When you’re buying or selling a home, choosing the right real estate professional is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. With so many agents to choose from, many buyers and sellers turn to client testimonials and online reviews to help guide their decision.

Reading about the experiences of past clients can provide valuable insight into how a realtor works, communicates, and supports people throughout the entire real estate process.

For anyone looking at Port Moody, Coquitlam, or Port Coquitlam, testimonials often provide reassurance that they’re working with someone who understands both the market and the community.

What Client Testimonials Really Tell You

A great testimonial does more than simply say “we had a good experience.” It gives future buyers and sellers a better understanding of what working with a realtor is actually like.

Many people reading reviews are looking for answers to questions such as:

• Was the realtor responsive and easy to communicate with?

• Did they provide honest advice when viewing homes?

• Did they help clients understand contracts and paperwork?

• Did they make the buying or selling process less stressful?

When multiple clients mention similar positive experiences, it builds trust and confidence for future buyers and sellers researching their options.

Why Testimonials Are Especially Important for First-Time Buyers

Buying your first home can feel overwhelming. There are many moving parts involved, including financing, property searches, negotiations, inspections, and closing timelines.

For first-time buyers, testimonials from other buyers who recently went through the process can make a huge difference. Seeing how someone else successfully navigated their home purchase provides reassurance that the right guidance can make the journey much smoother.

Many buyers say that having someone explain each step clearly and offer honest advice made the experience far less stressful.

Local Experience Makes a Difference

Another important benefit of testimonials is that they often highlight local knowledge.

Every community has its own lifestyle, amenities, and market trends. Someone looking for a condo near breweries and waterfront trails in Port Moody may have very different priorities than a family searching for a larger home in Coquitlam or Port Coquitlam.

Testimonials often reveal how a realtor helps clients evaluate neighbourhoods, proximity to shopping, transit options, and the overall lifestyle a community offers.

The Power of Real Experiences

One of the most meaningful aspects of testimonials is that they reflect real experiences from real people.

Buying or selling a home isn’t always straightforward. Sometimes buyers need to view several properties before finding the right one, or sellers need to adjust strategies depending on market conditions.

Reading how a realtor helped guide clients through those situations helps future clients feel confident that they will have support throughout the process.

Thinking About Buying or Selling in the Tri-Cities?

If you’re considering buying or selling a home in the Tri-Cities area, having the right guidance can make the entire process smoother and more successful.

Whether you’re a first-time home buyer, searching for your next property, or planning to sell your home, understanding your options and having a clear strategy is key.

Let’s Connect

If you have questions about the market in Port Moody, Coquitlam, or Port Coquitlam, I’d be happy to help.

📩 Contact Tara Kennedy today to discuss your real estate goals or start your home search - Serving the Tri-Cities and surrounding communities

Tara Kennedy
Realtor®
Royal LePage West Real Estate Services

#PortMoodyRealEstate #TriCitiesBC #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #HappyClients #ClientTestimonial #PortMoodyLiving #5StarReview #RealtorLife #HomeSweetHome #TaraKennedyRealtor #ClientSuccess

Life gets busy, and finding time to handle bills or permits during regular business hours can be tough. But what if you could take care of it all in your pajamas at midnight? 🌙

You can! Welcome to MyPortCoquitlam—the City's secure online portal that puts your accounts right at your fingertips, any time of the day or night.

Whether you are a homeowner, a business owner, or a proud pet parent, creating a free account is the easiest way to skip the line and go digital. 📱💻

What Can You Do with MyPortCoquitlam? 🤔

Once you create your profile, you can instantly view and manage:

🏡 Property Taxes – View current and past bills, plus apply for your Homeowner Grant.

💧 Utility Bills – Keep track of your usage and payments.

🏢 Business Licences – Renew your licence online in minutes.

🐶 Dog Licences – Keep your furry friend licensed without the paperwork.

🚧 Inspections – Schedule a building or plumbing inspection with just a few clicks.

📑 eApply – Apply for Plumbing, Fire Sprinkler, or Multi-Family Building permits completely online, no paper required!

