Evan Bird Real Estate Blog

So the last scraps of wrapping paper finally made it to the bin. The dishwasher? Running its—what, fourth cycle today? And yeah, you're basically tiptoeing through a minefield of new toys scattered across the living room like festive landmines.

Here's the thing about the holidays. Joy, connection, too much food—all wonderful. But also? They're like this brutally honest home inspector you didn't hire.

Because after a few days with a full house, those "charming quirks" of your place start feeling less charming and more... problematic. You absolutely adore your people. The house though? Maybe it's not pulling its weight.

These aren't just random annoyances you complain about while doing dishes at midnight. They're signals. Your home basically telling you—loudly—what needs to change before you do this all over again next December.

Here are five telltale signs you've outgrown your space (and maybe didn't realize it until now).

1. Kitchen Gridlock

You had this vision, right? Everyone cheerfully prepping together, laughing, sharing stories while chopping vegetables.

Reality check: three adults awkwardly sharing eighteen inches of counter space. A constant chorus of "sorry, just need to—can I just—hold on, let me grab the—" while someone's trying to stir gravy and another person desperately needs the oven mitt that's somehow always in someone else's hand.

When your kitchen feels less like a gathering spot and more like a solo mission with unwanted interruptions? That's your layout actively sabotaging you.

2. The Great Sleeping Arrangements Disaster

Did someone end up on that air mattress that slowly deflates throughout the night until they're basically sleeping on the floor by 3 AM?

Or maybe the kids got bunked together, which sounded fine in theory but resulted in a 10 PM argument about who's breathing too loud. When hosting overnight guests turns into some elaborate Rubik's Cube of "who sleeps where and how do we make this work," you don't have the space everyone needs. Including you, because let's be honest—the stress of it all kept you up too.

3. Everyone's Standing in the Same Three Square Feet

Look at where people actually congregated during your gathering. Was it that awkward hallway spot between the kitchen and living room? Did the whole party somehow compress into one corner while the rest of your house sat empty?

That's flow—or the lack of it.

A choppy, closed-off floor plan essentially herds everyone into clusters they can't escape from. You could have decent square footage, but if the layout's working against you, it'll feel cramped no matter what.

4. The Eternal Storage Crisis

First came the avalanche of winter coats and boots. Where do these even go? Then hiding presents became its own treasure hunt. And don't even get started on finding room for the extra groceries—there's only so much Tetris you can play with canned goods and frozen turkeys.

If you spent a solid chunk of the holidays just shuffling things around looking for space... your storage isn't keeping up with your life. Simple as that.

5. Your "If Only" List Needs Its Own Spreadsheet

Throughout the chaos, did you catch yourself saying things like, "If only we had a finished basement for the kids," or "If only the dining room fit everyone at one actual table instead of that awkward kids' table setup," or "If only—god, please—we had a second bathroom"?

When your mental renovation wishlist starts sounding less like a project and more like a complete home overhaul? Finding a place that already has what you need might actually be the smarter move.

What Comes Next (Because Ignoring This Won't Help)

That cramped, disorganized feeling lingering after everyone leaves? Don't brush it off.

It's information. Really valuable information, actually. It's essentially the blueprint for what you need next.

As you move into the new year, hold onto these moments—the frustrating ones, the "never again" ones. Let them fuel something productive. What would actually make next Christmas feel manageable instead of like you're running a small, poorly-equipped hotel?

Maybe it's a kitchen where people can actually coexist. An extra bedroom that doesn't require inflatable furniture. Open space where conversations can happen naturally without everyone competing for the same square footage.

Worth thinking about, anyway.

And listen—if you want to talk through what "next Christmas" could look like in a different space, no pressure, no commitment, I'm around. Sometimes it helps just mapping out what's possible.

Let's turn this year's reality check into something better for next year.

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.

So the Bank of Canada blinked. Sort of.

After dropping rates four times this year—each cut giving homebuyers a little more breathing room—they've decided to pump the brakes and hold steady at 2.25%. And honestly? For anyone trying to figure out their home buying budget in South Surrey, White Rock, or Langley, this might be the best news you've heard in months.

I know what you're thinking. Wait, shouldn't lower rates be better?

Here's the thing—and stick with me here because this matters more than you'd think.

