In a slower market like most of North America is experiencing, when is the right time to make a purchase? I think it comes down to the question: Is it a residential personal property or a resort property purchase?
Residential:
If it’s a residential property the main focus for the property is not investment but instead shelter and forced savings. Whether the market is declining or stable we all need a roof over our heads and thus not so dependant on timing. The important factors are interest rates and income that will factor into the mortgage and affordability.
Resort:
If it’s a resort property, your purchase could be for two reasons – as an investment or a lifestyle choice. As an investment, using an accountant and having a look at the revenue statements together with purchase price will decide your ROI (rate of return on investment) thus helping you make your decision.
As a lifestyle choice, it’s mostly based on emotion – where you are at in your life and personal enjoyment. Because we can take our computers and work with us on vacation it is making more sense today to pack up the family and have a place to go to on a more regular basis. Making a lifestyle choice purchase comes down to having a tangible asset opposed to having your money tied up in something you cannot touch like the stock market.
Timing:
A very important part in purchasing a resort property is timing due to a number of factors.
•seasonality (ski season, summer season, holidays, low rental season, school, personal holidays)
•mortgage rates
•exchange rates
•economic stability
•weather patterns
•your tax year
•purchase price
We’ve decided to touch on a couple of the above points that relate to Whistler. First and far most: our ski season. Most people choose to purchase prior to ski season to maximize their rental revenues during the peak season… i.e. Christmas/New Years is a popular time to bring families together. Historically this time of year has had phenomenal snow by mid December. For our American friends, their Thanksgiving falls in late November and this has typically been a popular time to take possession of a property. For both our local community and investors great consideration needs to be paid to homes with tenants. There are strict regulations under the BC Tenancy Act in regards to dealing with homes involving tenants… 60 days notice or are the tenants under a locked in lease? More detailed information can be found at: http://www.rto.gov.bc.ca/
Closing:
Typically a property takes anywhere from 30 -90 days to complete. Although closings can happen earlier and if the property is under construction it could take a lot longer. If the property is owned from someone other than a Canadian, a clearance certificate is required and could take up to 8 weeks or longer. Completion for a quarter share property can be orchestrated towards the next months owner’s usage.
Conclusion:
When it comes to purchasing real estate (especially in a resort) working with a local licensed real estate representative will always be your best choice. Start your search for a home with the end dates in mind, be pre-approved for the financing and make sure your deposit can be liquified within a one week time frame.
Special thank you to Carolyn who help write today’s blog while aboard the BC ferry – Women of Whistler fishing derby!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Why isn't my house selling??
I have written a few blogs close to this subject before – lately however I have been asked to write on the following specific subject. “Why isn’t my House Selling?”
Most important – Price
If your house has been on the market for more than 4 months I would venture to say your price is too high. I would suggest you have your real estate representative prepare a new market analysis and consider only the most recent subject deals and sales. In a declining market it only takes two months for your property to become stale, you do not want to get into a spiral of following the market down. All homes will sell in any market it comes down to the value a purchaser perceives.
Restart the process
Take another good look at your competition - this would be any homes for sale around you or similar to yours in another area… think of yourself as the buyer and what you would look at if in the market for a home - if those properties still have not sold and you believe they show better than your home, you need to get your home priced below them. If your neighbor sells before you and the buyer picked their home over yours, your price in most cases needs to be below their sale. Unless of course the buyer could not afford your property and your property is bigger and better.
Motivation
While being motivated to sell is very important – I strongly recommend you figure out your needs versus your wants. Having to many homes for sale by sellers who are less than motivated creates a glut of homes and hurts the real estate market. As you know supply and demand determine price. An over abundance of supply sits, stagnates, and can often be used as a negative example of an over priced home in a buyers market. If anything remove your home from the market and seriously consider what improvements you need to make before entering the market again. I find a period of butting heads that goes on when a market change is clear, the buyer is expecting a great buy and the seller is refusing to negotiate. What tends to happen is our ego steps in and all sense and reason go out the window. I can relate as I was considering selling this month as well – and when my representative gave me the price and motivation speech, I was less than willing to listen to the realities of todays’ market.
The perfect “Doll House”
Top Ten Things to Do
1.A new market analysis (every 30 days)
2.Review the marketing efforts/ Incorporate Social Media
3.Have at least 8 pictures / video on MLS
4.Kitchen and Bathrooms need to be spotless
5.New paint / carpet
6.Showhome condition / stage
7.Open houses
8.Just reduced/listed cards to neighbors
9.Get feedback from potential buyers
10.Make sure you have the right agent!
Whistler Real Estate
I will admit Whistler has its unique differences to residential markets but the over all economy reflects our buyers ability to purchase homes. If our consumer feels worried about their own financial portfolios it takes more time to make a decision and sometimes up to five visits back to the resort to seal the deal. Patience is not always our virtue, nor is time always on one’s side. I still firmly believe that value sells and sometimes it takes more than one persons opinion of what that value is. Such as an investors value of Phase II properties in Whistler, the prices and cash flow make sense today. The abundance of supply on the market in Phase I & the residential market make it a great time to shop for your life style choice. If you’re a buyer – make your decision and move on it. If you’re a seller – price it right the first time.
Written by Heather Clifford
Most important – Price
If your house has been on the market for more than 4 months I would venture to say your price is too high. I would suggest you have your real estate representative prepare a new market analysis and consider only the most recent subject deals and sales. In a declining market it only takes two months for your property to become stale, you do not want to get into a spiral of following the market down. All homes will sell in any market it comes down to the value a purchaser perceives.