Getting Started is Easy! 📝

First time visiting the site?
You will need to register a profile before you can log in. Just click on Register now under the Login button.

Need a little help?
No worries! The City has an easy, step-by-step guide to walk you through the registration process.

Already registered?
Simply log in anytime to access your accounts and information.

Pro Tip: By switching to paperless billing through MyPortCoquitlam, you not only declutter your life but also help create a more sustainable community. 🌍💚

If you live in Port Coquitlam, this is definitely something worth setting up — especially if you own a home, have utilities in your name, or run a business in the city. 🏡

Ready to take control of your city services? Visit the Port Coquitlam website and look for MyPortCoquitlam to get started today! 🚀. https://my.portcoquitlam.ca/TempestProdNet/LoginManager/

📞 Tara Kennedy
🏡 REALTOR®, ABR, RENE, SRS
📱 236-992-8989
🌐 www.tarakennedy.ca

#PortCoquitlam #PoCo #DidYouKnow #TriCitiesBC #Homeowners #PropertyTaxes #RealEstateTips #BCRealEstate #LocalInformation #PoCoLiving #MyPortCoquitlam #CityServices #OnlineServices #UtilityBills #BusinessLicence #DogLicence #HomeownerTips #PoCoHomes #LocalRealtor #TaraKennedy #PortCoquitlamRealEstate

Today, March 20, 2026, marks the Vernal Equinox — the official start of astronomical spring in the Northern Hemisphere. While many people simply think of it as “the first day of spring,” the equinox is actually a fascinating moment of balance in Earth’s orbit.

What Is the Vernal Equinox?

The Vernal Equinox occurs when the Sun crosses directly over Earth’s equator. At that exact moment, the planet is tilted neither toward nor away from the Sun. Because of this, most places on Earth experience nearly equal amounts of daylight and darkness.

After today, the Northern Hemisphere begins receiving more daylight each day. That means brighter mornings, longer evenings, and the gradual return of warmer temperatures — something many of us look forward to after a long winter.

The Science Behind It

Earth orbits the Sun on a tilted axis, which is what creates the seasons. As our planet travels around the Sun, that tilt causes different parts of the Earth to receive more or less sunlight throughout the year.

The equinox is one of only two moments each year when the Sun sits directly above the equator. The other happens in September, marking the start of autumn.

Even the exact timing of the equinox shifts slightly from year to year. That’s because Earth doesn’t orbit the Sun in exactly 365 days — it actually takes about 365 days and nearly 6 hours. Those extra hours are also why we need leap years to keep the calendar aligned.

Why the Vernal Equinox Feels So Important

Beyond the science, the first day of spring has always represented a fresh start. Nature begins to wake up again, daylight stretches a little further each evening, and everything starts to feel lighter and more energized.

Here in the Lower Mainland, spring also brings a noticeable change in the real estate market. Buyers become more active, listings start to increase, and many homeowners begin preparing their homes for the busy spring season.

Thinking About Making a Move This Spring?

Spring is traditionally one of the strongest times of the year to buy or sell a home. If you’ve been thinking about making a move in 2026, now is a great time to start planning ahead.

Whether you’re just curious about the current market or ready to take the next step, I’d be happy to help.

Tara Kennedy
REALTOR® – Tri-Cities & the Lower Mainland
📞 236-992-8989
🌐 www.tarakennedy.ca

#VernalEquinox #FirstDayOfSpring #Spring2026 #NewBeginnings #Astronomy #SeasonalChange #LongerDays #HelloSpring #NatureLovers #March20 #TaraKennedy #TaraKennedyRealtor #PortCoquitlamRealtor #CoquitlamRealtor #PortMoodyRealtor #RoyalLePageWestRealEstateServices #HomeSweetHome #TriCitiesRealtor

Hockey fans across Canada received exciting news this week: Alberta will help host the World Cup of Hockey, bringing the world’s best NHL players back to a premier international competition.

