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Abhirai Arora  ·  Licensed REALTOR®  ·  YPA Realty Inc.  ·  Metro Vancouver & Fraser Valley BC

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Home Buyer's Guide
Buyer's Guide 2026

Complete BC Home Buyer's Guide 2026

Everything you need to know about buying a home in Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley — from pre-approval to getting the keys. Free guidance, no pressure.

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Abhirai Arora REALTOR® BC
Abhirai Arora · Licensed REALTOR®
Buyer specialist · No cost to buyer in most cases
Thinking of Selling? Book Free Consultation ›
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200+ Buyers HelpedSince 2014
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Free ServiceNo Cost to Buyer
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21 CitiesMetro Vancouver & Fraser Valley
45-Min Response7 Days a Week
Step by Step

How to Buy a Home in BC — 6 Steps

Buying in BC doesn't have to be stressful. Here's exactly how I guide you from start to finish.

1

Get Pre-Approved

Before searching, get a mortgage pre-approval. It confirms your budget, locks your rate for 90–120 days, and shows sellers you're serious.

2

Hire a Realtor

As your buyer's agent, I provide MLS access, neighbourhood expertise, and negotiation — at no direct cost to you as the buyer.

3

Search & Tour

I'll set up custom MLS alerts and personally tour properties with you, flagging potential issues before you fall in love.

4

Make an Offer

When you find the right home, I'll prepare a competitive offer with subject conditions to protect you fully.

5

Subject Removal

During 7–14 days: complete inspection, finalize financing, review strata docs. Then remove subjects — the deal is firm.

6

Get the Keys!

On completion day, funds transfer, title registers, and you get the keys. I'll be there to celebrate with you.

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Who I Help

Every Type of BC Home Buyer

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First-Time Buyers

PTT exemptions, FHSA, mortgage stress test — I explain every step in plain English. No jargon, no pressure.

First-Time Guide →
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Upsizers

Sell your current home and buy your next one — I coordinate both transactions so you don't miss your dream home.

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Investors

Cap rates, cash flow, rental demand — I help investors find properties with real return potential across BC.

Investor Guide →
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Downsizers

Simplify your lifestyle without sacrificing quality. The right condo or townhome in the best BC communities.

Downsizing Guide →
Costs to Know

What Does It Cost to Buy in BC?

Beyond your down payment, budget for these closing costs:

Property Transfer Tax 1–3%
Legal / Notary Fees $1,200–$2,000
Home Inspection $400–$700
Moving Costs $1,000–$3,000
Buyer's Agent Fee FREE

First-time buyers may get full PTT exemption on homes under $500,000 — saving up to $7,700!

Abhirai Arora REALTOR® BC

Ready to Start Your Search?

Free, no-pressure consultation. I'll walk you through every step — pre-approval to keys.

Book Free Consultation › +16048971401
Where to Buy

Top Buying Markets in BC

Compare prices and lifestyle across Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley.

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Common Questions

BC Home Buyer FAQ

How much down payment do I need in BC?

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Minimum 5% for homes under $500,000. For $500K–$999K: 5% on first $500K + 10% on the rest. For $1M+: minimum 20% down. First-time buyers can use FHSA + RRSP HBP for up to $150,000 combined toward their down payment.

Do I pay a realtor fee as a buyer in BC?

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In most BC transactions, the buyer's agent commission is paid by the seller. As a buyer, you typically pay no direct realtor fee — I represent your interests at no cost to you.

How long does it take to buy a home in BC?

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Typically 2–4 months total. Pre-approval: 1–5 days. Search: 2–8 weeks. Subject removal: 7–14 days. Completion: 30–60 days after accepted offer. In competitive markets like Surrey and Vancouver, act faster.

What is subject removal in BC?

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After an accepted offer, you have 7–14 days to satisfy conditions — financing, inspection, strata docs. If satisfied, remove subjects and the deal is firm. If not, walk away with your deposit returned.

What is the BC mortgage stress test?

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You must qualify at the higher of your actual rate + 2%, or 5.25%. In 2026, most buyers stress test at 6.2–7%. This means you qualify for roughly 20% less mortgage than your rate alone would suggest — get pre-approved early.

What is the Property Transfer Tax in BC?

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PTT is 1% on first $200K + 2% on $200K–$2M + 3% above $2M. First-time buyers get full exemption on homes under $500,000 (saving up to $7,700) and partial exemption up to $525,000. New construction under $1.1M may also qualify.
Client Stories

What BC Buyers Say

★★★★★

"As first-time buyers in Surrey, we were overwhelmed. Abhirai explained everything — from the PTT exemption to subject removal. We got our townhouse $15,000 under asking."

PR
Priya & Raj S.
First-Time Buyers · Surrey BC
★★★★★

"Found two rental properties in Langley with strong cap rates. Abhirai's market knowledge is exceptional — he knew which buildings to avoid before I even asked."

AK
Amandeep K.
Investor · Langley BC
★★★★★

"We were upsizing from a condo to a detached home in Abbotsford. Abhirai coordinated the sell and buy perfectly — we moved once, on our terms. Incredible service."

MC
Michael & Claire T.
Upsizers · Abbotsford BC
Start Your Search

Ready to Buy in Metro Vancouver?

Tell me your budget, preferred area, and timeline — I'll set up MLS alerts and guide you through every step. Free, no pressure, no obligation.

Full MLS access — every listing in BC
No cost to you as the buyer
21 cities covered
45-minute response guarantee

Book Your Free Buyer Consultation

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All Service Areas

Buy Across Metro Vancouver & Fraser Valley

Abhirai Arora, Licensed REALTOR® — 21 cities across BC's Lower Mainland

VancouverBuy · Rent · Sell SurreyBuy · Rent · Sell BurnabyBuy · Rent · Sell RichmondBuy · Rent · Sell LangleyBuy · Rent · Sell AbbotsfordBuy · Rent · Sell DeltaBuy · Rent · Sell New WestminsterBuy · Rent · Sell MissionBuy · Rent · Sell ChilliwackBuy · Rent · Sell CoquitlamBuy · Rent · Sell Maple RidgeBuy · Rent · Sell White RockBuy · Rent · Sell Port MoodyBuy · Rent · Sell Pitt MeadowsBuy · Rent · Sell Port CoquitlamBuy · Rent · Sell AldergroveBuy · Rent · Sell CloverdaleBuy · Rent · Sell TsawwassenBuy · Rent · Sell HopeBuy · Rent · Sell AgassizBuy · Rent · Sell
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