This week, the Government of British Columbia announced its 2018 budget, and in conjunction, a 30-point housing strategy to address affordable housing in this province.

So, what does this mean to the Sunshine Coast real estate market? To be truthful, it’s too soon to tell, but we do know many of these changes do not currently impact properties on The Coast.

The major changes centre around three key areas: expanding the foreign buyers’ tax to areas outside of Metro Vancouver, increasing property transfer taxes, and implementing a new speculation tax. In total, this announcement will create $1.3 billion taxes, just from housing.

Foreign Buyers’ Tax Increase and Expansion

Effective Feb. 21,The BC government has increased the foreign buyers’ tax to 20% from 15%. Additionally, they’ve expanded beyond the Metro Vancouver area to the following regions: Central Okanagan, Nanaimo, Greater Victoria, and the Fraser Valley. The Sunshine Coast, Sea to Sky regions and other areas in the province were not included in this foreign buyers tax expansion.

Property Transfer And School Taxes Hike

Also effective this week, property transfer tax increased to five percent from three per cent for properties valued at more than $3 million. Even deals that were in the process of closing as of this implementation date were impacted by the tax hike, provincewide. School taxes on these properties will also increase. Find more info on the  property transfer tax at gov.bc.ca/propertytransfertax.

New Speculation Tax

The BC Government has also implemented a new levy, coined a “speculation tax”, for those who own homes in the province, but don’t pay income taxes here and leave their homes vacant without renting them out. The target areas are Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Nanaimo and Greater Victoria, Kelowna and West Kelowna. This is expected to impact about 15,000 residential properties.

In 2018, the tax will be 0.5% of taxable assessed value, and will then increase to 2% thereafter. For a home valued at $2 million, this would equate to an annual tax of $40,000.

There are exemptions for those who use this property as their primary residence or for those properties that are long-term rental units. The verdict is still out on how this might impact Canadians who own vacation property in BC or those who rent out vacation homes.

While there were no clear measures in the budget, the government also indicated they were looking closely at the Agricultural Land reserve (ALR) to close loopholes that would ensure land is being used for farming and not investment or luxury properties.

If you have more questions about how the BC budget impacts your property or buying power, get in touch! I’ll be more than happy to connect you with my network of experts who can help. To learn more about the housing announcements listed in the BC Budget visit: bcbudget.ca

There’s a new dining hot spot in Gibsons and I just can’t get enough of their new menu and fresh approach.

The Drift Cafe & Bistro (formerly The Nova Kitchen) is a tiny locale perched atop a hill on Gibsons Way, with gorgeous views of the stunning Salish Sea. The restaurant is the brainchild of chefs Tim and Ben, who’ve known one another for almost 17 years, since their days of cooking school. Both chefs have had extensive careers in the industry and are new to the Sunshine Coast. Tim moved from East Vancouver just two years ago and Ben just moved from North Vancouver this winter to help re-open the restaurant. The pair partnered with Omar who is based in Vancouver.

“With the Nova Kitchen, we liked a lot of the things they did around keeping things local, so we‘re trying to stay on the track with the way that Chef Paul had gone,” says Tim. “One thing we noticed that was really missing [in Gibsons] is a place that was a combination of value … but also really good food,” he says, adding that he and his wife Stephanie used to leave Gibsons to go out for dinner, in search of either more affordable options or higher-end food.

He explains: “Drift is making that bridge of really good, comforting food, but with a bit more of a fine dining flair to it.”

Drift is the kind of place where you can enjoy a delicious brunch for under $15, or an evening entré for under $25 as you overlook the ocean from their patio. While the prices are reasonable, you’ll find a carefully curated cocktail and wine list; with little twists to common items, like adding housemade pickles to the Caesar, or a grapefruit and saje Mimosa. Sip on Moet & Chandon bubbles or enjoy a casual pint of local craft beer on the patio – anything goes.

