So, you’ve hired a Realtor to help you buy a home. You’ve got your pre-approval in hand, you're excited, and you’ve booked a weekend full of showings. Halfway through the day, you walk into a home that feels “pretty good.” Your agent says, “Let’s write an offer!”

Suddenly you’re drafting paperwork, talking deposit timelines, and texting family to get their thoughts. You’re nervous, but you figure this is what buying a home feels like. Then the call comes in: Your offer has been accepted!

This should be the moment you celebrate — but instead, your chest is tight. Your thoughts are racing. “Did I jump too fast? Is this even the right area? Could I have gotten something better?”

Your agent tells you the “good news” — but it doesn’t feel good at all.

What just happened? You skipped the most important step in the buying process: market education.

What Most Agents Do Wrong

Most agents start their clients with showings. They send you listings, book a few viewings, and wait for you to say, “I like this one.”

But showings are not how you start a successful home search. Showings are what you do when you're ready to write an offer — when you already know what you're looking for, what price makes sense, and what trade-offs you’re willing to make. At that point, it’s go-time.

Jumping into showings too soon is like walking onto a car lot and buying the first vehicle you test drive because it has Bluetooth. You wouldn’t make a decision that big without test driving a few options and doing some research — so why do that with real estate?

What Is Market Education?

Market Education is the phase before you start seriously considering writing offers.

It’s a series of guided outings with your Realtor — not to find “the one,” but to learn.

You’ll explore:

• Which areas actually suit your lifestyle

• What different layouts and styles feel best for your family

• What your pre-approval actually buys you in different neighborhoods

• How homes compare in value, condition, and resale potential

It’s also when your Realtor learns about you — your non-negotiables, your blind spots, your true priorities. The better we understand your preferences, the better job we can do when it’s time to get serious.

The Power of Buying With Confidence

By the time you’re ready to move into the “showing” phase, you should feel like a well-educated buyer. You’ll know what a good deal looks like. You won’t hesitate when the right home hits the market. You’ll feel calm when you write an offer, and confident when it’s accepted.

You won’t be second-guessing yourself — because this time, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting into.

Final Thoughts

If you’re thinking about buying a home, remember this: The best offers come from the best-informed buyers.
Skipping the market education phase doesn’t save time — it just shifts the stress to the wrong moment.

So don’t rush the process. The goal isn’t just to buy a home — it’s to buy the right one, with confidence and clarity.

If you’ve ever been referred to a real estate agent—or maybe you reached out to someone after seeing an ad—chances are the experience went something like this:

You connect, they ask for your budget and basic criteria, then set you up on an automatic listing email. From there, they say:
“Let me know if anything stands out and we’ll go take a look.”

This is the standard industry approach.
But let’s be honest—it’s the wrong approach.

Before anything gets sent to your inbox or booked on your calendar, the very first step in your real estate journey should be a Buyer Game Plan Meeting. Here's why:

1. It Starts With You—Not Just Your Price Range

A great agent should begin by asking meaningful questions like:

• Why have you decided to make a move?

• What are your fears or hesitations about this process?

• What qualities are important to you when choosing a Realtor?

Buying a home isn’t just a financial transaction—it’s a personal, emotional, and strategic decision. Taking the time to understand your story helps build a tailored game plan that puts your needs first.

2. Education Is Power

The market changes constantly. Whether it’s rising inventory, shifting interest rates, or competitive offer scenarios, a strong buyer should enter the market with current insights.

Your Game Plan Meeting should include a breakdown of:

• Market trends and pricing expectations

• What’s selling (and what’s sitting)

• How to position yourself for success based on your timing and goals

This eliminates guesswork and ensures you're making informed, confident decisions.

3. Customized Property Searches = Less Noise, More Value

You deserve better than a flood of listings that don’t fit your life.

During a Game Plan Meeting, your agent should dig into your must-haves, deal-breakers, and the small details like:

• Do you need an ensuite in the primary bedroom?

• Are pets a factor?

• Is walkability or proximity to schools important?

