Below from British Columbia Real Estate Association …

The British Columbia Real Estate Association and its members are concerned that home buyers and sellers, particularly buyers of new homes, will bear most of the burden associated with the proposed Harmonized Sales Tax (HST).

The cost of real estate transactions will increase on July 1, 2010 with the introduction of the new HST. The people of BC will be particularly affected since our province has some of the highest priced real estate in the country. Approximately 40 per cent of all real estate transactions in BC involve sales priced over $400,000, the threshold over which any HST rebate begins to lose significance.

The effect of the HST will also be to introduce a new tax on most services provided by GST/HST registrants in BC. As such, service-providers like REALTORS®, home inspectors, and appraisers will be required by government to collect and remit 12 per cent HST on their fees.

The bottom line is that the proposed HST will increase the cost of buying and selling all property and it will have a much greater impact on the purchase of newly-built homes. Almost 60 per cent of the average family’s household income is required to cover home ownership costs. If the HST is implemented as planned, they’ll be paying even more.

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MORE ON HOW YOU WILL BE AFFECTED

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Our Summer 2009 Magazine is now available! Pick up one of these high quality magazines throughout Whistler, Squamish & Pemberton or take a peek online at The Whistler Real Estate Magazine

Whistler, The Magazine
The Whistler Real Estate magazine has been included as part of the popular publication Whistler, The Magazine. This high-quality publication explores, informs and depicts the history, life and lifestyles of our exciting resort. It is a keepsake for many visitors to Whistler and more often than not slips into their bags for the journey home. Whistler The Magazine is available in nearly every hotel room and resort property in Whistler. Also available on news stands and tourist locations at key points throughout British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest, its readership of over 400,000 for each edition is significant.

Real Estate sales continue to be strong in Whistler this month with 18 sales reported so far for May. Buyers are continuing to take advantage of the value in our market and lock in at low interest rates! With the 2010 Olympic Games less than a year away, it is hard not to get excited about the opportunities to buy in Whistler and become a part of this inspiring mountain community.

This week’s Whistler Real Estate picks

2972 Kadenwood Drive - a stunning luxury home located at the exclusive Kadenwood Estates. Ski-in Ski-out from Whistler mountain or take in the endless SW views of the Tantalus Mountain range from your outdoor hot tub & entertaining area, either way, the choice is yours.

21 Four Seasons Private Residence - with every need and wish catered for, these Private Residences are ready to welcome you home.

812 Pan Pacific Mountainside - take top position for the 2010 Olympic Games at the Whistlers desirable location. Steps from Whistler Blackcomb base this Penthouse suite offers quality finishing and excellent service in one of the best revenue producing hotels.

3 Northern Lights - Prime Location & Priced to Sell! Walk to village, shops & restaurants, ski-in ski-out to Whistler mountain or relax by the wood burning fireplace, this is a home perfect for the whole family.

Whistlers Fairmont Chateau Golf Course

Golf Season has begun with all of Whistler’s Championship Golf Courses open

Whistler Golf Club Arnold Palmer Signature Course
Fairmont Whistler Golf Course Robert Trent-Jones Signature Course
Nicklaus North Golf Course Jack Nichols Signature Course
Big Sky, Pemberton Robert Cupp Signature Course

Whistler Real Estate buyers continue to find incredible value in all segments of our market.

6616 Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre. Listed $499,900

Listed below assessed value and located in one of Whistler’s best revenue producing condo/hotel buildings.Well appointed with quality finishing, this suite features 1.5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, gourmet kitchen, spacious living area and stunning mountain views. Enjoy the hotel amenities with year round outdoor heated salt water lap pool, hot tubs, boutique spa, exercise room, ski storage and concierge services.

This is an opportunity not to be missed! 6616 Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre

In our continuing effort to provide you with the necessary information to make informed decisions in the Whistler Real Estate market, we believe the current value of the Canadian dollar to be a significant factor.

In the last 10 days the Canadian dollar has averaged .779108¢ USD compared to a year ago when the Canadian dollar was actually worth more than the US dollar! The experts are saying that the Canadian dollar should remain in the current range through the first half of this year before heading higher over the next year to the .90¢ USD range.

The combination of incredible value in the Whistler Real Estate market (remember we have had a flat stable market since third quarter 2002), the current strength of the US dollar in relation to the Canadian dollar, historically low interest rates and a strong “buyers market” mentality makes this the ideal time to seriously consider Whistler.

In addition, remember that the true benefit of hosting the 2010 Olympics next February is the incredible media exposure with close to 3 billion television viewers and over 10,000 media representatives in attendance. The predictions are that our market will see increased activity as a result of the Olympic exposure beginning the summer of 2010.

Please give us a call if you would like to discuss the possibilities.

6469 St Andrews Way - $1,248,000
3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, newly renovated, single car garage, desirable location in Whistler Cay Heights overlooking the Whistler Golf Course

613 Pan Pacific Mountainside - $474,900
Prime location at the base of Whistler & Blackcomb Gondolas, steps from skiing, shops, restaurants. 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, excellent revenue producing property and perfect for your vacation getaway.

3116 St Moritz - $1,149,000
Beautifully renovated 3.5 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom townhome. Located in Whistler’s Blueberry Estates, enjoy the comforts of a luxury home at an affordable price.

5229 Jordan Lane - $2,850,000
Fully furnished, 6 bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms, 3 fireplaces (1 outdoor), 2 car oversized garage. Situated on 1.3 acres and offering incredible mountain views this is a deal not to be missed!

Whistler Real Estate Purchases in 2008

Recent price reductions offering incredible value on Whistler Real Estate investments

319 Pan Pacific Mountainside - New Price $595,000
One of the best revenue producing properties in Whistler and located at the base of Whistler & Blackcomb gondolas, just steps from skiing, shops and restaurants. A prime location for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.

319 - 4320 Sundial Crescent, Whistler, BC, Canada

5229 Jordan Lane - New Price $2,950,000
Luxurious 3100 square foot residence, modern design and incredible ski run views of Whistler Mountain. Set on over an acre of land, in a private treed setting overlooking pristine Nita Lake. Owners have the convenience of all the hotel facilities of the new Nita Lake Lodge at their fingertips and be in a unique position to either decide to rent their new property through the hotel or maintain it for their own personal use. Significant recent price reduction offering incredible value to purchasers.

Talon Pointe, Nita Lake Residences, Whistler, BC, Canada

Any property located on “Resort Lands” is required to pay Tourism Whistler Fees to contribute to the promotion of Whistler worldwide. This primarily affects properties located in the the main tourism areas of the village, however is it best to check with your Realtor before purchasing any property to see if you will be required to pay these yearly fees.

Assessment Fee Structure (Annual)

1 bedroom =2 units  (Sleeping Areas)
Living room, den or enclosed loft containing sleeping facilities (i.e. a bed or sofa bed) 2 units
Non enclosable loft (open) containing sleeping facilities (i.e. bed or sofa bed) = 1 unit
Includes 5% GST