Dear clients, friends and neighbours ...
 
As I find myself wondering if I need another pair of shoes on top of last weeks hair cut and Colins next round of golf, I consider how my personal spending behavior directly impacts my profession, real estate and our local housing market. 
 
Nothing noted below will be new to you as I have been prattling on about these ideas for three dreadfully long years however the BCREA just released its depressing (but deeply validating) economic outlook.
 
At the risk of repeating myself, in recent years, British Columbia’s economy has been influenced by a series of disruptions rather than a single issue.
 
An aggressive round of interest rate increases aimed at controlling inflation was followed by heightened trade instability, driven by shifting and uncertain tariff policies from the United States. More recently, conflict in the Middle East has pushed energy costs upward, adding renewed inflationary pressure at a time when both households and policymakers were expecting more stability.
 
Together, these factors have significantly weakened consumer confidence.
 
Although inflation has eased somewhat, the overall cost of living is high. Since 2021, the costs of necessities like food and housing have climbed roughly 30 percent. These changes are not just figures on paper — they have directly impacted our everyday spending choices and reduced financial flexibility in most households.
 
And yet, jobs and wage growth continue to outpace inflation? 
 
This paradoxical environment highlights the fact that for many, the decision to buy or sell a home continues to be heavily influenced by worry about the future. To quote the BCREA;
 
“ … in short, the vibes are bad … ”
 
The April 2026 economic outlook expects real estate activity to remain below average for most of the year.  Home values and pricing expected to remain flat or experience further downward pressure.
 
Without diminishing the variables above, the relentless optimist in me feels it important buyers and sellers also consider  …

1. It all evens out in the end. When looking to make a move in a flat or contracting real estate environment; what is lost in your sale price is made up in your purchase price.  Thus, the net result is the same.

2. Timing the bottom is harder than you think. Market volatility makes timing considerations harder than ever.  Bottoms happen in late recession phases when pricing has corrected, inventory is plentiful and buyers are nervous, where several of our markets are today.

3. Demographics are all good. Economic markets are cyclical while short and long-term demographics in BC are always in support of home ownership. Population growth (sans non permanent resident inflow) is expected to normalize in 2027.  Stability in government policy and population growth will allow housing demand to strengthen. 

4. People are pent up. Softer pricing has set the stage for a strong rebound when markets stabilize.  Many of our neighbours have had their goals on hold for years now. 

So as buyers and sellers continue to wait on the sidelines, I set aside my impulse for a new pair of shoes, take a moment of silence for those of us in professions tied to economic cycles and do my best to channel the good vibes.
 
Jenn
Written by me
Photo by MARK ADRIANE on Unsplash
 
 
 

Saturday May 23, 2026 (rain or shine)
9:00 am – 1:00 pm.

Typically 30-60 families in Surreys Sullivan Panorama area host a sale at this event,

If your home is located between 64th Ave / 56th Ave and 156th St / 144th St you can participate too!

All promotions, posts and advertising will be managed by us leading up to the sale.  In addition, we will install hundreds of directional arrows and signs leading buyers to your sale, early morning the day of the event. 

All that is required from you is to have your sale ready to go by 9:00am on the day of the event.

Please visit our garage sale page for all you need to know to register your home …

LEARN MORE or REGISTER HERE

and …

WATCH FOR UPDATES ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE

Please note, to have your home noted on our map / address list and in all promotion leading up to the event you must register before SUNDAY MAY 17.

See ya out there Sullivan.  COMMUNITY, Its what we do.

We have just listed this well built and maintained 2 story, 5 bed, 4 bath w/full basement home located in the heart of family friendly Sullivan Heights.

Walk to local schools, parks, YMCA, Fresh St Market and the endless list of amenities at Panorama. Flexible plan on the main floor with office/rec room at front.

Living area at back walks out to a 30x20 cedar deck with pergola, hot tub, outdoor kitchen and detached 2 car garage access. Upper level includes large primary suite, wi closet and ensuite bath, laundry closet and 2 more generous size bedrooms.

Brand new 2 bedroom basement suite below, self contained with separate entrance perfect for in-laws.