• Would you consider a home with a rental suite for extra income?

The more detailed the search, the more on-point the results. Getting 50 listings a day when only 3 are relevant is overwhelming and inefficient. We believe in sending you the right homes, not all the homes.

And it doesn’t stop there.
After each round of showings, your custom portal should be revisited and refined based on your feedback. Your agent should be asking questions like:

• What did you love or dislike about that home?

• Did the layout feel right?

• Was anything missing that you wish you had?

If your Realtor isn’t adjusting the search criteria and asking deeper questions to show they’re learning about you while you’re learning about the market—something’s wrong.

4. Clarity Reduces Anxiety

A proper Game Plan Meeting should end with a step-by-step overview of your entire journey—from first showing to move-in day. I walk you through our proven 10-Step Buying Program so you know exactly what to expect.

This roadmap includes:

• When to introduce a mortgage broker

• How we structure showings

• What to expect when writing offers

• How due diligence works

• And what happens after the deal is done

When you know what’s coming, you can stay focused and confident.

5. The Next Step Is Always Clear

No one should leave a meeting wondering, “What happens now?”

A strong Game Plan Meeting ends with a clear next step. Maybe that’s scheduling your first round of showings. Maybe it’s connecting you with a trusted mortgage advisor. Either way, you're no longer in the dark—you're moving forward with purpose.

Final Thought

Buying a home isn’t something you wing. It’s something you plan for—together.

I believe in starting smart. If you’re ready to have a conversation that puts your goals first, let’s book your personalized Game Plan Meeting today.

Hiring a realtor is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll ever make. In a competitive, fast-moving market like BC — especially in places like Langley, Surrey, and South Surrey — you need more than just someone with a license. You need a trusted partner who will guide, protect, and advocate for you at every step.

Whether you’re preparing to sell or buy, here are the top 11 essential questions to ask when interviewing agents, plus exactly how Collab Realty Group sets ourselves apart.

1. How long have you been working in real estate here?

Experience matters — but local experience matters even more. Ask how many homes they’ve helped clients buy or sell specifically in your area. A Surrey expert may not be as dialed in to Willoughby or White Rock nuances.

2. What’s your strategy in this current market?

Markets shift quickly. A great agent will have a clear, tailored strategy for your goals — whether that’s creating multiple offers on your listing, or finding off-market opportunities for buyers. Be wary of generic answers.

3. Can you show me recent client success stories or reviews?

Top agents are proud to share Google reviews, video testimonials, or case studies that show how they’ve helped people like you overcome challenges and succeed.

4. What do your services include?

For sellers, do they cover:
✅ Professional photography, floorplans, drone & 3D tours
✅ Targeted digital ads, social media, print marketing
✅ Open houses & private tours

For buyers, will they proactively send you listings, connect you with trusted lenders, and negotiate strongly on your behalf?

5. How do your fees work?

Most commissions in BC are 7% on the first $100,000 + 3% on the balance, split with the buyer’s agent. Ask them exactly how it breaks down, what it pays for, and what happens if the deal falls through.

6. How will you keep me updated throughout the process?

Communication is everything. Will they check in weekly by call or text? Provide showing feedback? You want proactive updates — not just someone who says, “Call me if you have questions.”

7. What happens if I’m not happy with your services?

Ask about their cancellation policy. A strong agent should work to earn your trust every day — not trap you in a contract.

8. How do you handle buyer leads and conflicts of interest?

This is one of the most overlooked — and most critical — questions.

Dual agency (one agent representing both buyer & seller) is heavily restricted in BC because it creates obvious conflicts. But what about when someone clicks on Realtor.ca or our ads asking about your property?

Ask your agent:

• Will you try to redirect that buyer to other homes so you can earn both sides of the deal?

• How do you ensure my best interests always come first?

At Collab Realty Group, we take it a step further:
✅ If a buyer lead comes in on your home — from Realtor.ca, our website, or our marketing — we assign them to a separate agent in our office, not on your listing team.
✅ This ensures you always have dedicated representation, with no pressure to “double end.”
We even put this promise directly into our listing agreement so you’re fully protected.

