Opening Day Success at Baxter Creek
Whistler real estate market basks in Olympic afterglow
Baxter Creek sells 70% on opening weekend
May 17, 2010 (Vancouver, BC) – After months of preparation, Baxter Creek began sales of the first phase of their development this past weekend. With 23 stunning homesites available, buyers were quick to act, snapping up 16 properties over the two days. This opening weekend marks the start of a new community in Whistler and is fueling further discussion about the positive effect that the Olympics are having on real estate sales in Whistler.
“Since 2003, the Whistler real estate market has been flat while the Vancouver market has been relatively strong,” notes John Ryan of the Whistler Real Estate Company. “With only 10 lot sales in 2009, there have already been 24 lot sales in 2010 including Baxter Creek this past weekend, a clear sign that Whistler’s international exposure during the Olympics has sparked a turnaround in the market.”
The first phase of 23 homesites at Baxter Creek follows the natural contours of a gently sloping bench of land with some of the finest views in all of Whistler. Generous lot sizes, some almost half an acre in size, can accommodate up to a 3500 square feet home, making it an ideal location for those moving up from a condominium or looking to build their dream mountain home.
“With 70% of the homesites sold in our opening weekend, the market has not only recognized the stunning views and sun exposure Baxter Creek offers, but also the tremendous value in our marketplace.” states Michael Hutchison of Bethel Lands Corporation.
Baxter Creek encompasses the last bed units at Whistler allowed by the Resort Municipality of Whistler and the Provincial Government. The homes will be built in a mountain contemporary architectural style and while there are a few other new homesite developments in Whistler, none offer the combination of value, view and a private pool amenity that Baxter Creek does.
Baxter Creek offers a south facing exposure from a bench of land above the valley floor, resulting in sunshine from dawn to dusk. Looking out over the ski runs of both Whistler and Blackcomb, the peaks of Wedge, Sprout, Rainbow, and down over Green Lake, the view is one typically seen only from some of the valley’s most exclusive homes. Above the development, a network of trails connecting Alpine Meadows to the west and Emerald Estates to the east encourages exploration and adventure. Baxter Creek is a community designed to take full advantage of the spectacular panoramic view and natural surroundings.
About Baxter Creek
Baxter Creek is a new Whistler neighborhood comprised of 48 stunning homesites and 41 luxury townhomes located above Green Lake. Looking out over the ski runs of Whistler and Blackcomb and bathed in all day sun, the development is centered on a community amenity and connected to Whistler’s extensive backcountry trail network, allowing easy access to hiking, running, biking and snowshoeing through beautiful natural terrain. Priced from the low $700’s, select homesites in the first phase are available. Visit www.baxtercreekwhistler.com for more information on the development.
Whistlers Most Unique Point of View - Sales begin may 15th!
Rise every morning to the amazing alpine views of Whistler and Blackcormb Moutains at Baxter Creek — a new community comprised of homesites ard luxury townhomes offering some of the finest panoramas in all of Whistler and unmatched sunlight from from dawn until dusk. Designed to encompass the best parts of the pacific westcoast lifestyle, Baxter Creek is where friends and families will join to experience the outdoors ard mountain living. With every essential element you want in a neighbourhood, accompanied by expansive views, access to Whistler’s vast trail network, and magnificent natural surroundings, there are so many reasons to consider Baxter Creek for the home you are about to create.
Price Reduction - 3 Northern Lights $1,369,000
Enjoy your very own luxary home in Whistler in this well appointed Northern Lights property. Featuring 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, vaulted ceilings, expansive views & an open concept design, take inspiration from a mix of woods, stone accents and the homes’ clean lines. The great room brings cooking, dining and entertaining together with granite counters, bar seating & a combination of slate, tile and sumptuous carpet. Relax after skiing, biking or hiking in the hot tub or settle in and watch a movie in the large media room. Unbelievable value for a with a new price tag!
