Congratulations to our clients who just purchased a beautiful new home at Ridgewood by Polygon, one of Burke Mountain’s most exciting new townhome communities! With sweeping views, timeless design, and a serene setting, it’s easy to see why downsizing to Ridgewood feels more like a step up than a step back.

Located in the heart of the scenic Burke Mountain neighbourhood in Coquitlam, Ridgewood is Polygon’s newest collection of contemporary farmhouse-style townhomes. This boutique development offers a limited collection of 101 homes, featuring spacious 3 and 4 bedroom layouts ranging from 1,430 to 2,365 square feet.

Perfect for growing families, empty nesters, or anyone looking for a quieter lifestyle without sacrificing convenience, Ridgewood blends modern comfort with classic charm. Enjoy a secure, peaceful residential community just minutes from the upcoming Burke Mountain Village and all the shopping, dining, and transit options at Coquitlam Town Centre.

Whether you’re downsizing in Coquitlam, relocating to the Tri-Cities, or exploring new townhomes on Burke Mountain, Ridgewood is a must-see.

Interested in Ridgewood or other new developments in Burke Mountain?
Contact us today to schedule a tour or get the latest updates.
We’re local experts in Coquitlam, Port Moody, and Port Coquitlam real estate and would love to help you find the perfect home for your next chapter.

After a turbulent start to the year, the Metro Vancouver housing market is beginning to show signs of stabilization. According to the Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR), residential home sales in June 2025 totaled 2,181—down 9.8% from June 2024. While still below the 10-year seasonal average, this marks a notable improvement over May’s steeper year-over-year decline.

GVR’s director of economics, Andrew Lis, notes that, “Sales activity appears to be rounding the corner. If current momentum holds, we may soon see year-over-year increases.”

Inventory and New Listings on the Rise
In June, 6,315 homes were newly listed—up 10.3% from the previous year and 12.7% above the 10-year average. Total active listings reached 17,561, a 23.8% increase year-over-year. This growing supply is giving buyers more options than they’ve had in years.

Sales-to-Active Listings Ratios (June 2025):

• Detached: 9.9%

• Townhomes: 16.9%

• Apartments: 13.9%
  With most segments in balanced market territory, prices have remained relatively steady.

Benchmark Prices by Property Type:

• Detached homes: $1,994,500 (↓3.2% YoY)

• Townhomes: $1,103,900 (↓3.0% YoY)

• Apartments: $748,400 (↓3.2% YoY)
  Overall benchmark price: $1,173,100, down 2.8% from June 2024.

Despite the year-over-year dips, buyers are enjoying more favorable conditions. Inventory is high, competition is moderate, and mortgage rates have eased approximately two percent from last summer.

What This Means for Buyers and Sellers in Port Moody, Coquitlam, and Port Coquitlam
With stabilized prices and a wide selection of homes, it’s an ideal time for buyers in the Tri-Cities to explore opportunities. For sellers, strategic pricing and great presentation are key to standing out in a more balanced market.

Have questions about how these trends affect your real estate plans? Let’s connect!

We’re excited to share that Team Aragon has received the Royal Lepage Canada Platinum Award for Sales Excellence.

This recognition wouldn’t have been possible without you—our customers. It reflects our commitment to:

⭐️ Customer First: Our award-winning service is all about YOU. We’re here to exceed your expectations.

⭐️ Trusted Expertise: When you choose us, you choose a team that’s experienced and proven to deliver results.

⭐️ Putting You First: Listening to your feedback and continuously improving.

⭐️ Earning Your Trust: Providing reliable, effective advice every step of the way.

Thank you for being a part of our journey. We look forward to continuing to support your real estate success in 2025!

As the leaves start to change color and the air becomes crisp, it’s a sure sign that fall is upon us. While the season brings a sense of coziness and pumpkin spice everything, it also means it is time for some essential maintenance tasks. Preparing your home for the colder months ahead can save you money, prevent costly repairs and ensure your family’s comfort and safety through the winter months. Here is our fall house maintenance checklist to get your home ready.

Clean The Gutters

One of the most crucial fall house maintenance tasks is cleaning your gutter. Leaves and other debris can clog your gutters leading to water damage, ice dams and roof leaks. Make sure to removal all debris and check for loose or damaged gutter that may need to be repaired.

Inspect and Seal Windows and Doors

Drafty windows and doors can lead to energy inefficiency and higher heating bills due to heat loss. Inspect the seals and weather stripping around your windows and doors to replace any that are worn or damaged. Add caulk or weather stripping where necessary to prevent drafts.

