COVID-19 and the Big White Real Estate Market

COVID-19 abruptly ended the 2019/2020 season at Big White Ski Resort. With the resort closed until further notice, we are all staying at home, homeschooling the kids, working from our new makeshift home office and finding new routines. It’s definitely a drastic change from gearing up, hitting the slopes and adventuring around the resort.

Big White Ski Resort remains closed for the time being, but because real estate is deemed an essential service there are still 124 active listings on the mountain and new properties still coming to market. With such amazing online marketing tools, an interested Buyer can easily view a property by way of a virtual tour, video, and photos. And, just as importantly, a Seller can feel confident that their property is still being marketed to its fullest during these times.

My outlook for the resorts future is positive, I believe that the mountain’s economy will remain strong. With our response to COVID-19 and the US dollar being at almost 1.50 I am cautiously optimistic that Canada, BC, and especially Big White, will be sought after real estate in the following months.

Still want to explore the mountain?

There are some approved off-season trail access that you may use. *PLEASE NOTE*  The mountain is closed and no access of any kind is permitted to the trails and/or areas within the controlled recreational boundary on Big White Mountain. With the exception of low impact activities such as dog walking and snowshoeing in the highlighted area on the map. Check out there MAP here.

Big White Real Estate Market Update February 2020

Big White Real Estate market update for February shows the rush of the New Year went well into February as we are seeing many new listings popping up and an increase in sales over the same time last year. With new developments and amenities surfacing on the mountain, the demand for a Big White Ski Resort property is high.

Big White Real Estate Market Update

In January and February of this year, we saw 60 new listings hit the market, 30 in January and 30 in February. Comparing it to 54 last year it’s not a drastic leap, but the sales are considerably higher with 30 total sales this year so far. 2019 saw 20 in the first two months.

Also seeing an increase this month over last year in February is the average sale price. 2020’s average sale price in February was $468,850, up from last year, but down slightly from January 2020 which was $501,588. There have been 30 sales so far in 2020, 13 of them being in February. The increase in activity on the mountain confirms that sellers and buyers alike are ready to make moves.

If you are ready to list your Big White Ski Resort property now may be the best time to ensure your property has high profit potential. However, if you are looking to buy, the market is showing us that these listings are hot commodities and don’t last long. Contact me today!

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Renting Out Your Big White Ski Resort Property

Some people rent out their Big White Ski Resort property is a way to earn extra income when the property is not being used for their own personal use. Others buy at Big White strictly to use the property as a rental as rentals on the mountain are always in high demand, especially over the Christmas holidays and Spring Break. In addition to the holiday rushes, there are also seasonal workers and visitors alike that rent over the course of the season, year after year. This article will offer insight on renting out your Big White Ski Resort property.

Renting Out Your Big White Ski Resort Property

From self managing to outsourcing to a full service rental company, you have options depending on how involved you’d like to be. Some restrictions apply to each service you choose but luckily there are a few to chose from.

However, each building and complex have their own rental restrictions in place and rules that must be followed. So before making your rental plan. I reccommend speaking to a professional (I would be happy to answer any questions) about the possible rental restrictions for your property.

Let’s have a look at some of the options…

Self Managed

Airbnb

This is a great option for those who want to self manage. Be prepared to run the rental from top to bottom. You’d be in charge of listing the rental, upkeep, managing booking, cleaning and more. Do your research to see if Airbnb is right for you.

Full Service

Central Reservations

The one-stop shop for everything on the mountain. Handling rentals, and just about everything else, Central Reservations is a trusted, knowledgable team.

Luxury Mountain Vacation Rentals

With over 10 years of operation at Big White, this company has a long history of exceeding guest expectations. The team is comprised of other local small business such as: Pure White Cleaners, Snowy Nights Hot Tubs, Billy’s Waterworks, and many others.

If you decide to self-manage, I highly recommend the following local services to assist with the rental process:

Renting out your Big White Ski Resort property allows you to have that home away from home that generates income while not in use by you and your family. Contact me for all your Big White Real Estate needs! I would be happy to answer any questions or get started searching for your perfect investment property!

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Big White Real Estate Market Update January 2020

January was a busy month of real estate at Big White Ski Resort. The new year started with a rush of people from all over the world travelling to Big White Ski Resort to view properties for both vacation homes and investment purposes. Here is a little update on the Big White Real Estate market from January.

Lets look at the numbers

The number of sales this January increased by 54.5% from January of last year. The number of active listings however, are fairly similar with January 2020 having 114 and January 2019 have 110. The average sale price is up from last year as well! 2020’s average sale price in January was an impressive $501,588. January of last year saw an average of $342,535.

The Big White Real Estate market shows consistent growth and increasing value year after year. For example, if you invested in Big White January of 2016, the average sale price was just 260,975!

With 30 new listings coming to market in January, there is a piece of Big White for everyone. From studio apartments, to million dollar luxury chalets, the numbers show that now is a great time to get into the Big White Real Estate market.

