Helping YOU Build Wealth through Real Estate ....Brick by Brick with Nico James-Bock

Nico James-Bock
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Receive insider tips, market analysis, and expert advice. from a Toronto GTHA+ Real Estate Broker AT Keller Williams Co-Elevation Realty  and founder of The CondoWiz™ Group, the human intelligence behind the CondoWiz™ - Toronto GTHA+. I  talk facts and do a deep dive into the official stats, factors, and projects shaping the markets today, with occasional help from other industry experts. 

  1. Resetting The One Residences: How Tridel Is Rebooting Toronto’s Supertall Tower

    6D AGO

    Resetting The One Residences: How Tridel Is Rebooting Toronto’s Supertall Tower

    Resetting The One Residences: How Tridel Is Rebooting Toronto’s Supertall Tower takes you inside one of the most dramatic stories in Canadian real estate history — the transformation of The One at Yonge and Bloor into One Bloor West under Tridel’s stewardship. This episode breaks down how one of Canada’s most ambitious skyscraper developments went from delayed and debt-laden to a court-sanctioned reset that could reshape how luxury condominium projects are delivered in a changing market. Originally envisioned by Sam Mizrahi as a skyline-defining supertall mixed-use tower, The One faced years of construction delays, escalating costs, and mounting creditor pressure before entering creditor protection. In response, a court-appointed monitor retained Tridel — one of Toronto’s most established condominium builders — to assume construction management, sales responsibility, and lead a full strategic reassessment of the project. In this episode, you’ll learn  • why the Ontario Superior Court approved the cancellation of 314 out of 329 presale contracts  • how buyers are being refunded deposits with interest and offered priority access on relaunch  • why Tridel and market consultants determined legacy presale pricing no longer worked  • how the unit mix is shifting away from investor layouts toward luxury end-user suites  • what this reset means for future revenue, pricing power, and project viability You’ll also get the latest construction update on Canada’s first supertall residential tower, now standing at 308.6 metres and 85 storeys, with interim occupancy targeted for spring 2027 and full completion expected in early 2028. We break down Tridel’s strategy to pair the residential component with a five-star hotel brand and what that signals about demand for ultra-luxury living in downtown Toronto. Throughout the episode, we examine what this reset means for buyer trust, developer risk, and the future of pre-construction investing in Canada’s largest urban market. One Bloor West is no longer just a building — it’s a real-time case study in repositioning, legal strategy, and market adaptation. Tune in for clear context and practical insight that cuts through the noise and helps you make smarter, better-informed real estate decisions. Connect with me Ciao ciao 👋🏼 Support the show Helping YOU Build Wealth Through #RealEstate #BrickByBrick Your support means the world. If you’ve found value in these conversations, the best way to keep them going is by subscribing. Support the show 🙏 Click the link to see support options. Book a time for a quick 15min Chat - Discovery: https://calendly.com/thecondowiz/15min Social: https://linktr.ee/nicojamesbock

    7 min
  2. You Don’t Own What You Think You Own: Life Leases, Toronto Island Homes, and the Fine Print

    6D AGO

    You Don’t Own What You Think You Own: Life Leases, Toronto Island Homes, and the Fine Print

    Ciao! Welcome to a new episode of Helping YOU Build Wealth Through Real Estate… Brick by Brick with me, Nico James-Bock, Founder of The CondoWiz™ Group and Broker at Keller Williams Co-Elevation Realty in Toronto. In this episode, we break down one of the most misunderstood forms of housing in Canada: Life Leases, Leaseholds, Co-Ops and how they compare to Toronto Island homes on Ward's Island and Algonquin Island. We unpack the real differences between life lease ownership and leasehold property, the restrictions buyers must understand, financing challenges, resale limitations, and why these models are lifestyle-driven rather than traditional wealth-building real estate. If you’ve ever wondered whether you can get a mortgage on a life lease, how Toronto Island homes actually work, or what most people don’t find out until it’s too late, this episode is essential listening. Clear, candid, and built to help you make smarter real estate decisions. Co-ops give you shares and a place to live, life leases give you a contract to occupy, general leaseholds give you a building without the land, and Toronto Island homes are a tightly regulated version of that same leasehold model. The common thread is this: none of them deliver full ownership control, and the fine print, not the price tag, determines what you truly own. If you’ve found this information useful then like this podcast and or leave a comment. Please share this episode with anyone who may find the content useful.  Ciao ciao 👋🏼 Support the show Helping YOU Build Wealth Through #RealEstate #BrickByBrick Your support means the world. If you’ve found value in these conversations, the best way to keep them going is by subscribing. Support the show 🙏 Click the link to see support options. Book a time for a quick 15min Chat - Discovery: https://calendly.com/thecondowiz/15min Social: https://linktr.ee/nicojamesbock