Service Your Heating System

Before the cold weather sets in, have your heating system inspected and serviced by a professional. This will ensure it is running safely and efficiently throughout the winter months. You won’t risk having a breakdown and be without heat for a while during a cold snap. Also, remember to change your furnace filter every 3 months. This will maintain optimal performance.

Service Your Fireplace

It is important to have your fireplace cleaned and inspected before using it in the fall and winter. Creosote buildup can pose a fire hazard so it’s critical to make sure your fireplace is in good working order before using it for the season.

Test Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Safety should always be top priority in fall house maintenance. Test all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in your home to be sure they are functioning properly. Replace the batteries or install a new detector if yours are out of date. If you don’t have a carbon monoxide detector, consider purchasing one, they easily plug in to a wall outlet.

Clean and Store Outdoor Furniture

Fall house maintenence is not just for inside tasks. Protect your outdoor furniture and prolong its life by cleaning it thoroughly and storing it indoors or under weatherproof covers.

Prepare Your Lawn and Garden

As gardening season comes to and end, take time to clean up your garden beds, trim shrubs and prepare your lawn for winter. Remove dead plants and fallen leaves to prevents pests from taking hold over the fall.

Insulate Pipes

To prevent frozen pipes during cold snaps, insulate exposed waster pipes in unheated areas like basement and crawl spaces. You can use foam pipe insulation or heating tape to keep pipes warm.

Remove Rodent Attractants

Rodents are looking to move into warm place during the fall and winter months. Be sure to remove any attractants around your home and in your garage. These could be vegetable plants from the summer, seeds that have fallen from trees around your property, leftover bag of grass seed stored in your garage. Also remove anything they could find useful to make bedding out of for a nest. Seal up entry points to your home with foam spray, steel wool or weather stripping. Whatever it takes to fill in those gaps that rodents can squish through. 

Prepare for Snow and Ice

If you live in an area prone to snowfall or icy conditions, stock up on winter essentials like shovels, a snow blower, salt and sand. Shop for these items before the first snowfall or you may have difficulty dining them. Make sure they are easily accessible for when you need them.

By following this fall house maintenance checklist, you can ensure your home is well-prepared for the fall and winter months. Regular upkeep not only saves you money in the long run but will keep your home safe and comfortable. Take time to tackle these tasks now, and you will be able to enjoy a cozy home until spring.

If you’re looking to sell your home, it’s important to consider what upgrades will help increase its resale value. However, it can be overwhelming to decide where to invest your time and money to get the best return on investment. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of the best upgrades for a home for resale value.

Kitchen Upgrades

The kitchen is often the heart of the home and a major selling point for potential buyers. Upgrades to your kitchen can be as simple as replacing outdated appliances, upgrading the countertops or backsplash, and adding new cabinet hardware. If you have the budget, consider a full kitchen renovation with new cabinets, countertops and appliances to really wow potential buyers. The kitchen is the best room to upgrade to increase resale value.

Bathroom Upgrades 

Bathrooms are another important area of the home buyers pay close attention to. Simple upgrades such as new faucets, shower heads and light fixtures can make a big impact. Consider upgrading the vanity and mirror, replacing old tile or grout, or adding a new bathtub or shower if your budget allows. 

Curb Appeal 

First impressions are everything and the exterior their home is the first thing potential buyers will see. Be sure your landscaping is well maintained; the driveway and the sidewalks are in good condition and the exterior of the home is clean and freshly painted. Adding a new front door or porch light can also make a big impact on your curb appeal. 

Energy Efficiency 

More and more buyers are looking for energy efficient homes. Upgrading your homes insulation, installing a new HVAC system or replacing old windows or doors with energy efficient models can make your home more attractive to buyers and potentially save money on energy bills in the long run. 

Storage Solutions 

Everyone could use more storage space in their home and potential buyers will appreciate it too. Having closet organizers, built in shelving or a new pantry can make your home more functional and appealing to buyers. 

Smarthome Technology 

Technology is becoming more and more integrated into our daily lives and smart home technology is no exception. Adding a smart thermostat, security system or smart lighting can offer convenience to potential buyers looking for a modern home. 

Investing in these upgrades can make a big difference in the resale value of your home. However, it’s important to note that not all upgrades will provide the same return on investment for every home. It’s a good idea to consult with us to determine which upgrades provide the best value for your specific home. Reach out to us with your questions if you are thinking of upgrading your home. 

