ski home Archives - Joan Wolf, Big White REALTOR®

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

December 11, 2024 by Joan Wolf

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.

Big White Summer Real Estate Market Update: 2024

September 9, 2024 by Joan Wolf

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.

Increased Activity at Big White and in the Okanagan

August 16, 2023 by Joan Wolf

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!

Hello 21/22 Winter Season at Big White Ski Resort

November 23, 2022November 8, 2021 by Joan Wolf

The final countdown is on to the 21/22 winter season at Big White Ski Resort. Are you ready? Passes bought, snowboard tuned and fresh gear? With less than 3 weeks to go, the resort has been seeing beautiful champagne powder fall in preparation for opening day. The village base is currently at 21cm as November 8th, a good start to the season. If you’re as eager as I am, you can watch the webcams here! The hype around the village is energetic and felt throughout. The restaurants, shops, and resort staff are all gearing up for the start of what is predicted to be an amazing winter season.

More New Things for the 21/22 Winter Season Big White Ski Resort

As discussed in my previous blog, there are many new and exciting things happening at the resort this year like Squawk Box (seriously check out the blog). In addition to those mentioned in that blog, Big White Ski Resort is also now home to the first Mexican restaurant on the mountain. Cantina del Centro, which also has a location in downtown Kelowna, is opening its doors in The Inn at Big White. The culinary variety at the resort is expanding every season and its nice to see numerous cultures and cuisines available.

Investing at Big White

Over the years, Big White Ski Resort has become a major hot spot for real estate investing. Consumers from all over the world purchase property at the resort. They use for generating income when not being used themselves. This is a great way to be able to have a vacation home and investment home in one. The resort sees many tourists arriving and renting condos and chalets for days or weeks at a time providing great revenue for the investor. This year we have seen an increase of not only investors purchasing but also families. The resort is less than a 45 minute drive from Kelowna making it a great place for families to escape to on the weekends.

In October, there were 33 sales at the resort. A 65% increase if you compare to 2019 which saw just 20 sales in October when the average sale price was $405,631. Which, is fairly on par with this October’s which was $414,433. We saw a 1 bedroom unit sell at $120,000, a luxury ski home sell for $1.1M and everything in between. 75% of those sales were under 500K.

Big White Ski Resort is so much more than investing in a property. It’s about investing in growth, family, and the pursuit of enjoying the beautiful outdoors. It’s better to be outside.