Squamish Real Estate Blog
Squamish Hot Chocolate Festival
Five Crucial Steps Every First-Time Buyer Should Know
2. Saving for the Down Payment | A larger down payment equates to a higher purchase price and reduced monthly payments. Often, insufficient savings act as a barrier, preventing individuals from entering the housing market. Starting early significantly impacts the amount accumulated. Over five years, set realistic saving goals and consistently contribute, aiming for at least 20% of your future home's anticipated price. Cut every unnecessary expense and be relentless with your savings. Initiate government down payment programs, such as the First Home Savings Account (FHSA), as soon as possible. Remember, a higher down payment leads to improved home options.
4. Maximizing Income Potential for Self-Employed Individuals | Understanding the impact of your tax returns on your borrowing capacity is crucial, especially if you're self-employed. Often, there's a desire to minimize reported income, yet this can affect your qualification for loans. Collaborating with your Mortgage Agent and Accountant two years before your purchase can circumvent qualification issues stemming from tax returns. As a Mortgage Professional, I have access to diverse lenders specializing in such income scenarios, offering various qualification methods. Initiating this conversation early ensures safeguarding your borrowing capacity, working in tandem with your accountant to secure your financial standing.
5. Understanding the Local Real Estate Market | Rethink your approach to choosing the location for your first home. As a First-Time Home Buyer, purchasing in your desired area might not be feasible initially. Consider your initial home as a stepping stone onto the property ladder. It's not your "forever" home but rather your "for now" home. Be strategic in choosing a property that you can sell in a few years, utilizing the accrued equity to climb higher on the property ladder. Acquire skills for "sweat equity" and explore emerging neighborhoods on the verge of gentrification.
If you work on these 5 things noted above, you will be well on your way to purchasing a home. Despite what the headlines say, owning a home is possible for everyone. With a solid plan and the guidance of a Mortgage Professional, homeownership is achievable.
Lifestyle | Winter in the Sea to Sky
McGillivray Trusted Program
In June of 2023, I was contacted by the team at The McGillivray Group and was invited to be a part of McGillivray Trusted, a program offered by the McGillivray Group which offers Canadians a carefully curated hub of real estate agents, experts and professionals across the country who qualify for the exclusive Scott McGillivray stamp of approval in their market. Even as one of the top performing real estate agents in Squamish, this was a huge compliment and there was no hesitation to join the program.
McGillivray Trusted believes that the value of knowledgeable, connected and experienced real estate professionals is critical to Buyers, Investors and Sellers in any type of market. McGillivray Trusted is putting their name on the line to endorse real estate professionals so when you hire them for your real estate needs, you are getting the most bang for your buck.
McGillivray Trusted takes the legwork and uncertainty out of finding reliable real estate agents and other professionals in the industry by hand-picking and extensively reviewing their excellence in client satisfaction, depth of experience, marketing and results. In turn, the endorsement program provides Buyers, Sellers and Investors access to the professionals with the highest level of customer care, experience and dedication in their chosen market.
With over 20 years of experience in real estate investments, Scott McGillivray the award-winning HGTV celebrity, executive producer as well as real estate and renovation expert and his team have successfully established the growing program with over 66 real estate professionals in over 70 markets across Canada.
When you work with me, a McGillivray Trusted Agent, you can feel confident that Scott has given me his personal seal of approval.
Click here to see all the McGillivray Trusted Agents & Professionals across Canada.
~ Julie
Community Spotlight | Borealis Landscape Lighting
Buying a Home | Pre-Sale Development
If you don’t need to move right away, there are many benefits to buying a pre-sale (home not yet built) in Squamish.
Lock in Today’s Cost | Since the market is often fluctuating and in Squamish specifically appreciating, purchasing a pre-sale generally means that you are locking in at the current market value and potentially avoiding future price increases.
Investment Appreciation | In a growing real estate market like Squamish, the value of properties tend to appreciate over time. If the market is continuously seeing growth, you may even see an appreciation of a pre-sale property before it is even completed.
Pick your unit | If a development project has just been launched, there is a higher chance that you will be able to pick the location of your new home, maybe you want an exterior unit that has access to the main road or an interior courtyard unit. Something to also think about is the view, how much sun you want or how private your unit would ideally be.
