Squamish Real Estate Blog

Buying a Home | Pre-Sale Development

Posted on September 1, 2023 by Julie Phoenix

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

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Community Spotlight | Peaks and Ocean Window Cleaning

Posted on August 1, 2023 by Julie Phoenix

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

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Buying a Home | Kitchen Renovation

Posted on July 1, 2023 by Julie Phoenix

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

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Neighbourhood Spotlight | Downtown Squamish

Posted on June 1, 2023 by Julie Phoenix

When the weather is warm, one of my favorite areas in Squamish for a Saturday walk is Downtown Squamish! I park near the Macdonald Realty office on Cleveland, it's always the perfect spot to start my walk.

There is a new hidden gem in Squamish called Noshy that is a quick 5 minute walk, this is usually my first stop for a bite to eat. They have a small, casual and fun sit down area with a simple but yummy menu including my favorite, soup with a savoury tart! Then I make my way back down to Cleveland for dessert, which usually ends up being a Fox & Oak Doughnut. I'll of course have to also get two dog doughnuts to go, for my labs Georgia and Maya...as they will never forgive me if I don't!

My final stop is always the Squamish Farmers Market, I love supporting local makers, picking up fresh ingredients for dinner and listening to music when they have a musician playing. Here is a recipe that I made with my husband last Saturday evening, after stopping at the market:

Grilled Peach and Blueberry Pasta Salad:

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!

I would love to hear your favorite spots to walk to in Downtown Squamish or if you try the pasta salad above, leave a comment below!

~ Julie

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Community Spotlight | Home Steps Organizing

Posted on May 1, 2023 by Julie Phoenix

Home Steps provides Organization and Relocation services in Whistler, Squamish and Vancouver. I have worked closely with Ashley as she has supported multiple clients to declutter and stage their homes to get ready for listing. Home Steps provides light staging, meaning Ashley will use your own belongings while packing away any visual clutter and creating a more open and inviting space for a potential buyer. Learn more below!

Why do you love what you do? | I love that every client session is different, since Home Steps has started I have worked in so many homes. My clients have included a young college student needing a hand to pack and move home, to helping a busy family stage their townhouse and continuing bi-yearly decluttering sessions in their new home, to supporting a senior downsizing client find a home for her most loved possessions including a medium grand Steinway piano.

What does a day in the life look like? | As mentioned above, everyday is different and I love that! I'm either working alongside my clients or on my own in their homes. Going to consultations, taking donations or working on the backend of my business to make it the best it can be! I am a one woman show, the only service that I hire is my accountant, everything else is 100% me.

What would your ideal weekend look like? | When I'm not working, I love to keep it simple. A weekend in Squamish usually involves a hike or two, a walk downtown for lunch with my husband or a couple drinks with friends. Currently things are a bit hectic as our kitchen is being renovated, but I can't wait for that to be done, so that we can get back to our simple routines.

3 small things that make your day better? | When a client has a pet, who is then my assistant for the day :) When I get to see a client's reaction to a finished space! Warm weather, with evening hikes or walks with my husband.

3 pieces of advice based on your industry? | As soon as you know you want to sell your home start the decluttering process to get ready for listing, this will also make your packing and unpacking experience go much smoother. Start small in the least used areas of your home, until you know when pictures will be taken and showings will start, then you can ramp up as needed. Have some packing supplies on hand as you start to declutter, maybe you have some craft supplies for example that won't be used until after your move but they can be decluttered and packed properly now instead of scrambling near your possession date.

If you had unlimited funds to build a dream home, what would the look and feel be like? | My husband and I have always discussed together that it doesn't matter how much money we have, our house will always be small since we don't need much space. As mentioned above we are currently renovating our kitchen, this is so that it feels more like our personal style. However, we will always keep things simple, I personally like the idea that if we get overwhelmed with life in a busy season and can't keep up with dishes and laundry, etc the piles will never really get that big, since we keep our belongings minimal to start with.

Where can people find you?

