Thinking about making the Fraser Valley your new home? Or maybe you're lucky enough to already live here and just want to make the most of this beautiful season. Either way, summer in the Fraser Valley is filled with opportunities to explore vibrant communities, enjoy nature, and take part in local traditions that make this region such a special place to live.

From lakeside paddles and farm markets to outdoor movies and music festivals, here are 10 must-do summer activities and events to experience the best of the Fraser Valley lifestyle.

1. Mission Twilight Concert Series

📅 Wednesdays, July 2 – Aug 27, 2025 | 🕖 7 PM

📍 Fraser River Heritage Park, Mission | 🎟️ Free

Each week, this scenic park becomes a concert venue featuring local and touring musicians across genres—jazz, blues, indie, and more. Bring your lawn chair, blanket, and picnic basket for a relaxing summer night under the stars.

2. Reclaiming Youth Powwow

📅 July 11–13, 2025

📍 St. Mary’s Residential School Grounds, Mission | 🎟️ Free

Hosted by Indigenous youth leaders, this annual powwow honours tradition and healing with competitive dancing, drumming circles, and cultural teachings. Open to all community members to witness and celebrate Indigenous resilience.

3. Ride the Cyclone – The Musical

📅 July 10–12, 2025, nightly at 7:30 PM

📍 Clarke Foundation Theatre, Mission

This offbeat, high-energy musical follows six teens who die in a rollercoaster accident and compete for a second chance at life. Known for its witty dialogue and emotional depth, it’s a standout summer theatre production.

4. Fraser Valley Pride Festival

📅 July 19, 2025, 12–5 PM

📍 Fraser River Heritage Park, Mission | 🎟️ Free

A welcoming celebration of LGBTQ2S+ identity and allyship, featuring drag shows, live music, youth spaces, artisan vendors, and food trucks. Come for the love, stay for the dancing!

5. Mission Folk Music Festival

📅 July 25–27, 2025

📍 Fraser River Heritage Park, Mission

One of BC’s most cherished folk festivals, this 3-day event brings together global musicians, family zones, artisan booths, food trucks, and workshops in a forested park setting. It’s as much a cultural experience as a musical one.

6. Mission Coffee House Concert Series

📅 July 25–27, 2025 (evenings during Folk Fest)

📍 Clarke Theatre Cafetorium & Heritage Park, Mission

Perfect for those seeking a more intimate vibe, this side-series features acoustic sets by emerging artists and festival guests. Grab a coffee, find a cozy seat, and enjoy an unplugged evening of music.

7. Jam in Jubilee – Abbotsford

📅 Thursdays, July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 7–10 PM

📍 Jubilee Park, Abbotsford | 🎟️ Free

This open-air concert series combines live indie and experimental music with an artisan market, youth art installations, and local food trucks. It’s where the creative scene in Abbotsford truly comes alive.

8. Abbotsford Agrifair

📅 August 1–3, 2025

📍 Exhibition Park, Abbotsford

A classic summer tradition with carnival rides, 4-H animal shows, food vendors, live performances, a demolition derby, and more. Ideal for families and anyone craving that nostalgic midway vibe.

9. Fraser Valley Ale & Cider Trail

📅 Ongoing – All Summer

📍 Across Abbotsford, Chilliwack, and Langley

Taste your way through award-winning breweries and cideries like Field House, Old Yale, and Fraser Valley Cider Co. Many stops include patio dining, food trucks, and live music—perfect for a self-guided weekend outing.

10. Outdoor Movies in the Park – Langley Township

📅 Fridays, July 3 – August 31, 2025

📍 Various parks across Langley Township | 🎟️ Free

Family-friendly screenings of films like Harry Potter, TMNT: Mutant Mayhem, and Migration under the stars. Arrive early for games, giveaways, and food vendors before the show begins.

Summer in the Fraser Valley isn't just a season, it’s a lifestyle. These events offer a glimpse into what life is really like here: community-oriented, nature-filled, and rich in local culture.

Whether you’re attending a concert in the park, kayaking at sunrise, or meeting neighbours at a pop-up market, you’re experiencing the heart of this region,  not just its housing market.

If you’re thinking of buying, this is the best time to get a feel for the area, and to imagine what your life could look like beyond the front door.

📞 Looking for a home in one of these vibrant communities? Let’s talk.

