December 31st 2009

So far things have been busy over the Christmas holidays we have been showing up at the ski hill - 3 and 2 bedroom condos and #21 Whispering Pines to 2 different clients, both very interested. #21 Whispering Pines and the condo's have also been shown twice by the other Realtors, some interest but sounds like it will not lead to offers. We have also shown 2436 Forde Station Road along with a few other properties and they are going to be putting in an offer on one of the other properties I showed them. 811 Barber Road was shown for a second time to my clients, they really like the property and are thinking about it.
New Listings are: 411 Mountaineer, Top views from this Top floor corner unit Listed at $355,000+ GST

Team Chambers would like to wish everyone a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2010.

December 26th 2009

Team Chambers hopes that everyone had a wonderful Christmas Day with family and friends. In the run up to Christmas things all of a sudden got extremely busy with 3 offers coming in on properties; a Condo at the Ski Hill, a trailer in Golden and a rural property on Barber Road - 2 offers have been accepted on 111 Glacier Lodge and the trailer. We also listed 3 properties; 209 Palliser Lodge a 1 Bedroom Condo priced at $299,000, 404 Mountaineer Lodge a 1 bedroom with loft and 1 bed lock off priced at $405,000 +GST and #62 1400 12th Street a 2 bedroom home priced at $99,900.

We showed 811 Barber Road today for a second time to my clients and they are still very interested.

Its very cold here in Golden again -17 today but wonderful and clear, we have not been up to the Ski Hill to ski yet but hope to do so next week. Check out the shot of the view (at the top of our blog page) of our wintry walk on Christmas Day.

December 16th 2009

This time of year is a time to spend with family, friends and enjoy good food. Team Chambers, on behalf of all our clients, has donated 10 Turkeys to the Golden Food Bank to help some of those less fortunate enjoy a roast turkey this Christmas Holiday. Real Estate wise, things are quiet as people prepare for the holidays but I have been receiving a few enquiries regarding condos and single family homes at the ski hill. We are getting lots of snow here and temperatures are now warming up again from the -25 we had earlier this week.

December 7th 2009

The artic weather has arrived in Golden, it is -22 here this morning and very brisk ! New listings this week include 503 A and B 10th Street and 504 A and B 10th Street, these new build duplexes are unique in design and 504 has an architecturally designed roof allowing for vaulted ceilings, all these 4 condos have that "loft living" feeling, the large windows taking advantage of the beautiful mountain views along with the main living area being on the upper floor these are priced at $309 and $325 + GST. Another new listing this week is 507 6th Street, this home is a perfect project to get your teeth into priced at $299,900.

1313 Stoney lane was shown twice and the new listing 507 6th Street was also shown. Sounds like it was a good turnout for the opening weekend at Kicking Horse and it opens for the season this Friday 11th December, we hope to get out and do a few runs over the Christmas Holidays.

December 3rd 2009

Temperatures are falling, the sky is blue and the Ski Hill opens tommorow with record amounts of snow on the upper mountain! Here is a view of the Ski Hill this morning taken from my backyard.

New listings this week are 865 Barber Road $649,900, a large chalet home with 5 bedrooms, on 1.9 acres, very spacious and only 3 years old. 627 Habart Lower Road $649,900, a huge home on .6 of an acre with 7 bedrooms and potential for a bed and breakfast.

Showings include 1427 Adolph Johnson Road and 811 Barber Road, my clients liked both properties and will contact me again soon.

November 24th 2009

2021 Blaeberry Road is now SOLD. If you are a member of Facebook, please add yourself to our Century 21 Golden Realty page, this will then notify you of updates to our blog. No new listings this week. Price reductions on 111 Glacier Lodge to $299,900 +GST and 1427 Adolph Johnson to $419,900.

