Community Game Plan

The Real Estate Team
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Jim Smardon and Eric Holman, from The Real Estate Team, are grabbing a mic to discuss all things Community and Halifax Real Estate! Join Jim and Eric as they talk about how to manage the challenges you may face listing your home, to avoid ”seller’s remorse.” They also will chat about the importance of understanding a community beyond real estate, their military backgrounds, and their involvement in coaching youth sports. On this show, you can expect guest industry professionals and community leaders, who can provide comprehensive insights to help you make informed decisions about choosing your new community, including practical aspects like childcare and recreational facilities. Tune in to Community Game Plan for community, real estate, and other shenanigans!

  1. MAR 31

    Episode 15: Inside Lawyer Review: Protecting Your Real Estate Transaction

    Episode Summary Real estate deals can look clean on paper… until the legal side starts peeling back the layers. In this episode of Community Gameplan, we sit down with real estate lawyer Mark Comeau with Taylor MacLellan Cochrane Law - TMC Law to break down the lawyer review clause process and everything that can quietly make—or break—a transaction. From land title surprises to zoning headaches, encroachments, and HST curveballs, Mark shares practical insights that every agent, buyer, and seller should have in their back pocket. If you’ve ever thought “the lawyer will handle it,” this episode shows you exactly what that actually means—and why it matters more than you think. What You’ll Learn What lawyer review actually covers (and what it doesn’t) Common title issues that can delay—or kill—a deal Zoning: why it matters more than most people realize Encroachments explained (and how they’re typically handled) HST in real estate: when it applies and how it impacts buyers Key differences when dealing with: Condos Vacant land Mini homes / mobile homes Why communication between agents, lawyers, and clients is critical The most common mistakes people make during the legal process Real Talk Moments Not all properties are created equal—what works for a single-family home can get messy fast with land or mini homes Waiting until the last minute to involve a lawyer? Bad move. That’s where deals start to wobble Assumptions around zoning and use are one of the biggest hidden risks in real estate  Pro Tips from Mark Comeau Get ahead of potential title or zoning issues early—don’t wait for closing week surprises Always clarify HST implications before submitting an offer When in doubt, ask questions early—fixing problems is easier before paperwork is locked in  Who This Episode Is For Buyers who want to avoid costly surprises Sellers looking to keep their deal on track Real estate agents aiming to better protect their clients Anyone curious about the legal side of real estate (the stuff no one talks about… until they have to) Connect & Learn More If you found this episode helpful, share it with someone who’s in the middle of a deal—or about to be.  Or reach out to Eric Holman or Jim Smardon at info@movewithttheteam.ca Reach out to Marc Comeau - https://www.tmclaw.com/

    58 min

  2. MAR 17

    Episode 14: Beyond the Bet — Gambling, Awareness & Community

    Understanding the hidden impacts of gambling and how communities can support awareness, prevention, and recovery. Gambling is often seen as entertainment, but for many individuals and families, it can become something much more serious. In this episode of The Community Game Plan, we sit down with Carey Murphy, Executive Director of the Compulsive and Problem Gamblers Society, to talk about the realities of gambling harm and how it affects individuals, families, and communities. We explore common misconceptions about gambling addiction, the early warning signs people often miss, and why stigma can prevent people from asking for help. Carey also shares insight into how communities can play a stronger role in prevention, awareness, and supporting those who may be struggling. This conversation is about more than gambling — it’s about building informed, compassionate communities where people feel safe to reach out for support. Find more of our guest Carey Murphy on his Youtube   Facebook    https://globalnews.ca/news/11393257/problem-gambling-online-platforms/   If you or someone you know may be struggling, support and resources are available through the Compulsive and Problem Gamblers Society.   And if you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more about the work we’re doing in the community, feel free to reach out to Eric and Jim from The Real Estate Team. Info@movewiththeteam.ca Whether it's real estate, community initiatives, or future podcast ideas, they’re always happy to connect and continue the conversation.

    59 min

  3. FEB 22

    Episode 13: More Than a Café – Building Community at Opus Cafe

    In this episode, Jim and Eric sit down in studio with Debbie Vaillancourt Higgins, owner and operator of Opus Café and Catering in Cherry Brook, Dartmouth. What starts as a conversation about coffee and catering quickly becomes something much deeper. Debbie shares the heartfelt story behind Opus — a café born from her mother’s dream and built as a true labour of love. Located inside the historic former Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children building, Opus has become more than just a place to grab breakfast. It’s a safe, welcoming space where conversations happen, community groups gather, reunions unfold, and healing takes place. From hosting men’s support circles and church groups to catering weddings and providing meals for families in need, Debbie explains why Opus isn’t “hers” — it belongs to the community. With refillable coffee meant to extend conversations and an intentional no-TV policy to encourage connection, this café proves that small spaces can create big impact. The episode also includes one of Jim and Eric’s signature hot takes — this time tackling the question: Are fixer-uppers still a good deal, or are buyers walking into financial traps? Whether you’re passionate about community building, curious about the power of small local businesses, or just looking for a place that serves more than coffee, this episode is packed with warmth, insight, and heart. 👉 Visit Opus Café at 18 Wilfred Jackson Way, Dartmouth 👉 Learn more: https://www.theopuscafe.ca