Just Listed - 601 Woodrun
Its elegant living just steps from Blackcomb’s slopes. One of the best ski in, ski out properties on the mountain and renovated in 2005, it offers luxury living with all the amenities. This penthouse suite features an amazing turret style living room with floor to ceiling windows that look out across the valley towards the northern and southern ranges. Marble, oak, edge grain fir, granite and cherry accents throughout add texture, warmth and sophistication to the home, which features two bedrooms, a den and an oversized entry for easy four season living.
Priced at $1,995,000
New Price - 2413 Los Lenas Place
$1,995,000
Ski home to this gorgeous four bedroom residence that is perfectly situated as the only property in Bear Creek offering panoramic views of the valley, Alpha Lake, Sprout Mountain, the Tantalus Range, Callaghan and the peak of Whistler! Interior features include custom maple and alder cabinets, edge grain fir mill work, granite countertops, new stainless steel gas range, maple hardwood floor and heated limestone in the bathrooms. The master ensuite includes a steam shower and a jacuzzi tub with spectacular views of the lake and valley. Additional features include a 2 car heated garage, expansive decks, custom basalt stone wine cellar, hot tub aligned to capture the alpenglow on Whistler Mountain and a 1 bedroom suite for additional revenue.
The Olympic Impact on Whistler Real Estate
Mar 24, 2010 Anecdotal evidence suggests Olympic boost for Whistler
Surveys designed to provide more detailed picture of Games’ impact
By Clare Ogilvie Pique Newsmagazine
People are already searching out Whistler websites, phoning booking agents and considering future investment in the resort following the massive media coverage during the Olympic Games.
And pent up demand and great snow mean that bookings for spring break and the Easter break are looking strong.
“When you look at web visits at Games time they spiraled to new heights all the way through the Games,” said Barrett Fisher, president of Tourism Whistler.
“During Games times there were a lot of requests that came through Whistler.com saying, ‘we saw you on television, could you send us more information.’ It showed that there was an interest.
“Post-Games we do believe we will see some pent up demand. We did see that demand in the spring break period and we anticipate the same in the Easter break period.
“We look at the Games as a platform. Then how are we going to use this as a launch pad for looking forward?”
Over the Olympics about 50,000 to 55,000 people were in Whistler each night. For the most part 98 per cent of the available accommodation was booked.
The Paralympic closing ceremony last weekend saw at least 81 per cent of accommodation booked.
It helps that Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains have abundant snow and that parking is once again available.
It isn’t clear whether a direct link can be made between hosting the Olympics and getting more bookings in the months following. But, said Fisher, what is clear is that more people around the world now know about Whistler and that may push them toward choosing it over another resort destination.
“I had lots of conversations with people from all over….” said Fiona Famulak, president of the Whistler Chamber of Commerce.
“They were blown away by the beauty of the place…. they said they would like to return with their family and friends.
“…It would certainly be the hope that the exposure Whistler received over the Games translates into years and years of great summer and winter occupancy rates.”
Both the chamber and tourism agencies are now doing surveys to gauge more accurately the impact of the Games.
During the Olympic and Paralympic Games the chamber also surveyed businesses in several key sectors to look for trends and information.
“We wanted to take the temperature of the businesses that were going to be front-line serving our Olympic guests during February,” said Famulak. “We wanted to understand how business levels were rolling out, what their challenges were, what the positive things were, and so forth.”
It was a weekly survey done four times in February.
“…We were able to look at results as they came in every week and if there needed to be communication going out, or if we needed to share some information with our partners to make some operational changes, we were able to do that,” said Famulak. “It was almost real time.”
Looking back, she said, it is clear that businesses had quite different Olympic experiences depending on where they were located, what they did, and how they adapted.
This was no surprise as former Olympic host cities had been sharing this message for years leading up to 2010, said Famulak.
“But the second lesson is never underestimate the accuracy of the information you receive from your Olympic peers,” she said.
“That would certainly be one of my messages to London (Summer Games 2012) and Sochi (Winter Games 2014) - what we are sharing with you is likely going to be very accurate.”
The surveys found that Olympic guests tended to stay on the main routes initially.
“They would go shopping, but it was very targeted shopping in terms of Olympic merchandise and so on,” said Famulak.
“So they tended not to spread their wings quickly. That came through very clearly in the survey. Whether they were retail or food and beverage those on the Village Stroll experienced an impact on business levels from the very beginning.
