Barb Cofield

Buying and Selling In Whistler

The Resort Municipality of Whistler is located about 75 miles north of Vancouver, B. C. It is a year round playground for local and international tourists alike who also view it as a top choice for real estate investment.

Properties available for purchase in Whistler include chalets, condominiums, townhouses and shared ownership. There are two types of condominiums that have owner restrictive usage covenants registered on title. These covenants are registered to ensure that any residential land in the Village and lift areas will be used and available in a manner which will maximize tourist accomodation.

"Phase 1 Covenant": This covenant is also known as "Unrestricted Owner Usage" and is the most flexible type of rental property ownership. It allows the owner unlimited personal use of his condominium as well as the choice of rental management including his own personal management. This covenant simply asks the owner, when not using his unit, to make it available for rental.

"Phase 2 Covenant": This covenant is also known as "Restricted Owner Usage" and is in place on hotel condominiums. These types of condominiums offer rental pooling and revenues are distributed according to square footage. Owners usage allowed is 28 days in the winter season and 28 days in the summer season with prior booking notice of 6 months. This type if unit is suited best to the occasional visitor to Whistler or the investor interested mostly in revenues.

Fractional ownership of condominiums and townhouses is available in quarter or tenth components. You actually own a share of the property and have specified usage. If you do not use all of the time allotted to you, a rental management program is available to generate revenue income for you.

Chalets condominiums and townhouses are also available in areas of Whistler that are zoned strictly for residential use.