If your home still has Poly B (polybutylene) plumbing, it’s not just an outdated feature, it’s a potential liability. While it was widely used from the late 1970s through the 1990s, Poly B has since developed a reputation for unexpected failures, costly leaks, and insurance headaches. Replacing it isn’t just about maintenance; it’s about protecting your investment and making your home more marketable.

The Insurance Problem

One of the biggest challenges with Poly B piping is insurance. Many insurers are reluctant to cover homes with it or they’ll only offer coverage at a higher premium. Some companies may refuse altogether, making it difficult for both current homeowners and prospective buyers. Even if you can get insurance, you’ll likely be paying more than necessary. For buyers, there’s an added complication: insurance providers may approve a policy at the time of purchase but require the piping to be replaced within 6–12 months. That’s a significant and often unexpected expense right after closing when finances are already stretched.

Peace of Mind Matters

Poly B is known to degrade over time, often from the inside out. That means failures can happen without much warning. Replacing it with modern materials like PEX or copper removes that uncertainty. You’re not just upgrading plumbing, you’re eliminating a major risk. That peace of mind is hard to put a price on.

A Major Selling Advantage

From a real estate perspective, homes with Poly B piping can be harder to sell. Buyers are more informed than ever, and many will avoid homes with known issues, especially ones tied to potential water damage and insurance complications. If you’ve already replaced the piping, your home instantly becomes more attractive. Buyers will often choose a home with updated plumbing over a similar one that still has Poly B, simply to avoid the hassle and cost. It’s one less negotiation point, one less concern, and one more reason for them to say “yes.”

Smoother Transactions, Stronger Offers

Homes with Poly B often come with conditions, renegotiations, or even deal collapses once inspections and insurance quotes come into play. By proactively replacing it, you’re removing a common deal-breaker. That can mean faster sales, cleaner offers, and fewer headaches during the process.

A Smart Investment Upfront

Yes, replacing Poly B piping is an investment, but it’s one that pays off. Between lower insurance costs, increased buyer confidence, and reduced risk of water damage, it’s a practical upgrade with real financial and emotional returns.

Bottom line: If your home still has Poly B piping, replacing it isn’t just a repair, it’s a strategic move. It protects your home, simplifies insurance, and gives you a clear edge when it’s time to sell.

There’s big news for first-time home buyers in British Columbia if you’re considering a brand new home. The federal government has introduced significant GST relief aimed at making homeownership more affordable and accessible.

What is the GST Rebate?

The new program eliminates the 5% GST on newly built homes for eligible first time buyers on properties priced up to $1 million. For homes priced between $1 million and $1.5 million, the rebate is gradually reduced, and homes above $1.5 million do not qualify.

Who Qualifies?

To be eligible, buyers must:

• Be considered a first-time home buyer (generally not having owned a home in the past 4 years)

• Purchase a newly built or substantially renovated home

• Intend to use the home as their primary residence

How It Fits with Other Incentives

In BC, this GST rebate can be combined with other programs like the Property Transfer Tax exemptions for first time buyers or newly built homes stacking multiple savings opportunities for buyers entering the market.

Final Thoughts

For first time buyers in BC, this GST rebate is a game changer. Whether you’re considering a condo, townhouse, or detached new build, the potential savings can significantly improve affordability and open the door to homeownership sooner than expected.

If you’ve been on the fence about buying new construction, this may be the incentive that makes the numbers finally work.

First-time home buyers' GST/HST rebate.

Every year, property owners in certain areas of British Columbia are required to complete the Speculation and Vacancy Tax declaration. The deadline to declare is March 31, and it’s important to remember that most homeowners must complete the declaration even if they do not owe the tax.

What Is the Speculation and Vacancy Tax?

The Speculation and Vacancy Tax was introduced by the Province of British Columbia to help reduce empty homes and increase housing availability for residents. The tax mainly targets residential properties that are vacant or owned by non-residents in designated taxable regions.