The Pause That Actually Makes Sense

Look, the Bank of Canada isn't just throwing darts at a board. They've been watching the economy like a firefighter monitors changing wind patterns (twenty years in the fire service taught me a thing or two about reading signs). GDP's looking healthier. Inflation's cooling off. Unemployment numbers aren't screaming disaster anymore.

So they're stepping back. Observing. Letting things settle.

Governor Tiff Macklem—who honestly gives some of the most straightforward economic press conferences you'll ever sit through—basically said they think they've hit the sweet spot. The rate's "about right" to keep things stable without needing to tinker further.

And that predictability? Gold for homebuyers.

But Here's Where It Gets Real

Macklem also dropped this truth bomb that every single person buying groceries already knows: "Inflation has come down, but prices have not."

Read that again.

The rate of price increases has slowed. Your grocery bill, gas tank, hydro payment? Still expensive as hell. This is why people are frustrated—and it's exactly why the Bank's being careful. They know Canadian households are stretched. They're not going to risk another inflation surge by cutting too aggressively, but they also can't ignore that people are still feeling the pinch.

It's a balancing act. And right now, holding steady is their best play.

What This Actually Means If You're House Hunting

Let me translate this into real-world terms for Fraser Valley buyers.

First off—you can finally plan. If you've been considering a variable-rate mortgage (and let's be honest, the savings can be significant), this hold means your payments aren't going to suddenly spike in the next few months. That uncertainty that's been sitting in your stomach? Gone. At least for now.

Second—there's a window here. Economists are already whispering that the next move, probably sometime in late 2026, could be upward. Not trying to create panic, but this pause creates what I'd call a strategic opportunity. Get your pre-approval sorted. Lock in these rates. Start shopping while the picture's clear.

Third—your buying power just became crystal clear. No more guessing games about "what if rates drop again?" or "what if they go up next month?" You know exactly what you can afford. That clarity makes you a stronger buyer when it's time to write an offer. Trust me on this—sellers and their agents notice the difference between a buyer who's confident in their numbers and one who's still figuring things out.

If You're Thinking of Selling

Stable rates mean confident buyers. And confident buyers actually make offers.

When people aren't worried about their mortgage payment jumping unexpectedly, they're more willing to pull the trigger. That translates to more activity, more showings, more serious conversations around your kitchen table.

But—and this is important—buyers are still budget-conscious. Remember what Macklem said about prices staying high? Your pricing strategy matters more than ever. A home priced right for today's market will attract the qualified, mortgage-ready buyers who are out there looking. Price it like it's still 2021 and you'll be sitting on the market wondering what happened.

The Straight Goods

This rate hold is basically the Bank of Canada saying, "Okay, let's take a breath and see where we are."

For the Fraser Valley market, that breath is exactly what we needed. Buyers get predictability. Sellers get active, confident interest. Everyone gets a clearer picture of what the next six to twelve months might look like.

And if you're someone who's been on the fence about making a move—whether buying your first place, upgrading for a growing family, or finally downsizing—this is probably your cue to at least start the conversation.

Because here's what I've learned after years in real estate and two decades fighting fires: windows of opportunity don't stay open forever. Sometimes you've got to recognize the moment and act on it.

Questions about how this rate environment affects your specific situation? Whether you should be looking at fixed versus variable? What your budget actually buys you in today's Fraser Valley market?

Let's talk. That's what I'm here for.

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.

Look, I've been watching this Fraser Valley market for months now, and honestly? The shift isn't subtle anymore.

The November 2025 numbers from the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board just landed on my desk, and they're telling the same story we've been tracking—except louder. Way louder. If you've been sitting on the fence, waiting to see if this buyer's market thing is real or just some temporary hiccup, well... the data's pretty clear at this point.

But here's the thing nobody's really explaining: what does all this actually mean when you're the one trying to make a move? Let's cut through the noise.

The Shift is Real. And It's Sticking Around.

We're not dancing around it anymore—this is a buyer's market. Full stop.

The sales-to-active listings ratio? It's sitting at 10%. For those keeping score at home, a balanced market typically runs between 12% and 20%. We're below that. Significantly. And with inventory sitting 47% above the 10-year average while new listings are actually slowing down, this isn't some flash-in-the-pan situation.

This is the new normal. At least for now.

If You're Buying: Your Moment is Here

I'm going to be straight with you—if you're looking to buy, these are some of the strongest conditions I've seen in years. Maybe the best since I started in this business.

