Understanding what today's buyers are looking for—and why the right strategy matters more than ever.

If you've been watching the Fraser Valley real estate market lately, you may have noticed something interesting. Some homes are selling relatively quickly, while others remain on the market for weeks or even months.

Sometimes two homes in the same neighborhood, with similar square footage and features, can have very different results.

So what's making the difference?

It's tempting to blame the market, interest rates or the economy. While those factors certainly play a role, the reality is that not all homes compete equally, even in the same market.

Let's look at why.

1. Buyers Have More Choices—and They're Using Them

When inventory is plentiful relative to demand, buyers can afford to be more selective.

Rather than rushing to make an offer on the first suitable property, they're comparing homes, studying recent sales and carefully evaluating what they're getting for their money.

For sellers, this means your home isn't simply competing with the house down the street. It may be competing with similar properties in neighboring communities.

A buyer considering a detached home in Chilliwack might also be looking in Sardis, Promontory or Fairfield Island. Someone shopping in Langley might be comparing properties in Aldergrove, Murrayville and Walnut Grove.

The question buyers are asking isn't just, "Do I like this home?" It's also, "Is this the best value for my money?"

Understanding that distinction is essential.

2. Pricing Is About Positioning, Not Just Value

One of the biggest misconceptions in real estate is that pricing a home higher leaves more room for negotiation.

Sometimes it does. But in a market where buyers have choices, an ambitious asking price can discourage showings before negotiations ever begin.

Today's buyers have access to extensive property information. They can see how long a listing has been on the market, compare competing properties and review price reductions.

A home that enters the market at a competitive price may attract meaningful interest early, while a similar home priced too aggressively can struggle to generate activity.

That doesn't mean sellers should give their properties away.

It means the asking price should be based on current competition, recent comparable sales and realistic buyer expectations—not simply what a neighbor received two years ago.

The goal isn't necessarily to be the cheapest home. It's to be one of the most compelling choices in your price category.

3. Presentation Can Make or Break a First Impression

Most buyers form their initial impression of a property long before they walk through the front door.

They've already seen the photographs, read the description and perhaps watched a video tour.

If the home looks dark, cluttered or poorly maintained online, some buyers will never schedule a showing.

Fortunately, improving presentation doesn't always require an expensive renovation.

Fresh paint, thoughtful furniture placement, clean windows, attractive landscaping and professional photography can make an enormous difference.

We often remind sellers that buyers aren't just purchasing square footage. They're imagining what living in the home would feel like.

A well-presented property helps them make that emotional connection.

4. Condition Matters More When Buyers Have Alternatives

A few years ago, buyers sometimes overlooked deficiencies because they were concerned about missing out.

In a less competitive environment, those same deficiencies can become reasons to keep looking.

An aging roof, dated kitchen, worn flooring or obvious maintenance issues may not prevent a sale, but they can affect the price buyers are willing to pay.

That doesn't necessarily mean completing major renovations before listing.

In fact, spending $50,000 on improvements doesn't guarantee you'll recover that investment.

The smarter approach is to identify which repairs or updates will meaningfully improve marketability and which are better reflected in the asking price.

Sometimes a modest investment in presentation delivers a better return than a major renovation.

5. Every Neighborhood—and Price Range—Has Its Own Market

One of the most important things we explain to clients is that there really isn't one single Fraser Valley real estate market.

There are many smaller markets operating simultaneously.

A well-priced townhouse in Sardis may attract a completely different buyer pool than a luxury acreage in Langley.

A rancher in Chilliwack may appeal to downsizers who have limited suitable options, while a large family home with a suite may attract buyers focused on affordability and rental income.

Even within the same neighborhood, demand can vary considerably based on layout, condition, lot size, parking, suite potential and price.

That's why broad market headlines don't always tell you what your particular home is worth—or how quickly it might sell.

Local knowledge and property-specific analysis matter.

6. The First Few Weeks Are Important

When a property first enters the market, it generally receives attention from buyers who have already been searching for a home like it.

These buyers may have viewed every comparable listing and are waiting for something new.

If the property is priced and presented appropriately, that initial exposure can produce valuable showing activity.