Are you interested in investing on the hill? Or are you looking for that perfect family ski home? Big White has it all. Contact me with any questions or if you’d like to start your search today!

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A Look Back at Big White’s Real Estate in 2019

2019 has come and gone and what a groundbreaking year it was for real estate at Big White Ski Resort. There were many investors and families from all over the world visit the mountain to look and purchase their own piece of paradise at beautiful Big White Ski Resort. Let’s take a look back at what happened in 2019.

A Look Back

This past year we saw over 67 million dollars in sales stemming from 148 overall deals. The highest sale price in 2019 was the sale of White Spirit Lodge, the one of a kind chalet built by The Timber Kings, which sold for the price of $3,990,000 CAD. On the flip side, the lowest sale price was $86,000 CAD for a studio apartment located in the Village. The average sale price in 2019 at Big White was $449,766 CAD. That number is a 27% increase from last years average sale price!!

A variety of dwellings were purchased, from land, single family chalets, studio apartments, great townhomes and even commercial spaces. Whether it was for investment purposes or a family vacation getaway, there is always great availability at Big White. Click here for current Big White Listings

There were new developments and buildings being constructed all over the mountain. Fabulous multi-units and expansions of existing areas made developers and investors alike be more drawn to building and developing at Big White.

2020 Vision

2020 has already been a flurry of showings, offers, and deals and we are only a few days into the year. My prediction is that the Big White real estate market continues to climb and more and more people will invest in Big White. 2020 can be your year to invest at Big White Ski Resort. If you have any questions or want to start your search, please contact me or pop by my office in the Village right under Snowshoe Sams. See you on the slopes in that champagne powder!

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Revamp Remodel Renovate

We’re now in full swing and right before the New Year, this is one of my favorite times of the year! Shimmering snow on the mountains and the twinkling lights in the village, Big White is a wonderful place to be.

Whether you’re thinking about building from scratch see my previous entry or if you already have a property there are lots of options to make it modern. Perhaps you’ve found a property you really like but there are just a few things you want to upgrade. Renovations are a great way to keep your place current and increase its market value. Even if you have a slight fixer-upper don’t be discourage to sell, this might be the perfect project for someone else. You don’t have to break your budget either since you can start and finish at your own pace.

Consider A Few Things

  • A fresh coat of paint is a simple way to change the look and feel of a space and you can hire professionals or DIY.
  • Kitchens and bathrooms are good places to start whether you’re a buyer or a seller most people take notice of these areas. You don’t necessarily need to do major renovations either since small improvements help, consider changing sinks, countertops, appliances and hardware.
  • Floors are another way you can easily transform a space. Think about replacing broken tiles, hardwood panels, or removing old carpet.
  • Window coverings are another way you can redesign a space.
  • If your property is on the smaller side think about sprucing up outdoor areas to add more inviting spaces into the mix.

Depending on the project you are planning you might need a permit so be sure to find out more from your regional district or municipality. There are lots of home improvement magazines, TV shows and websites that can help you decide on the perfect designer look for you. Our friends at Weninger Construction can also help navigate your renovations needs.

 

Build at Big White

You can feel the excitement as 41 runs are now open and it’s just the beginning of the season! At 7595 ft Big White is one of the highest ranges in the Okanagan Highlands. Maybe this is one of the secrets to the Champagne Powder? For that reason and many others, we are the second largest ski resort in BC and continue to grow each year. Nestled in between the Monashee Mountains and the Okanagan Valley, this makes panoramic mountain views a reality. Our listings showcase a variety of price points making this a viable market for buyers and sellers. 

With The Crescendo winning ‘Best Chalet’ at the World’s Ski Awards in Austria, Big White is getting recognized for its design and innovation. This definitely helps attract people from around the globe I gotta say, this ski resort continues to impress me! Imagine what you could do with your own custom build. Perhaps you’re thinking about a chalet or an investment property. Work with a team that has experience in designing and building on the mountain for over 30 years. The expertise of Weninger Construction can help you execute your dreams, take a look as they construct Black Forest Lodge.

As a result of the unique climate and terrain, you’ll want to consider durable materials like stone, wood, acrylic stucco or treated concrete. In addition, the mountain is home to sensitive plant life so you’ll need to strategize how to be of minimal impact on the environment. Keep in mind growing season is short so you’ll want to get plants that will thrive in those months. The mountain is also getting a 800K sewer upgrade. In case you have further questions about the development process application which needs to be obtained before a builders permit click here.  Keep in mind Big White falls under the Kootney Boundry regional district zoning which allows for residential, high-density mixed residential\commercial, recreational, industrial, light industrial, and institutional & community facilities.

Check out these lots for some of the best locations to build in Feathertop. Feathertop is one of the most exclusive neighborhoods on the hill with access to Bullet Chair and Black Forest Chair. The alpine terrain is getting developed past here which makes this an ideal location to build your luxury chalet.

