Evan Bird Real Estate Blog

Look, I've lived in the Fraser Valley long enough to know our winters aren't your typical Canadian freeze-fest. Sure, we get snow. But it's the rain—endless, heavy, relentless rain—combined with those sneaky cold snaps and wind storms that'll catch you off guard if you're not careful. A one-size-fits-all winterization guide from some national website? Forget it. Doesn't work here.

Your home isn't just four walls and a mortgage payment. It's where your family lives, where memories happen, where you feel safe. Spending a weekend getting it ready for what winter throws at us? That's not just checking boxes on a to-do list. It's about sleeping soundly when the next storm rolls through. After two decades as a firefighter and countless renovation projects, I've learned what actually matters—and what's just noise.

Why a Fraser Valley-Specific Checklist Matters

Our weather is, frankly, a bit schizophrenic. Mild and drizzly on Tuesday. Frozen solid by Thursday morning. Then back to rain by the weekend. It keeps life interesting, sure—but it also means your home faces challenges that someone in, say, Kelowna or Calgary just doesn't deal with. This isn't about preparing for one type of winter. It's about being ready for all of them at once.

Your Essential Exterior Home Winterization Checklist

Think of your home's exterior like the outer shell of a fortress (dramatic, I know, but stay with me). When that shell is solid, everything inside stays protected. Let it deteriorate? You're in for a rough season.

Clean Gutters and Downspouts

This one's at the top for a reason. Non-negotiable. Our rainfall totals aren't a joke, and clogged gutters mean water's got nowhere to go except down your siding, pooling around your foundation, creating problems that'll cost you thousands to fix. Yeah, it's not glamorous work—but neither is dealing with foundation water damage.

Inspect Your Roof and Siding

Grab a ladder (or binoculars if heights aren't your thing) and give everything a good look. Loose shingles? Flashing that's seen better days? Cracks in the siding? Winter wind can transform a minor issue into a full-blown leak faster than you'd think possible. Better to spot it now than discover it during the next atmospheric river event.

Disconnect, Drain, and Store Hoses

Here's the thing about water: it freezes, it expands, and it doesn't care about your plans. Leave water in a garden hose and you're gambling with both the hose and the outdoor faucet. Not a gamble worth taking. Disconnect them, drain every last drop, toss them in the garage or shed. Done.

Prevent Frozen Pipes in the Fraser Valley: A Crucial Step

For those outdoor faucets you can't completely shut off from inside? Foam insulated covers are your friend. They're cheap (like, really cheap) and incredibly effective at keeping things from freezing during those sudden overnight temperature drops we get. One of the best ten-dollar investments you'll make.

Trim Overhanging Branches

Dead branches plus rain, snow, or ice equals disaster waiting to happen. They'll snap. They'll fall. And they don't care if your car, roof, or power lines are in the way. If you've got trees with branches hanging over anything important, now's the time to handle it. Safety first, always.

Interior Checklist: Key Surrey Home Maintenance Tips for Winter

Exterior's buttoned up? Great. Now let's make sure the inside of your home is ready to be the warm refuge it should be when temperatures drop and storms roll in.

Service Your Furnace or Heat Pump

Your heating system is going to work hard this winter—probably harder than you realize. Having a professional give it an annual checkup ensures it runs efficiently and (this is the important part) safely. Nobody wants a heating system failure at 2 AM during a cold snap. Trust me on this.

Replace Your Furnace Filter (and When to Do It)

Dirty filters are sneaky energy vampires. They restrict airflow, force your system to work overtime, and drive up those heating bills you're already dreading. Check monthly. Replace every one to three months, maybe more often if you've got pets or family members with allergies. It's one of those small things that makes a surprisingly big difference.

Check Windows and Doors for Drafts

You'd be shocked how much cold air sneaks in through tiny gaps and cracks. Weatherstripping and caulk are inexpensive fixes that'll make your home noticeably more comfortable while cutting heating costs. Run your hand around window frames and door edges—if you feel air movement, seal it up.

Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Okay, firefighter hat on for this one. When we seal up our homes for winter and run heating systems constantly, the risks change. Fire risk increases. Carbon monoxide risk increases. Testing your detectors and swapping out batteries takes maybe five minutes. Five minutes that could genuinely save your family's life. Please don't skip this.

Prepare Your Fireplace and Chimney

Love a good fire on a cold night? Me too. But if you've got a wood-burning fireplace, get that chimney professionally cleaned and inspected before lighting the first fire of the season. Creosote buildup causes chimney fires, and chimney fires are... well, they're exactly as bad as they sound.