If it misses the mark, interest may fade.

That doesn't mean a home can't sell after several months. Many do.

But it does mean that launching with the right strategy is usually preferable to testing an unrealistic price and making repeated reductions later.

We believe sellers deserve a clear plan before the listing goes live—not simply a sign on the lawn and a promise to see what happens.

7. A Home That Isn't Selling Is Giving You Information

When a listing isn't attracting offers, the market is communicating something.

The challenge is interpreting that feedback correctly.

• Very few showings? Buyers may not see sufficient value compared with competing listings, or the marketing may not be reaching the right audience.

• Plenty of showings but no offers? Buyers may like the location and general features but have concerns about condition, layout or price.

• Offers well below asking? The market's perception of value may differ from the seller's expectations.

Not every unsuccessful showing means a price reduction is necessary.

But consistently ignoring feedback rarely improves the outcome.

A good real estate strategy involves reviewing the evidence, understanding the competition and making thoughtful adjustments when appropriate.

The Bottom Line: Homes Are Still Selling

A changing market doesn't mean buyers have disappeared.

It means buyers are making more deliberate decisions, and sellers need to respond accordingly.

The homes that stand out are often those offering the strongest combination of location, condition, presentation and price.

Every property has its own strengths, challenges and likely buyer audience. Understanding those factors is the foundation of a successful sale.

At the end of the day, selling real estate isn't about predicting the market perfectly.

It's about understanding the market you're in and making the best decisions with the information available.

Thinking about selling your home in Chilliwack, Abbotsford, Langley or elsewhere in the Fraser Valley?

We'd be happy to provide an honest assessment of your property's position in today's market, including recent comparable sales, active competition and practical recommendations to help your home stand out.

Kim Parley & Laura Lindstrom PREC
eXp Realty
People Moving People
www.besthomesonearth.ca

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Meta Description: Why are some Fraser Valley homes selling while others sit? Discover how pricing, presentation, condition and buyer expectations affect your sale.

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Newsletter Excerpt: Why do two similar homes sometimes have completely different results in today's market? We explore the seven factors influencing which Fraser Valley properties attract buyers—and which get overlooked.

Kim Parley & Laura Lindstrom | eXp Realty | November 2026

If you’ve been waiting for more choice and a little more room to negotiate, October gave Fraser Valley buyers a reason to look again. We’d start with the neighborhoods and type of home you actually want. That’s where you’ll see whether prices have softened enough to make a move worthwhile.

What October tells us

In Chilliwack and District, 126 homes sold in October, down 28.4% from a year earlier. Inventory rose from 7.3 to 10.5 months at the October sales pace. Townhome sales fell 41.3%, compared with 17.4% for single-family homes. The townhome benchmark price was also down 6.2% year over year, to $570,600. If you’re shopping in Sardis, compare recent sales and current listings in the same complex or in similar developments nearby.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board area, which includes Abbotsford, Langley, Surrey and White Rock, recorded 1,051 sales. That’s up 14% from September and down about 6% from the previous October. There were 9,164 active listings, and the board still described conditions as a buyer’s market. We’d want to see several months of stronger sales before calling it a turnaround.

In the Greater Vancouver board area, which includes Maple Ridge, sales were down 10.2% year over year. Detached homes had a sales-to-active-listings ratio of 11.6%, compared with 16.5% for attached homes. Those are regional figures. If you’re looking at a detached home in Albion, recent Albion sales will tell you more about what to offer.

How to spot a good deal

Start with what comparable homes actually sold for. A big reduction from the original asking price can look tempting, but the recent sales will tell you whether the new price is competitive. Then run the monthly cost at the rate your lender is offering, including taxes, insurance and any strata fees. If the home fits your plans and the payment leaves breathing room, it’s worth a closer look even if prices could soften further.

If you’re selling, use those same comparisons to see what buyers can get for the money today. If you’re buying and selling in the same market, look at the price gap between the two homes before deciding whether waiting helps.

Thinking about buying or selling in the Fraser Valley? Call us at 604-217-7781. We’ll help you compare recent sales and current listings in your neighborhood and price range.

