September saw an increase in sales activity when compared to the same period in 2010. There was an increase of 48% from 39 sales last year to 59 reported for 2011. Now one month does not make a trend but, when we look at the last 60 days, the sales volume has increased at a slightly slower rate of about 9% over the same period a year ago while the last 90 days of volume has increased about 16%.

Although total unit sales volume has not reached our peak historical levels, where we have seen as significant change is in the median sale price of townhomes, which is our most active area of sales. They have increased over this period from $459,000 in 2009 to $543,000 most recently, so we’re going in the right direction.

It would seem the market is showing all the signals of coming out of low spot, prices are firming, activity is steady and improving slowly. Troubling situations which weigh on the market are getting cleaned up (there are lots more foreclosures than a year ago) and we are anticipating a new floor level has been created on which we can build.

Buyers will continue to hold a strategic advantage but increasingly they will find that a delay could mean a missed opportunity the closer we get to ski season. Traditionally, Sellers become more entrenched in their pricing positions as the snow starts to fly so they can ski another season or rent out the property.

Great opportunity still exists, and the bottom of the market could be now?

The only property in Bear Creek that has magnificent views which include the valley, Alpha Lake, Sprout Mountain, Tantalus Range, Callahan and the peak of Whistler Mountain
Situated on a quiet cul-de-sac.
Privacy
Year-round sun – 270 degrees views from the house
Gets both sunrise and sunset
Level entry
Decks are all pressure treated cedar with custom made cedar railings, installed 2007 – refinished 2009
5 year-old Beachcomber hot tub – view the alpenglow on Whistler mountain from the hot tub
Three decks. Hot tub deck, Master Bedroom deck and living room/dining room deck.
All exterior doors and window trim refinished in 2009
Landscaped garden with rock stairs at the back of the property winding through the trees to Bear Creek tree parkland and Bayshores trail
Short walk from the Bear Creek ski out trail

Inside
100% wool heavy duty carpeting installed 2008. Sub-floor refastened at the same time
Maple wood floors
Custom cabinets throughout - maple and alder. Custom fitted Garibaldi Granite tops in master bedroom and guest bathroom
Granite kitchen countertops
New SS gas range and hood in kitchen
Limestone in master bedroom bathroom w/Moen fittings and steam shower + heated floor. Spectacular views of the lake and valley from jacuzzi tub
Limestone in guest bathroom – heated floor
Both living room and kitchen have double doors that open up to the decks during the summer
Living room wood burning fireplace double-sided - going through to the den/media room
Both gas and electric hot water heaters new in 2009
Hi output gas furnace/electronic air filter/humidifier
Central ventilation system throughout house
New 5kw emergency generator
4 station satellite TV
House comes with all appliances - 42” plasma screen TV, Bose stereo, etc.
Edge grain fir doors and trim
Custom made basalt rock wine cellar
Built in vacuum
2 car heated garage – room for six more cars on driveway

Suite
A one bedroom suite which can be converted to 2 bedroom
Suite washer/dryer new in 2008
Suite bathroom has heated limestone floors
Suite has own private outside patio and garden

LUXURY SINGLE FAMILY HOME IN BEAR CREEK ESTATES, WHISTLER $1,995,000

The modern lines of this spectacular architectural home define clean, sophisticated spaces and blur the boundaries between interior and exterior. Walls seem to melt away as broad strokes of glass paint them with the natural landscape. Views towards the Peak-to-Peak Gondola between Whistler and Blackcomb frame the village below and the protected private yard alongside the house.

Raw natural elements provide alpine character within a neutral palette. Dramatic dark wood floors ground the living area, while sandblasted fir and Haddington Island stone adorn feature walls, adding texture and richness to the space. Built in furnishings ensure an uncluttered feel, while every luxury from wine cellar to gym to dual rooftop patios elevates this estate.

NEW PRICE $6,490,000

Blue skies, rugged peaks and acres of alpine forest are the focus of this magnificent modern estate. Set into the hillside, ‘The Lookout’ brings Whistler’s West Bowl, Mount Wedge, Mount Rethel and Mount Cook together in a ‘picture perfect’ view best seen from wall to wall and floor to ceiling windows.

Architect, Peter Buchanan and builders, Vision Pacific, the leaders in modern mountain estates, envision a state-of-the-art timber frame home design that offers open space, mixed textures and neutral tones. Choose this five bedroom, 5000 square foot plan, featuring clean lines and big views - or work with the builders to design your own.

The Southlands is an exclusive, three-estate community accessed via a private driveway off Spring Creek.

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.

HOW YOU CAN HELP - SPEAK OUT

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!