How to Prepare Your House for a BC Winter: Emergency Edition

Here's where my years as a first responder really come into play. Preparation isn't paranoia—it's practical. When things go sideways (and they will, eventually), being ready makes all the difference between an inconvenience and a crisis.

Build Your 72-Hour Emergency Kit

Fraser Valley storms have knocked out power for days before. They'll do it again. Your kit needs water, non-perishable food, flashlights (with extra batteries), a proper first-aid kit, and any medications your family requires. It seems like overkill until the moment you need it—then it seems like genius.

Know Where Your Water and Gas Shut-Off Valves Are

If a pipe bursts, every second counts. You need to know exactly where your main water shut-off valve is located and how to operate it. Same with gas. Find them now, make sure they're accessible, maybe even practice shutting them off. Future you will be grateful.

Have a Plan for Power Outages

Extra blankets? Check. Warm clothes within easy reach? Check. Some kind of non-electric heat source? Check. Battery-powered or hand-crank radio for staying informed? Definitely check. When the lights go out and stay out, you'll be glad you thought ahead.

Protecting Your Biggest Investment

Look, I get it—this checklist might feel like a lot. But here's the reality: completing these tasks is one of the smartest moves you can make for your property's value. Well-maintained homes hold value. Neglected ones... don't. It's really that simple.

Got questions about how any of this impacts your home's long-term value? Or maybe you're thinking about real estate in general? Please reach out. Seriously—I'm always here as your trusted advocate, ready to help however I can.

About the Author: Evan Bird

Evan Bird brings something different to real estate—he's not just an agent who can pull comps and write contracts. Twenty years as a Fraser Valley firefighter plus extensive renovation experience means he understands homes from the foundation up: structure, safety, real value. It's knowledge that can't be learned from textbooks or weekend seminars. Deeply connected to Surrey, Langley, and the broader Fraser Valley community, Evan's passionate about offering the kind of practical, trusted advice that helps families protect and grow their most important investment. Through his First Responder Program and everyday client work, he's built a reputation as an advocate you can count on when it matters most.

Here's the thing about life in the Fraser Valley—it doesn't sit still. Families get bigger (or smaller), jobs shift around, and neighbourhoods from Surrey to Chilliwack? They're evolving faster than most of us expected. That home you fell in love with five years ago might feel a bit... different now. Less sanctuary, more squeeze.

It's a question a lot of homeowners quietly ask themselves: Does this place actually work for how we live now?

Sometimes the answer sneaks up on you. Other times, it's staring you in the face every morning during that brutal commute. If something's felt off lately, you're in good company. Let's walk through 10 signs your current home might not be pulling its weight anymore.

1. You're Playing Tetris With Your Stuff

Remember having a place for everything? Now the dining table moonlights as a home office, closets are staging a rebellion, and your new woodworking hobby has basically annexed the garage. Homes in Langley and Abbotsford that once felt roomy can shrink on you fast—especially with a growing family or just, well, life accumulating. When organizing takes up more time than actual living, you've probably outgrown the space.

2. Entire Rooms Are Basically Gathering Dust

Or maybe it's the opposite problem. The kids flew the nest, and their old bedrooms have turned into accidental storage lockers. That formal dining room nobody uses? The finished basement that echoes? You're heating square footage that serves no real purpose. Downsizing to something more intentional—where every room earns its keep—might make a lot of sense.

3. The Commute Is Stealing Your Life

With so many companies pulling people back to hybrid or in-person schedules, that drive from Aldergrove into Burnaby hits different now. What used to be tolerable has become a daily energy drain. Hours in traffic, time away from family, arriving home already exhausted. Your home should be where you recharge—not the launchpad for a grinding slog.

4. You Keep Picturing a Backyard

Condo and townhome owners in Surrey Central or Walnut Grove, I hear this one constantly. That pull toward private outdoor space—a little garden, somewhere safe for the kids to run around, or honestly just a quiet patio for coffee. If public parks aren't scratching that itch anymore, your gut might be telling you something.

5. The Neighbourhood Doesn't Feel Like Your Neighbourhood Anymore

The Fraser Valley is booming. But growth reshapes communities, and not always in ways that suit everyone. More traffic, construction noise, a different demographic mix—the quiet charm you bought into might have shifted. If the vibe no longer matches your stage of life, that's worth paying attention to.

