If you haven’t heard the name Dolf Vermeulen yet, you will soon enough. This talented local filmer/photographer is becoming a household name thanks to his incredible talents, which have landed him some serious street cred this month. 

Dolf is the brainchild behind the stunning new digital short A Tribute to the Sunshine Coast, which has been circulating on social media over the last few weeks. This heartfelt video features jaw dropping footage of The Coast, captured over several years. It’s set to a soulful musical arrangement, and paired with a vivid script, written by Amber Turnau of Substrate Studios and narrated by stenukws (Rita Poulsen) of the shíshálh Nation. This visually arresting piece has really struck a chord with people and received an outpouring of support; including some love in outdoor publication Mountain Life Magazine and our local rag The Coast Reporter. 

So, where did a stunner like this originate?

“Over the last two or three years, I’ve just been stockpiling some amazing shots that I’m really proud of. I thought I should make a project that would allow me to share it,” Dolf explains, adding that he wanted to incorporate a meaningful message. Enter: stenukws, who shared her insights to help bring the narrative to life. 

When he came to me with his vision for this project last year, I jumped at the chance to support it. Dolf, who moved to the Sunshine Coast with his family at the age of two, is the man behind the lens of my beautiful real estate imagery. I like to think of him as a key ingredient in my secret sauce as a realtor. His rich photography helps capture the gorgeous homes I sell up and down the Sunshine Coast. 

I first met Dolf four years ago when he walked into the RE/MAX office, bright eyed bushy tailed (we had both just launched our businesses). I could see something in Dolf straight away. Having worked with creatives in the advertising industry for 20+ years, it was clear to me that he had some talent. I just thought: “This is my guy” for everything I had planned for my brand.

You might be surprised to learn that Dolf is a self-taught photographer and videographer, who might have ventured along a very different path had it not been for a series of events. The Robert Frost poem The Road Not Taken could tell you a thing or two about making choices that change the course of your life forever. In this case, it’s paid off big time for Dolf. 

“I kind of had these big dreams of becoming a businessman and I guess making a lot of money and maybe having my own business,” says Dolf. “That switched for me when I was in university. I took one semester off and did some travelling. I was on a really tight budget and it was during that time that I realized that I had very little money, but I was so happy.” 

If you already follow Dolf, you’ll notice that his visual storytelling often revolves around wild places and wildlife—typically shot here in BC or while travelling. This interest hit a fever pitch a few years ago, when a fishing lodge in Haida Gwaii hired him as their in-house photographer (his first paid photography job): “I think photography and the passion for the outdoors grew together in support of each other.” 

The rest, as they say, is history.

Since his first gig on BC’s rugged coast, Dolf has gone on to work with a variety of clients, ranging from real estate and architecture to the marine industry. Check out his beautiful commercial work.  

“It’s always been nature that inspires me. So whenever I can tie that into a project, it’s super exciting. I really like to work on tourism-related projects—especially nature-based tourism,” he says.

While he’s experienced many incredible moments on the Sunshine Coast, one particular memory comes to mind: He and his girlfriend, Katri, were hiking in the high alpine of the Coast Mountains as the sun rose and its radiant glow enveloped the range with tangerine hues. A magical morning, an epic shot, and a special memory (which you can spot in the tribute video). 

Although Dolf has travelled abroad and lived in other places, he always returns to this place, his forever home that brings him so much joy. 

“Living on the Sunshine Coast, I’ve grown to really love it. As much as I love travelling, I think one of my favourite parts is always coming home,” he muses. “It really gave me a whole new appreciation for The Coast.” 

Connect with Dolf at dolfvermeulen.com, as well as his Instagram and Facebook Page. 

Have you ever dreamed about downsizing (I mean really downsizing) and living in a small space? In recent years—and especially since Covid-19—there’s been a lot of talk about tiny homes and the potential for living a minimalist lifestyle. Living small has many financial, environmental and societal benefits. 

Pam Robertson, Founder,  CEO, and Operations Manager of Sunshine Tiny Homes here on the Sunshine Coast, has been building tiny homes since 2015.

“About four years ago, a tiny home came through my newsfeed on Facebook and I latched onto it. I’ve not had a compulsion like that before,” Pam explains of her initial introduction to this new way of living. 

She started with a personal project. Together with her mom, she built a tiny home, which took a year-and- a-half.  She officially launched her business in 2018 and has already built several tiny homes, with a steady flow of new enquiry coming in. Her long-term vision is to take the business national– and eventually global. 

Pam also walks the walk herself.

“I live tiny,” she explains. “I’m minimalist, I actually didn’t realize I was until my friends called me that.”

