lose income, or the market shifts. Your options include:

1. Assignment of Contract

You may be able to sell (or “assign”) your contract to another buyer before completion. This depends on your contract terms and developer approval, and assignment fees may apply.

2. Negotiating Extensions or Amendments

In some cases, developers may grant short extensions if financing or personal situations arise.

3. Forfeiting Deposit (Last Resort)

Walking away means losing your deposit and potentially facing legal action if the developer resells for less. Always speak to your realtor and lawyer before considering this route.

⸻

The Bottom Line

Pre-sale homes can be an amazing opportunity, especially in growing markets like Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, but they require careful planning and professional guidance.

Before buying, make sure you understand the contract, the timeline, and your financial position.

As your realtor, I’m always happy to walk through your pre-sale options, help assess risk, and ensure you’re protected every step of the way.

In Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, rent prices keep climbing, but ownership continues to build long-term wealth. If you’ve been on the fence, here’s why buying might make more sense than renting right now.

1. Appreciation Builds Wealth

Home values in Vancouver and the Fraser Valley have grown steadily over time, even with market ups and downs. Real estate here has proven to be a strong long-term investment. Every mortgage payment builds equity while your property potentially appreciates in value. Rent payments, on the other hand, just disappear.

2. Be Your Own Landlord

Owning gives you control. You decide when to move, what to renovate, and how to live. With a fixed-rate mortgage, your payments stay predictable while rent can increase every year. Ownership brings stability and freedom that renting can’t match.

3. How Fast Rent Money Disappears

Paying $2,300 a month in rent adds up to almost $28,000 a year — and zero equity. That’s money that could be going toward your own mortgage and future. Even if saving for a down payment takes time, the sooner you start, the sooner you stop funding your landlord’s investment instead of your own.

4. Real Opportunities Right Now

It’s still possible to get into the market. In Langley, you can find move-in ready one-bedroom condos for under $400,000, and even some detached homes dipping under $1 million. For buyers willing to start small, it’s an achievable first step toward long-term growth.

Bottom Line

Renting can make sense for short-term flexibility, but in the long run, homeownership builds stability, equity, and wealth. Vancouver and the Fraser Valley markets continue to offer opportunity — it’s just about taking that first step.

Thinking about buying? Let’s talk about what’s possible for you today!

Closing costs are the final expenses that come up when a property changes hands. They’re easy to overlook but important to plan for, whether you’re buying your first home or selling your current one.

💸 For Sellers

The main costs for sellers are pretty straightforward:

    •    Clearing Title: You’ll need to pay off your existing mortgage or any liens on the property before transfer so the title is clear for the buyer.

    •    Real Estate Fees: These are usually the largest seller expense and are paid out from the sale proceeds at closing. They’re typically split between the buyer’s and seller’s agents.

Once those are covered, most sellers don’t have many other major costs. The rest of the sale price is yours to keep, minus taxes if applicable.

🏠 For Buyers

Buyers face a few key closing costs of their own:

    •    Property Transfer Tax (PTT): This is the biggest one. In BC, it’s 1% on the first $200,000 and 2% on the remainder up to $2 million, but first-time buyers may qualify for a full exemption.

    •    Legal or Notary Fees: These cover the cost of finalizing the paperwork, registering the title, and making sure funds are transferred correctly.

Other possible costs include things like title insurance, appraisal fees, and home inspection costs, depending on the situation.

As a general rule, we usually budget around 3–5% of the purchase price for closing costs to keep things safe and stress-free.

✅ The Bottom Line

Closing costs aren’t as confusing as they sound. They’re just the final pieces of the puzzle to make your transaction official. If you plan for them early, there are no surprises when it’s time to sign.

📞 Ready to Plan Your Move?

If you’re thinking about buying or selling in Langley or the Fraser Valley and want a clear breakdown of what your closing costs will look like, reach out anytime. I’m always happy to walk you through the numbers and help you budget with confidence — no surprises, just straightforward advice.

Metro Vancouver’s once-booming condo market is hitting a wall — and fast. Executives in the region’s real estate industry are sounding the alarm as thousands of newly built condos sit empty and unsold.

According to new data from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), around 2,500 new condos remain vacant across Metro Vancouver, double the amount from just a year ago. Industry leaders say the root of the problem lies in a mismatch between what homes cost to build and what people can actually afford.

“Costs have escalated so much in the last 10 years that to build a unit is out of the price range of 80% of the public,” said Anne McMullin, president and CEO of the Urban Development Institute. She added that government policies at all levels, combined with soaring labour and material costs, have made it nearly impossible to build affordable homes. “You're not going to build to lose money,” she said.

Some developers have even returned pre-sale deposits after failing to hit sales targets needed to secure financing. Others have entered receivership, caught in the fallout of rising costs and dwindling demand.

According to Greg Zayadi, president of Vancouver-based Rennie, the slowdown has been simmering since March 2022, but has become “very real” over the last year. “The last time we saw this level of developer-owned unsold inventory was 24 years ago,” he said.

So what’s keeping buyers away? For one, people spending $800,000 or more aren’t interested in 450-square-foot shoeboxes. They want real space — 800 to 1,500 square feet — for that price. But delivering that at a feasible cost would require building at $700 to $900 per square foot, well above current market levels.

The problem is especially visible in Burnaby, Coquitlam, and parts of Surrey, where many of the unsold condos are concentrated. Some of these units lack appeal due to small layouts or limited parking, making them tough to sell or rent.

In an effort to move inventory, developers are offering incentives like free parking stalls, storage lockers, and even cash-back on completion. But that may not be enough if buyers simply aren’t interested in the product being offered.

