LIVING THE DREAM

The journey through the Sea to Sky Corridor, from West Vancouver to Pemberton, takes you along one of the most scenic highways in the world. As you venture north, you pass spectacular Howe Sound, North America’s southernmost fjord, extending 42 kilometres to Squamish. And, where the ocean ends, majestic mountains continue as you travel to Whistler.

As a world-class, all-season resort, Whistler hosts many notable sporting, culinary and musical events year-round that entice visitors to the resort, discovering why there is so much hype about Whistler and the surrounding region. As for the Whistler “locals,” most of us came from somewhere else. Ask any local what it’s like to live here and the answer is likely to be “paradise” and that they wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.

While subject to worldwide whims and trends, real estate sales in the latter part of 2014 and into 2015 have been hotter than at any time in the past seven years, since the financial meltdown and subsequent recession of 2008. In contrast to many cities and resort areas in North America, a home here is still a dream within fairly easy grasp. Many people ask whether there are actually places you can buy in Whistler for less than $1 million, and the answer is a resounding YES! In 2014, Whistler reported 78 per cent of all sales were below $1 million.

Whistler is perhaps the destination that most people focus on when considering a vacation or permanent home, but if Whistler is a little out of reach, serious consideration should be given to Squamish. Only 40 minutes south of Whistler, Squamish is rapidly becoming an equally desirable location, and a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts with world-class climbing, hiking and biking. The Sea to Sky Gondola takes you up to spectacular views of Howe Sound, surrounding mountains and access to a variety of activities. The recent approval of an oceanfront development will perhaps further change the face of the community.

As of the end of September 2015, sales throughout the region surpassed the same period in 2014. The Whistler Listing System ( WLS) recorded sales of approximately $476 million compared to the same period in 2014 of $398 million. Average sale prices for condos increased by 20 per cent to $390,165 and townhouses saw a three per cent rise to $697,073. The recovery is now seen in most sectors of the market, though condo and townhouse sales continue to dominate market activity, totaling almost 70 per cent of all sales in Whistler.

In Squamish, September 2015 figures provided by the Real Estate Board of Vancouver show price increases versus the same time the previous year of around 15 per cent for detached houses and 10 per cent in the condo market.

Unsurprisingly, the current weak Canadian dollar combined with all-time low interest rates and growing confidence in the market have made an investment into our region an attractive option for many foreign visitors. U.S. investors have seen an effective 30 per cent reduction in prices in U.S. dollars during the past two years.

Buyers continue to see excellent value in Whistler and Squamish ownership, with the desire to improve lifestyle being one of the main influencing factors. Everyone has his or her own individual needs and desires they are looking to fulfill by moving to the region. Whether it’s the weather, the scenery, or the availability and variety of year-round activities and events, the Sea to Sky Corridor could be the place you’ve been looking for.

There is a home for every budget and the knowledge and expertise of a professional local realtor can help you find your ideal home. You, too, can live the dream!