Ask these questions next time you are at an open house:

How long has it been on the market?

When was the home built?

How old is the heating system, hot water tank, and roof?

What has been renovated/upgraded in the home?

What is the local area like?

What are the property taxes?

Are there any offers currently on the table?

 You didn’t bother to stage the property?? Remember that as a home seller, you are not only selling the property you are also selling the idea of “home.”

Some buyers have trouble seeing past what a homes is  - and staging a home can help highlight its best features, minimize the worst, and give prospective homebuyers some inspiration about how they might use the space. 

And if you need more convincing, staged homes sell fast and for 1-5% MORE $$$ than empty houses. 

Buyers buy with their eyes :)

For instance: When I sold my personal home. I went to town decluttering, de personalizing, and staging the home. So much so, that my husband was upset that his toothbrush was living in a bin under the bed. He said: “No one does this! This is ludicrous!” LOL. Well, the house sold with multiple offers, in a down market. Needless to say, he ate his words.

You now have access to 2 government programs to build secondary suites. But one is perhaps better than the other …You will probably want to use the secondary suite refinance program rather than the secondary suite loan program (SSLP). Why do you ask? Th SSLP provides up to $40,000 for a loan to build or renovate a secondary suite - but in reality it is probably going to cost you more like $60-80,000. This is why you may want the refinance program: Canadians can access up to 90% of their homes value through default-insured mortgage refinancing to build secondary suites. Remember, just because you can borrow that much doesn’t mean you should. Ensure to reach out to your mortgage specialist to get a clear understanding of the financial risks prior to doing any additions or renovations

The Shift in Pace

The Fraser Valley is a city that never slows down. Whether it’s multiple property showings in a day, racing across town to meet a client, or juggling phone calls and paperwork, the real estate market moves at lightning speed. So when I moved to a small town in Northern BC called Terrace, I braced myself for a slower pace of life—and I wasn’t disappointed.

Here, things run differently. There’s time to breathe, time to really get to know your clients and their stories. People aren’t in a rush, and there’s a refreshing lack of urgency. In fact, one of the biggest adjustments was learning to slow down my own tempo and embrace the patience that small-town life encourages.

Community Connection

In the Fraser Valley anonymity is easy. You can live in a building with hundreds of people and not know your neighbor’s name. Real estate is often transactional; you work hard for your clients, but relationships can sometimes feel surface-level.

In contrast, the small-town experience is deeply personal. Up here, people know each other, and word-of-mouth plays a huge role. When you help someone buy or sell a home, it’s not just a business deal—it’s the start of a long-lasting relationship. The sense of community is strong, and as a realtor, you quickly become a part of that fabric. You’re not just the “real estate agent”; you’re someone’s neighbor, a member of the town, and a friend.

The Housing Market: A Different Animal

The Fraser Valley’s real estate market is notorious for being high-stakes and high-priced. Listings often fly off the market, and the competition can be fierce. In a small town, the market is a different animal altogether. The pace is slower, the listings stay up longer, and there’s more time to strategize.

Property prices, of course, are significantly lower, which has its own set of pros and cons. On one hand, it opens up homeownership to more people, which is incredibly rewarding. On the other hand, it’s a big adjustment from the high price points of the Valleys market. But with the lower prices comes the opportunity to help families find spacious homes, larger properties, and places with breathtaking views—all things that are often hard to come by in a big city.

Embracing the Outdoors

One of the most exciting changes in moving to a small town in Northern BC is the lifestyle. In the Fraser Valley the outdoors are part of the city’s appeal, but up north, they’re the very heart of it. You’re surrounded by nature in every direction—lush forests, towering mountains, and endless outdoor activities.

Suddenly, my weekends look a lot different. Instead of fighting traffic going to brunch at a trendy cafe, I’m hiking through scenic trails, fishing in pristine rivers, or camping under stary skies and grizzly bears. The natural beauty is breathtaking, and it’s easy to see why so many people are drawn to this part of the province. For outdoor enthusiasts like myself, the move has been a dream come true.

Challenges and Rewards

Of course, moving from a big city to a small town comes with its challenges. It can be an adjustment living in a place where everyone knows each other, and the slower pace can feel like a stark contrast to the energy of the city. But the rewards far outweigh the hurdles.

The sense of community, the stunning surroundings, and the slower, more intentional way of life have all made the transition worthwhile. As a realtor, I’ve learned new ways to connect with people, and as a person, I’ve found a deeper appreciation for the small things—whether it’s a friendly conversation at the local market or the quiet beauty of a Northern BC sunset.

Final Thoughts

For anyone thinking of making a similar move, I’d say this: Embrace it fully. There’s a lot to learn from small-town life, both professionally and personally. You’ll find that while the market may be different, the work is just as fulfilling. The relationships you build here are genuine, and the pace allows you to truly enjoy what you do. Plus, you might just fall in love with the outdoors in a way you never imagined.

So if you’re ready for a change, take the leap. You just might surprise yourself—and in the best possible way.