Resort at Castle Rock Invermere Resort Condos in the Kootenay Rockes - CastleRock Resort Recreational Property Offering Fractional Ownership

Resort at Castle Rock Invermere Resort Condominiums

Located near a host of four season outdoor activities, Resort at Castle Rock in Invermere BC offers full or fractional ownership for savvy investors in real estate for hassle free, resort living. On-site amenities at the Invermere Castle Rock Resort condos include heated outdoor pool, hot tubs, tennis and basketball courts, indoor recreation and fitness centre, plus childcare services and programs. Floor plans for the Resort at Castle Rock condominiums in Invermere range from one bedroom to three bedroom with prices starting at $68,000 (quarter ownership) an optional rental pool for the condo resort at Castle Rock Invermere is also available. Phase One is now selling. For more information about the INvermere Resort at Castle Rock condo pre-sales, call 1.888.678.9338 or you can visit www.resortatcastlerock.com. Now selling Phase 2 of Castle Rock Invermere, this is the perfect resort real estate purchase for memorable family vacations. The Resort at CastleRock in beautiful Invermere BC offers Quarter and Full ownership lifestyle real estate investment opportunities elevated by 4-Star hassle-free resort living and amenities. From the huge heated outdoor pool and hot tubs, to on-site tennis and basketball courts, indoor recreation and fitness centres, child care services and programs and the financial rewards of an optional rental pool, the Resort at CastleRock Invermere BC has it all – and with a range of prices your family can afford! Take advantage of this limited Invermere real estate opportunity today, and enjoy memorable family holidays tomorrow! One bedroom quarter ownership deals for the Invermere real estate purchase at CastleRock Resort start from $68,000 while two beds are from $85k and three bedroom units from $150k. Marketed by Ultimate Properties International and CastleRock is a Voisin Homes Development.

From the CastleRock Invermere Email Desk

Thank you for your on-line registration with our exciting Resort at CastleRock. My name is Jason Lyon and I am a Sales Executive for the Resort in Invermere. Rather than fill your email in-box with too much information without knowing yet exactly what you are most interested in, I've attached an initial few documents (Castle Rock Invermere resort real estate FAQ, site plan, map), and below is a quick synopsis of the resort project. I've also included one and two bedroom fractional and whole ownership availability and pricing below for your reference. We have just released Invermere’s Castle Rock resort Building Two for sales in the past 10 days, this means we have an excellent selection to choose from in both our mountain view and courtyard/ pool view units. We have one remaining Castle Rock ground floor two bedroom unit backing onto the pool area. These CastleRock Invermere pre-sales condo units allow for easy access from your private patio to the clubhouse, pool and sports courts. We also have a 2 bedroom penthouse in Invermere Resort CastleRock available on the fourth floor, these units will have roughly 150 more square feet than the standard two bedroom as well as two decks (one of the master bedroom and one off the main living space). After taking a read through this info, please let me know what other questions you have, I will get back to you as soon as I can with answers and/or other materials. Thanks again for your interest in The Resort at CastleRock. Regards, Jason Lyon - Sales Executive, The Resort at CastleRock, 403-679-1330
www.resortatcastlerock.com

The Resort at CastleRock
Thank you for your on-line registration with our exciting Resort at CastleRock. My name is Jason Lyon and I am a Sales Executive for the Resort.

Rather than fill your email in-box with too much information without knowing yet exactly what you are most interested in, I've attached an initial few documents (FAQ, site plan, map), and below is a quick synopsis of the project. I've also included one and two bedroom fractional and whole ownership availability and pricing below for your reference. We have just released Building Two for sales in the past 10 days, this means we have an excellent selection to choose from in both our mountain view and courtyard/ pool view units. We have one remaining ground floor two bedroom unit backing onto the pool area. These units allow for easy access from your private patio to the clubhouse, pool and sports courts. We also have a 2 bedroom penthouse available on the fourth floor, these units will have roughly 150 more square feet than the standard two bedroom as well as two decks (one of the master bedroom and one off the main living space). After taking a read through this info, please let me know what other questions you have, I will get back to you as soon as I can with answers and/or other materials. Thanks again for your interest in The Resort at CastleRock.