Learn more about smart home devices at BC Hydro:

https://www.bchydro.com/powersmart/residential/tips-technologies/smart-home-devices.html

Fine Dining in the Burbs

It’s tough for us suburbanites to find tasty fine dining options without having to drive into downtown Vancouver. We are foodies and are always on the look out for delicious options close to home. 

A new favourite of ours even though it has been open for years is Chameleon in Maple Ridge. It’s an upscale option that’s a quick drive or Uber ride from the Tri-Cities. The space is handsome and offers a second floor loft perfect for private parties. 

Liquids

Their cocktail creations are a great start to the evening. The regular drink menu is delicious but don’t be scared to go for their featured cocktail. In our experience it is a good bet that the bartender creation for that day is going to be amazing. 

They also have an excellent wine list so there will be something for every taste and budget there. You can order by the glass or by the bottle.

Solids

It’s a farm to table approach to their cuisine. The appetizers and mains on offer are varied and all delicious. They cover seafood, meat and vegetarian options so dining with a group is easy, there is something for everyone. 

Don’t skip dessert! They change the sweet offerings depending on season but we find they are always worth a final bite to finish off the evening. 

Prix Fixe Menu

A great way to try Chameleon out on a first visit is the prix fixe menu. It’s just $45 for a three course meal. Starter, main course and a dessert. Add a wine pairing per course for just $15 more.  This is offered Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays so make a reservation and prepare to be impressed.

Let us know what you think after your dining experience at Chameleon in Maple Ridge. We are always game to chat about food.

https://www.chameleonmapleridge.com/

Congratulations, you have bought a new home! At some point one of your neighbours becomes a nuisance by making an unreasonable amount of noise that affects you. Sound familiar?

We are often asked about the issue of noise from the neighbours. It has more frequently been brought up during the pandemic as more people have stayed working from home. We are focusing on Strata as Strata living is where the confusion on how to move forward comes from.

Right to Quiet Enjoyment

When you buy Real Estate, the law says you have the right to quietly enjoy your Real Estate. When living in a Strata, it’s reasonable to expect some noise as there are other individuals living around you. Strata owners still have a reasonable expectation to enjoy their home. Noise should be considered an issue if it is in violation of the Strata’s Bylaws or is affecting your health. 

The first thing to do is to consult your own Strata bylaws to see how they define unreasonable noise. Keep in mind your neighbour has the right to enjoy their home, just like you. That can be difficult to define, and every Strata may phrase it differently in their bylaws. 

Speak with your neighbour

If you feel the need to take issue with the unreasonable level of noise, the first step is to ask (very friendly and politely) the noisy neighbour to quiet down. It’s common for people to not realize that they’re making too much noise. Be polite but be specific about where and when the noise is coming from. Don’t be afraid to approach them a few times as change needs to be reinforced a few times. Make sure to document such efforts as part of your proactive diligence. This will come in handy later if needed as it shows good faith and patience on your side.

Formal Complaint

If taking the friendly approach does not work, the next thing to try is filing a formal complaint to Strata. When preparing your complaint, try to provide as much evidence for the noise disturbance as possible. Noise issues can be difficult to prove since the people to whom you’re reporting them aren’t present to hear the noise. The key is to document. It is essential that you record every incident. Keep a log of the noise, including the time of day, location, type and duration of noise.

Let Strata know you have been proactive and tried to resolve the issue yourself first. They will appreciate that. You can also ask a representative of the Strata (either the strata property manager or a member(s) of Strata Council) attend at your home to hear the noise firsthand. You could purchase specialized noise equipment to measure and record the decibel levels to assist in a claim. That would be used in an extreme situation.

Bylaw Enforcement

Now here is the key: ALL Strata Councils are required to enforce their bylaws. Read that again. If your noise complaint alleges that a fellow owner is violating the bylaws, the board has a duty to investigate. If they don’t there are serious consequences. (This will come in handy later so keep reading). In a recent tribunal decision, a strata council was ordered to pay $2,000 in damages to an owner who had been complaining about excessive noise. The complaints had been frequent, and the affected owner experienced significant disruption to sleep and use of her strata lot. So don’t be afraid to continue to reach out to Council.

The strata council investigates to determine if the complaint is credible. The council informs the offending party of the complaint. The offending party can then respond in writing or request a council hearing where the matter could be resolved. Further investigation could be required, or penalties could be imposed.

