“Home” may mean different things to different people, but one common desire is a place to nurture family and create memories. Brothers Dino and Carlo Taurasi of StateView Homes share not only a title and ownership of the company, but also a vision – to give homebuyers exactly what they want when it comes to their individuality, design sensibilities and lifestyles.

We spoke with them to learn more about their mission, and how they deliver in today’s challenging and discerning market.

You founded StateView homes in 2010, fairly recently for a new-home builder. What led you to decide to launch your own company?

Together, we had more than 35 years of industry experience, including architectural design, construction management and engineering, in everything from midrise buildings to custom single-detached homes. We were, and still are, passionate about creating homes for families that would stand the test of time. The concept of “home” is different for individuals, but for everyone, it is a place where they make memories and breathe a sigh of relief when they come through the door. Home is a place to nurture family and entertain friends.

With that in mind, we discussed what might be lacking across the board for purchasers. We decided that new home communities should be more reflective of the markets they are targeted to, and that all buyers should experience luxury in their new homes. We made it our mission to raise the bar for building in the GTA by including luxury features and finishes, such as standards and paying attention to exquisite design and meticulous detailing. We focus on what “home” means to each purchaser in the way of their individuality, design sensibilities and lifestyles.

How does StateView differ from your respective previous experiences in homebuilding?

Aside from the above factors, we are proud to offer a hands-on approach, which is rare in today’s market. We aren’t about cookie-cutter building. We work with our purchasers in every aspect of the construction process to make sure each home will feel like “home” to them. Whether their tastes run to the contemporary, modern or traditional, we take pride in creating tasteful residences that satisfy their criteria, as well as blend harmoniously in each community. We make ourselves approachable, and we listen more than we talk.

We are also extremely proud of our customer service program, which we call iCare. This stands for performing with integrity, commitment, accountability, responsibility and experience. Part of our exceptional customer service includes our Comfort+ program, as well. This makes controlling and monitoring the homes easy. For us, it’s about providing quality and peace of mind to all of our homebuyers.

What is the process by which you select your home sites? COVID and other trends have many homebuyers looking for lower density housing, more space, closer to nature and so on…

Selecting new home sites is a critical step in our plans. We like to cater to individuals, couples and families. What they all have in common is an interest in having both natural areas and modern amenities within a short distance.
Currently, we offer BEA and Hampton Heights in Barrie, and three detached properties called The Bond in Richmond Hill.

The pandemic did influence location choices for us and our buyers. The shift in people working from home also had a lot to do with that, as buyers were more willing to move to the suburbs.

StateView’s vision is to craft distinctive and niche communities. What are the signature inclusions or characteristics that speak to this, and say “StateView”?

Our renowned quality features and finishes complement our designs, which accommodate a range of lifestyles. We build to a high environmental standard, which has three major benefits. First, owners save money by saving energy and conserving water. Second, they experience more comfort with our improved indoor air quality. Third, they reduce their overall carbon footprint.

In addition, let’s talk affordability, which has much to do with value as with price. We offer several price points, and we always make sure that our buyers get amazing value, regardless of what they pay. When possible, we also offer incentives.

Barrie is pretty hot these days… as are many areas north and northwest of the GTA, and not just for weekend or vacation destinations. What was it about Barrie that StateView really liked, as the site for BEA Townhomes?

We have watched Barrie for many years and have been impressed with the city’s growth. In fact, Barrie has been named one of Canada’s fastest-growing municipalities in the Greater Golden Horseshoe Area, and is one of Ontario’s 25 urban growth centres. Why? Because home-shoppers find better pricing than they do in the GTA, and because the city offers a year-round resort lifestyle. Look at BEA, which is minutes to Barrie’s shoreline. Residents can easily enjoy beaches, a playground and splash pad, and a trail along Kempenfelt Bay. Marinas, yacht clubs, ski resorts, snowmobile trails… the appeal is amazing for residents of all ages. With BEA’s location where Barrie, Essa and Ardaugh meet, local amenities are comprehensive and within easy reach. The city boasts hundreds of restaurants, excellent shopping and the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre. Driving from Barrie to the GTA is convenient, with Hwy. 400 access just five minutes away, and residents appreciate the city’s small-town feel.

In our market research, we also discovered that Barrie’s population is expected to grow to more than double its current number, which means new homes will continue to be in demand. People are jumping at the chance to own there before prices rise.

What’s next for StateView?

The new home market in southern Ontario is robust. We see this trend continuing for quite some time, or at least as long as mortgage interest rates remain low. We are already seeing demand exceed supply, and with immigration on an upswing again, that will make homes all the more desirable.

StateView will have exciting news soon. Stay tuned for announcements about our upcoming new communities.

stateviewhomes.com

And on a personal note

How have you both managed during the pandemic? Taken on any new hobbies or acquired new skills?

We have managed well. When we can make time, we spend it on the water, because we’re both avid boaters. Getting out into the fresh air with friends and family is fun and relaxing. Taking some time out now and then helps us focus on our priorities when we are at work.

What, or who, is your greatest inspiration for what you do?

Providing homes to families always makes us smile because it brings them joy. Knowing we are a part of something special makes us proud. We are proud to say that happy purchasers come back as repeat customers, and they also refer family and friends. There is no greater tribute to the work we do.

What’s on your reading lists these days?

Like a lot of businesspeople, we love a good non-fiction read now and then. We hope to find R&R time soon to catch up on recent Canadian books. The Fight for History by Tim Cook looks like an interesting view of the Second World War. The Age of Creativity by Emily Urquhart explores later-in-life creativity, and Field Notes from a Pandemic by Ethan Lou appears to be a fascinating account of his witnessing the early stages of COVID-19 while he was visiting China and other countries.

Photos: Evan Eisenstadt