Custom Home | If you buy a pre-sale early enough in the construction of your new home, you might also have the opportunity to customize certain interior finishes, the layout and sometimes minor design changes. A previous client of mine even had the cabinet making company upgrade and customize all of her closets during the process!
There are some risks involved like changes to interest rates and potential delays in construction, however if you don’t need to move right away there are so many benefits and buying a pre-sale might be the step that you need to get into the real estate market.
Before pre-buying real estate, make sure to research the developer and consider seeking advice from your local realtor and a mortgage professional in order to make an informed decision. Some mortgage brokers may even be able to secure you a longer-term rate hold specifically for pre-sale purchases.
Click here to see the current pre-sales in Squamish. The river views for the soon to come MTN Village pre-sale will be amazing! While your at it checkout the Finch Drive pre-sale the sunsets here can’t be missed!
~ Julie
Community Spotlight | Peaks and Ocean Window Cleaning
Peaks and Ocean is a premium window washing company based in Squamish, they are a locally owned and operated business that started in 2022, dedicated to providing high quality window cleaning services to residential and commercial properties in the Sea to Sky corridor.
One of their main goals is to offer good employment to local teens and young adults. "It is awesome to work with these motivated teens and see them get stoked on putting out a great product through their hard work."
What do you love about what you do? | I love that I can be my own boss, it is so nice being able to think of an idea and implement it as fast or slow as I want. This also comes with a lot of responsibility, but I do thoroughly enjoy being able to make the decisions whether they are good ones or not.
What does a day in the life look like? | A day in the life is typically pretty hectic. I currently run Peaks and Ocean Window Washing and I just started up a second business called Borealis Landscape Lighting; this is a brand-new project for me where we specialize in high quality outdoor landscape lighting. My family has been in the landscape lighting business back in Ontario for 40 years and I have decided to go out on my own here in Squamish, so every day is a bit different from the last but they are always busy and filled with surprises.
What would your ideal weekend look like? | I truly enjoy spending time in Squamish, so an ideal weekend would be a mixture of time with my wife and friends either mountain biking, hiking or climbing. We also enjoy just hanging out around a fire or down at the river for a swim.
3 small things that make your day better?
1. Starting my day with some quiet time, I typically wake up between 5:30-6:00am and spend an hour reading the Bible and in prayer. It truly gets my day started off well and when I miss out on it, I notice.
2. Quality time with my wife.
3. Spending time with our pup Sawyer
3 small pieces of advice based on your industry?
1. Good customer service goes a long way, always pick up your phone when a customer calls.
2. Quality work over Quantity of work.
3. Treat your employees well.
If you had unlimited funds to build your dream house, what would the look and feel be like? | Well, thanks to Julie Phoenix we just got pretty close to our dream home. We moved in this weekend and it is everything we hoped for. It has mountain views, bike trail into our backyard and a great common area/kitchen for entertaining guests.
Where can people find you?
Website | www.peaksandocean.ca
Facebook | Peaks and Ocean Window Washing
Instagram | @peaksandocean
Buying a Home | Kitchen Renovation
This kitchen renovation before and after! When my clients started the search for their home, they knew exactly what area in Squamish they wanted to buy in. After putting in three offers they had an accepted offer on the exact street that they were hoping for, however they needed a little vision for what the home could be.
The house was only eight years old, with one previous owner and was really well taken care of, it just wasn't their personal style. They were able to look past the dark design choices with a plan in mind, in order to take this exciting next step together. They wanted a more bright, open and modern feel to their home and found a local renovation company in Squamish that was able to deliver exactly what they were looking for.
When they bought their home it was in the peak of a market that was in favour of the seller with multiple offers, asking prices that were increasing and they also needed to make changes in the house to make it a home. However, if they had waited to buy in this market it would have been a while before a house in the same area became available again and this would have also come with a potentially higher asking price. I love that they took this step, even though they needed a little vision beyond the aesthetics and functionality as they now have their dream kitchen as well as lovely neighbours in a great community and I couldn't be happier for them.
Overall, in a sellers market there are many benefits to buying a home that may need renovations, including less competition, potential lower asking price and the ability to fully customize your home.
Have you renovated an area in your home recently? I would love to hear how it went, leave a comment below!
