Courtesy of Amanda Milford

AMANDA MILFORD PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION

604.330.2975 amanda.milford@theagencyre.com

THE AGENCY - WHITE ROCK A Global Marketing and Sales Organization

TheAgencyRE.com | white-rockproperty.com

2025 | ISSUE 2

There are many different backsplash options available for those looking to renovate their kitchen or just bring new life to the walls above the counters. Gone are the days of a standard four-inch tile above the counter that is functional but not really visually appealing. Modern kitchens have more creative backsplash options from large slabs of marble to small, intricate tile patterns. Some spaces are even seeing backsplash brought in from floor to ceiling to create a visual statement and make smaller rooms feel larger and more cohesive. When you find a backsplash tile that you love, consider making it more eye-catching with a coloured grout. Or choosing a bold colour tile with a neutral grout paired with white cabinets and trim. Mixing tiles, like a classic subway tile along side an intricate pattern tile (above the sink for instance) is another trend designers are incorporating into more kitchens these days too. BOLD BACKSPLASH

Spinach Artichoke Dip

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 jar (15 ounces) Alfredo sauce • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened • ½ cup grated Parmesan and Romano cheese blend • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

• 1 garlic clove, minced • 1 can (14 ounces) water-packed artichoke hearts, drained and chopped • 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry • Tortilla chips

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine Alfredo sauce, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, Romano cheese, ¼ cup mozzarella cheese, and garlic; mix well. Stir in artichokes and spinach. Transfer to a greased 4- or 5-cup broiler-safe baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining ¼ cup mozzarella cheese. 2. Bake, uncovered, until bubbly, 20-25 minutes. Preheat broiler. Place baking dish on a baking sheet. Broil 4-6 inches from heat until top is golden brown, 1-2 minutes. Serve with tortilla chips.

Courtesy tasteofhome.com

THE THINGS THAT MAKE ME DIFFERENT ARE THE THINGS THAT MAKE ME, ME.”

PIGLET, CHARACTER IN THE WINNIE-THE-POOH SERIES BY A.A. MILNE

MINDFUL EATING Being mindful in the sense that you’re fully present in the moment and aware of your feelings and thoughts is not a new concept and has long been practiced as a way to find a deeper connection and understanding of yourself and the world you find yourself in. Mindful eating is another aspect of this mindset and can improve digestion, prevent overeating and even help you absorb more nutrients from a meal. A key in mindful eating is to remove distractions like your cell phone, the television or a noisy dishwasher during mealtime. This will allow you to focus more on what you’re eating and how your body is responding. When practicing mindful eating, take the time to taste each bite, chew slowly, put your utensils down between bites, acknowledge what nutrients you’re consuming and pay attention to your hunger cues. You’ll want to engage all of your senses while eating and pay attention to your body telling you you’re full or still hungry or not enjoying a particular taste or smell on your plate. Mindful eating is something that will take time to adjust to so be patient with yourself and if you’re unsure of how to proceed with becoming more mindful, consult a specialist or do more research on the subject

MAGIC SQUARE

A JUMP START ON SPRING CLEANING

The key to solving a magic square is that each row, column, and the 2 corner-to-corner diagonals must total the given sum.

THE SUM IS 75

11

27 20

5

24 22 15 8

18 16 9 7

10 3 26

11 4 27 20 13 5 23 21 14 12 24 22 15 8 6 18 16 9 7 25 17 10 3 26 19

Good luck!

It’s not quite spring, but if you wanted to get a head start on some cleaning projects one weekend, there are quite a few places we often overlook when doing a deep clean of our homes. Walls : Spot clean scuffs and dirty areas first then use warm water and a gentle cleaning agent to wash the entire wall and follow up with a dry cloth to collect excess moisture. Window blinds : Ideally, you’ll be able to take the entire blind off the window and wash it in the bathtub with water and soap. If that’s not the case, start by vacuuming the blind and/or dusting with a rubber sponge and spot cleaning soiled areas. Dishwasher : Shockingly enough running the dishwasher each day isn’t enough to keep it clean and working in tip top shape. Look to your manufacturer’s manual for their recommended cleaning tips but overall, removing and cleaning the filters and spray arms along with scrubbing away any food residue is going to help a lot. Drains : Regularly cleaning your drains (sink and shower) can help prevent clogs and untimely floods. Remove the stopper to clear out any visible blockages like hair, food or grease. Then use either a natural solution (for example baking soda and lemon juice followed by boiling water) or drain specific cleaner to clear out the parts of the drain you can’t access by hand.