Kim Parley & Laura Lindstrom PREC
eXp Realty | 604-217-7781
People Moving People | www.besthomesonearth.ca

October 2026 data: Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board | Fraser Valley Real Estate Board release (reproduced) | Greater Vancouver REALTORS®

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Suggested excerpt: October brought more choice in Chilliwack and a pickup in sales across the Fraser Valley board area. Here’s how to tell whether a lower asking price is a good deal in your neighbourhood.

When you’re planning a move, it’s natural to focus on what your current home will sell for. You remember what similar properties fetched before, and you may have a number in mind that would make moving feel worthwhile.

But if you’re buying another home, your sale price is only part of the picture.

The difference between what you sell for and what you pay next can matter just as much.

A Lower Sale Price Doesn’t Always Mean a More Expensive Move

Consider this hypothetical example of a homeowner moving from a townhome to a detached house:

In the second scenario, the homeowner receives $50,000 less for the townhome. However, the next home costs $100,000 less, reducing the price difference by $50,000.

These are illustrative figures, not current market estimates. They show why reviewing both sides of a move can reveal something that a sale price alone cannot.

Your Two Markets May Behave Differently

Selling and buying at the same time doesn’t mean both properties face identical conditions.

A townhome in Sardis and an acreage in rural Abbotsford attract different buyers. A condo in Chilliwack and a detached home in Langley may have different levels of competition, even within the same month.

That’s why broad headlines can only tell you so much.

Before deciding whether a move makes sense, compare:

• The likely selling range for your current home.

• The realistic purchase range for the property you want.

• The selection available in your target neighbourhood.

• The timing and terms needed to connect the two transactions.

The opportunity depends on your particular move.

Moving Up? Watch the Price Gap

If you’re moving to a more expensive property, changes in the purchase price can have a substantial effect on the amount you need to add.

It can be tempting to delay selling until your home reaches a particular value. But consider what might happen to the homes you want to buy during that wait.

If both properties become more expensive, your equity may increase while the cost of moving up also grows.

The useful question is: What would it cost to make the move now, and does that fit our needs and budget?

Downsizing? Focus on the Equity You’ll Keep

For someone downsizing, the goal may be to reduce debt, simplify maintenance or free up money for retirement.

In that situation, the amount left after both transactions deserves close attention.

Start with the expected sale proceeds, then account for your mortgage payout, selling expenses, purchase costs and moving expenses. Compare that figure with the full cost of your next home.

A smaller property may also introduce different ongoing expenses. If you’re considering a strata home, for example, include its fees and review its financial documents as part of your purchase investigation.

Downsizing works best when the numbers support the lifestyle you’re trying to create.

Negotiate the Whole Move

Price matters, but dates and other terms can affect how smoothly a move comes together.

A sale with a completion date that coordinates with your purchase may reduce the need for temporary accommodation or storage. A flexible possession arrangement may give you more breathing room.

Before accepting an offer or making one, consider how it fits with the other transaction. An attractive price can become less appealing if the timing creates expensive complications.

Your Realtor, lender and legal professional can help you work through the details before you commit.

Build a Plan Around Realistic Numbers

Rather than relying on the highest possible sale price and the lowest imaginable purchase price, work with a realistic range.

Ask what the move looks like if your home sells near the lower end of that range. Then check whether the next purchase still feels comfortable.

That gives you a clearer basis for making decisions—and helps you recognize an opportunity when one appears.

Whether you’re moving up, downsizing or relocating within the Fraser Valley, we can help you compare both sides and understand what the move could look like for you.

Kim Parley & Laura Lindstrom PREC
eXp Realty
604-217-7781
People Moving People
www.besthomesonearth.ca

SEO title: Buying and Selling in the Fraser Valley: The Price Gap
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Your home is listed, the photos look great, and you’re ready for your next move. But the offer you expected hasn’t arrived.

Should you lower the price? Improve the marketing? Finish a few projects? Or give it more time?

Before making a change, it helps to identify where buyers are losing interest. A listing that receives few showings needs a different conversation from one that attracts steady traffic but no offers.

