Calling all developers and those interested in building their dream home!

Total of 15 vacant lots coming to Rainbow!
Very rare opportunity within Whistler to develop your dream ski chalet! Prime luxury home location with views of Whistler & Blackcomb Mountain.

Rise at Rainbow features 5 lots with unobstructed views, to be purchased together. Ideal for a developer looking for their next project! These lots are above Bear Paw Trail. Ranging between 14,100 square feet and 16,685 square feet, with build sizes between 5,685 square feet and 6,590 square feet, each of these single family home lots have sweeping views of the surrounding mountains.

Enclave at Rainbow features 10 lots, available individually. Located at the end of Ski Jump Rise. All lots have been preemptively connected to services. Ranging between 7,500 square feet and 16,650 square feet, with build sizes between 3,325 square feet and 6,300 square feet.

Rainbow is one of Whistler’s only master planned communities, thoughtfully designed around park and green space as well as views of the lake and mountains.

To keep you up to date with the Real Estate Listings in Whistler, here are links to all properties listed and sold in the last 7 days.
If you are interested in any of the properties or have any other questions, always feel free to contact us!

7 day new
7 day sold
7 day price change

To keep you up to date with the Real Estate Listings in Whistler, here are links to all properties listed and sold in the last 7 days.
If you are interested in any of the properties or have any other questions, always feel free to contact us!

7 day new
7 day sold
7 day price change

Whistler Market Update

Here is my latest take on the Whistler real estate market, something I hope will help to fuel your Holiday real estate conversations.

Chalet Sales
Chalet sales are shaping up to be the same in 2019 as 2018 with approximately 100 single family homes sold. This represents a 25 per cent drop in the number of transactions pre-2018. In 2018, mortgage stress test policies were introduced with the intent of cooling off the real estate market. It appears to have had the intended effect in Whistler, since in past years (eg. in 2015, 2016 and 2017), approximately 150 homes would sell each year. Pricing however is still strong with a medium price for chalets of $2.225M in 2019 which is slightly down from 2018’s median price of $2.450M, but returning to the same historical highs of 2017.

Hot Ticket
Sales of properties that are zoned for nightly rental (the type you can AirBnB or hold as an investment property) have not cooled and are often seeing multiple offers and sales over asking. The best value can be found in three bedroom townhouses that are zoned for nightly rental specifically in the Benchlands – Blackcomb area.  If you can buy one of these gems you should act quickly. Similarly to the chalet market, there has been a cooling off on pricing from the highs of 2018. The medium price of $755,000 is down to $723,000 a decrease of 4 per cent and the number of transactions has decreased from 341 to 271, representing a decrease of 21 per cent.

Tight Market Continues
In terms of inventory, the Whistler market continues to be very tight. Whistler today has approximately 300 listings. This is double what was available last December, however if you compare it to 2010 when inventory was around 800 listings, we are not over supplied. Inventory has consistently dropped since that time with January 2018 being the lowest with 155 listings. As always, buyers need to be prepared to act quickly to secure their Whistler dream home.

Additionally, demand for second homes among affluent buyers is heating up. According to a recent report by Luxury Portfolio International, the potential for luxury property has never been bigger. “Just in the last four years, personal wealth globally has grown by 15% and the number of high-net-worth-individuals has increased by 25%”.  And resort properties are in the hottest demand because the can cater to the discerning lifestyles of these groups, where amenities and wellness are priorities. To read the whole article and report, click here.

Although it may appear that pricing and sales have softened in 2019, don’t be fooled. Remember the real estate Golden Rule for Whistler – values are always tied to inventory and in this market we do not ever get more product and that has been the case for 20 plus years. Whistler is all about supply and demand.

Current Listings
To view current luxury and unique home listings click here.
To view current chalet listings click here.
To view current townhome listings click here.
To view current hotel listings click here.
To view current vacant land listings click here.
To view current nightly rental (no restrictions) listings click here.

Please call me if you would like more information.