6. The Layout Fights You Every Day

Post-2020 changed what we need from our homes, didn't it? That open-concept floor plan might feel exposed now that you need a quiet spot for video calls. Or a closed-off kitchen feels isolating when you actually want to connect with your family while cooking. When the bones of your home create daily friction, your needs have fundamentally evolved.

7. Maintenance Has Become Its Own Part-Time Job

Older character homes in Mission or Abbotsford—they have charm, no question. But they also come with that never-ending punch list. Leaky faucets. Peeling paint. Weekends swallowed by yard work. If upkeep has tipped from "satisfying project" to "constant burden," the appeal of something newer and lower-maintenance starts making a lot of sense.

8. You're Out of Sync With Your Community

What you need from your surroundings shifts with life stages. Young families gravitate toward walkable streets, parks, good schools. Empty nesters might crave something quieter—less hustle, more peace. Feeling like you don't quite belong where you live? Finding a community that fits your current chapter can genuinely be transformative.

9. Basic Errands Have Become Mini Road Trips

Convenience matters more than people give it credit for. Tired of driving 15 minutes just to grab milk or get to the doctor? With projects like the Surrey Langley SkyTrain extension reshaping the region, proximity to amenities and transit is climbing higher on a lot of homeowners' priority lists. And honestly? It should.

10. The Market Keeps Tapping You on the Shoulder

You've noticed those "Sold" signs appearing on your street—often faster than you'd expect. Watching neighbours capitalize on strong market conditions makes you wonder about your own home's potential. Sometimes the timing just lines up, and it's worth at least exploring what that could mean for you.

So... A Few of These Hit Home?

Recognizing yourself in some of these signs doesn't mean you need to panic-dial a moving company. But it is a signal worth exploring. I believe in giving people clear, no-pressure guidance—real information so you can make the best decision for your family.

A solid first step? Understanding your options. Whether that's a "move vs. improve" analysis or just getting a confidential read on what your home might be worth in today's market, clarity goes a long way. Curious about what's possible? Let's have a conversation.

Evan Bird is a trusted real estate advisor serving Langley, Surrey, South Surrey, and White Rock. With a background as a firefighter and extensive renovation expertise, Evan brings a unique perspective to helping clients navigate their real estate journey with confidence and clarity.

Alright, let's talk about what's happening out there.

Last month, when we looked at the September numbers, the big story was the continued softening of prices. It was clear things were shifting. Now, with the October 2025 stats in hand from the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board, it looks like buyers are starting to take notice.

The market is finally responding. And it's creating a really interesting moment for anyone thinking about making a move.

We're Seeing a Welcome Bump in Sales

So, what gives? Well, for the second month straight, sales are up. We saw 1,123 homes change hands in October, which is a solid 17% jump from September. It's a little flurry of activity.

I believe it comes down to this: sellers are getting real. The board even said it themselves—motivated sellers are using "more realistic pricing strategies." That's not just realtor-speak. It means prices are adjusting to a point where deals are starting to make sense again, and that's pulling buyers off the sidelines. It's a welcome sign, for sure.

The Big Picture: Inventory and Prices

The main theme, though, hasn't really changed from last month. It's still all about inventory. There are a ton of homes for sale right now—over 10,000 of them. That's a lot of choice.

And when you have that much choice, prices naturally feel the pressure. The overall benchmark price for a home in the Fraser Valley dipped again slightly to $919,900.

Here's a quick look at the different home types:

• Single-Family Detached: The benchmark is now $1,411,900.

• Townhomes: Sitting at $786,000.

• Apartments/Condos: Now at $506,400.

Let's be clear—this is a buyer's market. No question about it. With a sales-to-active listings ratio of just 11% (a balanced market usually starts around 12-20%), the ball is firmly in the buyer's court.

So, Is This Your Moment?

Honestly, if you've been waiting for a sign, this could be it. This isn't a frantic, over-asking-price kind of market. It's a measured one.

You have options. You have time. You have negotiating power.

Homes are sitting for a little longer—around 42 days for detached homes and condos. That's enough breathing room to do your homework, get your inspections, and make a decision that feels right, not rushed. It’s a healthier way to buy a home, in my opinion.

A Quick Word for Sellers

If you're thinking of selling, the strategy we talked about last month is more important than ever. This isn't a market for testing a high price. It's about being sharp, strategic, and realistic from day one. A well-priced home will still get attention from serious buyers. An overpriced one? It'll just get lost in the crowd.

Look, numbers are just numbers until they apply to your life, your family, and your future. My job is to help you make sense of it all. Whether you're buying, selling, or just trying to figure things out, I'm here to offer dedicated support and clear, honest advice.

