White Rock- Vantage Real Estate Group

Vantage Real Estate Group

DIFFERENT HOUSE TYPES IN CANADA When considering a home purchase, one of the first decisions to make is what style of home you want to live in. Detached, semi-detached, townhouse and condominium are some of the most common options available across the country. Each has their pros and cons, so to help get you started, here is a quick overview of what you can expect in each property. Single-Detached – the most common home type is the detached which means the house stands alone and has its own entrance, front and back yards. Townhouse (also Row house ) – these are typically two or three storey homes and have at least one shared wall with a neighbouring unit. Two or more units are joined together in a row. They often include a small yard and have their own entrances. Semi-Detached – two units share a common wall in a semi-detached property. They’ll each have their own entrance and yards, but typically share a driveway. Condominium/Apartment – privately owned units within a larger building where a condo corporation or board manages the shared areas and homeowners own the unit within.

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CONDO AMENITIES WORTH CONSIDERING Purchasing a condo requires some consideration as to how you want it to fit in with your lifestyle. There are some amenities that can make a unit and building stand out and confirm its value based on the extras offered. Within the condo unit, things like a washer and dryer, air conditioning and a dishwasher will make your life more manageable and comfortable. A balcony will give you extra living space outdoors, however before you commit, check the condo regulations so you know whether or not you can design this area into the oasis you dream of. These extras will add to the up-front cost, but will be worth it in the long run for the quality of life each provides. When considering the building itself, look at logistical aspects like elevator access, parking (owner and visitor) and storage options. If you plan to bring pets, ensure the buildings you look at are pet friendly and allow the pet that you currently own, some buildings only allow small dogs for instance, to move in with you. Walkability is important, too. Take into account the proximity to places you would shop at, want to walk to and where you can connect with public transit services. Visit the area during the day time and later in the evening to get a feel for how walkable the community is. Security, interior and perimeter lighting and building maintenance routines are also important aspects to consider when choosing a building. Finally, some buildings offer amenities like a fitness center, a pool, a common room that can be rented for larger gatherings and even a concierge service, so make a list of what you’re looking for in your ideal place.

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Vantage Real Estate Group

GETTING A MORTGAGE WHILE SELF-EMPLOYED Nearly 13% of Canadians, according to the latest Labour Force Survey , are self-employed which means following the traditional route of obtaining a mortgage is not always an option. However, working with the right team, including a mortgage professional specializing in mortgages for the self-employed, can help entrepreneurs successfully get approved for their mortgage at a reasonable rate. Others on this ideal team would be an accountant, a lawyer and of course a REALTOR® who have experience working with self employed clients. The main hurdle for many self-employed Canadians is showing income stability. Not only does it take a bit of work to get the necessary documents together but it can be difficult to show (on paper) an income that lenders can trust and bank on being reliable. That’s why having an accountant and mortgage professional connect before starting the whole mortgage process is ideal. They can strategize the best way to structure income and taxes to show that stability, maximize tax benefits and help prepare the down payment. They can also present the documented income in the best light to the potential lender.

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Vantage Real Estate Group

DESIGNING A NURSERY THAT WILL GROW WITH YOUR CHILD

Unless you want to redecorate your child’s room every few years as they grow up (and there’s nothing wrong with that – it can be really fun) you might want to think longevity when choosing your design and décor. Neutral paint is the first step. Choose something that will pair well with the numerous colours and themes your child will insist upon as they mature and their interests appear and change. Think grey, beige, white or earthy tones. When it’s time to make a change, updates can be added using accessories, curtains and bedding to give the room a new look. Good-quality furniture that can be repurposed over time is also a necessity. For instance, a crib that changes into a toddler bed or day bed will last years as your child grows. Choose a crib in a natural tone (and look for one made with non-toxic materials) so it will withstand the rapidly changing likes of your child. Another piece of furniture that can transition over the years is a dresser. Use it to double as a change table while your child is in diapers and then convert it into a basic dresser once the change table is not needed anymore. Two last things to consider: while curtains can be updated frequently, consider installing room-darkening blinds that will prove necessary for nap time and bright summer nights. Finally, the seating you choose should not only be comfortable and in a neutral colour (or a temporary slip cover) but large enough to accommodate you and a child as they grow from newborn to toddler to child.

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Vantage Real Estate Group

Fraser Valley real estate sales activity levels off as market enters seasonal slowdown

WHITE ROCK

BENCHMARK PRICE Single Family Dwelling $1,837,300

BENCHMARK PRICE Townhouse $928,200

ACTIVE LISTINGS 1,327

SOLD LISTINGS 155

August 5, 2025 – Market conditions are ideal for Fraser Valley home buyers this summer, but the persistent gap between buyers’ and sellers’ price expectations continues to suppress sales. The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board recorded 1,190 sales on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in July, down half a per cent from June and down three per cent year-over-year. July sales were 23 per cent below the 10-year average. “Home sellers are having to work harder than they did a year or two ago,” said Tore Jacobsen, Chair of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. “In a market where buyers are cautious and have ample choice, successful sellers are going the extra mile to meet buyers where they’re at— staging their home, handling repairs up front, and most importantly, pricing their homes realistically for the current market conditions.” Across the Fraser Valley in July, the average number of days to sell both a single-family detached home and a condo was 38 days. Townhomes took, on average, 35 days to sell. Source: 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.

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