Meanwhile, the menu is simple, but flavourful bistro dining with hints of Italian, French and new American cooking. Currently they’re offering a weekend brunch 9am-2pm and a dinner service Thursday to Monday (with plans to expand their opening times in the near future). One of the signature dining experiences is the three-course meal, which includes a starter, a main and a dessert for just $35. Choose from mouth watering items like the salted ling cod croquette, farro risotto, and a yogurt panna cotta.

Drift is constantly evolving, says Tim. Coffee-lovers will be happy to hear they’ve installed a new high-end Simonelli coffee machine and are partnering with Vancouver-based Moja coffee to source the coffee in efforts to ramp up their early morning offerings. The team is also planning to expand the patio and looking into a beer garden.

If you haven’t already noticed, Tim is a pretty busy fellow. He also co-owns a company called Ginger Jars Food with his wife, (which I’ll be talking about in another blog) and works at a cooking school in Downtown Vancouver.  Given his penchant for entrepreneurship and his recent move to The Coast, I asked him the most important tip for new business owners in the area:

“Consult the locals. People are pretty open with [sharing] their opinions, which is pretty awesome, but if you don’t consult them, there’s a lot of little things that are kind of unique to The Coast that I’ve found you have to be aware of,” he says.

So, there you have it: business advice, plus a great new dining location in the heart of Gibsons to boot.

Find The Drift Cafe & Bistro online at drift-gibsons.ca, on Facebook  or Instagram @DriftGibsons.

According to the Coast Reporter, the total property values on the Sunshine Coast sit somewhere between $10.35 billion and $11.99 billion. BC Assessment indicates that Gibsons has seen the largest average increases in all property classes. Here, residential assessments are up 17.93 % on average. In Sechelt, residential home values increased by 17.44%.

When your property value increases, it’s only natural to start thinking about the potential of selling your home. If you’re thinking about selling in 2018, here are three ways to prepare for  listing your property:

1. Start with your goals

When you first decide to sell your home, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of home improvements and getting the property listed. However, before you dive in, take some time to sit down and write out your goals for the home. Here are some questions I ask my clients when we first meet:

• What are your reasons for selling?
• What are your timelines for moving?
• Is timing or pricing most important?
• Do you anticipate any challenges with selling your home?
• What we will do first: list and sell, or buy a new home?
• If your upgrading to a more expensive home, are you pre-approved for your mortgage for your new purchase?

2. Create a home improvement plan

Even simple updates, like a fresh coat of paint and new appliances can make a huge difference in perceived home value. Small improvements like tightening door handles, fixing leaky faucets or replacing blinds, can be cheap and quick. Meanwhile, larger improvements like new kitchen cabinets, interior painting, exterior landscaping or even full on renovations will take more time and budget to accomplish.

Make an inventory of home updates that need to be made and prioritize them in order of what tasks will have the greatest impact on your home value.  Create a budget and work-back schedule to keep yourself focused and on track.

3. Bring on the right partners

Start looking at the property as a business venture. Every successful business has the right people at the table, and your home listing is no exception. Finding the right real estate agent is part of the equation, but you may also need to source contractors and home staging experts to help showcase your home in the best possible light.

Review your goals and your home improvement plan and find experts who have an aligned vision and values. It’s so much easier when you are working with a great team.

For more steps on preparing your home, read my previous post, “How To Sell Your Home In 10 Easy Steps”.

Interested in selling your home in 2018? Contact me for a consultation!

What are the changes?

Canada’s banking watchdog, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) announced last fall that as of 2018, customers must qualify for a mortgage at the 5-year benchmark or the current rate plus 2% (whichever is greater). Known as the B-20 guidelines, this stress requires that your debt-to-income ratio maintains within a certain threshold.

The stress test will also be required for buyers who have a downpayment higher than 20% (even though it exempts them from requiring mortgage insurance).

For the last number of years, interest rates have remained low. But, they are climbing slowly once again. Essentially OSFI wants to place more rigor around the stress test to ensure Canadians are not living beyond their means and will not suffer if interest rates climb.

The financial industry expects that this will impact the size of mortgages Canadians will qualify for.

Note that these changes impact federally regulated financial institutions only. Lenders, such as provincially regulated credit unions and caisses populaires are not required to follow these guidelines.