The tournament is scheduled for February 2028 and will feature eight national teams competing in a best-on-best format. This marks the long-awaited return of the World Cup of Hockey, which was last held in 2016, when Canada captured the championship.

For hockey fans, this means some of the most exciting international hockey outside the Olympics will soon take place on Canadian ice.

Where the 2028 World Cup of Hockey Will Be Played

The tournament will take place across three international host cities, combining North American and European venues.

Canada

• Rogers Place in Edmonton
  Edmonton will host the semifinals and the championship game, making it the focal point of the tournament.

• Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary
  Calgary will host several round-robin games and elimination matchups.

Europe

• O2 Arena in Prague
  Prague will also host round-robin and elimination games, bringing a European presence to the tournament.

In total, the event will feature 17 games across the three cities, culminating with the championship game in Edmonton.

The Return of Best-on-Best International Hockey

The National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players' Association are working to re-establish a regular international competition schedule for the world’s top hockey players.

The current plan includes:

• 2026 Winter Olympics – NHL players returning to Olympic play

• 2028 World Cup of Hockey

• 2030 Winter Olympics

• Future World Cup tournaments every four years

This schedule ensures fans will see the best players in the world represent their countries more frequently than in the past.

Which Teams Will Likely Compete

While the official lineup of teams has not yet been confirmed, the World Cup traditionally includes the strongest hockey nations in the world. Expected participants may include:

• Canada

• United States

• Sweden

• Finland

• Czech Republic

• Germany

• Slovakia

• Another qualifying international team

Of course, all eyes will be on Team Canada, which has historically been one of the most dominant teams in international hockey.

Why Alberta Was Selected

Alberta’s successful bid was supported by the Edmonton Oilers and the Calgary Flames, along with the provincial government.

Several factors made Alberta an ideal host:

• Passionate hockey fan base

• Two NHL arenas capable of hosting major international events

• Experience hosting large-scale sporting tournaments

• Strong infrastructure and tourism capacity

With Edmonton hosting the semifinals and championship game, Alberta will truly be at the center of the hockey world in 2028.

A Big Moment for Hockey in Alberta

The World Cup announcement comes just one year after Alberta is scheduled to host another major international hockey event: the IIHF World Junior Championship.

With two major tournaments happening in back-to-back years, the province is poised to welcome fans from around the globe and showcase its deep connection to the sport.

Final Thoughts

For Canadian hockey fans, the 2028 World Cup of Hockey promises to deliver elite international competition, unforgettable moments, and the opportunity to see the world’s best players compete for national pride.

And with the championship game set to take place in Edmonton, Alberta will play a central role in determining the next World Cup champion.

If you love hockey, 2028 is shaping up to be an incredible year.

Would you travel to Alberta to watch the best players in the world compete for the World Cup of Hockey?

#WorldCupOfHockey #TeamCanada #HockeyNews #Edmonton #Calgary #HockeyFans #InternationalHockey #NHLPlayers #AlbertaEvents #HockeyIsBack #WorldCupOfHockey2028 

The latest housing market statistics from Greater Vancouver REALTORS show that Metro Vancouver home sales in February 2026 continued the trend of slower activity compared to historical averages.

Home Sales Continue Below Long-Term Averages

In February 2026, 1,648 homes sold across Metro Vancouver, representing a 9.8% decrease compared to February 2025. Sales were also 28.7% below the region’s 10-year seasonal average of 2,310 sales.

While sales activity has slowed, this pace has become somewhat expected over the past several months.

Fewer New Listings Compared to Last Year

There were 4,734 newly listed properties in February, a 6.4% decrease compared to February 2025. Interestingly, the decline in listings was driven largely by fewer apartment listings entering the market.

However, total inventory remains elevated.

Metro Vancouver currently has 13,545 active listings, which is 6.3% higher than the same time last year and 37% above the 10-year seasonal average.

Sales-to-Active Listings Ratio

The sales-to-active listings ratio across all property types is currently 12.6%.

By property type:

• Detached homes: 9%

• Townhomes: 16.6%

• Apartments: 14.1%

Historically, when this ratio falls below 12% for an extended period, downward pressure on home prices can occur. When it rises above 20%, prices tend to increase.

