Seeing a Shift in The Okanagan’s Real Estate Market

We are fairly used to seeing a shift in Okanagan’s Real Estate market in the Fall. However, this is not the typical shift we are used to seeing. There are many properties being listed but we have seen a decrease in closed deals, about 35% less than last September. Many factors contribute to this shift. Including the increase of mortgage rates and rules, more inventory being available, and of course the listing price spike that has not come down as much as many potential home buyers would like to see.

Seeing a Shift in The Okanagan’s Real Estate Market

Properties are staying on the market a bit longer than last September with an increase of about 65%. The inventory level has increased a substantial amount (112%) compared to September of 2021, leaving potential home buyers more options. This is good to see as it creates a more balance buyer/seller market and not necessarily favoring one side or the other. The price ratio has also dropped,. Meaning properties are not all going for full list price and/or over list price, which again is nice to see for potential home buyers looking to get into the market for the first time.

Inventory at Big White Ski Resort has also increased when compared to last year, an increase of about 48%, but with less sales overall in September 2022 vs. September 2021. The market at the resort has remained strong throughout the off season and is already picking up as we get closer to the opening of the Winter 2022/23 season. The average sale price in September 2022 was just over $500,000 ($516,750) while September 2021 saw an average sale price of $479,450.

The prices at the resort are competitive, strong, and overall a great starting point when looking to invest in a ski property. Currently there are 68 active listings at Big White, some starting below $175,000 and some all the way up to luxury prices around 1.5 to 2 million dollars.

If you are interested in further discussing the real estate market, or how your property can fit in todays market, I would be happy to chat further – contact me here or give me a call at 778-231-0308.

Get Ready for Summer at Big White

April 5, 2022 marked the last day of the Winter 2021/2022 season. You know what that means now? It’s time to get ready for summer at Big White!

This years summer season will start on June 30th and run until September 5th, 2022. Last summer it was incredible to see the events and amount of action we had even with restrictions were in place and we are excited this summer to pump it up to the next level because this summer is sure to be jam packed with events for the entire family. It’s very exciting to see the resort thriving and people being able to get outdoors more. Because as you know, it’s better to be outside!

Events

Big White Resort is bringing back many favorites like Craft & Country Music Festival, Freeride Days, Mountain bike boot camps and Spartan Race. You can find all the details about the resort’s summer events here.

The Annual Big White Community Clean Up takes place on June 11th, prior to opening day, to ensure the resort is in tip top shapes after all of the snow has melted. There is also a complimentary BBQ & t shirt for those who participate. Disposable gloves and garbage bags will be provided after registration which takes place at 9am in the Village. For further information click here.

New Developments

There is more than just events happening at the resort. There are multiple new developments underway. This is exciting and promising to see as more and more people are interested in buying a piece of beautiful Big White Ski Resort. Modern mountain living is coming and some pre-sales are already happening!

Monashee Ridge at Big White is mountain living at its best! Ski-in and ski-out, these single family homes boast spectacular views, modern mountain designs and low strata fees. Phase 1 has already sold out, so make sure to get your foot in the door for phase 2…coming soon!

Vita Residences at Black Forest by K West Homes are affordable smart, fully furnished studios starting at $399k. A $60M development, there will be 200 condos located just 50m from the base of the Black Forest chair lift.

Two more developments in Black Forest, Wild Wood and Blackhawk, are scheduled to commence in Fall 2022. Wild Wood will consist of 24 lots (single family or duplexes) with homes starting at $900k and Blackhawk will offer 16 townhomes.

Spyglass at Big White, luxury townhouses in Happy Valley, is currently constructing their final phase of 27 units. These townhouses are scheduled to be move-in ready for the 2022/23 ski season!

Big White Stats

April has continued to be a strong real estate market. The average sale price thus far is $850,613 – with a total of 8 properties being firmed up this month. The average days to sell since the beginning of the year is sitting at just 41 days. The same time frame last year we were seeing an average of 57 days on the market for a Big White property.

Currently there are 54 properties listed in the Big White area. There are affordable options, starting at 184k, all the way up to multi million dollar townhomes and chalets. The close price to list price is remaining high at 99.1% in April.

The summer season is exciting to watch grow because since 2017, the first summer season open, the resort has absolutely flourished with events, developments, businesses, and relationships all over the globe.

Feel free to reach out and contact me with any question you have about Big White, the summer season, and what’s happening in Real Estate!

Spring Break at Big White Ski Resort

Spring break is just around the corner and Big White Ski Resort is going to be the place to be! Many events over the past two years were canceled due to the pandemic, but with more Covid restrictions easing, the resort has some incredible events planned for the coming weeks. It’s an exciting time on the mountain because with more events, comes more guests getting to experience the beautiful resort.

What’s Happening

  • After two years of hiatus, the Neil Edgeworth Memorial Banked Slalom is going ahead this year on March 26 and 27th.
  • The 10th annual Big White Firefighter rooftop campout is March 18-20th. The goal this year is to raise $10,000 with 100% going towards the Thrive Foundation, BC Professional Fire Fighters Burn Fund.
  • Calling all healthcare workers(IH staff): FREE lift passes and 50% off ski/board rentals on March 30th!
  • AltiTunes Music Fest featuring the Arkells is a much anticipated event at the resort this year. A great way to reconnect and have fun. 

