Racing the clock to find a home before your posting date? You’re not alone. With a focused plan, you can make the most of a short window and keep your benefits on track. In this guide, you’ll learn how to plan a BGRS‑compliant Home Hunting Trip (HHT) to Comox, what to book and when, what to bring, and how to decide quickly with confidence. Let’s dive in.
What BGRS‑compliant really means
Your entitlements and rules depend on your employer’s contract. The most important step is to get written authorization for your HHT before you spend money you plan to claim. Keep every itemized receipt and follow the claim process your relocation administrator requires.
Ask your BGRS or relocation coordinator to confirm, in writing:
- Who is authorized to travel and how many days you’re covered.
- Eligible expense categories and daily limits for lodging, meals, car rental, mileage, and parking.
- Required receipt formats, preferred vendors, and claim timelines.
- Any pre‑approval needed for extra days or higher rates.
Recheck the rules before you submit your claim, because policies and per‑diems can change.
Build your trip timeline
Aim to secure authorization first, then book flexible travel you can adjust if plans shift. Short HHTs of 2 to 4 days are common. If you’re flying, Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) connects through Vancouver, which makes tight trips feasible. A rental car helps you cover Comox, Courtenay, Cumberland, and nearby rural areas efficiently.
- Book lodging with free cancellation. Ask about corporate or military discounts and check if base temporary lodging is available.
- Lock in a meeting with a local agent familiar with BGRS. Share your wish list and mortgage pre‑approval.
- Pre‑schedule showings, cluster viewings by area, and add time for neighborhood drive‑bys, base contacts, and school visits.
- Build in one buffer day for follow‑ups, offers, or weather delays.
2‑ and 4‑day itineraries
Use these templates as a starting point and customize them to your authorization window.
2‑day express trip
- Day 1: Meet your agent, tour 4–6 top properties, do neighborhood drive‑bys and school or daycare visits. Shortlist 2 finalists, review finances, and prep offer materials.
- Day 2: Second viewings, then decide and submit an offer if ready. Visit base housing or the Military Family Resource Centre in the afternoon.
4‑day in‑depth trip
- Day 1: Orientation with base contacts, strategy meeting with your agent, area drive‑through to learn the Valley.
- Days 2–3: Viewings grouped by location, plus amenity checks and school stops; attend an inspection if timing allows.
- Day 4: Final review, negotiations, and coordination with your lender and lawyer or notary.
Virtual‑first plan
- Pre‑trip: Use live video tours and 3D walkthroughs to shortlist. Pick 3–4 finalists.
- Trip (1–2 days): See finalists in person, take detailed notes, then decide with support from inspection reports.
What to bring: documents checklist
Arrive ready to act. Keep digital copies in a secure cloud folder.
- Written HHT authorization and eligible expense list from BGRS or your employer.
- Photo ID, military or employer ID, and posting or transfer orders (if applicable).
- Mortgage pre‑approval letter and proof of funds for deposit.
- Recent pay stubs, employment letter, and credit details.
- Contact info for your mortgage broker and BC real estate lawyer or notary.
- For condo searches, request strata documents and bylaws early if possible.
- Driver’s license and vehicle registration (for rentals and test drives).
Finance and legal prep in BC
Get pre‑approved before you travel so you can write a strong, timely offer. In British Columbia, you’ll sign a standard Contract of Purchase and Sale with conditions that fit your situation, such as financing, inspection, and strata document review for condos. A local lawyer or notary handles closing, so choose one in advance.
Be ready to deliver a deposit quickly by bank draft or trust transfer. Learn estimated closing costs, property transfer tax, possible GST on new construction, and typical strata fees if you’re considering condos. Confirm exact steps and timelines with your lender and legal representative.
Your on‑trip game plan
Structure each day so you learn fast and decide with less stress.
- Morning: Neighborhood drive‑bys, catchment checks, and commute tests.
- Midday: Property showings with your agent.
- Afternoon: Amenities, utilities, and lot or building checks.
