"The Perch", bare land strata, a gated community consisting of Panoramic Valley and Mountain views on the hillside amongst endless natural beauty where the Eagles fly. This 6 bedroom (1 on the main) and 4 full bath CUSTOM built home is an architectural delight throughout the day from every room and there are decks on all three level of the home. Mater spa en-suite with a giant soaker style dining, large living area and private patio. (BONUS, chairlift already installed). Private yard with established greenery/gardens, almost new and NO GST.

Well-kept family home on a quiet Pitt Meadows street! This 3-bed, 2-bath property offers bright, comfortable living with a functional layout, spacious main floor, and a versatile lower level with rec room, bedroom, laundry, and utility space. Sitting on a generous 7,457 sq ft lot, it provides excellent outdoor space and strong long-term potential, including future multi-family redevelopment under R6 zoning. A warm, inviting home close to parks, schools, and local amenities.

3 Year young condo with a view! This is a beautiful 2 bedroom, 2 bath is in the heart of Chilliwack. This home offers a spacious open concept kitchen/living area, large kitchen bar which is perfect for entertaining, a full ensuite off the primary bedroom, in-suite laundry, remaining 8 years on the New Home Warranty and incredible views of the mountains. Both bedrooms have walk-in closets. Another plus, this condo is fully wheelchair accessible. Book your private viewing today.

View this recently sold Apartment or see all my home sales

The Bank of Canada (BoC) today announce what most industry professionals had expected. As one of Heller Murch Realty's trusted Mortgage Advisor Jeff Fraser stated however is the tone and the message that Tiff Macklem deliver today. The Bank of Canada are shifting from a view that is what we are doing with raising rates enough to a viewpoint that indicates that the rate increases have worked. The BoC is now looking at how long they need to hold the rate to keep inflation on track towards the 2% inflation rate they are targeting in mid-2025. 

When will things shift towards reducing the interest rate? That really depends on which economist you listen to. Even prior to this announcement the most optimistic source was still suggesting as early as March or April, while the more pessimistic economists were indicating June or later. 

What does this mean to you? Regardless of whether you intend to keep your current owned property or whether you are considering a move towards a purchase it may be time to start talking with a mortgage advisor. For those that intend to stay coming up with a financial plan especially if you are a few years into a fixed rate mortgage is a great idea to ensure you are prepared for the rates when your fixed mortgage is up for renewal. For those looking to buy or sell expect a large uptick on market activity. The positive outlook from the BoC will likely shift those that have been waiting to start to consider selling. Although we have seen longer absorption rates on properties, we haven’t seen a lot of options for buyers that are decerning. I expect we will see more homes come up in the Fraser Valley, along with the prices creeping up as we enter the spring. 

If you would like to discuss the market or would like some options on whom I recommend speaking with about Mortgage options, please give me a call at 778.808.1000.

308 11609 227 st, Maple Ridge, BC

We have to question what this will do to the long-term state of rentals in Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, as we struggle with a lack of rentals already. I find areas like Langley, Abbotsford, and the rest of the Lower Mainland have some great options for investment as a long-term hold if an investor is not heavily reliant on the banks and the current high-interest rate. With current interest rates, having 20% equity in a home may not cover the costs of a home, but the increase in real estate long-term remains attractive to many to keep investing in rentals.

It wasn’t too long ago that I was renting and was lucky enough to remain in a lovely apartment without seeing much of an increase in rent. Over the last 7 years, the same place has almost doubled for people signing a new rental agreement. From a renter’s standpoint, although having a 3.5% increase next year would be an unpleasant surprise, the decision to stay in a rental rather than moving to a different rental remains likely a better option as new lease agreements are not subject to a maximum mandated rent increase and are only limited by the free market rate.