Real Estate Recap

The more people that arrive and visit the resort and see how amazing it is, more people are interested in purchasing a slice of Big White Ski Resort for themselves. We have seen 56 sales so far in 2022, fairly on par from last year and almost doubling the sales from 2020. With over 35 million dollars worth of property being sold so far, the resort is on track for another high transactional year.

With lower inventory than average, the resort has been expanding their residential areas and many new developments are in the making. Monashee Ridge for example is a new development offering luxury finishes and awesome location that has become an extremely popular choice for buyers.

Not only are there less options on the market, currently only 44 listings, but the listings themselves are being snatched up quicker than normal. 2022 is seeing an average days of market of just 44, a decrease from 2021’s average of 55 days. Less inventory means more competition and the average sale price so far in 2022 ($626,660) shows just how popular the resort is becoming.

Don’t be worried though because there are many opportunities to purchase real estate at Big White Ski Resort for less than that. Currently the most affordable option is a studio unit in the Whitefoot Lodge and it’s listed at $139,000. However, on the flip side, if luxury is your cup of tea, the most expensive listing is $1,999,999 luxury chalet in Feathertop Estates.

With so many eventful happenings at the resort, is it time for you to join the fun? To learn more or to get started on your Big White real estate journey, contact me today!

Big White Ski Resort’s Opening Day

Big White Ski Resort was just voted best in the province and the second-best in Canada, according to Condé Nast Traveler’s list of the top five ski resorts in Canada, part of the magazine’s 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards. So its no wonder Big White Ski Resort’s opening day is highly anticipated this year. And with November 25th approaching quickly I’m sharing the ‘need to knows’ for the 2021/22 Winter Season.

Big White Ski Resort’s Opening Day

As mentioned, November 25th is opening day for the 2021/22 season. Michael J. Ballingall, senior vice-president of Big White, said “last winter was one of their best ever for season passes”, and this year seems to be proving the same outcome with strong season pass sales already. Early bird season passes are still available until October 17th (you can buy them here) and, because they are the #2 ski resort is Canada, the resort is on everyone’s radar.

Snow has already started to dust the resort and the entire Village is working hard to welcome everyone on opening day.

What’s New

As with every new season, comes new activities, protocols, and options at Big White. Along with more parking locations, outdoor washrooms, and touchless faucets, the resort has gained a Squawk Box. What’s a Squawk Box you ask? It’s the newest, online food delivery service where chicken is the main event!

Following suit with other major Canadian ski resorts,  Michael J. Ballingall recently announced they are implementing mandatory vaccines for all employees of the resort. He said the goal is to get people to come out, work, play and live in the mountains for the lifestyle experience. And if being safe by being double vaccinated is a part of it then we’re happy to do it.

Real Estate Market

With strong indications of a fantastic season at the resort, real estate on the mountain has remained strong and continues to break expectations. Year to date on today October 15th, the resort has seen 198 sales, a 32% increase from the same time period in 2020 which we know was a hot market as well.

However, with an increase of sales, usually comes a decrease of inventory. Comparing this October to October 2020 we have 49% less inventory at the resort. So what does that mean? Sellers are getting top dollar for their properties and buyers are jumping in now before the prices increase even further. Year to date, over 99 million dollars in sales has occurred at Big White Ski Resort, a 30 million dollar leap from year to date 2020.

More and more people are exploring this gem and falling in love with everything it has to offer. Big White Ski Resort is a fantastic family fun place to enjoy and explore the outdoors. Just 45 minutes from Kelowna, this mountain paradise is truly one of a kind. As always I’m happy to answer any questions you have and you can contact me here or pop into my office in the Village under Snowshoe Sam’s!

LIVE WHERE YOU PLAY

Big White Ski Resort Statistics

Since the pandemic started it seems like real estate in BC has skyrocketed and as you’ll see by the Big White Ski Resort statistics, the mountain is no exception. The pull to be outdoors, in the mountains, enjoying activities and fresh air seems to be on everyone’s list and they are heading to the resort to do so. The incredible asset about property at Big White is that it’s not just a vacation home. Properties at the resort are known to receive high rental revenue, especially during the busy months, making it even more appealing to buyers and investors.

Big White Ski Resort Statistics

  • Big White Ski Resort’s average sale price has reached an increase of 45% over the past 3 years. In 2018 the average sale price was $351,693 and 2021’s year to date average is $510,123.
  • The number of sales happening at the resort has also dramatically increased 95% from the previous year. YTD 2021 number of sales is 167. A huge leap from the same time period in 2020 when the number of sales was 85.
  • With the increased number of sales in mind, the volume of sales has seen major upward movement and we are seeing a YTD sales volume of 85M. When compared to Jan-Aug 2020 it’s a 123% increase.
  • Prices are up, and the average days spent on the market is down considerably. YTD the average days to sell sits at just 60 days. A dramatic 40% decrease from 2020’s average.
  • Also seeing an increase is the close price to list price. YTD 2021 is sitting at 98.5% – up from last year’s 96.8% average.