Feel free to reach out for a Personalized Consultation. For the official report, you can always check the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board website.

October 2025 Market Highlights at a Glance

For those who like the quick stats, here’s a snapshot of the Fraser Valley market from the official October 2025 report:

• Total Sales: 1,123 homes were sold, a 17% increase from September 2025.

• Market Condition: It remains a buyer's market with a sales-to-active listings ratio of 11%.

• Total Inventory: Active listings are high at 10,121, giving buyers plenty of selection.

• Composite Benchmark Price: The price for a typical home in the Fraser Valley is now $919,900.

• Benchmark Price (Detached Home): $1,411,900 (a 5.1% decrease year-over-year).

• Benchmark Price (Townhome): $786,000 (a 5.6% decrease year-over-year).

• Benchmark Price (Apartment/Condo): $506,400 (a 6.8% decrease year-over-year).

• Average Days on Market: 42 days for detached homes and condos, and 37 days for townhomes.

Evan Bird is a trusted real estate advisor serving Langley, Surrey, South Surrey, and White Rock. With a background as a firefighter and extensive renovation expertise, Evan brings a unique perspective to helping clients navigate their real estate journey with confidence and clarity.

So you're thinking about Langley, huh? Smart move.

I've watched this place transform over the past couple decades, both as a firefighter who's responded to calls across every corner of the Fraser Valley and as someone who genuinely loves what this region offers families. And here's the thing: Langley isn't just one place. It's like ordering a sampler platter where each dish has its own distinct flavour.

You've got the City of Langley (compact, walkable, a bit more urban buzz) and then there's the Township—sprawling, green, dotted with parks and properties that actually give you room to breathe. Whether you're hunting for your first place, need more bedrooms for a growing crew, or you're ready to trade the commute for peace and quiet, there's probably a neighbourhood here with your name on it.

Let me walk you through some of the best neighbourhoods in Langley BC—what makes them tick, who they're perfect for, and what you're actually getting for your money in 2025.

🏘️ Fort Langley – Where History Actually Lives

They call it the "birthplace of British Columbia," and honestly? That's not just tourism board fluff.

Fort Langley sits right along the Fraser River, all heritage buildings and indie shops, with trails like Fort-to-Fort and Derby Reach Park winding through the area. It's the kind of place where you wave at neighbours, where the coffee shop owner remembers your order, where weekends mean farmers markets and river festivals.

Houses here? Character homes mixed with gorgeous custom builds. We're talking around $1.8 million median as of late 2025—not cheap, but you're paying for something intangible: community. Fort Langley Elementary has a stellar reputation, and life here moves at a pace that feels almost anachronistic in Metro Vancouver.

Perfect for families who want roots. Or retirees who've earned the right to slow down and actually enjoy where they live.

🚀 Willoughby – The Energizer Bunny of Suburbs

If Fort Langley is your chill Sunday morning, Willoughby is Saturday at noon—busy, buzzing, growing like crazy.

This is Langley's boom zone. New developments everywhere. Schools packed with young families. Willowbrook Shopping Centre, Langley Events Centre, all the modern conveniences within minutes. And here's the kicker: the Surrey–Langley SkyTrain extension is coming (fingers crossed for 2028-2029), which means commuters are already circling this area like sharks.

Detached homes average about $1.1 million. Condos and townhomes? You're looking at high-$500k to $700k range. Still accessible compared to, say, trying to crack into Vancouver proper.

Young families love it here. First-timers especially—because you get newness, decent schools (R.E. Mountain Secondary has an IB program), parks galore, and you're not sacrificing every convenience to make it work financially.

It's practical. Maybe not romantic, but practical.

🌳 Walnut Grove – Mature Trees, Mature Vibes

Up in northern Langley, Walnut Grove is what happens when a neighbourhood has time to settle in and grow up properly.

Tree-lined streets. Generous lots. Schools like Walnut Grove Secondary and James Kennedy Elementary that families actually research before moving. The whole area just feels... established. Grounded. Like it's been here long enough to know what it's doing.

Most homes were built between the '70s and '90s—$1.1 to $1.3 million typically—and they've aged well. This isn't cookie-cutter suburbia; there's character in the variety of architectural styles and the mature landscaping that newer communities simply can't replicate yet.

Easy highway access for commuters. Calm enough for retirees. If you want a place where your kids can grow roots and you're not constantly worried about resale because the bones are solid? Walnut Grove checks those boxes.