Benchmark Home Prices

According to the MLS® Home Price Index, benchmark prices in February were:

• All residential properties: $1,100,300 (down 6.8% year-over-year)

• Detached homes: $1,835,900 (down 8.8% year-over-year)

• Townhomes: $1,046,100 (down 5.6% year-over-year)

• Apartments: $708,200 (down 6.8% year-over-year)

Some property types saw slight price increases compared to January, suggesting the market may be beginning to stabilize.

What This Means for Buyers and Sellers

While sales remain below historical averages, fewer new listings entering the market could limit inventory growth if buyer demand increases during the spring season.

Many industry experts view the spring market as the key indicator for the rest of 2026.

For buyers, today’s market may provide more selection and negotiating opportunities than we’ve seen in recent years.

For sellers, pricing and preparation remain critical in attracting serious buyers.

Thinking About Buying or Selling in the Tri-Cities?

If you're considering buying or selling in Coquitlam, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, or surrounding Metro Vancouver communities, having a clear understanding of local market conditions is essential.

📞 Tara Kennedy
🏡 REALTOR®, ABR, RENE, SRS
📱 236-992-8989
🌐 www.tarakennedy.ca

Reach out anytime if you’d like to discuss the current market or explore your real estate options.

#MetroVancouverRealEstate #TriCitiesBC #CoquitlamRealEstate #PortMoodyRealEstate #PortCoquitlamRealEstate #BCRealEstate #MarketUpdate #HomeBuyingBC #HomeSellingBC #TaraKennedyRealtor #RoyalLePageWestRealEstateServices

Buying your first home in Canada just became more affordable. On March 12, 2026, the federal government passed new legislation introducing an enhanced GST rebate for first-time home buyers purchasing newly built homes. The measure is intended to improve housing affordability and encourage the construction of new homes across the country.

Below is a clear breakdown of how the new rebate works and what it could mean for buyers considering new construction.

What Changed?

The federal government has introduced a new GST rebate that can return up to $50,000 of the federal GST paid on a newly built home purchased by an eligible first-time buyer.

The legislation was enacted through Bill C-4, which amended the Excise Tax Act, and it received Royal Assent on March 12, 2026.

According to the Government of Canada Department of Finance, the legislation forms part of broader measures designed to help make housing more affordable for Canadians.

Source:
Government of Canada – Department of Finance
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2026/03/legislation-to-make-life-more-affordable-receives-royal-assent.html

You can also view the legislation that received Royal Assent on the Parliament of Canada website:

Source:
Parliament of Canada – Bill C-4 Royal Assent
https://www.parl.ca/DocumentViewer/en/45-1/bill/C-4/royal-assent

How Much Could First-Time Buyers Save?

The new rebate structure is designed to remove or reduce the federal GST on qualifying new homes.

Homes priced up to $1,000,000

Eligible first-time buyers may receive up to 100% of the federal GST back, up to a maximum of $50,000.

Homes priced between $1,000,000 and $1,500,000

The rebate phases out gradually.

Homes priced above $1,500,000

These homes do not qualify for the rebate.

This means buyers purchasing newly constructed homes within the qualifying price range could see significant savings at closing.

Who Qualifies for the Rebate?

Eligibility requirements generally include:

• The buyer must be considered a first-time home buyer

• The property must be a newly built home or substantially renovated home

• The home must be intended as the buyer’s primary residence

• The purchase must be from a builder or through owner-built construction

These eligibility rules are administered through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Source:
Canada Revenue Agency – GST/HST New Housing Rebate Information
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses/gst-hst-rebates/first-time-home-buyers-gst-hst-rebate.html

Why This Matters for Home Buyers

For many buyers, the GST on a newly built home can add tens of thousands of dollars to the purchase price. The introduction of this rebate could make new construction homes significantly more accessible, particularly for first-time buyers entering the market.