Start With Today’s Competition

The price you chose when you listed deserves another look as competing properties sell, reduce their prices or come onto the market.

Ask your Realtor to review three groups:

• Recently sold homes: What did buyers actually choose, and what did those properties offer?

• Active listings: How does your home compare with the alternatives buyers can view today?

• Listings that haven’t sold: Are there similarities in price, condition or presentation?

Keep the comparison close to your property type and neighborhood. A detached home in Abbotsford a Sardis townhome and an acreage outside Langley can appeal to very different buyers.

The useful question is: If a buyer toured your home and its closest competitors this weekend, what would make yours their first choice?

Few Showings? Review Price and Presentation Together

When showing requests are scarce, look at what buyers see before they ever reach the front door.

Does the main photo make someone want to see more? Are the rooms bright and easy to understand? Does the description explain the home’s strongest features? Are important details missing?

Then look at the asking price alongside that presentation. Attractive photos can draw attention, but buyers still compare the space, condition, location and features available within their budget.

Also review showing access. Limited appointment windows can make it harder for interested buyers to include your property in their plans.

Showings but No Offers? Look for a Pattern

A single buyer’s opinion is just one opinion. Repeated feedback deserves closer attention.

Perhaps buyers consistently mention dated flooring, road noise, a small yard or a layout that doesn’t suit them. Some concerns are practical to address. Others need to be reflected in the price and the audience you’re trying to reach.

Ask specific questions:

• Which objections come up repeatedly?

• What are buyers choosing instead?

• Is there an improvement that would address the concern?

• Does the asking price already account for the difference?

Comments such as “nice home” don’t tell you much. Understanding why buyers move on gives you something useful to work with.

Make Improvements With a Clear Purpose

Before spending money, decide what problem the work is intended to solve.

Clearing crowded rooms can make the space easier to assess. Touching up damaged paint can improve presentation. Addressing a visible maintenance issue can remove a concern that keeps appearing in feedback.

A major renovation requires a different conversation. Get estimates and compare the likely benefit with the cost, disruption and time involved. Spending more does not guarantee a higher sale price.

If the presentation changes substantially, update the listing photos so buyers can see the improvement.

Give a Price Adjustment a Clear Reason

A price change should follow a fresh review of the evidence.

Consider the homes buyers are choosing, the competition still available and the response to your listing. Discuss whether a proposed adjustment would make your home meaningfully more competitive.

Your plans matter, too. If you’re buying another property, review the sale and purchase together. Your next decision should account for the overall move, including timing and the funds available after selling.

Set a Review Date

Waiting is easier when there is a plan.

Agree with your Realtor on what you’ll review and when: showing activity, recurring feedback, competing sales and any changes to your timeline. That creates a clear point for deciding whether to adjust the price, presentation or approach.

Your home doesn’t need to appeal to everyone. It needs to offer a convincing combination of features, condition and price to the buyers most likely to choose it.

Thinking about selling in Chilliwack or the Fraser Valley? We’ll help you understand your competition and build a plan around your home and your next move.

Kim Parley & Laura Lindstrom PREC
eXp Realty
604-217-7781
People Moving People
www.besthomesonearth.ca

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Chilliwack has become one of the Fraser Valley’s most appealing destinations for homebuyers—and it is easy to understand why.

Surrounded by mountains, rivers and some of British Columbia’s most beautiful outdoor spaces, Chilliwack offers a lifestyle that can be difficult to find closer to Vancouver. Buyers are discovering that they do not necessarily have to choose between comfortable living, everyday amenities and access to nature.

More Home for Your Money

Affordability remains one of the biggest reasons buyers consider Chilliwack.

Although prices vary considerably by neighbourhood and property type, buyers can often find more living space, a larger yard or a newer home than they could purchase for a similar price closer to Metro Vancouver.

Chilliwack offers an extensive selection of real estate, including:

• Condominiums and townhomes

• Family homes in established neighbourhoods

• Newer homes with modern layouts

• Properties with basement suites

• Acreages and rural homes

• Gated and retirement communities

• Luxury homes with mountain and valley views

This variety makes the community attractive to first-time buyers, growing families, downsizers, investors and people relocating from more expensive markets.

