History of Big White Part II

Continuing on from History of Big White Part I Big White Ski Resort showed continuous, steady growth from the 90’s and into the 2000’s. This second part  to the history of Big White will showcase all of the incredible amenities and features that have been constructed until mid 2000’s.

The opening of a Walk-In Medical Center at the Whitefoot Lodge took place in 1994, along with a 100 seat conference center,  Dom’s restaurant, and The Eagles and Chateau on the Ridge condominiums being constructed. The Ski Rental and Repair shop was also renovated during this time. In 1995, Big White Ski Resort invested more than $5 million in improvements to continue its growth. To accommodate its growth, a 350 car parking lot was placed between the Bullet and Black Forest and the White Crystal Inn opened offering deluxe accommodation and dining. On hill accommodations now exceeds 5,500 persons making Big White the largest on-mountain village in Western Canada!

The next few years brought the Ice Skating Rink, Snowboard Park, The Village Center Mall, The Big White Kid’s Center, Gem Lake Express Quad Chair and 1,200 acres of new terrain. Bringing the investment totals to over $75 million. Accommodations grew tremendously in 1997 and 1998 with the developments and expansions of Black Bear Lodge, The Coast Resort, Legacy Condominiums, Snowpines Estates, and The Ridge Day Lodge. Not long after in 1999, huge development milestones were hit with the completion of the Legend, Timber Ridge, Whiskey Jack, Treetops, Chateu at Big White projects. The Real Estate total for 2000 is $39.1 million!

In the early 2000’s, over $125 million was invested into the Gondola Woods Happy Valley Project. 100 acres of newly gladed terrain, summer grooming projects, and car park expansions were completed in 2001. While a year later, in 2002, a new super Olympic sized pipe, the 2nd one in Western Canada was constructed, along with the new skier bridge linking the village to Happy Valley. 2002 also saw a massive jump to nearly $50 million in real estate.

Stayed tuned for Part III

Big White Real Estate Market Update – March

Big White Ski Resort’s real estate market in March saw a 55%  increase in sales from February. March’s sales were between the 94k and the 805k price point.

Listings haven’t slowed down either, with March seeing 18 new listings, bringing the current total to 112 active listings. Property price points are ranging from $104,5000 to $6.3million with a large majority between 500-700k.

Spring break at Big White was extremely busy for real estate this year. The weather was absolutely fantastic and the showings were non-stop! Investors, families, and individuals from all over the globe traveled to Big White to evaluate the real estate market and many jumped at the opportunity to make a purchase.

From luxury chalets to studio apartments, it seems that the market isn’t leaning one way or another, but offering properties of all types to cater to anyone looking to invest at Big White Ski Resort.

LIVE WHERE YOU PLAY!

Big White Real Estate Market Update – February

Big White Village

Big White Ski Resort’s temperature might be in the negatives lately, but the real estate market is climbing to hot hot hot! With 18 new listings becoming active in February, it brings the total current listing count at Big White to 117. That number includes condos, single family residences, and lots. 

Condos currently make up 42% of the current listings and with prices ranging from $104,500 to $1,100,000, there really is a price point for everyone.

Whether it is local families, investors, or people from out of the country buying vacation homes, condos are an incredible chance to own at Big White Ski Resort. They allow owners and occupants to live a secure, low maintenance, lifestyle while reaping the benefits of amenities and location. Condo living often boasts the “Lock and Leave” lifestyle, which for a vacation home is an opportunity for less stress, and the confidence your home is secure and taken care of while you are not there.

Condos at Big White Ski Resort are becoming more luxurious and the amenities are increasingly raising the standards. Complexes such as Stonegate Resort offer incredible building amenities like a heated indoor/outdoor pool, 18 seat movie theater, fitness center, game room, and more! To check out the sophisticated Stonegate Resort, click here.

So whether you invest, vacation, or live on the mountain,the condo lifestyle may be right for you.

LIVE WHERE YOU PLAY!