Restart the process
Take another good look at your competition - this would be any homes for sale around you or similar to yours in another area… think of yourself as the buyer and what you would look at if in the market for a home - if those properties still have not sold and you believe they show better than your home, you need to get your home priced below them. If your neighbor sells before you and the buyer picked their home over yours, your price in most cases needs to be below their sale. Unless of course the buyer could not afford your property and your property is bigger and better.
Motivation
While being motivated to sell is very important – I strongly recommend you figure out your needs versus your wants. Having to many homes for sale by sellers who are less than motivated creates a glut of homes and hurts the real estate market. As you know supply and demand determine price. An over abundance of supply sits, stagnates, and can often be used as a negative example of an over priced home in a buyers market. If anything remove your home from the market and seriously consider what improvements you need to make before entering the market again. I find a period of butting heads that goes on when a market change is clear, the buyer is expecting a great buy and the seller is refusing to negotiate. What tends to happen is our ego steps in and all sense and reason go out the window. I can relate as I was considering selling this month as well – and when my representative gave me the price and motivation speech, I was less than willing to listen to the realities of todays’ market.
The perfect “Doll House”
Top Ten Things to Do
1.A new market analysis (every 30 days)
2.Review the marketing efforts/ Incorporate Social Media
3.Have at least 8 pictures / video on MLS
4.Kitchen and Bathrooms need to be spotless
5.New paint / carpet
6.Showhome condition / stage
7.Open houses
8.Just reduced/listed cards to neighbors
9.Get feedback from potential buyers
10.Make sure you have the right agent!
Whistler Real Estate
I will admit Whistler has its unique differences to residential markets but the over all economy reflects our buyers ability to purchase homes. If our consumer feels worried about their own financial portfolios it takes more time to make a decision and sometimes up to five visits back to the resort to seal the deal. Patience is not always our virtue, nor is time always on one’s side. I still firmly believe that value sells and sometimes it takes more than one persons opinion of what that value is. Such as an investors value of Phase II properties in Whistler, the prices and cash flow make sense today. The abundance of supply on the market in Phase I & the residential market make it a great time to shop for your life style choice. If you’re a buyer – make your decision and move on it. If you’re a seller – price it right the first time.
Written by Heather Clifford
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Why Now Is A Great Time To Invest In Resort Real Estate
August 22, 2010 When Headlines Don’t Match The Real Data
Real estate, like life, follows a series of cycles. Whether you consider it locally, nationally, or globally – it’s an eternal exercise in ebb and flow, but one that over time tracks continually upwards. While the mainstream media is currently focused on eye-catching headlines reporting supposedly dire real estate economic conditions, it fails to recognize – and certainly fails to report – the differences between national, regional and local data, as well as the vast chasm between the primary vs. the vacation/secondary home market.
Current news trends amplify the real estate woes of only a handful of areas in the U.S., where speculating by ‘flippers’ and sub-prime loans to primary homebuyers have, admittedly, caused significant real estate downturns. However, while these issues affect perhaps 10% of the States in this country, markets in a large portion of the other 45 states are experiencing everything from a modest gain to a near-record high real estate environment.
One of the strongest segments of those rising market areas is the resort or vacation/second home market. Because of the nature of this market – where buyers are generally well-funded and financially capable of pursuing vacation or possibly future retirement area options – this real estate segment is typically less volatile than primary or investor-driven markets. Highly-leveraged buyers, those that help create volatility, represent only a small fraction of the resort/vacation/second home markets.
As a result, the economic forecast for this portion of the market continues on an upward swing. In 2006, vacation home sales accounted for 14% of all the nation’s home sales – according to the National Association of Realtors (a 2% increase over 2005). And even in the current economic climate, it is anticipated that 2007 statistics will continue to hold strong.
In fact, according to real estate market analysts such as renowned economist Harry Dent, the success of the resort/vacation/second home arena is truly nothing more than a simple ‘numbers’ game — driven by the sheer volume of Baby Boomers venturing ever closer to the retirement horizon.
“Rising Baby Boom birth trends…show a rising wave of peak vacation-home buyers from 2000 into 2024,” according to The Next Great Bubble Boom (H. S. Dent, 2006).
Indeed, the combination of the financial resources of the post-WWII generation, coupled with the continual rise of technological advances indicate a profound reinforcement of this prediction. No longer tied to the physical constraints of living in the city to remain commercially productive – Boomers are now recognizing their ability to live where they can play…….and rely on technology to maintain their career connection. As indicated by the chart below, the next great migration wave is off to the small towns and resort communities………and that’s precisely where the resort/vacation lifestyle is to be found.
All of these statistics and forecasts for the future of resort real estate, however, seem to fly in the face of what can only be considered by the news media: a “Great Bad News” reporting event. So it’s not surprising that the data of the past, current and future trends that investing in resort/vacation properties is well-supported – specifically those resorts located in the Rocky Mountains – is rarely seen.
In the more well-known and long-established ski resort areas – such as Jackson Hole, Wyoming and Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge, and Telluride Colorado – during the past 10 years, the value of resort properties purchased in these markets has risen from 23-28% annually. 2006 saw record results, with 2007 on track to break even those records. Condominiums typically lead this market with homes in a close second position — and as the Rocky Mountain lifestyle lends itself to year-round enjoyment of these second-home and resort properties – these statistics should really come as no surprise.
But the truth is – you won’t see them making headlines anytime soon.
Perhaps for the savvy real estate buyer, though — that’s good news. Few things are more satisfying than having done your own research, which leads you to making an advantageous and unique real estate investment. The Rocky Mountains cut a wide swath through the western U.S., and offers some of the most spectacular recreation, landscape, and lifestyles imaginable.
