Whistler Market Update

Just as the year started, the Whistler market continues to experience low inventory levels and a strong buying presence. Whistler's average median price for a Chalet is $2,300,000, an increase of 34.1% over the median price at the end of 2016. There were 91​ real estate​ ​sales in Whistler for March 2017, amounting to about $91 million in total dollar volume. This is a 2 per cent increase in dollar volume ​when compared to March 2016 and 12 per cent increase over February 2017.​ ​The first quarter numbers for 2017 indicate a continuation of this busy market, with 225 transactions and total dollar volume of approximately $223 million. This is slight decrease when compared to the first quarter of 2016, likely due to lack of inventory in the Whistler market. For a more detailed report, head to my website.

Pemberton Update: There were 9 real estate sales in Pemberton in March with total dollar volume of over $1.2 million, a 23% increase when compared to March 2016. Pemberton had a busy first quarter this year, with 33 total real estate transactions, approximately $14.8 million in the total dollar volume. Pemberton Sales Statistics can be found here.

The Squamish real estate market remains active. There were 72 transactions, amounting to approximately $48 Million in sales for March, a 62% increase in dollar volume of sales over February 2017, and the benchmark sales price was $699,645. The 1st quarter sales numbers are in and all trends indicate continuing growth in the Squamish Real Estate Market. There were a total of 153 sales this quarter, approximately 23% less that the first quarter of 2015, but an increase of over 29% when compared to Quarter 4 2015. This amounted to over 99 million in real estate sales for Squamish. Check out the Squamish real estate statistics here.

Vancouver housing prices firm

Residential property sales in the region totalled 3,579 in March 2017, a decrease of 30.8 per cent from the 5,173 sales recorded in record-breaking March 2016 and an increase of 47.6 per cent compared to February 2017 when 2,425 homes sold.

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $919,300. This represents a 0.8 per cent decrease over the past six months and a 1.4 per cent increase compared to February 2017. This is the third straight monthly increase, meaning that prices have regained nearly all of the ground lost between August and December of 2016. Prices fell nearly 3% during this time, reflecting the shock of the foreign buyer tax and some unintended consequences of a clumsy roll out, and the rule tightening of mortgage insurance.

Whistler Community Update

Phase Two of the Valley Trail Extension Project will occur within the next three to four weeks in April to prepare for the new trail alignment. Parking will be limited over the course of the project and some traffic may be impacted at various times. 

Work plans include:

• Building a new separate trail section with lighting into the existing treed area to the north of the main entrance roadway that connects to the existing Valley Trail.
• Building a new trail section along the front of the arena in the existing landscaped area that provides access to the front of Meadow Park Sports Centre.

Upcoming events

The snow is well and truly melting around town and with it comes the emergence of natural and human generated waste. There are many ways we can all get involved in bringing beauty to Whistler’s parks in preparation for sunny days enjoyed outdoors. Protecting Whistler’s natural assets is part of the community’s history, and it has been supported through strong community action for decades.

Yard waste drop off: May 12–14. For details, please visit www.whistler.ca/free-yard-waste-drop-weekends

Garden debris burn: April 28–May 15. Homeowners can safely burn garden debris by obtaining a permit from the Whistler Fire Rescue Service.

The annual Pitch-In Day: May 6. Since 1989, the RMOW has organized an annual Pitch-In Day where hundreds of volunteers gather to clear litter throughout Whistler. Picking up litter along roadways and trails is an important part of protecting our natural habitats from toxins. Garbage left in ditches is easily blown or washed into creeks, forests, and other sensitive areas. If you are interested in "pitching-in" please email roads@whistler.ca.

WORCA Bike Swap - WORCA’s ever popular annual Bike Swap is back this year, and will be held on Saturday May 7th, between 10am-3pm at the Olympic Plaza (beside the Brewhouse, by the Olympic Rings). With hundreds of people lining up in search of a good deal, the Bike Swap is the perfect place to buy and sell new and used bikes and gear. http://www.worca.com/bike-swap/

Go Fest - Whistler's Outdoor Festival - May 19th - 22nd - Whistler's successful family oriented Great Outdoors Festival is a jam packed weekend of mountain culture. Fun for the whole family! https://www.whistler.com/events/gofest/