Here’s what you can do to prepare yourself:

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make, and preparation can make all the difference. Before you start booking showings or scrolling listings late into the night, taking a few key steps upfront can help you shop with clarity, confidence, and a competitive edge.

In a market where inventory can be limited and competition can increase during the peak spring season, being prepared isn’t just helpful – it’s strategic. Here’s how to set yourself up for success before you begin your home search.

Start with a clear wishlist

Before looking at homes, take time to define what you actually need versus what would simply be nice to have. Create a list and rank your priorities.

Consider the essentials first:

• Number of bedrooms and bathrooms

• Parking requirements

• Layout preferences (single-level vs. multi-level, open concept vs. defined spaces)

• Accessibility needs now and in the future

Then think beyond the walls of the home:

• Proximity to work, schools, parks, restaurants, or transit

• Access to community amenities or places of worship

• Commute times and lifestyle fit

Be honest about what you’re willing to compromise on and what’s non-negotiable. This clarity will save time and reduce frustration later.

Narrow down the right neighbourhoods

Where you live matters just as much as the home itself. One of the biggest decisions buyers face is choosing the right neighbourhood, and in some cases, affordability may require flexibility.

If your preferred area is out of reach, expanding your search to nearby neighbourhoods or emerging communities can open up new options. A real estate professional can help identify areas that align with both your lifestyle priorities and your budget.

Find the right real estate agent early

While online listings are a great starting point, there’s no substitute for working with an experienced real estate professional. The right agent brings deep local market knowledge, negotiation expertise, and guidance through every step of the process.

They can:

• Help refine your search based on real-time market conditions

• Flag opportunities and potential concerns you might miss

• Guide you through offers, conditions, and timelines

• Assist with selling your current home, if applicable

Finding an agent early means you’re not navigating these decisions alone.

Build a realistic budget

Before committing to a price range, take a close look at your full financial picture. This goes beyond what a lender may say you qualify for.

Factor in:

• Monthly mortgage payments

• Property taxes and utilities

• Insurance and ongoing maintenance

• One-time costs like closing fees, land transfer taxes, moving expenses, and potential renovations

• Other regular debt repayments, such as car and student loans

• Contributions to RRSPs, RESPs and other long-term savings plans

• Your lifestyle and the expenses that come with it, such as childcare, pet care, vacations, and discretionary spending

The goal is to feel comfortable – not stretched – once the purchase is complete.

Get pre-approved for a mortgage

Mortgage pre-approval is one of the strongest tools you can have as a buyer. Once you know your down payment amount and monthly comfort level, a mortgage professional can provide a written pre-approval outlining what you can afford.

This step:

• Clarifies your true buying power

• Helps you act quickly when the right home appears

• Strengthens your offer in competitive situations

• May reduce or eliminate the need for a financing condition

In fast-moving markets, a pre-approval can be the difference between securing a home and missing out.

Buying a home starts long before your first showing. By getting organized, building the right team, and understanding your priorities and finances upfront, you will be in a much stronger position to succeed.

Written by Michelle McNally, Royal Lepage Senior Manager, Research and Communications

Hardwood floors are one of the most timeless features a home can have. Whether they’re original planks in a century home or a recent installation, hardwood flooring brings warmth and character to the home, and that character is worth protecting.

With the right maintenance and care, hardwood can last for generations. From a purely practical standpoint, it is one of the most financially rewarding features in a home to maintain. Homeowners may recover more than their project cost at resale, particularly when refinishing existing hardwood floors – one of the few improvements consistently shown to deliver strong cost recovery.

Here’s how to keep your hardwood floors in excellent shape.

Daily protection

A strict shoes-off policy at the door is one of the most effective things you can do for your floors. Road salt, slush, winter grit and sandy summers are genuinely destructive to hardwood finishes and can cause damage that builds invisibly over time.

Your first line of defense: use an oversized entryway mat that offers plenty of room for people to stand and remove their footwear. Providing a dedicated space for wet shoes to dry prevents moisture from migrating to your hardwood and causing long-term damage.

Beyond the entryway, attach felt pads to the legs of all chairs and rubber pads for heavy furniture. Replace when they wear thin or you notice dirt collecting. Clean up spills immediately – wood and standing liquid are not friends. Area rugs add another layer of protection, especially in high-traffic zones or kids’ play areas.