Look for resort areas that are earlier in the growth curve, and have a large, financially secure entity that supports massive infrastructure and community amenity improvements. These may include government supported improvements (roads, utilities, airport upgrades, etc.) or amenities (new ski lifts, golf courses, conference facilities and waterparks) that are developed by well-funded companies with a proven track record for quality. Whistler, British Columbia is one example of a location that had both strong government and corporate support twenty years ago, and real estate values have more than tripled there over the last decade.
While resorts like Aspen, Vail, Sun Valley and Jackson Hole are in their “maturing” stage, look towards those areas that have just recently “hit the radar screen”, like Central Oregon (Bend), Couer d’Alene, ID, Whitefish, MT and Kellogg, ID.
By purchasing in one of these “up and coming” resort areas, a smart buyer can still stumble into a ground-floor opportunity – similar to those seen in Vail and Aspen twenty years ago.
It’s simply a matter of reading between the headlines.
Real estate, like life, follows a series of cycles. Whether you consider it locally, nationally, or globally – it’s an eternal exercise in ebb and flow, but one that over time tracks continually upwards. While the mainstream media is currently focused on eye-catching headlines reporting supposedly dire real estate economic conditions, it fails to recognize – and certainly fails to report – the differences between national, regional and local data, as well as the vast chasm between the primary vs. the vacation/secondary home market.
Current news trends amplify the real estate woes of only a handful of areas in the U.S., where speculating by ‘flippers’ and sub-prime loans to primary homebuyers have, admittedly, caused significant real estate downturns. However, while these issues affect perhaps 10% of the States in this country, markets in a large portion of the other 45 states are experiencing everything from a modest gain to a near-record high real estate environment.
One of the strongest segments of those rising market areas is the resort or vacation/second home market. Because of the nature of this market – where buyers are generally well-funded and financially capable of pursuing vacation or possibly future retirement area options – this real estate segment is typically less volatile than primary or investor-driven markets. Highly-leveraged buyers, those that help create volatility, represent only a small fraction of the resort/vacation/second home markets.
As a result, the economic forecast for this portion of the market continues on an upward swing. In 2006, vacation home sales accounted for 14% of all the nation’s home sales – according to the National Association of Realtors (a 2% increase over 2005). And even in the current economic climate, it is anticipated that 2007 statistics will continue to hold strong.
In fact, according to real estate market analysts such as renowned economist Harry Dent, the success of the resort/vacation/second home arena is truly nothing more than a simple ‘numbers’ game — driven by the sheer volume of Baby Boomers venturing ever closer to the retirement horizon.
“Rising Baby Boom birth trends…show a rising wave of peak vacation-home buyers from 2000 into 2024,” according to The Next Great Bubble Boom (H. S. Dent, 2006).
Indeed, the combination of the financial resources of the post-WWII generation, coupled with the continual rise of technological advances indicate a profound reinforcement of this prediction. No longer tied to the physical constraints of living in the city to remain commercially productive – Boomers are now recognizing their ability to live where they can play…….and rely on technology to maintain their career connection. As indicated by the chart below, the next great migration wave is off to the small towns and resort communities………and that’s precisely where the resort/vacation lifestyle is to be found.
All of these statistics and forecasts for the future of resort real estate, however, seem to fly in the face of what can only be considered by the news media: a “Great Bad News” reporting event. So it’s not surprising that the data of the past, current and future trends that investing in resort/vacation properties is well-supported – specifically those resorts located in the Rocky Mountains – is rarely seen.
In the more well-known and long-established ski resort areas – such as Jackson Hole, Wyoming and Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge, and Telluride Colorado – during the past 10 years, the value of resort properties purchased in these markets has risen from 23-28% annually. 2006 saw record results, with 2007 on track to break even those records. Condominiums typically lead this market with homes in a close second position — and as the Rocky Mountain lifestyle lends itself to year-round enjoyment of these second-home and resort properties – these statistics should really come as no surprise.
But the truth is – you won’t see them making headlines anytime soon.
Perhaps for the savvy real estate buyer, though — that’s good news. Few things are more satisfying than having done your own research, which leads you to making an advantageous and unique real estate investment. The Rocky Mountains cut a wide swath through the western U.S., and offers some of the most spectacular recreation, landscape, and lifestyles imaginable.
Look for resort areas that are earlier in the growth curve, and have a large, financially secure entity that supports massive infrastructure and community amenity improvements. These may include government supported improvements (roads, utilities, airport upgrades, etc.) or amenities (new ski lifts, golf courses, conference facilities and waterparks) that are developed by well-funded companies with a proven track record for quality. Whistler, British Columbia is one example of a location that had both strong government and corporate support twenty years ago, and real estate values have more than tripled there over the last decade.
While resorts like Aspen, Vail, Sun Valley and Jackson Hole are in their “maturing” stage, look towards those areas that have just recently “hit the radar screen”, like Central Oregon (Bend), Couer d’Alene, ID, Whitefish, MT and Kellogg, ID.
By purchasing in one of these “up and coming” resort areas, a smart buyer can still stumble into a ground-floor opportunity – similar to those seen in Vail and Aspen twenty years ago.
It’s simply a matter of reading between the headlines.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
9 Lives Adventure
Aug 18, 2010 1:05pm
By Dee Raffo
"I would rather die than be paralyzed." This is what Karen Darke thought the night before falling off a cliff at age 21 and becoming paraplegic with no feeling from the chest down. If we are honest, this is the attitude most of us would have, but read on. This story highlights the determination, ambition and downright refusal to live life at anything less than full throttle.
I met Karim Ladki at the end of June at Whistler's Trade Show, where local businesses and organizations were exhibiting their summer adventure products. His t-shirt was the first thing that caught my eye, a distinctive cat emblem with the name "9 Lives Adventures" across the front. Immediately I was intrigued. As he shook my hand he started to explain the logo and his reason for coming to the adventure mecca that is Whistler.