9. How do you handle negotiations?

This is where thousands (or tens of thousands) can be gained or lost. Do they aggressively push, or take a more strategic, collaborative approach? Make sure it matches your comfort level and goals.

10. What do you think my home is worth (or what can I expect in my price range)?

If selling, they should prepare a comparative market analysis (CMA) that’s thorough and backed by local data — not just guesswork. If buying, they should set realistic expectations on what your budget gets you today.

11. Why should I hire you over another agent?

Listen for more than clichés. Look for passion, proven systems, local expertise, and a commitment to putting your goals ahead of their own commission. , I like to say:

I care deeply about your “why” — and I’m fiercely committed to helping you achieve it.

💡 Bottom line

The right realtor will earn your trust by answering these questions openly, not just with rehearsed sales lines.

If you want a transparent, no-pressure conversation about your next move — whether buying, selling, upsizing, downsizing, or investing — I’d love to help.

📲 Contact me today for a friendly consultation.
I’ll show you exactly how my local knowledge, tailored strategies, and ethical policies set me apart.

Thinking about selling your home in BC? Whether you’re moving up, downsizing, or cashing in on your equity, it’s important to understand the true costs of selling a property — so there are no surprises when you close.

From realtor commissions to legal fees, mortgage penalties, and getting your home ready, here’s what to budget for.

💼 Realtor Commission Fees (7 & 3)

In the Fraser Valley and most of BC, real estate commissions are commonly structured as:

• 7% on the first $100,000, plus

• 3% on the balance of the sale price

So, on an $800,000 home, your commission would roughly be:

🔍 Where Does This Money Go?

• A portion pays the buyer’s agent, which incentivizes them to bring qualified buyers to your property.

• The remaining portion goes to your listing agent, covering not just their expertise, but also:

✅ Professional marketing costs:

• Photography, video tours, drone, floorplans

• Targeted online ads (Facebook, Instagram, Google)

• Print brochures, signage, open houses

✅ Negotiation & transaction management:

• Pricing strategy, reviewing offers, handling multiple offers

• Coordinating showings, vetting buyers, managing paperwork to ensure a smooth close

This investment means your home is seen by more buyers and attracts stronger offers — ultimately netting you more.

📝 Legal Fees & Conveyancing

When you sell, you’ll need a lawyer or notary to:

• Prepare documents to transfer the title

• Pay out your existing mortgage

• Ensure funds are properly distributed

This typically costs $800 – $1,500, depending on the complexity of your sale.

🏦 Mortgage Discharge or Penalties

If you’re breaking a fixed mortgage before the term ends, your lender may charge a prepayment penalty. This can be:

• A few thousand dollars, or

• Tens of thousands — depending on how much time remains, your rate type (fixed vs variable), and your lender’s formula (many use an Interest Rate Differential for fixed).

Before you list, it’s wise to call your lender and request a payout statement so you know exactly what to expect.

🧽 Preparing Your Home for Sale

Most sellers spend a little upfront to help their home sell faster and for more. Typical costs include:

These improvements can dramatically impact first impressions and final sale price. 

📑 Other Costs

✅ Strata Documents:
If you’re selling a condo or townhouse, your strata corporation will charge for documents (bylaws, minutes, Form B), usually $100 – $400.

✅ Property Taxes & Utilities:
You pay up to the possession date. Any overpayments or underpayments get adjusted by your lawyer on closing.

✅ GST:
Most resale homes are GST exempt. GST generally only applies on new homes purchased from a developer.

💡 Bottom Line: Budget 6-8% of Your Sale Price

For most homeowners in BC, the total costs to sell (including commission, legal, and typical prep) look like this:

So on an $800,000 home, you might see total costs of $50,000 – $65,000, depending on your mortgage and how much you invest in prep.

⭐ Want to See Your Exact Net?

I make sure you’re 100% clear on what your net proceeds will look like before you even list — so you can confidently plan your next move.