Features incl: Oak flooring, granite counters, fresh paint, built in cabinets for media and storage, updated ensuite bath w/storage system in closet, split duct AC system. Lane access to detached garage.

6166 150th St is asking $1,279,900 and showing by appt only.

View images, video, floor plan and neighbourhood specs HERE

We have just listed this 2 level, 5 bed home in Royal York.

Approx 3,000sq ft of living space on a 6,858sqft west facing lot.

Bright open rooms on upper (main) level with huge sundeck off the family room. Primary suite and ensuite bath plus 2 more generous size bedrooms also on the main level.

1 bed in law suite on ground level with cedar deck, shared laundry/utility space plus a 5th bedroom/flex rom and bonus storage room.

Updates include new roof, gutters, HW tank, deck membrane and rails, furnace, flooring, ensuite bath. Full size double car garage.

Quiet family oriented low traffic neighbourhood surrounded by nature and greenspace. Easy access to local schools, watershed and burns bog parks, Sungod rec center. transportation, commuter routes and the endless list of amenities along Scott Rd.

7943 Garfield Dr is asking $1,289,900

View image gallery, video and floor plan HERE

We have just listed this fully renovated in and out executive home in the heart of the Sullivan Station K streets!

Located in a quiet cul de sac, backing onto parkland with valley and mountain views this 2 level, 4 bedroom home offers almost 3,000sqft of living space, a 16,117sqft lot and a 24x30 detached garage/workshop.

Updated from top to bottom. Gorgeous wide plank wood, slate tile and wool carpet flooring throughout. Large bright rooms, contemporary open concept kitchen and family room walks out to an entertainers back yard w/covered patio and outdoor kitchen.

Primary suite on upper level with WI closet and ensuite bath w/jetted shower, plus 2 more generous size bedrooms. 4th bedroom on the main can flex as home office or gym.

Renos incl: new kitchen, baths, mud room, lighting, roof, windows, AC, radiant heat, attached garage w/EV charger, detached heated workshop w/220 power bonus panel, side gate access for RV / boat parking.

Dream home in a beautiful tree lined neighbourhood!

15464 60a Ave is asking $2,099,900 and open this Sunday from  2-4pm.  Come check it out!

View image gallery, video, floor plan and specs HERE

As we head into the spring market—traditionally the busiest time of year for real estate—the mood in Surrey and the Fraser Valley feels well, bittersweet. The Fraser Valley market, including Surrey, is coming off a quiet year with lower sales and inventory than we have seen in a decade.  

So far 2026 has shown … more listings than usual with market conditions still in the buyer’s favor.  Prices have been stabilizing slightly after declines of 7 to 15 per cent by 2025-year-end.  Buyers slowly returning as we see well priced homes selling  - but economic uncertainty still looms large.

What can buyers and sellers can expect this spring?  Lets take a look …

Buyers.  If you’re a buyer, this spring could be one of the most favorable windows we’ve seen in years. 

• More options. Higher inventory means you’re not competing for the same limited homes

• Less pressure.  Gone for now are the crowds and the frantic bidding wars

• More leverage.  Improved negotiating power as sellers adjust their expectations for price

• Improved affordability.  Equals more buying power and more financial options.

Sellers.  Let’s be honest, selling a home looks a lot different in recent months. 

• Reduced demand. Low to no demand.  Longer days on market with few showings

• Dynamic ask prices. Ongoing conversations over ask price and position

• Buyers market conditions. Less leverage when negotiating offers

• Softer sale prices. Most homes are selling at or less than their neighbour did last month or last year

Most forecasts call for flat to modest growth in 2026. Any growth will likely be gradual;  driven by pent-up first-time buyer demand as this category has waited a long time for mortgage rates to find a bottom. Even still, some will likely continue to hold off for a deeper bottom, especially in higher priced areas like South Surrey and White Rock.

However, markets do not stay in buyer territory forever. As confidence returns—especially if interest rates continue to stabilize - competition could increase as we move further into spring.

Either way, in this chaotic economic climate I think most of us can agree some balance and predictability would be welcome.  

Until then, consider us a real estate resource.  We are here to help.  It’s what we do.

Photo by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash / Chat GPT was used to support conceptualizing the above. All final edits and conclusions are our own.