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What Does Your Home Really Cost to Live In?

When comparing townhomes, most buyers naturally focus on the purchase price. But there’s another cost that can make a significant difference over the years: what it actually costs to live in the home.

Imagine looking ahead to 2036. 

One homeowner is enjoying lower utility bills, comfortable temperatures, and a quieter, more efficient home—even while running the air conditioning and enjoying their rooftop hot tub.

Meanwhile, another homeowner is watching their energy bills climb, dealing with aging systems, and wondering why their home feels like a sauna in July and a hockey rink in January. That difference can come down to energy efficiency.

The Cost Goes Beyond the Purchase Price

When you buy a home, you’re not just paying the purchase price. You’re also taking on the ongoing costs of owning and operating that home. Over the next 10 years, utility bills can add up significantly. As energy costs continue to rise, buyers are likely to pay more attention to features that can help make a home more efficient and comfortable.

Things like heat pumps, insulation, energy ratings, and overall efficiency can all become important consideration when comparing homes.

The question shouldn’t only be: 
What does it cost to purchase"?”

It should also be:
What does it cost to live here?

Building for the Future

The Skyview development in Mission has taken energy efficiency into consideration as part of the overall design and construction of the townhouse community. The goal is to create homes that offer more than just a great floor plan. Energy efficiency can contribute to more consistent temperatures, quieter living spaces, and potentially lower utility costs over time.

And yes, that means homeowners can enjoy features like air conditioning and a rooftop patio hot tub without the same concern about energy use that may come with a less efficient home.

Think Beyond Today's Price

A home that appears less expensive upfront isn’t necessarily the less expensive home to own over the long term. When you’re comparing properties, it’s worth looking beyond the purchase price and considering what everyday living could look like years down the road.

Because the home you choose today could affect your monthly expenses for the next decade. Your future self, and your future utility bills, may thank you.

If you're curious about Skyview or have questions about your next real estate move, I'm always happy to help.
📲 Call or text Faeine Grant at 778-347-4663

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The Builder Behind Your New Home Matters

One of the biggest mistakes I see buyers make when purchasing new construction is falling in love with the floor plan before they even research the builder.

And I completely understand why.

You walk into a showroom, see the finishes, imagine your furniture in the space, picture your family living there, and suddenly you’re emotionally attached to a home that hasn’t even built yet. But when you’re purchasing a presale, there’s an important difference to remember; You’re not buying a finished property. You’re buying into the builder’s ability to deliver it. That means the developer behind the project matters just as much as the floor plan.

Start With the Builder

Before I recommend a developer to a client, there are certain things I want to know. How long have they been building? What projects have they completed? What does their work look like several years after completion? How do they handle warranty issues? What is their reputation? What are people saying in their reviews? These questions can tell you a lot more than a beautiful showroom ever could.

A new construction home might incredible on day one, but you also want confidence in the quality of the construction and the company standing behind it.

Look Beyond the Showroom

Imagine you’re comparing two townhomes. They have similar square footage. Similar layouts. Similar locations. On paper, they might look almost identical. But one is built by a developer with decades of successful experience, while the other is being built by a developer with little or no track record.

Which one would you feel more comfortable putting your money into? For me, that long-standing reputation matters.

You’re not only looking for someone who can create a beautiful development. You’re looking for a builder with the experience, skill, and commitment to quality to deliver the project — and to provide aftercare once you become an owner.

Why I Feel Strongly About Skyview

This is one of the reasons I feel so strongly about the Skyview development here in Mission. Skyview is being built by Bianco Developments, a family-run business that has been building in the community for more than 25 years.

Their focus is on quality while still creating homes that can be attainable for the average family. That combination is important. Because buying new construction shouldn’t simply mean buying something new. You want to feel confident that the people behind the project care about how that home is built and how it will stand the test of time.

Bianco Developments also takes pride in its craftsmanship and remains actively involved throughout the building process, with the team present on site and closely involved in the creation of the project.

It’s About More Than the Home

Another part of the development that stands out is the focus beyond the individual homes. Environment, community outreach, and creating family-oriented community are also important aspects of the developer’s approach. And that’s worth considering when you’re purchasing into a new development. 

You’re not just choosing a floor plan. You’re choosing a builder. You’re choosing a community. And you’re putting your trust in the people responsible for creating the place you’ll eventually call home.

