Sync or Swim: The Multifamily Growth Show

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On Sync or Swim, a weekly podcast brought to you by Rentsync; we provide an insiders look into the PropTech, multifamily, and rental housing industry. On this show, you'll hear down-to-earth interviews with well-known thought leaders, experience compelling stories, and gain fresh new insights on how to overcome operational challenges and increase the value of your multifamily portfolio. Episodes will feature topics such as PropTech, multifamily marketing and MarTech, lease up marketing, and more.

  1. SEP 8

    Moving2Canada: Unlocking the Newcomer Experience

    What does it take to build a life in a new country? On this episode of Sync or Swim, host Giacomo Ladas speaks with Stephanie Ford, Head of Content Strategy at Moving2Canada, about the newcomer experience in Canada. Stephanie shares how Moving2Canada grew from a Facebook group into a leading resource for immigration and settlement, and reflects on her own journey from Australia. The conversation covers key housing challenges, from misconceptions about basement suites to differences in rental rules across provinces. Stephanie offers practical advice on preparing documents, avoiding scams, and building credit, along with tips like starting with short-term accommodation before signing a lease. Tune in for insights on what newcomers face and how to make the transition smoother!   Key Points From This Episode:   Introducing guest Stephanie Ford, Head of Content Strategy at Moving2Canada. Moving2Canada's journey since starting as a Facebook group in 2011. Why Moving2Canada's free immigration resources are vital for accessibility. A breakdown of Stephanie's personal journey moving from Australia. Early challenges newcomers face: housing, healthcare, banking, and immigration rules. Misconceptions about basement suites and provincial rental laws. Exploring stigma around renting in Canada compared to Europe and Australia. Why Toronto and Vancouver tend to attract the most newcomers despite high costs. Tips for renters: credit scores, references, and landlord expectations. Key documents to prepare: references, bank statements, and proof of funds. Common mistakes, including scams and signing leases before knowing neighbourhoods. Short-term rentals as a safer first step before committing to long-term rentals. Tips for building credit from scratch as a newcomer in Canada.   Quotes:   "We're really designed to support newcomers throughout the entire immigration and settlement journey at no cost to them." — Stephanie Ford [0:04:10]   "Housing can be surprisingly expensive [for newcomers], which can be a really significant challenge, especially in the first few years." — Stephanie Ford [0:07:49]   "Young people are attracted to cities. We're seeing that everywhere. People are moving from regional areas to cities, ideally for better economic opportunities. That's played out in Canada's immigration as well." — Stephanie Ford [0:12:45]   "If you're applying for a house, just bear in mind that your landlord wants two things. They want someone who they can trust to treat their property with care and respect, and to pay rent on time." — Stephanie Ford [0:16:11]   Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Stephanie Ford Stephanie Ford on LinkedIn Moving2Canada Moving2Canada on Facebook Moving2Canada on Instagram Moving2Canada on TikTok 'How to Identify Rental Scams When Searching for an Apartment or Housing' Rentals.ca Giacomo Ladas on LinkedIn Rentsync Sync or Swim Podcast Sync or Swim Email

