In Conversation With... Richard Mariani, Sales and Marketing Manager, CountryWide Homes

It hasn’t exactly been the best performing last couple years for the new-home building industry in the Greater Toronto Area. But CountryWide Homes has found a way to excel, by continuing to do what it does best – focusing on being a builder of premium homes and master-planned communities.

And as the company prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2025, CountryWide has more milestone moments on the horizon – the launch of two new lowrise communities in the GTA.

Sales and Marketing Manager Richard Mariani offers his insights on the company, the housing market and more.

Let’s start with a general question: How do you view the GTA housing market today?

This year has certainly presented several challenges across the industry. However, despite the obstacles in sales volume, we have remained optimistic and continued to move forward with new releases and construction starts throughout 2024. This year, CountryWide Homes began construction at five new sites: Bodhi in Brampton, Sora Vista and Woodend Place in Vaughan, Victoria Grand in Markham, and Simcoe Landing in Keswick.

While it’s no surprise that the GTA housing market has been affected by interest rates, economic uncertainty and inflation, there remains a strong desire among many Ontarians to own a home. To make homeownership achievable, it’s important for buyers to research the best opportunities to enter the market while prices are starting to adjust.

And what’s your outlook for 2025?

The market is in recovery but won’t be repairing as quickly as we would like. Interest rates are continuing to trend in the right direction after the Bank of Canada’s most recent announcements, however it might take just as long to see a positive impact on market activity as it did for rates to rise – meaning it could still take some time before we gain large-scale momentum in the housing market. I always advise potential buyers to act now because when the tides do turn, changes can happen rapidly. Before you know it, the pendulum swings back to a sellers’ market, with limited new construction available in top GTA communities.

CountryWide Homes has been in business since 2005. What has changed most about the housing market or buyers in the time?

CountryWide was established in 2005, but our founder has been part of the industry since the 1950s. Much has changed over the last few decades, with affordability being the most significant issue. The Canadian housing market is facing substantial challenges, leaving many Ontarians struggling to find homes that meet their individual needs. Older generations are staying in large, high-maintenance family homes longer, while younger individuals are opting to rent or leave the province in search of more affordable living options.

Multi-generational living has become a viable solution, as many buyers are choosing to live with family to save money or out of convenience. It has become increasingly common for children to live with their parents, or for elders to reside with their adult children, yet few developers have adapted to this new reality.

Earlier this year, we broke ground on our new project, Sora Vista, designed to address these challenges and promote multi-generational living while ensuring privacy and individuality within the home. The spacious 42- and 45-ft. homes at Sora Vista feature customizable floorplans, allowing homeowners to create spaces that adapt to every stage of life, including a rarely built four-bedroom bungalow design.

How are things going at Sora Vista?

Our Sora Vista clientele is predominately coming from an existing home. Buyers are looking to expand and upgrade their current home designs with premium finishes and floorplans that suit their current stage of life. Our offering is unique in the pre-construction community, particularly with the minimum 115-ft. deep lot sizes and the highly sought-after location in Vaughan. The site is conveniently located near major highways, Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital, and numerous employment opportunities and everyday amenities.

Construction is now well underway, and the community is beginning to take shape. We’re pleased with our sales pace, having sold 50 homes so far, with the first homeowners set to move-in by summer 2025.

What makes Sora Vista so special and distinguishable from other similar buying opportunities out there?

We identified gaps in today’s market and applied our findings to the Sora Vista community. We focused on both the current and future needs of homeowners, considering factors such as location, product type, finishes and pricing.

By shifting our mindset away from traditional single-family homes and embracing the evolving dynamics of family living, we set ourselves apart from other residential projects. We pivoted to promote multi-generational living, providing functional homes that adapt as family needs change.

Key features for our multi-family homes include side door entrances with direct basement access, high ceilings, tandem garages, optional elevators, ground-floor in-law suites and multiple bedrooms. Additionally, we’ve attracted buyers with premium finishes, including 10-ft. ceilings on the main floor, nine-ft. ceilings on the second floor and in the basement, 115-ft.-deep lots, Sub-Zero/Wolf appliances, and hardwood flooring throughout. We also offer flexible closing dates spanning 2025 and 2026, allowing buyers time to save and prepare for their move.

What else would you like prospective homebuyers to know about CountryWide Homes?

At CountryWide Homes, we don’t see ourselves as just another GTA home builder; we develop communities that grow with families and foster good neighbours. CountryWide Homes is defined by quality craftsmanship, continuous innovation and trendsetting designs within masterfully planned communities.

We take pride in building to a higher standard, paying greater attention to quality, and featuring distinctive designs that make our communities stand out. Our developments are lasting and serve as inspiration for anyone pursuing the Canadian dream. Additionally, CountryWide is committed to pioneering sustainable practices, with more than 6,000 premium homes and more than 20,000 residents in our communities. To date, we have 45 communities that are either completed or under construction.

This upcoming year is a milestone for us as we celebrate 20 years of staying true to our vision of building premium homes for discerning buyers. When the company was founded in 2005, Angelo De Gasperis established a mission to offer only the finest homes crafted with exceptional quality. We continually strive to evolve and meet the ever-changing needs of our buyers, ensuring we provide the best homebuying experience at every stage of their journey – from their first visit to our sales office to well after they move into their new home.

What’s next for CountryWide?

Although we have been in business for more than 60 years, next year marks CountryWide Homes’ 20th anniversary, and we’re excited to share our plans for celebrating this milestone with our community in many creative ways, so stay tuned for that.

From a development perspective, we have two new launches scheduled for 2025. First, we’ll introduce the Gates of St. Anne’s in the Shining Hill community of Aurora, featuring entirely new single-detached home designs. These homes will be located at the entrance of the new St. Anne’s School, York Region’s only school for girls.

We are also in the planning stages for Jefferson Reserve in Richmond Hill, which will offer a collection of freehold townhomes, semi-detached and detached homes set in a beautiful infill site surrounded by nature and greenery.

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& on a personal note

How do you spend time away from the office?

Growing up, sports played a central role in my life. I spent many years playing hockey, which I loved for the teamwork and the opportunity to stay active. Recently, I’ve enjoyed spending time with my wife and two kids, especially as they begin to develop their own interests in sports.

What do you view as your signature accomplishment – in business and in life?

From a business perspective, this journey has been both inspiring and professionally fulfilling. I believe it takes a lifetime to look back and pinpoint one significant accomplishment. While I still have a long way to go before reaching that moment, challenging myself daily and seeking new opportunities for professional growth is at the heart of my work.

From a personal standpoint, I strive to hold myself accountable every day and make small accomplishments that contribute to my personal development, as I believe growth is a lifelong process.

What’s on your reading, binge-watch or music playlists these days?

I’ve been really loving podcasts and enjoy listening to my favourites while driving to work or between job sites. Currently, Acquired is my top pick; it offers an in-depth look at how companies were built and the strategies behind startups.