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 ...

If you’ve been browsing listings, you’ve likely seen the term Days on Market (DOM). But what does it really mean — and why does it matter? For Sellers: A lower DOM often signals strong buyer demand, competitive pricing, and a well-presented home. When a listing lingers on the market, buyers may start to wonder if the price is too high, if something is wrong with the property, or if the selle ...

Best Brunch Spots in Langley Langley is quickly becoming a foodie destination, and its brunch scene is proof. Whether you’re craving something sweet, savory, or a little adventurous, here are the top brunch spots worth adding to your weekend rotation. 1. Egg Bomb For a brunch with flair, Egg Bomb specializes in Korean-style egg sandwiches that are as Instagram-worthy as they are satisfying ...

When it comes to selling your home, first impressions matter. Buyers are drawn to spaces that feel inviting, functional, and move-in ready. If you want to maximize your sale price, focus on these four key areas: 1. Boost Your Curb Appeal  Your home’s exterior sets the tone before a buyer even steps inside. Keep the lawn trimmed, add fresh mulch to garden beds, and plant seasonal flowers for ...

Things to Do in Langley Before School Starts As summer winds down and the back-to-school season approaches, it’s the perfect time to make the most of those last few sunny days. Whether you’re looking for family fun, a relaxing escape, or a unique way to treat yourself, Langley has so much to offer. Here are eight activities to check out before school kicks back in: 1. Get Creative at Crea ...

Imagine stepping into your bathroom and feeling instantly transported to a spa. This dreamy retreat combines modern elegance with warm, natural touches to create the ultimate space for relaxation and style. From the vaulted ceiling that adds a sense of openness, to the freestanding tub that invites long soaks, every detail is thoughtfully designed to bring calm into your everyday routine. Th ...

Whether you’re a longtime local or just passing through, Langley’s food scene has something for everyone. From lively hangouts to chic date-night destinations, here are a few restaurants you won’t want to miss: King Taps A lively and modern spot perfect for brunch, dinner, or drinks with friends. With its upscale casual vibe, diverse menu, and craft cocktails, King Taps is quickly becoming a ...

There’s something special about a home that feels both stylish and cozy—where modern comfort meets rustic charm. This design approach creates spaces that are warm, welcoming, and timeless, while still feeling fresh and up-to-date. ✨ Modern Comfort – Think open floor plans, sleek appliances, and cozy furnishings that make everyday living effortless. Plush sofas, layered rugs, and soft light ...

Welcome to Douglas View in the heart of Brentwood Park! This spacious 2 bed + den, 1 bath home offers 940 sq ft of comfortable living with secure underground parking. Enjoy a bright, functional layout with a versatile den perfect for a home office or extra storage. Located just steps from Brentwood Town Centre, you’ll have shopping, dining, and entertainment at your doorstep. Commuting is a b ...

Best Coffee Shops in Langley – Whether You’re Studying or Hanging Out with Friends Looking for a cozy coffee shop in Langley where you can either hit the books or catch up with friends? Here are some top picks that offer great vibes, delicious drinks, and something for everyone: 1. Blacksmith Bakery If you’re all about good coffee, tasty eats, and a vibrant social atmosphere, Blacksmith Ba ...

Selling your home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make, and while every home is unique, some common mistakes can cost sellers valuable time and money. Here are the top five pitfalls to avoid—and how to set yourself up for success: 1. Overpricing the Home It’s natural to want the highest return, but pricing too high can scare off buyers and cause your home to sit on the ...

Pull up a chair, take in the view, and enjoy the simple joys of home. There’s something timeless about a well-loved porch—it’s where morning coffee tastes better, conversations linger longer, and the pace of life naturally slows down. Whether it’s a front porch with a cozy swing, a back deck with soft lighting, or a wraparound veranda perfect for summer evenings, outdoor spaces have a way of ...

Prime Collingwood Investment! Steps to Joyce-Collingwood SkyTrain, this 2-level home offers 3 bedrooms up with a modern kitchen and bright living space, plus a 4-bedroom suite down for strong rental income. Features hardwood floors, fireplace, fenced backyard, covered sundeck, and plenty of street parking. Close to schools, shopping, restaurants, and with easy access to Boundary Road. Zoned f ...