Big White Real Estate Market Update – January

We are already one month into 2019 and Big White’s Real Estate market is booming! The demand for property at Big White is steadily rising and people from all over the world are now not just renting, but buying their dream vacation/investment property. Investors are jumping in the market and receiving more of a return than ever with Big White Ski Resort now open for all four seasons, providing family fun all year round!

Keeping up with the high demand for housing, Big White’s developments are growing and don’t seem to be slowing down. Lots make up 25% of the current listings at Big White Ski Resort. Monashee Ridge offers lots starting at $139,000 and lot + cabin packages starting at $469,000! A ski-in/ski-out location nestled in the trees off of Serwa’s Run, makes it a great investment or a fantastic family cabin.

Not only are lot listings increasing with all the new developments,  Big White is seeing an overall increase of listings compared to this time last year, up from 76 active listings in January 2018 to 116 active listings in January of this year. From single family mountain homes, townhomes, and condos, there really is a type of property for everyone!

Whether you want to live at Big White full time (yes, there even is a school), or your focus is more on income potential, the Big White Real Estate market is one you can’t pass up!

Don’t you want to LIVE WHERE YOU PLAY!?

Why January is a great time to list your home!

You’ve been pondering the idea of listing your home “next year”, but aren’t entirely sure when is the best time to list. You’re friends tell you Spring because that’s when the market picks up. BUT, I’m going to give you 3 reasons to list your home in JANUARY!!

  1. There are fewer houses on the market – which means less competition and greater chance at receiving an offer
  2. People that are looking at houses in January are serious buyers!
  3. Corporate relocation – One of the biggest months for employee relocation is January, you might just sell to a newcomer to your town!

Okay, now that you’ve decided to list in January, here are some helpful tips for winter showings:

  1. Bake cookies for the potential buyers – the smell, the thought, and the taste will leave an imprint in their memory with the house.
  2. Have summer photos of the house, yard, and neighborhood.
  3. Keep driveway and sidewalk clear of snow and ice at all times!
  4. Turn the heat up a notch or two prior to showings, and if you have a fireplace, turn it on for extra ambiance.

Listing your property in January may just ensure you get the right price and beat the spring saturation!

Call Joan Wolf today if you want results, passion, and perseverance!

C- 778-231-0308

E- [email protected]

Market Moderation

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. says the country’s real estate market is expected to moderate over the next two years as the growth in housing prices is expected to slow to more in line with economic fundamentals.

In its 2018 housing market outlook released today, the national housing agency projects housing starts and sales are both expected to decline in 2019 and 2020.

CMHC says it expects economic indicators like income and employment to continue to help support demand for housing starts, but these fundamentals are anticipated to slow down to a more sustainable pace.

Rising mortgage rates are also expected to affect housing demand and the resale market.

By 2020, CMHC anticipates demand will continue to shift towards relatively less expensive housing options like apartment condominiums versus higher-end single-detached homes.

“Over our forecast horizon, housing starts are projected to decline from elevated levels recorded recently. Resales should also moderate while house prices are expected to reach levels that are more in line with the fundamentals,” Bob Dugan, chief economist at the CMHC, said in a statement.

Zillow is coming to Canada

U.S. real estate website Zillow is expanding to offer listings for homes in Canada for sale.

Zillow says it has agreements to receive more than 50,000 listings from Canadian brokerages and franchisers.

Users will be able to use the popular U.S. site and mobile app to search for Canadian for-sale properties by postal code, city or province.

The Canadian listings will display the home’s list price, a description of the property, photos and available home facts.

The listings will also include the listing agent’s contact information as well as link to the brokerage or franchise website.

Big White – so many options!

Are you wanting to buy a property at Big White? Have you considered all of the options, like a condo, a chalet, or a cabin, and can’t decide which one would you suit your family’s needs? Here are 3 properties that all offer different features. Which one would fit your family the best?

#122-255 Feathertop Way is a spacious 1  bedroom 1 bathroom condo in Sundance Resort. The building offers an adult games room, theatre, gym, kids room, outdoor pool with water slide, hot tub and sauna. Perfect for those wanting to lock and leave or for investors as a great rental!

If you’re looking for something a bit bigger, check out #C 5837 Snowpines Crescent. This 3 bedroom 2 bathroom ski in-ski out chalet offers breathtaking views of Monashee Mountains.