Some of My Favourite Things to do in Whistler

There’s so much to do (and eat!) in Whistler over the holidays. Here are some of my favourites (in no particular order) …

1. For a small indulgence after a day on the hill, stop by Creekside Confetti for a delicious Acai Berry Bowl or a mouth-watering gelato. You earned it!
2. Do you need a “me” day to recharge? Drop in to one of Altitude Fitness pilates or barre classes (day or weekly passes available). Your body will thank you.
3. This was one of my family’s favourite activities last season, Blackcomb Snowmobile Mountain Fondue. Journey deep into the backcountry and experience a taste of true Canadian winter with this unique dinner that combines savory and sweet with adventure and awe.
4. If you’re in the mood for a fun day out with the kids, grab a sled and head over to the base of Lorimer Road. Walk over the bridge and slide to your heart’s content.
5. If you’re looking for the best organic sourdough bread in the mountains it’s here. Ed’s Bred. Full stop.
6. Just opened and a must-see (dangerously close to my Creekside office) is Bach & Co. A gorgeous store with elegantly curated clothes for both women and men.
7. For a complete Whistler Holiday Guide – click here.

Luxury Portfolio Trends 2019 Gift Guide

For the people on your list who have everything, take a peek at these luxe gift ideas to get inspired and find something truly unique

For the WANDERLUST
Drake, a Land Ark RV
Starting at $149,900

Ideal for those looking to take a cross-country road trip or embrace the tiny house lifestyle full time, Drake is efficiently built as a high-design house, but sized like an RV to give you ultimate freedom of use. The contemporary layout and sleek hardware create a beautiful setting that your favourite traveler is sure to love. Follow this link for more details. 

For the ENTERTAINER
Asprey Ritz-Carlton Drink Trolley
Price upon request

A frequent host for gatherings? Asprey, has partnered with The Ritz-Carlton to create this exclusive silver-plated drink trolley inspired by bar designs from the 1920s and 1930s, a time when cocktails marked the height of fashion. Featuring Art-Deco elements with a modern twist, this piece is sure to delight guests and serve as a chic conversation starter. Follow this link for more details.

For a Loved One Far Away
Enso Heartbeat Stone
$99.00

Inspired by the soothing shape of a river stone, the Heartbeat Stone rests in the palm of your hand to read your heartbeat and mirrors it in real-time through gentle vibration. Paired with the app, you can share your heartbeat, allowing loved ones to feel it, wherever they are in the world, in real time. A stunningly beautiful piece, this is a truly heartfelt gift for anyone on your list. Follow this link for more details.

For the Fitness BUFF
Hypersphere Mini Vibrating Massage Therapy Ball
$99.00

Perfect for the frequent traveler who’s staying fit on the road, the Hypersphere Mini offers a therapeutic vibrating massage to help you move better anywhere you roam. The Mini is TSA-approved, so just toss it in your suitcase to have on hand for your post-workout routine. Follow this link for more details.

For more gift ideas and the latest trends, check out the current issue of Luxury Portfolio Magazine.

To keep you up to date with the Real Estate Listings in Whistler, here are links to all properties listed and sold in the last 7 days.
If you are interested in any of the properties or have any other questions, always feel free to contact us!

7 day new
7 day sold
7 day price change

Own a suite in the Four Seasons Hotel – see our listing here or ask us for other availabilities.

Nestled at the base of Whistler Blackcomb ski resort, framed by evergreen forests, Four Seasons Resort Whistler presents a newly-updated take on the classic mountain lodge. Inspired by this remarkable setting, the modern renovations embrace the spirit of discovery ever-present at Four Seasons Resort Whistler. Backing each design choice is the dedication to creating a truly one-of-a-kind experience, one that exceeds all expectations. Each new feature and offering is a fresh opportunity to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with the extraordinary – along the way, creating a mountain of memories.

