The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) recently released their June forecast expecting a prolonged period of rate stability alongside a more balanced and predictable housing market.

Let’s take a closer look at the players and what this means for buyers and sellers looking to time a move this year.

Economic Outlook:

The Canadian economy contracted in the first quarter of the year, falling short of the Bank of Canadas (BOC) growth forecast.  

Household consumption remained resilient while private sector investment weakened.  This despite the contracting economy and the Prime Ministers Canada Strong Fund announced back in April. 

Immigration policy continues to pivot; the Canadian population in decline the last two quarters.

Tariff and trade concerns have been overtaken by the ongoing US Iran conflict.  While traffic conditions in the Straight of Hormuz has resumed (well below normal volume) passage continues to be highly volatile and militarized.

The Canadian economy has limited options for growth moving forward however large scale federal projects, normalizing immigration and anticipation of a resolution in the Iranian conflict could help the economy along as we move further into the year.

Mortgage Rate Outlook:

Canadian borrowers have been denied what should have been a period of declining rates in 2026.  Instead, the BOC continues to hold its policy rate at 2.25 per cent.  Variable rates sit at 4.2 per cent (expected to dip to 4.1 per cent later this year).  Uninsured fixed rates hover near 4.5 per cent.

Upward pressure on inflation stemming from the Iran war has placed the BOC in an increasingly difficult position. Upticks in energy costs can sometimes be ignored if policymakers believe them to be temporary but sustained energy price increases effect the economy in a broader sense ie: wages, unemployment, transportation, inflation and consumer confidence.

With hopes for a resolution to the Iranian conflict, pressure to raise rates should ease but because the BOC is at the low end of what it considers neutral for the economy it may feel compelled to bring its policy rate back to the mid-range of 2.75 per cent in 2027 thus raising the possibility of a stagflationary environment.

The next rate announcement is scheduled July 15. 

Buying or Selling in 2026:

For South Surrey and White Rock buyers, choice and leverage are at an all time high.  Inventory continues to rise while days on market extend granting buyers the gift of options.  Pricing continues to soften boosting accessibility.  Surrey / Cloverdale detached homes average price sits around $1,300,000 while some pockets like South Surrey have seen benchmark prices soften approx. 8 per cent in the last year.

With the BCREA expecting variable rates to ease sightly lenders increase their discounts making it a good time to get pre-qualified.

For Fraser Valley sellers, patience and flexibility are the name of the game.  Expect longer timelines.  Homes are taking roughly one month to sell when priced realistically.  Townhome and condo sellers face even tighter margins, competing with resale and pre-sale units. Prepare for low, conditional offers and no bidding wars.  Buyers are highly price sensitive in this environment, willing to walk away if a property feels overvalued.  Your listing must stand out in terms of presentation and value.

While markets wait for a resolution that can create some momentum, talk to your area expert for advice.  Neighbourhoods and the conditions within them are highly nuanced, only a local realtor can help you strategize accordingly.

 We can help. It’s what we do.

 Written by Jenn

Photo by Planet Volumes on Unsplash

For the first time in over a year April’s home sales in the Fraser Valley recorded an increase and for the 2nd month in a row the benchmark price of a typical home In the Fraser valley increased by 0.1 per cent.

Could this be a sign the spring market is upon us?  Will May show more of this recent trend?  Its hard to chart.

As of this week, conditions remain firmly entrenched in favor of the buyer.  Month over month sellers enter the market while buyers wait safely in the nearest port.

Inflation, interest rates, speculators waiting for the bottom and the ongoing Iranian conflict continue to muddy the waters.  Let’s take a closer look …

Inflation:  Despite decelerating core inflation (sans gasoline), the ongoing Iranian conflict and its shock to global oil supply is placing upward pressure on inflation. The depth of the shock continues to be assessed.  Some expect an uptick in inflation to 3 percent in the coming months as oil prices filer through.

Interest rates:  At the last meeting, the Bank of Canada held rates again, the fourth time in a row. Fixed rates are still the safe play. The BOC expects rates to ease back down by 2027 but they remain cautious, watching and waiting as their delayed response to rising inflation during covid remains fresh in the public mind.

Speculation:  As mentioned in our recent blog update many buyers are hoping pricing will soften further.  This is harder than one may think especially with market volatility making timing trickier than ever.  

