David’s Real Estate Blog
Drawing on nearly 30 years of experience in Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, I share the market insights, strategies, and local knowledge you need to make your next move with confidence.
David’s Real Estate Blog
Drawing on nearly 30 years of experience in Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, I share the market insights, strategies, and local knowledge you need to make your next move with confidence.
North Delta Homes Now More Affordable for Buyers
Fraser Valley's real estate market in 2025 saw a 16% sales decline from 2024 and 33% below the decade average, despite record-high inventory and softer prices. Surrey led sales with 48%, followed by Langley and Abbotsford. North Delta's single-detached home prices dropped 10.6% year-over-year to $1,267,100, with detached house sales down 21.5%. Townhouse and condo prices also fell. Buyer hesitancy persisted despite favorable conditions.
Expert Tips to Plan a Smooth Home Renovation
Homeowners should clarify the purpose of their renovation before starting any project.
Creating a detailed renovation plan helps avoid costly mistakes and keeps design and construction aligned.
Licensed professionals are essential for plumbing, electrical, or gas work to ensure safety and code compliance.
Setting a realistic budget, managing expectations, and planning for delays reduces stress and renovation regret.
Timing projects around family schedules, weather, and delivery timelines improves efficiency and overall experience.
Happy Family Day
In some families, it’s a day to spend time playing in the snow, building snowmen, or having snowball fights.
Some families take advantage of the long weekend to have a "staycation" and enjoy the activities in their own city or town.
Take advantage of this wonderful time of year to reinforce your family bonds.
Wishing you wonderful and peaceful moments with your loved ones on this family day.
Lower Mainland Homes Offer New Opportunities as Values Adjust
Property values in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland declined between 6-7%, with some neighborhoods experiencing drops over 10%. Despite these decreases, Vancouver remains Canada's most unaffordable housing market, requiring households to spend 89% of income on homeownership costs. Public pessimism is rising, with 84% of non-homeowners feeling they will never afford a home, blaming federal policies and immigration for the crisis.
Happy Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day occurs every February 14 around the world, and candy, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine
Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages, though written Valentine’s didn’t begin to appear until after 1400.
By the middle of the 18th, it was common for friends and lovers of all social classes to exchange small tokens of affection or handwritten notes.
Many people celebrate their love for their partner by sending cards or letters, giving gifts or flowers and arranging meals.
May this Valentine’s Day get you some time to spend with your loved ones.
Wishing you loads of love and happiness on this day. Happy Valentine’s Day!
First-Time Homebuyer in Canada Guide
First-time homebuyers in Canada should determine their budget, get pre-approved for a mortgage, and estimate upfront costs including down payment (5-20%), closing costs (2-4%), CMHC insurance if under 20% down, legal fees, land transfer tax, property tax, home insurance, and moving expenses. Building a real estate team and understanding the local market are crucial. Various federal and provincial programs offer financial assistance, such as tax credits, rebates, and down payment loans.
Will Vancouver Pre-Sale Cuts Fuel 2028 Competition?
Slide 1
Rates calming down means buyers stop panicking and quietly return to pre-sales again.
Slide 2
Fewer launches now equals tighter supply and bidding wars by 2028.
Slide 3
SkyTrain, job hubs, and urban villages still crush random locations, even in slow markets.
Slide 4
Developers are still flexible: deposits, upgrades, and price breaks won’t disappear overnight.
Slide 5
Smart buyers aren’t timing markets, they’re locking scarce locations before everyone notices.