The right way to clean hardwood floors

For daily maintenance, sweeping or vacuuming with a barefloor attachment removes the fine dust and grit that act like sandpaper underfoot. Stick to spot cleaning with a weak baking soda paste for scuffs, and a mild dish soap for other spills. Be sure to dry thoroughly when finished.

Go in for a deep clean once every month or two, avoiding extra moisture at all costs. Never use a traditional wet mop or a steam mop, as water sitting or seeping between boards can cause swelling, warping, and structural damage that is difficult and costly to reverse. A slightly damp microfibre mop, used sparingly and always in the direction of the grain, is the right tool for the job.

When it comes to cleaners, use a pH-neutral dishsoap, castile soap or cleaning product formulated specifically for hardwood. DIY recipes involving vinegar, lemon and household oils should never be used on hardwood floors. The acidity in vinegar and lemon juice can gradually eat away at your floor’s protective finish, and adding oils like olive oil creates a slippery, dirt-trapping residue. For the longevity of your investment, stick to a pH-neutral cleaner as mentioned above that respects the finish rather than destroying it.

Managing the Canadian climate

Hardwood floors respond to the seasons, expanding in humid summers and contracting in dry winters. The ideal indoor humidity range for hardwood floors is between 35% and 55%, and maintaining that consistency year-round is an important factor in their longevity.

In winter months, the air inside the home is drier, so using a whole-home or room-specific humidifier helps prevent the boards from shrinking and gapping. In summer, air conditioning usually keeps the humidity level at an optimal level. Hygrometers are readily available so you can monitor levels easily.

Know your floor before you restore it

Before attempting any significant maintenance or repair, it’s worth knowing exactly what you’re working with.

Solid hardwood is a single piece of wood from top to bottom. Because of its depth, it can typically be sanded and refinished multiple times, making it a true generational floor. Engineered hardwood consists of a real wood veneer bonded over a plywood base. It handles humidity fluctuations better than solid wood, but its refinishing potential depends entirely on the thickness of that top layer. When in doubt, consult a flooring professional before proceeding.

Refreshing and refinishing

Even beautifully-maintained floors will show wear over time. Recoating is a lighter-touch option for minor surface scuffs, as it adds a fresh layer of finish without heavy sanding and can restore the look of a floor dramatically. For deeper scratches or significant wear, a full refinish involves sanding down to bare wood and reapplying a new finish entirely. Both are best handled by a professional.

Hardwood is a permanent asset that bridges a home’s past with its future. A simple commitment to maintenance ensures the character of your space remains as enduring as the wood itself, and in turn, will serve your home for generations.

Written by Michelle McNally, Royal Lepage Senior Manager, Research and Communications

Earth Day Family Drop-in: April 19, 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Douglas J. Husband Discovery Centre, 4450 Clarence Taylor Cres.; Connect with nature this Earth Day and come to the Discovery Centre for free crafts and activities. Reserve your spot for free at cityofdelta.perfectmind.com.

Click here to view the housing market update charts.

Copyright British Columbia Real Estate Association. Reprinted with permission.

Yesterday, Royal LePage® released its Q1 2026 House Price Survey. Below are highlights from the report for the Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, housing market.

• The aggregate* home price decreased 4.5% to $1,174,500 year over year in the first quarter of 2026. On a quarterly basis, the aggregate price of a home in the region decreased modestly by 0.4%.

• The median price of a single-family detached home decreased 5.7% year over year to $1,660,800.

• The median price of a condominium decreased 4.8% to $729,000.

• In the city of Vancouver, the aggregate price of a home decreased 3.9% year over year to $1,366,800 in Q1 2026.

• The median price of a single-family detached home decreased 5.4% to $2,160,400, while the median price of a condominium declined 4.6% to $780,100.

• Royal LePage is forecasting that the aggregate price of a home in Greater Vancouver will decrease 3.5% in the fourth quarter of 2026, compared to the same quarter last year.

