Whistler Realtor Q&A: Catherine McKay

Q: Why did you move to Whistler?

A: I was living in Sydney, Australia, and was sick of the city life. After hearing stories of half hour ski runs and endless powder, I decided to escape Sydney for a season on the slopes. That was 1997, and I’ve not left since!

Q: What did you do when you first arrived?

A: I came to Whistler before the Internet really took off, so arrived here pretty blind and clueless. However, I managed to secure a job as a ski tech with Whistler Blackcomb the day after arriving, and went from there.

Q: When did you get into real estate?

A: I have had a passion for real estate and have always watched the market closely. I purchased my first property in Whistler in the early 2000s, and soon after that I began investing in property throughout British Columbia.

Working through the ranks at Whistler Blackcomb to a marketing position, when my son came along I decided to make the move into pursuing real estate as a full time career.

Q: What do you enjoy about the lifestyle here?

A: I love the friendly laid-back community, not to mention the options. The fact that, in a matter of hours, you can go from complete seclusion on a breath-taking hike, to dining in a five-star restaurant that night is pretty amazing.

Q: What advice would you give to someone looking to buy in Whistler?

A: You probably couldn’t find a warmer and more welcoming place to become a homeowner in – whether as a full-timer or weekender.

Q: What’s your favourite thing about working with your clients?

A: I get to work with people who are friends, or friends of friends, and I get to be a part of their exciting journey. It’s always amazing seeing Whistler through the eyes of people new to the area.

Q: What do you think you would be if you weren’t a Realtor?

A: I would probably have been working in finance. I completed an MBA to pursue career in finance, but Whistler’s draw was too much!

Q: How do you decompress?

A: Just enjoying everything Whistler has to offer, and spending time with my son and friends.

Q: What makes you smile the most?

A: Watching my son experience life in Whistler!

Q: What was it like raising a family in Whistler?

A: Amazing! You couldn’t find a better place to raise a family, and there is such a big, warm family community here.

Q: What accomplishment do you consider to be the most significant in your life?

A: I would have to say completing my MBA whilst pregnant!

Q: Finally, in one sentence, why should people come to live here?

A: It’s all about the Whistler lifestyle; it can’t be beat!