~ Julie
Neighbourhood Spotlight | Downtown Squamish
- 4 Cups Penne
- 4 Firm/Ripe Peaches
- 2 Cups Bluberries
- 4 Cloves Garlic
- 5oz Arugula
- 3 Lemons
- 4 Tsp Maple Syrup
- 4 Tsp Dijon Mustard
- Salt & Pepper to Taste
- Cook Pasta according to Package. Drain, rinse with cold water, drain again and then chill until needed.
- Place four peach halves cut side down on a bbq. Grill, covered over medium-high for 8 minutes or until grill marks appear, then cool. Cut remaining four peach halves into 1/2" pieces.
- For the dressing, you will need 1 Tsp lemon zest and 1/2 Cup lemon juice. In a large bowl whisk together the lemon zest, juice, mustard and diced garlic. Add the pasta, chopped peaches, arugula and blueberries to the bowl and mix with dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- To serve, top with grilled peach halves and drizzle with maple syrup.
- Enjoy!
Community Spotlight | Home Steps Organizing
I have sold a property at 213 41105 TANTALUS RD in Squamish
I have sold a property at 213 41105 TANTALUS RD in Squamish. See details here
Welcome to The Galleries where you'll find a spacious one bedroom plus den open plan layout that meets all your needs. Features include stainless steel appliances, granite counters, gas fireplace, gas range, a mix of laminate, tile & carpet, in-suite laundry, storage locker, high ceilings, large windows that let in lots of natural light, and a west facing balcony to enjoy the views of the Tantalus Mountain Range and the afternoon sun. One secure parking space under the building, plenty of visitor parking, and the gas & hot water is included in the strata fees. Steps to world-class mountain biking and hiking trails, and a great walk score with the shops at Garibaldi Village just a short stroll down Tantalus Rd. Rentals and pets allowed with some restrictions.
New property listed in Valleycliffe, Squamish
I have listed a new property at 38172 LOMBARDY CRES in Squamish. See details here
Located in quiet and family-friendly Valleycliffe, this home is move in ready so you can simply unpack and enjoy all that Squamish has to offer. Upstairs, you'll find 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and an open plan layout with kitchen, dining, and living room. Downstairs is a spacious 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom suite with separate entrance. Laundry is shared and there are 3 separate storage spaces for all your gear. Updates include new gas furnace in 2021, new gas hot water tank and water main replaced in 2020, new roof in 2016, and suite refreshed in 2014. Plenty of parking and great access to the south-facing yard via the side as well as from the deck off the kitchen upstairs. Views of The Chief and Coastal Mountains from almost every window!
Open House. Open House on Saturday, April 15, 2023 1:00PM - 3:00PM
Please visit our Open House at 206 37881 CLEVELAND AVE in Squamish. See details here
Open House on Saturday, April 15, 2023 1:00PM - 3:00PM
Welcome to your new home at The Main! This 2 bed, 1 bath, plus den/flex is on the 2nd floor, which is concrete, so it offers you a quiet space to call home. Features include laminte, tile, and carpet flooring, stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, 9 ft ceilings, and large windows to let in loads of natural light. East-facing, you'll love waking up to views of The Chief and Howe Sound. This home comes with one secure parking space as well as a large storage locker, easily accessible across the hall. You'll have peace of mind with much of the 2-5-10 warranty still in place so you can enjoy all that Squamish has to offer. Walk out your door to shops, restaurants, the beach, the estuary, hiking and biking trails, climbing, and wind sports.
Open House. Open House on Saturday, April 8, 2023 11:00AM - 12:00PM
Please visit our Open House at 206 37881 CLEVELAND AVE in Squamish. See details here
Open House on Saturday, April 8, 2023 11:00AM - 12:00PM
Welcome to your new home at The Main! This 2 bed, 1 bath, plus den/flex is on the 2nd floor, which is concrete, so it offers you a quiet space to call home. Features include laminte, tile, and carpet flooring, stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, 9 ft ceilings, and large windows to let in loads of natural light. East-facing, you'll love waking up to views of The Chief and Howe Sound. This home comes with one secure parking space as well as a large storage locker, easily accessible across the hall. You'll have peace of mind with much of the 2-5-10 warranty still in place so you can enjoy all that Squamish has to offer. Walk out your door to shops, restaurants, the beach, the estuary, hiking and biking trails, climbing, and wind sports.
