House Party: Design, Real Estate & Shenanigans

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A mortgage is one of the biggest financial commitments most people will ever make, but how much do you really know about yours?

In this episode of House Party: Design, Real Estate & Shenanigans, hosts Maria Perketa and Mary Da Rosa welcome Jesse Hazen Mallery, Mortgage Broker with BRX Mortgage, for an informative conversation that goes far beyond interest rates.

Serving clients across Ontario, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia, Jesse shares why working with a mortgage broker can open doors to more options, greater flexibility, and long-term financial strategies tailored to your goals. From first-time homebuyers to seasoned homeowners, investors, and self-employed entrepreneurs, this episode is packed with practical advice that can help you make smarter mortgage decisions.

Together, they discuss:
 • How a mortgage broker differs from your bank
 • Essential advice for first-time homebuyers
 • Why qualifying can be more challenging for self-employed Canadians
 • The biggest mortgage mistakes homeowners make
 • What every homeowner should know about their mortgage—but many don’t

Then it’s time for Daily Shenanigans, where Jesse reveals his unexpected passion for reality TV and true crime. As it turns out, solving mortgage puzzles and solving murder mysteries have more in common than you might think!

Whether you’re buying your first home, renewing your mortgage, refinancing, or simply planning ahead, this episode offers valuable insights to help you make confident financial decisions.

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

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Luxury outdoor living has evolved far beyond patios and gardens. Today’s exterior spaces are thoughtfully designed extensions of the home—places to gather, entertain, recharge, and create lasting memories.

In this episode of House Party: Design, Real Estate & Shenanigans, Maria Perketa and Mary DaRosa welcome returning guest Peter Bonanno for a conversation about the future of landscape design, luxury outdoor environments, and the craftsmanship required to bring extraordinary spaces to life.

Together, they explore what homeowners are asking for today, from outdoor kitchens and wellness retreats to integrated lighting, privacy features, and resort-style experiences at home. They discuss why timeless design is replacing trend-driven projects and what it truly means to create intentional outdoor living spaces that reflect how people live.

Peter also shares valuable insight into the evolving role of stewardship in high-end residential projects—explaining the difference between simply completing work and protecting the integrity of a vision from concept through execution.

Whether you’re planning a backyard transformation, building a custom home, or simply appreciate thoughtful design, this episode offers practical advice and a fresh perspective on creating outdoor spaces that age beautifully and function exceptionally.

Topics include:
 • Luxury outdoor living trends
 • Intentional landscape design
 • Outdoor kitchens, wellness spaces, and resort-inspired features
 • Stewardship versus traditional contracting
 • Material selection and timeless design
 • The hidden infrastructure that determines long-term success
 • Practical guidance for homeowners planning outdoor projects

Because great outdoor spaces aren’t just built—they’re thoughtfully crafted, curated, and experienced.

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Season 3 is here!

Join Maria Perketa and Mary Da Rosa as they kick off a brand-new season of House Party: Design, Real Estate & Shenanigans. This season, we’re opening the door to inspiring conversations with celebrity artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and creative minds from across a variety of industries.

In this premiere episode, Maria and Mary explore what’s influencing the worlds of design and real estate as we look ahead to 2026 and beyond. From evolving styles and consumer preferences to market shifts, innovation, and the growing connection between how we live, work, invest, and create, the conversation offers insight, perspective, and plenty of food for thought.

Whether you’re commuting to work, heading to a showing, managing a project, or simply looking for an engaging conversation to accompany your day, House Party brings together industry expertise, real-world experience, inspiration, and a healthy dose of shenanigans.

Pull up a seat, turn up the volume, and join us as we open new doors, share new perspectives, and kick off our most exciting season yet.

“Where great design, smart real estate, and unforgettable conversations all come together under one roof.” 🎙️🏡✨

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What makes a home feel timeless in a world of ever-changing trends?

In this episode of House Party: Design & Real Estate, hosts Maria Perketa  & Mary DaRosa sit down with Edy Rodriguez, Principal of Rose & Stone Interiors, for an inspiring conversation about the future of design and the principles that never go out of style.