9 Lives Adventures is the brainchild of Ladki and best friend Matt Thola, rooted in an adventure of Ladki's own.
Like most people the travel bug had become an itch they just had to scratch and these boys had their sights set on Africa. The only consideration they had was that Matt is in a wheelchair. Back in May 2006 he was involved in a car accident that resulted in a spinal cord injury that left him unable to walk. Even though they shared the same sense of adventure and ambition, the thought of pushing a wheelchair through villages and on dirt roads depressed them both.
"I will never forget the day I told my friend Matt Thola I was going to Africa. He was genuinely happy for me, but you could tell he was eager to propose that he come. Instead, he replied 'I wish I could go'."
When Karim returned his head was spinning. Although it would have been a tougher journey he believed that the idea of Matt joining him would have been totally realistic. With an enthusiastic partner the cogs started to turn on an idea that would hopefully pave the way for more disabled travellers searching for the same excitement and adrenaline rush that these two were after.
"We are here to open up the world to every able person who has a strong mentality and has a will to fight for more in life. Together we will explore a path of adventure, excitement, and stimulation best fit for different individuals and different disabilities."
After meeting Karim, a quick search on the net revealed similar stories of grit and determination in overcoming disabilities. His statement reminded me of a quote that I had read from Karen Darke's website, which is the perfect example of making what seems an impossible task just another adventurous challenge.
"Someone once said to me, 'Disability is a state of mind not a state of body.' That's a notion that relates to us all, regardless of whether we have a physical disability or not. Our own mind is our biggest obstacle to living and achieving our wildest aspirations. What is life if it isn't an adventure? I'm constantly amazed by what can be achieved if we set our heart and mind to it. It's all about finding belief, confidence, motivation and commitment. And of course, friends. Then there are no limits."
When I started writing this article I was worried about the term 'disabled,' perhaps thinking that it is a far too broad a term to cover the intricacies that it tries to convey. However, I think Darke knocks it on the head - being disabled is a state of mind and more of us suffer from that than I think we realize. Overcoming our disabilities is a constant battle and simply part of life.
While researching, I came across another inspirational athlete that really threw my sheltered view of "disabilities" out the window. A few years ago I read Touching the Void. Written in 1988 by Joe Simpson, it's the tale of two climbers who have a series of accidents, which leads to the heartbreaking decision to leave a man behind. However the injured climber makes it back to base camp after dragging himself down the mountain and back to safety - a tale of pure human determination to survive.
BUT just imagine the strength of mind it would take to START by dragging yourself up the mountain and knowing that was the only way you were ever going to do it. Warren MacDonald has traveled around the globe, summiting Cradle Mountain and Federation Peak in Australia, Africa's Mt. Kilimanjaro, and America's tallest cliff face, El Capitan. What might surprise you is that at age 31 he was trapped under a one-ton boulder after a freak rock fall in Northern Queensland, Australia. His legs had to be amputated mid-thigh. You can imagine the possible responses to this situation (and Matt Thola and Karen Darke would have faced the same life changing moment). However his positive attitude was unwavering. The doctor had said he obviously wouldn't walk again and here was his response:
"I don't recall him saying anything about cycling, kayaking or climbing mountains..."
Karen also sees no limits. She is hoping to be part of the British Para Cycling team and is also preparing for a expedition to the South Pole in 2012. The team is called "The Pole of Possibility" (visit the links at the end of the article to see what it takes and donate to help her get there).
"Nothing is Impossible when we are prepared to face our fears, and believe in ourselves" - Warren MacDonald
With no limitations other than those we place on ourselves, adaptive sports have come a long way in a short space of time, the epitome of "if there's a will, there's a way."
After being in town to witness both the Olympics and Paralympics I was stunned by the courage and determination of both the able and disabled athletes. Canada came away with ten gold medals, five silver and four bronzes at this year's Winter Paralympics.
Canada's "Golden Girl" Lauren Woolstencroft contributed five of the ten gold medals in the alpine ski race events, setting a new Canadian record. Lauren was born missing both legs below the knee and her left arm below the elbow, but this BC Hydro electrical engineer has never let it stop her. She began skiing at the age of four, and has now set a benchmark of excellence for all her fellow athletes to follow, becoming a national hero in the process.
"If you can hear the crowd," she said, "then you're going way too slow."
Our first Canadian gold medal winner in the Paralympic games was Whistler's Stacy Kohut in Lillehammer, 1994. He broke his back in 1992 but continued his career in action sports - he just happens to be in a wheelchair.
"Society sure has a very, very rigid view of what someone like myself can do. I take a much broader, rounder approach to what I can do and that's my job. The people in wheelchairs and people with disabilities can do whatever they want. Just give us the ball, we'll run with it."
Kohut owns a bike called a Fourcross, which is a four-wheel downhill mountain bike. His stunts and athleticism are amazing, but he doesn't see it that way. While he acknowledges that disabled people are inspirational, when you're an athlete you're just another competitor wanting to be the best - and that's the pure entertainment value.
"These things, these wheelchairs, four-wheel mountain bikes and sit-skis, you know what they are? They're wings. I put these on and I get a set of wings and I can fly anywhere," says Kohut.
When Karim began to talk about his adventurous friend I started to wonder just what was out there for disabled people, how far they could push themselves and how much companies can facilitate and adapt to be inclusive of all abilities.
The Whistler Adaptive Sports Program (WASP) works hard to make alpine recreation accessible to everyone and is a centre of learning and sports excellence. It encourages independence, self-confidence and self-motivation for all participants. Chelsey Walker, WASP's Executive Director, said that when they initially started the program in 1999 they were delivering approximately 50 ski lessons per season. Now, that figure is up to 1,400. She anticipates a 300 to 400 per cent increase in summer activities, moving into canoeing, kayaking, hiking and biking.
