In Burnaby, multi-generational living is on the rise. With housing affordability challenges and families choosing to stay connected under one roof, many homes already have basement suites or secondary units in place. The reality, however, is that a large number of these suites are “unofficial” or unpermitted—built without going through the proper channels for approval.

While these suites may function just fine, leaving them unpermitted carries risks. From safety hazards to insurance gaps to lower resale value, an unofficial suite can be more costly in the long run than taking the proper steps to legalize it.

This guide outlines the practical, cost-effective steps Burnaby homeowners can take to bring an existing suite into compliance—protecting your investment, your family, and your peace of mind.

Why Legalizing a Suite Matters

1. Safety for Your Family

Unofficial suites may lack essential safety features such as proper fire separation, exit routes, or updated wiring. Legalizing the unit ensures it meets current building codes, reducing risks for the people living there.

2. Insurance Protection

Most insurance companies will not cover damages caused by an unpermitted suite. A small electrical fire or plumbing issue could become a financial disaster if the suite isn’t recognized officially.

3. Stronger Resale Value

When it comes time to sell, a legal suite increases your home’s appeal and market value. Buyers want the confidence of knowing the unit is compliant, insurable, and safe.

Steps to Legalize Your Suite

Step 1: Confirm Zoning and Eligibility

Not all properties are eligible for secondary suites. Start by checking with the City of Burnaby’s zoning bylaws to confirm if your property allows for a legal secondary suite.

Step 2: Apply for the Proper Permits

You’ll likely need:

• Building Permit – Ensures construction and layout meet current building codes.

• Plumbing & Electrical Permits – Required if updates or upgrades are needed.

• Occupancy Permit – Issued once the suite passes final inspection, officially recognizing it as legal.

Step 3: Address Safety Requirements

This is often where unofficial suites fall short. Expect upgrades in areas like:

• Fire Safety: Proper fire-rated walls/ceilings, smoke alarms in all sleeping areas, and possibly a sprinkler system depending on layout.

• Exits: At least one safe, accessible exit for suite occupants.

• Electrical & Wiring: Many older suites have outdated or unsafe wiring that needs upgrading.

• Ventilation: Adequate heating and air circulation to meet health and safety standards.

Step 4: Make Cost-Effective Renovations

Not every fix has to break the bank. Some cost-saving approaches include:

• Installing interconnected smoke detectors (a requirement, but also inexpensive).

• Using drywall upgrades for fire separation rather than costly structural changes.

• Hiring licensed electricians and plumbers to do targeted upgrades instead of full overhauls.

Step 5: Pass Final Inspections

Once all work is complete, city inspectors will review the suite. If everything meets standards, you’ll be issued the permits and approvals that make your suite fully legal.

The Benefits for Multi-Generational Homes

For families living together, a legalized suite offers:

• Peace of mind knowing the space is safe for aging parents, adult children, or tenants.

• Financial flexibility to rent out the suite legally, offsetting mortgage costs.

• Long-term value, since a legal suite is a major selling feature in Burnaby’s competitive real estate market.

Final Thoughts

While it may seem like an added expense, legalizing an existing suite is one of the smartest investments a Burnaby homeowner can make. It protects your family, strengthens your insurance coverage, and boosts the future resale value of your property.

If you’re considering legalizing your suite and want expert guidance on how it may affect your home’s value in today’s market, I’d be happy to help.

👉 Contact me today to learn how a legalized suite can unlock both safety and financial benefits for your home.

Divorce is never easy. Beyond the emotional toll, there are also major financial decisions to make—one of the biggest being what to do with the family home. For many couples, the property is both their most valuable asset and the most emotionally charged. Deciding who will represent you in the sale can feel overwhelming, especially when trust between parties is strained.

This is where the concept of real estate neutrality becomes essential. Choosing a Realtor that both parties can rely on creates a smoother, more balanced process—and ensures decisions are made with fairness, professionalism, and financial clarity.

Why Neutrality Matters in Divorce Real Estate Transactions

When a couple separates, the Realtor’s role isn’t just about selling a house. It’s about:

• Protecting both parties’ financial interests by securing the best possible sale price.

• Remaining impartial in negotiations to prevent conflict from escalating.

• Providing guidance as a mediator, ensuring both parties feel informed and respected.

Without neutrality, the process can quickly derail—causing unnecessary tension, delays, and even financial loss.

A Clear Protocol for Selecting a Neutral Realtor

Choosing the right Realtor during a divorce requires a thoughtful and structured approach. Here’s a process you can follow:

1. Agree on Key Qualifications Together

Before interviewing Realtors, both parties should create a short list of must-haves. This may include:

• Proven experience selling homes in your local market.

• Strong track record in navigating sensitive transactions.

• Excellent communication skills and transparency.

2. Interview Several Candidates as a Team

Schedule interviews where both spouses are present—either in person or virtually. This ensures everyone hears the same answers, asks their own questions, and feels involved in the decision-making process.

3. Evaluate Neutrality

Pay attention to how the Realtor responds to sensitive questions. Do they remain even-toned? Do they avoid showing favoritism toward one party? A true professional will focus on the facts, not the emotions.

4. Clarify the Realtor’s Role

It’s important to understand that the Realtor is not there to take sides. Their job is to:

• Provide an accurate market valuation.

• Develop a strategy to achieve the best sale outcome.

• Act as a financial mediator, not an emotional one.

