Reflecting on my 15-year journey in real estate fills me with gratitude and humility. This year, achieving significant milestones like being named the top individual agent in our office, receiving the prestigious Chairman award from Remax, and ranking different months, #8, #76, #47 and #26 in 2023 for Remax Western Canada has been incredibly rewarding.

But amidst these achievements lies a story often overlooked—the personal transformation that brought me to this point. Five years ago, I reached a breaking point. Despite professional success, I was overwhelmed with stress, achy body and lacked balance in my life. Big changes were needed!

In 2018, I underwent a profound shift. Through meditation, mentorship, and prioritizing self-care, I began to reshape my life. I realized the importance of taking time off, exploring new passions, and nurturing relationships outside of work.Challenging societal expectations of perpetual availability, I committed to nurturing a healthier lifestyle. In 2019, I embarked on an unforgettable adventure, traversing South America and conquering the rugged terrain of Patagonia alongside like-minded souls.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 presented unforeseen obstacles, yet it also offered an opportunity for introspection and connection. Despite the challenges, I embarked on a journey to Thailand, where I found not only love but also a renewed sense of purpose.

In 2021/2022, I decided to push the boundaries of conventional living further by taking an extended hiatus to explore the world and cultivate meaningful relationships. From traversing the picturesque landscapes of northern Thailand on a scooter to basking in the tranquility of Laos, each moment was evidence to the beauty of living life on one's terms.

The following year, I continued to embrace the spirit of adventure, immersing myself in the rich cultures of Thailand and the Philippines. Sharing these experiences with loved ones, including my cherished team and beloved mother in law, brought unparalleled joy and fulfillment.

As I reflect on the past 15 years, I am reminded that true success extends beyond professional accolades—it lies in the ability to embrace change, cultivate balance, and seize every opportunity for growth and exploration. My journey in real estate has not only shaped my career but has also enriched my life in ways I could have never imagined. And for that, I am eternally grateful.

Are you thinking of buying or selling a home in Vancouver? If so, you might want to consider East Vancouver as your destination. East Vancouver is one of the most diverse, vibrant, and affordable areas in the city, offering a wide range of benefits for homeowners and investors alike.

But what are the benefits of East Vancouver real estate? And how can you find your dream home in this area? That's where Matt Henry comes in. Matt Henry is an experienced and professional RE/MAX realtor who specializes in East Vancouver. He has the knowledge, skills, and resources to help you with your real estate needs and dreams.

Here are some of the benefits of East Vancouver real estate:

- Diversity: East Vancouver is known for its diversity, both in terms of people and housing options. You can find different cultures, cuisines, festivals, and events in this area, as well as various types of homes, from condos and townhouses, to single-family homes and duplexes. You can also find different neighborhoods, each with its own character and charm, such as Commercial Drive, Mount Pleasant, Fraser East, Victoria East, and more.

- Affordability: East Vancouver is one of the most affordable areas in the city, offering good value and potential growth for your money. According to REW.cathe average price of a home in East Vancouver was $1,548,000 in April 2023, up 8.9% from last year. The demand for homes in this area is high, as more people are looking for convenient and comfortable alternatives to downtown.

- Amenities: East Vancouver is close to everything you need, from shopping and dining, to schools and parks, to transit and highways. You can easily access downtown, the airport, the highway, and other parts of the city by public transit or car. You can also enjoy the natural beauty of the mountains, the ocean, and the islands nearby.

- Culture: East Vancouver is rich in culture and history, offering a unique and lively lifestyle for its residents. You can enjoy the arts and music scene in this area, including the famous murals and live music venues. You can also explore the craft breweries and local markets in this area, or visit some of the historical landmarks and buildings, such as Hastings Park or Strathcona.

- Service: Matt Henry is committed to providing you with exceptional service and results when it comes to buying or selling a home in East Vancouver. He will listen to your needs and goals, answer your questions and concerns, and keep you informed and updated throughout the process. He will also go above and beyond to make sure you are satisfied and happy with your transaction.