Zayadi and others say too much focus has been placed on catering to investors, not people who actually want to live in these homes. “Right now, a lot of condos [are] coming online that people don't really want to live in,” said one expert.

With developers pulling back, projects stalling, and buyer confidence slipping, the industry faces a critical moment.

It’s time for policymakers, developers, and city planners to come together, rethink priorities, and find real solutions to make housing more accessible. The future of Metro Vancouver’s housing market depends on it.

✨ We’re back with some of our amazing colleagues for a Fall Food Drive & Paper Shredding Morning! ✨

📦 Please consider collecting non-perishable food and other items to help support food banks in both Langley & Surrey.

🗓 Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
📍 Location: Royal LePage Wolstencroft
19664 64th Ave, Langley

🔒 Confidential Paper Shredding On Site!
We’ve got the folks from Shred Wise joining us to help clear out all that extra paper clutter. While you’re cleaning out your pantry, don’t forget to check your workspaces too! 🗂

💛 Together, let’s support our community and make a difference this fall!

#FallFoodDrive #LangleyEvents #SurreyCommunity #PaperShredding #CommunitySupport #LangleyRealtor #CloverdaleRealtor

Summer is winding down, kids are back in school, and families are settling back into routine. For real estate, that shift usually means one thing: September gets busy.

Traditionally, the fall market picks up as people return from vacations, get back to work, and start making real estate decisions before the holidays. This year is no different — in fact, there’s even more buzz than usual.

Interest Rates on Everyone’s Mind

One of the biggest factors right now is the expectation that the Bank of Canada may cut interest rates again this month. Even a small change can impact affordability and boost confidence among buyers who have been sitting on the sidelines. Sellers are watching too, since lower rates can translate into stronger demand.

Why September Matters

    •    Back to reality: With kids in school and summer distractions behind us, buyers and sellers tend to re-focus on real estate goals.

    •    Time-sensitive decisions: Many want to move before the weather turns or before year-end, creating a sense of urgency in the fall.

    •    Realtors back at it: The industry as a whole kicks into gear in September — more listings come online, open houses are busier, and opportunities increase.

What This Means for You

    •    Buyers: If you’ve been waiting for rates to drop, now’s the time to get pre-approved and ready. A busier market means more competition, but also more choice as new listings come online.

    •    Sellers: September is an excellent window to list — motivated buyers are active, and a rate cut could work in your favour by widening the pool of qualified buyers.

Final Thoughts

The fall market is short but powerful. Whether you’re thinking about buying or selling, this is the season to re-evaluate your plans and take advantage of momentum.

If you’d like to talk through your options — whether it’s getting a home ready for market or figuring out your buying power in today’s conditions — let’s connect.

Buying your first home is one of the biggest milestones in life, and it can feel overwhelming at times. The good news? A few smart steps early on can make the process smoother and more affordable. Here are three simple things every first-time buyer should focus on:

1. Prioritize Saving

Before anything else, start building your down payment fund. Even small, consistent contributions add up quickly. Having extra savings on hand also helps cover closing costs, moving expenses, and those little surprises that come with homeownership.

2. Watch Market Conditions

Timing can make a big difference. Keep an eye on interest rates, housing supply, and local market trends. Working with a realtor (like us) who understands the area ensures you know when a good opportunity comes up and helps you act with confidence.

3. Lean on Family Support

Don’t be afraid to ask for advice or even financial help from family. Whether it’s guidance from someone who’s been through the process, or a gift toward your down payment, family support can be a huge advantage in getting into your first home sooner.

With the right preparation, your dream of homeownership is closer than you think. If you’re considering taking the leap, I’d love to guide you through the process! 

Selling your home does not have to feel overwhelming. A few key steps before listing can make a massive difference in how buyers see your property and how quickly it sells. If you want to set yourself up for success, here are three simple things every seller should focus on:

1. Declutter: Less is More

Buyers want to picture themselves living in your home, not feel like they are walking through someone else’s. The best way to help them do that? Decluttering.

    •    Clear kitchen counters so buyers notice the space, not the appliances.

    •    Keep bathrooms clean and minimal, one or two items on the counter is plenty.

    •    Bedrooms should feel open and inviting, not crowded with furniture or laundry.

Think of it like pre-packing for your move. You will make your home feel larger and more appealing, and you will thank yourself later when moving day comes around.

2. Invest in Great Marketing

Once your home is ready, you want it to shine online and in person. Most buyers will scroll through dozens of listings, so yours needs to stand out.

Professional photos, videos, and even 3D tours can highlight the best features of your home. Adding a floor plan is another great way to help buyers imagine how they would live in the space. Strong marketing creates more interest, more showings, and ultimately more offers. In today’s market, average marketing simply will not cut it. You want buyers to be excited to book a tour the second they see your listing.

3. Price It Right

Even the most beautiful home will not sell if the price does not make sense. Overpricing can push buyers away, while the right price will generate buzz and multiple showings.

When deciding on price, put yourself in the buyer’s shoes. If you were looking at 4 to 6 homes in the neighborhood, would yours stand out as a “must-see”? The right pricing strategy is about attracting buyers, and sometimes that means pricing slightly more competitively to drive up demand.

Final Thoughts

Selling your home comes down to making it easy for buyers to say, “This is the one.” Declutter, market it well, and price it right. Those three steps will help you sell faster and for the best value.

👉 Thinking about selling? We would be happy to walk you through the process, give you a personalized strategy, and show you how to make your home stand out in today’s market. Let’s chat when you are ready!