Hi All,
Just wanted to update you all on what we have been up to since landing.
After a week settling into our hotel we decided to go property searching.
We hooked up with our nearest Realtor and explained what we were looking for, our budget and the area we liked (Walnut Grove in Langley).
The first morning she took us to 7 different properties - to say I was dispappointed was an understatement - We were totally shocked - I had explained that we didnt mind doing a bit of work but most of them needed compete overhaul before habitation. I had my heart set on the area and didnt realise how expensive the houses had become. She suggested we travelled 10 mins away to Aldergrove (near the US Border) - this is where my OH has a job so we thought it was worth a look. The houses were huge and the estate we looked at were all brand new houses ready to move into!
The first house we came to stole our hearts! It has a basement suite with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms... which we will keep for the ever increasing 'friends' who have come out of the woodwork for a cheap holiday!' A further 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms on the first floor with kitchen and living room. The house cost $502,00 which is the equivalent of what we sold our 4 bed detatched for in Sheffield. We made and had an offer accepted and spent the next few days dragging the kids round bank managers offices/lawyers offices!! They all pulled out all the stops to get us out of the hotel asap and after just 8 days of having offer accepted and 17 days after arriving we moved in!
Like Danny we had no furniture so we too went in convoy to Ikea to order beds,mattresses,chairs,tv stands etc...
We spent the first 2 nights sleeping on the floor with just our duvets as the beds didnt arrive for 2 days.
Ikea have since delivered the beds and we had table, settee delivered a day later.
Our stuff from the Uk is arriving 16th September but to be honest we only part shipped and have only our King Bed arriving and kids toys.
It is beautiful here - very agricultural and you can hear a pin drop. The school is within 2 mins walk and it has a park, a splash park and an outdoor pool that does swimming lessons. And NO GRAFFITI!
OH has started work today - a week earlier than planned but we have been spending,spending,spending and I think after 5 weeks off we started doing his head in!
Next thing to do is enrol kids in school - as we are here on 3 year work permit we have to go thru the school board in town first. We do that Wed so will let you know how we get on. Took and passed BC theory test - Hubby failed first time hee hee but passed second time! And have 16th Oct for road test which is 60 day wait not 90 day as they advised at ICBC!
Will try and add photo but not being technically minded it might not work!

Well done, Eva. It sounds as if you have made excellent progress in settling in.

It's possible that you've already registered with British Columbia's health care insurance program. If you have not, it would be a good idea to do so sooner rather than later. You aren't eligible for coverage right away, as there is a three-month waiting period. However, it takes time for the paperwork to go through, so it helps to submit the application form in advance.

In any event, all the best during your next steps.

Congratulations on your new house, it sounds like things really fell into place.

Good luck with the schools

Thanks for posting the information about your move. Although I'm going to Saskatchewan I love hearing peoples stories from all over. I seems as if everything to going well for you.

Good luck

Thanks Judy, I arranged cover from the UK for the first 3 months - not sure if Hubbys employer arranging cover for us - will find out tonight. I have bookmarked the site you suggested just in case - Thanks again.

Glad it has gone so well for you. I enjoyed reading about your experiences so far. Hope all goes well with the new schools and good luck with your new life! Your house looks lovely, enjoy living there.

Lisa

When I was in the Uk - couldnt read enough information - think its great we can all share our stories - it is quite lonely here - I'm sure once kids start school I will start making friends - having BE as an outlet is great.. It is 100% worth the wait. Good luck in your venture.

Thanks, I know what you mean I'm addicted to this site and read as many posts as I can good or bad - they are not going to affect my decision but it's good to have the info. My OH flies over on Saturday adn I'll be there on the 8th so CANADA HERE WE COME

very glad for you
house looks lovely
you've done well to have found and bought one already
good luck
vee

Welcome to Canada Eva. That is a great looking house

We had the same decision to make and, like you, chose to buy a new house. I think it is the right choice as there is so much to do when you first arrive and then so much to explore that the last thing you want to be doing is working on your house. It is comforting to know that nothing is likely to go wrong for at least 5 years.

Having said that, Canadian houses are much easier to renovate than UK ones. Everything is wood frame, plumbing and electrical are all standard sizes and all fit together. Basic carpentry skills and a text book (Home Depot do good ones) will get you going on most projects. The big box DIY stores are staffed by people who actually know what they are doing and their advice is invaluable.

We started with a new house in Cloverdale but have since taken on two remodeling jobs; one on the Sunshine Coast and our present home in White Rock. I'm an office wallah with DIY skills that cannot be classed higher than moderate, but even if I say it myself I think we did a pretty good job on both. It is certainly a great way to make money through sweat equity.

hi and welcome to Canada.......

sounds like you are very organised and everything is going well.

Congratultaions on your successfull move. Your house looks stunning.


Danny

What a gorgeous house Eva...well done girl. Your post was great.

It is so uplifting to hear good reports.

Eva - great post, and wonderful new home - wish you all the best, and thanks for the post for those of us still waiting for the dream to become a reality.

Regards
Rob.

Well done, hon. The house looks peachy and it's great you're close to OH's work and the schools. Always so nice to hear a good news story! Best of luck.