5. Formalize Agreement in Writing

Once both parties agree on a Realtor, confirm expectations in writing. This helps establish boundaries, communication channels, and responsibilities from the outset.

The Realtor’s Role as a Financial Mediator

In divorce situations, emotions can cloud judgment. A skilled Realtor offers objectivity, ensuring that:

• Pricing decisions are based on market data, not personal opinion.

• Offers are reviewed fairly, with both parties receiving clear explanations.

• The ultimate focus remains on maximizing financial outcomes for everyone involved.

By stepping into this neutral mediator role, a Realtor provides peace of mind—helping both parties move forward with confidence.

Final Thoughts

Divorce may close one chapter, but selling your home doesn’t have to add unnecessary conflict to the process. Choosing a Realtor both parties can trust is a critical step toward resolution. With neutrality, transparency, and professionalism, the right Realtor acts as a steady guide through one of life’s toughest transitions.

If you’re navigating a separation and need support in selling your home with fairness and care, I’m here to help. Let’s discuss how I can act as a neutral partner, ensuring a smooth and respectful real estate journey for everyone involved.

👉 Contact me today to start the conversation.

In today’s changing housing market, more families are discovering the benefits of multi-generational living. Whether it’s grandparents moving in to be closer to their grandchildren, adult children staying home longer, or families simply wanting to share resources, multi-generational homes are becoming one of the most sought-after property types.

That’s where Victoria Fung, your trusted local realtor, comes in. With years of experience helping families find homes that truly fit their lifestyle, Victoria specializes in guiding clients through the unique needs of multi-generational living.

Why Choose a Multi-Generational Home?

Multi-generational homes offer much more than extra bedrooms:

• Stronger Family Bonds – Living together allows families to stay connected, share experiences, and support each other through different stages of life.

• Cost Savings – Shared expenses for housing, utilities, and groceries can ease financial pressure and help families build wealth together.

• Flexibility of Space – Many homes today are designed with in-law suites, separate entrances, or basement suites—perfect for privacy and independence under one roof.

• Future-Proofing – Having a flexible floor plan means your home can adapt as your family grows and changes.

How Victoria Fung Can Help

Finding a multi-generational home isn’t always simple. It requires a realtor who understands the specific details families need to consider, such as:

• Layouts that allow for both shared and private spaces

• Accessible design for seniors

• Legal secondary suites or rental potential

• Locations close to schools, parks, and healthcare

Victoria takes the time to listen, learn, and match you with homes that balance comfort, privacy, and practicality. Her compassionate approach ensures that every generation feels heard during the buying process.

Victoria’s Commitment to Families

As a Realtor Who Cares, Victoria believes a home isn’t just about square footage—it’s about creating a space where memories are built and family thrives. She’s helped countless clients navigate the transition to multi-generational living, offering advice not only on homes but also on making the adjustment smooth for everyone involved.

Ready to Find Your Multi-Generational Home?

If you’ve been considering a move that brings your loved ones closer together, now is the perfect time to explore your options. Victoria Fung can guide you through the entire process—from exploring neighborhoods to negotiating the best deal.

📞 Phone: (778) 389-7683
📧 Email: victoria@victoriafung.ca
👉 Learn more at victoriafung.ca

✨ With Victoria Fung by your side, your next move won’t just be about finding a house—it will be about creating a home that works for every generation of your family.

When Is the Right Time to Sell Your Home in Retirement?

Deciding when to sell your home in retirement is a significant choice that hinges on various personal, financial, and market factors. For residents in Burnaby and the broader Lower Mainland, this decision is particularly pertinent given the area's dynamic real estate market.

🏡 Why Consider Selling?

1. Financial Freedom

Selling your home can unlock substantial equity, potentially eliminating mortgage payments and reducing monthly expenses. This influx of cash can bolster your retirement savings, fund travel, or support family members. In a strong seller's market, you might achieve a favorable sale price, maximizing your financial gain.

2. Reduced Maintenance and Costs

Larger homes often come with increased maintenance, property taxes, and utility bills. Downsizing to a smaller, more manageable property can alleviate these burdens, allowing you to enjoy a simpler lifestyle.

3. Lifestyle Alignment

As needs evolve, so should your living situation. Selling your current home can facilitate a move to a location closer to family, healthcare facilities, or recreational activities that enhance your retirement experience.

⚠️ Considerations Before Selling

1. Emotional Attachment

Long-term homes are often filled with memories. It's essential to assess whether you're ready to part with these emotional ties and embrace a new chapter.

2. Market Timing

Real estate markets fluctuate. While selling in a seller's market can be advantageous, waiting for an optimal time might yield better returns. However, attempting to time the market can be risky.

3. Relocation Costs

Moving involves expenses beyond just the sale price, including agent fees, repairs, and potential renovations. It's crucial to factor these costs into your decision-making process.

📅 Ideal Timing

Many retirees consider selling between ages 65 and 75, often prompted by lifestyle changes or health considerations. This proactive approach can provide more control over the transition.

🧭 Need Guidance?

Navigating the decision to sell your home in retirement requires careful planning and expert advice. As a seasoned realtor in Burnaby, I can help you assess your options, understand market conditions, and make informed choices that align with your retirement goals.

Contact Victoria Fung

If you're contemplating selling your home in retirement, reach out today. Together, we'll explore the best options tailored to your needs and aspirations.