Sold in the 6ix - Toronto Real Estate

Desmond and his guest Tim Hudak of OREA explore the complexities of Ontario's housing market, starting with a focus on the affordable housing report. 

A few years ago, the Ontario government announced an ambitious plan to address the housing crisis, aiming to build 1.5 million homes over the next decade. 

Despite challenges such as COVID-19, supply shortages, and rising costs, progress has been made, with the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) analyzing the government's efforts in implementing the task force's recommendations. 

Beyond housing, the conversation touches on various topics, including the impact of high interest rates, labour shortages, and the potential for converting commercial spaces to residential use to boost housing supply. 

They also discuss the importance of addressing NIMBYism, the need for more efficient land use, and the role of transit-oriented development in creating more affordable housing options. 

And they cover OREA's wellness program for realtors, the upcoming Reality conference, and the broader implications of these issues for Ontario's economic and social fabric. 

Listen For
4:51 The Impacts of High Interest Rates on the Housing Market
7:43 Strategies to Boost Housing Supply
11:47 Challenges Posed by NIMBYism
26:12 OREA’s Wellness Program and Industry Initiatives 

Guest: Tim Hudak
X |  LinkedIn 
OREA Links: X |  LinkedIn  

REALiTY 24 Conference (to register and to see the full list of speakers and the agenda): https://realityconference.ca/ 

OREA’s latest housing supply report titled Analysis of Ontario’s Efforts to Boost Housing Supply: https://www.orea.com/advocacy/Housing-Supply 

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Recorded in Sep 2023

In this episode Des interviews Ashley McInnis, a real estate agent who built a laneway house in Toronto. 

McInnis shares his experience with the process, from obtaining permits to dealing with construction and financing. He explains the project cost around $350,000 for the laneway house itself, plus additional expenses for renovations to the main house and landscaping, totaling around $500,000. 

Despite the high cost, McInnis believes it's a good investment, offering a flexible space that can be used for family, work, or rental income. He also discusses the challenges of navigating city regulations and the importance of considering design and functionality. 

Listen For
2:56 Getting Started and Considerations
5:02 Design and Functionality
8:34 Budget and Costs
12:41 Permit Process and Neighbour Relations 

Guest: Ashley McInnis
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Desmond can be reached at: Website | Email | X | Instagram | Facebook   

Recorded in Sep 2023

The Naughty Agent series in this podcast discusses cases of disciplinary action taken against real estate agents in Ontario.

In this episode the first case involves an agent who responded to a Kijiji ad from a woman looking for a place to rent. The agent made sexually suggestive remarks to the woman, charged her $700 to strengthen her rental application, and advised her to falsify documents. The deal fell through, leaving the woman without a place to live.

The second case involves an agent who double-ended a property sale, representing both the buyer and the seller. The buyer discovered significant electrical issues after moving in, which cost them $8,000 to fix. The Agent failed to disclose that renovations were done without permits.

A third case involves an agent who falsified signatures on an agreement of purchase and sale and submitted it for financing to a lender.

Guest: Doug Downs, Stories and Strategies
Website

Listen For
2:04 The Case of Misconduct Involving False Documentation and Inappropriate Behaviour
17:19 Failure to Disclose Information on Property Renovations
27:24 Fraudulent Agreement of Purchase of Sale

RECO Disciplines

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Desmond can be reached at:
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Recorded in Sep 2023

The Leslieville neighbourhood of Toronto is coping with a “Safe Injection Site” (also called Supervised Consumption sites). Journalist Derek Finkle of the National Post lives in the community. He says the site, which opened in 2017, has drastically changed the neighbourhood, attracting drug dealers and leading to increased crime and drug use.

The situation escalated in summer 2021 when a stray bullet from a gunfight between drug dealers killed a local mother.

Despite residents' repeated warnings and pleas for action, the city and province only began to listen after the tragic incident. Finkle criticizes the management of the site for failing to acknowledge their role in the neighbourhood's problems and for not taking adequate measures to ensure safety.

The provincial government has since appointed a supervisor to oversee the site, and there are discussions about relocating it. Leslieville is one of 17 similar facilities across Ontario.