    1h 1m

  4. FEB 17

    Episode 12: Unlocking Home Potential: The Mortgage Plus Improvements Program

    Welcome to our very first MiniPod— a new feature of the Community Game Plan podcast where we zoom in on the real estate side of our community. In this episode, Eric Holman sits down with mortgage broker Danielle Hardie to break down the Mortgage Plus Improvements program—an option that allows buyers to roll renovation costs directly into their mortgage. Translation? You can buy the right house and make it the right home without draining your savings on day one. They dig into the power of adding secondary suites, why having a mortgage broker in your corner matters more than ever, and how smart renovations can significantly boost long-term property value. This conversation is all about seeing potential where others see problems—and understanding how to finance that vision strategically. If you're navigating today’s market, considering a fixer-upper, or simply want to make smarter buying decisions, this episode delivers practical insight on planning properly, structuring financing wisely, and turning opportunity into equity. Reach out to Eric or Jim at info@movewiththeteam.ca Danielle Hardie - Mortgage Broker Premiere Mortgage Centre Inc.  danielle.hardie@premieremortgage.ca

    39 min

  5. FEB 6

    Episode 11.5: Shenanigans, Hot Takes, and Absolute Chaos

    In this bonus highlight episode, Jim, Eric, and producer Colin throw the rulebook out the window and lean fully into what makes the Community Game Plan… well, the Community Game Plan. This supercut is packed with behind-the-scenes moments, off-the-rails banter, missed cues, sponsor reads gone sideways, and the kind of hot takes that only happen when the mics stay hot a little too long. From debates about pizza pockets, pineapple on pizza, and candied bacon, to producer interruptions, fake ad reads, and a running argument over who’s actually in charge, this episode captures the lighter side of the podcast — the laughs, the chaos, and the genuine chemistry that keeps the show fun. Mixed in with the nonsense are real moments of reflection about authenticity, community, and why the podcast exists in the first place: to show up as real people, not polished personas, and to build something that feels honest, local, and human. If you’ve ever wondered what happens between the serious conversations — or why the producers occasionally regret their life choices — this episode is for you.

    27 min

  6. JAN 21

    Episode 11: One Year In – Community, Growth, and What’s Next

    In this episode, Jim and Eric kick off the new year by doing something a little different. Rather than sitting down with a single guest, they look back on the first full year of the Community Game Plan podcast — reflecting on the conversations, community stories, and moments that shaped the show so far. This special supercut episode highlights some of the best clips from the past year, touching on everything from grassroots sports and inclusion to community leadership, coaching, housing, transportation, and the people working quietly behind the scenes to make Nova Scotia stronger. Along the way, Jim and Eric talk candidly about growth — both personally and professionally — what they’ve learned from the community, and how feedback from listeners continues to shape the direction of the podcast. They also tease what’s ahead: a growing team, new voices, evolving formats, and some fresh ideas (including hotter hot takes) as the podcast moves into its next chapter. Whether you’ve been listening since Episode 1 or you’re just tuning in now, this episode is a great snapshot of where the Community Game Plan started, how it’s grown, and where it’s headed next.

    57 min

  7. 12/24/2025

    Episode 10: Inside a Community Hub – The Work of Veith House in Halifax

    In this episode, Eric is joined in studio by producer Colin for a powerful conversation that shines a light on one of Halifax’s most impactful — and often overlooked — community organizations. Together, they sit down with Jamie Matthews, Executive Director of Veith House, along with Jackie Lockie, to explore what it truly means to be a community hub in the heart of the city’s North End. Jamie breaks down the wide-reaching work Veith House does every day — from food security and urban farming to youth programming, newcomer support, and inclusive spaces for the LGBTQ+ community. The conversation highlights how decades of grassroots effort, partnerships, and volunteer-driven programs help people meet basic needs while fostering dignity, belonging, and connection. Eric, Colin, and Jim also reflect on how many “hidden gems” like Veith House exist across Nova Scotia — quietly doing essential work — and why sharing these stories matters now more than ever. Whether you’re passionate about community building, curious about what a true community hub looks like, or looking for meaningful ways to get involved locally, this episode offers insight, inspiration, and a reminder of the power of people helping people. 👉 Learn more about Veith House, their programs, and how to support their work: https://veithhouse.com

    53 min

  8. 11/19/2025

    Episode 9: Driving Change – How MusGo Rider Keeps Nova Scotia Connected

    In this episode, Jim and Eric kick off an early morning recording (coffee in hand!) with two inspiring guests who are literally driving change across Nova Scotia — Jesse Guarino and Ronnie Murray from MusGo Rider Co-operative Limited. Jesse and Ronnie share how this community-run transportation service is bridging the gap for residents along the Eastern Shore and Musquodoboit Valley — providing safe, affordable, and eco-friendly rides for those who need them most. From switching to electric vehicles powered by solar energy to ensuring seniors and people with mobility challenges can get to appointments, MusGo Rider is proving that compassion and sustainability can travel the same road. Jim and Eric also reflect on the importance of community-driven solutions and how rural areas often rely on creativity and cooperation to stay connected. Whether you’re passionate about sustainable living, rural advocacy, or just love hearing stories about Nova Scotians helping Nova Scotians, this episode will hit home. 👉 Learn more or book a ride at www.musgorider.ruralrides.ca

    48 min
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About

Jim Smardon and Eric Holman, from The Real Estate Team, are grabbing a mic to discuss all things Community and Halifax Real Estate! Join Jim and Eric as they talk about how to manage the challenges you may face listing your home, to avoid ”seller’s remorse.” They also will chat about the importance of understanding a community beyond real estate, their military backgrounds, and their involvement in coaching youth sports. On this show, you can expect guest industry professionals and community leaders, who can provide comprehensive insights to help you make informed decisions about choosing your new community, including practical aspects like childcare and recreational facilities. Tune in to Community Game Plan for community, real estate, and other shenanigans!

Information

  • Creator
    The Real Estate Team
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Real Estate Team
  • Show Website
    Community Game Plan