Whistler Realtor Q&A – Shannon Marler

Q: When did you move to Whistler?

A: I’m originally from Alberta and moved to Whistler in 1994.

Q: What did you do when you first arrived?

A: I worked for Whistler Blackcomb in guest services and in the hotel business. From there I moved into the service industry, working in a number of restaurants and bars.

After a while I moved into banking and worked for TD Canada Trust in Whistler where I started as a teller and eventually became the Branch Manager, then Regional Manager in charge of lending for all of BC in 2005.

Q: How did you get started in Real Estate?

A: Working as Regional Manager for TD I didn’t really have a life so after a couple of years I became a mortgage broker. In 2008 I worked on a number of development projects in Vancouver then decided to take the real estate exam and became a Realtor as well.

So since then I have been back and forth from the city as a mortgage broker and a Realtor, but now I just want to be back home full time in Whistler!

Q: What do you enjoy about the lifestyle in Whistler?

A: I love being able to walk out my door and go skiing, or hiking, or biking, or to the lake, or any of the outdoor activities. But I especially love the community more than anywhere in the world I’ve ever been. Everyone is here for the same reason and they are just the most friendly and warm people because of that.

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

A: I would find out their reasons for wanting to live here and work towards finding the right place to suit their needs.

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

A: I just love meeting new people and especially in Whistler we get a huge range of people coming to the area. I love hearing people’s stories and seeing their excitement about being in Whistler.

Q: What’s your favourite season and why?

A: I have to say summer! There area so many festivals and things to do. I love the winter and skiing, but I love the huge range of things to do in summer.

Q: If you weren’t a Realtor what would you be?

A: I would be a dancer! [laughs]. I know that sounds funny, but I would be a dancer for someone like Beyoncé! Someone that tours all over the world because I love to travel and meet new people.

Q: What makes you smile the most?

A: Just being here. There’s just that moment when you get on the Sea-to-Sky and you’re coming home. That’s what makes me smile.

Q: How do you decompress or spend your ideal day?

A: It would usually be doing some sort of sporting activity or hanging out with friends.

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

A: That’s so hard. I think for me it would be being a single person that has managed three jobs, I’ve managed to buy three properties, travel all over the world, and I’ve done it all off my own back.

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

A: For the lifestyle, the activities, the adventure, and a friendly community.