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Serving Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, the Tri-Cities, Mission, and Langley.

Full service. Fair commissions. Save thousands.

No pressure. No obligation. Local experts you can trust.

Trusted. Proven. Local.
★★★★★

“We worked with two other realtors previously and felt we paid too much for the service we received. Working with Derek and David was completely different...The team did a great job, and we would recommend them without hesitation.”

— Monalisa C.
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Meet The Team

Derek Vanderkooy brings a calm, steady approach to real estate, shaped by years of guiding people through complex decisions—first as a professional ski guide, and now as a REALTOR®. A Maple Ridge homeowner, husband, and father, he understands that buying or selling a home is about building a life, not just completing a transaction. Known for his no-pressure style and clear communication, Derek helps clients move forward with confidence. He has placed within the top 1% of agents by sales volume (President’s Club Award recipient) in both 2023 and 2024.

David Maitre brings more than 20 years of real estate sales and marketing experience and has sold nearly 1,000 homes. Through most of his career, he has been consistently recognized among the top agents in Greater Vancouver, including multiple top 1% and Medallion Club placements, and was named the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver’s Rookie of the Year early in his career. Clients appreciate his down-to-earth approach, attention to detail, and commitment to clear, honest guidance throughout the process.

Our Philosophy

We’re real people who care about doing the job well — no ego, no pressure, and no sales tricks. Just honest guidance, clear communication, and a commitment to putting your best interests first so selling your home feels comfortable from start to finish.

With over 1,000 homes sold between us, we’ve learned that selling feels a lot easier when everything is explained clearly and nothing is rushed. We stay organized, responsive, and focused so you always know what’s happening and why it matters.

David Maitre and Derek Vanderkooy – Value-First Home Team
David and Derek: Value-First Home Team

With two people working together, you get more support, clearer communication, and a process that feels steady from start to finish. Sharing the workload simply makes everything run more smoothly.
And we’re always just a message away.

If you appreciate clarity, integrity, and a down-to-earth approach to selling, you’ll feel at home with us.

★★★★★

“Derek is a super nice guy. He went above and beyond to help us sell our old place and find a new one. Buying and selling your home is stressful, and a great agent like Derek Vanderkooy makes the difference.”

— Andrew S.

Life is expensive enough. Selling your property doesn’t have to be.

Premium, top-tier service - without high commissions.

Commission savings comparison chart

With Value-First, you get premium, top-tier service — while keeping more of your equity. Many local agents charge 7% on the first $100,000 and up to 3% on the rest.* We charge a simple 2% total commission, saving many families $10,000–$20,000. That’s money that stays in your pocket.

Out of the 2% total, we keep 1% of the commission and the buyer's agent is offered the other 1%. Our rates are simple, transparent, and fair for you.

★★★★★

“David Maître guided us through the sale of our townhouse and the purchase of our new house, making the process as clear and understandable as possible. His attention to detail was second to none. We would highly recommend him to anyone.”

— Jack M.
★★★★★

“We recently sold and bought properties with Derek in a really difficult market. He worked very hard for us and we felt that he was on our side the whole time.”

— Miguel M.

Premium Service, Fair Commissions

Everything you expect from a premium agent - and more.

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★★★★★

“My experience working with David Maître was awesome. He was incredibly thorough, professional, and efficient. I’m very happy with the time and care he put into the entire selling process. Thank you, David!”

— Jessica M.

Got questions? We’ve got answers.

Are you “regular” REALTORS®?
Yes — we’re fully licensed, full-service agents in every sense of the word. We handle pricing, marketing, showings, negotiation, contracts, compliance, and everything else you’d probably expect from many other agents. The biggest difference is our commission model, which delivers the same (or better) service without high fees.
Do you really provide full service at a lower commission?
Yes — nothing is reduced or cut back. Your listing includes full professional marketing, photography, negotiation, paperwork, MLS® exposure, showings, and ongoing communication. You receive the same level of service you’d probably expect from many top-tier agents charging far more.
Are there any hidden fees?
No — there are no hidden fees, or surprises. We charge a flat fee of 2% of the sale price, with a minimum total charge of $9950 for properties up to $500,000. GST applies of course. That’s it.
How much could I save with your commission model?
Most sellers save between $10,000–$20,000 on average. Your exact savings* depend on your sale price, but thousands saved is typical - without sacrificing service or results.
Why is your pricing so much lower than most agents?
Efficiency, teamwork, and a modern approach — not reduced service. By running a structured, streamlined system and splitting key tasks between two experienced agents, we remove inefficiencies that often keep commissions higher. You get premium service without premium pricing.
Do lower commissions mean a lower sale price?
No - market conditions, strategy, and negotiation determine price, not the commission amount. Our listings routinely sell at market benchmarks. Our model lets you keep more equity without sacrificing results.
Is there any catch to your commission model?
No catch - just modern, efficient real estate. We believe sellers deserve full service without high fees, and we’ve built our entire system around making that possible.
Does the 2% include the buyer agent’s commission?
Yes — the full 2% covers everything, including the buyer’s agent. Our 2% total commission is split between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent, just like many brokerages structure their commissions — except at a much lower overall cost. Out of the 2%, we keep 1% for full-service listing representation, and the other 1% is offered to the buyer’s brokerage.* This is the industry-typical* model, simply at a more affordable rate compared to the more typical 7% on the first $100k and 3% on the balance.* There are no extra fees, and you’re not obligated to pay more to the buyer’s agent. Our model is simple, transparent, and fair for everyone involved.
Will agents from other brokerages show my property?
Absolutely. Buyer agents show homes based on their client’s needs — not the commission. Your home will appear on MLS®, Realtor.ca, and other major real estate platforms just like other listings. Buyer agents do not skip suitable properties because of commission differences - their responsibility is to show homes that match their client’s wishes and criteria. In practice, we see this every day. Our listings consistently receive showings and offer activity across all price ranges. Virtually all of our sales come from agents at other brokerages bringing their buyers, which shows that we receive full cooperation from across the industry.
What areas do you serve?
We work throughout Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, the Tri-Cities, and Mission. We're also happy to help homeowners in the Langley area. If you're nearby to those areas, we may still be able to help - just reach out and ask.
Am I obligated to list with you after a home evaluation?
Not at all - the evaluation is completely free and no-pressure. Our goal is to give you clarity and useful information, not force you into a decision.
What happens after I request my evaluation?
We'll be in touch shortly to arrange a day and time that works best for you. When we meet, we'll explain how we work, answer your questions, review current market conditions, and discuss your property's value. The meeting is always friendly and informative - so that you can make the decision that's right for you.
How do I get started?
Click the “Get Free Evaluation” button below. It only takes a moment - just clear, useful information.
★★★★★

“Derek has been a pure pleasure to work with on the sale of our house. He helped us walk through each step, how to prepare, and what to expect. Very professional and responsive in every aspect. I would and will highly recommend him as the best realtor to use.”

— Heather M.
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Understand Your Selling Options With A Free Home Evaluation

Clear, straightforward answers with no obligation.

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Trusted locally. Rooted in ethics. Focused on your goals.