For some seeing the rental rates continue to climb, it may be an additional push towards purchasing a home. As recent times have shown us, we may not be free from Bank of Canada increasing the cost of borrowing but new purchasers can be hopeful that the rates will remain low

The question now is how this decision will impact the state of the market. As we start the beginning of the school year and as many people take a break from holidays, we often see a small resurgence of the market from my experience. Although most of us were hoping during early Spring that we would start to see rates go down, mortgage experts had an indication that our reality was going to be that we should brace for rates holding steady or a possible increase. The question remains whether we will see a somewhat usual secondary housing sale market or if we will have an autumn similar to 2022. Mortgage advisors are hopeful that we will see a downward trajectory in the second half of 2024, with my colleagues and myself expecting a large influx of home sale transactions happening at that point. I believe that Fraser Valley will see a large rush with an upswing in home prices if rates do start to fall yet again. If your mortgage renewal is coming up or if you are thinking of selling or buying a property, it would be a great time to start having conversations with professionals like mortgage advisors and realtors about your options.

We will be updated the countertops to Silestone countertops remenisent of marble with the added durability of quartz, bathrooms and kitchen will now feature tile flooring. I am excited to get started with our build team. Stay tuned for the remodel update!

It may seem like the solution is simple:  Just reduce, reuse and recycle, right?  Unfortunately, virtually everything that is produced, requires a natural resource of some sort:  raw materials or energy.  Repurposing a material that is already manufactured into a new object or item requires that it be broken down.  This is often done in very specific facilities, meaning the item to be recycled will likely require shipping.  Consideration must also be given to the materials and energy required to re-use the material being recycled, as well as any bi-products or emissions produced in the remanufacturing process.  No matter how you look at the challenge, there are subsequent challenges to overcome in our efforts to be responsible stewards of our natural resources.  That said, it is a work in progress, and we must continue moving forward with innovations to create solutions.

The construction industry is a large contributor to landfill waste, from debris and packaging from new buildings, as well as discarded materials from renovations or demolitions.  Building construction also places a large demand on raw materials.  Think of all that goes into a building, from the energy required to break ground, through to the interior finishes and fixtures.  Each item is manufactured from some form of material and shipped from wherever it is made.  You can see that it is a much layered, complex challenge.  In recognizing all the layers of materials and systems in building construction, we also see the many areas where we have the opportunity make positive changes and choices in a combined effort to use less of our natural resources.

As we collectively work on solutions moving forward, the construction industry and the many related manufacturers are working to develop products and systems that address these challenges.  Since 1992, when the United Nations held the initial Conference on Environment and Development, the construction industry has come a long way.  Here are some of the innovations that are contributing to sustainability in building construction:

Engineered Wood Products

Wood has been the primary construction material for building homes in North America for over 200 years.  It is a cost-effective and versatile material.  200 years ago, our forests looked completely different, full of old growth timber which is has been largely depleted.  Since then, practices and standards have been put into place to ensure that forests, which are vital to eco-systems and the environment, are there for generations to come.  Today, the forestry industry is working hard to adapt to meet the need for wood materials while being environmentally responsible stewards, managing replanted forests, and developing new ways to utilize all the material harvested. 

In the past, the process of milling the raw timber created a tremendous amount waste.  Poor quality wood and off-cuts could not be used, adding to the waste.  With modern technology and innovations, wood fiber, saw dust and off-cuts are now processed using various lamination processes and manufactured into structural wood, replacing solid wood to create sheet goods, dimensional lumber, and trusses.

These wood products are engineered, each with a specific purpose and strength in mind.  As such, there is more flexibility in what can be produced, and the quality and characteristics can be controlled.  Systems have also been designed to splice short off-cut timbers together to create longer lengths of dimensional lumber.  Much of what once was waste is now manufactured into products used in construction.  Some examples of this are Glue-Lam Beams and floor joists, Fiberboard (which comes in low/LDF, medium/MDF and high/HDF densities), Laminated veneer lumber (LVL), and Oriented strand board (OSB)

Engineered wood products can be used both for the construction of the building itself as well as well as for the finishing and fixtures in the interior.  Cabinetry, millwork, doors and mouldings are often fabricated using fibre-board such as MDF.  The core of laminate flooring is also a fibre-board product.  Most hardwood found inside of homes is an engineered wood product, with only the top layer being a more precious solid wood.  Engineered wood products can offer superior stability and strength, as well as contributing to the sustainability of our forests and the use wood products in construction.  You will spot many of these products in a Premier Pacific Home.