Building a tiny home requires a great deal of planning and thoughtfulness. With size constraints, strategic thinking is required to map out the placement of foundational mechanical elements, electrical, and plumbing. Sunshine Tiny Homes provides standardized floor plans, with options to upgrade and customize, thus eliminating that overwhelming question of where to begin the build.

“The clients get to choose what the finished product looks like, what their tiny home looks like,” Pam says. “So they all get to have a bit of character to them, which is what I think is putting us over and above some of the tiny home builders that are our competitors.”

So, who is buying and living in these wee buildings? While the demographics may vary, the mindset around living with less stuff is the common denominator. Some are empty nesters, downsizing from a big house and lots of items and some have always lived a minimalist lifestyle, now wanting to take it one step further. 

Regardless of where you start, it can still be difficult to rid yourself of the emotional attachment to things. Pam provides her clients with downsizing strategies. One tip she shared with me is to take photos of those knick knacks that are collecting dust on your shelves, get rid of the physical items and then add the photos into a digital picture frame so you have the nostalgia without the clutter. There are many more approaches, just like this.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth Innes is local Sunshine Coaster who built her own tiny home with her partner Craig Peterson. She says she works hard to maintain her detachment from material things so that they don’t hold as much power over her.

She owns an an adorable little 20-foot, 167 square foot tiny home with beautiful craftsmanship comprised of cherry mahogany, cedar and pine finishings. There’s a full bathroom with a rain shower and a toilet hooked up to septic and a large sink. It’s a wet bathroom, which means that everything gets wet in the bathroom when the shower is on. As such, the floors and walls are sealed so that everything stays watertight. Her kitchen has a three-burner propane stove, a full-sized fridge and sink.  Elizabeth and Craig are now selling their beautiful tiny home – for more details please contact me directly.

“One of the things they say about building a tiny home. Because you’re building tiny, you can put good quality into it.” 

There’s no doubt that people are beginning to take tiny homes seriously.  

“At one point tiny homes were a trend, now they’re becoming a sustainable, viable alternative housing solution,” says Pam.

With the tiny home movement gaining ground rapidly the world over, governments at all levels are trying to keep pace and develop appropriate policy to accommodate and regulate the dwellings. It’s a constantly evolving situation, and Pam is on the board of the Tiny Home Alliance Canada to help advocate for tiny home owners. 

For example, at the moment on the Sunshine Coast, you can purchase property, but must have plans to build a permanent home on it. That said, you can apply for a temporary use permit, which allows for a temporary structure (such as a tiny home) while you’re building your permanent structure. There are many other grey areas and nuances such as this. 

While the initial shell of a tiny home costs as low as $25,000, the average pricing for a 24-foot tiny home can run between $85,000-$90,000 after personalizations and upgrades.  Clients can opt to enhance their space with a luxury bathroom that features a stand alone tub, or a Dave Coyle kitchen, staircases, recessing fridges, murphy beds, convertible furniture and more.  

New this year, Haley Dodge SC is offering financing on Sunshine Coast Tiny Homes at 5.59%APR for $0 down, 20-year ammortization. They will soon have two display models on the lot, which will offer a great chance to explore the homes at a convenient location. Sunshine Tiny Homes can ship anywhere in Canada and is also working on shipping to the United States. 

So, if you are thinking about downsizing to a smaller life, contact Sunshine Tiny Homes, located at 435 Harbour Road, Port Mellon. Find them online at sunshinetinyhomes.com, Facebook.com/sunshinetinyhomes, and @SunshineTinyHomes.   

From Tiny Homes to Floating Homes

Speaking of unique and quirky living spaces, I’m thrilled to announce a listing in the Marina at Gibsons Landing. 1 Shoal Channel is a gorgeous two bedroom, one bathroom floating home situated right on the bustling waterfront of Gibsons. Currently owned by artist Colleen Lumb  https://colleenlumb.com/, this home is being sold furnished. With views of the marina and and close to all my favourite restaurants including Smitty’s, Lunitas and Buono Osteria, this two-level home is bright and spacious with plenty of deck space for your boat. Get in touch if you’d like a viewing!

There’s no denying that these are unusual times and many of my clients have questions about their mortgage. I reached out to an expert to help find answers! 

Cynthia Dreger has been in the financial industry since 2001, working at Bank of Montreal, First National Financial LP, and Canada Guaranty, holding various senior positions. Cynthia is now a self-employed Mortgage Broker with Mortgage Alliance, one of the largest brokerages in Canada. Through her experience she has gained in-depth knowledge of the markets across Canada, and most importantly, here in British Columbia.

