Total room nites for Dec were up 12%, year to year making Dec 2011 the best year for hotel visitors ever! Overall room revenue was ahead despite REV PAR being down slightly. Big Growth was seen from AUS, UK, long haul US. There was a distinct increase in Destination guests ( as compared to regional), meaning more money was being spent per visitor.

With interest rates at record lows and Whistler real estate prices at 1997- 2000 levels it's time to jump. It's a great time to diversify your investment portfolio with resort real estate. Typically market cycles between the Greater Vancouver area and Whistler counter each other. With Celebration Plaza complete the resort is becoming a stronger family oriented destination for the Greater Vancouver area residents.

So it's time to take the leap of faith  before prices start to rise and sellers become less negotiable. Celebrate the year of the dragon with an investment in Whistler!

I'm very fortunate to live here. This link takes you to a piece on what makes Whistler so great!

http://www.whistlerisawesome.com/2011/12/19/lounging-with-locals-sharon-audley-2/

The depth of vote for Nancy clearly showed that both second homeowners and local residents were both unhappy with the direction of the resort. The new council brings a rewarding skill set to the table and passion for our home.

We expect the the pay parking will be restructured soon. Lot one will remain pay. If you want to be as close to the lifts as possible theres a cost for that status. The challenge now will to be support the Village businesses as much as possible. Over the past 18 months our habits have changed. Success in the Village trickles out of the commercial area as well as up and down the corridor to Squamish and Pemberton.

Whistler has over night become a much easier place to do business whether you are building a home, starting a new business or bringing in an event. I expect Whistler real estate will see an increase in activity over the coming months. We have exceptional prices in the resort right now along with a new team approach to marketing the resort and events here. We have an exciting ew lease on life!

Nancy Wilhelm- Morden

http://nancyformayor.ca/

JaysonFaulkner

http://electjaysonfaulkner.org/

Roger McCarthy

http://rogerdmccarthy.com/

Steve Anderson (not Andrews)

http://www.anderson4council.com/post/11627516284/steve-anderson-for-whistler-council

Kevin Rea

http://electkevinrea.com/

Ted Milner

http://tedmilner.com/

Fall colour in Whistler as the summer winds down to give way to winter. The summer was the third busiest on record with many successful events. Early winter bookings also look strong. The la Ninia forecast means a colder snowier winter and we have a small base left from last winter as well.

Interest rates are still at historic lows with Greater Vancouver homeowners having high equity in their homes. Whistler property prices are in many cases at 15 year lows. Buying in Whistler has never been more affordable. The Delta Whistler Village Suites has a variety of suites on the market. A studio at $129,000, one bedroom from $249,000 and a 2 bedroom from $354,000.  The DWVS is one of the best producing properties located in the center of the Village for a great year round revenues.

Real estate in Whistler has never been more affordable!

Keep your eyes open when reviewing potential properties to purchase in Whistler. Not all sellers .elected to defer the tax and you still can rent short term if you do not make over $30,000 a year.

Lake Placid Lodge in Creekside has a number of suites where the seller's did not register. These one bedrooms are in the $250,000 to $300,000 depending on how the seller held title. Recent sales for this great ski in & out property have been just under $300,000. Easy ski in & out and walk everywhere else.

In the Village I have a great 2 bedroom and 2 bathroom listed for sale in Northstar. When purchasing this suite the owners paid the tax at the time so there are no implications in using or renting. Northstar has a pool and hot tub which are appreciated by bother guests and owners alike. A great price at $559,000 all furnished and ready for you to enjoy. A quick walk takes you to Celebration Plaza, shops, restaurants and lifts.

In these turbulent financial times real estate is a great asset to diversify your portfolio in a different geographical are from your primary residence.

It's been a fantastic August and there is still substantial snow in the alpine. Flowers are coming out a few weeks late. Frost in the alpine has reduced the bugs and that is a welcome relief.

As Greater Vancouver residents begin to appreciate how great Whistler is as a summer resort some excellent opportunities are available. Phase one suites as well as the phase 2 Alpenglow offer an ability to own and enjoy Whistler while generating revenues to assist with the costs of ownership. Alpenglow suites under $200,000 and phase 1 from $200,000 and up.

Owner direct marketing for vacation rentals has become much more widely accepted in North America. The most commonly used rental sites in Whistler are VRBO.com, alluradirect.com and resortac.com. Trip Advisor has a new vacation rental site Flipkey. At $299 this is an attractive site for a few reasons. There are fewer listings in Whistler in comparison to the other companies, unlimited photographs and the tripadvisor has a strong web presence. There is a free 60 day trial available right now.

It does take some work but with work comes rewards. Hire a cleaning service to do switch over and deal with emergencies. Buy real estate in Whistler while the prices are great and enjoy the ride as we grow our guests again.

We are well into summer although it looks more like May in the alpine. The last few years have seen some market uncertainty but there are several great market indicators right now for real estate in Whistler

Interest rates are low and mortgages have never been more affordable. In some condo hotels purchase prices are back to mid 1990's levels. The Village is very busy right now with guests who are staying multiple nights. The majority of the guests are here to hike, bike and participate rather than do the Peak 2 Peak and buy a tshirt.

New annual evets are taking place that are drawing big crowds. The 2nd RBC granfondo has gone from 4000 participants to over 7000 for 2011. THe Warrior Dash had the first event in Whistler this pat weekend. 4500 people participated and had a great time. These new events are driving a stronger hotel occupancy.

There are many real estate buys in Whistler right now. One of the best revenue producers in the phase 2 inventory is back to 1997 prices. In phase 1 two bedroom and two bathroom suites there are Village properties with NO HST under $500,000! Building lots are under $500,000 as well in a few locations.

Call me to catch a deal this summer and enjoy the coming ski season in Whistler.

After several years hiatus the Fat Tire Crit is back in a new location. This event is sure to grow in the next few years.

Marketplace Lodge in the background has a great location on Celebration Plaza. Priced at $295,000 suite 354 offers exellent value and convenient access to all lifts, shops & amenties. Great front desk service, underground parking, special events in the Plaza and access to the valley trail system are just a few of the reasons to take a look at this one bedroom suite. Call Sharon at the Whistler Real Estate Company to view this comfortable suite this weekend!