How to choose a real estate agent at Big White

Seven questions to ask any Big White agent

1. Which buildings do you know well? Ask which Big White buildings they have sold in, and how ski-in/ski-out the access really is for each one. Walking the route in winter tells you more than a listing photo.
2. Can you show me sold prices? Listing prices are hopes. Sold prices by building show what buyers actually paid. Sean’s building reports cover 50 Big White complexes.
3. How do you review strata documents and rental rules? Fees, upcoming assessments, rental-pool rules and short-term rental limits can change what a condo is worth to you. See the short-term rental rules.
4. Can you explain the taxes and rules? Property Transfer Tax, the foreign-buyer rules and the speculation tax all work differently at Big White than in town. Our buying guide sets them out, and a lawyer or accountant should confirm your own situation.
5. How will we communicate? Agree how and when you will hear from your agent, including video viewings if you live outside the Okanagan.
6. Will you give me the disclosure in writing? In B.C., your agent must give you the Disclosure of Representation in Trading Services. Ask also about any referral fee.
7. Can I speak to past clients? Read independent reviews, and ask for references.

How Sean Phillips works

Sean takes a different approach. Instead of chasing you, he gives you the tools to research Big White on your own, and you come to him when you are ready to talk. He has a background in programming and maps, and he has built custom tools for his own network of websites:

• Ski-in/ski-out score: look up any Big White address.
• Building reports: sold prices for 50 complexes.
• Condo value estimator: a starting range for what a condo may be worth.
• Cost-of-ownership calculator: including B.C. transfer tax.
• Road conditions for the drive up, and powder alerts and webcams.
• Trail guide and ski-day planner.

Sarah, Sean’s AI assistant, can answer questions about the resorts and current listings by phone or chat, day or night. When you are ready for real estate advice, such as listing, pricing or negotiating, you talk to Sean.

About Sean

Sean Phillips is a REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker Executives Realty in Vernon, B.C., and is an independent agent. He has been licensed since July 2022. He started in commercial real estate, then moved to lifestyle real estate after falling in love with the Okanagan. About a decade ago, as a Google Maps trusted photographer, he photographed Big White’s Google Street View virtual tours, and he has spent several seasons as a volunteer Friday Mountain Host at SilverStar. He works with buyers and sellers at Big White and SilverStar, and also at Sun Peaks.

When another agent may suit you better

There are other knowledgeable agents at Big White, and the right one depends on you. If you want someone who lives in the village year round, ask them how they would handle your situation, and compare. If another resort suits your family better, Sean has REALTOR® friends who live and ski at their own home resorts across B.C. and can introduce you if you ask. Any referral fee is disclosed to you in writing.