You've got options. Real options. The frantic bidding wars? Those chaotic weekends where you'd see a property once and have to decide in 24 hours? That's ancient history at this point. The average detached home took 52 days to sell in November. Fifty-two days! That's breathing room. That's time to bring in your inspector, really walk through the neighbourhood at different times of day, maybe even sleep on your decision without losing out.

You've got leverage. When there are fewer buyers competing for each property, sellers start listening differently. And I'm not just talking about knocking a few thousand off the asking price (though that's definitely on the table). I'm talking about negotiation power on subjects, closing dates, including that appliance package, maybe even repairs. Things you couldn't dream of asking for two years ago.

You've got better entry points. The composite Benchmark price dropped to $912,400. Prices across detached homes, townhomes, apartments—everything's softer compared to last month and last year. For first-time buyers especially, that's significant. That's the difference between stretching your budget to breaking point or having some cushion.

If You're Selling: Don't Panic. Get Strategic.

Now, if you're thinking about selling, I know what you might be feeling. This doesn't sound like great news, right?

Wrong mindset.

Here's what I tell my clients: a buyer's market doesn't mean your home won't sell. It means you need to be smarter about how you sell.

Pricing isn't just important—it's everything. I've seen this play out too many times. Seller lists high, hoping for negotiation room. Property sits. And sits. And the longer it sits, the weaker your position becomes. Buyers start wondering what's wrong with it. In a market with 9,201 active listings (yeah, that's where we're at), you cannot afford to be overpriced from day one. A data-backed, slightly aggressive price? That's your secret weapon.

Make them stop scrolling. When buyers have this many options, you're not just competing with the house down the street. You're competing with every listing they're scrolling through on their phone at 11 PM. Professional photos aren't optional anymore—they're baseline. Staging? Critical. Those little repairs you've been putting off? Now's the time. First impressions are make-or-break in this environment.

Patience and prep beat panic every time. Look, we're not in a hot market. Things aren't moving at lightning speed. But a well-priced, well-presented home will sell. It just requires a solid marketing plan and, honestly, a bit of patience. Rush the process or price it wrong, and you'll watch your leverage evaporate week by week.

The Numbers (Because You Probably Want Them)

Let me just lay it out:

• Sales: 943 in November. That's down 16% from October.

• New Listings: 2,210. Down 26% from the previous month.

• Active Listings: 9,201. Yeah, well above the 10-year average.

• Composite Benchmark Price: $912,400 (down 0.7% from October)

• Single-Family Detached: $1,405,500

• Townhomes: $778,700

• Apartments: $496,500

So... What Now?

Here's my take after 20 years as a firefighter and now years in real estate: preparation beats panic. Every single time.

For buyers—this is your window. The market's giving you something it hasn't offered in years: choice, time, and negotiating power. Use them.

For sellers—this isn't doom and gloom. It's a call to be strategic, precise, and patient. The homes that are selling? They're the ones that are priced right and presented beautifully from the jump.

Whether you're on the buy side or the sell side (or honestly, just trying to figure out what side you're even on), the key is understanding what these trends mean for your specific situation. Not your neighbour's. Not some generic scenario. Yours.

Want to talk through what these numbers mean for your next move? Let's grab a coffee. Or a call. Whatever works.

Because real estate decisions? They're too important to navigate based on headlines alone.

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.

You’re staring at it. That flickering light in the hallway. The tap that’s gone from a gentle drip... drip... to a steady, maddening stream. Your first thought? "I can fix that." A quick YouTube search, a trip to the hardware store, and you’ll be a home repair hero, right?

Maybe.

But here’s the deal: as a renovator with over 20 years of experience swinging hammers and a firefighter who has seen the aftermath of DIY projects gone wrong, I can tell you that the line between a satisfying, money-saving fix and a five-figure catastrophe is thinner than you think. The big question of DIY vs pro home repairs isn't just about cost—it's about safety, time, and protecting your home's value.

So, before you grab that wrench, let's walk through a clear framework to help you make the right call.

The Core Question: How to Decide Between DIY and a Professional?

It’s tempting to try and save a few bucks, but a failed DIY project can cost you double. I’ve seen it happen all over Surrey, Langley, and White Rock. To avoid that fate, start by being brutally honest with yourself.

The DIY Litmus Test: Ask Yourself These 3 Questions

1. Skill: Do you genuinely have the skills, or have you just watched a 5-minute video? Watching a pro do it and actually doing it yourself are two different worlds. If the job requires precision you don't have, put the tools down.