Do Your Homework Before You Commit

A beautiful floor plan can certainly get you excited about a property. But before you fall completely in love with the kitchen, the layout, or the finishes, take some time to research who is actually building your home.

Look at their history. Look at their past projects. Look at their reputation. Ask how they handle warranty and aftercare. And most importantly, make sure you feel comfortable with the people you’re trusting to bring your future home to life.

If you’re considering purchasing presale or new construction — whether at Skyview or somewhere else — I’m always happy to walk you through what you should be looking for.

📲 Call or text Faeine at 778-347-466. Because before you fall in love with the floor plan, make sure you trust the people building it.

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I have sold a property at 33477 7th Avenue in Mission

I have sold a property at 33477 7th Avenue in Mission on May 15, 2026. See details here

METICULOUSLY maintained 5 bedroom Mission home with lane access, RV parking, detached garage, and fully fenced yard on a 5,393 sq ft lot. Bright main level with spacious living and dining areas, 3 bedrooms, and huge sundeck overlooking the backyard. Huge lower level in-law suite with separate entry (and NO stairs for entry) offers excellent flexibility for extended family or multi-generational living. Centrally located near Mission Secondary School, Hillside Traditional Academy, Windebank Elementary School, shopping, parks, transit, and the West Coast Express commuter train. Great family home with plenty of space and versatility.

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Beyond “Going Green”: How Energy Efficiency Can Impact Your Everyday Life

When people hear the words energy efficient home, they often think of being environmentally friendly. And while thta’s certainly one of the benefits, energy efficiency can actually have a much more direct impact on you. Your pocketbook and your lifestyle. That’s especially worth thinking about when the cost of living continues to rise and monthly household expenses add up.

What Does Energy Efficiency Actually Mean?
    
       A Step 4 energy efficient home is built differently right from the beginning. It’s not simply about adding a few energy-saving features after construction. The efficiency is considered as part of how the home is constructed, creating a more airtight and better-sealed home. And that can translate into some very practical benefits for homeowners.

Lower Utility Bills
   
    One of the biggest advantages is the potential for lower monthly utility costs. When your home is designed to operate more efficiently, you can spend less on heating and cooling while maintaining a comfortable environment inside. Over time, those monthly savings can add up. And with the cost of living being what it is, having the ability to reduce your regular household expenses can make a meaningful difference both now and in the long run.

Warmer Winters and Cooler Summers

   Energy efficiency isn’t only about saving money. It can also change how your home feels. Step 4 energy efficient homes are designed to help keep warmth inside during the winter and maintain cooler temperatures during the summer. And on those particularly hot summer days, that can make a huge difference. You can come inside to a comfortable home without feeling like your air conditioning is fighting an uphill battle.

A Quieter, More Comfortable Home

   Another feature highlighted in Step 4 homes is the use of windows with special glazing. Beyond their energy-efficiency benefits, these windows can help create a quieter interior. The homes are also designed to be very airtight and sealed, which helps reduce drafts and unwanted air movement. The result is a home that can feel more comfortable and consistent throughout the year.

What Does This Mean for Your Lifestyle?

This is where energy efficiency becomes more than just a construction feature. It can give you more flexibility in how you enjoy your home. Want to run the air conditioning on a hot summer day? Want to enjoy your hot tub throughout the year? The goal is to be able to enjoy those features without feeling like your utility bills are working against you.

That’s the part of energy efficiency that often gets overlooked. It’s not just about what’s better for the environment.It can be better for the way you live.

And Yes, We’re Talking About Skyview

This is one of the reasons I’m excited about Skyview. the community has been rated Step 4 energy efficient, giving homeowners the benefits of a more efficient construction approach while also offering the lifestyle features that make the community appealing. 

You have the clubhouse, gym, great location, and affordable new-home opportunity, along with the potential for lower monthly utility costs. And right now, Skyview is also offering some great promotions.

If you’re curious about what’s available and want to see whether Skyview could be a goodfit for you, send me a DM or text 778-347-4663. I’d be happy to tell you more and show you around!

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Three Reasons More Families Are Looking at Mission

If you’ve been thinking about moving to the Fraser Valley, you may have noticed that more and more families are looking farther east. And there’s a reason for that.

