Darren Opsahl Real Estate

A record shattering December wraps up crazy year in Fraser Valley real estate In a year when the real estate market was at a standstill for months (thanks COVID-19), year ending sales in the Fraser Valley still finished 12% above the 10-year average. Why? Unrelenting, pent-up consumer demand fuelled by low interest rates (acting like rocket fuel). The last 4 - 6 months of 2020 shattered sales records and there are no signs of this pattern subsiding any time soon. December 2...020 sales were the highest on record , a whopping 81% above normal for the month, 67% bigger than Dec 2019. As a result of this massive demand, over 50% of what was actively listed ended up selling (INCREDIBLE). New listings rushed to market (the second highest on record for Dec) but no where near what the market is demanding. As a result, inventory remains very low, keeping us firmly rooted in a sellers market as we head into 2021. This likely means no end to the escalating prices for the foreseeable future. Especially in detached homes. Check out the slides I have posted . Pricing is up in every community, across nearly every home segments. Sellers rejoice *If you want insights to an area not noted here, reach out as I’m happy to share what I know. PRICING HOTSPOTS vs year ago: Single family homes: Langley up 14%, Cloverdale up 13% Townhomes: Cloverdale up 12%, North Vancouver saw an 8% increase Condos: West Van + 8% and South Surrey / White Rock + 7% For those who have been thinking of selling but have held off due to the pandemic, the industry has mastered how to keep consumers safe using technology and strictly following provincial health guidelines. Ask your REALTOR if now is a prudent time to list because the market is currently favouring sellers. As I always suggest, do not try to take make decisions without professional advice. It’s far too dynamic to go at it without timely facts and insights. I’m happy to help. Call me anytime 604-340-9407.

OPPORTUNITY Rare chance to build your new dream home on an amazing South West facing view lot on Sentinel Hill - West Vancouver. Perched on the bright, sunny, west side of Sentinel Hill, this home / lot offers Ocean & Mountain Views (the Sunsets are stunning Very cozy 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms home office. Updated kitchen and covered deck. Amazing location: 12 min to downtown Vancouver. Walkable to Park Royal and Ambleside Park. 5 minutes to Hwy 99. 20 minutes to Cypress Ski Mtn. 90 minutes to Whistler. West Van Sec and Hollyburn Elem catchments. Call me to discuss if you want more detail.

The 2021 BC property assessments are in and they’re creating a bit of a buzz

Although we are staying close to home, we can still support our favourite local businesses. Find the perfect gift for Metro Vancouver residents in this Lower Mainland Gift Guide.

The up to date list for best Christmas light displays...

For the fifth consecutive month, demand for real estate showed no signs of waning. Overall property sales for the month of November again set a new Fraser Valley Board record, increasing over 55% year over year Sales records were also broken in September and October; and since July, all activity including new listings, has continued to be inordinately high. Since the summer, we’ve seen the strongest demand in our Board’s 99year history specifically for single family detac...hed and townhomes. Meanwhile, inventories declined once again making this the tightest market in many months. The result = significant upward pressure on home prices. Check out the slides I have posted here. Pricing is up in every community noted, across all home segments too. Sellers rejoice *If you want some detail on an area not noted here, reach out and I’m happy to share what I know. The pricing hot spots: Single family homes: Langley up 12% and North Van & Cloverdale are up 11% Townhomes: North Van, Cloverdale and Coquitlam all saw 9% increases Condos: South Surrey/White Rock, North Van and West Van are all up roughly 7% If we look ahead in the coming months, there is very little to suggest anything will change in this regard especially with interest rates forecast to remain at record lows for the foreseeable future. As I always suggest, do not try to take on this market without expert advice. It’s far too dynamic to go at it without faction and insights to ensure you are 100% prepared for what you are getting into Call me anytime 604-340-9407.

Take a look at how the rest of Canada is fairing with respect to the most recent real estate data... B.C. isn't the only place on fire. Low interest rates are sparking massive change.

Wow. Pretty incredible story.

Welcome to KEW, a collection of red brick, colonial style townhomes in Clayton. Tucked away on a quiet street, #64 is a lovely 2 bed, 2 bath plus large den / office townhome. It’s peaceful, with minimal traffic / noise and has a fantastic community of residents The main living space is open concept, boasts 9’ ceilings, a massive kitchen island, quartz counters, stainless appliances and a cozy fireplace. Very tasteful! With the large 120 S.F. deck, the main living area b...ecomes very spacious Large bedrooms upstairs with lots of closet space (his and hers in the Master) plus an ensuite bathroom with oversized shower. Garage and carport. Wonderful complex w/clubhouse, greenway, walking paths, private gardens & children's playground! Walk to shopping, schools & Hazelgrove Park w/water park. Contact Darren for a viewing. This home will sell quick!!! See more

OCTOBER REAL ESTATE SALES SHATTER RECORDS! Home has been a focus for residents during the pandemic. With more days and evenings spent at home this year, people are rethinking their housing situation. Coupled with all time low interest rates, October continued record setting activity. Ongoing demand for real estate saw overall sales reach the highest point for the month of October in the Board’s history. This is the fourth consecutive month of record-breaking or near-record... activity for sales and new listings in the region. October sales = + 49% compared to the October 2019, and were + 6% over September (which was incredible). New listings received by the Board in October dipped from September, however still ranked the highest for the month in the last decade and the fourth highest of all time. PRICING Highlights Detached houses: Up nearly 10% vs year ago. That’s insane! Hottest areas: Langley (+10.9%) and South Surrey/White Rock (+9.5%) Townhouses: Up 5%. Equally incredible. Hottest areas: Cloverdale (+9.5%) and South Surrey/White Rock (+5.9%) Condos: Up 4%. Hottest areas: Langley (+5.2%) and Cloverdale (+4.6%) If you’re thinking of selling or buying in this extremely dynamic marketplace, seek expert advice first Every neighbourhood and property type is presenting / experiencing unique realities. Take a peek through the slides here for subregional specific facts.

Looks like the PNE has adjusted perfectly for their Covid safe Christmas Light display. Nice way to get out and spark the Christmas spirit with your bubble.