    30 min

  2. SEP 8

    CRB Program: Raising the Bar for Rental Housing

    Episode 94: Show Notes   How do you know if a building lives up to its claim of being well-maintained, professionally managed, and with a quality-living offering? That's where the Certified Rental Building Program (CRB Program) comes in. We are joined today by Dilan Cetinkaya, the Director of Certification at the Federation of Rental-Housing Providers of Ontario (FPRO), the leading advocate for strong and stable rental housing and the largest association in Ontario representing those who own, manage, build, finance, service, and supply residential rental homes. At FPRO, Dilan oversees all certification standards for the Canadian Certified Rental Building Program (CRBP), and she begins our conversation by detailing the work and main focuses of CRBP.  We learn about the pain points the CRB Program is trying to solve, how it separates itself from other quality claims or qualifications, the standards that need to be met to obtain CRB certification, and how long it takes to get certified. Dilan also explains how the program helps landlords and property managers compared to renters before unpacking the CRBP's green initiative, Living Green Together. To end, our guest walks us through a step-by-step guide to becoming CRB certified, and we learn what the future may hold for the CRBP and its work.    Key Points From This Episode:   The Canadian Certified Rental Building Program (CRBP) and Dilan Cetinkaya's role at the organisation. Why the Certified Rental Building Program (CRB Program) was created; pain points it aims to solve. How the CRB Program differentiates itself from other past quality claims or qualifications? The standards buildings are required to meet to become CRB Program certified. Understanding the frequency of accountability checks and how long it takes to be certified. How the CRB Program helps landlords and property managers versus how it helps renters. Case studies that highlight the program's impact on tenant satisfaction and retention.  Living Green Together: Unpacking the CRBP's green initiative. Dilan explains how the program will make rental searches easier moving forward. A step-by-step guide to becoming CRB certified. What the CRBP has planned for its future and what tomorrow may hold for the CRB Program. How to find CRB-certified buildings in your rental search.   Quotes:   "For owners and managers, [the CRB Program] helps to ensure that your property is reducing its operational costs, mitigating risks, and improving asset performance. For renters, it essentially provides a stamp that this building is well-run, well-managed, [and] well-maintained." — Dilan Cetinkaya [0:02:04]   "By being CRB certified, you do get additional [ESG] points. We are recognized by [Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmarking] and we're an industry supporter. So, you're also helping to improve your ESG performance as well." — Dilan Cetinkaya [0:10:39]   "Overall, I just think [the CRB Program] will help make the rent search easier for residents." — Dilan Cetinkaya [0:16:52]   Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:   Dilan Cetinkaya on LinkedIn  Dilan Cetinkaya Email Canadian CRB Program (CRBP) Federation of Rental-housing Providers of Ontario (FRPO)  BOMA BEST  RentSafeTO  Rentals.ca  Rentsync Sync or Swim Podcast Sync or Swim Email

    23 min

  3. MAY 5

    The End of Free Money in the Condo Market

    Why are condo investors pulling out, and what does it mean for Canada's housing market? On this episode of Sync or Swim, Steve Saretsky, founder of Saretsky Group and co-host of The Loonie Hour podcast, joins the show to break down the shifting economics behind new housing. Steve explains why pre-construction condo sales have collapsed, how rising rates and falling rents are squeezing investors, and why developers are increasingly pivoting to purpose-built rentals. He also touches on issues like blanket appraisals, distressed buyers, and the long municipal approval timelines holding back supply. From policy missteps to structural market changes, Steve offers a clear-eyed look at where Canadian housing is headed and what needs to change to make new housing viable again. Tune in for a grounded, insider perspective on one of the country's most pressing economic challenges. Thanks for listening! Key Points From This Episode:   Introducing today's guest, Steve Saretsky, founder of Saretsky Group. Why the pre-construction condo market is collapsing. How rising rates and falling rents are squeezing investor margins. The risks of flipping assignments in a down market. Why some developers are renegotiating with distressed buyers. The growing use of blanket appraisals and the risks they pose. Why developers are shifting from condos to purpose-built rentals. How smaller investors are struggling to compete with bigger developers. The shift from a speculation-driven model to a more value-driven model. Challenges to meeting Canada's housing targets by 2030. The impact of red tape and fees on housing supply timelines. Why city governments may be forced to lower development charges. Predictions regarding the Bank of Canada, rate policies, and mortgage options. Steve's take on policymaker mistakes and housing speculation.   Quotes:   "The investor market and the new construction market is in a world of pain." — @SteveSaretsky [0:04:33]   "The more mom-and-pop investor types [who] don't have the deep pockets. It's harder for them to navigate [a difficult market] than it is for these big developers." — @SteveSaretsky [0:17:45]   "We're going back to a market where builders/developers are having to serve the market. And the market today is end users. And end users are looking for more space, ground-oriented. And that's what's happening." — @SteveSaretsky [0:20:01]   "I think cities are going to be forced, and we're starting to see it, to actually cut their development fees and charges if they want to get new housing off the ground." — @SteveSaretsky [0:23:21]   "If you're a developer with deeper pockets today, this is certainly a good environment for [you] to go and pick up some distressed land sites. And if you've got a long enough time horizon, there will be another bull market. I don't think it's in the next 12 months. It is further out." — @SteveSaretsky [0:28:03]   "What the federal government can and should be doing is they should be running good policy to ensure that you've got a healthy labor market that is seeing a lot of productivity and higher wages. And that will help people afford housing." — @SteveSaretsky [0:34:38]   Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:   Steve Saretsky Steve Saretsky on LinkedIn Steve Saretsky on YouTube Steve Saretsky on Instagram Steve Saretsky on Facebook Steve Saretsky on X Steve Saretsky on Substack Steve Saretsky Linktree Saretsky Group The Loonie Hour Podcast Rentsync Sync or Swim Podcast Sync or Swim Email