Together, they explore the trends shaping homes as we move into 2026—from emerging colours, textures, and materials to the growing desire for spaces that feel authentic, functional, and deeply personal. The conversation goes beyond what’s trending to examine what truly creates lasting value in a home and how thoughtful design can enhance both lifestyle and longevity.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

✨ The design trends gaining momentum for 2026
 ✨ What “timeless design” really means in today’s homes
 ✨ How to balance current trends with lasting appeal
 ✨ The inspiration behind great design and creative vision
 ✨ Features and finishes that continue to stand the test of time
 ✨ Why thoughtful design is one of the best investments you can make

Whether you’re renovating, building, decorating, or simply looking for inspiration, this episode offers valuable insights into creating spaces that are beautiful today and relevant for years to come.

Because while trends come and go, great design never goes out of style.

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Rental Cash Damming Reimagined: A Guide to Smarter Wealth Building

On this episode of House Party: Design, Real Estate & Shenanigans, we sat down with a mortgage specialist to unpack one of the most powerful — yet often misunderstood — wealth-building strategies available to Canadian real estate investors: Rental Cash Damming.

For many landlords, increasing cash flow, reducing taxes, and accelerating mortgage repayment can feel like competing priorities. Rental cash damming is a strategy designed to help investors optimize all three by restructuring how rental income and expenses flow through their finances.

During our conversation, we explored:

What is Rental Cash Damming, and Why Do So Many Canadian Landlords Use It?

We discussed how the strategy works, why it has become increasingly popular among real estate investors, and how it can help convert non-deductible personal debt into tax-deductible investment debt while improving overall financial efficiency.

Who is the Ideal Candidate?

Not every investor will benefit equally from cash damming. We reviewed the types of property owners and borrowers who may be best positioned to take advantage of the strategy and what financial circumstances make it most effective.

What Does the Setup Process Look Like?

From banking structure and mortgage products to working alongside qualified mortgage and tax professionals, we walked through the key steps required to properly implement a rental cash damming strategy.

Common Misconceptions Landlords Should Know

Many investors assume cash damming is complicated, risky, or only suitable for large portfolios. We addressed some of the most common myths and clarified what landlords need to understand before considering this approach.

Why This Matters

In today’s market, successful investing isn’t just about acquiring real estate—it’s about making your existing assets work harder. Understanding strategies like rental cash damming can help investors improve cash flow, build equity more efficiently, and create long-term wealth.

Whether you’re a first-time investor or a seasoned landlord, this episode offers valuable insights into how strategic financial planning can enhance your real estate portfolio.

🎙️ Tune in to hear the full conversation and discover whether rental cash damming could be a smart addition to your investment strategy.

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Get ready for an inspiring conversation with Agnes Kiesz, the creative mind and photographer behind Pure Studios — where capturing the “pure you” is more than just a motto.

Agnes has a simple but powerful philosophy: we should show up as the version of ourselves that aligns with our dream career and dream clients. Her motto, “Let’s capture pure you,” perfectly sums up her approach — helping people express who they truly are, both personally and professionally.

Over the years, Agnes has photographed more than 1,000 people, and for many of them, the experience has been completely transformative — not just for their brand or business, but for how they see themselves.

From helping clients translate their values into compelling visuals to creating content that feels both polished and real, she knows how to turn personality into a powerful marketing tool. She’s all about blending authenticity, confidence, and creativity through the lens, and I can’t wait to dive into her story and her process.

Agnes Kiesz, welcome to the show!

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Agnes Kiesz, Creative Director & Brand Photographer at Pure Studios

www.purestudios.co

IG: @pure.studios

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Joining us today is Keith Vanderkley — an audio pioneer who’s been redefining how we experience sound.

Keith came to Canada back in the ’70s with a passion for music and an engineering mind. After studying mechanical engineering, he dove into electronics and found the perfect mix of art and science — professional audio.

He spent over 20 years at the CBC, working his way up from studio tech to technical coordinator for CBC Radio in Toronto. From there, he took his expertise on the road — mixing live shows, recording bands, and designing sound systems for major venues and stadiums across North America.

In 2005, a chance meeting with Richard Newlove, one of the creators of NXT soundboard technology, changed his path completely. That partnership led him to Amina Technologies — also known as the invisible loudspeaker company.