2. Time: How much is your weekend worth? A "quick" project can easily swallow your entire Saturday and Sunday. Factor in multiple trips for parts, cleanup, and the inevitable head-scratching moments. Sometimes, paying a pro is buying your time back.

3. Tools: Do you own the right tools? Using the wrong tool is a recipe for stripped screws, damaged materials, and injury. If you have to buy or rent hundreds of dollars in specialized equipment, your DIY savings might vanish before you even start.

When a Pro is Non-Negotiable: The 3 Red Flags

Some jobs are simply not worth the risk. If your project involves any of these, it's time to find a great local contractor.

1. Safety Risks: This is the big one. Anything involving your main electrical panel, moving plumbing lines, or altering structural walls is firmly in "pro territory." The risk of fire, flood, or collapse is real.

2. Permits Required: In municipalities like Surrey, certain projects legally require a permit. This often includes moving walls, significant electrical work, or building a new deck. A pro knows the code and handles the paperwork; doing it without a permit can create huge problems when you decide to sell.

3. Specialized Knowledge: Think roofing, foundation work, or major HVAC repairs. A small mistake in these areas doesn't just look bad—it can lead to catastrophic, wallet-draining failures down the road.

The Renovator's Breakdown: 10 Common Home Repairs (The Verdict)

Let's get specific. Here’s my take on some of the most common home repairs and whether you should tackle them yourself.

The "Go For It" DIY Projects (Usually)

• 1. Interior Painting: The classic DIY. Low risk, high impact. The worst that can happen is a messy floor and a colour you regret.

• 2. Patching Minor Drywall Holes: Small nail holes or dings are perfect for learning. A little spackle, sanding, and paint, and you're done.

• 3. Fixing a Running Toilet: Usually, this just involves replacing the flapper or fill valve inside the tank—a simple, inexpensive kit fixes 90% of cases.

The "Proceed with Caution" Projects

• 4. Replacing a Leaky Faucet: This can be straightforward, but seized nuts and incompatible new parts can turn it into a nightmare. Watch a few videos specific to your faucet model first.

• 5. Tiling a Small Backsplash: It requires patience and attention to detail, but it's a manageable project for a careful DIYer. Just make sure your surface is perfectly flat.

• 6. Repairing a Deck Board: If it's just one or two boards, it's a simple swap. If you see widespread rot, you might have a bigger structural problem that needs a pro's assessment.

• 7. Cleaning Gutters: You can do this, but only if you have a sturdy ladder and are comfortable with heights. For two-story homes, I always recommend hiring someone. It's not worth the risk.

The "Call a Pro, Seriously" Projects

• 8. Installing a Ceiling Fan: This involves working with electricity while on a ladder. It's a classic recipe for disaster if you're not 100% confident.

• 9. Replacing a Garbage Disposal: You're mixing plumbing and electricity under a sink. It's an awkward, frustrating job even for pros. Don't make it your first.

• 10. Anything on Your Roof: Full stop. Your roof is not the place to learn on the job. Hire an insured professional.

The Financial Factor: Calculating the True Cost of Your Project

Wondering when to hire a contractor often comes down to money. But make sure you're calculating the full picture.

The Hidden Costs of DIY (It's More Than Just Materials)

• Tool Purchases: That new tool you "need" for the job adds up.

• Fixing Mistakes: Buying materials twice (or three times) because you cut them wrong.

• Your Time: If you make $50/hour at your job, a 10-hour DIY project "cost" you $500 in personal time. Was it worth it?

How to Get a Fair Quote from a Surrey Handyman or Contractor

Finding a good contractor in the area doesn't have to be a gamble.

• Get Three Quotes: Always. This gives you a clear sense of the market rate.

• Check References: Don't just ask for them—actually call them.

• Get it in Writing: A detailed scope of work, cost, and timeline protects both of you.

Your Home is Your Biggest Investment—Protect It

Making smart decisions about home repairs isn't just about fixing what's broken; it's about actively maintaining and increasing the value of your most significant asset. A well-executed repair protects your investment, while a botched one can actively decrease it.

Thinking about selling in the next year? Some repairs add significant value, while others won't give you any return. Before you spend a dime, let's connect for a no-obligation consultation. I can help you identify the simple, high-impact projects that will make your home stand out and maximize your sale price.

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.