Civil Resolution Tribunal

If an offending party is unwilling to resolve the situation, the strata council can ask the Civil Resolution Tribunal for a decision ordering the offending party to comply with the bylaws and pay any penalties. The CRT is an online tribunal [in BC] that resolves strata and small claims disputes of up to $5000. The CRT is designed to be used by all parties without the need for legal representation. It encourages collaborative dispute resolution rather than the adversarial system in the courtroom. If the complaint goes in your favor and Strata Council has determined that a breach of a Bylaw or rule occurred, the Council may impose a fine against an owner or tenant and hopefully the lesson is learned, and it all ends there.

However, if your complaint has been rejected by the Strata and they have decided not to take any action, it’s time for the next step: bring your complaint to a higher authority. If Strata Council is unwilling to take steps to mitigate the noise you may consider commencing an action with the CRT. Remember when we asked you to read that sentence twice? Make your Strata Council accountable. They are there to help deal with these situations but if you have a non-proactive council, you owe it to yourself and other owners to change that. 

In our experience most neighbours become better neighbours when they recognize they are doing something that is bothering another neighbour so have a conversation first. If things don’t change now you know how the system works and how you can move forward dealing with it. 

Civil Resolution Tribunal

Regardless of whether you are a first-time buyer or moving up the property ladder, getting pre-approved is the very first step to make your new home purchase a realty. It’s also one of the most important choices you will make early in the process. It can have a huge impact in the end. 

Let me explain why this is so important. Most people walk into their Bank and ask to be pre-qualified for a Mortgage. They are handed down to a Bank Employee who helps them out and gives them a rate. They walk away feeling happy that they have accomplished the first step towards buying a home. Truthfully though that may not be the case.

Not All Mortgage Brokers Are the Same 

First, let’s talk about the fact that not all Mortgage Brokers are the same. There are 2 types: ones that work as employees for a bank or credit union and work bank hours. Monday through Friday 9 to 5 and can only offer you a handful of Mortgage products that their bank carries. There is no motivation or hustle to work for you or give you their best as they are in a secure line of work, they have a captive audience as they know people are brand loyal and very rarely do they lose customers. Therefore, banks can treat you poorly and you take it. I’ll give you an example.

I’ve done my personal banking with a major Canadian bank for 25 years. I came across an add that they would offer new clients an iPad. I walked into my branch and asked them for an iPad since I had been a loyal client for 25 years. They politely declined and told me that was for new clients only. That didn’t seem fair so I said “fine, close all my accounts, give me my money, I will walk out the door. Then come back, reopen my accounts and you can give me an iPad” they laughed. Seriously….true story. That is a prime example of how your bank is going to treat you with a mortgage rate, not the best.

Independent Mortgage Broker

Then the other type of mortgage broker which is the kind we prefer: An independent mortgage broker. The ones that work for themselves and can shop around for the best mortgage rate and the right mortgage terms for you and can get any mortgage products from any small and major lending institution including your own bank. Also, they should work for you and respond to your inquiry fast and efficiently. They will take your calls or respond to your emails during weekends and evenings if need be as they work for you and not a major bank and bank hours.

This is critical when it comes time to the actual writing and negotiations of the contract of purchase and sale. There might be some important questions you have regarding your financing and if the person you chose to work with doesn’t work evenings and weekends (which happens to be the times when most deals and offers are negotiated) then you are not going to get your dream home. 

Not A True Pre-Approval

Now to explain that critical part where perhaps you did not get pre-approved. Most banks don’t pre-approve you; they make sure your info on their data is correct, give a rate and not explain to you that all the work that needs to be done will not be done until you have an accepted offer. Likely they will need AT LEAST 5 business days to complete the task. This is not the strategy to win multiple offers in this crazy market. If you work with an Independent MB they would have put in time and effort to give a proper pre-approval. They would most likely be able to satisfy those conditions in 2 days. In some cases if your financial situation is very healthy then they might not need any time at all. This is the type of professional you want to have to secure a home in this market.

Choose Your Real Estate Team Wisely

The most important thing to remember is that everyone who you pick to be part of your Home Buying team (real estate agent, mortgage broker, home inspector, insurance agent and lawyer) must give you great service and advice. Period. They need to work hard for you and give you their best. So next time you walk into your bank ask yourself, are they working their best for me? That should give you the answer you need to decide if they should oversee mortgaging your next home.

Have you ever thought about downsizing your home?

Downsizing to a smaller home can be a great opportunity for those looking to save money, and free up the equity locked in their current home.

What is downsizing?

Downsizing is when you buy a smaller home than the one you currently have. This decision is often made by empty nesters, people are having difficulty with the maintenance of their home or who are finding the cost of owning a larger home harder to pay.

