Whistler Family Living

Whistler Blackcomb Master Plans

Glenn Mishaw — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 20:11:42 +0000

Thought it was worthy to note that Whistler Blackcomb will be hosting a Public Open House at the Whistler Conference Center this Saturday February 26 from 3-6pm. Master Plans submitted to the Ministry of Natural Resource Operations will be made available for public review and questions regarding the proposal. The proposed Cheakamus Base will be just one of the issues discussed. You can review all proposals online at http://www.tti.gov.bc.ca/resort_development/resort_plans/Whistler/Whistler_plan_1.htm.

I unfortunatley will not be able to be there. However, I am happy to report that we are having a 3rd Birthday party for my son Jaxon during that time so I will have my hands full with loot bags, ice cream cake and party hats. Any feedback that you have from the public meeting would be greatly appreciated. Have fun, Glenn

Short Look Back….Long Look Forward

Glenn Mishaw — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 00:32:34 +0000

Welcome to 2011!!

I hope you had a wonderful 2010. Looking forward I still firmly believe that that buyers will discover Whistler as an absolutely amazing place to live and raise a family. You’ll see from the stats below that chalet sales were off from 2009. However, townhouse sales are up. Despite the fact that more dollars were spent overall, it appears that the buyers made the decision to purchase less expensive product…perhaps an initiation into 0ur somewhat intimidating market. Many have been talking about how long it will take to get through this ‘Olympic Hangover’. Is it a year or two or three?? The jury is out at this point, but patience and positivity are the keys here. Whistler has so much to offer. Have a look at the newsletter below and contact me if you have any questions. I’m always available to help.

Sincerely,

Glenn

Whistler Real Estate Update

2010 – A YEAR IN REVIEW

Looking back over the 2010 real estate market in Whistler and Pemberton it still proves to be a buyer’s market. Plenty of product to view and no real sense of urgency with only a few multiple offer situations. While the rest of the world is still dealing with an economic down turn, Canada has managed to pull through the year with a stronger economy. The real estate market in Whistler has remained steady with an average of 37 sales per month. Finishing the year with close to the same number of sales as 2009. The difference being in an added $25,000,000 in sales volume over the previous year. Townhomes were by far the top seller.

Sales 2009 Sales 2010

Chalet 93 77

Duplex 8 14

Condo 131 117

1/4 share 104 48

Townhouse 119 149

Land 10 33

Statistics show that, although not immediate, The winter Olympics, do have an impact on real estate for the communities involved. Park City, Utah, host of the 2002 Winter Games; prior to the games and for almost two years post Olympics Park City’s market had a build up of un-sold properties and it was not until 2004 that their market began to heat up, where upon with the exchange of properties led to a boom in development…especially in detached housing.

Whistler has just been through the largest global exposure it has ever experienced to date, having over 1 billion people see our beautiful home. The infrastructure or legacy from the games will also be a drawing card that has a direct correlation to real estate sales. Highway 99, the YVR improvements, Callaghan Valley, Sliding Center and the Canada Line in Vancouver are now all part of a value added service available for the consumer. These little improvements help in the value of real estate and the next year in Whistler and Pemberton should prove to be steady.

One thing we are promoting with real estate sales today more than ever is Lifestyle. The purchase of a home in Whistler is not just a financial investment, it is where memories will be made. It is about healthy choices, exercise, fresh air and peace from sirens and traffic. Of course we do have rush hour in Whistler especially when the mountain closes or it is a holiday time like Christmas! But owning a property in Whistler comes with pride, plans, and adventure in your future – this picturesque village is a family place, a happy pl

RE/MAX News

WHISTLER’S MAYOR REVIEWS 2010 - Mayor Melamed gave a review of 2010 at the December 21, 2010 council meeting. To read the complete address, please click here.

REVIEWING THE BUDGETING PROCESS FOR 2011 – The council recently announced that there was an unforeseen shortfall of $2.8 million in the 2011 budget. Following a review and subsequent public input a detailed 2011 Budget Update has been presented with a budget shortfall, after some substantial cuts, of $820,000.