For many buyers, the search isn’t just about finding a home. It’s about finding more home for their dollar, a better lifestyle, and a little more breathing room. That’s one of the reasons I love Mission. There are a few things about living here that I think more people should know.

Your Budget Can Go Further

One of the biggest reasons buyers are looking at Mission is affordability. Compared with some of the neighbouring areas in the Fraser Valley, your budget can often go further here. And that can make a meaningful difference in what kind of home you’re able to purchase.

For some buyers, it could mean choosing an older home that gives them more space and value. For others, it could mean having the opportunity to consider something brand new, like the homes at Skyview.

It’s not simply about spending less.
It’s about asking: What can my budget actually get me? 

And for many families, Mission offers an opportunity to get more without giving up the lifestyle they want.

The Lifestyle Is More Than Affordability.

Affordability is certainly part of the conversation, but it’s not the whole story. One of the things that makes Mission special is the lifestyle that comes with living here.  Outdoor recreation is right in your backyard.

There are so many opportunities to get outside and enjoy the surrounding nature, making it possible to have that connection to the outdoors without having to travel far. And this is one of the reasons I love spending time on the rooftop deck at Skyview.

From up here, you can take in the beautiful surroundings and the nature around Mission without even having to leave your doorstep. It’s a pretty incredible way to experience the lifestyle that makes this community so appealing.

More Families Are Looking East

Another reason Mission continues to attract attention is growth. Families are moving farther east because they’re looking for more home for their dollar and more breathing room. And that’s exactly where a development like Skyview becomes interesting.

It gives families an opportunity to consider brand-new construction while still having that sense of space and breathing room they’re looking for. For buyers who want something new, comfortable, and connected to the lifestyle Mission offers, it can be an exciting option.
Another reason Mission continues to attract attention is growth.

Families are moving farther east because they’re looking for more home for their dollar and more breathing room. And that’s exactly where a development like Skyview becomes interesting. It gives families an opportunity to consider brand-new construction while still having that sense of space and breathing room they’re looking for.

For buyers who want something new, comfortable, and connected to the lifestyle Mission offers, it can be an exciting option.

Lifestyle. Affordability. Quality. Breathing Room.

When you put it all together, these are some of the reasons so many people are starting to look at Mission differently. It’s not just about affordability. It’s about having the opportunity to find a home that fits your budget while also giving you access to outdoor recreation, a strong lifestyle, quality new construction, and the breathing room many families are looking for.

And that combination is worth paying attention to. If you’ve been considering a move to Mission, or you’re curious about the new development at Skyview that I’ve been talking about, I’d be happy to show you around.

Contact Faeine 
Text-to-connect 📲 778-347-4663!
Your Modern Realtor. Data-Driven. Relationship-Focused.

love to show you Mission and Skyview and help you see what makes this community such an exciting place to call home.

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Open House. Open House on Sunday, August 30, 2026 12:00PM - 1:00PM

Please visit our Open House at 214 6500 194 Street in Surrey. See details here

Open House on Sunday, August 30, 2026 12:00PM - 1:00PM

PRICED TO SELL!!! VACANT AND QUICK POSSESSION POSSIBLE!!! This bright and beautifully kept 1bed&bath condo in Sunset Grove features a spacious open layout with large windows, stainless appliances, updated kitch &foyer flooring, cozy gas fireplace & bathroom w/ heated floors, double sinks, large soaker tub & bathroom fan timer. Enjoy in-suite laundry, 1parking, 1storage & generous balcony surrounded by greenery. The well-maintained complex offers a party room, bike storage & beautiful central greenspace w/ a shared community garden & walking paths perfect for a relaxed, nature-connected lifestyle. Pet & rental-friendly. Close to Willowbrook Mall, parks, shopping &groceries. Some photos are digitally staged as the home is vacant. Open House on Sunday, August 30th from 12PM - 1PM.