November 19th 2009

I have attached these links that you may be interested in that have been in the news just recently:

http://www.vancouversun.com/business/October+real+estate+sales+highest+that+month+years/2232990/story.html Paragraph 7 details the main rural market here, which we hope buyers will return to soon.

http://www.bcrea.bc.ca/news_room/2009-10.pdf
The British Columbia Real Estate Assocation report for October

http://www.ctvbc.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20091119/bc_hst_housing_091119/20091119/?hub=BritishColumbiaHome
This link discusses the new HST rebate for homebuyers

http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/odpub/esub/61500/61500_2009_Q04.pdf
This link is a very detailed 4th quarter report from the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation - some nice light reading for you !

November 19th 2009

3 inches of snow here in Golden and the ski hill is getting lots more check out this current condition link http://www.kickinghorseresort.com/mountain/information/conditions.aspx the hill is set to open on 11th December, however it may be earlier if the snow keeps up !!

No new listings this week. We have an accepted offer on 1713 Oberg Johnson Road and showings include 607 14th and 1203 1oth.

We have recently subscribed to a new real estate website/program on which we have placed all our listings, please take a look here http://homes.point2.com/CA/British-Columbia/BC-Kootenay-Rockies-Real-Estate.aspx this site actually allows the listings to be posted on to another 8 real estate websites - good way to get these listings out there. We have also placed ads on local and European free ad pages which we will keep updated regularly.

Check out these pictures of the snow this morning - beautiful.

November 9th 2009

Here are a few links that I think you might be interested in;

http://www.goldennordicclub.ca/index.php this is also a link on my website, the Golden Nordic club hold an event called the Dawn Mountain Challenge which is to be held at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort on 28th and 29th November - here is a recent article in the Golden Star regarding the race.

http://www.bclocalnews.com/kootenay_rockies/thegoldenstar/sports/68887972.html

This link is to Skiing Golden http://www.skiinggolden.com/ another cool website with information, videos and up to date news.

This next link is an excellent website with tips on using Green materials in building and renovating your home http://planetgreen.discovery.com/feature/green-materials-guide/

Real Estate wise there is an accepted offer in on 2021 Blaeberry Road.

2436 Forde Station Road was shown this weekend, the clients liked the property and will be in touch.

The spirit square in Golden is coming along nicely and here are a few shots of the regeneration going on

November 6th, 2009

We took a trip up to the ski hill today to put a SOLD sign on 1621 Purcell Woods - the snow level is at the top of the catamount and the base area has a little dusting. Lots of snow in the forecast click here for Golden Weather http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-34_metric_e.html.

October 29th 2009

Took a day away yesterday and travelled to Calgary - stopped in Banff National Park and took a couple of shots of the Elk in the fresh snow.

Work is progressing well on the 4 laning of the Trans Canada, lots of activity and our journey was good. Please click on the following link to see the Kicking Horse Canyon Project website http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/kickinghorse/index.htm

Recent showings include 809 13th and there is now an accepted offer on this property. 1332 Selkirk Drive has been shown this week and 1713 Oberg Johnson Road, 1427 Adolph Johnson was shown twice, Lots 1 and 2 Barber Road, 1313 Campbell Road Lots and Lots 1 and 2 Golden Donald Upper were shown - the lots on Barber Road being the favourites.

New listings include 607 14th Street listed at $579,900 this home is positioned on a quiet corner in Golden town centre, 1313 Stoney Road listed at $599,900 a new build home in the Canyon Ridge subdivision, this home is ready to make your own. Lot #6 Dogtooth Properties is listed at $219,900 - build your dream home at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.

October 13th 2009

Please see attached document detailing BC market conditions for the first 2 quarters of 2009.

http://www.bcrea.bc.ca/news_room/2009-08-27Forecast.pdf

October 12th 2009

Woke up to -9 Celsius this morning with more fresh snow on the mountains and the local bear in the back yard, filling up on fallen apples before his winter hibernation.