Would deferring my mortgage payments damage my credit score?

The way the information is updated on the credit bureaus is through the application process when you apply to borrow money. Or when the lender reports back to the credit reporting agencies information such as; you are paying on-time, late, or the debt went bad. So technically, if the lender has approved your deferral then, no, it should not negatively impact your score. However, if the lender does not report the deferral properly in their system and it shows as a missed payment, then yes, it will impact your score. My advice is to get the deferral approval in writing, keep it on hand. Human error does occur. Also, make sure you understand which payments you can miss, get the exact dates. And never miss a mortgage payment otherwise.

How can I get through to my lender, the phone lines are currently jammed?

The best way to get in touch with your lender right now is through email. Some lenders  are automatically approving deferral requests simply when clients send in an email. It’s tough right now, some lenders are receiving around 80,000 phone calls and emails per day. They are all doing their best to help you.

Should I apply, and would I be approved, for a deferral?

Everyone’s individual situation is different. If you are finding it hard to pay all your bills, your mortgage, and put food on the table, then I would say it may be something you may want to consider. Each lender is approaching this differently, some are extending the amortization, some are increasing your payments so that your amortization remains the same. Make sure to see how this affects your mortgage personally. Some of the ones I have seen will see maybe a $50 – $100 increase per month when the payments resume.

If I were approved, how would a mortgage payment deferral work?

Each lender is approaching this differently, some are extending the amortization, some are increasing your payments so that your amortization remains the same. Make sure to see how this affects your mortgage personally. Some of the ones I have seen will see maybe a $50 – $100 increase per month when the payments resume.

With your history and insight into the real estate market from a lending perspective, how do you foresee the markets in the next 3, 6, 12 months?

I do watch this closely, I am someone who loves statistics and numbers. I was in the industry back when we saw the 2008 financial crisis. I am not a Realtor, I always say they are the best to talk to about the market. What I have witnessed and know, is that our real estate markets, historically, run in 10-year cycles of peaks and valleys. But since 2012 there has been a lot of government intervention in the mortgage world adding regulation upon regulation, which is not always a bad thing, but does impact the markets. The last time we hit a low like this it took us 3+ years to climb out of it. In 2017 things started to drop off again and continued in 2018 and 2019. For the last few years people have been waiting on the sidelines for various reasons. Reasons like not enough supply, saving for their down payment, or deciding to move to an area that is more affordable. Going into 2020, things were very optimistic, 2020 was said to be the year of pent-up demand, as stated by several chief economists. Then Covid-19 arrived and put a temporary damper on things. Some of us are still seeing quite a bit of movement in the market still. Some want to take advantage of what they perceive as a “dip in the real estate market values” and now is their chance to get into the market. That is their perception though, I am still seeing purchases and sales at or above BC Assessed values. At the same time there are others that have the “wait and see” approach. With things starting to open up in May and June, in the next 3-6 months, I would not be surprised if we see a rush of people trying to buy prior to prices going up. It’s heavily driven by people’s perception, government regulation, and supply. What I do know from my past experience is that British Columbia is the most desirable province to live in all of Canada. The future will always be bright for our market here in B.C., in my opinion.

With current mortgage rates at a historic low, is there a chance they will drop further?

Interest rates are always an interesting topic, it’s largely misunderstood what drives them. And if you hear about rates in the media, you are likely only hearing about variable rates, but that is never clarified. Rates are a huge topic, but I will touch on some main points here. Variable rates, which you are referring to in your question, follow each lender’s prime rate, currently 2.45% typically offered with a discount. The last time it was this low was ten years ago, it dipped down to 2.25% in April 2009. Prime rate is based on the Bank of Canada’s overnight rate, this is the rate at which lenders borrow money. The Bank of Canada uses this rate to help support the economy and keep it going. We haven’t yet come out of quarantine, with only talks of this beginning in May, we will have to see how this all plays out. I have heard murmurs of another possible drop to prime rate, but based on what I have seen so far from our current Finance Department, they will save another drop for the very last minute. There are set dates on which the overnight rate is reviewed, the last one April 15th we didn’t see any movement, the next one is scheduled for June 3rd. However, we did see 2 unscheduled drops already this year.

Fixed rates on the other hand, went up. They have an inverse relationship with the bond market. The bond market dropped which forced fixed rates up initially, but the Bank of Canada was to the rescue again and so we are seeing the fixed rates return to normal levels, with some great rate specials.