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Open House. Open House on Sunday, August 30, 2026 1:30PM - 3:00PM

Please visit our Open House at 56 19478 65 Avenue in Surrey. See details here

Open House on Sunday, August 30, 2026 1:30PM - 3:00PM

Discover refined living at Sunset Grove in sought-after Clayton Heights. This immaculate upper-unit carriage-style townhouse delivers 2 beds, 2 baths, and a sun-filled open-concept layout with thoughtful upgrades throughout, including new washer/dryer, newer fridge, newer flooring, fresh paint, updated light fixtures, and a 5-year-old hot water tank. Granite counters, stainless appliances, and a cozy gas fireplace elevate everyday living, while the expansive 300 sq ft covered deck is made for effortless entertaining. Two side-by-side oversized parking stalls, a private storage locker, and low maintenance fees complete this exceptional offering. A rare opportunity, Call today for your private tour. Open House on Sunday, August 30th from 1:30PM - 3PM.

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New property listed in Clayton, Cloverdale

I have listed a new property at 214 6500 194 Street in Surrey. See details here

PRICED TO SELL!!! VACANT AND QUICK POSSESSION POSSIBLE!!! This bright and beautifully kept 1bed&bath condo in Sunset Grove features a spacious open layout with large windows, stainless appliances, updated kitch &foyer flooring, cozy gas fireplace & bathroom w/ heated floors, double sinks, large soaker tub & bathroom fan timer. Enjoy in-suite laundry, 1parking, 1storage & generous balcony surrounded by greenery. The well-maintained complex offers a party room, bike storage & beautiful central greenspace w/ a shared community garden & walking paths perfect for a relaxed, nature-connected lifestyle. Pet & rental-friendly. Close to Willowbrook Mall, parks, shopping &groceries. Some photos are digitally staged as the home is vacant.

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More Than a Rooftop: When Outdoor Space Becomes Part of Your Home

When people tour Skyview, almost everyone notices the rooftop deck. It’s easy to see why. With its expansive outdoor space, it immediately stands out as something different. But what people don’t necessarily realize is that this rooftop can actually feel like an extension of your home.

And that’s what makes it so special.

Imagine waking up in the morning, grabbing your coffee, and stepping outside before the kids even wake up. Or picture hosting friends for a summer barbecue, gathering around the table and enjoying the outdoors without having to leave home. Maybe your ideal evening is a little quieter — sitting outside at the end of the day, watching the sunset with a nice drink or a glass of wine. These are the moments that can make a home feel like more than just a place to live.

Look Beyond the Bedrooms and Bathrooms

When you’re buying a home, it’s very easy to get stuck on the numbers. The bedrooms. The bathrooms. The square footage. The floor plan. Of course, those things matter. But they don’t tell the whole story.

It’s just as important to pay attention to the spaces where you’ll actually live and spend your time. Think about the areas that could become part of your everyday routine. Where will you have your morning coffee? Where will you spend time with friends? Where will you relax after a long day? Those spaces can make a world of difference in how you experience your home.

A Space That Adapts to Your Lifestyle

That’s what I really love about the rooftop at Skyview. It gives you options.
Want to entertain? You have the space.
Want to relax? You can do that too.
Want to spend more time outside? You don’t have to go anywhere.

The rooftop adapts to what you want your home to be and how you want to use it.
And that flexibility is something that can be easy to overlook when you’re focused only on the traditional features of a property.

Think About How You’ll Live, Not Just What You’ll Buy

When you walk through a home, it’s natural to think about whether it checks all the boxes. But I also encourage buyers to stop for a moment and imagine what everyday life could actually look like there.

Can you picture yourself having coffee here in the morning?
Can you imagine friends gathered around for a barbecue?
Could you see yourself ending the day outside, watching the sunset?
Those are the details that turn a property into a place that feels like home.

The best spaces aren’t always the ones that simply add more square footage.
Sometimes, they’re the spaces that give you more ways to enjoy the home you already have.

So, What Would You Do With This Rooftop?

For me, that’s the beauty of the rooftop at Skyview. It isn’t just an impressive feature. It’s a space that can become whatever you need it to be — a place to entertain, relax, spend time outside, or simply enjoy a quiet moment at home. And when you’re searching for your next home, those are the kinds of spaces worth paying attention to. Because buying a home isn’t just about finding the right number of bedrooms or the perfect amount of square footage.

It’s about finding a home that fits the way you want to live. So, can you see yourself spending time up here?

What would you use this rooftop for? If you’d like to come see Skyview and experience the rooftop for yourself, give me a call or text 778-347-4663 and I’ll give you a private tour.