Website | www.homestepsorganizing.ca

Instagram | @home.steps

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I have sold a property at 213 41105 TANTALUS RD in Squamish

Posted on April 29, 2023 by Julie Phoenix

Posted in Tantalus, Squamish Real Estate

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.

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New property listed in Valleycliffe, Squamish

Posted on April 13, 2023 by Julie Phoenix

Posted in Valleycliffe, Squamish Real Estate

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!

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Open House. Open House on Saturday, April 15, 2023 1:00PM - 3:00PM

Posted on April 13, 2023 by Julie Phoenix

Posted in Downtown SQ, Squamish Real Estate

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.

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Open House. Open House on Saturday, April 8, 2023 11:00AM - 12:00PM

Posted on April 5, 2023 by Julie Phoenix

Posted in Downtown SQ, Squamish Real Estate

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.

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Open House. Open House on Sunday, April 9, 2023 11:00AM - 12:30PM

Posted on April 5, 2023 by Julie Phoenix

Posted in Downtown SQ, Squamish Real Estate

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.

Read

New property listed in Downtown SQ, Squamish

Posted on April 4, 2023 by Julie Phoenix

Posted in Downtown SQ, Squamish Real Estate

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.

Read

I have sold a property at 26 40137 GOVERNMENT RD in Squamish

Posted on March 31, 2023 by Julie Phoenix

Posted in Garibaldi Estates, Squamish Real Estate

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.

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New property listed in Downtown SQ, Squamish

Posted on March 29, 2023 by Julie Phoenix

Posted in Downtown SQ, Squamish Real Estate

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.

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Open House. Open House on Saturday, March 4, 2023 1:30PM - 3:00PM

Posted on March 2, 2023 by Julie Phoenix

Posted in Garibaldi Estates, Squamish Real Estate

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.

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Open House. Open House on Saturday, March 4, 2023 11:30AM - 12:30PM

Posted on March 1, 2023 by Julie Phoenix

Posted in Downtown SQ, Squamish Real Estate

Please visit our Open House at 206 37881 CLEVELAND AVE in Squamish. See details here

Open House on Saturday, March 4, 2023 11:30AM - 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.

Read

New property listed in Garibaldi Estates, Squamish

Posted on February 25, 2023 by Julie Phoenix

Posted in Garibaldi Estates, Squamish Real Estate

New property listed in Garibaldi Estates, Squamish

I have listed a new 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.

Read

Open House. Open House on Saturday, February 25, 2023 2:00PM - 4:00PM

Posted on February 25, 2023 by Julie Phoenix

Posted in Garibaldi Estates, Squamish Real Estate

Please visit our Open House at 26 40137 GOVERNMENT RD in Squamish. See details here

Open House on Saturday, February 25, 2023 2:00PM - 4:00PM

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.

Read

Open House. Open House on Saturday, February 18, 2023 12:00PM - 1:30PM

Posted on February 15, 2023 by Julie Phoenix

Posted in Downtown SQ, Squamish Real Estate

Please visit our Open House at 206 37881 CLEVELAND AVE in Squamish. See details here

Open House on Saturday, February 18, 2023 12:00PM - 1:30PM

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. Open House Sat, Feb 18th from 12-1:30 pm.

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Open House. Open House on Sunday, February 12, 2023 12:00PM - 1:30PM

Posted on February 9, 2023 by Julie Phoenix

Posted in Downtown SQ, Squamish Real Estate

Please visit our Open House at 206 37881 CLEVELAND AVE in Squamish. See details here

Open House on Sunday, February 12, 2023 12:00PM - 1:30PM

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. Open House Sat, Feb 4th 12-1:30 pm.

Read

New property listed in Downtown SQ, Squamish

Posted on February 4, 2023 by Julie Phoenix

Posted in Downtown SQ, Squamish Real Estate

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. Open House Sat, Feb 4th 12-1:30 pm.

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Cell:604-849-4990 | juliephoenixsq@gmail.com

Squamish Real Estate Blog