Thursday, April 16th, 2026 – “The market has been on a gradual upswing in recent months as we approach the spring season. In March, transaction volume increased notably month over month, suggesting that consumers are beginning to re-engage. We’re also seeing the return of multiple offers and stronger foot traffic at open houses, and anecdotally, agents are reporting increased activity,” said Randy Ryalls, managing broker, Royal LePage Sterling Realty. “Buyers are engaged and responding to well-priced, well-presented inventory. We’re also continuing to see a higher number of ‘subject to sale’ offers, which indicates that both move-up and downsizing buyers are present in the market.”

Ryalls added that a significant share of active listings in Greater Vancouver have undergone price adjustments or expired, indicating that many sellers are still working to align their pricing with current market conditions.

“Signs are pointing to a stronger spring market in 2026, with rising buyer traffic, declining days on market, and renewed interest offering early momentum – though this likely won’t result in price increases for some time. The key challenge will be aligning buyer and seller expectations, which will be critical to unlocking more consistent activity in the months ahead,” said Ryalls. “At the same time, geopolitical and economic uncertainty will continue to play a role, with many consumers closely watching the headlines as they navigate their next move.”

Royal LePage is forecasting that the aggregate price of a home in Greater Vancouver will decrease 3.5 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2026, compared to the same quarter last year.

Nationally, the aggregate price of a home in Canada decreased 2.0 per cent year over year to $812,900 in the first quarter of 2026. On a quarter-over-quarter basis, however, the national aggregate home price remained relatively flat, increasing just 0.7 per cent.

“In a typical spring, Canada’s housing market would already be gaining momentum, but persistently low consumer confidence remains a drag on activity – especially in our most expensive markets,” said Phil Soper, president and CEO, Royal LePage. “That hesitation is being driven by uncertainty beyond our borders. The inflationary impact of America’s war with Iran is pushing energy prices higher, with ripple effects across the broader economy, while ongoing trade negotiations ahead of the CUSMA review are adding to concerns about economic stability and job security. For many Canadians, the headlines are hard to ignore.”

That sentiment can be seen in a Bank of Canada survey conducted in the fourth quarter of 2025, where Canadians were asked when they believe Canada–U.S. trade tensions had – or will have – the greatest impact on the economy and inflation. Half of respondents (50%) indicated that the most significant effects are still to come, while 27 per cent believe the worst has already passed.

“Three factors figure prominently in today’s sluggish market: hesitant first-time buyers, a return to sell-before-buy behaviour, and limited inventory in several key markets,” added Soper. “First-time buyers are the engine of the housing market, and when they pause, it ripples through every segment. Move-up buyers are also taking a more measured approach, often choosing to sell before committing to their next purchase; a behaviour we haven’t seen in years. In some regions, however, the issue isn’t demand – it’s supply.

“What’s clear is that many Canadians still intend to move. Our sales professionals, working with buyers and sellers every day, are approaching the spring and summer markets with cautious optimism.”

According to the central bank, nearly one third (29%) of Canadians said they were likely to move within the next 12 months, up from 22 per cent from a year earlier. Similarly, 20 per cent of homeowners said they were likely to sell their home within the next year, up from 14 per cent.[3]

The Royal LePage National House Price Composite is compiled from proprietary property data nationally and regionally in 65 of the nation’s largest real estate markets. When broken out by housing type, the national median price of a single-family detached home decreased 1.3 per cent year over year to $857,300, while the median price of a condominium decreased 3.4 per cent to $577,600. On a quarter-over-quarter basis, the median price of a single-family detached home and a condominium increased modestly by 1.0 per cent and 0.4 per cent, respectively. Price data, which includes both resale and new build, is provided by RPS Real Property Solutions, a leading Canadian real estate valuation company.

“Despite ongoing uncertainty, the underlying fundamentals of Canada’s housing market remain sound. For buyers, the environment has improved meaningfully. Competition has eased, interest rates have stabilized, and in many parts of the country prices have levelled off – with declines in our most expensive markets, Toronto and Vancouver, as the price gap with more affordable cities continues to narrow,” added Soper.

“National trends may dominate the headlines, but regional realities are what define market conditions on the ground.”

In the first quarter, the aggregate price of a home decreased 4.7 per in the Greater Toronto Area and 4.5 per cent in Greater Vancouver.

