The neighbor is doing it.  Your friends are doing it.  Lately it seems like everyone is doing it in Walnut Grove.  Yes, it's true, many people are selling their homes for prices that exceed their asking price...and sometimes doing so before it even hits the market! 

 

The statistics show that at the beginning of 2013 a three bedroom home between 2000-3800sqft sat on the market for an average of 101 days!  Now, that very same home is selling on average in 6 days---so fast that ink on the listing contract isn't even dry yet!

 

What is going on in the Grove? Why are buyers competing and paying over $711,000.00 for a home in 2015 that they could have purchased for $544,000.00 in 2013?  I believe there are a number of reasons--and it's not just because the people are nice (although they really are).

 

1. Public Schools--we're #1(...and 3, and 4)

 

According to the Fraser Institute, elementary schools in Walnut Grove occupy five out of the top ten spots!  Alex Hope elementary school (located in the Forest Hills/ Manor Park area) holds the spot as the number one public elementary school in all of Langley!  As a realtor who does much business in the Forest Hills/Manor Park area, I have had many buyers reveal that school ranking is one of their number one reasons for choosing a neighborhood.

 

2. Lot Size--typical lot sizes runs from 5000sqft to 8000sqft (although we do have some as larges as 10,000sqft and over!)

 

Who would have thought that a 5000sqft lot would be considered LARGE?  Many new homes in neighboring areas are being built on lots of 3700sqft or less.   If you're not outdoorsy, or don't have children or a large dog, then a smaller lot size might be absolutely perfect for you.  If however you need room for a trampoline, or have a rambuctious canine or a child (or two)  then the lot sizes in Walnut Grove are very appealing.  

 

3. Walkability--leave the car at home

 

Walnut Grove is a well planned out community and most amenities are no more than a 15 minute walk away.   Shopping, coffee shops, specialty food stores, indoor swimming pool, public library, meeting rooms, medical clinics and ice cream shops, parks, tennis courts and community gardens can all be found in Walnut Grove.  And, if you're feeling especially enthusiastic, you can bike out to Derby Reach and sit by the Fraser River and watch the sun go down. 

 

4. Proximity to Highway #1--Honey, start the car!

 

Walnut Grove is called a bedroom community.  When I first read that I'll admit I was offended thinking that the article meant we were all sleepy!  Not so, it means that the residents of this community typically commute to their jobs and then return to Walnut Grove to sleep (thus the term 'bedroom' community) so being only about five minutes to the highway is another appealing feature that is attracting buyers.   Commuting into Vancouver is much quicker now since the new Port Mann bridge has been built and it's going to get even better with the recent announcement of a highway interchange from 216th.  Details are sparse at this point as development and planning get underway but you can read a little about it here.

 

These are just a few of the things that make Walnut Grove a desirable place to live.  There are also the benefits of cul de sacs; elements of privacy due to mature flora or creekbeds/forests; young families; and wonderful sports teams such as hockey, basketball, competitive swimming and soccer.  It's a great place to call home and I feel such peace knowing that I've helped many people achieve their goals of home ownership in this community.   Please have a look at the statistics below and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at lyasuda5@gmail.com.

 

Thanks for reading!  I hope you enjoyed my blog...and please feel free to share it with someone who's looking for the perfect community to call HOME.