Jason Lyon, Sales Executive - The Resort at CastleRock
403-679-1330 | www.resortatcastlerock.com

Location
Located in the beautiful Columbia Valley between the Purcell and Rocky Mountain ranges, The Resort at CastleRock is just a few minutes south of Invermere BC on the west side of Windermere Lake. Year-round recreational activities make this area extremely popular with Albertans, Canadians, and visitors from around the world. The valley is an international destination for world-class golf (several gorgeous and challenging courses within 20 minutes), skiing (25 minutes to Panorama and Fairmont Resorts), water sports (5 minutes to Lake Windermere), and mountain sight-seeing (Rocky Mountain and Purcell Ranges).

The Resort Real Estate Development
The development will include four attractive 4-story Resort at Castle Rock pre-construction condominium buildings surrounding a beautiful courtyard with a recreation/fitness centre, outdoor swimming pool, tennis/basketball court, and hot tubs. CastleRock Resort Buildings 1 and 4 will have underground parking, plus plenty of above-ground parking. All buildings will have secure storage. Building 4 will have retail services on the main level (e.g. convenience store, restaurant, spa).

The primary views in CastleRock Building 1 are the majestic Purcell Mountains to the west, and Rocky Mountain peaks and beautifully landscaped courtyard and swimming pool to the east. The resort is designed to provide hassle-free lifestyle and investment ownership.

Fractional vs. Whole Ownership
Fractional ownership provides an exciting and affordable way to enjoy and invest in recreational property. Unlike CastleRock Resort real estate timeshare, fractional ownership provides each fractional owner with a deeded title for their interest in the property. This fractional interest can be financed and sold like non-fractional real estate. Resort Fractional ownership means you can still enjoy the property yourself for up to 13 weeks per year (which is more than most will use their property anyway), while sharing the operating and capital investment costs. This style also lends itself very well to rental programs (since you are sharing anyway) to help recover your operating costs.

If you prefer whole ownership, you may purchase all four quarters to benefit from additional discounting on the purchase price and operating costs. In the future, you may choose to resell one or more of the quarters at real estate resort market price.

Construction Status
Construction of Building 1 is planned to commence ~May/June '08 with completion planned for mid-'09. Construction of the Resort at Castle Rock Condo Building 2 and the recreation centre and pool is expected to commence mid-'08 with possession in mid-late '09.

The CastleRock building and suite floor plans are under review and are expected to increase on average by approximately 10%. Current pricing is based on the current smaller sizes, and will increase once the new larger suite sizes are approved (prior to the end of April). Purchasers that commit to their purchase prior to the increase will get the larger size units at no additional cost.

Sales
Building 1 is already pre-sold; CastleRock Building 2 was just released for pre-sale and is expected to also sell quickly. As noted above, current pricing is based on the current smaller sizes, and will increase once the new larger suite sizes are approved. Purchasers that commit to their purchase prior to the increase will get the larger size units at no additional cost.

Availability and Limited Time Pre-Construction Pricing
(Note: the quoted pricing applies to Building 2)

One Bedroom:
One bedroom 1/4 fractions are currently priced at $69,000 to $74,000. Whole units are $249,000 to $266,000.

Two Bedroom:
Standard two bedroom 1/4 fractions are currently priced at $88,000 to $111,000. Whole units are $317,000 to $399,000. We have one 2BR Penthouse unit at $125,000 per 1/4 fraction, $450,000 whole.

Three Bedroom:
We have one 3-bedroom left on the fourth floor (mountain view) at a price of $165K per 1/4 fraction or $594,000 for the whole unit.

Please Note: Units come fully equipped. Prices include all furnishings, fixtures, and equipment such as kitchenware. Prices and availability are subject to change without notice.

Payment Schedule
Fractional: 10% deposit on signing, 10% when Disclosure Statement amended to start construction (mid-late '08), balance on possession (late '09).

Rental Pool
A professionally managed rental pool will be available at the Resort at Castle Rock in Invermere real estate market. This rental pool will provide centrally managed international marketing, reservations, housekeeping, check-in/out, concierge services, etc appropriate for this class of resort to ensure that high standards of service are maintained and that rental revenues are maximized.

Vacation Exchange Program
A vacation exchange program will enable you to exchange time in your unit for time in other quality vacation properties around the world. You can invest safely in a desirable local market, and leverage that investment to enjoy international vacation destinations.