📲 Get a free home value & detailed net sheet today.

Market Snapshot

• Sales Activity
  In June, 1,195 homes were sold in the Fraser Valley MLS®—a slight 1% increase from May, but still about 9% lower than June 2024 and 33% below the 10‑year average .

• Buyer’s Market in Full Swing
  Inventory continues to swell, with nearly 11,000 active listings—2% more than May and 30% higher than last year. Meanwhile, new listings dropped by 10% month-over-month to 3,618 . With a sales-to-active-listings ratio of 11%, the market remains firmly in buyer territory (a balanced market sits between 12–20%) .

Price Trends

• Overall Benchmark Price
  Prices have eased slightly, with the composite benchmark in the Fraser Valley dipping 1.2% from May to land at $951,500 .

• By Property Type

  • Detached homes: $1,458,600 (–1.6% from May; –4.6% year-over-year)

  • Townhomes: $824,400 (–1.0% from May; –3.1% from June 2024)

  • Condo/apts: $526,500 (–1.2% from May; –4.5% from previous June)

Days to Sell (Average)

• Detached homes: 35 days

• Townhomes: 30 days

• Condos: 39 days

Regional Highlights

• Surrey experienced a 7% drop in total sales year-over-year; benchmark prices for detached homes fell to $1.573 million and condos to $513,800 .

• White Rock / South Surrey recorded a 33% jump in detached home sales, though benchmark prices eased by over 6% to $1.846 million .

What It All Means for Buyers & Sellers

For Buyers

This is a strong buyer’s market. With ample choices, slower sales, and declining prices, conditions are favourable—especially for first-time buyers who can tolerate economic uncertainties .

For Sellers

Reduced demand means listings are taking longer to move. To stand out, sellers may need to price competitively and differentiate their homes through thoughtful staging and marketing.

Looking Ahead

Economic uncertainty—driven by trade, tariffs, and broader market forces—continues to weigh on buyer confidence . The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board suggests this could be an opportune moment for policymakers to reassess current housing strategies to better align with today’s realities .

In Summary

• Sales: Slight monthly increase, but down annually and compared to the decade average

• Inventory: Rising supply with decreasing new listings makes for a competitive buyer landscape

• Pricing: Modest month-over-month dips across all housing types

• Pace of Market: Homes are selling more slowly than in the past

If you're considering entering the market, now may be a strategic time—whether buying or selling—with the caveat of heightened economic caution.

Fraser Valley Real Estate – May 2025 Breakdown

Just like in the pages of Where’s Waldo?, opportunity in today’s real estate market is right in front of us — just hidden in the chaos.

You flip the page, stare at the crowd, and think, “There’s nothing here”… until suddenly, boom — there he is.
That’s exactly what the Fraser Valley market feels like right now.

Let’s cut through the noise and show you where the smart money is moving.

🎯 First-Time Buyers: You're Not Selling — That’s Power

If you're entering the market for the first time, you're not weighed down by selling in a slower climate.

• Inventory is up 34% from last year → you’ve got choice

• Detached prices are down, and sellers are flexible

• You qualify for First-Time Buyer Programs (PTT break, 5% down, etc. NO GST ON NEW BUILDS)

👉 Opportunity: You’ve got timing, leverage, and options. That’s rare — use it.

🏡 Upsizers: Townhouses Are Holding. Detached Homes Are Discounted.

The market is rewarding the move-up buyer:

• Townhomes: Barely moved (down just 0.03% month-over-month)

• Detached Homes: Down 1.6% this month, and 6.2% year-over-year

• High inventory = more selection, less competition

👉 Opportunity: Sell your townhouse while values are steady, and buy a house while they’re on sale.

💸 Investors: Soft Prices + Strong Rental Demand = Prime Time

The headlines say slowdown — but landlords see strength:

• Rental demand is up (buyers waiting on the sidelines)

• Detached + apartment prices are down

• Find suited homes or light reno properties → cash flow, hold, gain

👉 Opportunity: Use today's pricing + tomorrow’s rental income = long-term win.