"Hosting the Paralympics in Whistler created tremendous awareness in the disability community as to the services that the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program had to offer," said Walker. "In 2005, the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program created a vision document that outlined our want to lever the most we could out of being the local Adaptive Sport Organization in the host mountain resort. This vision, along with initial funding by Scotiabank, allow us to hire a full time year round executive director. Their mandate was to create a Whistler Centre for Adaptive Sport which would directly benefit from Games Legacies. I am happy to say that we have been successful in achieving that vision and now operate ten sports/programs on a year round basis."
WASP is a registered non-profit charity with funding from the Resort Municipality of Whistler, foundations, fundraisers, donations and private corporations. With no guaranteed funding, finding donations is a task that Walker is continually working towards.
Adaptive sports are not cheap; a handcycle can set you back $3,500 and a sit-ski from $2,500 to $5,000. These sports are made accessible to the average participant by WASP subsidizing the cost of participation to a more reasonable level.
So what's next for WASP?
"We are working on a capital project, the Jeff Harbers Adaptive Sports Centre," said Walker. "The initial funding for the project came through a bequest that Jeff made to the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation. We have since received funding through Scotiabank, the American Friends of Whistler, the Pan Pacific and Dubh Linn Gate, the Delta Whistler Village Suites and the Troustmen Club of Leisure. We are very close to finalizing the fundraising aspect of the project and anticipate completing the building in 2011. The Jeff Harbers Adaptive Sports Centre will be located at Olympic Station on Whistler Mountain."
I had the opportunity to head out with Canadian Snowmobile Adventures with Karim and Matt on their single track ATV tour "Call of the Wild." As the name suggests, Matt wasn't taking things slow or easy; I was in for a ride!
We meet at the Carleton Lodge; they're early and keen. I haven't met Matt before but before I know it he's shaking my hand and we're talking about the trip. He has no nerves or worries and his excitement is contagious as we head over to the bus.
This is our first hurdle; Karim had explained that Matt's attitude was if he wants to do it, he will. Karim lifted him in as his other friend Alex Relf, folded down the wheelchair and got on board. That was it; no drama, no fuss. We had a 20-minute drive out to the Callaghan and Matt's already chatting up the ladies who are up on a girl's weekend away. I ask Karim what they need to think about each time they do a trip like this and he explains it's all about preparation. He laughs as he says that Matt and himself aren't the best at being organized, but they're working on it.
They bring a backpack, which contains necessities such as catheters, gloves and different medications. He has to try and keep himself and the medical supplies sterile to avoid infection. I look at the dirt and dust as we pull into Canadian's base in the heart of the Callaghan; Matt follows my look and grins.
We are anxious to get out on the trails, Liz, our guide has promised us some gnarly single track and we're pumped. We skip taking Matt up to the cabin; the winding staircase puts us off, and besides that he's already heading over to the ATVs, lined up ready to go. As I pass him a helmet Karim offers to help him on, but as he says it Matt has already hopped onto the machine and is settling himself in. His upper body agility is amazing and we joke about his "guns," which like many wheelchair athletes are pretty impressive. As the others head over to their machines I mention I'll be at the back to stay out of the way. I only hope I can keep up.
Out on the trails we do a mixture of tree covered singletrack, open rocky vistas and dusty logging roads, which we really push the speed on. As I predicted I am finding it hard to keep up but the frequent stops for photo ops mean that I don't have to panic too much. I am watching Matt from behind and on the bumpy sections finding it hard to contemplate how that would feel if I could only use my arms to steady my body. My heart leaps as he slides dangerously to one side; he quickly rights himself but has come to a stop. I assume he wanted a break, however he just asked me to move his foot back into place, after that was done we were off again.
Liz takes us to some amazing spots where we look over the entire valley; we can see Black Tusk in the background and around the corner is a waterfall pounding at the rocks below. It is truly amazing.
Back in the village we decide it's time for a drink. However, Matt is so pumped he is watching the mountain biker's head down the hill and contemplating his next adventure. People stare at us as we enter the bar; we are covered head to toe in thick dust, apart from the band around our eyes where the goggles were. Now we have bonded over a three-hour ATV tour I feel I can ask some more serious questions.
Matt was the passenger in a car that hit a lamppost at 180 km per hour and Karim dived from a boat into shallow water, landing headfirst. Both broke their seventh cervical vertebrae and both are lucky to be alive. This is what inspired the name "9 Lives Adventures" - they had a close brush with death and used up a life, and now the question is what to do with the rest of them.
Karim and Matt only met each other a year ago but I feel as if I am amongst brothers. Karim saw Matt struggling with groceries when they were both over in Victoria and after having a chat they both hit it off and with their shared experience and common ground. Now they are sitting in Whistler, B.C. hitting us up for all of our adventure sports. The week's agenda includes bungee jumping, jet boating and rally racing. They have just come from Ucluelet where Matt tried surfing and kayaking.
He really feels that there are no limits. He admits to having had some dark moments but it's hard to imagine that now; he's so full of life and a smile is never far from his face. They are off to Australia and New Zealand for their next set of adventures (you can follow their blog to keep up to date).
As I say my goodbyes I hope that I will remember this experience for the rest of my life. When faced with adversity they have conquered it and come through on top. I can only hope that if it is something that I ever have to deal with that I will have the courage, grace and determination that all these people have in abundance.