Open House. Open House on Sunday, April 9, 2023 11:00AM - 12:30PM
Please visit our Open House at 206 37881 CLEVELAND AVE in Squamish. See details here
Open House on Sunday, April 9, 2023 11:00AM - 12:30PM
Welcome to your new home at The Main! This 2 bed, 1 bath, plus den/flex is on the 2nd floor, which is concrete, so it offers you a quiet space to call home. Features include laminte, tile, and carpet flooring, stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, 9 ft ceilings, and large windows to let in loads of natural light. East-facing, you'll love waking up to views of The Chief and Howe Sound. This home comes with one secure parking space as well as a large storage locker, easily accessible across the hall. You'll have peace of mind with much of the 2-5-10 warranty still in place so you can enjoy all that Squamish has to offer. Walk out your door to shops, restaurants, the beach, the estuary, hiking and biking trails, climbing, and wind sports.
New property listed in Downtown SQ, Squamish
I have listed a new property at 206 37881 CLEVELAND AVE in Squamish. See details here
Welcome to your new home at The Main! This 2 bed, 1 bath, plus den/flex is on the 2nd floor, which is concrete, so it offers you a quiet space to call home. Features include laminte, tile, and carpet flooring, stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, 9 ft ceilings, and large windows to let in loads of natural light. East-facing, you'll love waking up to views of The Chief and Howe Sound. This home comes with one secure parking space as well as a large storage locker, easily accessible across the hall. You'll have peace of mind with much of the 2-5-10 warranty still in place so you can enjoy all that Squamish has to offer. Walk out your door to shops, restaurants, the beach, the estuary, hiking and biking trails, climbing, and wind sports.
I have sold a property at 26 40137 GOVERNMENT RD in Squamish
I have sold a property at 26 40137 GOVERNMENT RD in Squamish. See details here
Welcome to your new home at Amblepath! This is an open plan detached home with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, hardwood flooring, natural gas fireplace, garage with massive crawl space, fenced yard & mountain views. Updates include triple head heat pump (air cond), hybrid hot water tank, updated kitchen w/ slate countertops and stainless steel new appliances, entry way opened up & re-tiled, new lighting, vanities & fixtures in half bath & main bath, new shower & heated floor in primary bath, custom millwork closets, 240V plug for EV charging in garage, siding & trim repainted, driveway expanded to fit two cars, & rear fence replaced. Steps to trails & schools. The updates make this home a very energy efficient, affordable, & comfortable place to grow your family & enjoy the Squamish lifestyle.
New property listed in Downtown SQ, Squamish
I have listed a new property at 204 1150 BAILEY ST in Squamish. See details here
Live at ParkHouse where you'll have all the amenities of Downtown Squamish at your fingertips yet you're off the beaten track where it's quieter. This bright 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom and den condo features quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, 9 ft ceilings, large windows, and a large south-facing balcony. Situated on the back of the building, you'll enjoy views of The Chief, community gardens, and green space. The common areas in this building include an amenity room with kitchenette, TV, and ping pong table, and a large patio is available to all for group gatherings, BBQing, or gardening. This home comes with one secure parking spot and storage locker under the building. Steps to the estuary trails, tennis courts, dog park, the beach & world class hiking & mountain biking trails.
Open House. Open House on Saturday, March 4, 2023 1:30PM - 3:00PM
Please visit our Open House at 26 40137 GOVERNMENT RD in Squamish. See details here
Open House on Saturday, March 4, 2023 1:30PM - 3:00PM
Welcome to your new home at Amblepath! This is an open plan detached home with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, hardwood flooring, natural gas fireplace, garage with massive crawl space, fenced yard & mountain views. Updates include triple head heat pump (air cond), hybrid hot water tank, updated kitchen w/ slate countertops and stainless steel new appliances, entry way opened up & re-tiled, new lighting, vanities & fixtures in half bath & main bath, new shower & heated floor in primary bath, custom millwork closets, 240V plug for EV charging in garage, siding & trim repainted, driveway expanded to fit two cars, & rear fence replaced. Steps to trails & schools. The updates make this home a very energy efficient, affordable, & comfortable place to grow your family & enjoy the Squamish lifestyle.