🧰 Value-Add Buyers: Ugly Ducklings = Hidden Gold

This market is full of overlooked potential:

• Dated listings = stale listings = negotiation opportunities

• Cosmetic updates yield huge upside in a soft market

• Pair with staging and smart prep and you've got a flip or equity-builder

👉 Opportunity: Find the stuff others scroll past. Fix it. Build wealth.

🔍 Final Word: Waldo Was Always There — So Is Opportunity

The people who win in this market are the ones who know what to look for.

• It’s not always shiny.

• It’s not always obvious.

• But it’s always there — if you’ve got the right guide.

📲 Ready to find yours? Let’s talk.

Turns out…a lot more than you’d think.

For Evan Bird, a 25-year veteran of the White Rock Fire Department, the similarities are uncanny. Both professions might seem worlds apart, but at their core, they share some surprising parallels:

1️⃣ Seldom Home for Dinner

Whether it’s a late-night emergency call or a last-minute real estate deal, both careers seem to have an aversion to scheduled meal times. The unpredictability of the job means dinner plans often take a back seat, but when you're committed to serving your community, you show up—no matter the hour.

2️⃣ At the Sound of a Bell, It’s Go-Time

Whether it’s the fire station alarm or the buzz of a new listing hitting the market, it’s the same routine: sprinting out the door, sometimes with pants only halfway on. In both roles, when duty calls, you’re up and moving—often before the coffee’s finished brewing.

3️⃣ Putting Out Fires (Literally and Figuratively)

In firefighting, it’s the blazing kind. In real estate, it’s the “I need to move in 30 days and my financing just fell through” kind. Either way, problem-solving on the fly is just part of the job description. Evan’s used to facing the unexpected and keeping a cool head under pressure—whether it’s holding a fire hose or navigating a tricky negotiation.

A Career of Service

All jokes aside, firefighting taught Evan the values of service, trust, and community, which are now the backbone of his real estate business. It was built on those same foundations—putting people first, always answering the call, and being there when it matters most.

Evan recently received the British Columbia Long Service Award in recognition of his 25 years of dedication to the White Rock Fire Department. It’s an incredible milestone that reflects his unwavering commitment to his community. His clients couldn’t be more fortunate as his dedication expands into real estate.

Whether he’s putting out literal fires or guiding clients through the challenges of the real estate market, Evan approaches every situation with the same passion and integrity.

Congratulations, Evan, and thank you for your service. We’re grateful to have you as part of the Real Estate Community.

#FromFirefighterToRealtor #BuiltOnService #CommunityStrong #WhiteRockFireDepartment #25YearsOfService #EvanBird.com

Buying your first home is exciting—but it can also be overwhelming. In a competitive market like South Surrey and White Rock, preparation is everything. That’s where I come in.

I believe first-time homebuyers deserve:

• Education on the local market

• Clear guidance on the buying process

• Access to trusted affiliates like mortgage brokers, inspectors, and contractors

Here’s how I make it simple.

🎉 Perks of Being a First-Time Homebuyer in BC (2025 Update)

Buying your first home comes with several financial advantages designed to make homeownership more accessible:

🏡 Property Transfer Tax (PTT) Exemption

As a first-time homebuyer in British Columbia, you may be eligible for a full or partial exemption from the Property Transfer Tax, potentially saving you thousands of dollars:

• Full exemption for homes with a fair market value up to $835,000.

• Partial exemption for homes valued between $835,000 and $860,000.

🏠 Newly Built Home Exemption

If you're purchasing a newly constructed home, you might qualify for an additional PTT exemption:

• Full exemption for newly built homes priced up to $1,100,000.

• Partial exemption for homes valued between $1,100,000 and $1,150,000.

💰 First Home Savings Account (FHSA)

The FHSA allows first-time homebuyers to save up to $40,000 tax-free toward their home purchase.

