Blog
Real estate insights, tips, and market updates.
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Best Surrey Neighbourhoods to Buy in 2026 (Median $989,950)
Surrey's median sits at $989,950 with 9.2 months of inventory — a clear buyer's market in 2026. Here are the best neighbourhoods for first-time buyers, investors, and SkyTrain commuters.
Hamidreza Etebarian
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Property Transfer Tax BC: How Much Will You Pay in 2026?
BC Property Transfer Tax is 1% on the first $200K + 2% to $2M + 3% to $3M + 5% above. On a $1.2M home that's $22,000. First-time buyers can owe as little as $0.
Hamidreza Etebarian
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BC Property Assessment Explained: Assessed Value vs Market Value (2026)
BC Assessment values are set each July 1 and usually come in below market value. Here's how your assessed value is calculated, how it drives property tax, and when it's worth appealing.
Hamidreza Etebarian
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How to Choose a Realtor in BC: 7 Questions to Ask Before Signing
Seven questions to ask any BC realtor before you sign a listing or buyer agreement — covering track record, commission, and local expertise. Plus three red flags that should end the interview.
Hamidreza Etebarian
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BC Strata Depreciation Report 2026: July 1 Deadline, Costs, and Buyer Checklist
Every BC strata with 5+ units must have a current depreciation report by July 1, 2026. Typical cost: $5K-$30K per building. Here's what the report covers and what buyers should flag.
Hamidreza Etebarian
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BC Housing Market March 2026: Prices, Inventory & Days on Market
Metro Vancouver ended March 2026 with 13,909 active listings at a $1,189,000 median and 47 days on market. Fraser Valley: 7,330 listings, $971,000. Full city + property breakdown.
Hamidreza Etebarian
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BC Speculation & Vacancy Tax 2026: Rates, Deadlines, How to File Late
March 31 deadline passed? You can still declare for BC Speculation & Vacancy Tax until July 2. 2026 rates range 0.5%-3% of assessed value. Here's who owes and how to file.
Hamidreza Etebarian
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Realtor Commission in BC 2026: Exactly What Sellers Pay on a $1.2M Home
Realtor commission in BC: 7% on the first $100K + 2.5% on the balance + GST. On a $1,189,000 Metro Vancouver home, that's $33,697. Always paid by the seller and always negotiable.
Hamidreza Etebarian
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What Is a Strata in BC? Fees, Bylaws, and What Buyers Should Check in 2026
Strata is BC's legal structure for shared ownership — usually condos and townhouses. Fees typically run $250-$600/month. Here's what they cover, the 3 strata types, and what to check before buying.
Hamidreza Etebarian
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First-Time Home Buyer BC 2026: Save $43,000+ With These 4 Programs
BC first-time buyers in 2026 can save over $43,000 by stacking the Property Transfer Tax exemption, FHSA, and Home Buyers' Plan. Here's how each program works + where entry-level homes actually are.
Hamidreza Etebarian
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Best Burnaby Neighbourhoods to Buy in 2026 (Median $899,999)
Burnaby's 1,627 listings span $368K SkyTrain condos to $2.5M Deer Lake homes, with a $899,999 median. Best areas ranked by budget, lifestyle, and commute for 2026.
Hamidreza Etebarian
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Foreclosure Properties in BC: How to Find and Buy Court-Ordered Sales in 2026
BC "foreclosures" are actually court-ordered sales — the court, not the lender, approves the final price. Here's how the process works in 2026, the risks, and where to find active listings.
Hamidreza Etebarian