Recapping the First Half of 2021

Recapping the first half of 2021 seems like great a way to look back and see how this year has molded not only us as a community, but the community itself. It has been another eventful year where we have experienced, learned, and gained growth. 2021 has provided insight into what the next few years may bring and many exciting things have happened that lead us to that.

Let’s recap the first half of 2021:

Real Estate

As we know, the Real Estate market in BC blew up the first half of 2021. With homes going well above listing prices, flying off the market on the first day, and the lowest inventory we’ve ever seen, the first six months of this year have been wild. 141 sales were completed at Big White Ski Resort from January to currently. If we compare that to the 66 completed deals within the same time frame in 2020, that is a 113% increase in sales. And not surprisingly, the total volume has taken a huge leap from 31 million dollars worth of sales to a whopping 74 million.

Low inventory was a huge factor in the stresses of buyers looking for a home to purchase. We saw the lowest inventory available ever and that created a frenzy for buyers looking. And with that, came an incredible sellers market. Many sellers took advantage of the rising home prices and quick possessions. The average time a Big White property spent on the market this year is 60 days. A 45% decrease from the same time last year.

Big White Ski Resort

The resort itself saw many changes over the courses of these first 6 months of 2021. many COVID-19 protocols were implemented creating a safe place for locals, tourists and workers alike. There were challenges along the way but I think the team at Big White did a phenomenal job pivoting and adjusting as necessary. The Summer season has just begun and already the Village is seeing lots of tourists ready to relax, enjoy, and explore the wonderful outdoors.

Big White Ski Resort also made a huge announcement in January sharing that the resort has massive expansion plans over the next few decades. With more skiing terrain, a golf course, new housing developments, and more this is very exciting for the economy and resort.

No one knew what 2021 was going to bring and after a stressful and unknown 2020 we have adapted as a whole and are driving the changes into this year. The first half has been more than exciting and the rest of 2021 will be a great time to enjoy the growth the first half has brought us.

Summer 2021 at Big White Ski Resort

Get ready for an incredible Summer season at Big White Ski Resort! because the much anticipated Summer 2021 season opens on July 1st. This summer is a great time to explore and discover what the resort has to offer without the champagne powder. With many of us seeking outdoor activities to keep us occupied, the mountain offers something for everyone.

Want to try mountain biking? No problem (they even have rentals!!). Ready for a hike with a phenomenal view? Got it covered. Or maybe you’re looking for something a little less strenuous? In that case, you can enjoy the beautiful scenic chair lift. Remember bike passes go on sale on June 1st and there is a limited supply. Head over to Big White’s website for more information.

You can leave with more than just memories as the shops are open for retail shopping and the restaurants will be open to fill your stomach. Check out all the summer information here.

With past years events including Cider Fest, Mud Sweat and Tears, Wine Fest and North American mountain biking open invitational, we are optimistic that full normalcy expected by late summer. With BC trending in the right direction we are excited to welcome all our international and national guests back to experience the magic with us.

Leading up to the Summer season at Big White

Even during this off season, the Real Estate industry hasn’t slowed down. Outdoor enthusiasts and many locals are looking for that perfect vacation property that they can indulge in that remains close to home. Whether its a small studio apartment to use for the basics or a lavish chalet to entertain and revel in.

There were 22 deals completed in April of this year, with over $13 million in sales. When comparing that to the 1 deal in last April, I would say this year, properties at Big White are sought after. Additionally, last years average days to sell last at 101 days while year to date, this years days to sell is 58.

If you’ve been thinking about purchasing that perfect vacation home or investment property, consider Big White Ski Resort. With major plans to expand over the next 60 years, the resort is quickly becoming an even more popular place to invest and enjoy.

A Memorable Year at Big White Ski Resort!

We can all agree that 2020 has been a memorable year at Big White Ski Resort. With the resort facing challenges and having to make pivotal decisions, it still remains a hot spot for real estate and locals heading up to play in that champagne powder Michael J. is always talking about.

With 2020 coming to an end in a few days, the resort has seen a total of 213 sales within the year. That compared to last years total sales of 148 is a 44% increase. Over those 213 transactions, 100 million dollars of real estate has exchanged hands this year at the resort. From studio apartments for just $85,000 to the luxurious Crescendo chalet for $3,200,000 – there was a variety of sale prices making up the yearly average of $471,672.

The resort made many necessary changes in order to adhere to the new government guidelines. Such as being a no cash resort, adding sanitizing stations throughout, and capacity control.  The mandatory face covering rule is being enforced along with maintaining social distancing guidelines. The resort strives to ensure visitors and residents alike are safe and have done a great job in doing so. Check out all of the resort’s new procedures and protocols here.

No one could have predicted what this year was going to bring. Among other things, it has brought attention and clarity to life’s most important things. It has allowed us to enjoy this beautiful mountain and all it has to offer. Big White Ski Resort allows us to get outdoors to enjoy the fresh air. It allows us to get active with some of the most amazing views. And it allows us to spend quality time with those close to us. That, and it’s just an hour away from Kelowna – what more could you ask for?!

