By Jamie Burke for Realtor.ca In-laws: what are they best known for? The sometimes overbearing, meddling parents who mean well but can constantly interfere with one’s life?  However funny Ben Stiller’s 2000 film Meet The Parents was, the image of “in-laws” commonly seen in pop culture are more comedic stereotypes than accurate depictions of real life. More often than not, in-laws are suppor ...

September 30 marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation—a time to reflect, learn, and honour Survivors of residential schools, their families, and Indigenous communities. Across our region, events and gatherings provide opportunities for education, remembrance, and meaningful connection. Here are some local events you may wish to take part in.September 30, 2025 11:45 am – 3:00 pm  PUBLIC ...

How to Select the Right Realtor for Your Home Journey Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial and emotional decisions you’ll ever make. The realtor you choose can make all the difference in your experience and outcome. But with so many professionals out there, how do you find the right fit? Here are some key things to consider: Look for Local Expertise A strong realtor kno ...

What is an Assessed Value? In BC, the assessed value of a home is calculated by BC Assessment, a Crown corporation. It’s used primarily for calculating property taxes. Key points: It reflects property characteristics as of July 1st of the previous year. It uses a mass-appraisal approach: looking at comparable sales (similar homes), the age, size, condition, l ...

GST Relief for First-Time Buyers: What Every Vancouver Purchaser Needs to Know As of May 27, 2025, the federal government introduced a new rebate under Bill C-4 called the First-Time Home Buyers’ GST Rebate (FTHB GST Rebate). It's designed to reduce the upfront tax burden for first-time homebuyers purchasing newly built homes. If you’re thinking of buying in the Vancouv ...

Why Your Realtor and Mortgage Broker Make the Perfect Team Buying a home isn’t just about finding the right property—it’s about making sure the financing lines up so you can confidently move forward. That’s where the partnership between your Realtor and mortgage broker comes in. When these two professionals work together, the process becomes smoother, faster, and far less stressful for you. ...

What Just Happened On September 17, 2025, the Bank of Canada cut its policy (overnight) interest rate by 25 basis points — from 2.75% to 2.50%. With the cut, the Bank Rate is now 2.75% and the deposit rate is 2.45%. This is the first time in six months the Bank has reduced its rate. Why the Cut The economy has shown signs of weakening: Canada’s GDP contracted by a ...

Why Hiring a Home Inspector is Crucial in Real Estate Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will ever make. Whether it’s your first home, an investment property, or your forever dream house, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of showings, offers, and closing dates. But before you sign on the dotted line, there’s one critical step that should never be ov ...

When it comes to real estate, everyone has an opinion. Friends, family, and even strangers often have advice about when to buy or sell — but not all of it is accurate. Let’s bust a few common myths so you can make decisions with confidence. Myth #1: Spring is the Only Time to Sell While spring is a popular season, homes sell year-round. Buyers move for jobs, family changes, and personal need ...

The developer responsible for Vancouver’s River District – a 130-acre master planned community along the banks of the Fraser River in the city’s southeast corner – has cancelled a major component of the plan. The 204-unit Ardea project, described in a 2023 sponsored content piece in the Vancouver Sun as “a luxury oasis on the waterfront,” is no more. “Wesgroup has made the difficult decisio ...

As the leaves start to turn and the air gets crisp, nothing feels better than wrapping your hands around a warm, fall-inspired drink. Whether you’re a pumpkin spice fan, a chai latte enthusiast, or looking for something unique, Surrey and Langley have plenty of cafés serving up seasonal comfort in a cup. Here are some must-visit spots this fall: Gratia Café (Langley) A trendy spot in Langle ...

As the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, fall is the perfect time to cozy up your home and tackle seasonal maintenance. Whether you’re preparing for holiday guests or just want to keep things running smoothly, these fall prep tips will keep your home warm, stylish, and worry-free. 1. Boost Curb Appeal with Fall Touches Swap summer flowers for potted mums, pumpkins, or ornamenta ...

Langley's Hidden Gems: 5 Local Spots You Need to Check Out Langley is full of charm—wide open spaces, tight-knit communities, and more than its fair share of amazing food and drink spots. But beyond the big names and Instagram-famous cafes, there are some incredible hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a long-time local or just exploring the area, here are five under-the-rad ...

Receiving multiple offers on your home can be both exciting and overwhelming. On one hand, it means buyers see incredible value in your property. On the other hand, deciding which offer to accept requires strategy beyond just looking at the highest number. Key Considerations When Reviewing Offers: Price Isn’t Everything: While a strong price is tempting, look at the overall package. Is ...

Before a buyer ever steps inside, they’ve already formed an opinion about your home. That first glance from the curb sets the tone for the entire showing. If the exterior feels unkempt or outdated, buyers may assume the inside will be the same. On the flip side, a fresh, well-maintained exterior signals pride of ownership and builds excitement. Simple Ways to Boost Curb Appeal: Refresh ...

Back To School: Best Coffee Shops in Langley for Studying Sometimes studying at home just isn’t it—too many distractions, too quiet, or maybe you just need a change of scenery. Luckily, Langley is full of cozy coffee shops where students can sip a latte, plug in their laptop, and actually get things done. Here are some of the best spots to settle in with your books. Twins Coffee Near Kwa ...

When it comes to selling your home, presentation is everything. Buyers make emotional decisions, and how your home feels can often outweigh the square footage or even the location. That’s where staging comes in — transforming a lived-in home into a welcoming, aspirational space that buyers can easily imagine themselves in. Why Staging Matters: First Impressions Are Lasting: From the mom ...

Hidden Gems of Surrey: 5 Local Spots You Didn’t Know You Needed to Try Surrey often gets overlooked in the broader Metro Vancouver food and culture scene—but those who explore it know it’s packed with hidden gems. From tucked-away cafes to family-run eateries and scenic local spots, Surrey has a lot to offer beyond what meets the eye. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, here are 5 hidde ...

In today’s market, your first showing doesn’t happen at the front door — it happens online. Nearly all buyers begin their home search on the internet, scrolling through photos before deciding which homes to visit. That’s why professional photography and virtual tours have become more important than ever. Why It Matters for Sellers: First Impressions Count: Bright, high-quality images hi ...