🏘️ Murrayville – Small-Town Charm With a Hospital Nearby

Just east of Langley City sits Murrayville—quiet but not sleepy, convenient without the chaos.

The village core is genuinely walkable (rare around here). Local cafes, shops, Langley Memorial Hospital right there. About 20 public green spaces including the Derek Doubleday Arboretum, which is lovely if you're into that sort of thing.

Homes range from heritage cottages—some with real character—to newer family houses on flat, walkable lots. Prices hover in the high-$1 million range depending on where exactly you land.

Families appreciate the balance. Retirees love being close to medical services without feeling like they're living in a city center. It's got this friendly, almost nostalgic energy that's hard to find anymore.

🏞️ Brookswood – For When You Actually Want Space

Dream of having room? Not just a backyard, but like... actual space?

Brookswood delivers. Lots here often run 7,000 to 10,000+ square feet. Mature trees everywhere. About 85% detached homes. Room for workshops, RV parking, vegetable gardens, maybe a chicken coop if that's your thing.

It's semi-rural without being isolated. Tranquil. Private. The kind of place where you don't hear your neighbours' conversations through the walls because, well, they're not that close.

Prices vary wildly—central Brookswood can hit $2.4 million average, while older homes on the outskirts start closer to $1.1 million. Very few condos or townhomes, so this isn't for everyone. But if you're ready to settle in long-term or tackle a renovation project? It's hard to beat the breathing room.

💎 Aldergrove – Langley's Best-Kept Affordable Secret

Out on Langley's eastern edge, Aldergrove is where affordability still exists.

Average prices around $1.06 million. Townhomes under $800k. For Metro Vancouver in 2025, that's practically a unicorn sighting.

Locals describe it as "quiet and friendly—nothing really happens here, and that's kind of the point." Wide streets, solid parks like Philip Jackman Park, space to stretch your budget and still get a decent home.

The trade-off? Distance. You'll need a car for most commutes. But the upside is peace, value, and genuinely strong community ties. First-time buyers and downsizers looking to maximize their dollar without compromising on quality of life—this is your spot.

🏙️ Langley City – Urban Energy on a Suburban Budget

Prefer a bit more action? Langley City might be calling your name.

It's the urban heart—restaurants, local shops, growing condo developments everywhere. The upcoming SkyTrain station (targeted for 2028, and yes, we're all holding our breath) is already drawing investors and young professionals who see the writing on the wall.

Median home prices around $1.11 million. Condos starting near $400–500k. That's accessible for first-timers and investors who want transit-oriented development before it fully explodes.

Downtown has more hustle than the townships, sure—but residents describe it as safe and community-oriented. More "neighbourhood city" than concrete jungle. If walkability and transit access matter more to you than acreage and silence, this could be your match.

📊 Quick Comparison (Because Nobody Wants to Re-read Everything)

Here's the cheat sheet:

Fort Langley — Historic charm, $1.8M, perfect for families/retirees who value community
Willoughby — Modern growth hub, $700k–$1.1M+, young families and commuters
Walnut Grove — Established and green, $1.1M–$1.3M, families wanting roots
Murrayville — Walkable and calm, high-$1Ms, balanced living
Brookswood — Space and privacy, $1.1M–$2.4M, semi-rural seekers
Aldergrove — Affordable entry point, $800k–$1.1M, first-timers and downsizers
Langley City — Urban vibe, $400k–$1.1M, investors and young buyers

📍 Finding Your Fit in Langley (Final Thoughts, I Promise)

Here's what I've learned helping families navigate this market: there's no "best" neighbourhood—only the best one for you.

Want history and river views? Fort Langley.
Need modern amenities and good schools? Willoughby or Walnut Grove.
Crave space and privacy? Brookswood's your answer.
Budget matters most? Aldergrove won't disappoint.
Transit and walkability? Langley City's calling.

In 2025, Langley remains one of the Lower Mainland's most balanced markets—offering genuine lifestyle diversity, solid locations, and long-term value across communities that actually feel different from each other.

And that's rare these days.

Ready to explore these neighbourhoods and find the one that feels like home? Let's connect. I'll bring my local expertise and practical insights to help you navigate your options and make a confident decision.

Contact Evan Bird Today to start your personalized Langley home search.

Evan Bird is your trusted real estate advocate in the Fraser Valley. With over 20 years of community service as a firefighter and extensive renovation experience, Evan offers unparalleled local insight and dedicated support to help families find their perfect home.