    36 min

  4. APR 11

    Tariffs, Interest Rates, and Canada's Rental Market

    Tariffs, Interest Rates, and Canada's Rental Market   In real estate, time is money, and at a time when tariffs are ever-changing, the housing and rental market are even more unpredictable than usual! Today on the Sync or Swim Podcast, we are joined by Tu Nguyen, an economist at RSM Canada, to discuss the recent tariff changes, interest rates, and the Canadian housing market. Tuning in, you'll hear about how the new US tariffs are going to affect housing development and rent, how Canadian policy and market shifts can lessen the consequences of these tariff changes, how they will affect the rental and housing market, and so much more! We delve into the problematic nature of high construction prices before discussing the relationship between interest rates and the price-to-rent ratio. Tu even tells us what happens to the rental market when interest rates fluctuate and shares her thoughts on renting versus buying. Finally, hear about how new policies and the changing political landscape in Canada may impact the rental and housing market. Thanks for listening in!    Key Points From This Episode:   Introducing today's guest, Tu Nguyen. How the new US tariffs will affect housing development and rental prices.  Ways policy and market shifts can mitigate these effects.  How tariffs can impact the rental and housing market specifically.  The dangers of construction prices that are too high.  The relationship between the price-to-rent ratio and interest rates.  What happens in the rental market as interest rates fluctuate.  Tu shares her thoughts on renting versus buying in this market.  How politics and new policy may impact the rental and housing market.    Quotes:   "There are no winners in a trade war." — Tu Nguyen [0:07:55]   "With all the tariff measures that came out yesterday, we're expecting that there could be a global recession, and Canada is also expected to enter a recession this year. — Tu Nguyen [0:08:05]   "In real estate, in construction and housing, time is money, right? Because – every minute that you are not building, you're wasting time, you're wasting money, and you're not adding supply."— Tu Nguyen [0:24:27] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:   Tu Nguyen on LinkedIn RSM Canada Rentsync Sync or Swim Podcast Sync or Swim Email

    26 min

  5. MAR 11

    Purpose-Built Rental Trends in the GTA

    Is the GTA housing market oversupplied or just misunderstood? In this episode of Sync or Swim, host Max Steinman takes a deep dive into the purpose-built rental market with industry leaders Chrystal LeBlanc (BGO), Michelle Calloway (Fitzrovia), and Todd Spencer (Park Property Inc.). Together, they explore how their organizations are responding to shifting renter preferences, navigating condo oversupply challenges, and redefining the rental experience in the Greater Toronto Area. Tune in for expert advice on navigating Toronto's rental market, practical strategies for adapting to evolving renter expectations, and inspiring lessons from exceptional leaders shaping the future of multifamily housing. Whether you're a property pro, a curious investor, or simply interested in where Toronto's housing market is headed, this episode will leave you informed, inspired, and ready to take action!   Key Points From This Episode:   Purpose-built rental developments in Toronto: affordable, downsizer-friendly, and amenity-rich. Market insights into rental oversupply and condo saturation impacting prices and demand. Key distinctions between condos and purpose-built rentals (and why purpose-built is better!) Michelle's take on the decline in foreign student demand in Toronto rentals. Growing demand for flexible lease terms, dedicated workspaces, and personalized leasing. Insight into the customer service evolution needed to meet changing renter preferences. Strategies the panel has implemented to reduce "shopping around" and close deals faster. Hospitality-inspired practices that are key to elevating the resident experience. Reframing renting as a choice, emphasizing security, community, and modern amenities. Combatting negative stigma around renting and landlords by creating great experiences. New language, fostering renter dignity, and leveraging technology to change perceptions. The panel's reflections on the "promise of Toronto" and why they remain optimistic. Why collaboration and knowledge-sharing among industry peers is critically important. Reasons to create community "stickiness" and what it can to do reduce tenant turnover. Some of the most rewarding aspects of being in the purpose-built rental industry.   Quotes:   "We need to be better at saying why purpose-built rental is different [to condos]. We think about our residents – 24/7 – We need to work harder in the sales pitch to highlight what that means: that our service levels are higher [and] our systems are better." — Todd Spencer [0:10:26]   "You can spend all the money on marketing in the world, but if you don't step in that front door and have a consistent experience with what you see – online, it can fall flat really quickly." — Chrystal LeBlanc [0:13:46]   "What I always say is we don't have 500 suites. When a prospect walks in the door, we have three suites for you based on your budget, your family, what's important to you, [and we only show] suites that are right for that prospect." — Chrystal LeBlanc [0:19:37]   "If we want to be recognized as world cities, we need to behave like world cities. In the rest of the world, renting is not a stigmatized activity. It's actually the dominant housing ecosystem in most major cities in the world." — Todd Spencer [0:25:19]   "We need to be better at sharing insights with each other in the industry. I invite everybody to come tour my assets not because they're new and shiny but [because] I want to hear what you're doing too. That's going to raise us up altogether." — Michelle Calloway [0:35:28]   "The [purpose-built rental] industry is changing since I joined 10 years ago. That – excites me. We still have a long way to go. We're not there yet, but I can't wait to see where we go." — Michelle Calloway [0:40:39]   Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:   Toronto Rentsync User Roadshow 2024 Chrystal LeBlanc BentallGreenOak (BGO) Chrystal LeBlanc on LinkedIn  Michelle Calloway Fitzrovia Michelle Calloway on LinkedIn Todd Spencer Park Property Management Inc. Todd Spencer on LinkedIn Elm-Ledbury by Fitzrovia Sloane by Fitzrovia Waverley by Fitzrovia Max Steinman on LinkedIn Rentsync Sync or Swim Podcast Sync or Swim Email

