10 minutes with Gord MacPherson

Summer’s here and it’s not just the temperature that’s rising in the Fraser Valley. Real estate sales are skyrocketing as people discover the many benefits this area offers as a place to call home. This issue, Gord MacPherson, president of Elevate Development, discusses some of the reasons he’s bullish about living east of Vancouver.

New Home + Condo Guide: There’s been much media coverage about slumping sales, but what’s really happening in the Fraser Valley?

Gord MacPherson: High end, luxury homes have been impacted, certainly, but average townhouses, condos, and houses are still selling — and selling well. In fact, the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board just posted June statistics and the numbers are up significantly over June last year: 3,308 listings and 1,601 sales in June 2020 versus 2,799 listings and 1,304 sales in 2019. Those numbers shocked me and a lot of others as well.

NHCG: What’s the Fraser Valley’s appeal?

GM: Number one is affordability. Affordability means that’s where the population will move.

Look at somewhere like Mission where we’re building right now. You can buy a beautiful house for about $550,000, a brand new condo with all the bells and whistles for around $300,000. And even though Covid has brought a heightened awareness to the fact telecommuting is possible, if you do work in Vancouver, the West Coast Express takes you right to Waterfront Station without having to consider variables like traffic or weather. So you’re getting a downtown salary, but your mortgage is half that of your co-workers.

Plus, it’s much easier to find a desirable work/life balance. You’re close to fishing, skiing, hiking, and canoeing. There are lakes on both sides — something most people don’t know. And the downtown area is absolutely charming.

NHCG: More businesses are also eyeing locations outside urban hubs. Will this trend continue?

GM: Yes. This is the first time in a long time, businesses are making decisions about where to locate based on what their staff want. And top of the list for many people is lifestyle — something the Valley has.

But it’s also got the amenities people need. People who live here can shop here — and they do. The Langley Staples is one of their busiest stores in the country. A friend of mine owns an insurance agency with 17 offices, and their top producer is also in Langley. Ask someone who lives in Abbotsford when they last went into Vancouver and they’ll most likely look at you like you’re crazy and say: “Why would I want to go there when I’ve got everything I need right here?”

Elevate Properties is currently developing Wren+Raven, a highly-anticipated, master planned community on the waterfront in Mission. Check it out at wrmission.com.