Optimism ranks high on the list of character traits when describing Josh Statham. His 14-year career on the Powell River Sunshine Coast Real Estate Board (PRSCREB) has served him well.
“Starting in a real down market in 2010, it was just fun to begin building my business, learning the ropes and experiencing the excitement and unique intricacies of every transaction,” explains Josh. “My optimistic nature was a blessing in those early days.”
Now a trusted name in the local real estate industry, he sees every reason to be hopeful for a strong housing market this year in the qathet region.
“I was trying to enjoy a break over Christmas and ended up being the busiest I had been all year,” recalls Josh. “When the calendar flipped to 2024, things just continued. This has been one of the most active first quarter’s I’ve ever experienced.”
The numbers back it up, with PRSCREB MLS data showing January 2024 sales were up 46 per cent, and February of this year saw more than twice as many sales as the year previous.
“February of last year was really the bottom of the market,” he says. “When they held rates in March of 2023, things began to pick up, but we lost momentum in the fall where we usually have a late push. Then in winter markets across the country started to experience a real uptick in activity, and Powell River was no different.”
Statham has carved out a reputation in the industry as the leading listing agent, selling more homes in the past half-decade than any other agent (PRSCREB MLS data listing agent 2019 to 2023).
“A few years into my career I completed the Broker’s Business Planning and Financial Management course through UBC’s Sauder School of Business. The business plan I wrote for the course was predicated on my desire to provide elevated listing services to local homeowners, and the market responded with overwhelming positivity.”
Now the team lead of the Josh Statham Group at 460 Realty, he is proud to offer an incredible suite of services in-house, ranging from professional social media management and photography to 3D imaging, floor plans and HD video.
“Technology has allowed us to offer a better marketing system to homeowners, so their home – their biggest investment – sells to its full potential,” he explains. “Listing and selling real estate is an entirely different set of skills, vastly different than helping someone purchase a home.”
In an industry of change and an ever-evolving market, technological resources are still no replacement for the qualities Josh has exemplified throughout his career.
“I’ve long understood the duty of being trusted with someone’s home sale. It isn’t just a sign in the ground, showings, offers and sold signs; a home is most people’s largest asset. It’s the biggest piece of their financial puzzle, and more than that, it can represent a lifetime of work, pride and memories.”
Josh says selling real estate isn’t just contracts and legalise, marketing and negotiation.
“It’s real life; when you help a young family upsize from the first home they ever owned, where their kids took their first steps and they tackled their first do-it-yourself renovation, or when you’re trusted with the sale of the family home so retirees can downsize or be closer to their kids, you’re facilitating one of the most important and impactful changes a person can experience – a change of address,” he adds. “That’s what get’s me out of bed every morning and into the office.”
Each opportunity to help improve someone’s quality of life through their real estate holdings is a rewarding experience, shares Josh.
“Call me an optimist, but when you know each day you’re doing what you’re supposed to do, you can’t help but smile.”
For more information, email [email protected] or call 604.223.5674.
