Courtesy of Amanda Milford

AMANDA MILFORD PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION

TOP 1.2% FVREB 2024

604.330.2975 amanda.milford@theagencyre.com

THE AGENCY - WHITE ROCK A Global Marketing and Sales Organization

TheAgencyRE.com | white-rockproperty.com

2025 | ISSUE 4

When you hear the phrase “outdoor kitchen” what comes to mind? A portable barbecue and a comfy patio set or a lavish area that rivals the functionality of your indoor kitchen? Either way, having a designated cooking, eating and entertaining area in your yard or on your patio is one way many homeowners are looking to expand their homes this spring and summer. Start by planning the layout and functionality of the space before considering style and budget. Design the kitchen area based on traffic flow and ease of access and proximity to other areas. For instance having the preparation and cooking area on a high deck but the seating on a lower deck may make transporting food difficult. Will your grill and sink use existing gas, water and electrical lines or will you need to have new ones run? Imagine yourself using the space and see what may cause issues and what would work best. Once you know what will go where, consider design elements – do you want to use stone, metal or wood? Will you have a professional team come in and build the area or will you attempt to do it yourself? Your budget will dictate a lot as well, as creating an outdoor kitchen isn’t necessarily a low cost endeavor. DESIGNING YOUR IDEAL OUTDOOR KITCHEN

Kale & Quinoa Salad

WITH LEMON DRESSING

INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS:

• 1 bunch kale, stemmed and chopped • 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil • 3 tablespoons lemon juice • 2 tablespoons chopped shallot

1. Place kale in a large serving bowl. Whisk together oil, lemon juice, shallot, honey, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Pour 2 to 3 tablespoons of the dressing over the kale; lightly massage until slightly wilted, 1 to 2 minutes. 2. Top the kale with tomatoes, quinoa, cucumber, peppers, chickpeas, feta and almonds. Drizzle with the remaining dressing and toss before serving.

• 1 teaspoon honey • ½ teaspoon salt • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper • 2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes, halved • 2 cups cooked quinoa

• 1 English cucumber, thinly sliced • 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced • 1 medium yellow bell pepper, sliced • 1 (15 ounce) can unsalted chickpeas, rinsed • ¾ cup feta cheese, crumbled • ½ cup sliced almonds, toasted

REAL COURAGE IS WHEN YOU KNOW YOU’RE LICKED BEFORE YOU BEGIN, BUT YOU BEGIN ANYWAY AND SEE IT THROUGH NO MATTER WHAT”

HARPER LEE (AMERICAN NOVELIST 1926 – 2016)

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR VINYL SIDING Keeping the vinyl siding on your home or garage clean helps prolong its lifespan, prevents grime (or mould/ mildew) from building up and overall enhances the appearance of your property. First use a broom or soft bristle brush to dust off any dirt or debris that has accumulated over the winter. Treat stains with a solution made for vinyl siding and follow the directions on the package. Once any stains are removed, go ahead and use a large, soft brush to apply soapy water (dish soap works well) and rinse it off with a garden hose. Pressure washing is an option, just be sure the water pressure isn’t too high so you don’t accidentally damage the siding. If you see signs of mould or mildew (black spots that don’t easily wash away) you’ll want to treat the area with hydrogen peroxide, vinegar and water solution, or a cleaner made specifically for removing mildew from siding.

Did you know?

• April is from the Latin word aperio which means “to open [bud]”

• April 22 is Earth Day

• The birth flowers for April are the daisy and the sweat pea

• The birthstone of April is the diamond

• In the northern hemisphere, April is the first full month of spring

WORD LADDER

Change one word into another by changing one letter at a time. Hints are in brackets.

CUP

(young dog)

(dad)

It’s likely that you’ve seen solar panels on the roof of a home nearby and have wondered if it would be right for you. There are a lot of factors to consider and you should investigate thoroughly before having panels installed, but essentially, solar panels can help harness the sun’s energy and convert it into the power needed to run your home. This, in turn, generates fewer carbon emissions which is great for the environment. Ideally, solar panels are installed on a sloped, south-facing roof that has access to full sunlight and isn’t shaded by trees or other buildings. That’s not to say north, west or east facing roofs can’t utilize solar panels, just south-facing tends to be exposed to the most sunlight each day. Other options for placing solar panels are available, such as on the ground if your roof doesn’t meet the needed criteria. Alberta and Ontario have both seen surges of solar panel installations over the past few years, however it seems to be a growing trend across the country. If solar energy is something you’re thinking about, you can also look into The Canada Greener Homes Loan which can help finance your endeavor by providing an interest-free loan. SOLAR PANELS AND SOLAR ENERGY

(plant holder)

(place to sleep)

CAT

STORY

(boutique)

(fixed look)

(kick off)

SMART

SOLUTION: CUP, PUP, POP, POT, COT, CAT SOLUTION: STORY, STORE, STARE, START, SMART

Fraser Valley Update

11.2%

$1,505,500 detached DOWN 1.2% year-to-year

$540,900 apartment DOWN 2.6% year-to-year DOWN 1.7% year-to-year $833,700 townhouse

SALES TO ACTIVE LISTING RATIO

8.9

MONTHS OF INVENTORY

9,219

ACTIVE LISTINGS

BENCHMARK PRICES

apartment 2,371 1,495 townhouse

detached 3,253

3,800

1,036 SOLD LISTINGS

NEW LISTINGS

South Surrey Real Estate Update: What Established Movers Need to Know

Market Overview If you’re navigating one of life’s big transitions — whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or adapting to family changes — you’re probably wondering what all this market data actually means for you. The Buyer’s Market Reality There are currently 627 active listings , and just 31 sales happened in March. That means only about 4% of homes sold, and nearly 10% of listings were withdrawn . Buyers have options — and they’re taking their time. If you’re buying, you have negotiating power. If you’re selling, it’s more important than ever to price within the market and present your home beautifully to stand out. The Pricing Picture The average home sold for about 3% below asking in March. That tells us buyers are negotiating — and sellers need to be realistic. Pricing too high can lead to fewer showings, longer days on market, and in some cases, no sale at all. My advice? Price it right from the start and make sure your home looks amazing online and in person. First impressions matter. The Psychology of the Market There’s a lot of uncertainty in the air — with tariffs, interest rate changes, and global economic shifts. Some buyers are sitting on the sidelines. But not everyone. Cash buyers and well-positioned buyers are taking advantage of this slower market. They’re negotiating

well and buying strategically — often without competition. At the same time, sellers who are well-prepared and priced correctly are still achieving strong results — and then turning around to buy in the same buyer-friendly conditions. This is one of those rare times where both sides — buyer and seller — can win, if they approach the market with the right strategy. The Human Side of Real Estate I know this isn’t just about selling a house or finding a new one. You’ve done the starter home. The fixer-upper. Now you’re making decisions that reflect where you are in life — and where you’re going next. Kids in university. A career still in full swing. Maybe you’re thinking about downsizing or finding something that just fits better for how life looks now. And for many of us, there’s another layer — or maybe it’s you who’s starting to think about downsizing, because the home you’re in now just feels like too much to manage. These are real life moments, and they deserve care, clarity, and a steady hand. This move should feel right for you and your family — and I’m here to help make that transition smoother, smarter, and maybe even more enjoyable than you expected. If you’re wondering how all of this applies to your situation, let’s chat. Send me an email or give me a call. I’m always happy to be your sounding board. Statistics reflect market activity in March 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

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