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

Nico James-Bock

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. Is the GTA Housing Correction Over? Winter Reset 2026, Confidence, Rates & Trade Risk

    JAN 14

    Is the GTA Housing Correction Over? Winter Reset 2026, Confidence, Rates & Trade Risk

    The GTA housing market didn’t just slow in 2025—it reset. In this episode of Helping YOU Build Wealth Through Real Estate, Nico James-Bock, founder of The CondoWiz Group and broker with Keller Williams Toronto, breaks down what’s really happening beneath the headlines as we head into the 2026 spring market. From falling prices and record-high inventory to rising unemployment, stubborn inflation, trade uncertainty, and Ottawa’s push to boost first-time buying, this episode connects the dots between the economy and real estate so you can make smarter decisions with confidence. This isn’t hype—it’s a reality check. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why GTA home prices are at their lowest since early 2021 but buyers remain cautiousHow rising unemployment and youth job losses impact housing demandWhy mortgage rates may already be near cyclical lows and what that means for buyersHow immigration drives long-term housing demand but doesn’t fix affordability challengesWhat Class A, Trophy, and Class B/C office vacancy trends reveal about downtown recoveryWhy CUSMA trade uncertainty matters more to housing than most people realizeHow Ottawa’s new first-time buyer incentives affect cash flow and pricing pressuresThe key economic dates that will shape buyer, seller, and investor decisions this springThis is a positioning market. Buyers who move before confidence fully returns gain leverage. Sellers who price realistically outperform. Investors who focus on fundamentals, not fear, build lasting wealth. If you’re buying, selling, or investing in 2026 and want a strategy grounded in facts—not headlines—listen, engage, and let’s build your real estate wealth the right way, brick by brick. Let's stay connected 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
  2. Big Changes Start Jan 1, 2026: Ontario Fire Code Updates, BoC Rates & Housing Impacts.

    JAN 2

    Big Changes Start Jan 1, 2026: Ontario Fire Code Updates, BoC Rates & Housing Impacts.

    The Season 5 premiere is here, and January 2026 is packed with regulatory, economic, and policy changes that directly affect homeowners, landlords, investors, and real estate professionals. In this episode, we break down what’s new and what it means for 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 in Toronto.   What You’ll Learn: Fire Code carbon monoxide alarm updates and inspection complianceEmployment law changes impacting hiring, salary transparency, and AI in recruitmentBank of Canada rate stability and its effect on borrowing, affordability, and investment strategyImmigration and labour mobility updates reshaping population growth and workforce trendsProvincial measures on impaired driving, vehicle theft licence suspensions, and the new standardized recycling programPractical steps for staying compliant, including completing your Toronto Vacant Home Tax Declaration before April 30Tune in to stay ahead of these changes, protect your investments, and make smarter real estate decisions in 2026. Like, share, and comment on what topic you want covered next. 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
  3. Resetting The One Residences: How Tridel Is Rebooting Toronto’s Supertall Tower

    12/23/2025

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

    12/22/2025

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

    12/21/2025

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

    12/09/2025

    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

Trailer

About

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.