East Vancouver real estate is a great opportunity that you don't want to miss. With Matt Henry as your RE/MAX realtor, you can make it happen. If you have you want to buy or sell use our contact links below.

In the competitive East Vancouver real estate market, making your home stand out from the rest is crucial for a successful sale. As a seasoned RE/MAX Realtor in Vancouver, I understand the importance of home staging in creating a lasting impression on potential buyers. In this article, I'll share expert tips on how to effectively stage your home to maximize its appeal and increase its value.

1. Declutter and depersonalize The first step in staging your East Vancouver property is to declutter and depersonalize your space. Buyers need to envision themselves living in your home, so remove any personal items such as family photos, collections, and memorabilia. As a RE/MAX Realtor in Vancouver, I recommend keeping your décor neutral and minimal to appeal to a wide range of buyers.

2. Optimize lighting Proper lighting can make a significant difference in how your home is perceived. Bright, well-lit spaces feel more inviting and spacious. Replace any burnt-out bulbs, and consider upgrading to energy-efficient LED lights. Additionally, open curtains and blinds to let in natural light, showcasing the best features of your East Vancouver real estate.

3. Enhance curb appeal First impressions are crucial, so don't neglect your home's exterior. A well-maintained front yard and entryway can instantly boost your property's appeal. As a top RE/MAX Realtor Vancouver, I suggest investing in fresh landscaping, painting your front door, and adding stylish address numbers to create a welcoming entrance.

4. Rearrange furniture The right furniture layout can make your space feel more spacious and functional. In East Vancouver real estate, potential buyers are often looking for open-concept living spaces. To create this effect, consider rearranging your furniture to improve traffic flow and create a sense of openness.

5. Use color strategically Color can greatly impact the overall feel of your home. Stick to a neutral color palette with pops of color to create a cohesive and modern look. As an experienced RE/MAX Realtor in Vancouver, I've found that incorporating soft blues, greens, and greys can make your East Vancouver property feel calm and inviting.

6. Showcase key features Highlight the unique features of your East Vancouver real estate, such as a fireplace, built-in bookshelves, or high ceilings. Make sure these elements are clean and in good condition, and use accessories and furniture to draw attention to them.

7. Accessorize thoughtfully Carefully chosen accessories can add the finishing touches to your staged home. As a leading RE/MAX Realtor Vancouver, I recommend using decorative pillows, artwork, and plants to add warmth and personality to your space. Remember, less is often more, so keep your accessories to a minimum to avoid a cluttered look.

The art of home staging can make a significant difference in the success of your East Vancouver real estate sale. By following these expert tips from a top RE/MAX Realtor Vancouver, you can showcase your property in its best light and attract more potential buyers. To learn more about how staging can help sell your home faster and for a higher price, contact me today for a consultation.

The upside of having a Realtor who lives where you’re looking to buy.

Perhaps when it comes to choosing a Realtor we should consider one who actually lives in the area(s) of interest we are considering.  This often over looked benefit could provide heaps of valuable insight during your information gathering phase that you do during your search of where to live and where to buy.

A Realtor who lives in your area of interest could offer invaluable information to your house hunting process, as they will have personally vetted the neighbourhoods in question.  They will know the creature comforts like good restaurants, parks, cafes, places to shop, what schools are in the area, and so much more.  It is something worth considering when choosing the person (or team) who will help guide you in one of life’s biggest and most exciting choices.

Matt Henry, a Vancouver Remax Realtor, specializes in Vancouver’s Main Street homes for sale and he also happens to live in the area.  He feels the added benefit he can offer people looking to move to the area is essential during their hunt as he went through the process personally so he firsthand understands the questions his clients have about the area, and he can provide honest answers from his own experience.  “People appreciate a personalized experience, and what more personal than sharing how I came to be in my home I love, right in the area that they too are looking to buy,” he says. 

So in that regard, Vancouverites looking to move to Vancouver’s Main Street area can take comfort in having Matt on their side, as he truly is organic to the area and also happens to know his stuff when it comes to Real Estate!

-Matt Henry Team