- Evening: Review your shortlist and market comparables together.
Take timestamped photos and score each home against your must‑have list. Keep your mortgage broker and lawyer in the loop if you’re preparing to write an offer.
Virtual and remote tools
You can reduce in‑person time by pairing technology with a clear plan.
- Live video walkthroughs and 3D tours help you narrow choices.
- Ask for slow, detailed views of systems, windows, ceilings, crawlspaces, and exterior lines.
- Request a neighborhood video showing distance to base, groceries, transit points, and peak‑time routes.
- Use e‑signatures for offers and condition removals if your team confirms they’re acceptable in your case.
Virtual tours are helpful, but not a full replacement for inspections. If you buy from a distance, include protective conditions and hire a trusted local inspector who provides a thorough written report with photos. Have your agent or a local contact attend the inspection and report back in real time.
Offers on tight timelines
When time is short, decide how you will decide before you arrive.
- Set non‑negotiables like commute time, bedrooms, or preferred school catchments, plus a few flexible tradeoffs.
- Choose a lead decision‑maker to avoid delays.
- Use key clauses, such as financing, inspection, and strata review for condos, with realistic but brief deadlines.
- If the market heats up, consider an escalation clause carefully. It may affect leverage on other terms.
- Keep a backup shortlist and second‑viewing times ready in case your first choice sells.
Local resources to check
As you plan, connect with:
- 19 Wing Comox for base housing contacts and posted family support.
- The Military Family Resource Centre for local orientation and childcare referrals.
- Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) for flight and ground transport details.
- Municipal pages for Comox, Courtenay, Cumberland, and the regional district for utilities and bylaws.
- School District 71 (Comox Valley) for catchment maps and enrollment steps.
- Vancouver Island Real Estate Board for current market data and trends.
After your trip
Submit your claim to BGRS or your relocation administrator promptly. Include all itemized receipts and any required forms, and keep copies for your records. If your offer is accepted and you have conditions, schedule inspections, strata reviews, and lender steps right away. If you did not secure a home, stay in regular contact with your agent for new listings and consider a quick second visit.
How Stevie supports your HHT
You deserve a calm, organized plan from first call to closing. With hands‑on relocation experience in the Comox Valley, BGRS familiarity, and strong local vendor connections, you get a partner who sets showings strategically, manages virtual tours, and keeps financing, inspection, and legal steps on track.
Here’s what that looks like in practice:
- A structured HHT plan tailored to your authorization window and wishlist.
- Efficient routing across Comox, Courtenay, Cumberland, and nearby areas.
- Real‑time video tours, detailed photo notes, and inspection‑focused advocacy.
- Coordination with your lender and lawyer or notary for smooth condition removals.
- Clear, responsive communication so you can decide with confidence.
Ready to make your move simple and BGRS‑compliant? Connect with Stevie Cauvier to plan your Home Hunting Trip.
FAQs
What is a BGRS‑compliant Home Hunting Trip?
- It’s a trip authorized in writing by your BGRS or employer relocation program, with eligible expenses and timelines confirmed, and supported by itemized receipts and proper claim submissions.
How many days should I plan for a Comox HHT?
- Many transferees plan 2 to 4 days, but your entitlement varies; confirm your authorized duration and build in a buffer day for offers or delays.
Can I buy a Comox home using virtual tours only?
- Yes, some buyers do, but you should include protective conditions, hire a qualified local inspector for a detailed report, and have your agent attend the inspection.
What documents should I bring for a BGRS claim?
- Bring written HHT authorization, itemized receipts, IDs, posting or transfer orders (if applicable), and any claim forms your administrator requires.
Do I need a car to tour homes across the Comox Valley?
- A rental car is recommended to cover Comox, Courtenay, Cumberland, and rural areas efficiently within a short HHT window.
How fast can I make an offer during an HHT in BC?
- With a pre‑approval, a local lawyer or notary identified, and deposit funds ready, you can submit an offer quickly using standard forms and short, realistic condition periods.
