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 | Spring has sprung, and a buyer’s market is in the air!
That's right, buyers are back in the driver's seat. This month, we're diving into the Fraser Valley's shifting real estate landscape, explaining why now is the best time to save money on moving to a higher-value property, and we’re uncovering some often-overlooked maintenance tasks that can save you a headache down the road. Don’t forget to scroll down and check out the best properties on the market this week and what our friends at Safe Families have been up to! |
| | Today's real estate market presents excellent opportunities. For first-time buyers, this is a prime time to enter the market. With plenty of selection, reasonable interest rates, and strong negotiating power, securing a property is within reach. Lower Mainland condos, both new developments and older units, are particularly well-priced, and this is where the deals can be found. These units, in quality, established developments, now offer a path to move from renting to homeownership and a way to build your own equity (not your landlord’s!). That said, finding a full-time, detail-oriented real estate agent you connect with is the key to buying well. |
|  | Sellers can capitalize on current conditions by ensuring their properties are meticulously prepared, well staged, and strategically priced. Properties with suites are gaining a significant advantage in attracting buyers looking to make a jump up the property ladder. The market is moving and changing. If you are looking to make an upgrade to a higher-value property, this is the market to do it. Check out our visual above to see why! |
|  | Zooming out for a different perspective, check out the return on your investment if you are the owner of any sort of property in the Fraser Valley over the last two decades. This also shows us how much we’ve stabilized since the frenzy of the 2021/2022 market. Over all (and surprising no one!) real estate has been an outstanding investment in the Fraser Valley. |
|  |  | | | | Spring cleaning is like that weird uncle you only see once a year – it shows up, makes a big fuss, and then disappears, leaving you wondering what just happened. But while you're busy tackling the usual suspects (we're looking at you, overflowing junk drawer!), don't forget about these often-overlooked maintenance tasks: |
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| Inspect Your Attic/Crawlspace March is the best time to give your attic a quick once over. Attics can be ice cold in the winter, and stifling hot in the summer so now is your chance while the temperature is comfortable. It’s a good idea to inspect your attic (or crawlspace) once a year to check for things like shifted insulation, blocked vents and fans and any indicators of pests. It’s also wise to scan for any signs of leaks or damage from pipes and ductwork running through, or from the roof itself.
Ceiling Fan Optimization:
With the arrival of spring, now is the best time to adjust your ceiling fan's direction for optimal comfort. During the colder months, an upward airflow circulates warm air without a chilling downdraft. As we head into spring and summer, reversing the direction to a downward flow creates a cooling breeze. This "wind chill effect" is a why most of us had ceiling fans installed, so don’t forget to do the swap!
Clean Off Those Smoke Detectors Did you know that keeping your smoke alarms in top shape means more than just testing them and swapping out batteries? Yep, they need a little cleaning now and then too! To ensure your sensors have enough airflow, grab your vacuum with the soft brush attachment and give the alarm a gentle once-over. This gets rid of any dust, dander and cobwebs that might be blocking the sensor. After that, just wipe down the outside to remove any greasy residue from cooking, pet hair, or anything else that might be sticking to it. And that’s it!
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| |  | Safe families is making a difference in your community! |
| 2024 IMPACT IN THE LOWER MAINLAND 274 Overnight Hostings | 63 Daytime Hostings |
| | When Susan was referred to Safe Families she was isolated, overwhelmed, and experiencing some significant medical issues. The challenges were immense: how would she continue to feed her 4 kids, support her child with autism, find a new place to live and deal with days where she would be in so much pain, unable to leave the couch. And after leaving home to live on her own at age 16, she was stuck in survival mode and didn't have anyone in her life that she could really trust. |
| For six months, an amazing team of volunteers wrapped Susan in care and support. They hosted her children while she was in the hospital and while she recovered. Through the emotional ups and downs, they offered love, rides to appointments, outings, connection to other agencies for specific support, and practical help with parenting and budgeting. |
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| A few months ago, we received a call from the agency that initially referred Susan to us. They were thrilled to share that, just seven months after connecting with Safe Families, Susan was now living in a much safer place, her medical condition had improved, and her kids were thriving.
Susan's story is a powerful testament to the difference we can make partnering together as donors, volunteers, and churches, coming together as a loving community for families experiencing crisis in our city!
~ Safe Families |
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