"We are alive. We are individual. We are able." That's the 9 Lives Adventures slogan.
www.9livesadventures.com
http://www.karendarke.com
http://www.warren-macdonald.com
www.whistleradaptive.com
By Dee Raffo
"I would rather die than be paralyzed." This is what Karen Darke thought the night before falling off a cliff at age 21 and becoming paraplegic with no feeling from the chest down. If we are honest, this is the attitude most of us would have, but read on. This story highlights the determination, ambition and downright refusal to live life at anything less than full throttle.
I met Karim Ladki at the end of June at Whistler's Trade Show, where local businesses and organizations were exhibiting their summer adventure products. His t-shirt was the first thing that caught my eye, a distinctive cat emblem with the name "9 Lives Adventures" across the front. Immediately I was intrigued. As he shook my hand he started to explain the logo and his reason for coming to the adventure mecca that is Whistler.
9 Lives Adventures is the brainchild of Ladki and best friend Matt Thola, rooted in an adventure of Ladki's own.
Like most people the travel bug had become an itch they just had to scratch and these boys had their sights set on Africa. The only consideration they had was that Matt is in a wheelchair. Back in May 2006 he was involved in a car accident that resulted in a spinal cord injury that left him unable to walk. Even though they shared the same sense of adventure and ambition, the thought of pushing a wheelchair through villages and on dirt roads depressed them both.
"I will never forget the day I told my friend Matt Thola I was going to Africa. He was genuinely happy for me, but you could tell he was eager to propose that he come. Instead, he replied 'I wish I could go'."
When Karim returned his head was spinning. Although it would have been a tougher journey he believed that the idea of Matt joining him would have been totally realistic. With an enthusiastic partner the cogs started to turn on an idea that would hopefully pave the way for more disabled travellers searching for the same excitement and adrenaline rush that these two were after.
"We are here to open up the world to every able person who has a strong mentality and has a will to fight for more in life. Together we will explore a path of adventure, excitement, and stimulation best fit for different individuals and different disabilities."
After meeting Karim, a quick search on the net revealed similar stories of grit and determination in overcoming disabilities. His statement reminded me of a quote that I had read from Karen Darke's website, which is the perfect example of making what seems an impossible task just another adventurous challenge.
"Someone once said to me, 'Disability is a state of mind not a state of body.' That's a notion that relates to us all, regardless of whether we have a physical disability or not. Our own mind is our biggest obstacle to living and achieving our wildest aspirations. What is life if it isn't an adventure? I'm constantly amazed by what can be achieved if we set our heart and mind to it. It's all about finding belief, confidence, motivation and commitment. And of course, friends. Then there are no limits."
When I started writing this article I was worried about the term 'disabled,' perhaps thinking that it is a far too broad a term to cover the intricacies that it tries to convey. However, I think Darke knocks it on the head - being disabled is a state of mind and more of us suffer from that than I think we realize. Overcoming our disabilities is a constant battle and simply part of life.
While researching, I came across another inspirational athlete that really threw my sheltered view of "disabilities" out the window. A few years ago I read Touching the Void. Written in 1988 by Joe Simpson, it's the tale of two climbers who have a series of accidents, which leads to the heartbreaking decision to leave a man behind. However the injured climber makes it back to base camp after dragging himself down the mountain and back to safety - a tale of pure human determination to survive.
BUT just imagine the strength of mind it would take to START by dragging yourself up the mountain and knowing that was the only way you were ever going to do it. Warren MacDonald has traveled around the globe, summiting Cradle Mountain and Federation Peak in Australia, Africa's Mt. Kilimanjaro, and America's tallest cliff face, El Capitan. What might surprise you is that at age 31 he was trapped under a one-ton boulder after a freak rock fall in Northern Queensland, Australia. His legs had to be amputated mid-thigh. You can imagine the possible responses to this situation (and Matt Thola and Karen Darke would have faced the same life changing moment). However his positive attitude was unwavering. The doctor had said he obviously wouldn't walk again and here was his response:
"I don't recall him saying anything about cycling, kayaking or climbing mountains..."
Karen also sees no limits. She is hoping to be part of the British Para Cycling team and is also preparing for a expedition to the South Pole in 2012. The team is called "The Pole of Possibility" (visit the links at the end of the article to see what it takes and donate to help her get there).
"Nothing is Impossible when we are prepared to face our fears, and believe in ourselves" - Warren MacDonald
With no limitations other than those we place on ourselves, adaptive sports have come a long way in a short space of time, the epitome of "if there's a will, there's a way."
After being in town to witness both the Olympics and Paralympics I was stunned by the courage and determination of both the able and disabled athletes. Canada came away with ten gold medals, five silver and four bronzes at this year's Winter Paralympics.
Canada's "Golden Girl" Lauren Woolstencroft contributed five of the ten gold medals in the alpine ski race events, setting a new Canadian record. Lauren was born missing both legs below the knee and her left arm below the elbow, but this BC Hydro electrical engineer has never let it stop her. She began skiing at the age of four, and has now set a benchmark of excellence for all her fellow athletes to follow, becoming a national hero in the process.
"If you can hear the crowd," she said, "then you're going way too slow."
Our first Canadian gold medal winner in the Paralympic games was Whistler's Stacy Kohut in Lillehammer, 1994. He broke his back in 1992 but continued his career in action sports - he just happens to be in a wheelchair.
"Society sure has a very, very rigid view of what someone like myself can do. I take a much broader, rounder approach to what I can do and that's my job. The people in wheelchairs and people with disabilities can do whatever they want. Just give us the ball, we'll run with it."
Kohut owns a bike called a Fourcross, which is a four-wheel downhill mountain bike. His stunts and athleticism are amazing, but he doesn't see it that way. While he acknowledges that disabled people are inspirational, when you're an athlete you're just another competitor wanting to be the best - and that's the pure entertainment value.
