Darren Opsahl Real Estate

06/10/2026

Congratulations to J & B on securing an incredible new duplex in Burnaby's sought-after Capitol Hill neighbourhood. 🎉🏡

This purchase is a great example of why patience matters. ⏳

Over the course of their search, we viewed and evaluated a number of properties. Several came close, but none quite delivered the combination of space, design, location, quality, and lifestyle they were looking for. 🔍

Then this one came along.

Perched high on Capitol Hill 📍this beautifully crafted duplex offers premium finishes throughout, exceptional living space, and stunning views stretching across Brentwood, Downtown Vancouver, and the North Shore Mountains. 🌆⛰️

What I'm most excited about, however, isn't the home itself. It's the fact that J & B stayed disciplined throughout the process. They did their homework, took the time to understand the market, and waited until the right opportunity presented itself.

The result is a home that checks all the boxes and one that was absolutely worth the wait. ✅

Congratulations again, J & B. I couldn't be happier for you as you begin this exciting new chapter. 🔑👏🏼

06/09/2026

🏡 JUST SOLD | CLOVERDALE

I'm incredibly excited for this family as they begin the next chapter of their lives.

This sale is a great reminder that even in a market where buyers have choices, serious buyers are always watching.

We spent time preparing the home, reviewing the data, understanding the competition, and developing a pricing strategy designed to attract attention rather than chase it. The sellers embraced the process, trusted the research, and positioned themselves to succeed.

The result?

12 viewings in the first 3 days and an accepted offer on Day 3.

When a great home is paired with thoughtful preparation and sharp pricing, buyers tend to respond. In this case, several did. One buyer recognized the opportunity, didn't want to take any chances, and stepped forward with a strong offer.

Congratulations to my sellers. Thank you for your trust, your openness to the process, and your willingness to do the work that made this outcome possible.

Wishing you all the best as you move on to the next exciting stage of life. 🎉

06/07/2026

If you've spent any time on Surrey roads lately, you've probably got an opinion on this one. 🚗

The latest "Roses & Rotten Tomatoes" column includes everything from praise for good neighbours to complaints about driving habits around the city. Whether you agree with the comments or not, it's always an interesting snapshot of what's on the minds of local residents.

Have a read and let me know: What's one thing you'd give a rose 🌹 or a rotten tomato 🍅 to in Surrey right now?

Our regular collection of compliments and complaints from Surrey Now-Leader readers

06/07/2026

One of the best parts of summer in White Rock is almost here. 🎶☀️

The Concerts at the Pier series returns June 25, bringing another season of free live music to our waterfront. Whether you're a long time local or new to the area, it's a great excuse to grab a lawn chair, enjoy the beach atmosphere, support local restaurants, and spend an evening with friends and family.

Here's a look at this year's lineup and concert dates. 👇

Lineup for free summer outdoor concert series features a variety of Canadian talent

05/27/2026

For years Vancouver talked about needing more housing.

Sen̓áḵw basically replied: “Fine… here’s 11 towers.”

This project is fascinating on so many levels: scale, speed, Indigenous led development, transit oriented design, rental focus, and a complete rethink of what density in Vancouver can actually look like.

A lot of people will criticize it.
A lot of people will celebrate it.
But almost nobody will ignore it.

This is the first look inside the market rental homes of Senakw's first tower, now complete and entering occupancy this week.

05/22/2026

🏡 JUST LISTED IN CLOVERDALE
💰 $1,259,000

4 🛏 | 3 🛁 | 2,084 sq ft
🌳 7,259 sq ft private lot

Tucked into a peaceful family neighbourhood, this well-maintained split level offers the kind of outdoor living buyers are craving. 🌿

✔ Massive two-tier deck off the kitchen
✔ Fully fenced backyard
✔ Mature trees + loads of privacy
✔ Updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances
✔ Spacious living & dining areas
✔ Large rec room + flex space with separate backyard access
✔ Oversized laundry/mechanical room with excellent storage
✔ Large garage + ample parking

A great fit for families needing space, functionality, and a home they can move into now while still adding their own touch over time.

Close to schools, parks, shopping, recreation & transit.

📩 DM for details or a private showing.

05/22/2026

Interesting read.

Whether you agree with Mark Carney politically or not, I do think he brings a level of economic literacy, pragmatism, and seriousness that’s been missing from Canadian leadership for a while. The focus on trade infrastructure, productivity, housing supply, and reducing friction around development are conversations we absolutely need to be having, especially here in B.C. where affordability has become detached from reality for many people.

That said, the real test won’t be speeches or intentions. It’ll be ex*****on. Cutting taxes and fees sounds great, but unless governments also address permitting delays, municipal inefficiencies, labour shortages, and broader economic confidence, housing affordability likely won’t materially improve on its own.

Still, compared to the usual political theatre, this at least feels closer to an adult conversation about the economy.

Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered an expansive and consequential economic address Wednesday to the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade.

05/21/2026

Interesting article on Surrey looking to reduce development cost charges to help stimulate housing construction.

It’s a meaningful conversation because the economics of building housing have become increasingly difficult over the last few years.

That said, reduced fees alone probably don’t “solve affordability” the way headlines sometimes imply. Financing costs, construction costs, buyer demand, municipal timelines, and overall consumer confidence still play a major role in whether projects actually move forward.

In my opinion, the bigger takeaway is this: governments are starting to acknowledge that the current model simply isn’t working as effectively as it once did.

Worth keeping an eye on.

The City of Surrey is proposing another reduction to development cost charges (DCCs) in an effort to encourage more housing construction.

05/16/2026

Surrey feels like it’s entering a very different chapter.

The biggest takeaway from the State of the City address on Thursday wasn’t just one project. It was the mindset shift.

A major convention centre in Cloverdale. Expanded public safety infrastructure. Investment in long-term civic planning. More focus on attracting business, events, tourism, and economic activity instead of simply reacting to growth.

Whether every project unfolds exactly as proposed or not, the important part is that Surrey is finally thinking bigger.

For years, Surrey has grown in population while still often being viewed as a “future city.” The reality is we’re already one of the most important cities in Western Canada. The infrastructure, investment, and vision now need to catch up to that reality.

Love seeing conversations focused on building a city people are proud to live, work, and invest in.

Surrey mayor Brenda Locke has announced a proposal to build a 200,000 sq. ft. convention centre and hotel at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds.

05/13/2026

Backing onto Don Christian Park, this is the kind of Cloverdale setting families wait for.

Thoughtfully and extensively updated, the home blends warmth, function, and everyday livability with a beautifully renovated kitchen featuring custom cabinetry and stainless steel appliances, as well as, updated bathrooms and flooring and quality finishings throughout. Bright, connected living spaces open seamlessly to the backyard and spacious deck, creating an easy extension of the home for outdoor dining, entertaining and family life.

Flat, fully fenced and private yard with no rear neighbours. Four large bedrooms up, plus a main floor bedroom and full bath, ideal for guests, family, or a home office. Parking for 5 + cars & RV.

Minutes to schools, shops and all of the Willowbrook amenities.