Ski Dazzle Show in LA: Showcasing Big White’s Real Estate Opportunities

The 3-day Ski Dazzle Show at the Los Angeles Convention Center was nothing short of extraordinary. With thousands of attendees from across the region and beyond, the event was a whirlwind of energy, passion, and opportunity. As a representative of Big White real estate, I was thrilled to collaborate with Big White Ski Resort to showcase the unique lifestyle and investment opportunities available at this world-class destination.

Our booth, made vibrant through our collaboration with Big White Ski Resort, attracted significant attention from an international audience eager to learn about the resort. With brochures, stunning visuals, and engaging conversations, we captured the interest of skiers, snowboarders, and families dreaming of owning property in a pristine alpine setting. Big White’s reputation as Canada’s premier family-friendly ski resort, combined with its robust rental market and year-round appeal, resonated deeply with attendees.

Fireside Seminar

A standout moment for me was participating in the fireside seminar. This intimate setting allowed me to discuss the numerous benefits of purchasing property at Big White, including its strong sense of community, top-notch amenities, and the opportunity to own a piece of paradise in a thriving resort. The audience’s enthusiasm was palpable, with many attendees sharing how impressed they were by the resort’s charm and investment potential.

The Ski Dazzle Show provided an invaluable platform to connect with winter sports enthusiasts from the LA area and beyond. Many attendees were not only intrigued by Big White’s skiing and snowboarding offerings but also by the prospect of owning a vacation home or investment property in such an idyllic location.

This incredible collaboration with Big White Ski Resort allowed us to reach and inspire a diverse audience, planting seeds for future Big White homeowners. We left LA energized and grateful for the chance to share what makes this resort such a remarkable place to live, play, and invest.

25 Things to do at Big White Ski Resort on Your Winter Holiday

Planning a winter holiday at Big White Ski Resort? You’re in for a treat! Whether you’re a seasoned skier, a snowboarding enthusiast, or simply looking for some cozy mountain relaxation, Big White has something for everyone. With endless activities, breathtaking landscapes, and a lively village atmosphere, there’s never a dull moment here. From thrilling snow sports to delightful après-ski experiences, here are 25 exciting things to do at Big White Ski Resort that will make your winter getaway unforgettable. Let the adventure begin!

Dining Ideas

  1. Milkshakes at Black Diamond
  2. Pizza at Underground Pizza
  3. Tapas at The Globe
  4. Family Dinner at Bullwheel
  5. Hot chocolate by the fire in Happy Valley
  6. Enjoy a pint at Snowshoe Sams
  7. Romantic 7 course dinner at Six Degrees
  8. Have a burger at Happy Valley Day Lodge
  9. Coffee at Sprout Bread
  10. Horse drawn sleigh dining tour

Adventure Ideas

  1. Snowmobile tour
  2. Tubing
  3. Ice skating on Canada’s highest outdoor skating rink
  4. Snowshoeing
  5. Private ski or snowboarding lesson
  6. Attend a Saturday night carnival
  7. Dog sledding
  8. Watch the fireworks
  9. Horse drawn sleigh ride
  10. Explore the village
  11. Treat yourself to the Spa at Stonebridge
  12. Enjoy the beautiful sunrises and sunsets
  13. Fat biking
  14. Twinkling trail lights
  15. Loose Moose challenge

BONUS #26 Explore real estate with me, Joan Wolf!

No matter how you choose to spend your time at Big White Ski Resort, one thing is for sure—this winter holiday will be filled with excitement, adventure, and unforgettable memories. With so many activities to choose from, every member of the family can find something to love. As you wrap up your stay, you’ll leave with a heart full of joy and a longing to return to this snowy paradise. Start planning your next visit, because once you’ve experienced Big White, it’s hard to stay away!

Big White Summer Real Estate Market Update: 2024

As the summer season winds down at Big White, it’s time to take a closer look at how the real estate market has performed over the past few months. The summer period is traditionally slower compared to the winter, but that doesn’t mean there hasn’t been significant activity. In fact, the market has remained relatively stable, showing promise as we approach the busy winter season.

Summer Sales: 2024 vs. 2023

From June 2024 through the end of August, there were 17 sales at Big White Ski Resort. This is fairly on par with last year’s numbers, which saw 19 sales during the same time period. While the volume of sales remains consistent, it is worth noting the range of properties that have exchanged hands. This summer saw sales ranging from a $165,000 studio unit to a $1,730,000 chalet. The diversity of options available ensures that both entry-level buyers and luxury home seekers have opportunities to invest in this vibrant resort.

The average sale price for the past four months was $604,558 CAD, showcasing a robust market where properties of varying sizes and price points are finding buyers. Compared to last year, the overall market sentiment remains optimistic, with demand steady despite minor fluctuations in the number of transactions.

