Whistler Real Estate | A comprehensive guide

My client, seller of a gorgeous condominium at Four Seasons Resort, Whistler, recognized that we live in a very different environment from 2002 when he purchased his property at over $1million. With a list price of $560,000 he came to terms with another client of mine and a deal was made at $500,000. Both my clients are satisfied that the selling price is fair, given the very different financial picture painted by all properties of this type in Whistler, verses back in 2004 when Four Seasons, Whistler opened.

My Seller is obviously not particularly happy at selling at a substantial discount to his original purchase price, but he is a realist and simply wanted to get the best price he could in today’s market. On the other hand, my Buyer is very pleased that he was able to purchase in one of Whistler’s most prestigious hotels at a fair price and is comfortable that as occupancy rates and room revenues increase, his investment will likely increase in value.

I am now watching with interest how other sellers of Four Seasons, Whistler condominiums might react to this sale. The harsh reality for many will have to be the realization that an original purchase price is absolutely no reflection on what a property might be worth in today’s market.

There are other Four Seasons properties for sale in Whistler, plus other hotel condominiums that operate under a similar “Rental Pool” arrangement. If you are considering a purchase of a Whistler hotel-condominium you need to be very aware of what you are buying into. I am of course able to assist and would be happy to explain all the financials, why the values have changed so dramatically and the best way to position an offer to a Seller.

I have just listed a ski chalet in Snowridge Crescent, one of Whistler’s absolute best ski-in / ski-out locations. A brief description follows:

The home commands a front row seat overlooking The Dave Murray Downhill, the ski-run used in the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. The large south facing deck, incorporating an outdoor fireplace, has gorgeous mountain views beyond the ski-run, a wonderful sense of privacy and guests enjoy the sounds of a flowing creek meandering its way just below the property.

Five bedrooms and five bathrooms establishes this 2,800 square foot home as a perfect getaway for family and friends. A large living area with vaulted ceilings, an expansive wood burning fireplace and an open plan kitchen encourages cozy family dinners or entertaining guests. As a bonus, a self contained one-bedroom suite has an interconnecting door to the main house, which allows maximum convenience. The unfinished basement can be easily incorporated into the home providing additional square footage.

Rarely found in Whistler, this home is zoned for Tourism Accommodation, providing financial flexibility as the home and / or the suite can be rented nightly or on a long term basis.

If you’re looking for a slope-side ski chalet in Whistler, that offers maximum flexibility and tons of potential to add a personal touch, this property deserves a close look.

Photographs and additional details are available upon request.

Asking Price: $3,050,000

My October package of real estate statistics for October 2011 shows a continued growing interest in purchasing a property in Whistler and a reluctance by Sellers to reduce prices any further. With all categories of property showing higher sale numbers than 2010, particularly in the condominium category which continues September’s trend with triple the number of sales from last year and double from 2009, there is little doubt that this market has reached a pricing plateau. For full details, visit October Statistics