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Newsletter2011_whistlerjuly
Marika Koenig

Marika Koenig

Ahhh Summer...

Considered to be the best season in the resort by many, myself included, as there are so many more things to do when the weather warms up. From mountain biking, hiking and golf, to just relaxing at one of the local lakes or enjoying some quality time with friends at an outdoor concert or dining on one of the village patios. There is no shortage of activities for all ages to enjoy. I hope you will have the opportunity to come experience summer in the resort first hand.

Thinking about a Whistler purchase? There has never been a better time to buy – we have a great selection of properties across all sectors to choose from. If you are contemplating building or renovating, building costs have become more competitive for consumers in the last year making this a more affordable option. As well, mortgage rates continue to be exceptionally good for those looking to finance their purchases.

Please feel free to call or drop by the office at your convenience if you would like further information on the market.

Here’s to a great summer!

Market Review

http://oldsite.whistlerrealestate.ca/admin/newsletters/25/edit

Market activity through the first six months of 2011 continued to maintain the steadily improving trend experienced since the beginning of 2010. The total value of sales was approximately 189 million dollars year-to-date, compared to 182 million one year ago. The total number of properties sold has increased approximately 17 per cent from a year ago, with the largest increase in activity in the townhouse and condominium sectors.

Average values continue to maintain with the mean value for a single-family home being $1.1 million, a condominium at $305,000, and a townhouse at $622,000. In all cases, average values are higher than median values, indicating that the largest amount of activity is in the lower-priced properties. There continues to be a large number of properties for sale limiting price movement and buyers continue to have the advantage at the negotiation table. Price and good value are the key determinants to selling success. Based on the current volume of transactions and the number of properties for sale, we expect the market to continue to operate within the parameters we are currently experiencing for at least 12 months.

Feature Articles

Staying Bear Aware in Whistler

Jeannie_and_cub-1

Summer has finally arrived in the Resort, and with it comes fabulous sunny days filled with outdoor adventures and hanging out on the most incredible patios and decks with a cool beverage and good friends.

But Whistler summers aren’t just enjoyed by its human population.

The Resort’s famous black bears can also now be found enjoying the sunshine and abundant natural food sources along alpine trails and in meadows, in the valley forests – and yes – sometimes even in Whistler Village and its neighbourhoods. Whistler is bear country, and locals try to live in harmony with the bruin population by following some simple rules.

Never approach or corner a bear, because although they look all cuddly and sweet, they are wild animals that are unpredictable.

If you do encounter a bear – don’t run, as this may cause an instinctual predatory reaction in the bear, and bears can outrun humans.

Don’t make any sudden movements.

The best thing to do is to try to make yourself look bigger – raise your arms – and calmly but firmly tell the bear to go away. You can also try backing slowly away, but always give the bear an exit or means of escape.

Remember to never feed a bear or leave garbage where bears can get to it easily. Once a bear eats human food, it will likely never return to natural sources, and will eventually become a danger to people.

By following these simple rules, and leaving the bears to enjoy the summer months on their own, locals and visitors help prevent wildlife conflicts, and keep Whistler a special community for people and animals.

WREC Kicks Off ArtWalk

Every year, the Whistler Arts Council turns the whole resort into an art gallery during the two-month ArtWalk program.

From June 20 to August 31, visitors and locals can take a walking tour through some rather unconventional art venues – retail stores, cafes, restaurants and hotels – and discover talented artists from the Sea to Sky area.

From Whistler Village to Upper Village, and Creekside through Function Junction, you’ll find extraordinary examples of local painting, photography, fibre arts, pottery, multi-media, jewelry and sculpture.

This year’s edition of ArtWalk kicked off in style at a free reception June 30 hosted by Whistler Real Estate Company Ltd and TD Canada Trust.

The ArtWalk Marketplace Opening Reception gave participants an opportunity to meet other art aficionados, and also meet some of the artists showing works in the Village venues.

For more on ArtWalk, go to www.artswhistler.com

Getting out the Non-Resident Vote

Thanks to heavy lobbying by a number of concerned citizens and Whistler Real Estate Co Ltd, the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) will accommodate mail-in voting in upcoming Whistler elections. This will allow all taxpayers who qualify under sections 50 and 51 of the Local Government Act (must be 18, a Canadian citizen, a resident of BC for at least six months and a property owner for 30 days) to vote. To qualify, you must be absent from Whistler on voting day (November 19, 2011) and either of the advanced voting days (November 9, 2011 and November 12, 2011).

To receive a mail-in ballot-voting package, you must fill out a Vote By Mail application form to the Chief Elections Officer, who will then mail out the ballot package. The elector must return the package before the close of voting on November 19, 2011.

The next election will be important in determining the future direction of Whistler. Many of our second homeowners have recently indicated concern about current policy and processes at the municipal level.

This will be the first time that the voice of the second homeowner has an opportunity to be heard to elect someone who represents his or her interests. The important date to remember is September 9, 2011, which is the date the application to vote will be available. Go to www.whistler.ca to download the form or got to the front desk at Municipal Hall to pick up a package. If you are interested in Whistler, don’t let your distance work against you.

Memorial Construction

When you visit the Whistler Real Estate Company Ltd office this summer, you may notice a change to the small sitting area outside.

Whistler Real Estate is currently renovating and enhancing this area and planting flowerbeds as a memorial to our associate and good friend, Arv Pellegrin.

This was one of Arv’s favourite spots to sit and talk with friends and members of the community and has long been enjoyed by our staff as a place to view the mountains and enjoy the sunshine. Designed by Tom Barrett and constructed by Mike Tyler, we hope that it will be a place for all to enjoy and a fitting tribute to a true gentleman and one of Whistler’s pioneers – Arv Pellegrin.