Giving the current uncertainty, personally I’m looking to switch from my home line of credit to a 5 year mortgage. Traditionally I have always opted for a variable rate on mortgages, do you think this is a good idea for anyone who wants to take advantage of the low rates? Will I be paying less per month? 

These are two great questions that I will address separately. If you have a large balance on your line of credit, regardless of what the rates are doing. Unless you have an end game plan to pay off that line of credit in full by way of selling your property, an inheritance, receiving a large sum of money, or you are highly disciplined, then I highly recommend converting that into an amortized mortgage. Lines of credit require a minimum payment of interest only, so you are never paying down the principle. When you turn it into a mortgage, then it requires a payment of interest plus principle so you are paying down your mortgage. Also, it tends to free up cash flow because you are not making a mortgage payment plus a line of credit payment.

I am a huge fan of the variable rate mortgages, if it makes sense for the borrower. There was a very good paper written by Moshe Milevsky, a professor of Finance at York University’s Schulich School of Business,  on how Canadian mortgage holders would have been better off 90% of the time with a variable rate rather than a fixed rate between 1950 and 2000. People focus too much on the rate and then tend to overlook the hidden costs or potential fees. A mortgage is much more than just a rate, although the rate is important. 65% of people will break a 5-year fixed term mortgage at the 36-month mark. A fixed mortgage means high penalties especially where there is a huge spread between the posted rate and your contract rate. Where a variable rate mortgage has only a 3-month interest penalty. A huge cost savings right there. It’s extremely important to look at these, it is a potential additional cost of your mortgage on top of the interest you are paying.

Fixed rates are still very good right now. But prior to locking into a fixed rate, make sure to factor in your short-term and long-term goals, like selling and upgrading or downsizing. Portability is an option but again you become a victim to the lender because they know you don’t have a choice but to take the rate they are offering you, or you will have to pay a penalty. But if it works out, then that is great.

Should anyone wish to speak to you directly, what’s the best method of contact for you in these busy times?

I always love to start with a phone call to make sure I can help. Phone is always best 604-787-5136. Email works too Cynthia@CynthiaMortgages.com. And in the meantime, you can email me and request to be added to my monthly mortgage update emails. And follow me on Facebook @cynthiamortgages  Instagram @cynthiamortgages and LinkedIn.

I love seeing how the Sunshine Coast community is rallying together as we all adjust to the new realities of life during Covid 19. 

Many small businesses here (and across the nation) are facing unprecedented challenges as they have had to close down or drastically shift operations. Depending on the sector, some businesses are able to adapt by operating online, doing deliveries or take-out, or completely shifting to making and selling new products and services to meet growing needs in other areas.

The Sunshine Coast has always been a collaborative, supportive community and during these tough times we need one another now, more than ever. I’ve compiled a list of ways you can support our local economy. 

#Prebuylocal

If your finances allow, I encourage you to support local in a new and creative way by “pre-buying” services. You could purchase gift certificates from your hair stylist, continue paying a membership fee to your favourite gym, or pre-purchase an art piece from a local artist. Every little bit helps entrepreneurs and businesses keep going during these uncertain times. You can also learn more about local businesses by visiting supportcoastal.com, which also links to a GoFundMe campaign designed to raise funds for local businesses. 

Purchase local products at the grocery store

There are many amazing items created here on The Coast, available in your local grocery store. Next time you’re doing your essentials shopping, pick up a product made or grown here in our community. Here are some great examples: 

• Ginger Jars uses grocery store food waste to make soups and sauces. They are still operating and are also offering support to anyone facing food insecurity. If you are in need of food, email them at change@gingerjars.ca
• Holy Crap cereal is made lovingly here on the Sunshine Coast.  

Ginger Jars

Tim and Stephanie and family of Drift Restaurant and Ginger Jars

Share on social media

If you hear about a local business that is getting creative right now, share their story on social media. The more people who become aware of how Sunshine Coast businesses are adapting, the more we can all come together to support. 

Buy from a local restaurant or producer

While all restaurants and bars have been asked to shutter their doors, many are getting creative, offering meal specials for take out and delivery. Here is a running list of eateries and craft beverage makers. These are just a few and the list is always growing. Please visit the Coast Culinary Collective website for up-to-date information.