Today, Keith is helping lead Amina as it redefines what great sound can look — and not look — like, with invisible speakers that are used around the world. These speakers are now used in homes, hotels, luxury retail, and architectural projects around the world, proving that high-performance audio doesn’t need to be seen to make an impact.

Keith’s story is all about curiosity, creativity, and innovation — and I can’t wait to dive into it.

Keith Vanderkley, welcome to the show!

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Keith Vanderkley, VP Engineering Solutions at Amina Technologies Ltd

www.aminasound.com

IG: @amina_invisible_speakers

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Today, we’re really excited to welcome someone who’s been shaping the commercial foodservice and appliance world for more than 25 years — Amir Girgis.

Amir is the President and Owner of Better Distribution, an independent distribution company that represents some of the top brands in the Canadian market — names like Kenyon Electric Cooktops & Grills, VarioCook, and RGX Kitchen Products. Through his leadership, Amir’s helped brands break into new markets, launch fresh product lines, and build strong partnerships that really move the needle.

Before running his own company, Amir was the Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Tulip Cooking, a premium appliance manufacturer. There, he led a dynamic team focused on expanding distribution, strengthening brand presence, and driving serious growth.

He also gives back to the industry as a member of the advisory board for RDRC, a residential dispute resolution center that helps people efficiently resolve construction and product-related disputes — so he’s not just focused on business growth, but also on helping the industry operate more fairly and effectively.

At the core of everything Amir does is a passion for innovation, sustainable growth, and building meaningful relationships — whether that’s with manufacturers, partners, or clients.

Kitchen appliances are evolving fast—getting smarter, more efficient, and designed to fit seamlessly into modern life. From connected cooking to sustainable features, these innovations are changing what consumers expect and how brands compete.

So, let’s dive in and hear from someone who truly knows what it takes to grow brands and build success in a changing market. Amir Girgis, welcome to the show!

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Amir Girgis, President/Owner at Better Distribution

www.betterdistribution.ca

IG: @amstergee

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In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Jill Gillis, founder and CEO of Next Rock Organizing, to the show! Based in Burlington and a busy mom of three, Jill brings over 22 years of professional experience in business, event management, and the non-profit sector to her work. With a strong focus on client trust and communication, she began the journey of Next Rock Organizing in June 2019 after recognizing a real need for this service in her local area of Oakville.

Since then, her team has helped individuals and families reduce stress, reclaim their time, and create lasting systems of organization in homes, offices, storage units—you name it. With a passion that began early in life, Jill has turned organizing into a full-scale operation that includes white-glove move management and a family concierge service, helping lighten the load for busy households.

With immense passion for home organization, the team at Next Rock is in their element when creating organizational systems that truly work for and improve the lives of their clients. They understand the mental toll that clutter can bring and strive to ensure the transformation clients experience is not just physical—but emotional as well. It’s this deeply personal approach to every project that truly sets Next Rock Organizing apart.

Whether you're facing a big move, trying to manage a chaotic household, or just looking to create more peace in your space, this episode will give you the insight and inspiration to take that first step.

Tune in now for a conversation full of purpose, passion, and real-life transformation.

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Jill Gillis, CEO at Next Rock Organizing

www.nextrockorganzing.ca

IG: @nextrockorganzing

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Design That Lasts: Innovation and Sustainability

Today we’re excited to welcome Andreina Valentini, the Design Manager at DV Kitchen and Bath, a leader in kitchen and bath solutions, to explore how innovation, technology and sustainability are shaping the future of kitchen and bath design. With years of experience helping clients transform their spaces, she brings a wealth of knowledge about design trends, functionality, and the art of creating spaces that truly reflect how people live. 

After starting her career in corporate and healthcare interiors, Andreina found her true calling in luxury residential design. Now, through DV Kitchens, she partners with top architects, designers, and builders to turn big ideas into beautifully crafted, fully custom millwork.

She’s passionate about bridging the gap between design and fabrication — making sure every piece tells a story, serves a purpose, and stands the test of time.

Andreina shares her approach to creating spaces that blend beauty, function, and longevity and what truly makes a design stand out.

Andreina Valentini, Designer and Co-Owner at DV Kitchens

DV Kitchens, a custom millwork company that brings high-end residential spaces to life through bespoke craftsmanship. 

www.dvkitchens.ca

IG: @dvkitchensandbaths