“Because of their size, softness in British Columbia and southern Ontario has an outsized impact on national averages,” said Soper. “Meanwhile, strong demand in a much more affordable Quebec market has allowed the province’s major cities to lead in both activity and price growth. On the Prairies, sales have slowed somewhat, yet home values continue to rise modestly, reflecting ongoing supply constraints. Atlantic Canada’s economy has been bolstered by a surge in Newfoundland’s energy sector and a recovery in Nova Scotia’s exports. While sales volumes have moderated, low inventory and a continued stream of interprovincial migrants seeking affordability have fueled continued, modest home price appreciation.”

Royal LePage is forecasting that the aggregate price of a home in Canada will increase 1.0 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2026, compared to the same quarter last year.

*Aggregate prices are calculated using a weighted average of the median values of all housing types collected. Data is provided by RPS Real Property Solutions and includes both resale and new build.

April 18 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Join the experts at Earthwise Society and learn how to design a resilient garden filled with a diverse mix of edible plants, from fruits to herbs and vegetables, that will provide fresh, nourishing harvests year after year.

April 18, 11 am – 12 pm | Earthwise Garden, Delta | Cost: $20, members $15

REGISTER HERE

Date: Apr 18, 2026
Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Earthwise Society Demonstration Garden and Farm - 6400 3 Ave
Delta, BC V4L 1B1 Canada

Whether you’re styling a gallery wall or finding the right spot for a single canvas, a few simple principles make all the difference between artwork that feels intentional and elevates your space, and something that looks, quite simply, off.

Here’s a simple guide to measuring and hanging wall art with precision.

Start with the right height

The most common mistake homeowners make is hanging art too high. The standard used by galleries and interior designers is to position the centre of the piece between 57 to 60 inches from the floor, depending on your ceiling height, which is roughly average eye-level for a standing adult. 

Measure to the centre of the artwork, not the top of the frame, and once placed, use a level to ensure the piece sits perfectly straight. Even a slight tilt becomes noticeable over time, particularly when viewed against architectural lines like doorframes and windows.

When placing a piece above furniture, like a sofa, console, or headboard, keep the bottom of the frame six to eight inches above the furniture below. This helps maintain a visual connection between the art and the piece beneath it, rather than allowing it to feel like it’s floating. In dining rooms or reading nooks where you spend most of your time seated, hanging art slightly lower – with the centre around 54 to 57 inches from the floor – creates a more natural and comfortable sightline.

Sizing art for the space

Scale matters as much as height and alignment. A small piece on a large wall tends to look lost, while an oversized canvas in a tight hallway can feel overwhelming. A good rule of thumb is that art should cover roughly two-thirds of the wall or the furniture it sits above. If you have a smaller piece, grouping it with others can solve the scale problem beautifully.

For gallery walls, treat the entire arrangement as a single piece of art, anchoring its centre at eye level, and keep spacing between frames consistent at three to six inches. Lay your arrangement out on the floor first before committing to any holes in the wall.

Know your wall type before you pick up a drill

Most modern homes in Canada have drywall, where a standard picture hook is usually strong enough for lighter pieces. Heavier artwork may need additional support, like securing the hardware into a stud, to keep it securely in place.

Older homes often have plaster-and-lath walls, which require more care. Plaster is brittle and can crack if handled the same way as drywall. Pre-drilling a small pilot hole and placing a piece of painter’s tape over the drilling spot can help minimize surface damage before installing a reinforced wall anchor designed for heavier items.

For concrete or brick walls, you may need a heavy-duty drill and specialized wall fasteners (or call in a professional). Adhesive hanging strips are a practical alternative for lighter pieces and an excellent option for renters who want to avoid putting holes in the wall entirely.

Protect your art from light damage

UV rays from direct sunlight will gradually fade pigments and cause irreversible damage to paper, canvas, and photographs. Keep pieces out of direct sunlight and away from windows that receive strong afternoon light.

Standard window glass blocks only about 40% to 50% of UV radiation. If you have a piece you love in a bright room, ask your local framer about conservation-grade UV glass or acrylic, which can block up to 99% of rays. 

If you’d like to spotlight your favourite pieces, LED lighting is your best bet, as it emits very little heat and minimal UV radiation compared to halogen or older incandescent bulbs.