There’s a reason soft neutrals, organic textures, and open, airy spaces have become a favorite among homeowners and designers alike—they create a timeless sense of peace. The color palette often starts with gentle, nature-inspired tones: warm beiges, creamy whites, and soft grays that create a quiet backdrop. These shades allow the textures to shine—raw wood beams, woven baskets, linen curtai ...

Transforming a small room into a functional and stylish space is easier than you might think. With the right design approach, even the coziest corners can feel bright, open, and beautifully intentional. Here are a few simple yet powerful tips to help you make the most of your square footage: ? Use Light, Neutral Colors Soft tones like whites, creams, and pastels reflect light and make the ro ...

When it comes to selling your home, first impressions matter—and the right design choices can make all the difference. Whether you're prepping for an open house or simply want your space to shine, a few thoughtful upgrades can help your home stand out from the rest. ✨ Add Statement Lighting Swap out basic fixtures for something eye-catching. A bold pendant light in the entryway or a stylis ...

When it comes to creating cozy, inviting spaces at home, it’s the little details that make all the difference. So let’s play a little this or that... ☀️ Front Porch Swing Imagine starting your day with a coffee in hand, swaying gently on a front porch swing, or winding down in the evening with a cozy cushion, a throw blanket, and your favorite book. Porch swings bring timeless charm and ...

How Accent Colors Can Transform a Room Do you use accent colors in your home? Whether you're bold and vibrant or prefer subtle and serene, the right pop of color can completely transform a space—and reflect your unique personality. Why Accent Colors Matter: Accent colors are a simple and effective way to add depth, contrast, and interest to a room. Whether it's through pillows, artwork, a ...

Ready to explore all that Canada has to offer? Whether you're craving scenic road trips, outdoor adventure, or cultural discovery, Canada’s diverse landscapes and experiences offer something for everyone. From the rugged beauty of the West Coast to the historic charm of the East, here are just a few ways to make the most of your next Canadian escape: ? West Coast Wonders British Columbia o ...

Thinking about remodeling your home? Whether you're planning to sell soon or just want to boost your property's value, some upgrades offer a better return on investment (ROI) than others. While ROI can vary depending on your local market, appraisers consistently point to a few standout projects that tend to deliver high returns: 1. Garage Door Replacement It may not be the first project tha ...

Upgrading your kitchen doesn't always require a full gut job or a massive budget. Sometimes, small changes can go a long way in refreshing the space and making it feel brand new. One of the easiest and most effective ways? A fresh coat of paint on your cabinets and new hardware. 1. Paint Your Cabinets If your cabinets are in good shape but look outdated or tired, a new paint color can work ...

Wood Floors in the Kitchen or Laundry Room: Smart Choice or Risky Move? ?✨ When it comes to designing your dream kitchen or laundry room, flooring is a big decision—and hardwood continues to be a popular choice. But is it the right one for these high-moisture, high-traffic areas? Let’s break down the pros and cons of using wood floors in kitchens and laundry spaces. ✅ Pros of Wood Floor ...

Would you cook up your next masterpiece in a space like this? The kitchen is more than just a place to prep meals—it’s where stories are shared, memories are made, and creativity comes to life. Whether you're trying a new recipe, packing school lunches, or hosting friends for dinner, your kitchen should feel both functional and inspiring. So, what makes a kitchen truly stand out? ✨ Tho ...

8 Steps to a Successful Home Showing A lot goes into a successful home showing. Here are eight quick tips for making sure your home is represented in the best way possible. When you're preparing to sell your home, first impressions matter—especially during showings. A well-staged and tidy space can help potential buyers feel an emotional connection and envision themselves living there. Here' ...

5 Weekend Home Projects Under $300 You’ll Be Glad You Did Before Summer Ends As summer winds down, it’s the perfect time to tackle a few small home improvements that make a big impact—especially once the seasons change. The best part? These simple upgrades can all be done in a weekend for under $300! Here are five DIY-friendly projects that will have you thanking yourself come fall: 1. W ...