Showing of 809 13th, ski hill all 2 and 3 bedroom condos these clients preferring the cheapest 3 bed condo, wanting a deal, as is everyone, a possible offer maybe coming in.

New listings this week are 1403 Deere Ridge Road listed at $1,100,000 - this home is beautiful, has amazing views of Golden and the Ski Hill and would make an ideal B & B business. 1427 Adolph Johnson Road listed at $429,900 a very unique secluded property ready for occupancy.

Please check out this link to the Golden Star http://www.bclocalnews.com/kootenay_rockies/thegoldenstar/ our local newspaper it has lots of information on whats happening around town and talking about whats happening around town, lots of homes are being built (5 homes on 10th Street alone) and modern duplexes to come on the market soon - nice to see some regeneration going on.

Please see the attached PDF document detailing the number of building permits to date for Golden http://www.town.golden.bc.ca/upload/dcd1053_Building_Permit_Report_September_2009.pdf

Hope everyone had a Happy and Healthy Canadian Thanksgiving.

October 1st, 2009

Its October already and again there is a dusting of snow on the Mountains here in Golden, and this looks like it is set to stay! Things are getting busier with enquiries in town and at the Ski Hill and we have seen quite a few showings, recent properties shown include Lots on Barber Road, Lots 1 & 2 Upper Donald, Lot #2 1313 Campbell Road, 576 Habart Road, 809 13th Street, 1332 Selkirk Drive, 1203 10th Ave, #7, #19, #21, #22 Whispering Pines (clients preferred #21 WP) 404 Glacier was shown and all 2 &3 bedroom Glacier and Mountaineer, with the preference being the condos with the bigger balconies.

2010 McMurdo Road is now SOLD and there is an accepted offer on 1621 Purcell Woods. The listing price has been Reduced on 1203 10th ave to $339,900.

New listings #12 Selkirk Townhome, a 3 storey ski in ski out home $774,000+GST, 868 Ryter Road East, nicely positioned home in Nicholson on 0.48 of an acre $260,000 and 1713 Oberg Johnson Road, a newly renovated property with beautiful views $239,900.

September 16th 2009

One new listing this week # 11 Chancellor Peak Chalets $250,000, 1 bedroom and loft, great vacation spot half way between Golden and Lake Louise.

The market has been busy with showings and a few offers have come in, we have an accepted offer on 2010 McMurdo Road, an offer on 1621 Purcell Woods but not accepted yet. Showings this week included 1508 14th Ave, 1232 Selkirk Drive, 809 13th and at the ski hill we have seen a couple of showings one couple looking at homes 1615 Purcell Woods, 1621 Purcell Woods, 1632 Purcell Woods and the one they liked the most 1594 Golden Ave, the second showing was all of the resort Homes, 1615 Purcell Woods, 1621 Purcell Woods, 1592 Golden Ave and 1594 Golden Ave (again the favourite home), then all the 4 Whispering Pines (#7, #19, #21, #22). The clients did not want to look at the Apens and could only get into 204 Glacier Lodge as all others were booked at the time, but a 3 bedroom lofted unit would be the favourite out of the Condo's. No Selkirk's to show them but that was ok with them.

We took a trip out along the Trans Canada highway and they are progressing nicely with the 4 laning incuding the hill down into Golden.

September 9th, 2009

Always a little slow over the last week of August and the first week of September but end of September and October has always proven to be one of the busiest times in the Golden Market. Good time for myself and my family to take a much needed break in the interior of BC. Showings at the Hill include 2 bedroom condo's in the Glacier 111, 103, 204 but don't think they are ready to buy this year. We have had many enquiries for all properties at the hill, maybe we will see this market pick up.

In Town and Rural 1203 10th ave, 898 McAllister Road (shown twice) have been shown. There is a price reduction on 2010 McMurdo road to $449,900 and there is an accepted offer on 2021 Blaeberry Road. New listings are 811 Barber Road $445,900 a beautiful stick frame home, 2 separate lots on Barber Road both listed at $139,900 with great mountain views and 303 Palliser Lodge, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort listed at $405,000 including GST.

