In British Columbia, usually yes—an estate property can be listed before probate is granted. But the executor’s authority and the property’s title matter, and the grant of probate will be needed before ownership can be transferred.

Specific clauses in the Contract of Purchase and Sale are required. The timing must account for the probate process and buyers will want to know what stage has been reached when they write an offer.

Because every estate is different, I suggest a conversation with a BC estate lawyer before proceeding, to understand the process and uncover any potential barriers to a successful transaction.

Have you ever been the Executor of an Estate? Was there a property involved? It can be a frustrating and difficult task. You need the right advisors behind you. 

• Estate Lawyer

• Real Estate Agent

• Tax Expert *in some cases

Need help? Contact me to learn more. 

Julia Stauffer - REALTOR® | Macdonald Realty - North Shore  | Direct 604.837.5048

1575 Marine Drive, West Vancouver 

Love the location, but envision an updated condo?

The one you’re looking at could be an opportunity to create a home that reflects your own style and needs, more easily than you think!

Strive Capital’s Purchase Plus Improvements program may allow eligible buyers to finance the purchase of a property and approved renovations together in one mortgage. Your approval is based on the renovated value of the unit!

Yes, some traditional lenders have these types of programs but the amount is usually limited to around $40,000 and you need to have the money to spend, do the work and then get reimbursed. With Strive you’ll only need to fund a deposit to get your contractor going, then Strive will pay the contractor directly after that with pre-arranged draws (up to 3). 

Potential improvements may include:

• Kitchen and bathroom renovations

• New flooring and windows

Renovation financing of $5,000 to $150,000 may be available, subject to lender approval, property eligibility, appraisals and program requirements.

Ask me how this program could help you explore the possibilities for that condo that needs renos! 

Financing is subject to lender approval and program terms. Buyers should consult a qualified mortgage professional to determine eligibility and available financing.

This program was introduced to me by Joe Cutura of Tango Financial. Want more info? Contact me and I’ll explain more and connect you with Joe!

Julia Stauffer - Macdonald Realty  - 604.837.5048

West Vancouver | North Vancouver - Listing and Selling the North Shore

Whether you’re buying your first home, making a move, downsizing, or preparing to sell, your goals, your circumstances and your definition of “home” matter. My commitment is to listen, guide, communicate openly and be there for you every step of the way. Because this isn’t just a transaction. It’s your journey — and I’m here to help you navigate it with confidence.

Thinking about making a move?

Let’s start with a conversation, no pressure, no obligation, just an opportunity to talk about where you are, where you want to go and what’s next. I’ll bring the experience, attention to detail and personal commitment to help make your next move a great one.

Julia Stauffer - Macdonald Realty West Vancouver - Direct 604 837 5048

 Contact me

The next move for my client took care and patience. Coordinating her sale with this well timed purchase, took exemplary cooperation from the agents on all sides of the transaction. Great communication and respectful negotiation was the key!

What does your next move look like, do you have a plan? A discovery call will help set you on the path to success. 

Whether it’s a home in West Vancouver, a townhome in North Vancouver or a condo in Kitsilano. Contact me and let’s get started! 

One of my great Mortgage Advisors, Joe Cutura of Tango Financial, sent out this great piece this week. In this world of higher living costs, being able to save for retirement earlier and pay down other debt might trump paying off your mortgage faster. It’s a matter of balance that should be carefully considered. 

Read on…..

One of the most common misconceptions about mortgages is that a shorter amortization is always the better choice. While paying off a mortgage more quickly can certainly reduce interest costs over time, the reality is that the right amortization depends on a homeowner's financial situation and long-term goals.

Amortization simply refers to the length of time it would take to pay off a mortgage if payments remained unchanged. In Canada, many homeowners choose amortizations of 25 years, although shorter and longer options may be available depending on the mortgage and lending guidelines.

A shorter amortization typically results in higher monthly payments but allows more of each payment to go toward the mortgage principal. Over time, this can significantly reduce the total amount of interest paid and help homeowners build equity more quickly.

A longer amortization works differently. Because the repayment period is spread over more years, the required monthly payment is lower. While this generally increases total interest costs over the life of the mortgage, it can also create valuable flexibility within a household budget.

For some homeowners, that flexibility can be important. A lower mortgage payment may allow them to build an emergency fund, contribute to retirement savings, manage childcare expenses, pay down higher-interest debt, or simply maintain a more comfortable monthly cash flow. During periods of higher interest rates or economic uncertainty, preserving flexibility can be just as important as accelerating repayment.

