As far as new-home builders go, being a little more than 10 years old could still be considered a relative newcomer to the business. But in that time, StateView Homes has imparted an indelible stamp that speaks to its brand and reputation – distinct, niche communities and custom homes that deliver on homeowners’ desires for individuality and lifestyle preferences.

For Julian Uccello, vice-president of operations, striving to be a cut above and reach for higher standards comes naturally. That’s what being a former professional soccer player will do for one’s leadership.

We spoke with Uccello about StateView, the GTA housing market, and more personal interests that include multiple sclerosis – and Mickey Mouse.

Last year was quite the surprise, given the strong performance of the industry despite the challenges of the pandemic. And in our Outlook 2021 Special Report, you cited strong sales through the fall of 2020. What do you attribute this to?

Early on in the pandemic, real estate was listed as an essential service. It doesn’t matter the time of year or economic situation – there will always be people who need to move for a variety of reasons, and who want to own rather than rent. In addition to pent-up demand in Toronto and the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area last year because of a new housing shortage, we had unbelievably low mortgage interest rates. That combination had purchasers scrambling to get into the market or move up or down, depending on life circumstances. We also saw a shift in preferences as well, with more people working from home and choosing to move out to the suburbs for lowrise homes.

How do you assess the current market, and for the rest of this year? Clearly, COVID is having an impact, but many believe things could boom quickly once the situation is under control…

The new home real estate market in the GTA is already robust. In January, sales of new single-family homes were up 51 per cent from last January, and 66 per cent over the 10-year average. That month had the highest number of new lowrise homes sold since January 2006. In addition, last fall, we saw the strongest September for lowrise sales since 2003. October and November sales were up 44 and 68 per cent, respectively, over those same months last year. It’s easy to see a trend here, which I expect to continue for the foreseeable future – especially with mortgage rates expected to remain low. With the vaccine being implemented, we will see an increase in immigration as well, which always increases demand for housing. I don’t see a boom or bubble happening. This is an economically healthy market.

Affordability, due to supply constraints, is still an issue in the GTA and some Ontario markets. How are you addressing this issue in your communities?

Affordability has much to do with value as well as price. Wherever and whenever we build, we make sure each buyer receives great value for their hard-earned dollar. We provide a variety of price points to target the spectrum of the homebuying public, and we offer incentives when we can.

What would you really like prospective buyers to know about StateView Homes?

Our company was founded in 2010 on the collective 25-plus years of homebuilding experience of brothers Dino and Carlo Taurasi. Their goal was to offer something a cut above what was being built in the industry – something with a higher sense of design and purpose. Our luxurious standards rival other builders’ upgrades. We are also extremely proud of our customer service program, which we call iCare. That stands for performing with integrity, commitment, accountability, responsibility and experience. We have set benchmarks for excellence, and we are proud to have been honoured with numerous industry awards and nominations. Our communities always sell out quickly, so we must be doing something right.

What are some of the notable community initiatives StateView supports?

Seeing the concept of “home” as much more than brick-and-mortar housing, StateView cares deeply about the greater community. It is our policy to donate $5,000 for every house we sell to charity. One example is Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). For families with children who have serious injuries or illnesses, a temporary home is often SickKids Hospital. This major hospital is known worldwide for its outstanding work, and we know that any money we help raise will be used for the right reasons, such as research and initiatives to help fulfill high-priority needs.

Last year, we also partnered with SickKids and RBC Capital Markets to hold the fifth annual Bubble Hockey Night (now Fantasy Hockey, in light of COVID) and helped to raise $420,000. Later in the year, we got involved with the SickKids GetLoud program presented by PCL Construction. StateView matched all donations raised between Sept. 22 and 25, for a total of $98,000. This initiative raised more than $1.5 million.

We also support MS4MS (Mission Stadiums for Multiple Sclerosis), a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness of multiple sclerosis at sports stadiums, raising funds for families of loved ones who have the disease, and to the advancement of research at Johns Hopkins Project Restore MS Research Centre, in the hopes of finding a cure. I have MS, so this means a lot to me. In fact, I’m the lead ambassador for MS4MS. All donations go directly to Johns Hopkins for this important cause.

How are things coming along at NAO Towns in Markham?

We recently launched sales for the second phase of spacious townhomes at NAO Towns in Markham, and they sold out in less than two weeks to eager purchasers who appreciated the opportunity for lowrise living at financially attainable prices.

What’s next for StateView? You also mentioned in Outlook 2021 that StateView was planning to bring several other communities to market…

We will have exciting news soon. Please stay tuned for announcements about our upcoming new communities.

stateviewhomes.com

AND ON A PERSONAL NOTE...

You used to play professional soccer, and, as I understand, still coach when COVID permits. How do you think your pro career helped prepare you for business?

I learned a lot from playing pro soccer, including the benefits of hard work, perseverance, setting and making goals, and being a leader. Those are all transferable skills applicable to any endeavour in life.

Where does your allegiance lie with the sport these days? Serie A? The Canadian National Team? TFC or another team in MLS?

I watch soccer occasionally, but having a two-year-old daughter in my life takes up most of my free time.

What’s the first thing you’re going to do once things return to “normal”?

Oh, that’s easy. I want to take my daughter to Walt Disney World. She loves Mickey Mouse!

What’s on your reading list these days?

I’m reading a lot of non-fiction information books about multiple sclerosis and how to cope with the disease.