What can you do?

If you’re interested in buying a home this year, start talking to a mortgage broker as soon as possible. Current mortgage rates are still relatively low, so it’s best to start the process sooner rather than later. A qualified mortgage specialist can explain the mortgage process and help you understand where you’re at with your current financial situation.

There are many creative and outside-the-box solutions available, but you won’t know until you go. With the help of an expert you’ll be one step closer to your home ownership goals.

If you need help navigating the new rules, contact me and I’ll be happy connect you with one of my trusted mortgage experts.

Not many people can say they’ve made art for the Royal Family. But, Sunshine Coast artist Robert Studer sure can. He’s also made pieces for the Duke and Duchess of York, and a host of other dignitaries.

Robert and his wife, Beth, are both accomplished artists and owners of The Art Loft Airbnb in Roberts Creek on the Sunshine Coast. Under their umbrella company ‘this is it’, Robert and Beth run the Airbnb and their respective artist brands: Beth Hawthorn Design and Robert  Studer Creative.

Beth is a graphic designer and mixed media artist. Robert creates custom works and art exhibits for homes, corporate spaces and other high-end clientele. His signature pieces feature glass, metal and natural objects. In addition to the commissioned work he completed for the Government of Canada, his work can also be found in buildings created by renowned architects and interior designers.

Here on the Sunshine Coast, you’ll find creativity and culture around every corner. There must be something in that salty sea breeze that attracts artists, performers and makers to our beautiful coastline. The secluded hamlet of Roberts Creek is an epicentre for the flourishing art community.

Robert and Beth first moved onto their five-acre property 11 years ago. At the time, the only structures on the property were a few outhouses and a bare bones, multi-level horse barn, built by a “bachelor cowboy” who lived a very simple life.

The irony is that they weren’t too impressed with the space when they first reviewed the listing. But a viewing changed all that.

The pair had “lofty” ideas for this property. “One of the reasons we moved to the Sunshine Coast from Vancouver was to put our business and our home on the same property,” says Beth. “That was the whole point of it.”

Once completing their home renovations, they set to work on building the studio. At least 50% of the design is crafted from upcycled or recycled wood, metal and glass salvaged from architect friends, old saw mills and various other businesses.

The Art Loft has a West Coast- inspired exterior, but the interior has an ultra-modern, clean design aesthetic. The space is more than just a place for visitors to hang their hats – it’s a window into the flourishing art scene on The Coast – and some might say a catalyst too.

“This space can transform into several different configurations,” says Robert, explaining that the walls were purposefully painted white for exhibiting art, and they have wheels so they can be shifted around. “It provides an opportunity for us to have really unique, creative events take place: performances, gatherings, large installations. Whatever we want to do.”

One of their signature events is their annual Sunshine Coast Art Crawl exhibition, held at the studio. Each year, they carefully curate their art exhibit, and craft a buzzing atmosphere fueled by inspiration, creativity and creative play.

Robert still remembers one epic event they hosted at The Art Loft for the Roberts Creek Arts Festival, which included circus acts, stilt walkers, live food and art demonstrations, and an incredible turn-out.

Now, with the Airbnb having just launched, Robert and Beth are excited to welcome new visitors to The Coast; encouraging them to explore the culture of our community – as well as the natural beauty. After all, nature is the best muse of all; with her hidden grottos and secret waterfalls – both of which are within walking distance of the B&B.

As the Sunshine Coast enters its new renaissance, Robert and Beth are pleased to be part of it – and to help shape the evolution.

“Come here with your dream and work towards fulfilling it,” says Robert. “[The Sunshine Coast] is a remote area that will evolve a certain kind of culture and I want to contribute to that change in a quality, meaningful and creative way.”

Experience THE ART LOFT for yourself!  Enter my Coastal Life Contest for a chance to win a 2 night stay, a $50 gift certificate to Kube Studios, plus a growler and $25 gift certificate to Highway 101 Distillery and Brewery.

Find this is it online at thisisit.ca, or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Calling all dreamers and doers!