Total Sales Value: Year to Date

As of September 2024, Big White has seen a total of $38,776,499 in real estate sales. While slightly below last year’s $43,995,000 figure for the same period, this year’s numbers demonstrate a strong performance given the general economic conditions affecting real estate markets globally. The nearly $5 million gap could be attributed to minor market slowdowns or timing differences in high-end property sales, but overall, Big White’s real estate market has proven to be resilient.

Days on Market: A Subtle Shift

One noticeable shift in the market this summer is the increase in the average days on market (DOM) for properties. Compared to last year, the average DOM has increased by 19%. This means that while properties are still selling, they are taking slightly longer to find the right buyers.

This could be attributed to several factors, including a shift in buyer behavior, the range of available inventory, or the seasonal nature of Big White’s market. While the winter season brings a flood of interest from those eager to secure a ski-in/ski-out property, the summer often sees a more relaxed pace. Buyers are likely taking their time, knowing that the high season is just around the corner.

Looking Ahead: Winter Market Opportunities

As we head into the upcoming winter season, we’re seeing an uptick in both new properties hitting the market and increased interest from potential buyers. Showings have picked up as people prepare for the ski season, which is traditionally the busiest time for real estate at Big White.

For buyers ready to make their move, now is an ideal time to take action. Many properties are currently vacant, offering immediate possession opportunities before the snow hits and the resort comes alive. Buying in the quieter summer months means less competition, and the chance to settle into a new home before the winter season begins in full swing.

Why Now is a Great Time to Buy

While summer may be slower in terms of transactions, it is the perfect time for serious buyers to take advantage of the market. Properties are more likely to be vacant and priced competitively, as sellers prepare for the increased demand of the winter season. If you’re looking for a property at Big White, acting now allows you to get ahead of the competition and secure a home that’s move-in ready before the snow starts to fall.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy condo, a family-friendly townhouse, or a luxury chalet, Big White continues to offer a wide range of properties for all kinds of buyers. With the winter season fast approaching, now is the perfect time to explore your options and invest in one of Canada’s most beloved ski resorts.

Get your early bird season passes now for Big White Ski Resort here.

Big White Community Clean Up Success

I’d like to start off by thanking every single person who attended, set up, organized, and made an impact this past weekend at Big White Ski Resort. The 2024 Big White Community Clean Up was a success. The participation from everyone enhanced our beautiful resort and played a crucial role in preserving its beauty. It’s shocking to witness the amount of garbage that appears once the snow melts, but its beautiful to be a part of, and witness the community coming together and making a difference.

It was absolutely empowering to see a community so close come together and work hard. My wonderful children got up at 5am, on their first weekend of Summer break, and volunteered all day. They gave it their all and with such great attitudes, it was awesome to see.

A special thank you goes to Deputy Carlisle for taking the lead role and not only collaborating with the regional district and Big White Ski Resort community, but also providing supplies, equipment and valuable information. The impact from this event is encouraging to see and our progress enhanced the resilience to wildfires through the Fire Smart resources.

The Bull Wheel provided the nutritional lunch to all of the hungry helpers who participated in the clean up, and it was well a deserved meal!\

It was a bonus that the weather cooperated this year, it was such a great day to be outside. Live where you play, and keep it clean.

Top 5 Most Wanted Features in a Big White Ski Resort Property

While every buyer is searching for something with their certain needs and wants, I am here to share the 5 most wanted features in a Big White Ski Resort property that are most common for buyers looking at purchasing property at the resort. Maybe a buyer is looking to check off all five of these boxes, or maybe just one, but these are the features that I have found to be the most wanted when working with both buyers and sellers at the resort.

TOP 5 MOST WANTED FEATURES IN A BIG WHITE SKI RESORT PROPERTY

  1. Ski-in/Ski Out Access

Ski-in/ski-out access is a highly sought after feature. Luckily, unlike other ski resorts like Whistler, Big White offers arguably the best ski-in/ski-out accessibility from nearly every property at the resort. Whether its right outside the door or a short walk to the closest run, ski-in/ski-out access is an attainable feature no matter where on the mountain you are.

  1. Well Run Strata

Having a predictable and proactive strata is another very important and wanted feature for those buyers looking to purchase a condo. As the majority of buyers are not living on the hill, having a well-run strata can ease the minds of buyers that are not always in the unit. With a well-run strata you can trust, a buyer can feel comfortable, and dependent that not only their unit will be looked after but the building itself maintained and functioning at the level they desire. Each building is different in how their strata runs so it is very important to work with a knowledgeable agent and of course review all strata documents.

  1. Rental Income Potential

As previously stated, many buyers are not living on the hill and often look for rental income potential to offset costs when they are not using the property for personal use. Some units provide a steady stream of revenue and others can be limited due to many factors. Revenue potential varies depending on the type of unit, location, and amenities it offers. Many agents will provide past revenue numbers and a revenue forecast if available and applicable.