It’s possible you are just looking for a change, want to simplify your life, want to move closer to friends or family members, or to start travelling more. Downsizing can offer many advantages and many of our clients say they wish they had done it sooner. 

What are the advantages of downsizing?

First, if you’ve been in your current home a while, it’s likely to have increased in value. You may have paid off your mortgage or have little left to pay now.

Buying a smaller, less expensive property will give you equity left over to use for whatever you wish. You will also be free of mortgage payments.

Downsizing to a smaller home means less maintenance, less to clean, lower bills and more time to do the things you love. It’s really a time and money saving move.

When you are downsizing, you can choose a property that will be better suited to your needs as you age. Less yard work, little or no stairs, and no unused spaces like extra bedrooms sitting empty. 

When is a good time to downsize?

This is no right answer as every decision is so unique. You may downsize if you divorce or when you become an empty nester. It could be due to too much work to upkeep the house or death of a partner.  

When you do decide to make the move it’s important to determine your budget. Be realistic with the type of property you would like and where you would be happy living. 

Getting ready to downsize.

All our clients are surprised to see how much stuff they have accumulated over the years. The biggest job you will have to downsize your home is going through everything and deciding what to keep, what to give away and what to throw out. We are happy to refer you to donation sites, junk removal companies and stagers to get your home looking its best to put on the market. 

If you would like to explore whether it’s the right time for you, please give us a call. We would go over the value of your current home and what is available for purchase to see if it makes sense for you. 

What is my home worth?

Moody Yards Mosaic Homes. Coming soon to Port Moody, 2 and 3 bedroom condos located on Murrey Street across from Rocky Point Park.  This is such a great location for convenience to shopping and recreation.

Moody Centre SkyTrain is just a quick walk from the front door of Moody Yards. Popular Rocky Point Ice Cream, numerous craft breweries and Rocky Point Spirits Distillery are down the road. Suterbrook and Newport Village are also a quick walk in the other direction and have everything you need for groceries to flower arrangements.

Mosaic Homes is a quality builder with a fantastic resume of developments throughout the Lower Mainland. From townhomes to condos they build beautiful homes with stylish interiors. Plus they back it up with a reliable customer service department. It’s great to see them coming back to Port Moody with this project.

We are excited to see what they bring to Port Moody (Taryn’s beloved home town) and can’t wait to bring our clients to purchase a home once they are open for sales. If you would like more information on Moody Yards Mosaic Homes please get in touch with us. We will be happy to help you through the new home buying process and welcome you to Taryn’s hometown.

Create a custom home search for Port Moody here

Let’s talk about one of the most important things in life PIZZA! We would like to share with you which places we think are the best that deliver to Burke Mountain. After living here 12 years and being pizza lovers, we think we have you covered.

San Remo

Let’s start with some deep-dish Chicago style deliciousness. San Remo Pizza in Port Coquitlam is just a few minutes away. If you like pizza that is a workout to carry from your door to the couch this one is for you. Forget weightlifting, the Jim’s Super Special pizza is extremely heavy with pepperoni, salami, ham, onions, mushrooms, and green peppers. A large pizza could probably feed your family for two days.  Click here for San Remo

La Ruota

If you like an authentic Italian wood fired pizza, then La Ruota behind Coquitlam Center is your jam. Thin, chewy delicious crust that only a wood burning oven can perfect. So many fantastic choices on their menu but our top three are the Primo, Montebello and the Parma Prosciutto. Even though they are a bit further away Burke Mountain is in their delivery zone. Click here for La Ruota

Papa Leos

Next is the “in between” pizza. Not too thin but also won’t slow you down carrying the box it comes in. Papa Leos is just a couple blocks away in Port Coquitlam on Coast Meridian. The closest location for pizza delivery in Burke Mountain. This pizza is the classic crust we are familiar with in Canada. Of course, they have old favorites like Hawaiian and pepperoni mushroom but then they have a bunch of other specialties that are tasty too. We love the BC Favorite and the Italian. They have 19 different pizza choices or build your own. Click Here for Papa Leo’s

Emilio Finatti

The final contender is the newest kid in town Emilio Finatti in Fremont. You had me at honey butter crust and completed me with a choice of dipping sauces. We are Montreal Special fans with black olives and Patate Italiano fans. Yes, that’s a pizza with roasted potato on top. Absolute perfection!  They have the largest selection here with 35 different pizzas or you can create your own. Click here for Emilio Finatti

If you are new to Burke Mountain or looking for a new pizza delivery option, give any of these guys a shot. You should be able to find something that everyone in the family will agree on or order from a couple places to keep everyone happy. Let us know who you like best.