An Outdoor Lifestyle

Living in Chilliwack means having exceptional recreation close to home.

Residents can walk or cycle along the Vedder River, hike local mountain trails, spend the day at Cultus Lake or explore nearby fishing, camping and boating destinations. Many neighbourhoods are designed around parks, trails and natural spaces, making outdoor activities part of everyday life.

Communities such as Rivers Edge, Garrison Crossing and areas throughout Sardis are especially popular with buyers who want walkability and convenient access to recreation.

Neighbourhoods for Different Stages of Life

Chilliwack is not a one-size-fits-all market. Each neighbourhood offers a different combination of housing, amenities and lifestyle.

Sardis is popular with families because of its schools, shopping, parks and access to the Vedder River. Promontory offers hillside living, beautiful views and a variety of family homes. Fairfield Island provides a quieter residential setting close to the Fraser River, while Downtown Chilliwack continues to evolve around District 1881 and the surrounding shops, restaurants and services.

The right location depends on more than the home itself. Commute requirements, schools, recreation, future plans and the character of the neighbourhood should all be considered.

A Growing Community with Everyday Convenience

Chilliwack continues to grow while maintaining a strong sense of community.

Residents have convenient access to shopping, restaurants, healthcare, recreation facilities and schools. Highway 1 provides connections throughout the Fraser Valley, while Abbotsford International Airport is within convenient driving distance for many travellers.

Remote and hybrid work have also given some buyers more flexibility. For those who do not need to commute into Metro Vancouver every day, Chilliwack can offer an appealing balance between housing, lifestyle and accessibility.

Is Chilliwack Right for You?

Choosing where to live is a personal decision. The best neighbourhood is the one that matches your lifestyle, budget and long-term plans.

Local knowledge becomes especially important because pricing, property characteristics and market conditions can vary considerably from one part of Chilliwack to another. Understanding those differences can help you make a more confident decision and avoid focusing on price alone.

If you are thinking about buying, selling or relocating to Chilliwack, we would be happy to help you explore your options.

Kim Parley & Laura Lindstrom PREC
eXp Realty 
People Moving People
www.besthomesonearth.ca

604-217-7781

The phrase “dual agency” causes a surprising amount of confusion in British Columbia real estate. Some people believe it means a REALTOR® cannot help a homeowner sell one property and then help that same client buy another. Others assume it is automatically a conflict whenever the same brokerage is involved on both sides of a transaction.

Neither belief tells the whole story.

The rules are designed to protect consumers when loyalties genuinely collide—not to prevent clients from receiving consistent advice as they move from one home to the next.

What dual agency actually means

Under British Columbia’s Real Estate Services Rules, dual agency generally occurs when a brokerage represents clients with opposing or conflicting interests in the same trade in real estate. The most familiar example is representing both the seller and the buyer of the same property.

It can also arise when a brokerage represents two or more buyers competing for the same property and their interests conflict.

The key ideas are the same transaction and conflicting client interests.

A seller wants the best possible price and terms. A buyer usually wants the lowest acceptable price and the most favourable protections and conditions. One professional cannot fully advocate for both objectives at the same time while also protecting each client’s confidential information.

That is the conflict the rules are intended to address.

Why the rules changed

Before 2018, limited dual agency was widely used in British Columbia. With informed consent, one licensee could sometimes represent both sides of the same transaction, although the licensee’s ability to advise and advocate for either party was necessarily restricted.

Concerns grew about whether consumers fully understood those limitations and whether one professional could realistically provide undivided loyalty to two clients whose financial interests were directly opposed.

Following a period of heightened concern about real estate practices and consumer protection in B.C., the province introduced stronger rules. Effective June 15, 2018, dual agency was generally prohibited, along with new disclosure and consumer-information requirements. A narrow exception was retained for certain remote or underserved locations where access to another licensee would be impracticable.

The change was not intended to suggest that every overlapping relationship is improper. It addressed a specific problem: trying to represent opposing clients in the same deal.