This measure may also increase interest in:

• Pre-sale condominiums

• New townhome developments

• New single-family construction

In competitive housing markets, including many communities in British Columbia, this rebate could become an important factor when buyers compare new homes versus resale properties.

Thinking About Buying a New Home?

If you are considering purchasing a newly built home or presale property, it’s important to understand how programs like this may apply to your specific situation. Eligibility rules, timelines, and builder arrangements can vary.

If you would like to learn more about how the new GST rebate for first-time home buyers could impact your home purchase, I would be happy to help guide you through the process.

✨ Tara Kennedy
🏡 REALTOR®, ABR, RENE, SRS
📞 236-992-8989
🌐 www.tarakennedy.ca

Whether you are exploring new construction, presales, or resale homes, feel free to reach out anytime for professional guidance and local market insight.

#CanadianRealEstate #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #GSTRebate #NewHomeCanada #RealEstateCanada #HomeBuyingTips #TriCitiesRealEstate #BCRealEstate #HousingAffordability #TaraKennedyRealtor #TaraKennedy #RoyalLePageWestRealEstateServices #PortCoquitlamRealtor #PortMoodyRealtor #CoquitlamRealtor

When you’re buying or selling a home, choosing the right real estate professional is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. With so many agents to choose from, many buyers and sellers turn to client testimonials and online reviews to help guide their decision.

Reading about the experiences of past clients can provide valuable insight into how a realtor works, communicates, and supports people throughout the entire real estate process.

For anyone looking at Port Moody, Coquitlam, or Port Coquitlam, testimonials often provide reassurance that they’re working with someone who understands both the market and the community.

What Client Testimonials Really Tell You

A great testimonial does more than simply say “we had a good experience.” It gives future buyers and sellers a better understanding of what working with a realtor is actually like.

Many people reading reviews are looking for answers to questions such as:

• Was the realtor responsive and easy to communicate with?

• Did they provide honest advice when viewing homes?

• Did they help clients understand contracts and paperwork?

• Did they make the buying or selling process less stressful?

When multiple clients mention similar positive experiences, it builds trust and confidence for future buyers and sellers researching their options.

Why Testimonials Are Especially Important for First-Time Buyers

Buying your first home can feel overwhelming. There are many moving parts involved, including financing, property searches, negotiations, inspections, and closing timelines.

For first-time buyers, testimonials from other buyers who recently went through the process can make a huge difference. Seeing how someone else successfully navigated their home purchase provides reassurance that the right guidance can make the journey much smoother.

Many buyers say that having someone explain each step clearly and offer honest advice made the experience far less stressful.

Local Experience Makes a Difference

Another important benefit of testimonials is that they often highlight local knowledge.

Every community has its own lifestyle, amenities, and market trends. Someone looking for a condo near breweries and waterfront trails in Port Moody may have very different priorities than a family searching for a larger home in Coquitlam or Port Coquitlam.

Testimonials often reveal how a realtor helps clients evaluate neighbourhoods, proximity to shopping, transit options, and the overall lifestyle a community offers.

The Power of Real Experiences

One of the most meaningful aspects of testimonials is that they reflect real experiences from real people.

Buying or selling a home isn’t always straightforward. Sometimes buyers need to view several properties before finding the right one, or sellers need to adjust strategies depending on market conditions.

Reading how a realtor helped guide clients through those situations helps future clients feel confident that they will have support throughout the process.

Thinking About Buying or Selling in the Tri-Cities?

If you’re considering buying or selling a home in the Tri-Cities area, having the right guidance can make the entire process smoother and more successful.

Whether you’re a first-time home buyer, searching for your next property, or planning to sell your home, understanding your options and having a clear strategy is key.

Let’s Connect

If you have questions about the market in Port Moody, Coquitlam, or Port Coquitlam, I’d be happy to help.

📩 Contact Tara Kennedy today to discuss your real estate goals or start your home search - Serving the Tri-Cities and surrounding communities

Tara Kennedy
Realtor®
Royal LePage West Real Estate Services

#PortMoodyRealEstate #TriCitiesBC #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #HappyClients #ClientTestimonial #PortMoodyLiving #5StarReview #RealtorLife #HomeSweetHome #TaraKennedyRealtor #ClientSuccess

Everything you need to know about the last clock change, the transition timeline, and what "permanent DST" really means for your mornings.