Think about visual weight, not just physical size

A detail rarely discussed when it comes to art: dark, heavy frames need more breathing room than the physical dimensions suggest. A large black frame can visually dominate a wall, even when surrounded by what appears to be sufficient space. A light natural wood frame in the same size, on the other hand, reads as much quieter. When planning a grouping, take note of the visual “heaviness” of each piece and balance accordingly – that’s what separates a gallery wall that feels curated from one that feels crowded.

The art you choose to display is a reflection of your personality and the life lived within your four walls. While the measurements and levels provide the framework, the goal is to create a home that feels uniquely yours. By applying these few simple principles, you can hang your favourite pieces with confidence, where your most cherished memories and milestones are beautifully on display.

Written by Michelle McNally, Royal LePage Senior Manager, Research and Communications

Get ready for a night of laughs at Yuk Yuks’ Comedy at the Red Barn on Friday, April 17th at 8 PM!

Headliner Christophe Davidson has performed multiple times at both the Just For Laughs Festival in Montréal and JFL42 in Toronto, and can be heard on CBC Radio One’s Laugh Out Loud. The evening will be hosted by the hilarious Alannah Britney, with Ryan Paterson as the feature act—this is a show you won’t want to miss!

Join us at the iconic Red Barn for an unforgettable night of comedy and fun.

Don’t miss this show! Click here to get your tickets today!

Age: 19+

Celebrate Earth Month with us at the Watershed Fish Release on April 18, 2026, from 12:00–2:00pm. Enjoy a scenic walk or trail bike ride as you follow the fish-themed signage from the trailheads leading down to the event site. Help release 25,000 chum salmon fry into the stream and take part in tree planting activities while connecting more deeply with the watershed—an important natural resource for our community. Discover more about the local ecosystem through interactive educational displays and community activities. Get inspired, soak up the fresh air, and connect with nature in Delta’s beautiful Watershed.

How to Prepare for the Watershed Fish Release Event:

• Parking: Park at one of the four designated entrances to the Watershed (see map above).

• Cycling: If you choose to ride your bike, bike parking will be available on-site

• Dress for the weather: This is an outdoor event, so come prepared for the conditions.  The event will take place rain or shine.

• Footwear: Wear water-resistant footwear suitable for uneven or damp terrain.

• Stay hydrated: Be sure to bring water to stay hydrated throughout the event.

Participating Exhibitors:

• Burns Bog Conservation Society

• City of Delta Climate, Action, & Environment

• City of Delta Engineering

• Cougar Creek Streamkeepers

• Delta Fire & Emergency Services

• Delta Naturalists

• Department of Fisheries & Oceans Canada

• Ocean Wise

• OWL (Orphaned Wildlife) Rehabilitation Society

• Pacific Salmon Foundation

For more information, click here.

Copyright British Columbia Real Estate Association. Reprinted with permission.

As winter comes to an end, your home is likely holding onto months of dust, allergens, and buildup from closed windows and constant heating. A thorough spring indoor cleaning not only makes your space feel fresh again but also helps improve air quality and overall comfort. Focusing on high-impact areas can make a noticeable difference.

Clean Windows and Window Treatments for a Brighter Home

Natural light instantly transforms a space, but dirty windows and dusty treatments can take away from that effect. Start by cleaning your interior windows, then move on to wiping down frames, tracks, and sills where grime tends to collect. Curtains and drapes often trap dust and odours, so laundering or dry-cleaning them can significantly freshen a room. Don’t forget to dust or vacuum blinds to remove built-up debris and restore brightness.

Improve Air Quality by Cleaning HVAC Vents

Your HVAC system circulates air throughout your home every day, which means dirty vents can spread dust and allergens from room to room. Vacuuming and wiping down vents is a simple but effective step. Replacing air filters can further improve airflow and system efficiency. For households dealing with allergies or asthma, professional duct cleaning may help reduce deeper buildup like dust mites and mould.

Remove Built-Up Dirt from Walls and Furniture

Walls and furniture surfaces collect more than you might notice at first glance. Over time, fingerprints, grease, and small marks can dull the appearance of your home. Wiping down walls with a gentle cleaner can quickly refresh high-traffic areas. Use a small brush or cloth to get into corners, baseboards, and detailed trim. Spot-clean furniture and check hidden areas where dust and dirt tend to accumulate.