Considerations to Buy Now in Building 2
Low pre-construction prices (getting in early always is the best investment)
Best Mountain views from all floors
Views to green space on courtyard side
Prices will increase soon to reflect redesigned larger suite sizes
Prices will increase again with the release of Building 3
The Disclosure Document that describes the development in detail is provided at initial signing, and then there is a 7 day review period during which time your deposit is fully refundable if you change your mind after reviewing all materials.

The Resort at CastleRock Site Open House

The Resort at CastleRock Site Sales Centre Open for the Canada Day Long Weekend! We will be on site all weekend to answer any questions you may have on the resort, our new larger floor plans as well as resort real estate investment opportunities with The Resort at CastleRock. The weather forecast is calling for sunny skies and temperatures in the low thirties, perfect for swimming hiking, golfing and simply enjoying all that the Columbia Valley has to offer. Great selection of pre-construction resort condos of two and three bedroom units still remain in Building Two with mountain views and pool views still available. You will find below directions to our site on the quiet side of the valley. Located in CastleRock estates we offer an unparalleled setting only minutes from all that Invermere has to offer. I look forward to visiting with you this weekend.

Regal Relaxation and Recreation Resort Real Estate at CastleRock Columbia Valley

A great article published in the Homes and Resort publication and written by D. Murray: Set under the majestic Purcell Mountains on the west side of the popular Lade Windermere, the most regal resort real estate in the Columbia Valley is prepared to provide the best R and R experience imaginable in recreational real estate history. Amid numerous amenities within the Invermere area, plus the surrounding lakes, links and mountain slopes, the Resort at Castle Rock or CastleRock Invermere Resort real estate will be the ultimate retreat for recreation and relaxtion in Columbia Valley. A short 2 ½ hours from Calgary, the Resort at CastleRock is also just 25 mintues from Panorama Resort – with more than 1,000 vertical metres lifts servicing winter skiing and summer mountain biking – plus the revered Grey Wolf Golf Course. Even closer are the links at Eagle Ranch, Copper Point, Radium Hot Springs and Fairmont Hot Springs. Plus adventures from whitewater rafting to renowned mountain climbing in the Columbia Valley await at a half dozen national and provincial parks within a one hour drive. A quarter share at the Resort at Castle Rock Invermere resort real estate starts at just under $90,000 for a two bedroom unit, and around $165,000 for a three bedroom penthouse. Whole ownership at the Castlerock Resort starts at just over $300,000. The resort real estate opportunity will feature many fine amenities, including an outdoor swimming pool and hot tub, showers and stream rooms, fitness centre, games room, barbeque area plus sports courts for tennis and basketball. Occupancy at the Invermere Resort CastleRock is predicted to begin as early as the late summer of 2009. Your holiday options may be expanded internationally thorugh a leading luxury exchange program, allowing the owners of the Resort at Castle Rock Invermere condo homes to trade time in their unit for properties in such international destination as Mexico, the Caribbean, the US and Europe. You can also choose the optional rental pool to profit from your real estate resort investment. For more information, visit www.resortatcastlerock.com or in Calgary, call 403.770.0741.

The Resort at CastleRock - Discovery Centre Opening and September Events!

September is going to be an extremely busy month for both the Invermere real estate resort sales and construction teams at The Resort at CastleRock. Construction is set to begin in mid September, and underground service work is already underway. With a variety of exciting new Castle Rock Invermere condo floor plans, amazing limited-time pre-construction recreational real estate pricing, and spectacular enhancements to the Invermere resort layout and amenities, we think you'll want to see what we have to offer to both the recreational enthusiast and the savvy BC property investor. We have a number of real estate CastleRock Resort condominium opportunities to meet in the month of September to discuss any questions you may have regarding real estate ownership at the most exciting Invermere development in the Columbia Valley, The Resort at CastleRock. Please note that we will be offering our Resort at CastleRock pre-construction prices only until September 14th, so this will be your last chance to get in on ground floor pricing for the Invermere resort BC property.