My friends at film and television production house, Entertainment One , are on the hunt for folks to feature in their brand new TV show, which will document stories about people making the move away from urban centres into rural communities.

As we all know, the housing boom in major city centres across Canada is changing the way we are thinking about housing. Many people are shifting their house searches out of cities and into rural areas like the Sunshine Coast, where they can get more property for their money and live more comfortably.

eOne will follow several Canadians with an entrepreneurial spirit who are building prosperous futures through creative housing solutions and innovative ways of earning an income.

Who we’re looking for:
The production team is looking for prospects in Vancouver, Toronto and Ottawa who are doing it, thinking about it or have made the move already.

Do you fit any of the following requirements?

• You’ve been thinking seriously about moving to the Sunshine Coast, but not yet committed.
• You’re planning on moving to the Sunshine Coast in 2018 and wheels are in motion.
• You’ve already moved to The Coast in the last 12 months and still in the process of setting up your life here.

If any of these apply, you could be featured on the new show! Join eOne on this great adventure as they journey to a new life and inspire other Canadians to of the same. Get in touch with me before Dec 9th and I’ll be sure to connect you with the right people to learn more about this opportunity.

From floor to ceiling and wall to wall, every nook and cranny in The Kube Studios is filled with bright and eclectic artisan pieces. One part art gallery, one part artist incubator, and one part retail store, Kube is a bright, vibrant space filled to the brim with inspiration.

Located in Gibsons, the 2,600 square foot space started with humble beginnings as a three-person venture in the home of Christa Joe, a 20-year resident of the Sunshine Coast.

Christa soon unearthed the budding opportunity to provide a larger studio space and support network for local artists. Soon after she began to evolve her business model, she met Jill Pilon, who had recently relocated from East Vancouver. Jill had brought with her fresh ideas and a vision for how to nurture the artist community on the Sunshine Coast.

“We really needed to ramp up our studio space and make it more of an art incubator,” Christa says. “When [Jill] came on board, we decided to do the expansion and now we can accommodate 11 artists as opposed to 5. We have a classroom space and everything. I think we do finally consider ourselves an art incubator on The Coast.”

The Kube has 10 artists in residence, who have studio space, gain access to inspiring workshops and are supported by co-op marketing efforts through the business.

Kube’s art gallery and retail space features art and hand-crafted artisan pieces from the Sunshine Coast, as well as creative works from as far away as New York. They’ve attracted quite a following and host an art opening and wine night on the first Friday of the month featuring a different artist each time.

Christa has also forged strong partnerships with several women’s empowerment organizations, and sells gorgeous textiles, bags and other items that help support women in nations, such as Ghana, Rwanda and Turkey.

Jill has helped create a burgeoning workshop program for The Kube Studios – with offerings for both adults and children of all skill levels. There are a variety of sessions each year, covering creative skills like painting, textiles, weaving, wool dying, photography, skin care, wreath making, macrame and more. They even do private women’s wine and paint nights for special occasions.

“Primarily, the reason why I really wanted to ramp up the workshops is because when I left East Van, I kind of left my artist community there,” she explains. “So, [I wanted] to continually be inspired and not have to take a ferry. …. I wanted to bring a little bit of the artist community over here so it keeps things fresh and new and interesting. When you’re constantly inspired it just keeps you going.”

While art is a huge part of Christa and Jill’s lives – and many who frequent Kube Studios for inspiration, support and community – there is no greater joy or inspiration than spending time by the ocean. The ladies both reminisce about bonfires by the beach and summer night swims, as well as heavenly hikes in the backcountry.

I asked the ladies if they had any advice for folks looking to start up a business on The Coast. Here’s what Christa said:

“Do it. The coast is growing. There’s just an influx of new people. We’re hungry for change and I think that if people are looking to open up a business now is the time. If you don’t jump at the opportunity to do it, someone else is going to.”

Fill up on Kube Studios artisan goodies this winter by entering my Coastal Living Contest. I’m giving away two, 2-night stays here on the Sunshine Coast. Each package includes a $50 gift certificate from Kube Studios. Enter now!