Also, the 2011 budget process has been adjusted to allow for more time to explore options and develop solutions. It is expected that the capital budget will be brought forward in January 2011 and the final budget (including the operating budget) will be brought before Council in April 2011…..more information

COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT GRANT PRESENTATIONS
Each year Council makes financial grants to local charities and non-profits that benefit the resort community.

Whistler’s Childcare Centre Society - $11,000
The Get Bear Smart Society - $10,000
The Whistler Nordics – $13,000
Whistler Adaptive Sports Program – $20,000.
WORCA – The Whistler Off-road Cycling Association – $25,000
Whistler Gymnastics Centre – $12,500

Thinking of selling your home then check out our “ARE YOU FIT TO SELL” programme – which offers home staging & other home improvements tips from Real Estate & Home Staging Experts: more information

Whistler Today

TELUS WINTER CLASSIC – January 28th & 29th

THE TELUS WINTER CLASSIC IS BACK BIGGER AND BETTER FOR 2011! This action-packed weekend features fun filled ski events, wine, beer and food galore, our famous silent and live auctions and fabulous live entertainment and the BEST part is that all proceeds from the event go to support Non-Profit Charities! Come out and join us for an event that you don’t want to miss….more information

Whistler’s WinterPride – January 30th – February 6th

Don’t miss one of the biggest and best gay ski weeks in the world! 2011 marks the 19th anniversary of Whistler’s WinterPRIDE. The celebration features a full slate of events from dog sledding and snowmobiling adventures to wine tasting, a pool party, snowball dance, fantastic skiing and snowboarding and everything in-between.

Upcoming Whistler Events

Check out these other events taking place in January.

Fresh Tracks Mountain Top Breakfast every day until April 3rd April. Upload between 7:30 and 8:30 am, access is limited to the first 650 people
Free Mountain Tours every day until April 3rd April. Meet at the lightboards on Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.
7-Eleven Fire and Ice Shows every Sunday until April 13th April, at 6:30 pm at the base of the Whistler Village Gondola.
Sea to Sky Brushes Exhibit at Scotia Creek Gallery – January 6th – 31st from 5:30pm – 7:30pm.
GORE-TEX Deep Winter Experience – January 8 -16th Whistler Blackcomb’s nine day Deep Winter Experience features a variety of experiences inspired by January’s snow storms – Tickets at WB Guest Relations.
Forest One Car Exhibit – January 1st – March 31st at the Lil’wat Cultural Centre.
Artist Exhibition – Paul Paquette – January 15th between 5:00 and 8:00 pm at the Adele Campbell Fine Art Gallery.
Songs Are Like Tattoos – A Tribute to Joni Mitchell - January 25th by singer/songwriter Mia Sheard – Tickets through Millennium Place Box Office.
Artist Exhibition – Rod Charlesworth – January 29th between 5:00 and 8:00 pm at the Adele Campbell Fine Art Gallery.

2nd Quarter Total Sales Are Up!!

Glenn Mishaw — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 06:30:41 +0000

Real Estate transactions are on the rise in Whistler. Over the past 3 months the post Olympic ‘hangover’ has seemed to subside albeit slightly. Sales of chalets have gradually increased while townhome sales have more than doubled over 2009. The Whistler Family Living focus is to assist those buyers/sellers who believe that Whistler is a wonderfully unique place to live. We certainly have a way to go to get back to the market strength of 2007, but these latest residential numbers just might be a small indicator that the secret is out. Below are the sales figures for all segments of our market. Please feel free to have a look and contact me with any questions.

Whistler Sales Stats (June 2010)

We are entering into what is traditionally an active time here in terms of real estate. Let’s hope that the momentum carries through into the New Year!!