📧 Mindy@mindymcpherson.com ; 604-826-10000

Feeling overwhelmed by real estate paperwork? You’re not alone.
Whether you're buying or selling in BC, working with a REALTOR® comes with a stack of documents—some mandatory, others helpful, all important. But don’t worry—this isn’t legalese overload. This guide breaks down the most common forms you’ll encounter, what they mean, and why they matter, so you can feel confident at every step of the process.

Let’s take the mystery out of the fine print. 

1. Disclosure of Representation in Trading Services (DORTS)

Before a REALTOR® can give you advice or talk specifics about your finances or real estate goals, they’re required to present you with this form.

The DORTS is a mandatory disclosure document, required under Section 54 of the Real Estate Services Rules, regulated by the BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA). 

It explains:

• Whether the agent is working for you, the seller, or neither

• What duties the agent owes you (e.g., loyalty, confidentiality)

• That you’re not obligated to work with them just by signing it

This form became especially important after BC banned dual agency in most residential transactions in 2018, to prevent conflicts of interest [2].

Signing the DORTS does not commit you to the agent—it simply confirms they’ve explained your rights.

2. Privacy Notice and Consent (PNC)

This form tells you how your personal information—like your name, contact info, or government-issued ID—will be collected, used, and protected during the transaction.

Under Canadian privacy laws, REALTORS® are required to explain how your data will be:

• Shared with other parties (like lawyers or mortgage brokers)

• Stored (by the agent or brokerage)

• Used for legal and regulatory requirements (e.g., FINTRAC verification)

By signing the PNC, you’re giving permission for this use—and protecting yourself by ensuring your information is handled properly and ethically.

3. Property Disclosure Statement (PDS) – Seller Form

If you're buying a home, your agent may provide you with a Property Disclosure Statement, which is voluntarily completed by the seller.

It asks the seller to answer yes/no questions about:

• Past water damage or flooding

• Renovations and permits

• Structural or pest issues

• Known disputes or legal claims

The PDS isn’t legally required, but it's a helpful tool that gives buyers insight into the home’s condition—and can signal red flags worth investigating further.

Always pair a PDS with a professional home inspection.

4. Listing Contract – For Sellers

If you’re listing your home, you’ll sign a Listing Contract with your REALTOR®. This is a legal agreement that gives your agent the right to market and sell your home.

It outlines:

• Your listing price and property details

• The agent’s commission and how it’s shared

• How long they’ll represent you

• Your responsibilities as a seller (access for showings, accurate info, etc.)

• Your agent’s duties (marketing, negotiation, legal guidance)

• Whether your home will be listed on the MLS®

This contract is essential for formalizing the relationship and ensuring both sides know what to expect.

5. Material Latent Defect (MLD) Disclosure

Unlike the PDS, disclosing material latent defects is legally required.

A material latent defect is a hidden issue that:

• Can’t be discovered by a reasonable inspection, and

• Makes the property dangerous or unfit for use, or

• Significantly affects the home’s value or function

Examples include:

• Foundation damage behind finished walls

• Mould inside insulation or ventilation

• A history of basement flooding

• Structural issues hidden by staging

If the seller knows about such an issue and fails to disclose it, they can face:

• Cancellation of the sale

• Legal action for damages

• Professional consequences for their agent

Buyers should always ask questions, review available documents, and rely on inspections to complement any disclosures.

**The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the content at the time of writing, laws, regulations, and real estate practices in British Columbia may change over time. Readers are encouraged to consult with a licensed real estate professional, lawyer, or the BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA) for specific guidance relevant to their individual situation. The author and affiliated REALTOR® or brokerage assume no liability for any loss or damages arising from reliance on this information.

(So you Don’t Have To)

How We Save You Time, Stress & Money in BC’s Fraser Valley Rental Market

Owning a rental property sounds like a dream—passive income, rising home values, and tenants who pay your mortgage, right? Well… kind of. The reality of being a landlord includes clogged drains at midnight, rent that’s late (again), and more legal paperwork than you expected.

That’s where we come in.

As your local Fraser Valley property management experts, Top Producers Realty Ltd. does more than just “check in on your house.” We’re here to protect your investment, from top to bottom, start to finish. Here’s how we do it.

1. Precision Tenant Screening Prevents Costly Mistakes

Placing the wrong tenant can lead to damage, missed rent, or a lengthy eviction. In British Columbia, eviction-related costs—court filings, loss of rent, repairs—can easily run $3,000 to $5,000 or more (LandlordBC, 2023).

