Bank of Canada announced today the reduction of lending interest rates by 0.5%.

OTTAWA – The Bank of Canada today announced that it is lowering its target for the overnight rate by one-half of a percentage point to 3 per cent. The operating band for the overnight rate is correspondingly lowered, and the Bank Rate is now 3 1/4 per cent.

The U.S. subprime mortgage crisis played as a factor in the decision, the bank commenting that growth in the global economy has weakened, reflecting the effects of a sharp slowdown in the U.S. economy and ongoing dislocations in global financial markets. Growth in the Canadian economy has also moderated as buoyant growth in domestic demand, supported by high employment levels and improved terms of trade, has been substantially offset by the fall in net exports. While both total and core CPI inflation were running at about 1.5 per cent at the end of the first quarter, the underlying trend of inflation is judged to be about 2 per cent, consistent with an economy that was operating just above its production capacity.

The Bank projects that the Canadian economy will grow by 1.4 per cent this year, 2.4 per cent in 2009, and is expected to balance out at 3.3 per cent in 2010.

For the full story see http://www.bankofcanada.ca/en/fixed-dates/2008/rate_220408.html

Starts today!!

Every spring Whistler ramps it up for 10 days of celebration at the Telus World Ski & Snowboard festival from April 11-20, 2008.

Don’t miss out on the action with 50 live concerts,  pro ski and snowboard big air & half pipe competitions, the legendary filmmaker and pro photographer showdowns, the world backcountry freeridge jam, mountain bike movie premier of ‘Seasons’ by the Collective, fashion shows, art exhibitions…. there is something for everyone.

After incredible winter Whistler Blackcomb is shaping up to have the best spring skiing and riding in the world.

For full schedule of events see http://whistler.mtv.ca/ 

John Ryan and the team are changing the face of real estate in Whistler and changing our own face in the process. We’ve got a whole new look – from the graphics on our letterhead to the grins of our newest associates. The focus is once again on Whistler’s luxury market and we’re pulling out all the stops. Expect to see everything from an increasing presence in local & international media, including the new Whistler Real Estate Magazine, to personalized web sites for exclusive properties.

Our timing couldn’t be better. Investors have turned their eyes on Whistler, and the luxury home market has never been hotter. In the past year, John Ryan and the team represented the three top sales in Whistler, including a record sale of a property listed at $22,000,000. We are leading the local real estate market in multi-million dollar transactions.

With a passion for all that Whistler has to offer, John Ryan and the team bring integrity and professionalism to the table. We engage our clients in the search for the right investment and provide the sound advice and confidentiality they need to make their final decision.

Widely recognized for his expertise, John Ryan provides the most extensive exposure for sellers and invaluable tools for buyers. No other Whistler realtor has that kind of local expertise or experience in international markets. The added knowledge and networks within the team result in an unmatched ability to best serve our clients. And with high-end international buyers always looking for something special, opportunity knocks often. We know the community as intimately as we know the real estate market and how to best present your property.

We provide the competitive edge in Whistler.

Take us up on it.

JR