Find Kube Studios on Facebook and Instagram and visit them online at thekubestudios.com.

What happens when you move from the bustling streets of Toronto to the sun-soaked shores of the Sunshine Coast? Just ask Rebecca and Gord, who moved to The Coast 13 years ago and never looked back.

While the pair opened up their Roberts Creek Airbnb, The Sleep Out Bed and Breakfast, in July 2016, the dream of having a B&B came long before. The seed was planted when they first bought the property 10 years ago. But, great ideas take time to percolate – especially when you’re living the coastal life!

Before The Sleep Out transformed into the rustic-chic haven it is now, the space served as an indoor skate ramp for Rebecca and Gord. Their kids even used it sometimes too.

After saving and planning for years, they began renovations and proudly opened the doors to their Airbnb just over a year ago.

The Sleep Out, which is a stone’s throw from Roberts Creek, sleeps four and has a bright and rustic feel. Careful attention to detail is paid in every nook and cranny of the space, from the rustic kitchen island, hand-crafted from reclaimed wood by Gord, to the eclectic finishings curated by Rebecca from garage sales and thrift shops.

One of the most gorgeous features of the space – formerly a woodworking shop – is the french doors separating the bedroom from living room. The window hanging above the doors is actually Rebecca and Gord’s first vintage purchase from their time in Toronto. They transported it all the way to BC and kept it for a rainy day.

One of the most unique aspects of the Sleep Out is the lovely welcome baskets, which Rebecca customizes for each guest. The vintage gift box includes yummy bubbly, eggs from chickens who live on the property, as well as organic chocolates and other delicious local treats.

“I think it’s more of a traditional bed and breakfast, which is what I’m going for,” Rebecca says. “I’m trying to give a more authentic experience.”

When the two are not running their Airbnb, Gord is a broker for vinyl pressing, has a record label and is an account manager for an employee assistance program. Rebecca manages the home, which includes three children (15, 10 and 2), a french mastiff, a cat, a flock of chickens and a garden full of vegetables & fruits. And, with her keen eye for home design, I wouldn’t be surprised if a new side hustle is on her horizon too.

I asked Rebecca what advice she had when it comes to starting a venture here in our community.

“Just be authentic and don’t take yourself too seriously. Especially coming from the city. This is your chance to be the real you,” she says.

And for this lovely family in Roberts Creek, ‘being the real you’ means living a life that allows for  morning swims at low tide, a constant reminder that you made the right decision all those years ago.

Do you want to experience the Sleep Out for yourself? Enter my Coastal Life Contest for a chance to win a 2 night stay, a $50 gift certificate to Kube Studios, plus a growler and $25 gift certificate to Highway 101 Distillery and Brewery

Location: Tuwanek

Outdoor: Porpoise Bay

Social Recco:  The Lighthouse Pub

What happens when you leave the rat race and head for the coast? With a little creativity and some hustle, the options are endless.

Having your property featured on the likes of Buzzfeed and CBC is something many of us can only dream of. But, that’s just what happened for Gary and Jen, owners of Alfie the A Frame, on the Sunshine Coast. This cute little cabin, tucked away in Tuwanek, is one of Airbnb’s most wishlisted in Canada!

The pair, originally from Vancouver, have owned property on the Sunshine Coast for 10 years – and have lived here for four. Even back in 2007, the costs of housing in Metro Vancouver prohibited them from home ownership right away, so they decided to partner with a friend to purchase their first home in Tuwanek (which is located near Porpoise Bay).

After some time, they grew tired of the day-to-day grind of their corporate jobs and  stressful city lives, in search of more balance and flexibility. And with that, they decided to design the life they wanted.

Jen, a human resources professional, and Gary, a computer programmer in the gaming industry were not only looking for a change of pace but a complete lifestyle transformation too.

When they first moved to the Sunshine Coast, both of them continued to work in Vancouver part-time. However, as their full transition to coastal living progressed, the couple decided to rethink how they made money all together.