#MissionModernRealtor #MissionBC #MissionRealEstate #MissionBCRealEstate #FraserValleyRealEstate #FraserValleyHomes #BCRealEstate #Skyview #SkyviewMission #RooftopLiving #OutdoorLiving #HomeLifestyle #ModernLiving #FindYourHome #FaeineGrant

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More Than a Rooftop: The Spaces That Become Part of Your Home

When people tour Skyview, almost everyone notices the rooftop deck. It’s one of those features that immediately catches your eye. But what people don’t always realize is that this space can become so much more than just a rooftop.

It’s an extension of your home. And that’s something I think is easy to overlook when you’re buying a property. It’s natural to focus on the bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage, and the features listed on the floor plan. Those things are important, but they don’t always tell you how you’re actually going to experience the home.

Sometimes, the spaces you spend your everyday moments in are what make the biggest difference.

Imagine Your Morning Here

Picture waking up in the morning, grabbing a coffee, and coming up to the rooftop before the kids are even awake. It could be a quiet place to start your day. Then, in the summertime, that same space could become where you gather with friends for a barbecue. Maybe it’s where you sit outside at the end of the day, watching the sunset with a drink in hand.

The space changes depending on what you want from it.

A Space That Adapts to You

That’s what I really love about this rooftop. It gives you options. You can entertain here. You can relax here. You can spend time outside here. You can simply have a quiet moment to yourself. And you don’t have to leave your home to do any of it. That’s the kind of feature that can make a real difference in how you experience a home day after day.

Look Beyond the Checklist

When you’re buying a home, it’s very easy to get caught up in comparing the basics.
How many bedrooms?
How many bathrooms?
How much square footage?

But I think it’s just as important to ask yourself:
Where am I actually going to spend my time?
What spaces will you enjoy in the morning?
Where will you spend time with friends?
Where will you relax at the end of the day?/
What parts of the home will become part of your lifestyle?

Those are the details that can sometimes matter more than you expect.

What Would You Do With This Space?

A home isn't only about what it looks like on paper. It’s about how you can see yourself living in it. And that’s exactly why a space like the rooftop at Skyview stands out to me. It isn’t just another feature to check off your list. It gives you another place to live, relax, entertain, and enjoy the outdoors — all without leaving home.

So when you’re touring a home, don’t just look at the bedrooms, bathrooms, and square footage. Take a moment to imagine yourself actually living there.

Can you see yourself spending time here?

If you’d like to come experience Skyview and the rooftop for yourself, give me a call or text 778-347-4663 and I’ll be happy to give you a private tour.
And I want to know:
What would you use this rooftop for?

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Open House. Open House on Saturday, August 22, 2026 11:00AM - 1:00PM

Please visit our Open House at 174 2844 273 Street in Langley. See details here

Open House on Saturday, August 22, 2026 11:00AM - 1:00PM

Affordable 2-storey townhome in Aldergrove featuring 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with a functional family layout. Bright main floor offers a spacious living area, updated flooring and kitchen, sliding doors to a huge yard, plus a convenient 2-piece powder room. All bedrooms are upstairs for added privacy, including a private patio off the primary. Enjoy 2 PARKING STALLS! Freehold strata ownership in an established, family-friendly community—right across from Shortreed Community Elementary School and close to Parkside Centennial Elementary School, Aldergrove Community Secondary School, churches, Aldergrove Community Centre, shopping, transit & easy Fraser Highway access. Ideal for first-time buyers or investors. Open House on Saturday, August 22nd from 11AM -1PM.

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New property listed in Clayton, Cloverdale

I have listed a new property at 56 19478 65 Avenue in Surrey. See details here

Discover refined living at Sunset Grove in sought-after Clayton Heights. This immaculate upper-unit carriage-style townhouse delivers 2 beds, 2 baths, and a sun-filled open-concept layout with thoughtful upgrades throughout, including new washer/dryer, newer fridge, newer flooring, fresh paint, updated light fixtures, and a 5-year-old hot water tank. Granite counters, stainless appliances, and a cozy gas fireplace elevate everyday living, while the expansive 300 sq ft covered deck is made for effortless entertaining. Two side-by-side oversized parking stalls, a private storage locker, and low maintenance fees complete this exceptional offering. A rare opportunity, Call today for your private tour.

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