Things to Do Before Making an Offer on a House Buying a home is one of the most significant financial and emotional decisions you’ll ever make. Whether you're a first-time buyer or experienced in real estate, being well-prepared before making an offer gives you the confidence and clarity needed to move forward wisely. Here’s a helpful checklist to guide you: 1. Get Pre-Approved ...

This or That: Wine Fridge or Coffee Bar? ?☕ Let’s settle a very important debate—if you had to choose one home feature, would it be a Wine Fridge ? to keep your favourite bottles perfectly chilled… or a Coffee Bar ☕ to fuel your mornings with style? Both are small luxuries that can add big value—not just to your daily routine, but also to your home’s appeal. A sleek wine fridge says "ev ...

Let’s Talk Cozy Vibes ✨? There’s something magical about the little things that make a house feel like home. Think soft throw blankets draped over a couch, the golden glow of warm lighting, or a quiet reading nook styled to perfection. These cozy details aren’t just for comfort—they create an emotional connection that makes people feel instantly at ease. Whether you're staging to sell or ...

From scenic trails to breathtaking national parks, Canada offers amazing cycling experiences for riders of all levels. Check out this guide from Parks Canada and start planning your next ride!  https://parks.canada.ca/voyage-travel/experiences/sports/velo-biking#famLooking for the best in the lower mainland and surrounding areas?  Here's a curated list of Top 5 Scenic Cycling Trails in Britis ...

Ready to explore Canada's great outdoors? ?️? From secluded forest campsites to lakeside retreats we have curated a list to make your next adventure a breeze. ?️ 1. Green Point Campground – Pacific Rim National Park (Tofino) Nestled above Long Beach with direct access to ocean, rainforest trails, and surf-ready waves. It features 94 drive‑in sites, hot showers, flush toilets, picnic ...

These are not just concepts—they are existing features transforming our everyday lives and turning our homes into smart, interactive environments. So, buckle up as we delve into the impressive world of smart home automation. Morning Routine Automations: Make it possible to fully focus on the important things in the morning by automating mundane tasks. Using bed sensors like the WiiThings, ...

The Alyssa Dotson Real Estate team has put together a curated list of Canada Day 2025 events across the Lower Mainland, with a focus on the Fraser Valley—Langley, Surrey and Abbotsford, —plus top celebrations in Vancouver, Richmond, and White Rock: Fraser Valley Celebrations Abbotsford – “Lights, Camera, Canada Day!” Parade & Festival When: July 1 | Parade at 11 AM, followed by Famil ...

There’s something undeniably soothing about walking into a space that feels both grounded and open. Think soft neutrals, organic textures, and natural light spilling into every corner—this design style isn’t just a trend, it’s a lifestyle shift toward balance, calm, and connection. At the heart of this aesthetic is the idea of harmony between the indoors and outdoors. Earthy tones like warm ...

Big News for First-Time Buyers: GST Relief on New Homes Up to $1.5 Million If you're a first-time home buyer in Canada, there's a major new incentive to help get you into a new home. As part of the federal government’s efforts to improve housing affordability, the GST on new homes will now be fully removed for qualifying first-time buyers purchasing homes valued at up to $1.5 million. What’ ...

Surrey Residents: Free Waste Drop-Off Returns for Summer 2025 Surrey residents, it's time to declutter! The City of Surrey is bringing back its popular Free Waste Drop-Off program for a second year, running from May 5 to September 24, 2025. This initiative allows each household one free trip to dispose of up to 100 kilograms of waste, including up to four mattresses, at either the Central Su ...

Buying Your First Home? 3 Tips Every Buyer Should Know Buying your first home is exciting — but it can also feel overwhelming if you’re not sure where to start. As someone who works with first-time buyers regularly, here are three tips I wish everyone knew before jumping into the market: 1. Get Pre-Approved First Before you start scrolling through listings or booking showings, speak with a ...

First Impressions Matter: 3 Things Buyers Notice in the First 5 Seconds of a Showing When it comes to showing your home, first impressions aren’t made in minutes—they’re made in seconds. Before buyers even make it past the entryway, they’re already forming opinions that can shape how they feel about your entire property. Here are three key things they notice right away: 1. The Smell It migh ...