CRAFT BEVERAGE PROVIDERS

• Tapworks Brewing Company is doing a drive-through beer pick-up as well as online ordering and delivery.
• Persephone Brewing Company is doing beer deliveries, as well as grocery pick-up in Gibsons
• One Foot Crow and Bruinwood Estate Distillery have started producing hand sanitizer 

Jeff Baringer and Danice Lofstrum of Bruinwood Distillery

FOOD PRODUCERS AND PROVISIONS

• The Gibsons Butcher is doing online and phone orders with no minimum or delivery fee
• Mama Musey’s Pierogi is offering free delivery for orders over $20
• Bricker Cider Company, Lone Wolf Provisions and Good Acre Market are teaming up for deliveries of bread, pastries, coffee, produce, and cider

Owners Adam and Shannon Vanderwood and Staff of The Gibsons Butcher

RESTAURANTS

• Lunitas Mexican Eatery is doing take-out, as well as home delivery of large orders for people who want to bulk order and heat up themselves 
• Smitty’s Oyster House is open for takeout Thursday to Sunday
• Gourmet Girl Cafe and Catering is doing delivery for orders $40 and above
• The Gumboot Restaurant is offering take-out 
• Buono Osteria is offering a ready-to-cook dinner for two and a bottle of Italian wine for $75+tax

Co-owner of Buono Osteria – Ryan Kingsberry

Life is certainly unpredictable at the moment, but together we can get through this. Hang in there Sunshine Coasters. We’ve got this!

What’s it like to live on one of Gibsons’ most iconic farms? I caught up with Chris Kelly, the co-owner of Pratt Farms, to learn more about this gorgeous property, which has just been put on the market (check out the listing).

Pratt Farm is located on a 9.75-acre parcel of land between Pratt Road and Mahan Road. The stunning property boasts two man-made lakes, two orchards, a six-bay workshop, stunning landscaping and a wide variety of produce and fruits.

The farm is a staple for many people in the Gibsons community, who stop by for a visit or to purchase fresh farm produce from the on-site market stand.

“The property is so visible and it’s in people’s consciousness,” Chris muses. “They drive by and they say: ‘Oh I was just thinking of you today as I was driving by your property.’”

So, how does one come into possession of such a gorgeous property in the first place?

Funny enough, when they first laid eyes on the property that would become Pratt Farm, it was more of a diamond in the rough versus the expansive, lush orchard we see today. It took expert eyes to see beyond the junkyard it was and craft a vision for its true potential. The pair put a lot of sweat equity into clearing and levelling the land and planting a variety of produce and fruit trees. It turns out that the southern light on the property and nutrient-rich soil at the base of the mountain yields perfect growing conditions—especially for apples.

Their dream was to not only have a small farm, but to turn it into a cidery too—hence the 500+ Heritage apple trees! Additionally, the orchards contain sought-after and rare Perry Pear and sour cherry trees for an extra pop of flavour.

Since 2013, they have tended to the land and connected with the community while doing so. Chris explains that they originally began selling product to help make use of the huge property. One of the advantages to this is that they gained farm status and were eligible for tax rebates and write-offs. Over the years, however, the pair (and their farm) have become woven into the fabric of the community.

Chris and his partner originally moved to the Sunshine Coast in 2012, having left the vibrant West End of Vancouver.

“What we didn’t have in the West End was community. There is so much community here. This is what I find over and over again,” says Chris. “People say they’ve won the lottery here because you have a great place and a pristine environment with mountains and oceans, but you also have this amazing community that cares for you, that supports you and looks out for you and vice versa. It’s just a really great way to age and evolve.”

Pratt Farm has built community in unexpected ways, like the time a local beekeeper approached them to house her bees on the land. Pratt Farm is now home to some 35 beehives during peak season, which is a win-win for pollinating crops and for bringing fresh, local honey to the Sunshine Coast

I asked Chris what surprised him most about the property:

“When I have guests come over, it is literally three minutes to walk to Starbucks. And yet, you’re in this secluded area. You’re in this area where there’s just trees all around you. You’ll never believe there’s three liquor stores five-minutes away (thank God) and you’ll never believe there’s a Starbucks. The whole town is literally at your doorstep and you’re not seeing any of it from where you are. It’s such a prime location.”

With its size, growing potential and the incredible groundwork that has already been laid on this property, there is plenty of opportunity to expand both the personal and commercial usages of this land.

“What I’ve learned about people on the coast is that people want to cobble together a life here. It’s not just one thing they want to focus on. They want to wear several hats,” says Chris. “This is really a great way to develop a life is to have not just one thing happening on the property, but several things. You could rent some space on it, you could do a Bed and Breakfast on it, you could do a U-Pick and have families come in and pick apples, you could open up a bakery and have all the ingredients for pie and jam. There are just so many different ways to cobble together a life here on Pratt Farm.”

With a versatile property like this, the sky ‘s the limit!

Interested in learning more about Pratt Farm? Contact me and let’s chat!