The year started out in 2009 a little like it finished 2008 with sales slow and buyer confidence very low. As we moved further in the second quarter of the year the general mood was optimistic. The final half of the year while not being a record did see a return to more historical sales numbers.
The two areas of the market that saw the biggest increase over 2008 where in Chalets where there was a 11% increase in sales and in shared ownership up in volume by 25%. Condo and town homes were both off in volume for 2009 but there were big changes in that area of the market with Cheakamus Crossing and Rainbow being offered for sale as employee housing.
While volume did pick up in the last ½ of the year the median values were down slightly but not off enough to signal any shift in pricing conditions. It was anticipated that inventory levels of listings would be down over the Olympic period but they remain at near normal conditions. So with prices stable, inventory at consistent levels and the world coming to visit 2010 is setting up to be a good year. 
To view Landcor's 2010 Whistler Outlook, click here for the PZDF report: 2010_Whistler_Report.pdf
Let the Games begin!
The wait is almost over. With less than a month to go, and after years of careful planning and arduous preparations, Whistler is ready and eager to take on its role as Official Host Mountain Resort for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.
It’s an exciting time to be a part of the community as it welcomes visitors and media from just about every country on the globe, as well as the best athletes in the world of winter sports. Along with all the Olympic action at Whistler’s three new Games Venues, the resort will be jam-packed with a series of celebrations and events taking place Village-wide from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily during the Games.
The program, called Whistler Live, features nightly Victory Ceremonies, visual art, live TV broadcasts, Olympic coverage on giant screens, storytelling, nightly Fire and Ice shows with acrobatic tricks and DJ music, plus a full schedule of free, daily concerts in Village Square. Blue Rodeo, the Barenaked Ladies, Sam Roberts Band, Bedouin Soundclash, July Black and Swollen Members are just a handful of the big name acts performing at the 17-day event starting Feb. 12.
The spotlight is about to fall on Whistler. 
And while the eyes of the world rest squarely on the resort during the 2010 Games, Whistler Real Estate Company opens its doors to share an exhibition on this one-of-a-kind community. Called “Whistler: The Complete Picture”, the mini-exhibition aims to highlight the fascinating diversity and unique mountain culture that make Whistler much more than just a world-class tourist destination. In addition to showcasing the resort’s various residential neighbourhoods and their services, the exhibit also covers Whistler’s thriving arts & culture scene to give visitors a better understanding of the community’s depth and how living in the area fuels creativity and inspiration.
Of course it wouldn’t be a complete picture of Whistler without a look at the incredible recreation and sporting activities available in the resort. With gorgeous imagery highlighting Olympic sports and Whistler’s well-known winter adventures, the exhibit also serves to underline how summers have become just as popular thanks to almost limitless recreation opportunities.
After the Games, the exhibition, art and visitor submissions collected during the event will become part of a keepsake book illustrating the true magic and heart of Whistler. For More information or to partake online please visit:
WhistlerTheCompletePicture
To comment on this BLOG, please contact Shaun Kimmins or visit Shaun at his Century 21 website.