Global instability:  Oil can’t make up its mind. Iran offered a peace deal, prices dropped, Trump was not satisfied, prices went up.  Until the Straight of Hormuz shipping route reopens oil prices and everything connected to them in every corner of the globe, will remain unpredictable. 

As if the above were not enough to keep buyers and sellers from wading in;  a 0.1 decline in the Canadian GDP for the first quarter of the year just hit the news feed.

Specific groups are having a harder time than others navigating these conditions;

1. Boomers who plan to downsize but can’t sell at the number they need or want.

2. Presale construction buyers facing huge appraisal shortfalls at closing.

3. Homeowners who counted on refinancing to clear high interest debt but don’t have the equity anymore.

4. Subject to sale buyers who negotiated a fair price upon acceptance, then watched that value soften week over week while they wait to sell their current home.

Moving further into the year, buyers and sellers are well advised to consult with local realtors, mortgage brokers and financial advisers to help chart a safe and steady course forward.

We can help. Its what we do.

Jenn and Colin

Written by Jenn.  Photo by Matt Hardy 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.

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.

IS NOW OPEN FOR REGISTRATION!

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 2 bed townhome in Oaklands at Panorama Place.

Resort style townhomes by Polygon featuring a 10,000sqft clubhouse with outdoor pool, hot tub, fully equipped gym, sports box, guest suites and catering space. Located in a prime area within walking distance to local schools, parks, YMCA and the shops at Panorama.

Well cared for 2 bed unit with 3 levels of living space, sundeck off kitchen and fenced yard/patio off lower level. Open concept main level includes a flex area perfect for built in home office or play space. Generous size bedrooms on the upper level including primary suite and ensuite bath.

Tandem double car garage plus visitor parking. Perfect for first time buyers or investors. Great family friendly community.

68 15155 62a Ave is asking $679,900 and showing bny appt only.

View images, video and neighbourhood specs HERE

Dear clients, neighbors, and friends,

Spring is almost here and if you’re a homeowner thinking about selling, you’re not alone. Traditionally, spring has always been one of the busiest and most rewarding seasons to list a home and while the 2026 market may look different from the frenzied pace of past years, there are still powerful reasons to feel confident about selling this season.

Here are five reasons to sell your home this spring …

1. Spring demand is real:  Seasonality matters. Spring consistently brings more foot traffic and stronger buyer engagement.  Longer days, improved weather, and the desire to move before summer drive increased buyer activity every year. Families aiming to move before the next school year begin their search now.  Depending on the weather, 2026 may start sooner rather than later. Regardless of the start, spring remains the strongest seasonal window in real estate.

2. Inventory is healthy:  More sellers may enter the market in spring however inventory levels in many markets remain below pre-pandemic norms.  That means well-priced homes still stand out and sell successfully.  Further,  more balanced conditions lead to more sustainable markets and a less stressful transaction for all.

3. Equity gains are significant:  Over the past several years homeowners have built significant equity. Even with price growth stabilizing in the last few years many sellers are sitting on strong equity gains.  Gains vary from region to region, but according to the Fraser Valley MLS Home price index release in January; Surrey, Sullivan/Panorama, South Surrey and White Rock have all seen 18% to 21% value growth over the last five years. Upsizing, downsizing, or relocating equity equals leverage.

4. Serious buyers are a thing:  Although some have to sell first, today’s buyers aren’t window-shopping. Higher borrowing costs mean those actively touring homes are motivated.  When they find the right home, at a fair price, they are prepared to act.

5. You are in control:  You can’t control interest rates, inflation, or the noise from the U.S. but you can control pricing, preparation and timing. Sellers who approach the market strategically are still achieving excellent outcomes.

 For those already on the market …

If your home is already listed and market response has been lack-lustre you might be wondering what has changed. 

Although global economic factors are in flux the truth is today’s market is more balanced.  During the height of the pandemic-era boom, historically low rates fuelled intense competition, now buyers are more selective, more cautious, and taking more time with their decisions.  Life events like job relocations, growing families, and downsizing don’t pause because of interest rates. What has changed is urgency. This change is not bad but it does require those of us selling a home today to adjust our expectations.  

If your home is priced correctly and presented well, it will attract attention but, in most cases, the process will take longer then in years past.

So, hang in there friends!

Even if showings are slower than expected the buyer who truly needs your home is out there. Patience will protect your negotiating power and help you avoid making reactive decisions.  Spring 2026 may not look like the hyper-competitive market of a few years ago but that’s okay. Real estate markets evolve but the fundamentals remain the same. 