Located at 5217 Rumble Street in Burnaby, BC.  Offered at $378,800A fantastic opportunity to own and operate Adam’s Crepes, a well-loved and established eatery in a high-traffic Burnaby location! Known for its fresh, made-to-order sweet and savoury crepes, this popular spot attracts a loyal following and benefits from excellent walk-in and repeat business. The restaurant offers a bright, wel ...

5 Easy Tricks to Turn Your Bedroom Into a Sanctuary Your bedroom should be more than just a place to sleep — it should be your personal retreat, a space that restores your energy and soothes your mind. Here are five simple, impactful tricks to help transform your bedroom into a calming sanctuary: Use Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper Looking for an easy refresh? Peel-and-stick wallpaper lets you ...

The kitchen is often called the heart of the home — and for good reason. It's where meals are prepared, conversations are shared, and memories are made. If you’re thinking about your next home, the kitchen likely plays a big role in your wish list. But with so many trends and features available, how do you decide what’s right for you? Here are a few popular kitchen features to consider — and ...

If you're hosting a backyard dinner at home, you would be wise to take some notes from this setup. Strategic lighting can completely transform your outdoor space, creating a warm and inviting ambiance that encourages guests to linger long after the sun goes down. From string lights in the trees to softly glowing lanterns and overhead bulbs, the mix of light sources in this backyard gives off ...

When it comes to decorating a home, inspiration is everywhere—but we all have that one source we keep going back to. For me, it’s a mix of Pinterest and real-life open houses. Pinterest is my digital mood board. Whether I’m searching for modern minimalism, cozy farmhouse vibes, or bold statement pieces, there's an endless scroll of creativity to pull from. I save pins, build boards, and piec ...

Mother’s day is just around the corner! May 8th, 2016 is the day!  A day to honour and celebrate the unconditional love, hard work and patience of all those beautiful ladies that gave us life.  My mom means the world to me, even then, mother’s day has a tendency to creep up on me. So this year I decided to start my search early and let you in on some awesome gift ideas I found. I searched ...

March 2016 set a historical record for home sales in a single month. Take a look at the full report provided by the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. 

A change in season is an opportune moment for new beginnings and fresh starts. Spring is probably one of my favourite seasons for fashion.  The weather is not too hot making everything feel uncomfortable yet not too cold that your outfit gets overcast by infinite number of layers.  The sun is shinning, nature is blooming and you should be too! Time to stow away your blacks and charcoals and a ...

Cloverdale is one of the fastest growing residential areas in Surrey.  With housing prices at an average of $600,000 (significantly less than Vancouver) and its family friendly atmosphere, it’s no wonder Cloverdale has become one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Surrey. Community focused, safe and clean, Cloverdale is the ideal place to settle down.   This infographic, provided by REW ...

I’m a huge advocate for vision boards.  They are immensely powerful, beautiful and they work! It’s so important to manifest your desires and be able to visualize them. A vision board does just that, it helps you visualize what you want and will embed these desires in your mind on a daily basis. Before you know it, dreams will be dreams no more but tangible, palpable reality. These desires can ...

Being a working mother is not something we do, it’s who we are a lifestyle.  For some it may be a choice for other less so, either way it’s not easy. We sacrifice many things on a daily basis; our sleep, our health and even our family time. One of the biggest challenges I’ve had as a working mother has been staying organized and on top of everything.  While I do manage to get all the importan ...

I’ve been a realtor for 14 years now and what a rewarding adventure it’s been! When I think about all the people and all the experiences that have led me here I can’t help but feel overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. I’m so blessed to be surrounded by loyal individuals who’ve unconditionally accompanied me throughout this amazing journey. I thank each and every one of you. My beautiful mother ...

We are very excited to announce the launch of Dotson Elite. Dotson Elite s a division of the Alyssa Dotson Personal Real Estate Corporation, formed to serve and satisfy the lifestyle prerequisites of selective clients and real estate investors. We are experts at marketing and selling high-end properties in one of the world's most in-demand real estate markets.Stay tuned for more information!

