Barb Moewes slept in the cold for 2 weeks for a condo in her mom's building

When Barb Moewes wanted to move closer to her mother, she knew it would come at a price.

She was prepared to line up to get a condo in the same building as her mother's in Langley, British Columbia. But, for how long? Barb took the seventh spot in the queue and waited there for two weeks.

"We had absolutely no idea [how long we would be waiting]. All we knew was they were coming back on Tuesday, so we knew that we were sleeping at least two nights, and then however long until they planned to sell it."

She booked off work in anticipation, using some of her vacation time to camp outside the condo's presentation centre. Quadra, the developer, was "very accommodating", providing a washroom and tents for those in the lineup. 

"It was very windy and cold the first night, and we just had blankets and more blankets, and as much warm clothes as I could possibly could get on."

For two nights of the 14 day period, Barb paid people minimum wage to hold her spot in line.

"Am I crazy? Am I totally crazy? Is it really worth it? And then I think 'Yes, I can just walk down the stairs and I'm at mum's unit — right there'."

Barb got the condo. It has a gas barbecue, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a solarium and a walk-in closet. But most importantly, it's just a few steps away from her mother.

Related links:

• Camping out to buy a condo
• Condo campout ends as dozens move in to snap up Langley units