Our New Invermere Discovery Centre, Invermere, August 30th - September 1st.
We will be moving into our new presales centre location in Invermere just in time for the last long weekend of the summer. For those of you who will be in Invermere for the weekend, I encourage you to stop in and visit our Castle Rock Resort Condo Discovery Centre which is located at #101, 901 - 7th Avenue (Main Street), Invermere. We're still under construction so watch your step! The Resort at CastleRock Discovery Centre is on the left side of Main Street, just after you pass Pothole Park. I will be available to go over our pre-construction BC resort condo floor plan options, availability as well as provide site tours of our spectacular location during this weekend. Feel free to phone ahead of your visit to book a time for your site tour, 403-679-1330. Drop-ins also welcome here at the Discovery Centre at the Invermere CastleRock Resort property development.

Edmonton Journal Recreational Property Show, Edmonton, September 6th.
We will once again be in Edmonton for the extremely busy fall Recreational Property Show at the Mayfield Inn and Conference Centre, one day only, September 6th, 9am - 4 pm. The Mayfield Conference Centre is located just west of the main hotel property, 16615 109th Avenue NW in Edmonton. Parking for this event is free so check out the condominium resort BC real estate property of CastleRock Invermere there. If you would like to attend the Friday evening VIP mini-show 5pm-7pm (open to invited guests only), please let us know.

Calgary Recreational Property Show, Calgary, September 13th & 14th.
For those of you in southern of Alberta we will be at the Big 4 Building, Stampede Park for the annual fall Recreational Property show for the pre-sales BC resort condos at CastleRock Invermere. Hours for the show are from 10am - 5 pm on the 13th and 10 am - 4 pm on the 14th. For free admission to the show please pre register by going to http://resortpropertyshow.com/index.php?page=registration.

For those of you who are unable to join the presale BC Resort at CastleRock Invermere at any of the above events we can be reached anytime by either e-mail or by calling us directly, 1-888-678-9338 or 1-403-679-1330 (Canmore). We look forward to meeting many of you in the coming weeks and thank you for your continued interest in The Resort at CastleRock pre-construction recreational properties. Jason Lyon and The Sales Team at Reign Developments

The Ultimate Family Resort Real Estate of the Canadian Rockies
Introducing the Resort at CastleRock BC in Invermere recreational property market. The Resort at CastleRock in beautiful Invermere B.C. offers Quarter and Full ownership elevated by 5-star hassle-free BC resort living and amenities. From the heated outdoor pool and hot tub, recreation cenre, hotel services, international vacation exchange program and optional rental pool, the Resort at CastleRock Invermere BC resort real estate has it all with a rnage of prices and suites your family can’t afford to miss! Fully appointed presale resort condo units starting from just $89k. For more information about the BC Resort at Invermere CastleRock, please call 1.888.678.9338, email info@resortatcastlerock.com or visit the website at www.resortatcastlerock.com. This is a REIGN Developments Inc. production and exclusive marketing by Ultimate Properties International.

Thanksgiving Update: The Resort at CastleRock
Happy Thanksgiving from the Sales Team at The Resort at CastleRock! With the exciting new Invermere BC resort condo real estate floor plans and spectacular enhancements to the resort layout and amenities, The Resort at CastleRock in beautiful CastleRock Estates near Invermere BC recreational property continues to be the hottest new development in the Columbia Valley. The rock-bottom pre-construction pricing and limited-time specials ensure that purchasers get both an awesome Columbia Valley BC recreational property for the family and a solid real estate investment for the future. Like September, October has started out as an extremely busy month for both the pre-sales of the CastleRock resort properties and construction teams at The Resort at CastleRock. Excavation is completed and footing form work is underway for the CastleRock BC resort Building 1 basement/parkade, ready for the footings to be poured next week. Geo-thermal planning is in progress, with drilling and testing next week. Interior design and planning is almost complete for the finishing and furnishings specification (based on the new floorplans), and the graphics design work for the new brochures and website is well underway. Please let me know if you would like more information or if you plan on visiting the Castle Rock Resort project site or our Invermere Sales Centre (under renovation but open this weekend Saturday and Sunday noon-5pm at #101, 901 - 7th Avenue Main Street) and I can arrange to show you the updated Resort at CastleRock BC resort condo floor plans and artist renderings, and answer any questions you may have. If you are in the area on the weekend, please call me on me cell phone at 403-585-6630. I look forward to hearing from you. Have a safe and fun Thanksgiving weekend! Regards, Jack, Sales Director at Resort at CastleRock | 403-770-0741 (Calgary Area) | 888-678-9338 (Toll Free)

Innovative concept offers vacation home luxury for a fraction of the cost

A growing number of resort real estate developments have gone along the routes of the fractional ownership model that was first introduced in Canada by Intrawest Corporation, resort developers and real estate developments across the world including Whistler Blackcomb, Mont Tremblant and Copper Mountains. Also known as shared ownership or quarter ownership, it is different from traditional timeshare in that you as a real estate investor or home buyer are on title for the real estate property and have control over the eventual sale of the home.

