East Vancouver Real Estate - Jordan MacDonald

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With two decades of real estate prowess, Jordan MacDonald stands as the CEO of Fabric Living, a company that’s at the forefront of East Vancouver real estate development. Jordan joins us in studio to share his deep understanding of the market dynamics of East Vancouver Real Estate and his passion for urban development in East Vancouver’s eclectic communities.

What inspired Jordan MacDonald to pursue a career in, and focus on, East Vancouver real estate?

Jordan MacDonald’s entry into real estate, initially a happenstance, transformed into a passionate endeavor. His early exposure to the field through a summer job at CB Richard Ellis ignited a fascination with the sector’s energetic and entrepreneurial nature. His strategic shift from brokerage to development was spurred by the potential he saw in a property that led him to explore development. East Vancouver, with its youthful, creative population, offered the perfect canvas for the types of interesting development projects that align with his personal and professional ethos.

How is the East Vancouver real estate market?

Jordan MacDonald provides a nuanced perspective on the East Vancouver market, noting it is still quite active, with particular demand on homes under $650,000 that continue to sell swiftly. Higher interest rates have largely slowed the market overall but a potential easing of interest rates by 2025 could lead to a strong rebound in demand.

What are emerging trends in East Vancouver real estate development?

MacDonald has observed a pivotal shift towards purpose-built rental properties within East Vancouver, a trend catalyzed by the region’s affordability crunch and a strategic pivot by developers to maintain their projects as long-term assets. This transition is supported by a combination of political will and demographic demand for more rental housing.

How do you select neighborhoods for investing in East Vancouver real estate?

In selecting neighborhoods for investing in development, Jordan MacDonald looks beyond the surface, seeking out areas with unique amenities—be it local breweries, parks, or community centers—that offer a strong sense of place & community. His approach is both analytical and intuitive, considering the intrinsic potential of a neighborhood as well as tangible opportunities that present themselves for impactful development.

Does Jordan MacDonald see potential for Fabric Living’s development projects outside of East Vancouver?

While East Vancouver remains a focal point for Fabric Living, Jordan MacDonald keeps an open mind toward burgeoning areas that mirror the energy and demographic profile of East Vancouver, such as Lower Lonsdale in North Vancouver. 

With real estate prices leveling across the region, how does this affect the East Vancouver housing market?

MacDonald has witnessed a diminishing gap in pricing across regions, a trend that reflects a shift in homebuyer priorities from value-driven decisions to community and connection. This push towards “town centres” & self-contained communities without a focal point on downtown Vancouver is a longer term trend. 

Reflecting on past market downturns, how does Jordan MacDonald compare the current state of the East Vancouver market?

Drawing from his extensive experience, including witnessing the Global Financial Crisis, Jordan MacDonald sees the current market conditions as challenging yet not as precarious as past downturns. His comparative analysis provides a historical context to the current market, offering reassurance of its resilience based on a lack of supply & ever-growing demand spurred on by immigration. 

What is the long-term vision for the East Vancouver real estate market?

MacDonald’s optimism for the long-term trajectory of East Vancouver’s real estate market is palpable. He believes in the area’s underlying strength & resilience & growth, suggesting that while the market faces temporary downturns, the overarching trend is positive. East Vancouver will become much more dense over the longer term with continued population growth and demand. His confidence in the market’s future is a reflection of his broad, experienced perspective & he is actively pursuing new projects in East Vancouver.

What unique opportunities does Jordan MacDonald identify in the East Vancouver market for potential buyers or investors?

With an eye for untapped potential, Jordan MacDonald highlights the increased choice for buyers in East Vancouver in this current moment of higher interest rates and muted market conditions. He points to neighborhoods that are gaining desirability and attention, the former no-man’s land between Main and Fraser along Broadway, Commercial Street, Victoria Drive, Commercial Drive and some areas of Kingsway.

How do you approach the complexities of decision-making and stress management within the  Vancouver  housing market? 

MacDonald’s approach to navigating the real estate market’s complexities is marked by calm pragmatism and methodical problem-solving. He underscores the importance of sound land acquisition strategies and meticulous project management, which are essential for thriving even in the face of market adversities.

What is Jordan MacDonald’s housing market forecast for the East Vancouver real estate market in the coming years?

Looking ahead, Jordan MacDonald anticipates a resurgence in the East Vancouver market due to the fundamental imbalance between high demand and limited supply. He expects the market to gain momentum as interest rates potentially lower, setting a positive tone for future market activity. His forecast reflects an experienced developer’s balanced view, acknowledging the constraints of construction costs while remaining optimistic about market prospects.