At our firm, tenant screening is never superficial. We verify credit history, income stability, references, past rental conduct, and employment. For landlords, this translates to stable rent payments, respectful tenancy, and fewer turnover costs. A good tenant doesn’t just save you money; they make your job as a landlord easier.

In tight rental markets like Abbotsford or Chilliwack, you might feel tempted to accept the first applicant. But we know a rushed placement can backfire. Our screening process ensures you never have to choose between speed and quality.

2. Slash Vacancy Time & Boost Your Income

Despite low vacancy rates, properties still sit empty when they’re overpriced, poorly marketed, or not presented professionally. Fraser Valley vacancy rates in 2023 were 1.1% in Abbotsford, 1.5% in Chilliwack, and below 1.3% in Mission, signalling extremely high demand (CMHC, 2024).

But here’s the catch: renters are selective. Listings with outdated photos or vague descriptions can sit for weeks, especially with new developments increasing competition.

We handle optimized listings and strategic pricing based on detailed market research. Our rental units are marketed across top platforms and social channels, ensuring high visibility. And because we know the Fraser Valley market inside out, we price for maximum return without scaring off quality tenants.

Vacancy is lost income. Our job is to keep that number as close to zero as possible.

3. Maintenance & Emergency Handling: We Hold the Line

A leaking roof or broken furnace doesn’t just frustrate tenants—it puts your investment at risk. As a landlord, coordinating repairs, sourcing reliable trades, and responding after hours can drain your energy and wallet.

We’ve built strong relationships with licensed, trusted contractors in the Fraser Valley—electricians, plumbers, roofers, HVAC specialists, who offer priority service and competitive rates. We also conduct regular inspections to catch small issues before they become big ones.

According to LandlordBC, preventative maintenance reduces long-term costs by up to 30% (LandlordBC Maintenance Guide). It also extends the life of your appliances, finishes, and systems, boosting property value and keeping tenants happy.

4. Rent Collection: Streamlined, Consistent, and Professional

Chasing rent payments shouldn’t be part of your monthly routine. We take that burden off your shoulders with automated rent collection, tenant portals, clear payment policies, and firm enforcement procedures.

Rent is deposited to your account consistently—on time, every month. And in the rare event of a delay, we issue formal notices and follow up according to BC tenancy regulations. You stay informed without getting involved in uncomfortable interactions.

Stable cash flow is the foundation of any successful rental portfolio. We ensure you get paid without the stress.

5. Legal Compliance: We Know the Rules (So You Don’t Have To)

The Residential Tenancy Act (RTA) in BC is constantly evolving. In 2025, for instance, the maximum allowable rent increase is capped at 3.0%, and landlords must provide three full months’ written notice (BC Government Rent Increase Guidelines).

Even accidental non-compliance, like serving an outdated form or using incorrect notice periods can invalidate your claims and delay key decisions (like eviction, renovation, or sale).

We stay current on RTA updates, mandatory forms, dispute resolution timelines, and policy changes affecting landlords. From move-in reports to legal notices, everything is properly documented and delivered, keeping your rental operations compliant and bulletproof.

6. Eviction & Dispute Management: Done Properly, Every Time

Let’s be honest, sometimes tenancies break down. Whether it’s chronic late payments, property damage, or a need for landlord occupation, BC law offers specific and narrow grounds for eviction. But it also demands strict procedural compliance.

A 2022 study from UBC found that 1 in 10 BC renters experienced displacement through no-fault or informal evictions, often due to landlord errors or incomplete processes (UBC Housing Research Collaborative).

We manage all aspects of formal eviction: proper notices, evidence preparation, filing with the Residential Tenancy Branch, and RTB hearing representation. We ensure you’re not just within your rights, but also handling the process in a fair and professional way that reflects well on your reputation.

7. Boosting ROI: More Than Worth the Fee

You might wonder: Is it really worth the monthly fee? For most landlords, the answer is a resounding yes.

Here’s why:

• Reduced turnover = fewer lost rent days

• Better tenants = less damage and fewer disputes

• Legal compliance = no costly errors

• Proactive maintenance = fewer big-ticket emergencies

• Efficient rent collection = steady income

And when you consider the Fraser Valley’s ongoing rental growth, with Abbotsford and Mission’s populations each growing by 10–12% between 2016–2021 (StatsCan, 2021), now is the time to invest in professional management to stay competitive and hands-off.