Fiber Cement Products

Another great innovation using waste wood materials from the milling process, Fiber Cement products, such as James Hardy Products or Timbercrete, are materials composed of cementitious products and sawdust.  It is lighter than concrete, and the sawdust component recycles waste material.  The combination creates a product that is stable, durable, and lasting. Fiber Cement can be shaped into pavers, blocks, cultured stone, and bricks, making it both versatile and sustainable.  Used as exterior cladding, it withstands the elements, as well as insects.  It will not buckle in extreme heat like vinyl siding and does not deteriorate from repeated moisture exposure like wood.  It also adds thermal insulation and prevents noise transfer.

3 bedrooms all on main floor in Rose Garden Estates, a rancher with a walkout basement with plenty of space for guests and extended family. The level backyard is great for families and is ready for a workshop or a pool. The main living area of the home is ideal for entertaining with a large kitchen, bright dining room, warm living room and large deck. 3 bedrooms on the main floor and 2 bedrooms which could also be used for gym and gaming room. Walk to Tim Hortons and Wildcat Grill convenience stores while groceries are only a short drive away. Near to attractions like Harrison Hot Springs, Bridal Falls, golfing, hiking and Bridal Falls Water Park.

Welcome to your Premier Pacific home at Rosestone Place. The kitchen features quartz countertops, soft close cabinets and a luxury appliance package from Australia's Fisher & Paykel. 4 bedrooms ups with the possibility for an additional 2 in basement. Large tile laundry. 19' ceiling living room with breathtaking fireplace. Master bedroom features his and hers walkthrough closet with built-in wardrobe, 4 piece ensuite and an amazing view. Walk to Tim Hortons and Wildcat Grill, convenience stores while groceries are only a short drive away. Near to attractions like Harrison Hot Spring, Bridal Falls, golfing, hiking and Bridal Falls Water Park.

The Perch at Jinkerson Vistas is Promontory's exciting new neighbourhood design around modern lifestyles. Connected to nature through the spectacular views out the enormous windows, the connected trails and greenbelt backyards. This home has a forward thinking design with modern fixtures and an open concept floor plan. Book your appointment to pre-purchase this home now!

A unique offering in Rose Garden Estates, a rancher with a walkout basement, spectacular views and 2 suites. The level backyard is great for families and is ready for a workshop. The main living area of the home is ideal for entertaining with a large kitchen, bright dining room, warm living room and large deck. 3 bedrooms on the main floor and 2 bedrooms which could also be used for gym and gaming room. Walk to Tim Hortons and Wildcat Grill convience stores while groceries are only a short drive away. Near to attractions like Harrison Hot Springs, Bridal Falls, golfing, hiking and Bridal Falls Water Park.

Often less is more

Having a few key pieces as focal points attracts potential buyers.  Do you have a kitchen that is a home chefs dream? Leave the bright red mixer on the counter, but maybe leave the toaster and the coffee pot in the pantry. We tend to accumulate souvenirs over the years that we are proud to have on display, the problem is sometimes it distracts and overwhelms the senses. The fridge is another area that should be cleared of magnets and art at least during showings. I like to also have the driveway clear of cars giving an uninterrupted view of the house. It also lets buyers park in the driveway.

Keep in mind the goal is to have potential buyers see themselves living in the home. While less is more it does not mean that you should go without personal items.  A few family photos goes a long way in making people feel at ease and believe that the seller had great memories that were created while living in the house. If I am working with a young family I exploit the kids room, it stirs up emotion from buyers.  The key is to have a few items (toys) carefully placed and everything else put away in the chest.

Another area to address is flow and spacial usage; how to set up your furniture. This one is a bit tougher since floor configurations can vary so much, but ensuring that people have room to move freely is important.  Seating areas should not feel cramped. You want buyers to feel like they can move around entertaining areas with ease.  Usually I arrange living rooms in a U shape with a coffee table in the middle.  with about 30″ between couches or chairs and the coffee table. Remember to keep seating focused towards the view or fireplaces before the tv. The dining room should be set up to seat guests comfortably not to get maximum capacity. If you have an 84″ dining table have 6 seats total or about 28″ allotted for each 24″ chair.

Do you live in the lower mainland? For more helpful tips feel free to book a consultation with me to get your home ready.

Premier Pacific Group Rosedale Family Homes