Whistler-Blackcomb Resort

Storied Places – At Nature’s Door Fractional Ownership
Some of the first fractional real estate properties were started in British Columbia at the site of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Whistler-Vancouver. The Whistler-Blackcomb resort is owned and operated by Intrawest and has seen a huge increase in fractional, shared and quarter ownership properties for real estate homes, chalets and condominium suites.

Some of the latest real estate opportunities from this fractional ownership model include the luxurious Storied Places up in Whistler where a home buyer can own a fraction of 1/10 in a luxurious three or four bedroom chalet style home that provides the ultimate in features, finishes and community amenities located in the prestigious At Nature’s Door development. An exclusive fractional ownership and shared ownership style features an exclusive ski-in/ski-out home starting from just $294,900. Thanks to fractional ownership, you can receive a deeded interest in an exquisite mountain home in Whistler’s exclusive Taluswood neighbourhood. With access to private, privileged community for the times you choose, At Nature’s Door, Storied Places is truly effortless shared ownership overlooking the Dave Murray Downhill and comes with stone fireplaces, well appointed kitchen featuring Sub Zero fridge, Viking gas range and wine fridge in addition to outdoor decks and private hot tub. There is also a Private Owner’s Lodge with fitness facility, sauna, steam room, heated outdoor pool and hot tub. This fractional ownership opportunity has been extremely successful and Intrawest has already built and planned many other Storied Places fractional shared ownership style real estate developments throughout North American resorts. For more information, please visit www.storiedplaces.com.

Whistler iQ Evolution Fractional Ownership
A modern take on mountain living in Whistler, British Columbia, the evolved way to own real estate in Whistler is through the Intrawest Quarter Ownership program (iQ) which has now returned to Whistler with Evolution real estate fractional ownership real estate properties. Offering stylish one and two bedroom resort homes in Whistler Creekside, Evolution is definetly a modern take on resort mountain living for singles, couples and families. Open floor plans, contemporary interiors, luxurious features and amenities are just some things to smile about at Evolution Whistler’s fractional ownership real estate opportunity that is selling now. Ski-in and Ski-out via the Creekside Gondola only a short stroll away. All for an incredible price through iQ that may never be available again. With Whistler Evolution, owning a stylish resort home in Whistler can be a reality, but only for a limited time. Register today at www.myownwhistler.com or call 1.877.771.6767.

Bighorn Mountain Resort Fractional Owners

Imagine owning a five-star property at Canmore’s Bighorn Mountain Resort. You arrive at your exquisitely furnished, 2,400 sq ft home, fridge fully stocked and spa services booked by the concierge. After a day in the Rockies, you can plunge into your rooftop hot tub, barbeque on one of four decks, curl up in front of one of five flat-screen TVs, or relax in one of three deluxe master suites …

Sound like a retreat for the ultra rich? IN fact, it’s easily affordable, thanks to an innovative fractional ownership concept premiering this fall at Bighorn Mountain Resort in 2006. The Resort is Canmore’s first private residence club. As a member, you share title ownership in one of 20 exclusive $2.4 million vacation homes. The cost per 1/8th share is $225,000, which mortgage companies view as an appreciating real estate investment, versus timeshares, which are considered depreciating assets.

You may buy as many shares ass you like. One share gives you five weeks’ accommodation annually, plus additional visits during 11 weeks of flex-time. Every day of the year at the Canmore Bighorn Mountain Resort , you have full access to resort’s private spa, mineral pool, fitness centre and lounge.

Since more vacation home owners spend less than four weeks annually at their real estate properties, fractional ownership, like the one at Bighorn Mountain Resort in Canmore, works brilliantly. For a fraction of the cost, home owners and real estate investors, can enjoy superb amenities and services, with no maintenance or security worries – while investing in Canmore’s sizzling real estate market.

