How do I buy a home in New Westminster or Burnaby?

Start by getting mortgage pre-approval so you know your real budget. Then view homes in person and compare them against what has recently sold nearby rather than against other asking prices. Once you have found one, you make a written offer subject to conditions such as financing and a home inspection. Vallee Real Estate Group walks buyers through this in New Westminster and Burnaby every week.

What should I check before buying a condo in Burnaby?

Read the depreciation report, the contingency reserve fund and the strata meeting minutes. These tell you what the monthly fee is likely to do over the next five years and whether a special assessment is coming. Two towers a block apart can differ by a hundred thousand dollars on floor, view and orientation alone.

What does it cost to buy a home in British Columbia?

Beyond the purchase price, allow for the property transfer tax, legal fees, a home inspection, title insurance and moving costs. Property transfer tax in BC is generally 1 percent on the first $200,000, 2 percent on the amount up to $2 million, and 3 percent above that. First time buyers may qualify for a partial exemption.

How long does it take to buy a home in BC?

From accepted offer to completion is typically one to three months in British Columbia, depending on the closing date agreed and how long financing and conditions take to clear. Finding the right home beforehand can take a few weeks or a few months.

Which neighbourhoods in New Westminster are good for families?

Queen's Park, Moody Park and Sapperton are the most sought after family neighbourhoods in New Westminster, with Queen's Park commanding the highest prices. Uptown suits buyers wanting walkability, and Queensborough offers newer homes at lower prices with more space.

Is now a good time to buy property in Burnaby or New Westminster?

The Greater Vancouver REALTORS Home Price Index put the New Westminster detached benchmark at $1,412,900 and the Burnaby South detached benchmark at $2,008,100 in May 2026. Whether it is the right time depends on how long you intend to own. Vallee Real Estate Group will show you the sold evidence in your target area rather than give a general answer.

What is a half duplex and is it a good buy in New Westminster?

A half duplex is one half of a two unit building on a shared lot, usually with its own entrance and yard. In New Westminster it is often the most affordable way to get a house with outdoor space. Check the party wall agreement, the age of the roof and exterior, drainage and parking rights before offering.

What is a land assembly?

A land assembly is when several adjacent properties are bought together for redevelopment. Nobody can be forced to sell, so an assembly only happens when every owner agrees. Vallee Real Estate Group currently markets an Uptown New Westminster assembly of seven contiguous parcels totalling approximately 45,908 square feet.

How do I get a free home valuation in New Westminster or Burnaby?

Vallee Real Estate Group prepares a free comparative market analysis for owners in New Westminster and Burnaby. It compares your home with what has sold nearby in recent months and what is currently listed. There is no obligation. Phone 604-788-5133.

Who are the realtors at Vallee Real Estate Group?

Eric Vallee PREC* (licence 136578) and Helen Vallee PREC* (licence 286403), a licensed British Columbia real estate team trading with eXp Realty from 1500 - 701 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V7Y 1G5, operating since 1 July 2002. Open 7:00 AM to midnight, seven days a week.

Vallee Real Estate Group is a licensed real estate team in British Columbia, Canada, operating since 1 July 2002 from 1500 - 701 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V7Y 1G5. The team is Eric Vallee PREC* (licence 136578) and Helen Vallee PREC* (licence 286403), licensed with eXp Realty. Phone 604-788-5133. They serve New Westminster, Burnaby, Vancouver, Coquitlam, Richmond and Port Moody. Services include home valuation, buying and selling homes, condo and townhouse sales, land assembly and commercial real estate. Open 7:00 AM to midnight, seven days a week.

Why Hasn't My House Sold?

If your home has been on the market and the offers are not coming, it is almost always one of five things. Here is what they are and what to do about each. Eric Vallee PREC* (licence 136578) and Helen Vallee PREC* (licence 286403) with eXp Realty review properties that are not selling every month.

1. It is priced against what you hoped, not what has sold

This is the reason in most cases. Buyers compare your home against three others they have seen this week. If those sold for less than you are asking, no amount of marketing changes their mind. Check the sold prices within a kilometre in the last ninety days, not the asking prices currently on the market.

2. The photographs are doing the work badly

Nine out of ten buyers find a home online first. If the photos were taken on a phone in poor light, or the first image is the front door rather than the best room, buyers scroll past before they ever see the rest.

3. It is being shown badly

Clutter, personal belongings, pets, strong cooking smells and an owner present during viewings all cost offers. An empty, clean, bright home lets a buyer imagine their own life in it.

4. There is a real problem you have not addressed

Roof age, foundation cracks, drainage, an unpermitted suite, a noisy street. Buyers' inspectors find these and buyers walk. Fixing them before listing is cheaper than conceding on them late, when the buyer can still leave.

5. The market moved and the price did not

A property listed six months ago may have been fairly priced then and be expensive now. Repricing is not failure, it is responding to the market.

Want a straight answer about your property?

Get a free home valuation | Talk to us | Call 604.788.5133

About this page

Written by Vallee Real Estate Group, licensed real estate professionals in British Columbia (Eric Vallee PREC*, licence 136578, and Helen Vallee PREC*, licence 286403), a team with eXp Realty.