What if they could leverage the popular tourism industry on the Sunshine Coast to run an Airbnb? One property turned into three, and they now run two additional properties besides Alfie: The LIly Pad and Original Sixty Seven.

While Airbnb helps pay the bills, Gary and Jen also have an insatiable appetite for travel. To help fund their adventures, Jen has a side hustle making artisan roasted nuts. Watch for West Coast Nuts at Farmer’s Markets and Persephone Brewing, with tasty offerings, such as maple bacon almonds and orange ginger pecans. She also works in the tasting room at Persephone. Meanwhile, Gary takes up occasional freelance programming gigs, and is renovating an investment property too.

What to Expect When You Move

Beach bonfires, solo nature hikes without the crowds and adventures galore are just some of the benefits of living on the Sunshine Coast. But the one thing Jen wasn’t expecting was her appreciation for peace and quiet and the satisfaction of truly appreciating your home.

“I  was never a homebody, so not being home much didn’t really bother me. It wasn’t until moving here [that I realized] I actually like being at home, and I love having people over, and I love cooking again!” she says. “So in the end, what I turns out I wanted was to have [a quieter life] without really knowing it at the time.”

It’s not all chilling out though. There is quite a hopping events and activities scene on the Sunshine Coast – if you know where to look.  While on the surface it doesn’t seem like there’s much going on because there isn’t one central resource, the community is overflowing with cultural events, activities and more.

Gary and Jen left their 9-5 lives behind four years ago. And, in that short time, they’ve managed to create the flexible, fulfilling, adventure-filled life they were craving. So, what are you waiting for?

Want to learn more about living on The Coast? Get in touch for a consultation!

The Backcountry Hut Company, based in Vancouver, is quickly gaining global attention for their beautifully designed flat pack homes. The solution was inspired by IKEA’s approach to creating DIY assembled designer furniture for the masses.

Recently coined a “surf shack” in numerous media reports, these homes have huge potential for so much more. While the concept does lend itself well to backcountry huts for private groups, outdoor organizations or tour operators, the “frontcountry” designs make these homes a viable option for a full-time home too. This modular home design – which received a 2016 Canadian Architecture 2016 Award of Excellence – can be used for a private backcountry hideaway, a gorgeous and stylish laneway home, or even a single family dwelling on a beautiful acreage. What’s more, the pre-fab kit is so mobile that it can be flown in via helicopter to some of the most remote places British Columbia has to offer.

“This was a passion project that Michael [Leckie] and I developed based on a love of the outdoors, architecture and a number of objectives that we wanted to accomplish,” says co-founder Wilson Edgar. The pair founded the company with Cyrill Werlen, manufacturing partner.

The timing couldn’t be better for the BHC team. It’s the perfect storm of a housing crunch, an exploding backcountry industry, and the overall return to minimalist living. Currently BHC is working with clients across Canada and the United States.

The home kits start at around $55,000 CAD. Their most popular model at the moment is the 3 Module hut, a 748 square-foot space that could house a family of four in the frontcountry or 24 in the backcountry.

“Why our product is seeing so much interest is the Architect Award Winning Design with a kit of parts of the best quality building materials and products,” says Wilson.”Not many homes are designed on a Glulam Timberframe system incorporating designer windows and full glazing wall option that is 25-feet tall.”

So, have these homes made their way to the Sunshine Coast, where zoning often allows for a second dwelling on the property? According to Wilson, there has been some interest from The Coast and he has a number of clients currently in search of land on which to build their BHC home.

I recently asked Wilson what makes the BHC huts special:

“We have designed our product to offer a durable structure that is very sustainable.  We looked at the tinyhome movement, we are not that,” he explains. “We are providing the market a liveable space for 1 person or 4 to live in a well designed space front country and up to 24 in the backcountry. The structure is designed to have a very long lifespan well surpassing average home construction in Canada and the US.”

If their recent success is any indication of what’s to come, you may just be seeing BHC huts popping up on The Coast in the very near future.

Learn more about The Backcountry Hut Company by visiting them on at thebackcountryhutcompany.com. Also, find them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Looking for a property for your modular home? Get in touch and let’s chat!