For details on fractional ownership at Bighorn Mountain Resort in Canmore, please visit www.bighorncanmore.com or call toll-free 1-866-890-7563.

The Best of All Words through Fractional Ownership of Real Estate

It’s part of the North American dream. The vacation getaway. A place by the lake where you leave everyday cares far behind, where sunny days are filled with water sports and where good times seem to stretch to eternity. And as we near the end of the 21st century’s first decade, more people than ever are making that dream into a reality thorugh real estate fractional ownership or co-ownership of property opportunities. A great article by the most trusted resort property writer, Susan B for the Homes and Resort magazine of BC. But if you’re thinking quaint if somewhat rustic cottage in the country, think again. Fueled in large part by demand from the growing legions of baby boomers across North America, today’s resort getaways need to be increasingly sophisticatd, upscale and urbane to attract attention. Boomer homebujyers in recreational real estate know what they want which usually includes luxury, pampering, amenities, fine dining and they have both the money as well as the inclination and time. Already well heeled in their own right, many boomer home buyers are also reaping the benifts of what financial analysists believe will be the largest transfer of wealth in history – some $41 trillion that’s beginning a relentless migration from the pockets of the aging boomer population into the pockets of their active – leisure oriented adult children who are the beneficiaries. And with more than 80 per cent of this financial tsunami yet to hit, recreational real estate property and resort homes is clearly taking the lead as their investment vehicle of choice.

Fractional wnership Provides Sound Economics and Ultimate Flexibility to Boomer Buyers

With the price of new recreational property and resort homes skyrocketing, fractional ownership also makes economic sense. “Why would you pay a full time price for property you only use part time?” says Craig Andersen of PilotHouse Real eState Inc and an enthusiastic suppoerter of this sales model. In fact, after marketing a variety of resort fractional real estate propreties including The Residences at Sun Peaks, Craig purchased a quarter ownership as alegacy for his oen family at Currents at Otter Bay on Pender Island. “The national average for use of a vacation property is 19 days – or rougly three weeks per year,” he points out. “So what happens to your vaction property for the rest of the year? Usually it just sits there… empty. Quarter ownesrhpi or fractional ownership gives y ou use of your resort property for 12 weeks throughout the year, and it’s guilt free. You know everything will be clean and in perfect working order every time you show up – no more spending half the holiday fixing things, and if you decide not to use it yourself, it goes into the rental pool and generates revenue for you.” If you’re truly serious about taking more time off but can’t quite see eye to eye with your significant other about where to spend your vacations, fractional resort ownership of real estate could also be the route to the return of holiday harmony. As one fractional ownership purchaser at The Residences at Sun Peaks puts, “I like to ski, my wife prefers the desert to eh mountains and my kids want to vacation in Hawaii. Instead of buying one property that’s a compromise, fro the same price I can buy a quarter interest in four properties, enveryone gets what they want and everyone’s happy.”

A New Style of Co-Ownership of Resort Property

Rapidly becoming a serious contender in this competitive world of vacation properties, fractional ownership is on the rise. From Whistler and the Gulf Islands to Osoyoos and ski slopes in Fernie real estate, many of the most exclusive resorts under constructin are adopting this sales model in order to appeal directly to a real estate market of boomer homebuyers who want maintenance free, distinctly hands off approach to recreational property. These hotel style strata units come fully furnished most of the time and are most frequently offered in quarter, third or half shares basis although twelfth shares are now appearing with more regularity. Unfortunatley, often still tarnished by the unsavoury reputation of the totally unrelated timeshare, each fractional share of resort property is fully deeded property you can resell, mortgage, or will to the beneficiary of your choice. Boomer buyers have access to their property on a rotational basis – typically for a week period each month. However, if you choose not to use your property during your rotation, it’s placed into a rental pool generating a revenue stream that can be sued to offset your carrying costs. Here too, the emphasis is on no worry resort real estate investment through fractional ownership – professionals like Canadian Rocky Mountain Resorts and Bellstar Hotels & Resorts handle the myriad details of hotel management, reservations and housekeeping. One baby boomer home buyer at the recently opened, $31 million Painted Boat Resort Spa & Marina in Pender Harbour put it this way. “We’re too busy to worry about maintenance and repairs, and we certainly didn’t want just any property. Here you have 24/7 serivce, the amenities are of an excellence that means we can bring clients as wella s family, and witht eh marina we have the option of arriving by private boat or floatplane. There really is nothing else like it.” Now selling in the Gulf Islands, Galiano Oceanfront Inn & Spa fractional ownership opportunities is proving so popular that many early boomer buyers are purchasing additional fractions in this oceanfront retreat. “We’re seeing people who bought one of our Villas now buying a Spa Suite for when they have guests or older children come to say,” explains sales rep Ian Watts. “Everyone has privacy, but you can all get together for socializing or meals.”