CREA vs Competition Bureau

Glenn Mishaw — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 23:49:03 +0000

There has been much said in the media of late regarding the Competition Bureau and its charge that the Canadian Real Estate Association operates without competition. In speaking with clients, business associates and friends or just overhearing conversations, it is obvious that there are many theories and questions floating around out there right now with regards to the business of Licenced Realtors. ‘Are commissions going to be lowered?’ ‘Can I list my home on the MLS without a Realtor?’ I would like to clarify and simplify the situation so that you (my valued client) and anyone else that reads this has a clear understanding for the future. On February 7, 2010 the Commissioner of Competition filed an application against the CREA seeking to strike down certain CREA rules, alleging anti-competitiveness. While the CREA vigorously disagreed, on a March 22 AGM they did approve some amendments to their Three Pillars and Interpretations that simply clarify the way CREA’s rules (which have been in place for years) actually operate. Without boring you with the details of those amendments, the results make it clear that there are a number of business models available to consumers in BC and across the country that are acceptable under CREA’s rules. The important point to take away here is that you the customer does have a choice. The decision to choose one Realtor or another is yours. If you don’t like the commission structure being offered by Realtor A, then choose Realtor B. If you aren’t satisfied that Realtor B’s marketing plan will get your house sold in a timely fashion, then choose Realtor C. If you choose to post your home on any number of on-line real estate sites and not use a Realtor at all, that is your call. The Bureau’s allegation regarding competition is really quite ironic. If we take Whistler for example, we have the Whistler Listing System which is used by all local Realtors as well as the MLS which not always used by all Realtors. There is a choice when it comes to listing systems and Realtor business models. The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver is a member based board funded by member dues. If you only want the services of a Realtor to post your home on either of those systems, simply ask. It’s possible that you’ll find a number of Realtors that will agree to do that for a fee, which again, throws the whole ‘competition’ argument out the window. Regardless of each Realtor’s individual business model, we are all still bound by a Professional Code of Conduct with regard to ethical behaviour, accuracy of information and the reporting of sales. I cannot answer with any accuracy if real estate commissions in general will decrease. Sellers need to decide for themselves how they want to proceed with the marketing and sale of their most valuable possession. If the majority of sellers don’t find value in a Realtor’s service, then perhaps commissions will have to fall? That remains to be seen. Consider these analogies whether you think they are amusing or not. If you are renovating your home and need a certified electrician to obtain the appropriate permits, do you ask your brother in law who’s pulled the odd wire or two to do the work? Perhaps you should consult with your buddy who majored in law at university to represent you in your divorce settlement? Or maybe you should hire your uncle who’s lost millions in Florida swamp land deals to assist you with some investment advice instead of consulting a professional Investment Advisor? REALTORS ARE PROFESSIONALS. Call us if you need help. We don’t bite.

p.s. The Competition Bureau has rejected the amendments made by the CREA and is taking this matter to Tribunal. So stand by for more information on this situation as they develop.

Glenn Mishaw — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 20:12:32 +0000

The woman of www.movingmountainsforchildren.com pose for a shot at the amazing Easter Egg Hunt they put on over the long weekend. Despite the snowfall the night before, the turnout was overwhelming. I even won the raffle for a dinner at the Four Seasons!! Thanks for a great day ladies.

Sales Stats for Jan/Feb 2010

Glenn Mishaw — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 01:31:50 +0000

February’s sales statistics were recently compiled. Interesting to note that chalet sales were strong over last year. Great news for local home owners. Overall February was down slightly which was to be expected but January was up almost 100%. A full copy of the stats are attached here.

Whistler Monthly Stats Feb 10 Remax Banner

Whistler Post Olympics – Future in Focus!!

Glenn Mishaw — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 23:32:28 +0000