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Guest: Derek Finkle
X | Read Derek’s stories in the National Post

Desmond can be reached at:

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Recorded in Sep 2023

There’s good reason for optimism in the Toronto real estate market. Steve Tabrizi, COO of RE/MAX Hallmark joins Des to look at the current state of the real estate market and their predictions for 2024. They discuss the impact of interest rate hikes on the market, the increase in inventory, and the potential for a rebound in the market in 2024.

They also discuss the implications of the new Trust in Real Estate Act in Ontario, which allows for open bidding, and the potential impact of a class action lawsuit in the US regarding real estate commissions.

Listen For
3:22 The Psychological Impacts of Interest Rate Changes on Both Buyers and Sellers
6:03 Future Market Predictions and Interest Rates
9:52 Analysis of the Current Market Conditions and Inventory
13:26 Opportunities in the Condominium Market and Pre-Construction Inventory

Guest: Steve Tabrizi, Broker / Owner and COO RE/MAX Hallmark Group of Companies
Steve’s website

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Recorded in Sep 2023

Well buying someone a home or commercial property is a dynamite gift but let’s be realistic. Maybe something a little more realistic?

Tamara Grierson of Staging Life shares her ideas for holiday gifts for the home. She discusses different types of decorations, including artificial and real Christmas trees, and offers tips for making them look festive. Tamara also suggests various gift ideas, such as closet organization systems, garage upgrades, and personalized artwork. 

Listen For
03:01 Gift Ideas for the Home
19:01 Accessories for the Home
25:35 Outdoor Gifts and Landscaping

Guest: Tamara Grierson
Website | Instagram | Email
Or call Tamara on her cell 647-545-4609

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Desmond can be reached at:
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Recorded in Sep 2023

Des and Jennifer discuss recent disciplinary decisions by the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) against real estate agents. 

Three cases: 

• one where an agent contacted sellers whose houses were on the market and tried to convince them to terminate their current contracts and list with her
• another where an agent representing a buyer listed a property for lease before the buyer owned the property
• and a third where an agent and her husband bought a property privately, assigned the agreement to a numbered company without notifying the sellers, and failed to disclose that she was a registered real estate agent

 
Listen For
1:47 Unethical Practices by a Top Agent
8:23 Violation of Tenant Rights
17:29 A Real Estate Agent’s Deceptive Assignment of Purchase Agreement
23:19 A Discussion on Ethical Standards and Penalties

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See the RECO decisions page https://www.reco.on.ca/complaints-enforcement/regulatory-activities-decisions/ 

Guest: Jennifer Scaife, Des Brown Real Estate
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Desmond can be reached at:
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Recorded in Sep 2023

Higher rates have slowed overall sales but prices in markets like Toronto have increased by about 3% since last year. 

Those not buying or selling but whose mortgages are up for renewal are facing challenges, with some being forced to sell or risk losing their homes. 

In this episode Des and Jason Georgopoulos of Dominion Lending Centres discuss strategies for managing these tough times, including re-amortizing mortgages to 25 or 30 years for lower payments, taking out short-term second mortgages, and using lines of credit for interest-only options. 

They also discuss the power of sale proceedings in Canada, where banks sell properties for homeowners in arrears, and the potential for interest rate relief in the near future.

Listen For
3:33 The Impacts of Rate Increases on Homeowners
5:37 Forecast of Mortgage Renewals and Market Impacts
16:50 Strategies for Managing Higher Interest Rates

Guest: Jason Georgopoulos, Mortgage Broker
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Recorded in Sep 2023

People who bought pre-construction condos years ago are now struggling to close the transactions due to changing market conditions and rising interest rates. 

Mark Morris, a real estate lawyer, is dealing with many such cases. Morris explains the current falling market is causing many buyers to be unable to close their transactions, leading to legal problems. He advises buyers to secure large deposits to protect themselves in case of a breach. He also suggests that buyers should hire lawyers who specialize in real estate to navigate through potential issues.