    9 min
  3. Beyond Test Scores: GTA High School Rankings That Drive Real Estate Decisions

    DEC 21

    Beyond Test Scores: GTA High School Rankings That Drive Real Estate Decisions

    Choosing a high school is no longer just an education decision — it’s a housing, lifestyle, and long-term planning decision. Ciao! Welcome to a new episode of Helping YOU Build Build Wealth Through Real Estate...Brick by Brick with me, Nico James-Bock, Founder of The CondoWiz™ Group and Broker at Keller Williams Co-Elevation Realty in Toronto.   In this episode, we unpack Ontario’s 2025 Fraser Institute High School Rankings and break them down by neighbourhood, not just by score. You’ll hear why the top schools ranked where they did, how catchment areas influence real estate prices and family life, and what trade-offs parents need to consider before making a move. This conversation is designed for parents with teens, families planning ahead of Grade 9, and professionals advising buyers who want a clearer view of how school performance and neighbourhood quality of life intersect. What You’ll Learn Why high school rankings matter — and where they fall shortHow school catchments impact home prices, competition, and demandThe lifestyle trade-offs inside top-performing school zonesWhy planning early gives families more options and less stress🏫 Top 10 Ranked Ontario Secondary Schools (2025) St. Robert Catholic High School, Thornhill (Markham)St. Theresa of Lisieux Catholic High School, Richmond HillSt. Michael’s Choir School, TorontoSt. Augustine Catholic High School, MarkhamUrsula Franklin Academy, TorontoPierre Elliott Trudeau High School, MarkhamOlive Grove School, MississaugaIroquois Ridge High School, OakvilleCardinal Carter Academy for the Arts, TorontoAbbey Park High School, Oakville📍 Macro Neighbourhoods Covered Richmond HillMarkhamTorontoOakville🎧 Who This Episode Is For Parents with high-school-aged childrenFamilies planning a move within the GTAReal estate professionals guiding education-focused buyersAnyone thinking long-term about lifestyle, housing, and opportunityIf you’ve found this information useful then like this podcast and or leave a comment. Please share this episode with anyone who may find the content useful. Ciao  👋🏼 Support the show Helping YOU Build Wealth Through #RealEstate #BrickByBrick Your support means the world. If you’ve found value in these conversations, the best way to keep them going is by subscribing. Support the show 🙏 Click the link to see support options. Book a time for a quick 15min Chat - Discovery: https://calendly.com/thecondowiz/15min Social: https://linktr.ee/nicojamesbock

    9 min
  4. Is the GTA Housing Correction Changing Shape? Your November 2025 Market Stats Breakdown

    DEC 9

    Is the GTA Housing Correction Changing Shape? Your November 2025 Market Stats Breakdown