Bonus: We Know the Fraser Valley

We’re not just property managers—we’re locals. We know the neighbourhoods, rental trends, and what tenants are looking for in Mission, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, and beyond.

We help you price competitively, market effectively, and make smart upgrades to attract and retain renters.

Why it matters:

Local insight = better results. We don’t just manage properties—we help them perform.

Wondering how to make your home stand out in today’s market? Whether you’re thinking of selling soon or just want to build equity, these five simple strategies can help boost your home’s value—without breaking the bank. From small updates to smart investments, discover changes that actually pay off.

1. Modernize the Kitchen – Focus on Function and Flow

The kitchen is still the #1 area buyers care about, and even modest upgrades can make a big difference.

What adds value:

• Refacing or painting cabinets

• Installing modern lighting

• Swapping out hardware and faucets

• Upgrading to quartz countertops or energy-efficient appliances

According to the 2023 Cost vs. Value Report by Remodeling Magazine, a minor kitchen remodel can recoup 71.2% of its cost on average.

2. Boost Your Curb Appeal – Make a Great First Impression

The outside of your home sets the tone for everything else. Studies show that good landscaping and curb appeal can increase your home’s perceived value significantly.

Try this:

• Repaint or replace the front door

• Power wash the driveway and siding

• Add outdoor lighting and easy-care plants

• Upgrade your house numbers and mailbox

According to a 2020 study from the University of Alabama and the University of Texas at Arlington, homes with strong curb appeal sold for 7% more on average.
Source: Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics

3. Improve Energy Efficiency – Lower Bills, Raise Value

Energy-efficient upgrades are a win-win: they reduce utility bills and add long-term value. More and more buyers in BC want eco-conscious homes.

Consider upgrading:

• Smart thermostats like Nest or Ecobee

• Insulation in attics and crawlspaces

• Draft-sealing windows and doors

• Energy Star-rated appliances

BC Hydro and CleanBC offer rebates for many of these upgrades. Explore what's available here: https://betterhomesbc.ca/rebates/

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 63% of real estate professionals say energy efficiency promotions are valuable in listings.

4. Create Livable, Flexible Space – Adapt to Modern Needs

Buyers now want homes that offer flexibility: space to work, exercise, relax, or host. Repurposing underused areas can significantly improve your home’s marketability.

Ideas to try:

• Convert a den or closet into a home office

• Add built-ins for storage or shelving

• Finish the basement or attic

• Create a secondary suite (where zoning permits)

Finished basements or legalized suites can increase resale value by 15–20%, especially in urban areas with limited housing supply.

 Source: Royal LePage 2023 Renovation ROI Report

5. Refresh the Bathrooms – Clean, Bright, and Updated

Bathrooms are small spaces but have a huge influence on perceived value. Even light cosmetic updates can deliver excellent ROI.

Updates that pay off:

• Replace old toilets with water-saving models

• Upgrade to modern vanities and mirrors

• Swap outdated tile, lighting, or hardware

• Deep clean or re-grout shower tiles

 Final Thoughts: Make Smart, Buyer-Focused Improvements

Increasing your home’s value doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. With the right updates and a bit of planning, you can boost your property’s appeal and market potential in just a few steps. Ready to take the next step? Reach out anytime for personalized advice or a free home evaluation—we’re here to help you make the most of your investment.

We’re proud to share some exciting news—Mindy McPherson has been awarded the 2025 REW Legend of Real Estate Award!

With over 35 years of experience helping home seekers in Mission, Abbotsford, and the Fraser Valley, Mindy has built more than just a real estate business—she’s built lasting relationships and a legacy of care, hustle, and community spirit.

Her long-time friend Gail says it best:

“Mindy's been at our house for dinner and she's off in the den making a deal. And she could be in there for two hours. She's making that deal. And she's making time for those people. And they don't even realize that she's out for dinner. She never stops.”

Beyond the deals and contracts, Mindy has made a real impact in the community—whether it’s supporting local organizations like SARA for Women, mentoring new agents, or dropping off her famous homemade juice and muffins to friends and neighbours.

This award truly reflects the dedication Mindy brings to everything she does—and we couldn’t be more thrilled to see her recognized on a provincial stage.