Maybe you’ve been thinking about jumping into the resorts real estate market but need some questions answered by a qualified agent that is familiar with the resorts market? If that’s the case, please reach out and I would be more than happy to discuss why property at Big White Ski Resort is a great to own.

 

Big White Ski Resort Winter 2020/21 season – The resort & real estate is bustling!

With Big White Ski Resort’s Winter 2020/21 season’s opening day a mere few weeks away, the resort is bustling and busy making preparations to be ready for the Winter 2020/21 season. If you have taken a drive around Big White lately you will notice a lot of new builds and updating happening. A perfect example of a growing neighbourhood on the hill is the exclusive Feathertop Estates.  These high-end luxury chalets offer unbeatable views of the Monashee Mountains and top the scale of incredible ski homes. It’s not only new builds that are taking off, whether it’s those luxury chalets or studio apartments, real estate on the mountain is booming and doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon. 

What’s Happening on the Hill – leading up to the winter 2020/21 season

This October Big White Ski Resort saw 29 deals complete with the lowest price being $139,000 and the highest a staggering $3,200,000 which was the incredible Crescendo Chalet! The average price was $531,569, up from last year’s average price of $405,631 over 20 sales.

This year, the resort has taken many extra precautions to ensure that all visitors and staff alike will be safe with new rules and protocols in place that follow the government’s COVID-19 guidelines. In a Castanet article, Big White vice-president Michael J. Ballingall said the resort will control the number of day passes to keep a handle on the numbers on the mountain. Skiers/snowboarders are also being urged to “stay in their bubble,” he said. Previous years Big White had relied heavily on foreign workers and has worked hard to lock in domestic staffers for the resort this year.

With my office located in the Village, I love watching the hustle and bustle of the resort starting to pick up. People are really looking forward to getting outside and enjoying the champagne powder that Big White has to offer. Stop by the office anytime to check out all of my listings and if you have any questions pop in or send me an email. I would be happy to help!

LIVE WHERE YOU PLAY

Spend Summer at Big White!

Spend your Summer at Big White – the resort is open! This summers opening weekend was the most successful opening summer weekend in history. The real estate market is red hot and investors are coming from all over the country to buy a perfect mountain getaway for their families. We believe it is better to be outside, and with Big White Ski Resort offering incredible outdoor experiences, now is the time to explore all Big White has to offer.

Here are a few of the adventures and activities that you can find at Big White this summer.

The Toonie Experience – A Race Series

Friday nights are for downhill racing! With the course changing every week, this series is a fun way to hit the dirt and compete with friends. Either participate or just come to cheer the racers on! Click here for more information.

Geo Hiking Adventure

A free scavenger hunt taking place August 1 and 2, that will challenge your navigation skills and Big White knowledge. Compete as a team or by yourself and have fun! Find out more details here!

Horseback Riding

Saddle up and enjoy a relaxing adventure riding horseback along the trails with experienced guides. You’ve never seen Big White like this so take in the gorgeous views and fresh mountain air. Multiple options available from an hour ride to a half day adventure with lunch at Globe Cafe or Blarney Stone! Big White Horseback Adventures is ready to ride!

Hiking

An obvious favourite, hiking Big White is phenomenal. Grab a trail map and walk through the trails to enjoy the greenery and gorgeous vistas. Here are the Top FIVE hiking trails:

  1. Rhonda Lake Trail
  2. Peak Trail
  3. Falcon Ridge
  4. Alpine Meadows
  5. Jaimeson Loop

The sun is shining and the mountain is waiting for you to get outside and enjoy beautiful British Columbia and Big White Ski Resort. Come visit me at my office, right under Snowshoe Sams, or contact me today!

LIVE WHERE YOU PLAY!

Big White Resort Opening For The Summer

Mark your calendars – Big White Ski Resort has set an opening date for their Summer season!  June 26, 2020 (tentatively) is the much anticipated day that Big White will reopen. Hiking and state of the art biking trails have become huge attractions for the resort and this reopening day is much anticiapted by both tourists and locals.

Since March 16, 2020 COVID-19 has closed the resort down and despite the mountain being closed, the Real Estate market has remained strong and transactions are still happening. There are very serious buyers out there looking to purchase their dream Big White Ski Resort property.

Big White Ski Resort Summer Opening – What To Expect

You will see some changes at the resort with new guidelines set by health experts. The Village Centre Mall will remain closed to ensure the safety of their guests and residents. For more information on changes and FAQ click here. Accordingly, the Real Estate industry is also evolving as necessary to adhere to government protocols.

Now more than ever, buyers and sellers alike are committed to the process and serious about their transaction. Interested parties from all over the world are relying heavily on technology and online tools. Virtual tours and social media are being used to make decisions about their Big White property.

With the snow melting, slowly (and fingers crossed in time for opening day) many are anxiously awaiting to enjoy the many beautiful areas Big White Ski Resort offers during their Summer season.

Keep up to date on all Big White Ski Resort announcements here. Or feel free to reach out and contact me with any questions about the upcoming season and how Real Estate is being affected. My office is right in the village and I would love to see you; stop by for a coffee and we will make your Big White real estate goals a reality!