It’s hard to know what to believe with the overwhelming banter of opinion and noise surrounding the issue of housing in this country these days.
Markets bend at the whim of interest rates and policy change, and conditions can shift unexpectedly. Still one thing remains true, there never seems to be enough housing. So where can homeowners and buyers go when they want the straight goods?
“We’re always only a phone call away,” says Josh Statham, team lead of the Josh Statham Group at 460 Realty. “Earlier this month I had multiple clients reference a recent news story that had said our market was down 30 per cent. I was shocked to hear this when I had just crunched the numbers from the Powell River Sunshine Coast Real Estate Board stats.”
Those statistics showed an increase of over one-third in residential sales volume from January 1 to May 31 this year compared to the year previous, and houses selling at 98 per cent of the asking price, he added.
“Where does this stuff come from?” chuckles Statham. “If you’re at all curious about what’s happening in the market, please, just shoot me a text or give me a call or an email. I’ll be happy to let you know what’s really going on in the local market, from someone who lives it every day.”
Statham says he has seen it all in a career that has spanned nearly a decade-and-a-half as a licensee, broker and team lead, and still enjoys the excitement of connecting with each new client and guiding every unique transaction toward a gratifying experience.
“These days it’s working alongside the impressive young agents on the team, and this amazing group of realtors, staff, lenders, property managers and contractors at 460 Realty that fills my cup,” he says. “The culture around this team and this independent brokerage motivate me to bring my best for my clients, my peers and this important industry, day in, day out.”
Andrew Roddan is nearing two years as a licensed realtor and joined the Josh Statham Group early in his career. He has a take on the slight dip in average price this year.
“The amount of real estate sold in the $450,000 to $650,000 range has significantly increased,” explains Roddan. “There were only 42 sales in that price range last year compared to 58 in the first five months of this year [PRSCREB MLS data].”
Roddan’s fiancé Johana Jackson has spent the past year managing social media for the team and is now stepping in to assume the full-time marketing position as Frances Van Tol – who just celebrated a half-decade in the position – takes a year leave to sail with her family. The couple were recently engaged and purchased their first home in March.
Josh, his wife Elise (unlicensed admin), Andrew, Johanna and Frances (unlicensed marketing), worked to launch The Josh Statham Group last year. Katie Indrebo, who was the first 460 employee in Powell River and has been a licensed realtor at the brokerage for the last two years, joined the team this spring.
“We are seeing more inventory this year, and it’s been nice for buyers to have better options when searching for homes,” says Indrebo.
For more information or to contact a member of The Josh Statham Group, go to thejoshstathamgroup.com or call 604.223.5674.
“Whether buying or selling,” says Josh, “this team has the know-how to help you with your real estate needs.”
