Keeping it Real

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Join Jacquie McCarnan in this episode of "Keeping It Real" podcast as she delves into the world of home inspections with Victoria Ballantine, the Lower Mainland's sole female house inspector. Victoria shares gripping stories from her experiences, including mishaps with other inspectors and challenges in inspecting presale properties. She emphasizes the advantages of having a woman's perspective, highlighting attention to detail and the production of easily understandable reports. Plus, she stresses the importance of pre-inspections for older homes, tackling insurance issues related to electrical panels and plumbing materials, and concludes DIY repairs, expressing interest in collaborating with property management companies.

Adding a lighthearted touch, Jacquie shares her fascination with her entrepreneurial journey on social media, particularly praising the thrill of learning to build a wall. A positive movie review for "Gran Turismo," based on a true story, adds an entertaining touch. 

Want to discover more valuable inspector insights? What are you waiting for—tune in now!

What was covered:

(00:36) Understanding potential property issues is crucial for buyers through inspections.

(03:36) Victoria's inspection discovered moisture issues before a property sale.

(05:12) New builds present challenges due to fast construction and overwhelmed inspectors.

(09:11) Challenges in conducting pre-sales walk-through inspections.

(12:19) Inspection reports are emphasized for legal protection post-purchase.

(13:34) The home inspection industry faces a scarcity of women.

(16:57) Insights into electrical panel issues and insurance challenges.

(18:30) Challenges associated with materials like polybutylene plumbing.

(19:38) Victoria's background and passion for helping people in the industry.

(22:48) Victoria's business, Allegiant Inspections, is mentioned with contact information.

(24:15) Jacquie’s daughter's business, Plunge Wellness, is a cold plunge and sauna studio in Squamish.

(25:27) Jacquie briefly shares thoughts on the movie "Gran Turismo" and recommends watching it.

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Uncover the latest real estate buzz on the 'Keeping it Real' podcast with Jacquie McCarnan! In this episode, dive deep into scams and predatory practices in the real estate industry, including shocking cases of title fraud and the infamous shadow flipping. Jacquie breaks down how scammers operate and offers crucial tips to protect yourself, emphasizing the importance of title insurance and cautious information sharing.

Beware of identity theft tactics and fraudulent phone calls! Jacquie shares real-life stories, urging you to stay vigilant. Learn about the rise of shadow flipping in Vancouver and how unsuspecting homeowners can fall victim to undervalued deals. Discover the regulatory changes and tax implications that impact short-term property ownership.

Tune in now and stay informed about the Vancouver and area market. Your home deserves the best protection!

What was covered:

00:28 Disclaimer about personal research and opinions.

00:50 Main topic: scams in the real estate industry.

01:10 Title fraud case in Ontario; vulnerability due to identity theft.

02:26 Explanation of title fraud and advice on title insurance.

03:33 Unauthorized access to a lawyer's key code leading to title transfer.

05:58 Reporting on title fraud scams in Toronto linked to organized crime.

06:43 Caution against identity fraud; a personal story about a phone scam.

09:01 Shadow flipping explained: predatory real estate practices.

16:12 Promotion of "Bear Refillery" and discussion on environmentally conscious practices.

18:20 Recommendation for Fargo series, Season 5.

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In the latest episode of ‘Keeping it Real’ podcast, Jacqui MacCarnon unpacks the BC government's upcoming Airbnb legislation, slated for implementation on May 1, 2024. The new rules, aiming to address housing shortages, dictate that Airbnb listings must be a principal residence, secondary suite, or accessory dwelling unit. Jacqui shares a fictional scenario of homeowners grappling with these changes, shedding light on the broader implications for property owners and the real estate investment scene.

As the landscape shifts, Jacqui underscores the need for property owners to assess their options. With exemptions in play and various considerations at play, she emphasizes consulting with a mortgage broker for personalized advice. 

Don’t miss out – Make strategic moves in BC's evolving real estate market now!

For additional resources and in-depth insights, visit https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals

What was covered:

01:25 Municipality Variances and Exemptions to Airbnb Rules

04:14 Impact of October 2023 Crackdown on Airbnb Rentals

06:12 Homeowner Options: Long-term Rental, Move-In, or Sell

08:38 Importance of Consulting a Mortgage Broker

09:05 Government Objective: Reducing Non-Compliant Airbnbs and Exemptions

11:19 Consideration of Investment for Property Compliance

13:08 Local Business Shout-out "The End of the Line Cafe" and Book Recommendation"The Biddlemores"

14:48 Reach Out for Airbnb Questions and Assistance

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Welcome to the second episode of the ‘Keeping it Real’ podcast, where Jacquie McCarnon delves into the topic of BC Assessment, shedding light on its impact on homeowners and how it may not accurately reflect current market conditions. Exploring scenarios of both high and low assessments, she provides valuable insights into navigating the process and making informed decisions.

Jacquie also imparts the significance of rental property management, emphasizing the importance of keeping rental rates up-to-date to maximize property value and flexibility for potential future sales. In addition to real estate insights, Jacquie recommends the thrilling movie "Saltburn" and highlights the North Shore Ski and Board shop as a fantastic local business. 

Tune in with Jacquie's practical advice and tips for homeowners and landlords about the real estate market in Vancouver and area.

What was covered:

02:09 Dealing with High BC Assessments

04:06 Addressing Low BC Assessments

06:22 Rental Property Strategies

07:46 Real-Life Example and Recommendations

09:33  Navigating 2023 and Future Real Estate Predictions

11:19  Movie Recommendation: "Saltburn"

12:16  Local Business Spotlight: North Shore Ski and Board

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Welcome to the first episode of the 'Keeping It Real' podcast, where Jacquie McCarnon takes us on a journey through the Vancouver real estate market. In this episode, Jacquie unravels the myths surrounding the tantalizing promise of making money in real estate with no upfront cash. Using the hypothetical case of a guy named Jim, Jacquie delves into the potential pitfalls, shedding light on concepts like shadow flipping and return on investment.

This isn't your typical 'get rich quick' scheme; it's a reality check. Jacquie emphasizes the importance of real estate investor advisors and emphasizes the need for strategic planning and market understanding, exposing the allure and truth behind those too-good-to-be-true seminars.

Tune in and don't miss out on this episode, where she also discusses alternative investment options and the risks associated with foreign investments. 

What was covered:

• 02:05 The Reality of Real Estate Investment
• 04:42 The Allure of Get-Rich-Quick Seminars
• 06:05 The Truth Behind the Seminars
• 08:59 The Aftermath and Lessons Learned
• 09:24 Exploring Other Investment Options
• 12:42 The Risks of Foreign Investment
• 14:01 Local Business Feature: Deep Cove Collective
• 14:43 Book Recommendation: The Boys in the Boat