You can read the full REW article here: https://www.rew.ca/guide/awards/legends-of-real-estate-award-winner-mindy-mcpherson

See the video here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzP-7A2AQWc&ab_channel=REW

 Moving... just the thought of it brings a sense of dread.  

Address changes, arranging services to be connected, deciding whether you're going to hire a company or do it yourself, acquiring boxes and all that packing!  If you're like me and have a full time job... how do you fit in the time to do it all?

Having just completed a move myself, I came up with a few ideas to help with my move.  Sure some of them kept me in boxes for a while, but hey, it was better than a mad rush (even though it always seems to be a bit of a mad rush at the end). PLUS, I took it as an opportunity to assess my belongings.

First decision... when do I start packing?  For my last move, I started packing small decor items about 3 months in advance.  This included items such as trinkets, mementos from special moments in the past, photo albums, small pictures, candles, seasonal clothes and accessories.  Tip for pictures and framed artwork: If you have a piece that you are concerned about during the move, use painters tape on the glass to make a big X (I always do excessive taping on the glass).  The reason for this, is that if the glass is to break, it will help hold the glass in place to prevent cutting your print/image.  Now on a big move, I take it many steps past this, probably to the point of Overkill!  So here's what I do...  I wrap the print in moving paper,  I place a piece of cardboard the size of the frame on the front and tape it in place.  I then make protectors for all 4 corners of the print and tape them in place.  THEN, I bubble wrap it completely!  Like I said... OVERKILL!  But hey, I haven't had a print damaged in any of my moves and I moved to Mexico and back! (I'll do another blog on International Moving tips later).

Next decision... do you sort through everything and get rid of stuff or take it with you?  This one isn't so cut and dry.  There is the possibility that even if you had it in storage all this time, you might need it at your new house.  If you get rid of it before you move, will you end up needing to replace it after you move?  But do you really want to pack everything up and have to get rid of it later?  This is a tough decision.  Ultimately, if you plan on having a garage sale, it's recommended to do it before you move.  Decluttering is a great thing to do before your move, it makes moving easier and you'll have less to deal with after your move.  If you end up bringing items with you that you don't have room for in your new home, they will end up in storage and maybe live there forever.  Tip for decluttering: When struggling with decluttering decisions, the 20/20 rule says you should consider letting go of an item if you can replace it for less than $20 and you can replace it in less than 20 minutes.  However, if the item holds strong sentimental value, don't get rid of it hastily.  This decision could end up being a major regret.

Moving is a monumental task, no matter how you look at it or who is doing the "heavy lifting".  But it's also a chance for a fresh start.  

If you feel overwhelmed by your belongings, use this opportunity to sort and declutter.  If you have children, get them involved with the decluttering by getting them excited to donate to less fortunate children who don't have toys. If you explain it right, they will be excited to help those in need and it'll help keep a positive spin on the whole process.  If they struggle with it, explain the difference between "having something that brings them joy to play with/look at" and just "having things".  Helping a child learn the difference between those two things could mold them and how they view belongings in their adult life.

Boxes... where to get them and deciding on whether or not you are paying for them.  Myself, I prefer to just buy them and consider it a cost with moving. I've purchased boxes from many different sources and by far my favourite is U-Line because their boxes are strong and tough. My next option is storage companies.  But for some, that just isn't an option. I've heard many people say they get boxes from liquor stores, grocery stores and restaurants.  I've never sourced them myself that way, but I hear people have good luck with that.

Changing your address/services.  I've attached a small basic list of companies you will need to change your address with and/or arrange services for.  It's not a complete list because everyone has different needs.

Are you going to move yourself or hire someone to Move you.  This is the BIG question.  There are pros and cons to both.  Hiring a company will bring added costs but having someone do the heavy lifting will prevent physical exhaustion.  Doing it yourself will bring physical exhaustion, but save you money.  I've done it both ways and because of an unforeseen insurance claim, I decided to do the move myself this time.  It was physically exhausting.  I was covered in bruises from head to toe and the recovery took longer because I'm not a spring chicken anymore! But I didn't have anything break so for me that was a WIN!  Whether you do it yourself or hire someone, take into consideration your age, your physical ability and your financial position and then decide which is the best route for you.

Look at your move as an exciting new chapter!  You have the opportunity to make changes with every move.  Don't waste any and embrace the unknown!

Best of luck with your move!

Delia