Selling your home and buying another is not dual agency

Having the same REALTOR® help you sell your current home and purchase your next home is not, by itself, dual agency or a conflict of interest. These are two separate transactions, and in both of them the REALTOR® is working toward the same client’s overall objective.

In fact, for many homeowners this is the right approach.

One REALTOR® can coordinate the timing of the sale and purchase, understand how the proceeds from the sale affect the next purchase, structure dates and conditions with the complete move in mind, and help reduce the risk of owning two homes—or no home—at the wrong time.

The same professional also knows your priorities, financing considerations, preferred communities and tolerance for risk. That continuity can be extremely valuable when a sale and purchase must work together.

The REALTOR® should still explain the agency relationship and identify any new conflict if circumstances change. But the simple fact that one professional is helping you sell one property and buy a different property does not create divided loyalty. You remain the client in both transactions, and your interests remain aligned.

What actually constitutes a conflict of interest?

A conflict exists when a real estate professional’s duties to one client—or the professional’s own interests—are incompatible with duties owed to another client.

Common examples include:

• Representing the seller while also attempting to represent the buyer of that seller’s property.

• Representing competing buyers who both want to purchase the same property when their interests conflict.

• Using one client’s confidential information to benefit another client.

• Having a personal, family or financial interest in a transaction that could affect the professional’s judgment.

• Receiving an undisclosed benefit or incentive that could influence the advice given to a client.

Not every connection is automatically a conflict. Two licensees from the same brokerage may be able to represent opposing parties through designated agency, provided the required safeguards are in place and each client has their own designated representative. The facts, the brokerage’s agency model and the duties owed to each client all matter.

What happens if your REALTOR® has the listing you want to buy?

This is where the distinction becomes important.

If your REALTOR® is already representing you as a buyer and is also the listing representative for a home you want to purchase, the REALTOR® generally cannot simply represent both you and the seller in that transaction. The conflict must be addressed in accordance with B.C.’s rules. Depending on the circumstances and the brokerage’s agency model, one party may need separate representation, or a consumer may choose to remain unrepresented after receiving the required disclosures.

This does not mean you have done anything wrong by viewing the property. It means the agency relationships must be clarified before confidential advice, strategy or representation continues.

The difference between assistance and representation

An unrepresented buyer may still receive limited factual or administrative assistance from a seller’s representative, but that representative’s loyalty remains with the seller. The listing representative cannot give the unrepresented buyer the same strategic advice that would be available from the buyer’s own representative.

Consumers should always ask a simple question: Who is this REALTOR® representing in this transaction?

The answer determines whose interests the professional must protect, what advice can be provided and how confidential information will be handled.

The bottom line

B.C.’s dual-agency rules are about protecting clients when interests conflict within the same real estate transaction. They do not prevent a trusted REALTOR® from helping you sell your current home and purchase your next one.

Using the same professional for both sides of your move can provide better continuity, stronger coordination and a clearer overall strategy. The important thing is not whether your REALTOR® is involved in more than one transaction. It is whether that professional can remain loyal to you, protect your confidential information and advocate for your interests in each transaction.

When in doubt, ask your REALTOR® to explain the agency relationship before you share confidential information or make an offer. Clear representation is not merely paperwork—it is the foundation of sound advice and informed decisions.

This article provides general information about real estate agency in British Columbia and is not legal advice. Agency relationships can depend on the circumstances of a particular transaction. Consumers should obtain independent legal advice when needed.

Sources

• Real Estate Services Rules, B.C. Reg. 209/2021—definitions and sections 64–65

• BCFSA: Real Estate Rules amendments effective June 15, 2018

• BCFSA: Current Real Estate Services Rules

Moving from one home to another involves two major transactions—and one important decision: should you sell your current home before buying the next one?

There is no single answer that works for everyone. The right strategy depends on your finances, your comfort with risk, the type of home you own, what you hope to buy and the conditions in your specific neighborhood. In a market where buyers have more choice and homes can take longer to sell, planning the order carefully can protect both your budget and your peace of mind.

The Case for Selling First

For many Fraser Valley homeowners, selling first is the safer approach.

Once your sale is firm, you know how much equity you will have available for your next purchase. That gives you a clearer buying budget, makes financing conversations more accurate and reduces the risk of carrying two properties longer than expected.

