How to choose a real estate agent at SilverStar

Seven questions to ask any SilverStar agent

A mountain purchase is not like buying in town. Rental rules change from street to street, ski access changes the value, and there is little public price data. These questions work with anyone you interview.

1. Which SilverStar buildings and village areas do you know well? Ask which of the five village areas the agent works in and why they differ. The Village, Cabin Colony, The Knoll, Alpine Meadows and The Ridge have different rental rules, strata arrangements and ski access. A good answer names buildings, not just "the mountain".
2. How do you judge ski access, not just repeat "ski-in/ski-out"? Nearly every mountain listing says ski-in/ski-out, but the way you get to and from the runs varies a lot, and so does the value. Ask how the agent measures it and whether you can check the method yourself.
3. Can you show me real SilverStar sold prices? No real estate board publishes SilverStar-only prices, and a mountain chalet does not behave like a Vernon condo. Ask whether the agent pulls SilverStar sales from the MLS® and will send you a current sold report.
4. What are the strata and rental rules for the specific building or area? Alpine Meadows rentals go through Central Reservations, The Ridge lets you choose your own manager, and The Knoll allows suites. Strata bylaws and the Form B information certificate matter just as much, so ask which documents the agent reads before you make an offer.
5. What will it cost to own, and which taxes apply? A mountain home carries strata fees, rural property tax, snow removal, resort fees and insurance. Tax rules differ between Vernon and SilverStar, so ask the agent to run the numbers for your situation and to point you to a lawyer or accountant for tax advice.
6. How and when will we communicate? Mountain buyers often work from another city and research at night. Ask how quickly the agent replies, whether texting is fine, and whether you can research on your own first and talk when you are ready.
7. Will you explain agency and fees in writing, and can I talk to past clients? In B.C. your agent must give you the Disclosure of Representation in Trading Services before you sign anything. Ask to see it, ask how the agent is paid, and ask for references from people who bought or sold at SilverStar.

How I work

I come from programming and maps, so I built tools for SilverStar buyers and owners that are custom to me and my network of websites. I have taken a different approach to helping people: you can find out nearly everything on your own, with no one chasing you, and come to me when you are ready.

• The Ski-In/Ski-Out Score rates SilverStar addresses on how you really get to and from the runs.
• The cost of ownership calculator covers mortgage, strata, rural property tax, snow removal and resort fees.
• The building reports and the village area guide explain how the buildings and areas differ.
• The rental income estimator and the Which area fits you? quiz help you narrow things down.
• Every SilverStar listing is here from the MLS®, each with its ski score, and Sarah, my AI assistant, answers questions any time.

About Sean

I am a REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker Executives Realty in Vernon, licensed in B.C. since July 2022. I started in commercial real estate, and I have a 40-year technology background that includes years as a Google Maps Trusted Photographer. I am an independent agent. I volunteer as a Friday Mountain Host at SilverStar, leading the free 9:30 a.m. tour, and I lived on Silver Queen Road on The Knoll before moving down to Okanagan Landing. More about me.

When another agent may suit you better

If you want a resort outside my area, or a type of property I do not handle often, tell me and I will say so. I can introduce you to an agent friend who works there. If I receive a referral fee, I tell you in writing before you decide.

How do I choose a real estate agent at SilverStar?

Choose by what the agent can show you: the village areas and buildings they know, how they judge ski access, real SilverStar sold prices, the strata and rental rules for the building you are considering, and written disclosure of how they work for you and how they are paid. Interview more than one agent if you can.

Does a SilverStar real estate agent need to live on the mountain?

No. What matters is local knowledge and how the agent works with you. I live in Okanagan Landing, in the valley below, work SilverStar and Vernon every week, and I volunteer as a Friday Mountain Host. I also lived on Silver Queen Road on The Knoll before moving down.

What tools can I use at SilverStar before I talk to an agent?

On this site you can run the cost of ownership calculator, read building reports, check a Ski-In/Ski-Out Score for an address, try the Which area fits you? quiz, test a rental income estimate and see every SilverStar listing. Sarah, my AI assistant, answers area and listing questions any time.

Can one agent help me with SilverStar and Big White?

Yes. A B.C. licence is not limited to one town, and I am licensed for all of B.C. SilverStar is my main resort, and I also work with buyers at Big White. If a resort or a situation would suit another agent better, I will say so and can introduce you to an agent friend there. If I receive a referral fee, I tell you in writing.

Who is Sean Phillips?

Sean Phillips is a REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker Executives Realty in Vernon, B.C., licensed since July 2022. He started in commercial real estate and has a 40-year technology background, including years as a Google Maps Trusted Photographer. He is an independent agent and a SilverStar Mountain Host.

What is different about how you work?

I come from programming and maps, so I built my own tools, such as the Ski-In/Ski-Out Score, the cost of ownership calculator and the building reports. They are custom to me and my network of websites. I have taken a different approach to helping people: you can research on your own, with nobody chasing you, and come to me when you are ready.