    The November 2025 data tells a deeper story about where the Canadian economy and GTA housing market are headed next. Ciao! Welcome to a new episode of Helping YOU Build Build Wealth Through Real Estate...Brick by Brick with me, Nico James-Bock, Founder of The CondoWiz™ Group and Broker at Keller Williams Co-Elevation Realty in Toronto.   In this episode, we break down what the latest employment numbers, mortgage rate trends, and TRREB housing data are really telling us beneath the headlines. In this episode, you’ll learn • Why strong job growth is supporting confidence but not driving housing demand  • What falling prices and flat month-to-month changes tell us about the correction  • Why detached homes are now the weakest segment in the GTA  • How downtown condos are showing early signs of price stability  • The structural factors pushing inventory higher  • What the Bank of Canada’s position means ahead of the December rate decision  • Where buyers, sellers, and investors should focus as the market recalibrates This is not a crash narrative. It’s a cycle story. And understanding where we are in that cycle matters. Support the show Helping YOU Build Wealth Through #RealEstate #BrickByBrick Your support means the world. If you’ve found value in these conversations, the best way to keep them going is by subscribing. Support the show 🙏 Click the link to see support options. Book a time for a quick 15min Chat - Discovery: https://calendly.com/thecondowiz/15min Social: https://linktr.ee/nicojamesbock

    8 min
  5. Is the Worst Over? Canada’s Year-End 2025 Housing Market Reality Check

    NOV 25

    Is the Worst Over? Canada’s Year-End 2025 Housing Market Reality Check

    The Canadian housing market is entering 2026 with mixed signals. National data suggests slow stabilization — while Toronto’s condo sector continues to face significant structural pressure. Rising months of inventory, delayed completions, and valuation gaps are reshaping both investor sentiment and consumer confidence. Ciao! Welcome to a new episode of Helping YOU Build Build Wealth Through Real Estate...Brick by Brick with me, Nico James-Bock, Founder of The CondoWiz™ Group and Broker at Keller Williams Co-Elevation Realty in Toronto.   In this episode, I break down:  • Why modest sales gains don’t yet signal a recovery  • How higher qualification stress and soft condo valuations are impacting closings  • Why affordability across Ontario has reached a historic low  • The real odds of a December rate cut — and what it means for 2026  • When experts expect the next true turning point This is the moment to cut through headline noise and understand the underlying trends shaping the year ahead.  Forward-looking strategy > reactive decision-making. Ciao ciao Support the show Helping YOU Build Wealth Through #RealEstate #BrickByBrick Your support means the world. If you’ve found value in these conversations, the best way to keep them going is by subscribing. Support the show 🙏 Click the link to see support options. Book a time for a quick 15min Chat - Discovery: https://calendly.com/thecondowiz/15min Social: https://linktr.ee/nicojamesbock

    7 min
  6. Fiscal Stimulus vs. Falling Prices: The Real Estate Story the Federal Budget Isn't Telling You

    NOV 11

    Fiscal Stimulus vs. Falling Prices: The Real Estate Story the Federal Budget Isn't Telling You

    Ciao! Welcome to a new episode of Helping YOU Build Build Wealth Through Real Estate...Brick by Brick with me, Nico James-Bock, Founder of The CondoWiz™ Group and Broker at Keller Williams Co-Elevation Realty in Toronto.   The government just doubled the deficit to pour billions into capital projects, betting on future growth. But the numbers don't lie: Toronto's prices are still dropping. In this episode, we connect the dots between Ottawa's massive $78.3 billion budget, the Bank of Canada's muted rate cuts, and the very real decline in local home values. What You Will Learn: The Real Target: Why the BoC is relying on the Budget's slow-moving stimulus instead of aggressive rate cuts.Where the Money Goes: Which key sectors (housing, infrastructure, defence) are getting the $170B+ investment and how that should affect long-term property values.The Disconnect: Why October's strong jobs report isn't enough to stop price declines (like the 7% condo drop) in the near term.Your Strategy: How to position your real estate investments now to leverage future fiscal growth while navigating today’s fragile market.Next Steps: The market will closely watch the Inflation Rate data on November 17, and particularly the December 10 Bank of Canada Interest Rate decision, to see if the recent job strength is enough to keep rates steady. Ciao ciao 👋🏼 Support the show Helping YOU Build Wealth Through #RealEstate #BrickByBrick Your support means the world. If you’ve found value in these conversations, the best way to keep them going is by subscribing. Support the show 🙏 Click the link to see support options. Book a time for a quick 15min Chat - Discovery: https://calendly.com/thecondowiz/15min Social: https://linktr.ee/nicojamesbock

