The Squamish real estate market has shifted. Buyers have more choice, more negotiating power, and more time to make decisions than we saw in recent years. But with that shift, I’m seeing some common mistakes that are actually causing buyers to miss out on great opportunities.
Here are the biggest ones.
1. Waiting for prices to drop further
Many buyers are sitting on the sidelines expecting the market to soften more. While the pace has slowed, the reality is that well-priced homes are still selling. Waiting for the “perfect” moment often means missing the best opportunities — especially when competition is lower.
When confidence returns, buyers will face more competition and less negotiating power.
2. Lowballing every property
Because the market feels softer, some buyers assume every seller is desperate. That’s not the case. Sellers who price correctly are still attracting interest, and extremely low offers often just result in missed opportunities.
There’s a difference between negotiating strategically and lowballing.
3. Not understanding that Squamish is a micro-market
Squamish is not one uniform market. Detached homes, townhomes, and condos are all behaving differently. Even within those categories, neighbourhoods perform differently — Garibaldi Highlands, Valleycliffe, Downtown, and newer developments each have their own dynamics.
Buyers comparing the wrong properties often misjudge value.
4. Focusing only on purchase price
Many buyers are concentrating on getting the lowest price possible but overlooking total ownership costs. Things like strata fees, insurance, property taxes, and maintenance all add up.
Understanding the full monthly cost is just as important as negotiating the purchase price.
5. Being too picky
Buyers are often looking for the perfect combination:
• ideal layout
• best views
• fully renovated
• lowest price
In a smaller market like Squamish, that combination rarely exists. Waiting for perfection often leads to missed opportunities.
6. Moving too slowly when the right property appears
Even in a slower market, the best properties still move quickly. Unique homes, well-priced listings, and desirable layouts continue to attract attention. Buyers who assume everything will sit on the market often lose out.
7. Not factoring in competition from new developments
New projects and presales can temporarily pull buyers away from resale inventory. This affects pricing expectations and perceived value. Buyers who don’t understand this dynamic sometimes misjudge whether a property is priced correctly.
8. Trying to time interest rates
Many buyers are waiting for rates to drop before purchasing. But when rates decline, demand typically increases. That often leads to more competition and upward pressure on prices.
Buying strategically in a quieter market can sometimes offer better long-term value.
9. Not thinking long-term
Squamish is a lifestyle purchase for many buyers. Focusing only on short-term market conditions can lead to missing properties that make sense long term — especially for those planning to stay several years.
10. Overanalyzing the market
Access to more data can be helpful, but it can also create decision paralysis. The most successful buyers right now are the ones who:
• understand the market
• recognize value
• act decisively
The right strategy isn’t about timing the market perfectly — it’s about recognizing opportunity when it appears.
The Bottom Line
The current Squamish market offers buyers more flexibility and negotiating power than we’ve seen in recent years. But the buyers who benefit most are the ones who stay informed, move strategically, and remain realistic.
If you’re thinking about buying and want to understand what opportunities look like in today’s market, I’m always happy to chat.