  1. Location

This feature is completely dependant on each specific buyer but location is very important. Some buyers want to be right in the Village with amenities and activities just a few steps away, while others are looking for a more tranquil area. Happy Valley is a great location and highly sought after as it offers a close proximity to adventures such as ice skating, tubing, and more with also providing direct access to the Village from Lara’s Gondola.

  1. View

Admittedly, this feature is not as important to some as say, ski-in/ski-out access, however many buyers are looking for a property that showcases the stunning Monashee Mountains. Whether it’s from a gorgeous chalet in Feathertop Estates or a condo in the Village centre, views can be a massive selling feature. With the gorgeous sunrises and sunsets that the resort is blessed with, its no wonder views make the top 5 most wanted features in a Big White Ski Resort property.

With the news of the foreign buyer ban being extended, and the resort being exempt from the short term rental ban, Big White Ski Resort is a superb investment for global and local clientele.

Overnight Index Swaps

There are no shortage of predictions as to how when rate cuts start and how deep they go but the most objective predictor is typically “The Market”. Overnight Index Swaps (OIS) essentially trade debts and equity at an agreed upon rate of interest. But in doing so, they’re predicting or anticipating the next moves of the Bank of Canada (BoC) to set those rates. And the path the OIS market is predicting for the BoC right now is 0.25% rate cuts in:

  • April
  • June
  • September
  • October
  • December

That’s a total of 1.25% off the BoC overnight rate by the end of 2024. Which is excellent news for the housing market. And though we never want to get too far ahead of ourselves, some outfits like Capital Economics are calling for as much as a 2% cut by the BoC.

We talk a lot about pent up demand for housing and how it’s expected to come off the sidelines as we gain confidence in/start to see interest rate cuts. Ipsos conducted a poll in December that shows just how much prospective home buyers and sellers decisions are impacted by higher interest rates. 73% of those surveyed said “higher interest rates have me on the sidelines for now and I won’t buy or sell as a result.” Everyone in Real Estate and Mortgages have talked about pent-up demand over the last 18 months. This survey puts an actual number that shows the significance of just how much of an impact these higher rates have had. But what happens as we start to see rate cuts in the coming months? Certainly a share of that 73% will find more confidence to enter the market. The window to buy without significant competition may be closing and closing quickly.

Which leads us into spring and the market we might expect. 2023 saw a spring market that was stronger than the 10 year average. And that was with fixed interest rates that were still approaching 5%. Most borrowers opted for shorter term fixed rates in the ~4.85% range in the spring of 2023. And where do we sit today? On average, fixed rates of all terms are about 0.5% higher today than the same time last year. But as we get closer to the inevitable first cuts, it’s likely that fixed interest rates will see some more downward pressure. And it is quite possible that we will see the same levels we saw one year ago.

So where does all this leave us? “The Market” (OIS) is almost never wrong about the direction of rates. And while they’re not as good with timing or magnitude of moves, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the next move(s) are going to be downward. And as confidence grows into certainty, it’s fair to expect a good sized portion of that 73% to wade into the market and test the waters. The prescription here is to get prepared. Though there is much less urgency with rate holds in a declining rate market, there’s much higher urgency in having a quality pre-approval and knowing numbers and limits. Because when things turn, they turn quickly.

And hey – if you want to grab a coffee and talk  Reach out and let’s connect!

All the best in 2024!

Increased Activity at Big White and in the Okanagan

We are seeing an increased amount of activity at Big White Ski Resort and within the Okanagan region within that last few weeks. The trend of the slower summer season was present, however, with summer coming to an end in the next few weeks, many buyers are keen to find a home.

Big White Ski Resort

Over 11 million dollars in sales have happened at Big White since July, a nice increase from the same time period last year where sales topped at 7 million. The average days to sell has however increased from 54 to 65 days because we are still seeing slower sales than average.

Closing day for the Summer season is September 4th. Meaning if you are wanting to get a few more mountain bike rides in, or finally get to the hike you only have a few weeks left. Winter ski season will be here before we know it and if this season is anything like last year we should except to see a large number of visitors, sales, and fun! Get to know everything Big White Summer here!

Some more exciting news is that Big White just introduced a state of the art car charging stations in Happy Valley! This is great to see for the growth of the resort. Read more about it here.

Okanagan

Since the beginning of August, 200 sales have happened within the Central Okanagan region including single family homes, condos, and townhomes. The average sale price within the same time period is 826,475. The average sale price for the month of August in 2022 was $854,854 so we seem to be fairly consistent with last year.

Although the smoke seems to have settled in hopefully it clears, maybe see a little rain, and we can soak in the remainder of August sun. The Okanagan has been blessed with a great tourist season thus far and many visitors are becoming more keen on purchasing real estate here in the Okanagan.

To be in the know, and receive up to date listings and information about the market, contact me here to get set-up!

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!

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.

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