🧾 Home Buyers' Tax Credit (HBTC)

You can claim a non-refundable tax credit of up to $1,500 on your federal income tax for the year you purchase your first home.

🏦 30-Year Mortgage Amortization for First-Time Buyers

First-time homebuyers can access insured mortgages with 30-year amortization periods, reducing monthly payments.

🏡 Step 1: Market Education

Before you step foot in a showing, we make sure you understand the local market dynamics:

• Average home prices in South Surrey & White Rock

• Popular neighborhoods like Ocean Park, Grandview Heights, and Crescent Beach

• Insight into strata properties vs. detached homes

💡 Step 2: Mortgage Introduction

I introduce you to a trusted mortgage broker, who helps with:

• Pre-approvals

• Rate shopping

• Understanding fixed vs. variable rates

🔎 Step 3: Finding the Right Home

I work with you to identify:

• Must-haves vs. nice-to-haves

• Neighborhood insights, including school catchments and walkability

• Off-market opportunities and new listings

🔨 Step 4: Access to Trusted Affiliates

To make your journey smoother, I connect you with:

• Home Inspectors – thorough inspections for peace of mind

• Contractors & Handymen – quick fixes and renovations

• Insurance Agents – to secure the best rates and coverage

📝 Step 5: Offer & Negotiation

When it’s time to write the offer, I handle:

• Strategic pricing analysis

• Professional negotiation to protect your interests

• Clear explanations of subject clauses and next steps

📌 Why Work with Me?

As a community driven, service orientated trustworthy realtor, I pride myself on:

• Client education before you even step into a property

• Proven negotiation skills to get you the best deal

• A network of affiliates you can trust

Ready to Take the First Step?

Buying your first home should be exciting—not stressful. Let me guide you through the process with confidence, clarity, and the connections you need to succeed.

📞 Let’s chat about your homeownership goals:

https://evanbird.com

604-761-9444 

Top Schools in South Surrey & White Rock (2025 Edition)

If you’re moving to South Surrey or White Rock and education is a top priority, you’re not alone. One of the biggest reasons families relocate to this area is access to high-quality schools — from public and private to French immersion and IB programs.

As local realtors with deep ties to the community, we’re often asked:
“What are the best schools in the area?”
So we’ve pulled together this updated 2025 guide to help you choose the right fit for your family.

📚 Top Public Elementary Schools

1. École Peace Arch Elementary

• Type: Public / French Immersion

• Grades: K–7

• Highlights: Strong academic reputation, early French immersion, walkable White Rock location

• Fraser Institute Rating: 7.2/10

2. Chantrell Creek Elementary

• Type: Public

• Grades: K–7

• Highlights: Located in Elgin, highly rated, strong community involvement

• Fraser Institute Rating: 8.0/10

3. Rosemary Heights Elementary

• Type: Public

• Grades: K–7

• Highlights: Modern facility, progressive learning focus, popular with young families in Morgan Creek

🏫 Top Public Secondary Schools

1. Semiahmoo Secondary School

• Type: Public

• Grades: 8–12

• Program: International Baccalaureate (IB)

• Highlights: One of the most academically rigorous public schools in BC

• Fraser Institute Rating: 8.4/10

2. Elgin Park Secondary

• Type: Public

• Grades: 8–12

• Highlights: Known for arts & athletics, strong leadership programs, and excellent university prep

🏆 Top Private & Independent Schools

1. Southridge School

• Type: Private / Independent

• Grades: K–12

• Highlights: Uniforms, small class sizes, robust academics, high university acceptance rates

• Tuition: $20,000–$25,000/year

• Waitlist: Apply early — highly competitive

2. White Rock Christian Academy (WRCA)

• Type: Private Christian

• Grades: K–12

• Program: IB World School

• Highlights: Faith-based education, IB programs, growing facilities, inclusive community

🌐 French Immersion Options

South Surrey & White Rock offer several early and late French immersion options, including:

• École Peace Arch Elementary (K–7)

• Laronde Elementary (K–7)

• École Earl Marriott Secondary (8–12) — continues French immersion stream

💡 Things to Consider When Choosing a School

• Catchment Areas: Your address matters — double-check with the school district before buying.

