Sold in the 6ix - Toronto Real Estate Stories and Strategies

A house is more than a home; it's a story waiting to be told.
In this episode, Des checks in with veteran home inspector Richard Gaughan in a deep dive into the evolving dynamics of property evaluation. 
Amidst a market that once raced past such precautions, they explore how buyers and sellers are now embracing the protective reassurance of detailed home assessments. 
Richard's 30 years of expertise reveal not just changing trends, but the intricate dance of inspections, renovations, and real estate savvy—all brought into a narrative that demystifies the once-daunting aspects of asbestos, knob and tube wiring, and the true bones of a house. 
Listen For:
5:07 The Importance of Buyer Inspections
9:16 Focusing on Buyer Priorities
14:39 Guidance for Buyers
27:52 Pre-list Home Inspections Value

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In this episode we dive into the innovative business model of Openroom, founded by Weiting Bollu.

Openroom is revolutionizing the rental market! It’s an online database that has the names of tenants and landlords who have been found at fault by the Landlord and Tenant Board.

Openroom helps with the due diligence that all landlords and tenants should go through before agreeing on a residential lease, and in just one year has hosted almost 2 million searches.

With a backlog at Ontario’s Landlord and Tenant Board of 8 months to a year, Openroom helps landlords and tenants avoid this often costly tribunal stage.

Guest: Weiting Bollu, Co-Founder & CEO, Open Room
Website | Instagram | TikTok

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Make real estate investment your new reality.

Desmond and real estate guru Todd C. Slater explore the path to investment success for the average person. They look at the significance of defining your investing "why," the strategic approach to financial readiness, and the smart utilization of home equity to kickstart your investment journey.

Des and Todd walk you through the practicalities of choosing investment properties, focusing on markets outside the metropolitan areas for better affordability and returns.

From discussing market shifts and highlighting the power of real estate as a tool for building generation wealth for anyone looking to make their mark in the real estate investment sphere, Des and Todd present a roadmap for this reality.

Listen For:
1:20 The Importance of Knowing Your 'Why'
5:16 Choosing the Right Investment Property
11:06 The Goal of Breaking Even vs. Profit
14:39 Real Estate Investment Success Stories

Guest: Todd C. Slater
For over 30 years, Todd C. Slater has been a leader and innovator in the real estate world. Todd was one of the top Realtors Worldwide within the RE/MAX network, with a focus on protecting and educating his clients every step of the way. Todd negotiated thousands of transactions throughout his career.

Connect with Todd:
Email | YouTube

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Desmond can be reached at:
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It’s no secret Canada’s over 65 population is swelling. With 7.6 million Canadians now aged 65 or older, the importance of having affairs in order is more important than ever.

Guest Garry Cass explains the difference between a power of attorney and a will, and the importance of updating wills regularly. He also discusses the complications that can arise when someone dies without a will, and the challenges of having family members on the title of a property.

Cass advises you to be proactive rather than reactive in estate planning, and to treat every will as if it's the last one you’ll ever make.

Listen For
1:31 The Critical Role of Wills and Powers of Attorney
9:14 Real Estate Considerations in Estate Planning
7:02 Executor Selection and Responsibilities
15:02 Challenges of Dying Intestate

Guest: Garry Cass, BA, LLB, TEP, Barrister & Solicitor
Website | Email

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Desmond can be reached at:
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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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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
Instagram | Email 

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