Do you miss the days when everyone in the neighbourhood knew each other? When you would know all of your neighbours’ names, and people would stop and chat on the sidewalk? Well, those days don’t just exist in old movies. Although it may look a little different today, it is still possible to live in a place where you know your neighbours’ names. You might even meet some close friends in your new neighbourhood. But these days, meeting new people can be hard to do – so if you’re struggling to break the ice in your new neighbourhood, these three tips might help.

Don’t Say “Hi” Just Yet

Sometimes the best way to meet people is to spend some time observing them. If you’re feeling shy about introducing yourself to your new neighbours, you don’t need to…

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When you’re moving to a new area, it’s important to know how much the move is going to cost you, not just in the short term because of housing prices, but also in the long term because of things like property taxes. How much will property taxes cost in Clayton Heights in 2014? Let’s take a look at how property taxes in Surrey are calculated in order to help you estimate how much you will be paying each year for a home in this area.

What Your Property Taxes Pay For

Before looking at how much property taxes cost, sometimes it’s a good idea to get some perspective on the issue by considering what your taxes will be paying for. Property taxes in Surrey cover services such as garbage collection, road repair, drainage services, bus services, and schools.…

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Surrey is known as the city of parks. There are plenty of beautiful spots to take the family outdoors and into nature. Unfortunately for dog owners, finding places to let their furry loved ones run free can be a bit more of a challenge. Pet owners in the Clayton Heights and Cloverdale area can take comfort knowing that there are great off-leash dog parks close by, offering plenty of space for dogs of all sizes to let loose and enjoy some freedom.

Dog Parks in Clayton

There is currently one off-leash dog park in the Cloverdale area. Located at 7011 188 Street is the Clayton Dog-Off-Leash Park. This park is a local favourite, and was engineered with our four-legged friends in mind. The park features grass fields, forest paths, and a large paved…

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Are you living in Clayton Heights and looking to set out for a scenic winter hike? Residents near Surrey and Langley have excellent options for enjoying the wilderness, even when colder temperatures sink into the valley. First and foremost, remember to prepare yourself for the elements – be aware of weather conditions before setting out and remember than sunset occurs earlier and earlier as the winter solstice approaches. Make sure you have the proper hiking gear, and always be prepared for some snow. Hiking Clayton Heights, Cloverdale, and beyond is an excellent way to exercise and immerse yourself in nature. Here are three of the best Clayton Heights hiking trails that you’ll want to explore this winter.

Explore the Opening of Indian Arm

Near the…

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It’s that time of year again when the snow is falling and the air is cool and crisp. Sometimes it isn’t always an option to go skating outdoors because of some weather extremes such as bitter below-zero temperatures, or snow storms. If that’s the case, why not go ice skating indoors? Ice skating, whether indoors or outdoors, can lead to some great winter fun, not to mention the amount of healthy exercise you will get while racing around the ice with your family or friends. There are a variety of drop-in ice skating venues in the neighbourhood of Surrey, British Columbia that can offer families tons of winter fun!

If you are looking for Surrey ice skating or arenas that have excellent drop-in options for skating in Surrey, check out these top ice…

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Investing in real estate is one of the most important financial decisions in a person’s life. Therefore, it is vital to consider whether a condo or a house is right for you. Regardless if it is your first home or your retirement villa, there are many versatile options in the Surrey real estate market. Here are the five key decisions you will need to make in order to choose between a house and a condo.

A Preference for High or Low Density

First of all, it is paramount to consider your preference for neighbourhood density. Condos offer high density living with sometimes 100 or more residents in one building. This can make for vibrant community living, but it is important to consider if you prefer more seclusion. Many detached houses are in…

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REALTORS® Giving Back To Our Community

This time of year, it’s very common to see Surrey residents volunteering and spreading Holiday Cheer. Whether you’re working a few hours at the local soup kitchen, or donating toys to less fortunate children, community involvement is an excellent way to give back to those around you.

REALTORS® like Robbie Johal are no exception to this! In addition to connecting people with a property to call home, I also give back to the community in as many ways as I can. Every year, I donate a portion of every transaction to the B.C Children’s Hospital, serve as a Volunteer Coach for a youth t-ball league, sponsor Hazel Grove Elementary Fundraisers, and even participate in community initiatives such as the Adopt A Street…

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If you are thinking about checking in with the man in red this holiday season, you won’t need to go far to find him. Santa has arrived in Surrey, and is ready to listen to everyone’s Christmas wishes. There is plenty of time before the big night to get everything (and everyone) checked off your Christmas list, but it won’t be long before the Christmas rush hits the stores. Getting that perfect picture with Santa can be done at various locations throughout the city. It is avoiding the line up that can be the challenge. If you’re looking for Santa Claus, Surrey will be hosting him several times this winter.

Decked Out Malls Welcome Santa Claus

Willowbrook Shopping Centre is a great place to get some shopping done, and to grab a snapshot with Santa. He…

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Keep Your Surrey Real Estate Home Safe!

As some of you know, first and foremost, I am a proud husband and father of four. So when it comes to protecting my family and Clayton home from unexpected disasters, I make sure I am well prepared. Which is actually easier than you think! Below are some tips which can help you keep your family safe and protect your Surrey home in the case of emergencies.

  • Prevent Floods. Sump pumps can help you protect your home against floods and basement water damages. Plan an escape route ahead of time and make sure your family knows the route. Please, never ever attempt to drive through moving waters, you could get trapped! To prevent internal floods, locate your home’s gate valve. This valve shuts off the water supply…

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The Right Agent For Today’s Changing Surrey Market

The Surrey real estate market is always changing! As new trends emerge, prices fluctuate and housing developments emerge; homeowners are left wondering, “When is the best time to buy a Surrey real estate property?”

What these homeowners need, and what you need if you’re searching the market for a Surrey property, is the right agent. You may be asking yourself, “Why should I choose you as my real estate agent?” Well, to be honest with you, there are other agents out there who offer services in Surrey, Cloverdale, Clayton, and Langley. But I’m going to give you some reasons that I believe sets me apart from the rest:

  • 1) Expert Area Knowledge. I was born and raised in Surrey and I have developed…

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