• Program Type: Public, private, French, or IB? Prioritize what fits your child's needs.

• Walkability & Commute: A great school is even better when it's nearby.

• Future Pathways: Consider the high school-to-university trajectory.

🎓 Final Thoughts

South Surrey and White Rock are home to some of the top-rated schools in BC, making it an ideal place for families looking to plant long-term roots. Whether you're looking for advanced academics, faith-based education, or French immersion, this area offers something for everyone.

At Collab Realty Group, we help families find the right home in the right school catchment. If you're planning a move and school rankings are part of the decision, we’ll help you make an informed, strategic choice.

📞 Let’s chat about finding your ideal home in the perfect school zone.

Thinking of listing your home? The South Surrey and White Rock markets are competitive — and first impressions matter. The good news? With the right preparation, you can increase your sale price, reduce time on market, and feel more confident when the offers roll in.

I guide sellers through a structured 10-step process. Whether you’re selling a beachfront bungalow or a family home in Morgan Creek, this pre-listing checklist will help you get market-ready with no steps missed.

✅ 1. Pre-Listing Home Inspection

Before a buyer finds a flaw, you should know it first. A pre-listing inspection lets you:

• Uncover issues before they affect negotiations

• Avoid price reductions or conditional offers

• Show buyers you’ve done your due diligence

🧰 2. Handle Repairs & Minor Updates

Focus on high-impact, low-cost fixes:

• Patch drywall holes or cracks

• Re-caulk bathrooms & kitchens

• Replace burnt-out bulbs, leaky faucets, or squeaky doors

• Refresh paint where needed (neutral tones sell best!)

Need help? We can connect you with trusted local trades to get it done efficiently.

🧼 3. Deep Clean & Declutter

This step is non-negotiable.

• Clean every surface (baseboards, windows, appliances)

• Clear counters, closets, and storage spaces

• Rent a storage unit if needed — the goal is to make your home feel spacious and fresh

🛋️ 4. Stage Your Home (Even Lightly)

Professional staging helps buyers emotionally connect. At minimum:

• Reposition furniture to open up space

• Add soft textures (pillows, throws, area rugs)

• Use lighting to highlight key features

• Remove overly personal items (family photos, unique art)

We offer complimentary staging consultations with every listing.

📸 5. Hire a Realtor with a Proven Marketing Strategy

Your agent should:

• Use professional photography & videography

• Offer floorplans, social media reels, and paid ad exposure

• Price the home strategically based on data (not just a guess)

I build a full digital + in-person marketing campaign for each home.

🗂️ 6. Gather Your Documents

Before you list, prepare:

• Title, strata docs (if applicable), and past permits

• Utility bills, floor plans, or survey certificates

• Warranty info for roof, appliances, or major systems

We’ll help organize this into your seller disclosure package.

Ready to List with Confidence?

Selling your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming — not when you have a proven system and a dedicated team behind you.

📍Based in White Rock and South Surrey, I offer strategic preparation, honest guidance, and results-driven marketing.

💬 Thinking of selling this year? Let’s have a conversation about how to get you top dollar, faster.

Buying or selling a home is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll ever make—and in a competitive market like South Surrey, the realtor you choose can make or break your outcome.

At Collab Realty Group, we’ve seen the difference the right representation can make. But not all agents are created equal—and flashy marketing or a big name doesn’t always mean better service.

So how do you know if you’re working with the best? Start by asking these 5 essential questions:

1. Do You Specialize in South Surrey & White Rock?

Real estate is local—ultra-local. You need someone who knows the neighbourhoods inside and out, from Ocean Park and Grandview to Crescent Beach and Rosemary Heights.
✔️ They should understand local pricing trends, school catchments, builder reputations, and even street-by-street nuances.
At Collab, we live and work in South Surrey and White Rock—this is our backyard.