“It took the Olympic guest until day four or five to find Main Street. Upper Village is another story again, they didn’t really feel business impact at all.”
Real estate investment analyst Peter Gorski believes that his sector will see a boom in the next several years, though it may start slowly.
“Certainly the prices on the market for second home owners and people in the free market definitely will (go up),” he said.
But, according to a report he has just produced titled The Olympic Effect: Profit from Whistler’s Next Real Estate Boom, the increase in real estate values is not just about the Games. It is a factor of the improved Sea to Sky Highway, the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, the new facilities left behind by the Games, the continued tremendous growth in the population coming to the region, the provincial government’s push to double tourism by 2015 and the fact that Whistler is reaching build-out.
While he wouldn’t speculate about how much Whistler home prices might go up he said: “… I would say it is going to out-perform the Canadian market as a whole and other resort areas.”
The B.C. Government believes the province is already reaping the rewards from its 2010 Olympic and Paralympic business hosting program. It says it now has a dozen partnerships that will create jobs and build a stronger economy.
“Global leaders came here for the 2010 Winter Games, a celebration of excellence watched by more than half the world’s population on TV, the Internet or mobile devices,” said Iain Black, Minister of Small Business, Technology and Economic Development in a statement.
“This has given B.C. unprecedented international exposure that will take our province’s economy to a new level. We are following up on connections made through our business hosting program, which surpassed our highest expectations in showing business visitors the investment advantages inherent in our people, our geography, our industries and our attractive business climate.”
Government is also monitoring at least 27 other pending agreements.
The business hosting program involved about 11,000 participants at more than 100 events such as roundtables, tours, receptions and meetings. Business leaders from across North America, Europe and Asia attended, representing industries including airline, automotive, energy, film and entertainment, forestry, information and communications technology, life sciences, manufacturing, mining, pharmaceuticals, tourism and venture capital.
Just listed - 6311 Fairway Drive, Whistler
OPEN HOUSE THIS WEEKEND. PLEASE CALL FOR MORE DETAILS
A rare opportunity to own on one of Whistler’s most desirable and sunny streets!! This open concept, 4.5 bedroom, 4 bathroom family home was renovated in 2004 with new floors, an updated kitchen and bathrooms. New exterior paint, garage doors and entry lead you inside where edge grain fir brings the alpine environment indoors. Entertain on the expansive veranda or relax by the wood burning fireplace. Whistler Village, skiing, shops, restaurants, golf and trails are all within an easy walk, just minutes away.
$1,995,000
Easy walk to Whistler Village, skiing, shops, restaurants. Located near the Whistler Golf course with easy access to the Valley Trail network.
Vancouver - Ready for the 2010 Olympic Games
Vancouver Time Time Laps
SOLD - 81 Four Seasons Private Residence
81 Four Seasons Private Residence Whistler
PENTHOUSE - Four Seasons Private Residence
In keeping with what has come to be expected from the Four Seasons brand, this 8th floor Penthouse is simply one of the finest and most exclusive properties that Whistler has to offer. The open concept floor plan sprawls over 3700 square feet with panoramic views from every room and the rustic yet contemporary decor inspired by natures palette brings the outdoors in. This property offers you the finest in luxury and amenities and is accompanied by 1st class Four Seasons service. Welcome home!
SOLD - JANUARY 2010 - $4,300,000
By John Ryan & The Leaders in Luxury Team
The Whistler Real Estate Company
View Currently Available Suites at the Four Seasons Private Residences
Olympic Torch arrives in Whistler today
The Olympic flame will reach Whistler’s edge at about 4:30 this afternoon, marking the 99th day of it’s tour from Ancient Olympia, Greece. In that time, the symbolic flame has been carried by thousands of torchbears across every province and territory of Canada.
Four olympians will proudly carry the flame into Whistler, with legendary local and Alpine Skiing Olympian Steve Podborski will carrying the flame on a snowmobile.
The flame is expected to reach Whistler village at approx 7pm with a welcome ceremony taking place at skiiers plaza inlcluding performances by the Squamish Lil’wat First Nations.