"These things, these wheelchairs, four-wheel mountain bikes and sit-skis, you know what they are? They're wings. I put these on and I get a set of wings and I can fly anywhere," says Kohut.
When Karim began to talk about his adventurous friend I started to wonder just what was out there for disabled people, how far they could push themselves and how much companies can facilitate and adapt to be inclusive of all abilities.
The Whistler Adaptive Sports Program (WASP) works hard to make alpine recreation accessible to everyone and is a centre of learning and sports excellence. It encourages independence, self-confidence and self-motivation for all participants. Chelsey Walker, WASP's Executive Director, said that when they initially started the program in 1999 they were delivering approximately 50 ski lessons per season. Now, that figure is up to 1,400. She anticipates a 300 to 400 per cent increase in summer activities, moving into canoeing, kayaking, hiking and biking.
"Hosting the Paralympics in Whistler created tremendous awareness in the disability community as to the services that the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program had to offer," said Walker. "In 2005, the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program created a vision document that outlined our want to lever the most we could out of being the local Adaptive Sport Organization in the host mountain resort. This vision, along with initial funding by Scotiabank, allow us to hire a full time year round executive director. Their mandate was to create a Whistler Centre for Adaptive Sport which would directly benefit from Games Legacies. I am happy to say that we have been successful in achieving that vision and now operate ten sports/programs on a year round basis."
WASP is a registered non-profit charity with funding from the Resort Municipality of Whistler, foundations, fundraisers, donations and private corporations. With no guaranteed funding, finding donations is a task that Walker is continually working towards.
Adaptive sports are not cheap; a handcycle can set you back $3,500 and a sit-ski from $2,500 to $5,000. These sports are made accessible to the average participant by WASP subsidizing the cost of participation to a more reasonable level.
So what's next for WASP?
"We are working on a capital project, the Jeff Harbers Adaptive Sports Centre," said Walker. "The initial funding for the project came through a bequest that Jeff made to the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation. We have since received funding through Scotiabank, the American Friends of Whistler, the Pan Pacific and Dubh Linn Gate, the Delta Whistler Village Suites and the Troustmen Club of Leisure. We are very close to finalizing the fundraising aspect of the project and anticipate completing the building in 2011. The Jeff Harbers Adaptive Sports Centre will be located at Olympic Station on Whistler Mountain."
I had the opportunity to head out with Canadian Snowmobile Adventures with Karim and Matt on their single track ATV tour "Call of the Wild." As the name suggests, Matt wasn't taking things slow or easy; I was in for a ride!
We meet at the Carleton Lodge; they're early and keen. I haven't met Matt before but before I know it he's shaking my hand and we're talking about the trip. He has no nerves or worries and his excitement is contagious as we head over to the bus.
This is our first hurdle; Karim had explained that Matt's attitude was if he wants to do it, he will. Karim lifted him in as his other friend Alex Relf, folded down the wheelchair and got on board. That was it; no drama, no fuss. We had a 20-minute drive out to the Callaghan and Matt's already chatting up the ladies who are up on a girl's weekend away. I ask Karim what they need to think about each time they do a trip like this and he explains it's all about preparation. He laughs as he says that Matt and himself aren't the best at being organized, but they're working on it.
They bring a backpack, which contains necessities such as catheters, gloves and different medications. He has to try and keep himself and the medical supplies sterile to avoid infection. I look at the dirt and dust as we pull into Canadian's base in the heart of the Callaghan; Matt follows my look and grins.
We are anxious to get out on the trails, Liz, our guide has promised us some gnarly single track and we're pumped. We skip taking Matt up to the cabin; the winding staircase puts us off, and besides that he's already heading over to the ATVs, lined up ready to go. As I pass him a helmet Karim offers to help him on, but as he says it Matt has already hopped onto the machine and is settling himself in. His upper body agility is amazing and we joke about his "guns," which like many wheelchair athletes are pretty impressive. As the others head over to their machines I mention I'll be at the back to stay out of the way. I only hope I can keep up.
Out on the trails we do a mixture of tree covered singletrack, open rocky vistas and dusty logging roads, which we really push the speed on. As I predicted I am finding it hard to keep up but the frequent stops for photo ops mean that I don't have to panic too much. I am watching Matt from behind and on the bumpy sections finding it hard to contemplate how that would feel if I could only use my arms to steady my body. My heart leaps as he slides dangerously to one side; he quickly rights himself but has come to a stop. I assume he wanted a break, however he just asked me to move his foot back into place, after that was done we were off again.
Liz takes us to some amazing spots where we look over the entire valley; we can see Black Tusk in the background and around the corner is a waterfall pounding at the rocks below. It is truly amazing.
Back in the village we decide it's time for a drink. However, Matt is so pumped he is watching the mountain biker's head down the hill and contemplating his next adventure. People stare at us as we enter the bar; we are covered head to toe in thick dust, apart from the band around our eyes where the goggles were. Now we have bonded over a three-hour ATV tour I feel I can ask some more serious questions.
Matt was the passenger in a car that hit a lamppost at 180 km per hour and Karim dived from a boat into shallow water, landing headfirst. Both broke their seventh cervical vertebrae and both are lucky to be alive. This is what inspired the name "9 Lives Adventures" - they had a close brush with death and used up a life, and now the question is what to do with the rest of them.
Karim and Matt only met each other a year ago but I feel as if I am amongst brothers. Karim saw Matt struggling with groceries when they were both over in Victoria and after having a chat they both hit it off and with their shared experience and common ground. Now they are sitting in Whistler, B.C. hitting us up for all of our adventure sports. The week's agenda includes bungee jumping, jet boating and rally racing. They have just come from Ucluelet where Matt tried surfing and kayaking.