    42 min

  6. FEB 20

    What CMHC's 2024 Fall Report Means for Canada's Rental Market

    The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has recently released its annual rental market report, and today, we sit down with its Deputy Chief Economist, Tania Bourassa-Ochoa to discuss what the report means for the future of housing in Canada. We begin with the work of CMHC and who its target market is before diving into its 2024 rental market report. Then, we unpack the recent rise of housing supply, how Montreal is a step ahead, why the number of multifamily units is beginning to match that of studio apartments, and how rent control measures may influence tenant behaviour and market stability. To end, we explore the consequences of Canada's ageing population and the growing number of families, what policymakers and housing developers need to be doing more of to meet high demands, key trends to take note of, and the future of Canada's housing market in 2025 and beyond.     Key Points From This Episode:   The ins and outs of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). More details on CMHC's annual rental market report.  Understanding Canada's recent rise in supply and whether this growth is sustainable.  How Montreal is leading the way.  Why the gap between the number of condo starts and purpose-built rentals is closing.  How rent control influences rent increase at turnover.  The way current housing trends influence tenant behaviour and market stability.   Canada's ageing population and the growing number of families.  The distribution of the market (from studios to multifamily) and how it's evolving. Why housing policy should address both affordability and supply at the same time.  Whether policymakers and housing developers are doing enough to meet the demand.  Key trends and indicators that policymakers and stakeholders should be paying attention to.  What we can expect from Canada's housing market in 2025.    Quotes:  "Our goal is really to provide as much information as possible to help all of the stakeholders out there to make important decisions." — Tania Bourassa-Ochoa [0:02:08]   "The main solution will be really focused around adding more supply, and I would even say to have a steady influx of supply that comes into the market every year. That is going to help to alleviate some of the pressures that we're seeing right now, for sure." — Tania Bourassa-Ochoa [0:12:15]   "In the end, housing needs to evolve and change over time." — Tania Bourassa-Ochoa [0:17:35]   "I think policy needs to address both supply but also affordability, especially for those lower-to-medium-income renters." — Tania Bourassa-Ochoa [0:20:11]   "There's definitely place for more innovation; there's place for more productivity in the construction space, for sure." — Tania Bourassa-Ochoa [0:23:11]   Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:   Tania Bourassa-Ochoa on LinkedIn  Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)   CMHC on YouTube CMHC Fall 2024 Rental Market Report  Canadian Housing Survey Rentsync  Giacomo Ladas on LinkedIn Sync or Swim Podcast Sync or Swim Email