The parties have wound down (although it’s never too hard to find one in this town), our day skier parking lots are back, the camera crews and media personalities are reporting on other events and the symbol of all things Olympic is gone. My wife called me the other day to say she was driving behind the truck carrying the Olympic rings out of town and it made her a little sad. What are ya gonna do?? It took many years and many thousands of people and who knows exactly how many hundreds of millions of dollars to put this together and now it’s over. We all knew this day would come. Some of us, despite being very excited about it all, were hoping for things to get back to normal. Some wish the party could last forever but we all know that takes the anticipation out of the equation. Parties end and parties begin, that’s what keeps us motivated. This just happens to have been the biggest one we’ve ever thrown and will throw. There is no question in my mind that Canadians took a huge step forward this past month. We’ve always been a proud bunch, just not overly eager to show it. But for the purposes of this blog, it’s time to focus on Whistler and how things will play out here over the next few years. I have done some reading and research on how the Olympics have impacted other cities such as Sydney, Atlanta, Salt Lake and Bejing and the results seem to vary. Sydney saw some substantial increases in property values but research shows that the Olympics had a minor role. Atlanta added 218000 jobs in the 3 years following the 1996 Olympics which had to have a positive impact on the real estate market. Here in Whistler we always seem to march to the beat of our own drum. Our best frame of reference in terms of predicting where our market will go is Park City. They were a host mountain resort in 2002 with Salt Lake just as we were last month. Here are some stats compiled by my colleague Craig Mackenzie to show what happened there in the few years after the Olympics. I would agree that we’ll not likely see these types of increases. However, in my opinion it is even more important to look at the infrastructure and legacies left here for residents to enjoy and take advantage of. The hugely upgraded 600 million dollar highway is at the top of the list. It is now much safer to drive here and make no mistake, more visitors than ever will use it. The Athletes Village and soon to be Whistler’s newest residential neighborhood will house hundreds of deserved locals along with a hostel, sport facility and other small businesses. I caught part of a special on Lake Placid and how it’s become a sports training hub in the states with their Olympic Training Center and the National Sports Academy. Imagine if Whistler Olympic Park and the Sliding Center facilities were used in the same way to create first class training centers for not only our Canadian athletes, but for athletes around the globe. All these things add up one indisputable fact. Whistler is a truly unique place to live. It’s clean. It’s safe. It’s overflowing with people who care about their community and can’t help but get involved. It’s recreational possibilities are endless. It’s a simply beautiful part of the world to call home. Did you catch some of the bluebird coverage of the Alpine or Nordic events? You can rest assured that hundreds of millions around the world did and it won’t be long before they come for a first hand look!! Interest rates are still lower than they’ve been in years. Supply is good and prices are down. If you were ever considering Whistler for a family retreat or a more permanent home, now is the time. Grab a piece of Whistler, you won’t be disappointed!!

Changes To Mortgage Insurance Rules!

Glenn Mishaw — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 19:18:30 +0000

The Federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty recently announced some changes to mortgage insurance rules which will come into affect on April 19, 2010.

All borrowers must meet the standards for a 5 year fixed rate mortgage even if they choose a mortgage with a lower interest rate and shorter term
The maximum amount one can withdrawl in refinancing their mortgage will be reduced to 90% from 95% of the value of their home
Non-owner occupied properties will require a minimum down payment of 25%

It appears that these changes precautionary to insure that our economy continues to recover. For more information please see the following article. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/economy/jim-flaherty-tightens-mortgage-rules/article1469432/

Glenn Mishaw — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 22:40:13 +0000

The Olympic Torch

Glenn Mishaw — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 21:35:07 +0000

: Johnny Smart Passing the Flame

On February 5th the Olympic Torch came through Whistler Village. Barney Bentall and the Grand Cariboo Opry kicked off the afternoon with a fabulous set of music. At that point the skiers plaza at the base of Whistler/Blackcomb filled with thousands of people all wanting to get a glimpse of the cauldron lighting as well as the exciting stage show and presentation. I never really paid much attention to the importance of the flame until it came to my own community. What an experience that would be for each hand picked torch bearer. John Smart (long time Whistler resident and Olympian pictured here) ran it up the Village Stroll where it eventually was handed off to Steve Podborski who wone an Olympic Bronze at Lake Place in 1980. For information on the torch history check out http://www.canada2010.gc.ca/101/histor/010204-eng.cfm. Also, if you want to follow the RBC sponsored Torch team check out http://www.ctvolympics.ca/torch/follow-torch/index.html. More to come on the Olympics….stay tuned!!!