if you have trouble viewing this message, click to read online.
Whistnewsjuly2010

Market Report

Bring on summer

After a predictable slowdown in real estate activity throughout Whistler and Pemberton following the Olympics, inquiries and sales activity in terms of both number of sales and value of sales improved dramatically to show an 18 per cent increase in total sales, and a 63 per cent increase in total value from a year earlier.

Average values stayed steady however, as the total number of properties available for purchase increased significantly.

Opportunities for buyers are at their highest level in almost 20 years. Given the flat value profile and the steadily increasing interest in Whistler (rental bookings and seasons pass sales are well ahead of last year) this may be one of the great “buy” opportunities for Whistler.

Whistler Sales 2007 - 2010

07 08 09 10
$ (000) # Sales $ (000) # Sales $ (000) # Sales $ (000) # Sales
Q1 185,617 174 145,424 175 47,384 67 66,627 81
Q2 221,026 230 125,623 151 69,833 109 108,256 128
Total 406,643 404 271,047 326 108,217 176 174,983 209

Whistler Average Values June 30, 2010:

Single Family Condominium Townhouse Land
$1,596,341 $452,977 $815,289 $1,007,360

Feature Story

Whistler - Planning the Community Together

When people think of Whistler they usually conjure up images of a happening ski resort with a busy village, shopping galore and sizzling hot nightlife.

Okay, that may be an accurate description of the resort side of life, but Whistler is also a real community with a diverse population of full-time residents who genuinely care about the development and evolution of their pretty mountain town.

During the next year, the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) will update the town’s Official Community Plan (OCP) in a process largely determined by Whistler residents themselves.

The OCP is essentially a plan for the community including a set of high-level policies, such as land-use designations, that guide land-use planning, social, economic and environmental policies and civic infrastructure investments. It is also a regulatory document required by the British Columbia Local Government Act. The last comprehensive OCP update occurred more than 18 years ago, and Whistler has certainly changed and matured since then – becoming an international household name.

“This document may be the single most important legislation to be developed in Whistler this decade in terms of determining Whistler’s future and we hope everyone will get involved” states Whistler Real Estate Company president Pat Kelly.

The update is kicking off with a series of community engagement initiatives designed to allow residents to help determine the direction the community will take in the future.

Some suggestions already put forward by residents involve “spot zoning” to encourage a more diverse business economy, adding more non-sport options for high school students as well as several new business initiatives.

We at Whistler Real Estate Co. believe that the property owners, and particularly the 2nd home community need to be part of this important process. Look for our survey asking for your thoughts on Whistler shortly in your email in-box.

For more information on how to get involved please see whistler2020.ca, whistler2010.com and the RMOW’s website, whistler.ca.

Take an ArtWalk in Whistler

Artwalkadsum2010

Along with world-class athletes, Whistler attracts more than its fair share of talented artists and artisans, and you can discover a lot of their works just by strolling through the Village right now.

Until August 31, the Whistler Arts Council presents its annual ArtWalk program where local works of painting, photography, multi-media, pottery and jewelry can be found in unorthodox host “galleries” throughout the Village including hotels, cafes, restaurants and retail outlets.

The opening reception starts July 9th at the Whistler Real Estate Office For more info go to whistlerartscouncil.com.