Sold in 6 Days (and for full price!) 2607 Callaghan Drive

Posted on June 6, 2017 by Lindsay Burch

Another listing sold in under a week! 2607 Callahan Drive in the Sunset Ridge area of Bayshores was sold for full price ($1,665,000) in only six days. The Whistler market continues to be very active with quality properties such as this attracting strong demand. This particular home is perfectly positioned close to the Creekside gondola with easy access to the highway for recreational property owners and is also walking distance to several shops and some of the best restaurants in town.

The Importance of Home Inspections and Common Problems

Posted on March 24, 2017 by Lindsay Burch

When purchasing a new home the importance of a home inspection should never be overlooked. When dealing with what may be the largest capital investment of your life, ensuring you know exactly what you are dealing with is important. When a seller puts their home on the market they must disclose problems and latent defects on the Property Disclosure Statement. In some cases, sellers will even commission a home inspection before their home goes on the market to rectify any problems and have a deeper understanding of the condition of their home to assist with pricing. Under almost all conditions it is recommended buyers organize their own independent home inspection too; this is often worked into the contract as one of the subjects to sale.

2017: Whistler Real Estate Trends to Watch

Posted on December 29, 2016 by Lindsay Burch

We’re just a few days away from the start of another new year, which means that it’s time to pull out the crystal ball and make some predictions for the Whistler real estate market in 2017.

The past year was one for the books: low inventory paired with high demand meant that the Whistler real estate market was as hot as ever. Will the market continue its rise into 2017? Here’s what we could be in for.

Negotiations – Beyond the Purchase Price

Posted on December 9, 2016 by Lindsay Burch

When buying or selling real estate, there is often a lot of focus on the sales price. It is logical that buyers want to pay the lowest price possible, while sellers aim to keep the price as high as they can.

Because price is so important, it is often a key factor when it comes to negotiations. Offers and counter offers go back and forth, each party striking out the previous price and suggesting a new one in its place.

There’s no doubt that price is a point of negotiation in buying and selling a property – but it is only one of many factors that can be negotiated in the contract of purchase and sale.

What Is a Property Disclosure Statement?

Posted on October 21, 2016 by Lindsay Burch

When you decide to sell a property, you will quickly learn that there is quite a bit of paperwork associated with the sale. Among the forms that you’ll be presented with is one called the Property Disclosure Statement (PDS).

So what, exactly, is the purpose of this form that asks you about the history of your property? Do you have to fill it out? What if you don’t have all the answers? Not to worry – I’ve answered these questions (and more) so that you understand exactly what it is you’re filling out.

Is Now the Time to Sell Your Whistler Property?

Posted on October 7, 2016 by Lindsay Burch

Raise your hand if this sounds familiar:

On the one hand, you’re in no rush to sell. You’ve had your Whistler property for several years now, and sure – it’s not getting as much use as it once did. But you still enjoy heading up every now and then, and it’s nice to have when friends stop by.

On the other hand, you’ve heard the Whistler real estate market is heavily favouring sellers right now, and you’ve wondered more than once whether it was worth the efforts and costs of maintaining the property when you’re spending so little time there. Maybe this would be a good time to think about cashing in…

Maximize Your Property’s Value with These Easy Updates

Posted on September 9, 2016 by Lindsay Burch

When it comes to selling a Whistler property, most owners have two goals: maximize the property’s sales price while minimizing the time it will take to sell.

One of the best ways to achieve these goals is to make small but impactful updates to the property before it hits the market. These improvements won’t break the bank, but they will elevate the way your property appears to prospective buyers.

Selling a Property With Long-Term Tenants

Posted on August 26, 2016 by Lindsay Burch

Selling a property with long-term tenants – whether living in the main home or in a separate suite – is a relatively common occurrence in Whistler.

Showing courtesy to your tenants and staying on top of legal requirements can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. The key is ensuring that all parties – the owner, the tenants, and your Realtor® – understand their rights and obligations, communicate effectively, and show mutual respect.

What the Foreign Buyers Tax Means for Whistler

Posted on August 12, 2016 by Lindsay Burch

Earlier this month, the new Foreign Buyers Tax went into effect in the Metro Vancouver area. Most non-Canadians will now need to pay a 15% tax the purchase of real estate in Vancouver and its surrounding communities – but not in Whistler!

Whistler Market – 2016 Year to Date Sales Statistics

Posted on May 4, 2016 by Dave

The Whistler real estate market is more active than we have seen it in a decade. If buying property in Whistler is in your plans, make sure you have an active, engaged real estate professional in Whistler, keeping an eye out for opportunities for you. Have your finances in order and be ready to act.

If selling property in Whistler is in your plans, now is the time. Reach out to Dave for a property evaluation specific to today’s market conditions. It has changed a lot in the last few months!

Whistler – Strongest Real Estate Market in a Decade

Posted on December 14, 2015 by Lindsay Burch

The Whistler Real Estate Market surges in strong leading into a stellar Whistler ski season

2015 will be reported as one of the strongest years in the last decade. The Whistler Real Estate Company is forecasting the total value of sales activity to exceed 675 million dollars – an increase of approximately 6% over the year before and the highest value since 2007.

How the numbers are changing numbers in 2015:

– number of sales year to date is the highest since 2008

– overall number of firm transactions is up 7.1%

– prices are up – pace of growth up 3.65%

– average transaction value is 11.3% over the same time last year

– listing inventory remains at 2008 levels

– sales are happening in less than 90 days

How will the falling Canadian Dollar affect Whistler Real Estate Values?

Posted on January 30, 2015 by Lindsay Burch

Today’s leading business news on the CBC website reports the Canadian dollar hitting an all new low of under $0.79 to the US dollar. This is the lowest level in 6-years, when in mid-March 2009, the dollar dipped below 78 cents. Click here to read the CBC article.

This size of a foreign exchange gap equals an approximate 20% discount* on Whistler real estate for Americans. Purchasers with US dollar buying power can now purchase a Whistler home listed at $1.2M Cdn for $1M US*.

We will see an increase in the US purchaser – a factor that has had a strong effect on real estate market values in Whistler in the past. We are a world-class resort offering an unbelievable amount of winter, summer, spring and fall recreational options AND we are a short 2.5 hour drive from the US/Canada border. With real estate now being presented with a 20% discount for our American neighbours, how can this NOT have an effect on our market??

I will be watching this closely in the coming months. I am excited to watch the return of our American investors.

If you are curious about if/how this low Canadian dollar may affect the Whistler real estate market, call me today at 604-935-7913 and we can discuss! I would love to hear your opinion.

*depending on the exchange rate your bank gives you.

Peak Performers at The Whistler Real Estate Co.

Posted on January 29, 2015 by Lindsay Burch

For the third year in a row, I have reach the Platinum level, the top of the podium, for 2014 volume of sales with the Whistler Real Estate Co. I am in pretty good company in this crowd! I appreciate The Whistler Real Estate Co’s recognition of the effort and commitment required to maintain this level of sales. Thank you to all my colleagues and clients who make my job rewarding – and help me maintain my enthusiasm year after year!

2014: Strong Recovery of the Whistler Real Estate Market

Posted on January 20, 2015 by Lindsay Burch

In 2014, in the Whistler real estate market:
– The total number of sales increased by 15%
– The total value of real estate sold was over 535 million dollars
– Reached the highest level of sales since 2007 (which was reported at over 705 million dollars in sales)
– Dollar sales volume was up significantly over the low of under 310 million in 2009.

All of these statistics mark a strong recovery year for the Whistler real estate market.

Top Whistler Real Estate Agent – Dave Burch: A Medallion Club Member 2014