460 Realty opened its doors in Powell River on March 1, 2021, with four agents, a marketer and an admin. The team has since grown to 11 agents, three admins, a full-time marketer, an in-house mortgage broker and a property manager.
“We were excited to bring a new, independent brokerage option to our community,” says local broker Josh Statham. “The response from the community and incredible agent attraction validate the desire for a boutique real estate office here.”
Statham began his career with Coast Realty, a successful Vancouver Island-based independent brokerage. Like so many others, Coast Realty was purchased by American or Eastern Canadian franchises, as those big brands competed for market share in red-hot coastal BC communities.
After the sale, former Coast GM Randy Forbes opened the independent 460 Realty office in Nanaimo, which has expanded to Qualicum, Parksville, Ucluelet and Tofino, Campbell River, Port Hardy and Powell River.
“I knew right away my own business values aligned with the independent brokerage model,” says Statham. “It didn’t take me long to reach out to former Coast colleagues to partner in establishing a new independent real estate office in my hometown.”
Real estate trends are regional, and independent brokers can respond to unique needs of their community without layers of middle management, he adds.
“Simply put, their head offices are in their markets and regions,” explains Statham. “In today’s volatile market, the flexibility and responsiveness of a local independent brokerage is more important than ever.”
This is true for clients and realtors alike, according to 460 agent Nancy Hamilton.
“When my husband and I moved here in 2020 from Squamish, I was keen to continue my real estate business.” says Hamilton. “460 spoke to the heart of my core values. It is an independent office and a boutique experience with an entrepreneurial spirit that is infectious. I love the creative tools at my disposal to do the best job for my clients.”
Lisa Bartello recently transferred her licence to BC after a successful career in Ontario. She is the most recent addition to the 460 team.
“Coming to Powell River, my choice of brokerage was easy,” says Bartello. “I started to preview local real estate on realtor.ca and noticed several listings from 460 had superior marketing, which is essential for my clients. It was also paramount to find a more locally focused brokerage that works as a team with integrity.”
The diverse group at 460 includes tenured local agents and experienced agents from other real estate boards who, like many people, have relocated to the Sunshine Coast, and an exciting crop of new recruits, such as Mariah Fedosov.
“My time at 460 has proved to be rewarding; I felt at home right away,” she says. “It is welcoming, friendly and innovative; I’m glad to be a part of the family.”
Fedosov’s sister, Rebecca Johnson, is also a realtor at 460.
“I was happy to join the team,” says Johnson. “I enjoy the open concept work environment and readiness to help one another; agents who go the distance is truly fitting for us.”
Bill Bailey celebrates a decade in real estate this July. He is an original 460 member who was drawn to the dynamic new brand.
“We have a lot of freedom and flexibility to market a client’s home to its full potential,” explains Bailey. “460 affords us the opportunity to run our businesses as we see fit, without unnecessary overhead and expenses.”
Dean MacDonald was the first agent to join after 460 opened. He moved to Texada Island in 2020 and has been in the business for over three decades.
“In an industry where we’ve lost our autonomy, it’s nice to work for a company that can set its own policy,” says MacDonald.
Agent Max Pagani says 460 Realty is BC, west coast owned, and employs local residents from the ground up.
“We’re locals specializing in local real estate,” says Pagani, whose move to 460 coincided with the celebration of his 20 years in real estate. “My first year with 460 was my best year ever.”
For more information, go to 460realtypr.com or call 236.328.0236.