A Portion of the Pie - Article about Fractional and Quarter Ownership of Real Estate

Fractional ownership entitles buyers to a portion of the development with equity that can be resold. Quarter ownership offers buyers access for at least 12 weeks a year – more than enough for a vacation getaway. This article comes from the Westcoast Homes & Design magazine from November 2006 and is written by Leslie Peterson.

Almost a decade ago, a ski-resort developer in the French Alps persuaded some of his guests that, rather than rent, they ought to buy a portion of the hotel he was development. This innovate marketing concept has grown exponentially to encompass a whole range of fractional ownership arrangements, up to 1/52nd and beyond.

The terms timesharing and fractional ownership often are treated as one and the same. Not so, according to those who market and sell these resort properties. They are friendly cousins, perhaps, but with marked differences in actual ownership, though both arrangements attract buyers looking for vacation getaways.

Similarities? “Why pay 100 per cent of the cost for something you can’t possibly use 100 per cent of the time?” asks Vince Taylor of Pilot House Real Estate. Both timesharing and fractional ownership are set up to offer buyers a slice of paradse without paying for the whole pie. But there the commonality ends, Taylor says.

“Unlike timeshares, which confer right of use but not fee simple title to the land,” he notes, “fractional ownership is considered genuine real estate and entitles buyers to a portion of the development with equity that can be resold. So the fractional share of the cottage or ski chalet can be mortgaged, bequeathed in a will, listed and sold like any other home, without involving the other owners.”

Quarter ownership, the most exclusive form of fractional ownership, came on to the local real-estate scene in late 1999 Whistler’s Montebello II, where more than $25 million of quarter shares sold in the initial sales launch. The biggest surprise at the time was that only about 20 per cent of quarter-ownership buyers were concerned about affordability, Taylor says. “Most quarter ownership buyers continue to be primarily interested in luxury and availability of the finest real estate offerings in the world. Combine that with the fact that each owner has access to at least 12 weeks each year – since few people have more than 12 weeks’ holidays, the time is more than enough.”

Aside from the financial advantages, quarter-ownership also offers purchasers the freedom on the “lock and leave” lifestyle. Just walk in the door, pick up skis or a tennis racket, then head for the hills, the court or the beach. No repairs, no cleaning and upkeep, simply the opportunity to take full advantage of leisure time.

According to Taylor, there are no hidden costs or surprises of quarter ownership. “For each property,” he explains, “there is an ownership corporation (which helps set the usage rotations, and looks after all indoor finishings) and a typical strata corporation with duly elected officers. As always, all costs/budgets, changes must be approved by the owners – just like any other type of real estate. The only difference is that all the aggregate costs are then divided equally between the owners of each home.”

Recently, concerns have been raised in connection with taxation of these properties. Yet according to John Peebles, manager, valuation, and policy standards with BC Assessment, it is important to understand “that the use of the property is the key to determining the classification, rather than the form of ownership.” To be classed as commercial, any type of real estate must pass strict tests. For example, if a complex is smaller than 20 units, it remains in the Class 1 residential category, he says, pointing out there has been no change in legislation, merely closer scrutiny. “Every strata corporation is a bit different as to how it is structured, so potential buyers should read the fine print in the prospectus to see what the limitations are for personal use.”

With more than a 15 year history in North America, this radical shift in our approach to vacation time represents secure, traditional real-estate purchase with a healthy resale market, Taylor says. “living in the finest homes for a fraction of the total cost, never having to worry about maintenance, cleaning or repairs, and always having a stable real-estate investment makes quarter ownership the most popular choice for families, professional investors who are not afraid of the brave new real estate world.”