 

 

 

Holiday Fun at Big White Ski Resort

Big White Ski Resort is lively and festive as the holiday season has now arrived. With Christmas break approaching, many families will be heading up to Big White Ski Resort to spend quality family time together. The holidays allow us to make memories, and memories are definitely made at Big White. 

Spending the holidays at Big White Ski Resort is truly an amazing experience. The mountain is full of holiday spirit and as you walk through the village the festive vibe is always high. You can Tube with Santa, ice skate under the stars, or check out Big White’s Annual Christmas Craft Market which offers a wide array of items from local vendors. And don’t forget to bring the kids by Santa’s Workshop in the TELUS Igloo where they can make a decoration with the help from some special elves. 

Christmas Eve at Big White is even more spectacular, it’s a magical night full of festive wonder. At 4:30pm the Christmas Eve Service lead by Pastor Jack and accompanied by the Ski School Rookie Choir will begin. Following the service,  gather with your friends and wander through the village where live music by Jeff Piattelli will fill the air, and christmas lights will sparkle in the snow.

Pose in the photo booth or spin the Wheel Of Mayhem to see if you landed on Santa’s Naughty, or Nice List. You might even spot a glimpse of Santa before he beings his trek around the world. A dazzling fireworks display starts at 6:30pm and there are many surprises throughout the night.

Wishing you and your family a happy holidays from here at Big White Ski Resort! 

 

A Guide to Big White’s Opening Weekend!

Who’s coming up to join me for all the festivities at Big White starting opening day Thursday, November 28th?! My office is right under Snowshoe Sams in the Village Center and I’m looking forward to seeing you all there and participating in the fun. You won’t want to miss all the exciting events planned. Imagine carving down the slopes and right into your very own ski-in and ski-out spot. It’s never too late in the season to explore the possibilitiesP.S. Don’t miss the chance to stay during opening weekend and get 2 complimentary lift tickets

Thursday, November 28th

The Village Centre Mall and Happy Valley Day Lodge open at 7:45 am. Be one of the first people down the mountain when the Ridge Rocket chair opens at 8:45 am and runs till 3:30 pm.

During this time you can grab a hug or a pic with Lucy Moose & Loose Moose. Also, complimentary hot chocolate and ‘opening day 2019’ stickers will be floating around. Live music at Sessions, 3-6 pm with Canadian acoustic duo Mabaleka.

Sessions Taphouse and Grill will be hosting events all weekend long so be sure to check them out. In addition, they are home to Elevation 57 Brewing Co. Canada’s highest brewery with 12 different beers on tap and a variety of indoor activities…you might even find yourself trapped here. 

Friday, November 29th

Enjoy the slopes all day long and when your body needs a good stretch head over to Mountain Yoga Studio for 7 pm for Practice, Pants + Dance Party, limited space so get your tix in advance. Still buzzing check out ‘Far Out Friday’s’ at Sessions featuring DJ Mr. M from 9 pm to close.

Saturday, November 30th

If you can’t make it any of the other days come Saturday for all the fun! During the day there’s a ‘Patio Party’ at Sessions featuring DJs, vendors & bonfires from 11 am-5 pm (Sat & Sun). Enjoy live music, from Vancouver’s country trio, The Heels, they will be playing in the Village from 12:30-1:30 pm & 6-7 pm. Between 6-6:30 pm, you’ll see the Village transform into a majestic wonderland known as Light up Big White followed by fireworks!

If you’re in the mood to laugh head over to Globe Cafe who is featuring a Comedy Night with Glenn Wool, show starts at 9:30-11:30 pm, get tix here. Get ready to dance as the legendary duo of SkiiTour will be at Sessions from 9 pm-close.

Sunday, December 1st

Take part in the Reindeer Round-Up Scavenger Hunt designed for the whole family, uncover the whereabouts of eight Reindeer that have escaped from Santa’s workshop and reveal the secret message to get them home. Get your clues from the concierge desk located in the Village Centre Mall.  Explore the Village through your taste buds with Walk, Dine, and Wine, the ultimate winter culinary journey for food and wine-lovers. Starting 5 pm, Sundays-Thursdays till Dec 19th.

Visit me at my office, 12:00 pm-4:00 pm!

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Big White Real Estate Update – October

With around 20 days left until Big White Ski Resort opens for the Winter 2019/20 season, the Village is starting to get busier and the Real Estate market is following suit. After a steady summer and off season, families and investors from near and far are travelling to the resort to purchase their own piece of paradise just in time for Opening Day!

Crescendo

October 2019 brought forward 25 new listings to the Big White Real Estate market. Listings starting at $87,000 for a studio apartment in Whitefoot Lodge, all the way up to a $3,250,000 listing featuring luxury amenities and great investment potential. There was a lot of movement of properties as well, as we saw 20 sales during the month of October. Which is basically on par for October of 2018 which saw 21 sales.

With 115 active listings, there is lots of inventory to choose. From lots, condos, and single family homes, there is a vast array of available options at Big White Ski Resort.

Click here for active Big White Real Estate listings

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