    9 min
  7. How to Stay Safe (and Sane) in a Connected World: 3 Simple Moves to Outsmart ID Thieves

    OCT 27

    How to Stay Safe (and Sane) in a Connected World: 3 Simple Moves to Outsmart ID Thieves

    Every day, we unlock dozens of digital doors — logging in, posting, banking, sharing, connecting. Behind each one sits a mix of convenience and risk. And while most of us don’t think twice before clicking “login,” the truth is: the smallest habits can either keep us safe or cost us time, money, and peace of mind. Ciao! Welcome to a new episode of Building Wealth Through Real Estate...Brick by Brick with me, Nico James-Bock, Founder of The CondoWiz™ Group and Broker at Keller Williams Co-Elevation Realty in Toronto.   In this episode, How to Stay Safe (and Sane) in a Connected World: 3 Simple Moves to Outsmart ID Thieves, we’ll talk about what it really means to protect yourself without becoming paranoid — just practical. Here’s how:  1️⃣ Use strong passwords with a password manager and enable 2-factor authentication on every platform.  2️⃣ Save your important social media content to your device before you post it. 3️⃣ If you’re going away for more than 21 days, have someone collect your mail, or put a hold or forward in place. These small moves don’t just protect your data — they protect your time, focus, and sanity. 📍 Recorded in Toronto | Hosted by Helping You Build Wealth Through Real Estate… Brick by Brick Support the show Helping YOU Build Wealth Through #RealEstate #BrickByBrick Your support means the world. If you’ve found value in these conversations, the best way to keep them going is by subscribing. Support the show 🙏 Click the link to see support options. Book a time for a quick 15min Chat - Discovery: https://calendly.com/thecondowiz/15min Social: https://linktr.ee/nicojamesbock

    5 min
  8. Toronto vs Calgary: New Construction, New Strategy with guest Matthew Baker

    OCT 23

    Toronto vs Calgary: New Construction, New Strategy with guest Matthew Baker

    Toronto may dominate headlines — but Calgary is quietly leading a real estate revolution. 🏙️💥 In this episode of Helping You Build Wealth Through Real Estate… Brick by Brick, host Nico James-Bock, Broker with Keller Williams Co-Elevation Realty, sits down with Realtor® Matthew Baker of Manor Hill Realty — the exclusive brokerage representing Rohit Homes in Calgary. Together, they unpack:  ✅ Why more Ontario investors are turning westward  ✅ The builder reputation and design philosophy behind Rohit Homes ✅ How Matthew’s personal investment journey offers real-world insight ✅ What makes Calgary’s market more attainable and profitable ✅ Tips for buyers seeking growth beyond the GTA 🎧 Whether you’re a first-time buyer, Realtor, or investor, this episode reveals how new construction in Calgary and Edmonton is redefining opportunity in 2025 and beyond. Matthew Baker, Sales Representative Manor Hill Realty Inc. matthewejbaker@outlook.com | (647) 217-8807 Subscribe for more insights at Real Estate with Nico — helping you build wealth through real estate… Brick by Brick. Support the show Helping YOU Build Wealth Through #RealEstate #BrickByBrick Your support means the world. If you’ve found value in these conversations, the best way to keep them going is by subscribing. Support the show 🙏 Click the link to see support options. Book a time for a quick 15min Chat - Discovery: https://calendly.com/thecondowiz/15min Social: https://linktr.ee/nicojamesbock

    21 min
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Receive insider tips, market analysis, and expert advice. from a Toronto GTHA+ Real Estate Broker AT Keller Williams Co-Elevation Realty  and founder of The CondoWiz™ Group, the human intelligence behind the CondoWiz™ - Toronto GTHA+. I  talk facts and do a deep dive into the official stats, factors, and projects shaping the markets today, with occasional help from other industry experts. 

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