A dusting of snow on the mountains this weekend gave us the first sign of the approaching ski season!

August 20, 2009

Summer is almost over and we are seing more and more showings of our properties and we are getting busier, people just need the confidence to start buying and now the prices have stabilised and interest rates are down then we should see increased sales.
New listings are 308 Mountaineer Lodge at $324,900 one of the best prices/sq ft ($296.71) on the mountain. Properties viewed at the ski hill include Aspens #25, #55, (too small for their needs) Glacier Lodge 111, 103 clients wanting first floor access but again to small. Showed them #21 Whispering Pines and this was their preference, but they are still undecided.

809 13th has been shown twice, 898 McAllister Road, 2436 Forde Station Road shown twice and one couple coming back for another look today, 2021 Blaeberry Road has been shown 3 times.

Please see below the following Summary of sales (Golden) for the first 2 quarters or 6 months of 2009:
18 Single family homes in the town of Golden
7 Single family homes in rural Golden
7 Trailers
1 Condo at the ski hill
1 single family home at the ski hill
2 pieces of Raw Land

For a total of 36 deals in the first 6 months

The Single family homes have been selling for an average of 5.5% less then the asking price.

The Rural Single family homes have been selling for an average of 11% less then the asking price.

The Buyers origins are as follows

Golden - 17 homes divided as follows
13 local buyers / 1 East Kootenays / 1 BC interior / 1 BC lower Main Land / 1 Alberta

Golden Rural - 14 homes divided as follows
8 local buyers / 4 Alberta / 1 USA / 1 International

according to the stats we are finding it is mostly local buyers that are keeping our market going, sales in 2009 are down compared to previous years, but we will see what the next quarter brings.

August 14th 2009

New listings this week are 898 McAllister Road listed at $539,900, this straw bale home is unique and has lots of special features including beautiful views of the ski hill from the deck area.

Lot #1 Southridge Road is listed at $109,000 and has spectacular views of the Purcell Mountains, the Columbia River and the Wetlands and is close to town. 809 13th Street South is a beautiful historic upgraded home, positioned on a large lot, right the in center of Golden and is listed at $324,700.

Showings this week include 2021 Blaeberry Road, 2436 Forde Station Road, 1508 14th Avenue, 1332 Selkirk Drive, 809 13th Street South (shown twice) #19 1409 11th Avenue, #11 470 Reflection Lake Road. We have had more enquiries coming in on condos at the hill but no showings.

Aug 5, 2009

The Heat wave seems to be over and rain is coming our way which is refreshing and much needed. New listings #11 Mountain Shadows $35,000, 1205 S 10th Ave. $348,900, #19 Whispering Pines $660,000 (No GST).

There have been showings of 1205 10th last week and over the long weekend I showed at the ski hill. The hill was very busy (which is good for rentals) and all the condo's were full so I could only get into one unit 204 GL, then I showed the Aspens units 21, 25, 55, 52. These clients also met with the hill and we will find out if the want to buy new or a re-sale but they are looking towards a 2 bedroom or the new one bedroom with den. 503 and 504 10th Street lots are SOLD and we have conditional offers in on Lot #23, 1313 Campbell Road and 849 Crandall Road.

On another note, Team Chambers has taken in some of the local hikes over the last couple of weekends. Last weekend was Gorman Lake, its a 1 hr drive to the parking lot and a 1 hour hike up to a serene aqua mountain lake, we took our dad along with us, he is 84 years old and kept up with us all the way!

On Monday of the Long weekend we went to Twin Falls in Yoho National Park again a 1 hour drive to Takakaw Falls then a 2.5hr hike (3 hrs with a 2 year old on your back!!) to the falls itself passing lots of interesting spots on the way, definitely worth a trip. We have also recently biked along the local trails around Golden which was great fun.