If luxury is what you are looking for, then 355 Moonshine Crescent should be on your list! This 3000 sq ft half duplex is loaded with everything you need for your Big White home!

To view any of these Big White properties or to be the first to know when a new listing comes up, contact me today!!

 

 

Step into the Sophisticated Stonegate Resort

Stonegate Resort showcases lifestyle amenities that are setting new standards for mountain villas.

This resort is loaded with amenities to fit every persons wants and needs through every season. The heated indoor/outdoor pool and whirlpools will send you into ultimate relaxation after a day on the slopes. Slopes, in which you can access right from your doorstep and just a short ride down you can be at the gondola or one of three chair lifts. After a day on the mountain, you could enjoy a hot drink at the coffee station, catch a movie in the 18-seat Stonegate theatre, or kick it up a notch and visit the fitness centre. If watching sports on the 65” big screen in the lounge makes you want to play some, you can try a game of foosball or Wii Sports in the games room.

Not only does Stonegate Resort tick all the boxes for amenities, the residences are also top notch and offer gorgeous views of Big White Village, Monashee Mountain and the ski slopes. All 1, 2, 3 and 3 bedroom w/ loft residences showcase large stone fireplaces, gourmet kitchens, in-suite laundry and private hot tubs on the balcony. You don’t have to worry about storage, because the resort offers indoor ski/snowboard storage and has heated underground parking.

Stonegate Resort is a stunning showcase of convenience, sophistication, and fun!

If you want to view residences in Stonegate Resort let me show you around!

LIVE WHERE YOU PLAY

Summer at Big White

I’m the first one to tell you that Big White is the perfect place for a winter getaway, but did you know it’s also THE place to be in the summer when it comes to real estate and activities?

Now, don’t get me wrong. Just because real estate might be a bit quieter in the summer and some properties are vacant doesn’t mean the hill slows down. Whether looking to invest into luxury real estate or spending fun-filled days out and about, summer is a great time to do the drive up to the Okanagan Highland summit.

For those looking to become a part of a thriving mountain community, summer is the perfect time to buy the investment property you’ve been looking for. Without the winter craze all around, it’s easier to get in for showings and last-minute pop-ins and take the time to decide which property is the right fit for you. Be it an income generator, a spot for a family getaway or simply a place to call home, Big White has something for everyone.

No snow means it’s easier to actually see the properties. Seems obvious, right?

Snow, even though adding the feeling of winter wonderland, can mask many problems with the structure. In the summer, without the average of three meters of snow acting as a cover, it’s easier to look at the property and make a well-informed decision before you buy.

Slower pace also allows to take a minute or two to work on financing. Financing for investment properties have a few different qualifications. 

There’s the myth that Big White is just about the winter activities but seeing Big White in the summer gives a great feel for what life on the mountain is year-round.

For those seeking adrenaline rush, Big White has brand-new lifted-assisted mountain bike trails. These world-class trails will take you on a tour exploring the beauty of Big White, all while giving you the excitement of downhill mountain biking.

The annual thrill-filled Mudd, Sweat, and Tears event challenged participants myself included to complete an obstacle course by navigating through organic and constructed obstacles. This event brings out the competitive spirit in all participants, but in a fun kind of way. Careful though, obstacle courses can be very addictive! 

If you prefer to soak in the summer sun in a more slow-paced environment, there’s plenty of other things to do. Just a 40-minute hike form the village, located at the bottom of Cliff Chair, is the beautiful Rhonda Lake. If you dare, bring your swimsuit and dip into the chilly alpine water.

You can also visit the many festivals that bring together the best the Okanagan Valley has to offer, from great music and drinks to supersize pies. Such as the Craft & Country Beer and Mountain Festival in June, Ciderfest in July, and then Huckleberry Festival in August.

My favourite is the Village movie series. It’s a free family event where you can snuggle up and watch an outdoor movie. Bring snacks, blankets and chairs.

Who knew there was so much to do?  Are you excited to live where you play?

Check out my listings and let me help you build your memories at Big White!