Frequently Asked Questions

Your Vancouver real estate questions, answered honestly. Whether you're buying, selling, or simply trying to make sense of where the market stands, this is your starting point.

What should I expect when working with you?

Real estate is complicated enough. My job is to make it simpler.

After more than 20 years in Vancouver real estate, I’ve learned that good advice starts with listening, asking the right questions, and understanding what actually matters to you.

I’ll give you honest advice, clear information and a strategy built around your goals. I’ll tell you what I think you need to know, even when it isn't necessarily what you want to hear.

Whether you're buying, selling, investing or simply figuring out your next move, you can expect thoughtful guidance, straightforward communication and no unnecessary pressure. 

What is the Vancouver real estate market doing right now?

The Vancouver market is improving, but it isn't booming.

Sales have picked up, while inventory remains relatively high. Buyers have more choice, which means sellers need to price and position their properties carefully.

The market is also highly segmented. Condos, townhomes and detached homes can behave very differently, even within the same neighbourhood.

Rather than asking, “Is it a buyer's or seller's market?” I prefer a better question:

What is happening with the property I’m buying or selling, in the neighbourhood I care about, and what does that mean for my decision?

That’s where current data, local knowledge and a clear strategy make the difference.

What are current benchmark prices in Metro Vancouver?

The latest Greater Vancouver REALTORS® benchmark prices are approximately:

Detached: $1.84 million
Townhouse: $1.05 million
Apartment/Condo: $695,000

These are useful market reference points, but they don't tell you what an individual property is worth. Location, condition, size, lot, building quality and recent comparable sales can make a significant difference.

In Vancouver real estate, the neighbourhood and the property matter more than the headline number.

Is now a good time to sell my Vancouver property?

It can be, but there is no universal answer.

The Vancouver market is more balanced than it was during the boom years. Buyers have more choice, while well priced and well presented properties can still attract strong interest. Recent GVR data shows sales are improving, but inventory remains elevated.

For sellers, that means strategy matters more than timing the market perfectly.

Before deciding to sell, I would look at your specific property, recent comparable sales, competing listings, your neighbourhood and your reason for selling.

Sometimes the right move is to sell now. Sometimes waiting makes more sense. And sometimes the best decision has little to do with the market at all.

The goal isn't to predict the perfect market. It's to make the best decision with the information available today.

What is the best approach for buyers right now?

Buyers have something valuable in the current market: choice.

With more inventory and less pressure than we've seen in Vancouver's hotter markets, buyers can afford to be selective. That doesn't mean every property is a bargain, or that prices can't change.

My advice is simple: know your numbers, know your neighbourhood, and know what you're buying.

Focus on properties that make sense for your life and your finances, compare them carefully against recent sales, and negotiate where the opportunity exists.

If the right property comes along at the right price, don't wait for the market to become perfect. Perfect markets are rare. Good opportunities are specific.

How do strata fees and depreciation reports affect my purchase decision?

Strata fees are only part of the equation.

A lower monthly fee isn't necessarily better if the building is underfunded or major repairs are being deferred. A higher fee may reflect a well maintained building with healthy reserves and better long term planning.

The depreciation report is equally important. It can help you understand the building's condition, anticipated major repairs, reserve funding and potential future costs.

When reviewing a strata, I look beyond the monthly fees. I want to understand how the building is being managed, what work is coming, how it will be paid for, and whether the financials make sense for the property you're buying.

A good purchase isn't just about buying the unit. You're buying into the building.

How important is a home inspection?

Very important in most cases, but it depends on the property.

A home inspection can uncover issues that aren't obvious during a showing, from moisture and electrical problems to plumbing, heating and structural concerns. It can also help you understand the age and condition of major components before you commit.

For newer condos, well maintained properties or certain competitive situations, the decision may be different. The key is understanding the risk before you waive an inspection.

I don't see an inspection as a reason to walk away from a property. I see it as a tool to make a better decision.

The goal isn't to find a perfect home. It's to understand what you're buying.

How do zoning changes affect my property's value?

Zoning can have a significant impact on a property's value, but potential isn't the same as value today.

Changes to zoning and development rules can create new opportunities for redevelopment, additional density or different uses. But what is actually possible depends on the property's location, zoning, lot size, neighbourhood plans, regulations and development economics.

I look at zoning as one piece of the bigger picture. A property may have development potential, but that doesn't automatically mean a buyer or developer will pay a premium for it.

The important question is not simply, “What could this property become?” It's “What is realistically achievable, and what is that opportunity worth today?”

That distinction can make a big difference when you're buying or selling.

Are presales a good investment in 2026?

They can be, but I wouldn't recommend buying a presale simply because it's new.

Presales can offer attractive opportunities, including newer construction, staged deposits and the ability to secure a property before completion. But they also come with risks that deserve careful consideration, including construction timelines, financing, market conditions at completion, assignment restrictions, GST and the possibility that the finished property may be worth less than expected.

In the current market, buyers have more choice. That means there is often less reason to rush into a presale when comparable resale properties are available.

I look at the developer, location, floor plan, price per square foot, incentives, completion timeline and realistic resale value before recommending a presale.

New isn't automatically better. The numbers and the opportunity have to make sense.

I'm ready to have a real conversation about my situation. Where do we start?

Right here.

Every great real estate outcome starts with one honest conversation. No pressure, no pitch. Just a straightforward discussion about where you are, what you're trying to accomplish, and whether we're the right fit to work together.

Whether you're thinking about selling, actively searching for your next home, or simply trying to understand your options in today's market, I'm easy to reach and happy to talk it through.

Call or text me directly at 604.818.9835, or fill out the form below and I'll be in touch within 24 hours or less.

Let's simplify.

Still have Questions?

HERE TO HELP

Every client and their situation is unique—feel free to reach out with anything on your mind. I am happy to provide clear answers, to help you move forward! 

Contact Form

Reciprocity Logo The data relating to real estate on this website comes in part from the MLS® Reciprocity program of either the Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR), the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) or the Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board (CADREB). Real estate listings held by participating real estate firms are marked with the MLS® logo and detailed information about the listing includes the name of the listing agent. This representation is based in whole or part on data generated by either the GVR, the FVREB or the CADREB which assumes no responsibility for its accuracy. The materials contained on this page may not be reproduced without the express written consent of either the GVR, the FVREB or the CADREB.