Daniels wants everyone housed
The Daniels Corp. was Tarion Warranty’s high-rise builder of the year in 2012, and a finalist again for 2013. Active in both the lowrise and high-rise sectors, the developer has a reputation for its first-time buyer programs in particular — the Daniels FirstHome series of affordable home sites, as well as its rent-to-own programs. Daniels is helping revitalize Regent Park, and is underway with Lewis Honey Towns & Semis, and HighPark Condominiums is opening for sale soon. Niall Haggart is Daniels’ executive vice-president.
Q Daniels was recognized as Tarion’s 2012 high-rise builder of the year. What do you think set you apart?
A It was a recognition of our strong brand commitment and the fact that we take customer care very seriously. It’s not just about the initial contact and walking buyers through a purchase contract, it’s maintaining that sense of communication and openness. A really big part is our commitment to delivery dates. Many of our communities don’t go on sale until construction begins, which allows us with a high degree of certainty to be able to say to purchasers that this is exactly when we’re going to be delivering their new home. If you’re a purchaser you really value that.
Q Are buyers looking for anything different today than they were 10 years ago?
A Buyers are demanding great architecture and they’re demanding more from the way a building is put together, such as sustainable building technologies. It’s not just a home today, it’s a lifestyle.
Q Daniels seems especially committed to first-time buyers, with programs such as FirstHome. Why is that so important?
A There are no government programs, so FirstHome has been our corporate response to that. We worry that some people are getting left behind; anything we can do to open a financial toolbox to be able to help people get into home ownership is a wonderful opportunity. We have consciously made … sure that the first-time homebuyer is given opportunities to purchase, because … of the stability it offers families and the stability it offers the larger community.
Q Are there any trends you see emerging in the market?
A We’re going to see continual growth but not at that feverish pace. In five or 10 years’ time we’re going to have some of these interesting and creative projects currently underway that juggle a host of different uses, and they’ll hit the ground and become wonderful destinations.