It is also worth remembering that choosing a longer amortization does not necessarily lock a homeowner into slower repayment. Many mortgages include prepayment privileges that allow borrowers to make additional payments when their finances permit. This can provide the best of both worlds: lower required payments combined with the ability to pay down the mortgage faster when circumstances allow.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to balance. While minimizing interest costs is an important consideration, it is only one part of a larger financial picture. The mortgage strategy that works best for a young family managing multiple financial priorities may look very different from the strategy chosen by someone approaching retirement.

Like many financial decisions, the goal is not to find a one-size-fits-all solution. It is to choose an approach that aligns with your income, lifestyle, and long-term objectives. A mortgage should support your broader financial plan, and sometimes that means prioritizing flexibility just as much as speed of repayment.

Are you planning and need mortgage advice? Reach out to Joe, he’d love to guide you! 

Joe at joe@joecutura.ca - Tango Financial

Are you planning on buying a home in 2026? Contact me for the inside scoop on the location you’re thinking about! 

West Vancouver | North Vancouver | Downtown Vancouver | Kitsilano

julia@juliastauffer.ca

WALK to everything from this lovely bright 1 bedroom suite in super Westshore Place. The large west facing balcony runs the length of the suite and the enclosed north balcony is perfect as a office or den for a guest stay. The suite features a recently renovated bathroom, newer kitchen appliances and lovely bamboo floors. IMAGINE living this close to the beach, shopping and restaurants with quick access to downtown via car or bus. BONUS! The building features a fabulous outdoor POOL for you to enjoy in the summer months. A super lifestyle at a great price! 1 parking and storage. Newly renovated lobby & hallways! This building is PET FRIENDLY (1 dog or 2 cats) It's a gem!

Priced at $629,000 

R3118747

The new BC Assessments are now available. You can search yours here. https://www.bcassessment.ca/

The BC Assessments released on January 1st are a basic evaluation as at July 1st of the previous year. So what does that mean?

It’s not current, micro markets can change plenty over 6 months. It’s not specific to the condition of your home - no one came to your home and viewed it. If you plan to stay in your home, it’s just the basis for your property taxes for the new year (lower is better!). If you plan to sell it can create fear (if lower than you expected or than last year) or give you a false sense of security (if it’s gone up a lot). 

If you’re thinking about selling in 2026, you need a current, accurate market evaluation from a professional. Pricing a home is only one piece of the puzzle but an honest opinion is the beginning of you turning over those keys this year!

Contact me today, get the real low down and start your selling journey.

Macdonald Realty is where I found “my” home 10 years ago. I bonded instantly with the vivacious, bright, kind Managing Broker Pat Place. After our extended meeting with lots of great conversations and laughs, I said "well let's see how it goes, maybe I'm not the right type of person for this business" and she said "Julia, you're exactly the right type of person for this business!" Her encouragement, guidance and kindness have never wavered. She's a fantastic woman and friend. 

That's my Intro to Macdonald Realty and my Real Estate Business - spanning the North Shore and Greater Vancouver. 10 years on Macdonald Realty is still the place for me!

Let me help you find your home!

Julia Stauffer - Macdonald Realty (North Shore) - 604.837.5048

1575 Marine Drive, West Vancouver BC V7V 1H9  - julia@juliastauffer.ca

This October, I’m celebrating my 10th year as a REALTOR® in Vancouver and the North Shore—a milestone I couldn’t have reached without the trust, support, and referrals of clients, friends, and community.

When I made a mid-life leap into real estate, I knew it would take persistence and passion to carve out my place in such a competitive market. What I didn’t know is how much I’d come to love this work: the relationships built, the stories shared, and the communities I’ve been privileged to serve.

For me, real estate has never been just about homes—it’s about lifestyle, connection, and helping people thrive in this incredible city. It’s been an honour to be part of so many of your stories along the way. 

If we haven't met yet, join me for your next real estate journey! 💫 Here’s to the next chapter.

Julia Stauffer - Macdonald Realty (North & West Vancouver) 

We recently bought a townhome and sold our condo with Julia as our incredible realtor. This is our 2nd time working with Julia, having bought our 1st home with her help years ago and I just can't recommend her enough. Even through the tough market with many similar condos for sale in our area, she does her research and pays attention to the finest details which allowed us to sell our condo in a short time frame. We are so grateful for her help and knowledge. Julia goes above and beyond. Top notch realtor, stop looking for a realtor - she is the one!!

~KS & KS

Let’s connect and talk about your buying or selling plans! Or maybe it’s both!