2. What’s Your Process for Buying or Selling a Home?

Top agents have systems—not just opinions. Ask:

• Do they use a proven step-by-step strategy?

• Do they walk you through timelines, market prep, inspections, and negotiation?

• Can they break it down in a way that makes sense to you?

We follow a 10-step buyer and seller program that brings clarity and structure to every move.

3. What Marketing Strategies Do You Use to Attract Buyers?

If you’re selling, this is crucial. The best South Surrey realtors go beyond a sign on the lawn. Look for:

• Professional photography & staging

• Social media marketing

• Google and YouTube ads

• Pre-inspections and floor plans

• High-quality brochures and signage

Ask for examples—and don’t settle for outdated methods.

4. How Will You Negotiate on My Behalf?

Whether you're buying or selling, your realtor needs to be a strong negotiator who:

• Understands market leverage

• Protects your financial interests

• Can spot red flags in offers or listings

At Collab, we’re known for doing the hard work upfront, so when it’s time to write or receive an offer, our clients are ready—and in control.

5. Can I Read Recent Client Reviews or Speak to Past Clients?

This one’s simple: reputation matters. Don’t be afraid to ask for reviews, testimonials, or even speak to a past client. Great agents will have nothing to hide—and plenty of happy clients willing to vouch for them.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best realtor in South Surrey isn’t about flash—it’s about fit, strategy, and results. Whether you’re buying your first home or selling your family property, you deserve an agent who’s committed to your success.

👋 At Collab Realty Group, we bring a client-first approach, local expertise, and a systematic process to every transaction. If you're ready to make a move in South Surrey or White Rock, let’s connect.

If you’ve ever found yourself sitting in Vancouver traffic, dreaming of a little more space, better schools, or a closer connection to nature—you're not alone. Over the past few years, more and more families have been making the move from Vancouver to South Surrey, and it's not hard to see why.

At Collab Realty Group, we work with countless buyers who are ready to trade city hustle for community-focused living—without giving up the convenience of the Lower Mainland. Here's why South Surrey has become one of BC’s top destinations for families making a lifestyle upgrade.

1. More Home, Less Money

Let’s get straight to it—you get more house for your dollar in South Surrey. Compared to Vancouver’s red-hot prices, South Surrey offers:

• Larger lot sizes

• Modern detached homes and townhomes

• Family-friendly layouts and newer construction

Whether you're upsizing from a condo or looking for a yard where your kids can play, South Surrey delivers far more space at a fraction of the cost.

2. Top-Rated Schools

The area is home to some of the highest-rated public and private schools in the province, including:

• Southridge School (Private, K–12)

• Semiahmoo Secondary (with an International Baccalaureate program)

• École Peace Arch Elementary (French Immersion)

Families relocating from Vancouver are often surprised by the access to high-quality education without the long waitlists or sky-high private tuition fees.

3. Safe, Family-Oriented Neighbourhoods

Whether it’s Morgan Creek, Grandview Heights, or Ocean Park, South Surrey offers a true community feel. Quiet streets, walkable parks, and neighbours who know each other by name—it’s the kind of environment where kids still ride bikes until sunset.

4. Beaches, Trails & Outdoor Living

Living near White Rock Beach, Crescent Beach, and the Nicomekl River trails means nature is part of your everyday routine. From beach picnics to after-school hikes, South Surrey’s lifestyle encourages balance—without needing to escape the city.

5. Better Pace, Still Connected

While South Surrey feels worlds away from the downtown grind, you’re still:

• 45 mins to Vancouver via Hwy 99

• 15 mins to the U.S. border

• 10 mins to major shopping at Grandview Corners & Morgan Crossing

Many professionals continue to commute to Vancouver while enjoying a more peaceful home life.

Thinking of Making the Move?

I specialize in helping families transition from urban living to the laid-back luxury of South Surrey. With deep local knowledge, a step-by-step process, and negotiation strategies that protect your bottom line—I’m here to make your move seamless.

👉 Ready to explore your next chapter in South Surrey or White Rock? Let’s chat.