Guest: Mark Morris, Legalclosing.ca Professional Corporation

Mark is a professor at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law and a regular resource for real estate brokers and lawyers through the Ontario Real Estate Legal Discussion Group. He’s won many of Law's top awards including, L'Expert's Rising Star Award, Canadian Lawyer's Most Influential Lawyer Award and the Financial Times' Maverick and Mover Award.  In addition, the previous firms that he co-founded and built have won the Financial Times Innovative Lawyers Award and the Canadian Business's Startup 50 Award.

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Recorded in Sep 2023

Des teams up with Asif Khan to discuss the current real estate market in Toronto. Despite sensational headlines suggesting a plunge into a buyer's market, they argue the market remains a seller's market, albeit quieter in terms of units sold. Prices continue to climb, with the average price up 3% compared to last year. 

Listings are up by 44% compared to last year, leading to longer days on the market before a sale. Sellers need to price their properties correctly for the current market and to sell before buying in this market. 

Listen For:
5:26 Current market statistics
9:11 Strategies for sellers
11:00 Sell before buying
13:32 The 10 10 Rule

Guest: Asif Khan, RE/MAX Prime Properties
LinkedIn 
Radio Show Co-Host 105.9 The Region

Desmond can be reached at:
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Ontario Premier Doug Ford has reversed his decision to open up the Greenbelt for development, following backlash from opposition parties, media investigations, and findings by the province's auditor general and Ethics commissioner. The report suggests developers had inside information about the lifting of restrictions on the Greenbelt and could make up to $8.5 billion by redeveloping it. As a result, two cabinet ministers have resigned.

This isn’t going away, especially with ongoing accusations of corruption. The reversal comes as part of Ford's More Homes Built Faster legislation, which aims to build 150,000 new homes a year over the next 10 years to address the housing crisis.

In this episode Des connects with Toronto Star Queen’s Park reporter Rob Benzie 

Guest: Robert Benzie, Queen’s Park Bureau Chief, Toronto Star
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Thanks to Feedspot for recognizing Sold in the 6ix as one of the Top Ten Real Estate podcasts in Toronto.

Desmond can be reached at: Website | Email | X | Instagram | Facebook   

The Ontario Realtor Wellness Plan has been initiated by the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA). The plan required agents pay increased annual dues of $760 and participate in a mandatory wellness program. In this episode we talk with Stacey Evoy and Tania Artenosi of OREA about the backlash they’ve been receiving and why they brought in the benefit plan.

Listen For
10:30 The changes to the standard plan
17:49 Dental and eye care coverage
21:13 Opting out of the mandatory plan
32:26 Legal fees and fighting back

Guests
Stacey Evoy, Immediate Past President OREA, Broker Royal LePage Triland in London, ON

Tania Artenosi, President of OREA, and Broker/Owner Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Centre

 
Thanks to Feedspot for recognizing Sold in the 6ix as one of the Top Ten Real Estate podcasts in Toronto.

Desmond can be reached at:
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Imagine a world where everything you need is just 15 minutes away. Where you work, shop, where you get health care and schooling.

A new RE/MAX head office report says this is happening and it’s called the 15 Minute Neighbourhood: Lessons for Small Communities.

Is something like this possible in Toronto?

Guest: Michael McLachlan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.mclachlan/
Instagram: @michael.mclachlan
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-mclachlan-23b11b31/
E-mail: michael@remaxhallmark.com

Desmond can be reached at:
Web site https://inthe6ixrealestate.com/
Email des@desmondbrown.ca 
Twitter & Instagram - @desinthe6ix
Facebook page 

Realtors meet people every day and naturally are focused on trying to make the best impression. They don’t know the people they’re meeting with, they’re total strangers really. Over the years there have been cases where realtors have been attacked and even killed.

Rob Andress saw this during his 38-year career as a real estate broker. Self-defence and safety best practices were a huge gap. 

Today Rob and his wife Beth travel the country helping real estate agents equip themselves with self-defence skills  and best practices to enhance their personal safety and decision-making during potentially dangerous encounters. 

Guest: Beth and Rob Andress
https://streetsafeselfdefence.com/
Email https://streetsafeselfdefence.com/contact/
Facebook
LinkedIn

Desmond can be reached at:
Web site https://inthe6ixrealestate.com/
Email des@desmondbrown.ca
Twitter & Instagram - @desinthe6ix
Facebook page 

Anyone who follows real estate knows the name from her Toronto Star byline. Tess Kalinowski is synonymous with solid information and good stories in real estate.