After renovations that began in the spring of 2019, the Resort debuts the property’s 273 rooms and suites in anticipation of the 2019/2020 ski season. Nodding to the mountain’s globetrotting guests, Four Seasons Resort Whistler blends modern interiors with alpine style, to offer a truly memorable experience at one of Canada’s most iconic destinations.

Led by Vancouver-based studio DIALOG, the refurbished rooms and suites pay close attention to the unique placement of Whistler – a secluded retreat, just an hour and a half away from the international destination of Vancouver. With this in mind, the design team expanded on the concept of retreat inside the Resort’s guest accommodations, combining urban-minded design elements with that of the classic lodge style, elevating conceptions of après-ski style. The resulting interiors pay homage to the nostalgia of winter chalets, while looking forward to new memories to be made.

Inside, the sweeping updates include all new furnishings, fixtures and bespoke additions in guest rooms and suites. Clean, mid century-inspired furnishings are featured prominently. Sleek, iron frame leather chairs and ashwood credenzas are contrasted with warm, raw-edged coffee tables. Foregoing more traditional bed frames, beds are complemented with plush wallcovering in a rustic yet refined woven textile.

Adding to the stylish renovations, Four Seasons Resort Whistler introduces its custom Interior & Tonic experience in every guest room. Partnering with the Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery, the Resort introduces a gin made exclusively for Four Seasons Whistler guests. The bar set – complete with local company Bittered Sling Lillooet Bitters and sparkling tonic – is curated by award-winning Vancouver mixologist Lauren Mote, and allows guests to après in-room with a handmade Gin + Tonic. The mountain magic: the botanical gin transforms colour once the tonic and bitters are added.

The meticulous refurbishment amplifies the stunning mountain views by creating snapshot-ready moments throughout. Each room at Four Seasons Resort Whistler features a balcony where guests can seize every moment of the outdoors. Inside, the view is highlighted with expansive windows opening up to forest-lined mountain vistas, a view that can be taken in perched on the window seats in each room. This stunning setting is luxuriated through unfussy details such as floating brass bedside light fixtures and sculptural ceiling light features, allowing the grandeur of the mountains to be centre stage. Modern granite fireplaces in every room at Four Seasons Resort Whistler mean guests can cosy-up fireside long after the sun goes down.

The pursuit of adventure at Four Seasons Resort Whistler is articulated through the distinctly modern revamp. By giving guests time and space to relax, connect, explore, share passions, Four Seasons Resort Whistler is able to create new opportunities for adventure and memory making.

This report shows benchmark prices for properties in Whistler, based on MLS statistics. The HPI benchmarks represent the price of a typical property within the market. It takes into consideration what averages and medians do not – items such as lot size, age, number of rooms, etc. These features become the composite of the ‘typical house’ in a given area. Each month’s sales determine the current prices paid for bedrooms, bathrooms, fireplaces, etc. and apply those new values to the ‘typical’ house model.
If you would like to learn more about benchmark prices, follow this link for some great information.

This report shows benchmark prices for properties in Whistler, based on MLS statistics. The HPI benchmarks represent the price of a typical property within the market. It takes into consideration what averages and medians do not – items such as lot size, age, number of rooms, etc. These features become the composite of the ‘typical house’ in a given area. Each month’s sales determine the current prices paid for bedrooms, bathrooms, fireplaces, etc. and apply those new values to the ‘typical’ house model.
If you would like to learn more about benchmark prices, follow this link for some great information.

To keep you up to date with the Real Estate Listings in Whistler, here are links to all properties listed and sold in the last 7 days.
If you are interested in any of the properties or have any other questions, always feel free to contact us!

New listings in the last 7 days
Sold listings in the last 7 days
Price changes in the last 7 days

Prospective home buyers remain on the sidelines in March

Metro Vancouver* home sales dipped to the lowest levels seen in March in more than three decades.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential home sales in the region totalled 1,727 in March 2019, a 31.4 per cent decrease from the 2,517 sales recorded in March 2018, and a 16.4 per cent increase from the 1,484 homes sold in February 2019.