    33 min

  7. FEB 12

    Is Toronto Building Enough? Brad Bradford on Housing Supply

    For most listeners of the show, the housing crisis is a very prominent issue; affecting careers and finances. But it is actually a much bigger conversation for the entire population of the city. Today, we are bringing you a very special episode of the Sync or Swim Podcast: a live recorded interview with Brad Bradford from the Toronto Roadshow! Tuning in, you'll hear about Brad's assessment of Toronto's housing supply, the affordable housing crisis, the problems with old housing policies, and more! We delve into the political nature of housing in Toronto before discussing how to create a regulatory environment that incentivizes what the market needs (in this case, more rental units). Finally, Brad shares his opinion on the potential evolution of Toronto's housing market over the next five to 10 years. Thanks for listening in!    Key Points From This Episode:   Today's topic: a live recording from Toronto Roadshow with Brad Bradford.  Brad assesses Toronto's performance in terms of housing supply over the last few years.  How old policies are causing the breakdown of the housing market.  The disconnect in the industry between time and affordability.  Why the housing agenda is so politically charged.  The importance of defining what affordable housing actually is.  How to create an environment that incentivizes what the market needs most.  Brad shares how he sees the housing market in Toronto evolving over the next few years.    Quotes:   "It seems like the sort of story of the day here in Toronto is we do lots of press conferences about housing, but we don't actually do any housing, and I think that's a big problem." — @BradMBradford [0:06:02]   "The most affordable housing that we have is the housing that's already there. Nothing that you are building today or tomorrow is going to be more than what we already have." — @BradMBradford [0:27:45]   "Now is the time to respond to the challenges in front of us with the type of bold leadership and action that recognizes the way forward is not the same way we've been doing things." — @BradMBradford [0:41:41]   "We need to write a future together if that empowers partnership with the market with the private sector because it is your capital and your talent that is actually going to address the big challenges." — @BradMBradford [0:41:55]   Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:   Brad Bradford Brad Bradford on LinkedIn Brad Bradford on Instagram Brad Bradford on X Gabriel Diamond on LinkedIn Rentsync Sync or Swim Podcast Sync or Swim Email

    43 min

  8. JAN 14

    Using AI to Predict the Future Cost of Rent

    Imagine paying $5,600 a month in rent in Toronto by 2032. In this episode, Giacomo Ladas hosts Erkan Yönder, Associate Professor at Concordia's John Molson School of Business, to unpack this projection and its far-reaching impacts. Using advanced AI models, Erkan's recent study forecasts steep rental increases in Canada's largest cities, driven by immigration, high demand, and supply constraints. Surprisingly, even a growing supply hasn't eased rents due to overwhelming demand, creating an unsustainable market. Erkan and Giacomo explore potential solutions, including targeted job creation in smaller regions and flexible zoning laws to distribute growth beyond Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. With AI's ability to trace complex patterns in rental trends, Erkan offers a glimpse into how rent could reshape Canadian cities over the next decade. Tune in for a deeper understanding of the housing challenges ahead and the partnerships needed to keep living costs manageable. Key Points From This Episode: • Introducing today's guest Erkan Yönder and his research. • Why rents in Toronto could hit $5,600 per month by 2032. • The surprising correlation between supply increases and rising rents. • Why high demand outpaces rental supply in big cities. • How immigration policies and other factors impact housing demand and rental prices. • Why Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal face unique rental market pressures. • Erkan's perspective on job creation to draw people to smaller regions. • The role of zoning laws in expanding housing beyond major cities. • Why certain areas experience higher rent growth than others in Canada. • Ways that advanced AI models enhance real estate predictions and analysis. • Advice to landlords and renters for navigating changing rental markets. • How investors and government can work together to improve housing.   Quotes: "Then the question becomes, why do we have more immigrants in Toronto than many other regions across Canada? The reason is there are – more available jobs." — @erkanyonder [0:14:11]   "AI can help us in certain aspects, especially when it comes to projections and predictions. So, why not have that information on the table and try to make more sophisticated decisions?" — @erkanyonder [0:28:23]   "Capital from the government won't be enough to build this much, – we need institutional investors to come to these markets and invest in those property companies, invest directly." — @erkanyonder [0:33:10] "In the long run, it's a very simple solution, we need to build more, and in order to build more, we need capital investors, real estate companies, and local governments and the government involved in this problem." — @erkanyonder [0:35:03]   Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Erkan Yönder Erkan Yönder at Concordia Erkan Yönder on LinkedIn Erkan Yönder on X 'AI-Driven Insights into Key Factors Influencing Canada's Rental Market' Concordia's John Molson School of Business Giacomo Ladas on LinkedIn Rentsync Sync or Swim Podcast Sync or Swim Email

    37 min
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out of 5
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About

On Sync or Swim, a weekly podcast brought to you by Rentsync; we provide an insiders look into the PropTech, multifamily, and rental housing industry. On this show, you'll hear down-to-earth interviews with well-known thought leaders, experience compelling stories, and gain fresh new insights on how to overcome operational challenges and increase the value of your multifamily portfolio. Episodes will feature topics such as PropTech, multifamily marketing and MarTech, lease up marketing, and more.

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