Spanning a 40-year career, the last chapter of it focused specifically on Toronto real estate, Tess shares some of her favourite memories and stories.

One key takeaway, she never found it difficult to find new and interesting information, the challenge was always in finding the right people to illustrate the story.

Guest: Tess Kalinowski

Desmond can be reached at:

Web site https://inthe6ixrealestate.com/ 

Email des@desmondbrown.ca 

Twitter & Instagram - @desinthe6ix

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Phantom offers. Ghost offers. An example of this is when the selling agent lies and says there is a second offer hoping to nudge the price of potential buyer.

What’s the penalty for that?

This and other real-life stories that went before the Real Estate Council of Ontario in this installment of Naughty Agent.

See the RECO decisions page https://www.reco.on.ca/complaints-enforcement/regulatory-activities-decisions/ 

Guest: Jennifer Scaife, Des Brown Real Estate

Email Jenn@DesmondBrown.ca

 IG   www.instagram.com/jenninthe6ix/

FB   www.facebook.com/JenniferScaifeRealtor/

Desmond can be reached at:

Web site https://inthe6ixrealestate.com/ 

Email des@desmondbrown.ca 

Twitter & Instagram - @desinthe6ix

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Just a few months ago real estate sales were down 44% year over year. There was a lots of talk about prices diving down even further.

Asif Khan and Des published an episode that looked at all the data and came to a very different conclusion. The episode was called “Things Are Going to Get Crazy Real Quick”

Talk about a crystal ball. The market has bounced back. Welcome to Crazy!

Guest: Asif Khan, RE/MAX Prime Properties
Connect on Linked In 
 Radio Show Co-Host 105.9 The Region

Desmond can be reached at:
Web site https://inthe6ixrealestate.com/
Email des@desmondbrown.ca
Twitter & Instagram - @desinthe6ix
Facebook page 

In May 2022 we shared a story with you about a first-time buyer who bought a condo that had a tenant in it. The seller has guaranteed the tenant would be gone by the time the transaction closed so the buyer could move in. But on the closing date, the buyer still couldn’t move in because the tenant was still there. 

(Listen to the first installment of this story from May 2022).

A year later that story has now finally turned the corner. Listen to what happened.

Guest: Daniel McLaughlin

Desmond can be reached at:
Web site https://inthe6ixrealestate.com/
Email des@desmondbrown.ca
Twitter & Instagram - @desinthe6ix
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RECORDED LIVE AT REALTOR QUEST 2023 AT THE TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE

It seems odd to say but for Tim Hudak the transition from politician to CEO of the provincial real estate board was a natural progression.

It was when he was a Member of Provincial Parliament that he moved into the role of Consumer Business Services Minister. A part of that portfolio included becoming lead minister for real estate regulation in Ontario. The Real Estate and Business Broker’s Act was his baby.

He very nearly became Premier, but it wasn’t in the cards.

This episode is an honest talk with Hudak about his political triumphs and misses, his career turns, his love for sports including professional wrestling, and his commitment to the real estate industry, including cracking down on rogue realtors.

Guest: Tim Hudak, CEO Ontario Real Estate Board
https://www.linkedin.com/in/timhudak/
Instagram: @oreainfo

Desmond can be reached at:
Web site https://inthe6ixrealestate.com/
Email des@desmondbrown.ca
Twitter & Instagram - @desinthe6ix
Facebook page

There are two kinds of space – the kind Gene Roddenberry was focused on in the 1960’s drama Star Trek – that kind of space is supposedly infinite.  

But there’s another kind of space that’s not only finite, it’s increasingly in short supply. This is the space you and I live in, and we need more of it. 

In this episode Des checks in with Catherine Davis, a professional organizer, and gets some top rated tips to help make the space in your life worth exploring.

Guest: Catherine Davis, Organized by Catherine

https://organizedbycatherine.ca/ 

Desmond can be reached at:
Web site https://inthe6ixrealestate.com/
Email des@desmondbrown.ca 

Twitter & Instagram - @desinthe6ix
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