We are so excited to announce the beginging of new business venture! Dotson Elite, is a division of the Alyssa Dotson Real Estate Team and a collaboration with the area’s best development professionals. Strictly specializing in development sales and marketing of high-end real estate projects, including land development, new builds and pre-sales; we work with projects that we believe in and pr ...

Get as educated as possible before buying a home.  Learn the difference between a Client and Customer Relationship. In today’s real estate market, we are seeing more buyers purchasing a home without the assistance of their own designated agent to represent their interests. These buyers are opting to go directly to the listing agent under the misconception that they will be able to secure ...

Surrey is rapidly growing and initiatives for better public transit are taking place Surrey is predicted to surpass Vancouver as the largest city in BC by 2041 Growing at a fast and steady pace, Surrey is an important commerce hub as well as home of over 20% of the metro area population. Accessible public transit, however, is lacking. The city of Surrey has begun the plans for the construct ...

IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN!   We are very excited to invite you to our 3rd annual Kiddie's Christmas Craft Event.   Please join us on Saturday December 5th at the Cloverdale Athletic Centre between 2-5pm.     We are providing everything including refreshments so all you have to bring is your Christmas cheer :)   Hope to see you there!

CONGRATULATIONS to our FIRST TIME HOMEBUYERS Vince and Erika who just celebrated their 1 year anniversary in their BEAUTIFUL new home!!

SOLD IN 7 DAYS FOR OVER ASKING IN A MULTIPLE OFFER!! 13889 Brentwood Cr Surrey - $458,888  

SOLD for 99% OF THE LIST PRICE!! $349,900 - 50 8888 151st Street, Surrey

Sellers’ Series: Fab Five Tips to Sell Your Home We may be in a sellers' market in Vancouver, but there are still some great strategies to help sell your home, says local Realtor Alyssa Dotson By Alyssa Dotson                                                            Alyssa Dotson Real Estate Team                                                      May 11, 2015                 ...

Sellers’ Series: Stage Your Home to Sell it for Top Dollar Think of the home stage as a production that leads to a debut performance – the showing, says Vancouver real estate agent Alyssa Dotson By Alyssa Dotson                                                           Alyssa Dotson Real Estate Team                              May 4, 2015                          ...

What happens if, despite our hot real estate market, your listing simply doesn't sell and expires on the MLS? Fear not – local Realtor Alyssa Dotson has a plan By Alyssa Dotson                                                                                                                   Ready, set, go … The countdown to that SOLD sign has begun. A rea ...

Sellers’ Series: Selling a Stigma – How to List a Former Grow-op Is the scarlet letter finally fading on homes that used to house a grow-op? Local Realtor Alyssa Dotson shares her and other agents' recent experiences By Alyssa Dotson                                                                                                                   As defi ...

Sellers’ Series: Selling a Property with a Rental Suite, Part Two This week, local Realtor Alyssa Dotson outlines the rights and responsibilities of both seller and tenant when selling and showing a property with a rental suite By Alyssa Dotson                                                                                                               ...

Sellers' Series: Selling a Property with a Rental Suite, Part One Your rental suite may be a big plus when it comes to selling your home, but there are issues to consider. Alyssa Dotson explains in the first of our Sellers' Series By Alyssa Dotson                                                                            Selling a home with an income-generating rental ...

Alyssa & the Team (Nicol, Atrina, Sarah, Olivia, Abby) would like to thank all of our sponsors for such GENEROUS donations on Saturday! A special shout out to Sarah Bess Miller for being such an outstanding MC, Cathy Ho-our hostess for the evening and Denise Lammerink for her much needed support! A big THANK-YOU to all of our guests for joining us and making this event such a HUGE success! Th ...

Hope & Heart Fundraising Project Alyssa Dotson Real Estate Team presents "Hope & Heart" a fundraiser for the benefit of Ishtar Transition Housing Society Please see flyer for details: Alyssa Dotson Real Estate Team presents "Hope & Heart" a fundraiser for the benefit of Ishtar Transition Housing Society Please see flyer for details: 

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