Expert homebuying advice from Jason Pantalone, Managing Partner, President and CEO, National Homes

Housing supply, rising interest rates, affordability, inflation, the economy… homebuyers have a lot to think about these days, when it comes to things that may impact their purchasing decisions.

To help you understand all the factors to make a better, more informed homebuying decision, our 2023 Builders' Annual sat down with some of the industry’s top builders and developers for expert advice.

Given the various characteristics of today’s housing market, what is your outlook for 2024?

With inflation levelling off, and interest rates holding steady, the market will begin to accelerate again. There is a significant amount of pent-up demand that’s driven by need, not just opportunity, and those buyers have their own strong reasons to make the next step in ownership. It’s been the uncertainty that’s been holding them back. We’re at a new normal, at least for the foreseeable future. In addition, Ontario has substantial immigration targets, and the current lack of supply will force the market to gain traction. We will see an increase in resale listings, and that means new projects will have to be better designed and be tter managed, with more attention paid to the buyer. And that’s just good for the entire industry.

Deena Pantalone

Managing Partner, Chief Innovation Officer, Venturon, National Homes

What advice would you offer to buyers?

This year, more than ever, choosing the right builder is important. There are more builders in the market now than ever before. Some are brand new, some are very experienced. And when it comes to resales, you never really know why it’s up for sale again. That’s where the reputation of the builder comes in. Part of the reason we won Project of the Year (OHBA) for Northshore in Burlington is for the comprehensive way we address the needs of our buyers. It’s right at the heart of our business philosophy. So, getting to know the builder, its history and reputation gives you confidence that your investment is solid. Do your homework first.

What is it about your company that you would like prospective buyers to understand as they go through the homebuying process?

Let’s start at the end of the story. We’ve seen that when it comes to resale, a National home often sells for a premium in neighbourhoods where there are homes from other builders of similar size. That’s very gratifying. And we believe that it all starts with the way we design and build our homes.

At National, “You are the Blueprint.” That’s been our philosophy since day one, and it shows in the level of satisfaction we find with our homeowners, and the number of repeat buyers who come back a second or third time. In practice, it means we put an enormous amount of effort into understanding and meeting the needs of the people who buy our homes. Through research, we get their input before we design, and we include unique, “Bright Ideas” that real people tell us they want and need. We think of it as designing a home from the inside out. When the experience of living there is the focus, the buyer and their needs become the blueprint. And that’s the difference at National.

nationalhomes.com