SOLUTION

February is one of the most commonly misspelled words in the English language. FEBRUARY FACTS

The birth flower of February is the violet which symbolizes numerous things including faithfulness, everlasting love and innocence.

In the Southern Hemisphere, February is a summer month, similar to August.

The February birthstone is amethyst which can symbolize intellect, love and security.

February is the only month where it is possible there won’t be a full moon. (Not this year though, it’s February 12, 2025.)

Fraser Valley’s decade-high inventory could open doors for buyers

11.3%

$1,482,400 detached UP 0.6% year-to-year

$534,600 apartment DOWN 1.2% year-to-year UP 0.2% year-to-year $826,000 townhouse

SALES TO ACTIVE LISTING RATIO

8.9

MONTHS OF INVENTORY

7,251

ACTIVE LISTINGS

BENCHMARK PRICES

apartment 1,873 1,161 townhouse

detached 2,400

3,432

818 SOLD LISTINGS

NEW LISTINGS

FRASER VALLEY REAL ESTATE MARKET UPDATE – OPPORTUNITIES IN UNCERTAIN TIMES

to a more manageable lifestyle. Sellers who take the right approach in pricing and presentation can still achieve excellent results, as serious buyers are actively engaging in the market. Navigating the Market with Experience The real estate market constantly shifts, and trying to “time” it perfectly is nearly impossible. Instead, the right decision should always be based on what makes the most sense for your family and long-term goals. Now more than ever, working with an experienced REALTOR ® is crucial. Navigating a market influenced by economic fluctuations , interest rate adjustments, and policy changes requires deep expertise. With years of experience in complex real estate transactions—and a background that includes moving across countries, adapting to different markets, and understanding the emotions behind buying and selling—I am here to guide you with clarity and confidence. If you’re considering a move, let’s discuss how you can take advantage of current market opportunities. Call me today, and let’s make a plan that works for you .

become less certain following the U.S. election. The newly installed American administration’s proposed tariffs have created volatility in the financial markets, leading to concerns about inflation, potential policy shifts by the Bank of Canada, and the overall economic impact on British Columbia. While worst-case scenarios project a possible slowdown, history has shown that housing activity in B.C. tends to rebound quickly after any economic dip. A limited and targeted tariff response from Canada would likely result in only a minor impact on inflation, allowing the Bank of Canada to continue supporting economic growth. What This Means for White Rock & South Surrey Locally, I have seen price adjustment in the South Surrey/White Rock market. However, buyer activity has increased , with more offers being written. This is a significant change from the hesitation we saw in previous months when many buyers were sitting on the sidelines. With increased inventory and lower mortgage rates, this is an excellent time to explore opportunities—whether you’re looking to buy a home, move up to your next property, or downsize

As we move into 2025, the Fraser Valley real estate market shows signs of opportunity for buyers and sellers alike. Despite broader economic uncertainties, growing inventory and stable prices set the stage for an active and dynamic winter market. A Shift in the Market Newly listed homes surged by 18% in January, and inventory has continued to rise into February. This means more choices for buyers and increased opportunities for sellers who position their homes correctly. With more homes on the market, buyers have the time and ability to negotiate, while sellers who market their properties effectively can still achieve great results. Falling Mortgage Rates & Economic Outlook Recently, fixed mortgage rates in Canada have dropped as economic concerns drive Canadian bond yields lower. The Bank of Canada also lowered its interest rate to 3% , which could further encourage market activity. Lower borrowing costs create a window of opportunity for buyers looking to enter the market and homeowners considering refinancing. That said, the broader economic picture has

Statistics reflect market activity in January 2025 | Source: FVREB ® Fraser Valley Real Estate Board | Market values stated are of the benchmark of Fraser Valley and surrounding region. Individual home market values will vary and are affected by factors such as location, size, interior and exterior condition. Please call to get an up-to-date evaluation of your home

COMPLIMENTS OF

604.330.2975 amanda.milford@theagencyre.com AMANDA MILFORD PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION

Thank you Maureen for referring me to your friends. I truly appreciate your trust and look forward to seeing you at my VIP Event later this year!

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