If you’re thinking about making a move this spring or looking to reposition your listing, now is the time to plan strategically and step forward with clarity.

We can help.

Jenn & Colin

We have just listed this fully updated 4 bed and bath Foxridge built home in Panorama Hills.

Bright airy rooms, vaulted ceilings, great room plan on the main, huge primary suite and kids rooms w/ensuite baths on the upper, plus brand new private access 1 bed in-law suite in basement.

Updates are many; high end flooring and lighting top to bottom, white shaker kitchen with stone countertops, WOLF gas range, walk in pantry, built in coffee bar and wine fridge, stone feature wall with linear fireplace and built in shelving, power blinds, surround sound system, heat pump/AC plus inground sprinklers and storage shed.

Multiple car parking w/full size dbl garage, its pad plus private e-gate access to long side drive perfect for rec or work vehicles. Fully fenced, private yard, lane access.

Walk to local schools, parks, YMCA and amenities.  New Snokomish French Immersion Elementrary Catchment!

14782 59th Ave is asking $1,589,900 and open this Saturday Feb 7 from 2-4pm.

View images, floor plan and specs HERE 

We have just listed this well cared for 4 bed and bath, 2 story, cul-de-sac home in Ocean Parks Amble Greene neighbourhood. 

Almost 3,000sqft of immaculate living space on a 13,547sqft lot. The main level offers formal living/dining space, an open plan at back with bright solarium and family room overlooking the landscaped back yard, perfect for family hang outs and entertaining.

Bonus flex room and 4th bedroom also on the main level. Upper rooms include primary suite, ensuite bath and tons of closet space plus 2 more generous size bedrooms.

Huge patio area at back plus a smaller patio off kitchen perfect for outdoor kitchen and bbq. Full size double car garage with deep parking pad.

Perfectly situated in a private, parklike setting but only minutes to the amenities of Ocean Park Village, local library, local schools, easy access parks and beaches.

13197 Amble Greene Close is asking $1,974,900 and is open this Sunday Feb 1 from 2-4pm

View images, video, specs and floor plan HERE

IS NOW OPEN FOR REGISTRATION!

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.

Happy New Year Clients, Friends and Neighbours!

As we enter 2026 the local real estate market continues to evolve. We thought it timely to write a post recapping recent data helping to inform those looking to sell this year.  
 
If you had a home listed in 2025 it’s likely you know it was one of the slowest years in decades for real estate sales  in the Fraser Valley.  Down 16 percent when compared to 2024.
 
Prices have softened, but not dramatically, Depending on where your live in  the valley, average sale prices are down 6 to 14 per cent.  Zoom out however and we see home prices down 24 per cent overall since March of 2022. 
 
Inventory levels climbed to their highest point in over 40 years. This meant sellers had to focus on their listings price and presentation more than ever before!
 
But that’s all in the past.  Let’s look to the future! (with an optimistic eye)

If you or someone you know has been thinking of selling in 2026 here are 3 tips to help navigate this market with confidence:

1. The stars are overrated. Don’t reach for the pricing peak. Get competitive. Better yet, start competitive. With pricing on a steady down curve realistic, attractive pricing is your best friend. Overpricing can cost weeks of wasted time or worse, cause your listing to become last years news. 

2. Make a great first impression. Don’t wait for buyer feedback. Upgrade your home with features a buyer can really sink their teeth into like a mortgage helper in the basement or a new kitchen or bathroom. If cash is tight get your homes presentation better than it has ever been before. And, do all this before launching your listing. 

3. Good vibes only. Unlike the rapid sales and multiple offers of years past. Homes take longer to sell. Offers are low and most buyers are stretching financially to make it happen. Bring your most patient, flexible, and sturdy self to the table. 

An optimistic lens helps us see we are in a time of transition not collapse and there are opportunities for both sides. Prices aren’t escalating and the 2026 buyers know it, but with the right mindset and strategy happy sellers are still a thing!
 
So get yourself (or your neighbour) connected with an area expert. One who can interpret hyper local trends and guide you through these quiet conditions.

If you are in Surrey, South Surrey, White Rock or the communities that border us, we can help.  
 
Read our past client reviews HERE and book your home evaluation HERE  

Jenn & Colin

Photo by Oliver Roos on Unsplash