Deep Clean Carpets and Upholstery for a Healthier Space

Carpets and upholstery act like filters, trapping dust, dirt, and allergens throughout the winter months. Regular vacuuming is essential, but spring is the perfect time to go deeper. Sweep corners and edges where “dust bunnies” collect, and mop any exposed hard flooring. Treat stains carefully using tested cleaning products, and consider renting a carpet cleaner to shampoo and sanitize deeper layers, removing trapped moisture and buildup.

Don’t Forget Ceiling Fans and Overhead Surfaces

Ceiling fans are often overlooked, but they can collect a thick layer of dust that spreads throughout the room when turned on. Before using them for the warmer months, wipe down each blade thoroughly. This simple step helps prevent redistributing dust and allergens you’ve just worked to remove, keeping your home cleaner for longer.

Quick Spring Cleaning Wins

• Brighten rooms by cleaning windows, sills, and treatments

• Reduce allergens by vacuuming vents and replacing filters

• Refresh surfaces by wiping walls, trim, and furniture

• Eliminate deep dirt with carpet and upholstery cleaning

• Prevent dust spread by cleaning ceiling fans before use

Written by Michelle McNally, Royal Lepage Senior Manager, Research and Communications

For many Canadians, owning a cottage remains a defining lifestyle goal. It represents a dedicated space to unwind, reconnect, and enjoy time by the water, where weekends feel longer and daily routines fade into the background.

That aspiration is gaining renewed momentum. With cross-border travel becoming less appealing for some and interest rates holding steady, more buyers are shifting their attention toward domestic recreational properties.

According to the Royal LePage 2026 Spring Recreational Property Report,1 40% of recreational property experts reported that the ‘Buy Canadian’ movement has led to an increase in inquiries from domestic buyers of recreational real estate in their area. Similarly, 13% of experts reported an increase in inter-provincial buyers in their region compared to the same time last year; 54% reported approximately the same amount compared to a year ago. 

This sustained interest is supporting price growth across many markets. According to Royal LePage, the median price2 of a single-family home in Canada’s recreational regions is forecast to increase 4.0% in 2026 to $604,552, compared to 2025.

With demand holding firm and more Canadians exploring local options, the opportunity to enter the cottage market is worth a closer look.

Start with a clear purpose

Before beginning your search, it is important to define how the property will fit into your lifestyle. This decision will influence everything from location to budget and property type.

Some common use cases include:

• A seasonal family retreat for summer use

• A hybrid living arrangement that supports remote work

• A long-term investment with income potential

If you are already a homeowner, reviewing the equity in your primary residence can also help clarify what is financially achievable. In many cases, that equity can be leveraged to support a second property purchase.

Waterfront comes at a premium

Water access continues to be one of the most significant factors influencing price in recreational markets. True waterfront properties often command a substantial premium. However, properties located a short distance from the water can offer a similar lifestyle at a more accessible price point.

This distinction can create meaningful opportunities:

• Greater purchasing power within your budget

• Access to larger or more updated homes

• Potential for long-term appreciation in emerging areas

Ultimately, the decision comes down to how essential direct water access is to your overall vision.

Exploring ways to offset costs

Many buyers are taking a more strategic approach to ownership by incorporating income-generating options.

Flexible approaches include:

• Co-ownership with family members or trusted partners

• Seasonal rentals during high-demand periods

• A combination of personal use and short-term leasing

In high-demand recreational regions, rental activity can be particularly strong during peak seasons. That said, it is important to understand and comply with local short-term rental regulations before making a purchase decision.

Location flexibility can pay off

Location flexibility remains one of the most effective ways to improve affordability.

Highly sought-after cottage destinations often come with premium pricing. By extending your search to less established areas or properties slightly farther from major urban centres, buyers can often find comparable experiences at a lower cost.

Cottage ownership may seem ambitious at first, but current market conditions suggest it is still within reach for a wide range of buyers. Stable borrowing costs, sustained domestic demand, and creative approaches to ownership are all contributing to increased accessibility.

Want to know more about prices of recreational real estate near you? Check out the Royal LePage 2026 Spring Recreational Property Report for more information.

Written by Michelle McNally, Royal Lepage Senior Manager, Research and Communications