Whistler Realtor Q&A: Jimmy Simpson

Q: Why did you move to Whistler?

A: The old cliché really – I moved out after graduating from university for one year from Ontario in 2001. I moved for the skiing and stayed because of the lifestyle and the people.

Q: What did you do when you first arrived?

A: I initially worked for a ski shop in town, then in summer I worked for a wakeboard and water-ski camp on Green Lake.

Q: When did you get into real estate?

A: In September 2008, right at the recession.  It was a fantastic time to get into real estate.  I learned the business, trial by fire really! A combination of my skills helped to ease my entry:  a  business degree, sales background and coaching & teaching experience.

Q: What do you enjoy about the lifestyle here?

A: Hands down the friendliness, the openness, and in general how much people here are enjoying themselves and are here because they want to be, not because to need to be. That’s a big difference from other places!

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

A: The key thing is just figuring out how you are going to use the property. Whether it’s going to be an investment for a long time, a principle residence, or just a rental income property that you use on the weekend.

There are so many different opportunities here you need to decide exactly what you want from it because some properties can work for you and some probably won’t.

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

A: It’s probably hearing their stories and why they’re here. I deal with everyone from holiday visitors, to business owners and entrepreneurs.

A lot of the focus of my expertise is commercial real estate. I’ve always enjoyed the analytical side and the investment perspective. Because of this I meet some really interesting people.

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

A: I would probably be a riverboat captain, which was my former job through university!

Q: What is your favourite season and why?

A: You can’t replace the magic of winter, but summer is fast becoming my favourite just because of the versatility of what you can do.

Q: How do you decompress?

A: In summer I would have to say either out on the golf course, or in a canoe after a day of work. In winter, lots of skiing a warm drink by the fireplace after.

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

A: Probably still having the opportunity to be a resident in Whistler and surviving the economic downturn in the real estate business.

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

A: If you’re looking for a quality of life that also challenges you everyday in career pursuits, then this is the place for you!

Find out more about Jimmy and view his current listings HERE.