However, the majority of homeowners in British Columbia are exempt because their property is their principal residence or is rented out long-term.

Why You Still Need to Declare

Even if you qualify for an exemption, you still need to complete the declaration every year. The province sends property owners a declaration letter with a unique declaration code that allows them to complete the process online or by phone.

If you do not complete the declaration by the March 31 deadline, the property could automatically be assessed for the tax.

How to Declare

The declaration process is straightforward and typically takes only a few minutes. Property owners simply need:

• The letter sent by the province

• Their declaration code

• Basic information about how the property was used during the year

Declarations can be completed online. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/taxes/speculation-vacancy-tax

Don’t Miss the Deadline

If you received a declaration letter, take a few minutes to complete it before March 31. Missing the deadline could result in unnecessary penalties or taxes being applied to your property.

If you’re unsure whether your property is subject to the declaration or how it may apply to your situation, it’s always a good idea to review the information carefully or seek professional advice.

A quick declaration now can save you time, stress, and potential costs later.

If you’ve been dreaming about moving to Burke Mountain, Coquitlam, the clock is ticking. There are only a few homes left at Partington Creek by Polygon. This exclusive enclave of Craftsman-style homes blends timeless architecture with modern, upscale interiors, all set in a location that offers the perfect balance of nature, convenience, and community.

Location: Steps from Nature and Everyday Essentials

Partington Creek is ideally located close to Minnekhada Regional Park, offering endless hiking trails, bird-watching, and scenic locations. You’re surrounded by natural beauty while still being within a short drive of schools, shops, and Coquitlam City Centre.

Upscale Interiors with Modern Comforts

Each home at Partington Creek is thoughtfully designed to enhance your lifestyle:

• Integrated appliances including a built-in dishwasher and fridge for a seamless kitchen look.

• Modern interior finishes that are both stylish and functional.

• Air conditioning for year-round comfort.

• Side-by-side two-car garages with an EV outlet — perfect for electric vehicle owners.

A Community with Resort-Style Amenities

Life at Partington Creek comes with access to an amazing clubhouse that rivals any resort:

• Fully equipped gym.

• Games room for family fun.

• Party room for hosting gatherings.

• Sparkling pool and relaxing hot tub.

• Kids’ playroom for the little ones.

Don’t Miss Out – Make Your Move Today

With only a handful of homes left, this is your opportunity to join one of Coquitlam’s most desirable new communities. Whether you’re drawn by the craftsman-style architecture, the close-to-nature location, or the luxurious amenities, Partington Creek by Polygon offers it all.

Contact us today to book your private tour and secure your home before they’re gone! 

The Metro Vancouver housing market continued its early signs of recovery in July 2025, with home sales nearly matching levels from July 2024. According to Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR), 2,286 properties sold, down just 2% year-over-year. While still 13.9% below the 10-year seasonal average, the numbers reflect an encouraging trend.

Key Stats:

• New Listings: 5,642 (↑ 0.8% YoY)

• Total Inventory: 17,168 (↑ 19.8% YoY)

• Benchmark Price (All Homes): $1,165,300 (↓ 2.7% YoY)

Sales by Property Type:

• Detached Homes: 660 sales | $1,974,400 | ↓ 4.1% YoY

• Apartments: 1,158 sales | $743,700 | ↓ 2.9% YoY

• Townhomes: 459 sales | $1,099,200 | ↑ 5% YoY

The sales-to-active listings ratio for July was 13.8%, indicating a balanced market. Economists note that continued stability in interest rates may support further buyer activity.

“This healthy level of inventory is keeping prices stable, but if demand increases, buyer conditions could shift,” says Andrew Lis, Director of Economics at GVR.

For buyers, the current market offers solid selection. For sellers, a potential uptick in sales could improve bargaining power. Stay informed and strategize with us to navigate your next move in Metro Vancouver’s dynamic real estate market.

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/