Selling first may be especially sensible when:

• You need the proceeds from your current home for the next down payment.

• Your financing depends on paying out the existing mortgage.

• Similar homes in your area are taking longer to sell.

• Your current property is unusual or may appeal to a smaller group of buyers.

• You would be uncomfortable owning two homes at the same time.

The main drawback is timing. If you sell before finding the right home, you may need a longer completion period, temporary accommodation or a short-term rental. That inconvenience can be frustrating, but it may still be preferable to making a rushed purchase or accepting less than your home is worth because another closing date is approaching.

The Case for Buying First

Buying first gives you the freedom to wait for a home that genuinely fits your needs. This can be attractive when you are searching for something scarce, such as an acreage, a rancher, a home with a legal suite, a particular school catchment or a property in a tightly held neighborhood.

Buying first may work when:

• You have enough income and equity to qualify while still owning your present home.

• You have access to sufficient funds for the deposit and down payment.

• Your lender has reviewed the complete scenario, including the possibility of carrying both homes.

• Your current property is likely to attract strong buyer interest.

• You can tolerate the financial and emotional risk if the sale takes longer than expected.

The risk is that your current home may not sell as quickly—or for as much—as anticipated. If you have committed to a purchase, that can create pressure to reduce your asking price, accept less favourable terms or arrange short-term financing. Before buying first, ask your lender to explain the carrying costs, qualification requirements and backup options in writing.

What About an Offer Subject to the Sale of Your Home?

A purchase offer can sometimes be made subject to the successful sale of the buyer’s existing property. This can reduce risk by connecting the two transactions.

However, the seller of the home you want may continue marketing the property and may require a time clause. If another acceptable offer arrives, you could have a limited period to remove your sale condition or step away from the purchase. In a competitive situation, a seller may also prefer an offer without this condition.

This strategy can be useful, but its strength depends on the market, the appeal of your current home and the motivation of the seller.

Five Questions to Answer Before Deciding

1. How saleable is your current home?

Look beyond a general Fraser Valley headline. Recent comparable sales, active competition, condition, price range and neighbourhood demand all matter. A well-priced townhome in Sardis may face a very different market from a rural acreage or luxury property.

2. How difficult will your next home be to find?

If your wish list is flexible, selling first may be easier. If you need a rare property type or a very specific location, buying first may deserve consideration.

3. Can you qualify while carrying both properties?

Speak with your lender or mortgage broker before writing an offer. A general pre-approval may not account for the mortgage, taxes, strata fees, insurance and other obligations attached to both homes.

4. What happens if the sale price is lower than expected?

Build your plan around a realistic net figure, not the highest possible selling price. Include mortgage payout, legal costs, real estate fees, moving expenses and any adjustments that may affect the funds available for the next purchase.

5. How much uncertainty can you comfortably handle?

Some homeowners are comfortable managing overlapping dates and financing. Others would rather accept temporary housing than feel pressured by two major commitments. The financially possible strategy is not always the emotionally right strategy.

A Practical Fraser Valley Strategy

Before choosing either route, we recommend completing three pieces of preparation:

1. Obtain a current market evaluation of your home based on recent local sales and active competition.

2. Have your lender calculate the buy-first and sell-first scenarios using realistic sale proceeds and carrying costs.

3. Identify your preferred timing, acceptable backup plan and maximum level of financial exposure.

With those answers, you can choose a strategy based on evidence instead of guesswork.

The Bottom Line

In a balanced or buyer-favored market, selling first is often the more conservative choice because it gives you certainty about your equity and negotiating position. Buying first can still make sense when the right property is difficult to replace and your finances can comfortably support the overlap.

The best solution is a coordinated plan involving your Realtor, lender and legal professional before you commit to either transaction.

Thinking about moving within Chilliwack or elsewhere in the Fraser Valley? Kim Parley and Laura Lindstrom can help you compare both options, estimate your likely sale proceeds and build a practical timeline for your move.

Kim Parley & Laura Lindstrom PREC
eXp Realty
People Moving People
www.besthomesonearth.ca