Don Goertz's Blog Posts

Discover how ancient glaciers, Stó:lō stewardship, the draining of Sumas Lake, and Clayburn bricks built modern Abbotsford—a local perspective from Don Goertz.Finding the Deeper Story

Understanding Bill 44 and Our New Density BylawsChange, especially when it touches the places we call home, can bring a mix of emotions – curiosity, certainly, and sometimes a bit of

uying a strata home, whether you're right-sizing after years in a detached house or taking the exciting leap as a first-time buyer, often comes with a unique set of worries. Chief among them? The

Enter the world of the Fraser Valley strata market, where things aren't always what they seem. I'm Don Goertz, your guide on the side, but in this case, you can call me Detective Don. Today, we're

Buying a home is often the largest financial commitment you will make, but in the modern British Columbia real estate landscape, the purchase price is only half the story. If you are looking at

Hello Abbotsford! As the days grow longer and the sun warms our beautiful Fraser Valley, there’s a distinct buzz in the air. Summer here isn't just a season; it's an invitation to connect,

If you’ve lived in Abbotsford for any length of time, you know that our summers are truly spectacular. For many of my clients who are transitioning from a large, detached family home to a more

I remember the era of the rotary phone and the first pagers hitting the Fraser Valley. Back then, "market data" was a thick binder updated once a week. Today, Abbotsford is a different landscape

The conversations are familiar. Whether it’s around the dinner table or a quick chat at a local coffee shop, everyone seems to be buzzing about "when things will finally cool down." Others are

A big question that we get asked is about mortgage rates. Should I go variable or fixed? Short term or lock in for a longer time? It’s a conversation that typically starts with a calculator

Navigating the many market cycles Abbotsford has seen—from the days when the Mission Bridge was a newer landmark to the vibrant, growing city it is today—has given me a front-row seat to

Life in Abbotsford has a way of evolving quietly. Having lived here my entire life, I’ve watched our city transform from a collection of quiet streets with large backyard gardens into the

I remember back in the late 80s, Saturday mornings in Abbotsford were defined by the sound of lawnmowers. Most of us lived on decent-sized lots where "the garden" meant a large vegetable patch or

A Decisive Moment in Our City’s Growth: The 20-Year VerdictReal estate is rarely just about the four walls and a roof. It’s about a sequence of decisions that shape your family's future

The Abbotsford Reset: Why Patience is Your New Power MoveIf you’ve been waiting for the "right time" to enter the Abbotsford market, the data from January 2026 suggests that the window of

What the latest Royal LePage forecast means for first-time buyers and downsizers in the Fraser Valley.Is 2026 the Year You Finally Make Your Move?If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines

If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines hoping for a sign to enter the housing market, consider this it.For the last few years, I’ve watched first-time buyers in Abbotsford struggle with

When I first got my real estate license in September of 1984, the conversation at the kitchen table was very different than it is today. Back then, you could buy a decent home in Abbotsford for a

The "Hidden" LedgerWhen I started in real estate back in September 1984, closing costs were often just a single sheet of paper you went over at the conveyancers office, and the numbers were small

In my 40 years as an Abbotsford realtor, the single biggest mistake I see is first-time buyers looking at homes before they truly know their budget. It's an easy trap to fall into, but it often

Have you ever had that sinking feeling?That moment when you realize a small, simple-looking issue is actually a massive, tangled, and deeply rooted problem.If you're a first-time home buyer or

Reprint from Royal LePageGradual recovery continues as buyers begin to make their way off the sidelinesThird quarter highlights: In the third quarter of 2025, the national aggregate home price

Okay, you did it. You’ve been saving like mad, you’ve cut back on the lattes, and you finally have your down payment ready to go. You’re officially ready to start looking for your

It’s completely normal to look at the Abbotsford real estate market and wonder, "How will I ever save enough for a down payment?" After 40 years of helping people find their homes here, I can

If you’ve been waiting for a calmer moment to enter the Abbotsford real estate market, the numbers from July are sending a clear signal: your patience is being rewarded. For the first time in

Abbotsford Real Estate: Next 6 Months at a GlanceHere's a quick look at what the Abbotsford housing market is expected to be like over the coming six months, based on current trends and expert

In a dramatic shift reshaping Abbotsford, BC's housing market, strata properties have become the new darlings of real estate. Today, a staggering 63% of total housing sales are strata properties - a

Introducing Urban Oasis Gardening Urban oasis gardening refers to growing plants in small city spaces like apartments, condos, and balconies. For urban dwellers with limited outdoor space, it

If you're a first-time homebuyer in British Columbia looking to enter the real estate market, purchasing an Abbotsford condominium may seem attractive. As housing prices rise across Metro Vancouver,

Whenever we list a property, we have multiple forms that must be filled out and completed. One of those essential forms is what is called the Property Disclosure Statement. It is intended to be the

A lush lawn and blooming flower beds are the pride and joy of many homeowners. Canada’s harsh winters, however, can quickly squash the hard work you’ve put into nurturing and maintaining

Are you hoping to buy property in British Columbia? Then, you'll need to familiarize yourself with the province's property transfer tax (PTT). This one-time tax applies whenever property changes

In recent years, there has been a shift in our real estate market on the number of Strata Units sold compared to the number of detached properties. More Strata properties are sold than Detached,

Introduction:The fall season in Abbotsford, BC, brings unique opportunities for home sellers. And in particular this fall and this Season. With the right strategies, you can make the most of this

In today's competitive real estate market, effectively selling your home is crucial for a successful transaction. In this post, I've put together some valuable insights based on my experience in

With the environment increasingly becoming a global concern, eco-consciousness is more critical than ever. As a result, transforming our homes into eco-friendly havens can significantly impact our

As a seasoned realtor with over 30 years of experience in the picturesque city of Abbotsford, British Columbia, one thing I've come to know is this: knowledge is power, and powerful knowledge leads

Abbotsford's real estate landscape has been a realm of constant change. This comprehensive review unveils the market's intricate dance among detached properties, townhouses, and apartments. We delve

As an Abbotsford native, I've witnessed the transformation of this beautiful city over the years. From walking with my mother to the old Downtown Abbotsford for shopping to experiencing the growth

Does your current home no longer serve your needs?If so, you may be torn between relocating to a new home or renovating your existing one. This can be a difficult choice, and there’s a lot to

Let's get one thing clear. Statistics are boring. Well, to most people, they are. And it has been said you can use them to support any idea you wish to promote. I don't want to bore you with a

Twenty-Four Years ago, we moved into a condo we never intended to stay in. But we are still here. Has that happened to you? Are you wondering what the transition to condo living is like? Our

Living in a condo in Abbotsford has many perks, but one challenge many residents face is the lack of storage space. With limited square footage, making the most of every inch of your home is

There’s an old adage in real estate: location, location, location. But ever since the Bank of Canada began its series of inflation-fighting interest rate hikes last year, a new mantra has

Did you know the residential sector accounts for approximately 17% of Canada's total energy consumption? With climate change becoming an increasingly pressing issue, it's crucial for all of us to do