Increasing prices, lower days to sell, and everyone looking for that perfect mountain property creates this beautiful storm we are in right now. With massive expansions planned in the coming years, investing at Big White has never been more appealing.

For more information or to chat about your options on the mountain, reach out today HERE

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.

February Real Estate Stats and Spring Break

As we enter in March there is a lot of action at the resort. Locals in the Village, a bustling real estate market, and spring break approaching Big White Ski Resort is a great place to enjoy the outdoors. As you may know, the end of last year’s real estate market was heating up and that momentum has continued well into the first quarter of the year. Let’s take a look at the February Real Estates and what Spring Break looks like this year.

February Real Estate Stats

January and February were great months at the resort for the Real Estate market. Year to date, we have seen 57 closed deals, totaling 29 million in volume. The average days to sell in February is down drastically, 43% from last February, at just 51 days. The close price to list price ratio is at 99.3% and last year’s average was 96.8%. Currently there are 85 active listings. There is the most affordable option, a studio apartment for just over $100,000. All the way to luxury chalets listed for 1+ million.

Monashee RidgeNew builds are exciting at Big White and Monashee Ridge offers an incredible option for those wanting a luxury chalet. With ski-in/ski-out access, opulent features and finishings, and a completion date set for 2022, these incredible homes are very impressive. For further information about this development, click here.

It’s not just residential properties that is booming at the resort. Commercial listings are a hot commodity and create a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for investors. Commercial listings don’t come up often and when they do, everyone wants a piece. View all my current commercial listings HERE

If blue skies and champagne powder is calling your name, don’t miss this opportunity to own your own paradise at Big White Ski Resort.

Spring Break 2021

Spring break definitely looks different then prior years, however; there is still plenty of activities to indulge in with the family. Of course you can hit the slopes on your skis or snowboard or maybe a snowshoe adventure is calling you. Whatever the outdoor activity is, it’s better to be outside. Check out Big White Ski Resort’s website for more information about available activities and COVID protocols.

Be sure to pop by my office (in the village under Snowshoe Sams) to check out all my latest listings, residential and commercial. Alternately, contact me and I’ll get you started on your search and answer any questions you have.

LIVE WHERE YOU PLAY!

Big White Real Estate is on Par With The Rest of BC

Big White Real Estate is on par with the rest of BC. You have likely seen in the news that the real estate industry in British Columbia, specifically the Interior, is breaking records. It has well exceeded many peoples expectations. Big White Ski Resort‘s real estate market is no exception.

For instance, January 2021 sales took a 35% increase from January of 2020. Sales from $99,400 to 1,540,000 took place in January with the transactions totalling over $12 million dollars. This created an average sale price of $531,670, a slight increase from January 2020’s average sale price of $501,588.

Big White Ski Resort Real EstatePeople are flocking to the resort to purchase vacation rentals for themselves and their families as well as purchasing investment homes to provide revenue. There are many options for whatever you are looking for in your Big White Ski Resort property. Whether it’s a lot for building your dream chalet, a commercial investment up to $10 million, a studio or anything in between.

From my office I get to see the bustle of the Village and the excitement that runs through the resort on the daily. There is no better time than now to get outside and enjoy everything this beautiful mountain has to offer.

This year, the resort has spent copious amounts of time and money ensuring they are following all new government protocols. I believe they have done an incredible job in keeping visitors and locals safe all seasons long.

If you are curious about stepping into the Big White market or ready to sell your lovely ski abode, contact me today and we can talk about your options. Now may be the best time for you to LIVE WHERE YOU PLAY!

Big White Ski Resort announces major plans

Big White Ski Resort has announced major plans to take place over the next 60 years. The resort recently submitted it’s 2020 Master Plan to the government, outlining the anticipated growth and their goal of making the mountain a “world-class, all-season destination resort.” It will potentially double its current size of 3,140 hectares to nearly 7,000 by 2089. Much of this terrain will come from East Peak area.

Major Plans Announced

Plans include doubling the amount of chair lifts, almost tripling the skiing terrain, and expanding mountain biking trails. Additionally the resort plans to add golfing, zip-lining, more equestrian adventures, and cat skiing. Winter camping and health/wellness facilities are proposed. Of course, with more terrain and activities that means additional parking, accommodations and amenities. The current bed units at the resort is approx. 10,533, and if the proposed 2020 Master Plan stays on track, the resort will see 20,600.

Real Estate

Owning a Big White ski property is already a sought after commodity, and with plans of expansion and growth, I believe the real estate industry will continue to remain strong. 2020 ended with some of the best numbers the resort has seen and the forecast of the 2021 market is parallel.

There is a broad range of available properties like residential, lots, commercial and pocket listings. There are also many great options for vacation homes or investment properties depending on your intentions of use. Whatever your requirements are, Big White has something to offer.

You can sign-up here to receive all new listings that hit the market at the resort the moment they go live. You can also always reach out to me with any questions you may have.

ITS BETTER TO BE OUTSIDE

LIVE WHERE YOU PLAY