Top 3 things Buyers from Australia need to know

Big White Village

When you have a choice to live where you play, why not choose Big White?

Only 45 minutes from an international airport lies the place of attainable luxury, surrounded by serenity and adventure alike.

For all my Australian clients ready to find the perfect Canadian home that matches their lifestyle, Big White is the right place to invest in. Here are the Top 3 things buyers from Australia need to know.

1. The mountain has some of the best snow and weather conditions in the country.

Chair lift at Big WhiteFirst, the mountain has some of the best snow and weather conditions in the country. Slopes are covered with champagne powder that will impress any avid skier and snowboarder, and there is always plenty of snow to keep all the runs open. What’s even better—even in the heat of the season, there are no long line-ups.

2. When purchasing a home in Canada you use an exclusive Buyer’s Agent.

Buyers AgentWhen purchasing a home in Canada, you use an exclusive Buyer’s Agent whose only job is to protect your interests and give you all the necessary information to help you find your perfect property.

It’s imperative to have a buyer’s agent like myself at your side as they can help with referrals for lawyers, accountants, insurance companies, property inspectors, and any other services you might need. As a buyer’s agent, I can also help you check all the other boxes on your wishlist: property managers, cleaners, hot tub maintaining companies, electricians, plumbers, and more.

3. No need to worry about gazumping.

Couple looking at LaptopThere is no need to worry about gazumping once you find the perfect mountain getaway or rental revenue holiday property. When you put an offer on the home and the vendors accept it, you have two weeks to do your due diligence before you have to put in a deposit. Read the strata documents, view title search, speak to a lawyer, arrange your financing, do property inspection, and do other steps, knowing that no other buyer can bump your offer with a higher offer.

If you’re ready to look for a home on the mountain, check out my listings and let me show you around.


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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!

Real Estate Report – June Edition

Here are the June Stats. Numbers are showing that the market has changed and we are back to 2014 numbers of sales, so a much more balanced market instead of the 2017 “sellers market” which makes it an ideal time to buy.

Prices are still strong which makes it great for sellers.
If you are thinking about listing call me for a Free Market Evaluation and lets get you listed.

Big White Invitational Slopestyle

Big White welcomes you to their first Invitational Slopestyle hosted by Tom van Steenbergen, July 4th – 7th 2018. The 25 top riders from all over North America and Europe will compete for the Amateur Contest for Bronze and Invitational Slopestyle for Gold in the Freeride Mountain Bike World Tour, better known as FMB World Tour. This is the only FMB World Tour Gold Event in North America with 4 wildcard entries allowing for local riders to complete and show off their talent in their own backyard. 

 There is so much more than amazing biking to enjoy during this event. Live music, beer gardens, food trucks, demos, expos are to name a few. Once the sun goes down on Friday, July 6th, make sure to attend the free outdoor viewing of ‘North of Nightfall’ while sipping on a few refreshments at The Woods beer garden. A special guest, movie director Jeremy Grand, will be in attendance as well.

 If you’re a foodie, then you’re in for a treat! There will be lots of food options to please even the pickiest of appetites. Beavertails, Tug 6 Coffee, Okanagan Springs, Elevation 57 Brewery and Okapops Frozen Treats are just to name a few of the vendors that will make an appearance on the slope this weekend. Don’t forget about the fantastic on-mountain favourites, Globe Café and The Woodsbrand, just to name a few. Beer gardens will be open for business by 11am every day to help you start your weekend right.

 Remember to bring event essentials to insure the best weekend for you and your crew. Lawn chairs and picnic blankets will be needed in order to kick back and take in the action. With the constantly changing weather patterns this season, be sure to bring proper footwear, sunscreen, and layer up!

 If you’re looking for a place to stay over the weekend, look no further than Big White’s new campgrounds located at Black Forest. Set up with public washrooms, fresh water, and picnic tables, and breathtaking views, this campground has the necessities needed for the weekend activities. If camping isn’t your thing, Big White has a range of accommodation options to suit everyone starting from $68/night.

 To make Big White’s first Invitational Slopestyle even better, it’s free of charge from the viewing areas at Happy Valley! So come on up to Big White and have some fun!

 Be sure to stop by and say hello at one of my three open houses being held Saturday and Sunday, July 7/8th . Look forward to seeing you there!

Big White Summer

Big White is most commonly known for its champagne powder and cozy winter getaways but it offers just as much entertainment in the summer as it does in the winter months. Besides being BC most popular resort, toppling over Whistler, Big White offers an abundance of summer activities to excite all ages.

August 2017 marked the opening of Big Whites World Class mountain biking track, stretching over 1,200 kms of trails. From beginner to expert bikers, these trails were designed to test all skill levels. For those who aren’t able to bring their bike or need a quick repair, Big White has a rental and repair shop to make sure you don’t miss a second enjoying the Okanagan sun.

If biking isn’t your thing, discover the beautiful landscapes at big white which are home to breathtaking hiking trails. Discover Rhonda Lake and take in the fresh mountain are on the Monashee Mountain Range. Discover what’s been hiding all winter and take a scenic ride on the Bullet Chairlift for a birds eye view overlooking the entire village. After, kickback at one of twenty on-mountain cafes, pubs, restaurants, and nightclubs. Enjoy a drink special and live music at Moose Lounge, catch up with friends at Sessions Taphouse & Grill or have a night out at Canada’s #1 Ski Bar, Snowshoe Sam’s. If you don’t feel like going out, relax at home while Big White Beer & Wine or Vacation Food Service deliver your groceries and beverages right to your doorstep.

In the last decade, Big White’s appeal has grown drastically with both BC residents and international visitors. It has become a year round community that showcases endless indoors and outdoors activities. The Central Okanagan and West Kelowna have been marked as one of the geological areas that are at steak for speculation tax as of March 2018. Big White is currently not included in this tax, making it a great vacation investment property location with its growing international and domestic popularity. Regardless of your vacation needs, Big White offers activities from world class downhill mountain biking, romantic dining experiences, to relaxing poolside; just to name a few. So round up your family, come visit Big White and experience all that it has to offer.

Please contact me with any questions
Joan Wolf – Century 21
Call (778)231-0308
[email protected]

References:

https://www.bigwhite.com/explore-big-white/mountain-info/mountain-stats
https://infotel.ca/newsitem/world-class-downhill-mountain-bike-trails-coming-to-big-white/it35223

Summer accommodation rentals at BIG WHITE

Big White Summer

For the first time EVER in history Big White will be open for summer accommodation rentals: visitors are expected from all over the world with world class mountain biking trails, (bike concierge available to lock up your baby safely) festivals, summer camp for kids, grocery store, phenomenal hiking, outdoor movies, outdoor live music, etc

So excited to be part of the action the very first summer BIG WHITE WILL BE OPEN!!!

Come see me at my new office and have a coffee!