Winter in Fernie is often thought of as a quieter season in real estate, but last year told a different story. Around this time, I was busy — writing multiple offers for buyers and receiving solid interest on my listings. Activity was happening on both sides of the market.
But one story in particular really stood out.
It involved a young family who had originally set their sights on building. They had purchased a building lot with big dreams of designing the perfect home. As the months went on, they began to take a closer look at what that process would actually mean — planning, permitting, timelines, and waiting. Another year. Possibly two.
And then came the realization that changed everything: time with their kids, right now, mattered more.
Instead of spending their days navigating plans and construction schedules, they wanted to spend them skiing together, biking in the summer, and fully enjoying the Fernie lifestyle while their children are still young.
So they pivoted.
They found a move-in-ready townhome that checked all the boxes — functional, comfortable, and ready to enjoy immediately. No waiting. No delays. Just keys in hand and the freedom to start making memories right away.
That decision wasn’t about settling — it was about prioritizing what mattered most.
It’s important to say that this isn’t a negative reflection on buying building lots. In fact, there have been meaningful improvements within the City of Fernie’s planning department, and building permit timelines are expected to decrease in the coming year, making the building process more efficient and appealing for many buyers. Building can still be a fantastic option.
But for this family, the choice was clear.
They chose ski days over spreadsheets. Summer adventures over site visits. And a home they could live in now rather than later.
That’s the kind of winter success story that sticks with you — because real estate isn’t just about properties, it’s about aligning your home with the life you want to live.