He really feels that there are no limits. He admits to having had some dark moments but it's hard to imagine that now; he's so full of life and a smile is never far from his face. They are off to Australia and New Zealand for their next set of adventures (you can follow their blog to keep up to date).
As I say my goodbyes I hope that I will remember this experience for the rest of my life. When faced with adversity they have conquered it and come through on top. I can only hope that if it is something that I ever have to deal with that I will have the courage, grace and determination that all these people have in abundance.
"We are alive. We are individual. We are able." That's the 9 Lives Adventures slogan.
www.9livesadventures.com
http://www.karendarke.com
http://www.warren-macdonald.com
www.whistleradaptive.com
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
2010 Second Home Trend Report
August 16, 2010 4:05 AM EDT
The 2010 Second Home Trend Report indicates 45% of existing second home owners believe that now is a good time to buy an additional second home.
(PRWEB) August 16, 2010 -- E360’s Second Home Trend Report, surveys existing second home buyers on the preferences of timing, attributes, location, and pricing of an additional second home purchase.
Of those 45% indicating that they are in the market for a second home, Mexico is the top international destination with more than half of the total interest. E360’s Global Research Analyst, Chad Martin said “although only half of our respondents believe now is a good time to buy, it is impressive that there is a strong second home contingent looking at a market like Mexico.”
More impressively, of the remaining 54% who indicated that now would not be a good time to buy 79% indicated that they would be likely or very likely to purchase in the next 2 years. Martin says “this is a strong indication that demand will continue to grow over the next two years and will strengthen the second home market”.
As consistent with current market trends, lifestyle and vacation attributes are the leading motivator at 46% for second home buyers with investment purposes coming in next at around 41%. Second home purchases for the purpose of retirement ranked 3rd at just over 11%.
The desire for a second home geared for vacation purposes is not a surprising finding. Martin said “this is a consistent trend with the preferred attributes of the buyer being water views and proximity to water or mountain activities.” Lake and ocean views combined for an overwhelming majority of the preferred attributes surveyed with mountain views coming second.
Martin adds “While spa and medical facilities have exhibited recent high growth rate forecasts in recent studies respondents did not translate that growth into the highest motivation for a second home purchases. Green based second homes did not show the highest appeal translating into a purchase motivation. Golf has not clearly shown itself as primary appealing attribute as it translates to real estate buyers when compared to other second home attributes.”
Although most respondents indicated they would be looking in International markets for a second home, nearly 49% of purchasers will be looking domestically. “although most of these buyers plan to wait 1-2 years, this is great news for the US Second Home market. Over the next few years we anticipate that the second home market in the US that are focused 100-1000 miles from highly populated areas will see an increase in demand.”
According to the study, 40% are looking at areas 500-1000 miles away and nearly 30% are looking from 100-500 miles away from their homes. The numbers over 1000 miles dropped significantly to 11%. This supports the trend that of those interested in a domestic or Mexico second home market, nearly 39% of buyers are looking in rural areas throughout the US.
Of the same second home buyers looking at a US purchase, 49% are looking for a single family home and 60% preferred a smaller 2-bed, 2-bath floor plan.
These respondents are interested in the $200,000 to $400,000 price range and 60% are not interested in receiving financing for the purchase.
The 2010 Second Home Trend Report indicates 45% of existing second home owners believe that now is a good time to buy an additional second home.
(PRWEB) August 16, 2010 -- E360’s Second Home Trend Report, surveys existing second home buyers on the preferences of timing, attributes, location, and pricing of an additional second home purchase.
Of those 45% indicating that they are in the market for a second home, Mexico is the top international destination with more than half of the total interest. E360’s Global Research Analyst, Chad Martin said “although only half of our respondents believe now is a good time to buy, it is impressive that there is a strong second home contingent looking at a market like Mexico.”
More impressively, of the remaining 54% who indicated that now would not be a good time to buy 79% indicated that they would be likely or very likely to purchase in the next 2 years. Martin says “this is a strong indication that demand will continue to grow over the next two years and will strengthen the second home market”.
As consistent with current market trends, lifestyle and vacation attributes are the leading motivator at 46% for second home buyers with investment purposes coming in next at around 41%. Second home purchases for the purpose of retirement ranked 3rd at just over 11%.
The desire for a second home geared for vacation purposes is not a surprising finding. Martin said “this is a consistent trend with the preferred attributes of the buyer being water views and proximity to water or mountain activities.” Lake and ocean views combined for an overwhelming majority of the preferred attributes surveyed with mountain views coming second.
Martin adds “While spa and medical facilities have exhibited recent high growth rate forecasts in recent studies respondents did not translate that growth into the highest motivation for a second home purchases. Green based second homes did not show the highest appeal translating into a purchase motivation. Golf has not clearly shown itself as primary appealing attribute as it translates to real estate buyers when compared to other second home attributes.”
Although most respondents indicated they would be looking in International markets for a second home, nearly 49% of purchasers will be looking domestically. “although most of these buyers plan to wait 1-2 years, this is great news for the US Second Home market. Over the next few years we anticipate that the second home market in the US that are focused 100-1000 miles from highly populated areas will see an increase in demand.”
According to the study, 40% are looking at areas 500-1000 miles away and nearly 30% are looking from 100-500 miles away from their homes. The numbers over 1000 miles dropped significantly to 11%. This supports the trend that of those interested in a domestic or Mexico second home market, nearly 39% of buyers are looking in rural areas throughout the US.
Of the same second home buyers looking at a US purchase, 49% are looking for a single family home and 60% preferred a smaller 2-bed, 2-bath floor plan.
These respondents are interested in the $200,000 to $400,000 price range and 60% are not interested in receiving financing for the purchase.
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