Last month’s sales were 46.3 per cent below the 10-year March sales average and was the lowest total for the month since 1986.

“What policymakers are failing to recognize is that demand-side measures don’t eliminate demand, they sideline potential home buyers in the short term. That demand is ultimately satisfied down the line because shelter needs don’t go away. Using public policy to delay local demand in the housing market just feeds disruptive cycles that have been so well-documented in our region.”

There were 4,949 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in March 2019. This represents an 11.2 per cent increase compared to the 4,450 homes listed in March 2018 and a 27.2 per cent increase compared to February 2019 when 3,892 homes were listed.

The total number of homes currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 12,774, a 52.4 per cent increase compared to March 2018 (8,380) and a 10.2 per cent increase compared to February 2019 (11,590).

For all property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for March 2019 is 13.5 per cent.

Generally, analysts say downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below 12 per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months.

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,011,200. This represents a 7.7 per cent decrease from March 2018, and a 0.5 per cent decrease compared to February 2019.

Sales of detached homes in March 2019 reached 529, a 26.7 per cent decrease from the 722 sales in March 2018. The benchmark price for a detached home is $1,437,100. This represents a 10.5 per cent decrease from March 2018, and a 0.4 per cent decrease compared to February 2019.

Sales of apartment homes reached 873 in March 2019, a 35.3 per cent decrease compared to the 1,349 sales in March 2018. The benchmark price of an apartment property is $656,900. This represents a 5.9 per cent decrease from March 2018, and a 0.5 per cent decrease compared to February 2019.

Attached home sales in March 2019 totalled 325, a 27.1 per cent decrease compared to the 446 sales in March 2018. The benchmark price of an attached home is $783,600. This represents a six per cent decrease from March 2018, and a 0.7 per cent decrease compared to February 2019.

*Areas covered by the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver include: Burnaby, Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, New Westminster, North Vancouver, Pitt Meadows, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Richmond, South Delta, Squamish, Sunshine Coast, Vancouver, West Vancouver, and Whistler.

DOWNLOAD PDF

Well, we’ve reached the final month of 2018. December is here, I preview the November stats and it’s no secret that the sales tent to dip during this time of the year. Seasonal lows are expected and I’m not predicting it to be any different for the month of November where I focus my update is in our micro markets. We typically expect less activity as we head into December and closer to Christmas and this year is no exception. Especially with the late arrival of the snow, we all started to wonder if winter was coming at all. However, it all changed with 190cm of snowfall over the last 7 days and more on the way – it’ll certainly help all that excitement rolling into 2019!

The market shows that there are 66 single family homes currently listed for sale with 8 sales in November. That means 8.3 months of inventory and indicates a Buyer’s market. But none the less there is slim pickings for single family homes. If you find a good one you best jump quickly. Be sure to ask to receive our recommendations if you are looking to get into the market, and check out our current listing on Mountain View Drive.

With regards to townhomes, there are 56 homes listed for sale with 16 sold in November. That’s 3.5 months of inventory, so it is a Seller’s market. Condos, 65 available for sale with 19 being sold in November so 3.4 months of inventory – again it’s a Seller’s market for condos. It seems the biggest demand is for rental properties in the Village. One great opportunity is to own this revenue generating gem and still have all the luxury you want. Or maybe it is time to escape to the perfect, easy Whistler cabin. For buyers seeking opportunity, how about this luxury gem which will be price at $2,050,000 in 2019. Get a head start on this opportunity.

---

I’m always looking for ways to improve my services and make my clients happy. Reviews and referrals are so important for my business and I’d love to get your feedback on my work. It is important for me to earn five stars. Could you take a couple minutes to leave a short review on Google? Google Review

---

Our listings

To keep you up to date with the Real Estate Listings in Whistler, here are links to all properties listed and sold in the last 7 days.
If you are interested in any of the properties or have any other questions, always feel free to contact us!

New listings in the last 7 days

Sold listings in the last 7 days

Price changes in the last 7 days