It’s the end of an era for British Columbians. The bi-annual ritual of scrambling to reset the microwave, oven, and car clock is finally coming to a halt.

This Sunday, March 8, 2026, will mark the very last time the province ever "springs forward." Premier David Eby has confirmed that the legislation passed years ago is finally taking effect, moving B.C. to permanent, year-round Daylight Saving Time (DST).

Here is your complete guide to what is changing, when it happens, and what it means for your daily routine.

The Transition Timeline: Mark Your Calendar

If you’re tired of the time change chaos, this is the light at the end of the tunnel. Here is how the next few months will play out:

• Sunday, March 8, 2026: Set your clocks forward one hour. This is the last time you will ever have to do this.

• Sunday, November 1, 2026: This is the big test. Usually, we would "fall back" and gain an hour of sleep. This year, we leave the clocks alone. The change will be officially complete, and we will remain on DST indefinitely.

Why Is This Happening Now?

This isn't a snap decision. The B.C. government actually passed legislation to end the time changes back in 2019 following a massive public engagement survey. The results were overwhelming: a staggering 93% of British Columbian respondents indicated they wanted the seasonal time changes to stop.

For years, the change was held up while the province waited for neighbouring U.S. states (Washington, Oregon, and California) to make similar moves to keep the West Coast aligned. Now, B.C. is moving forward.

In a statement, Premier David Eby acknowledged the impact on families: “Every parent knows that changing clocks twice a year causes a significant amount of chaos on already busy lives. British Columbians have been clear that seasonal time changes do not work for them. This decision isn’t just about clocks. It’s about making life easier for families, reducing disruptions for businesses and supporting a stable, thriving economy.”

The Big Question: Is This The "Natural" Time?

Whenever the topic of ending DST comes up, a common question follows: Which time is the "real" or "natural" time?

The answer might surprise you.

From a scientific and health perspective, Standard Time is considered the "natural" time. This is the time we usually revert to in November. It is based on the solar day, meaning the sun is at its highest point roughly around noon, aligning our internal body clocks (circadian rhythms) with the environment.

Daylight Saving Time, on the other hand, is a人为 (man-made) adjustment. By moving to permanent DST, B.C. is choosing to stay on that "imposed" time all year round.

So, what is the trade-off?

• The Win: We get brighter, longer evenings all year long. Even in the depths of winter, the sun will set later than it used to.

• The Cost: Mornings will be darker. For those who struggle to wake up in the dark, this will be the new normal, even in the winter months.

While major medical organizations often advocate for permanent Standard Time due to the health benefits of morning light, the majority of British Columbians voted for the long evenings that DST provides.

What This Means For Different Parts of B.C.

While most of the province will now be on "Pacific Time" (UTC-7) year-round, there are a few exceptions to be aware of if you live in or travel to specific regions:

• Northeast (Dawson Creek, Fort St. John, Chetwynd): These areas have historically remained on Mountain Time year-round. With this change, they will now be aligned with the rest of B.C. all year.

• East Kootenay / Golden (Cranbrook, Fernie, Kimberley, Golden): This region will align with B.C. in the winter but will remain an hour ahead in the summer.

The Bottom Line

Love it or hate it, the twice-a-year clock change is becoming a thing of the past in British Columbia. Whether you’re excited for the long summer nights or dreading the dark winter mornings, one thing is certain: come November 2026, you can finally stop changing the clocks.

Are you happy to see the end of Daylight Saving Time?

#BritishColumbia #DaylightSavings #BCNews #SpringForward #EndTheTimeChange #PacificTime #ClockChange #ExploreBC #BC #EndTheTimeChange #ClockChange #SpringForward2026 #FallBackNoMore #StandardTime #PacificDaylightTime #PDT #PST #LongerDays #GoodbyeDST #ByeByeClockChange #DavidEby