Real as it Gets with Gord and Trev

What actually determines whether you'll qualify for a mortgage?

In Episode 24, Gord and Trev sit down with mortgage specialist Tom Winski from A Better Way Mortgage Group to talk credit scores, income, pre-approvals, fixed versus variable rates, affordability and mortgage renewals.

Tom explains why a pre-approval isn't necessarily a guarantee, what lenders actually look for, why credit utilization matters and how buyers can put themselves in a stronger position before applying for a mortgage.

We also get into the upcoming mortgage renewals for homeowners who purchased during the 2021 and 2022 market and what can happen when today's property value looks very different from the value when you purchased.

A practical conversation about mortgages without trying to make mortgages sound simple.

Should you keep renting or is it time to buy?

In Episode 23, Gord and Trev tackle one of the biggest debates in real estate: renting versus owning.

We compare homeownership with investing in the stock market, discuss building equity, leverage, forced savings, maintenance costs, flexibility and generational wealth, and look at how getting into the market with a first property can become a stepping stone to something larger.

We also run through a simple five-year condo example and talk about situations where renting really can make more sense.

Yes, we're two Realtors talking about buying real estate. We know. So feel free to call us out in the comments.

The fall GTA real estate market is underway, but it doesn't look anything like the markets buyers and sellers became accustomed to.

Gord and Trev talk about rising inventory, slower sales, financing problems, home-inspection renegotiations, conditional offers and sellers becoming more realistic.

Then we get into the fine print: unusual Schedule B clauses, buyer deposits, missed deposit deadlines and what can happen when a buyer simply doesn't close.

It's a market where negotiating, communication, pricing and experience matter again, and there may be some very interesting opportunities hiding underneath all the negative headlines.

Gord and Trev take on 20 rapid-fire real estate questions with one rule: no saying “it depends.”

Buy now or wait? Condo or freehold? Toronto or the suburbs? New build or resale? Turnkey or fixer-upper? Pools, basements, corner lots, busy streets, renovations, investing, AI and more.

We also talk about where we see value in today's GTA market and finish by putting ourselves on the record with our prediction for GTA home prices one year from now.

Quick answers, real opinions and a few moments where we definitely don't agree.

For Episode 20, we're changing things up.

Gord turns interviewer and puts Trev in the hot seat to find out more about the person behind the podcast and the newly launched Thiessen Team.

Trev talks about his life before real estate, starting his career at just 23, doing more than 60 leases in his first three years, becoming a Toronto condo specialist, and eventually growing those early relationships into a successful referral-based real estate business.

We also get into why he decided to build a team after more than a decade as a solo agent, the thinking behind his new brand, his unconventional approach to social media and why he believes you can be serious about real estate without taking yourself too seriously.

Then we get into AI, the future of Realtors and whether technology will replace agents or simply make the best ones better. Trev's view is that technology can improve efficiency and analysis, but real estate ultimately remains a relationship business built on people liking and trusting the person representing them.

And we finish with a rapid-fire round that goes slightly off the rails — which seems appropriate for Real As It Gets.

Closing day should be exciting, but what happens when you get the keys and discover the AC doesn't work, the roof leaks, appliances are broken or the previous owner left a house full of junk?

In Episode 19, Gord and Trev share real closing day problems they've dealt with and explain what buyers and sellers can do to protect themselves. We talk about final walkthroughs, home inspections, known defects, seller disclosure, holdbacks, cleaning expectations and what can happen when a disagreement ends up with the lawyers.

Plus, Gord has one simple message for sellers with a basement full of old paint and leftover flooring: please don't assume the buyer wants your stuff. Ask first! The episode includes several real examples of unwanted paint, flooring, furniture and other debris being left behind for the new owners.

Gord and Trev are back from summer break and looking ahead to the Fall 2026 GTA real estate market.

Will buyers return after Labour Day? Are prices headed lower? Will inventory increase? And what happens as homeowners who bought during the peak of the market begin renewing their mortgages?

We discuss what we're seeing right now, why turnkey homes are still attracting buyers, where investors have gone, the potential impact of mortgage renewals, and whether this fall could create some of the best opportunities buyers have seen in years.

Plus, Gord and Trev make their predictions for the fall market and what it could tell us about where real estate is heading in 2027.

It's uncertain, it's complicated, and that's exactly why we're keeping it Real As It Gets.

In Episode 17 of Real As It Gets with Gord and Trev, we take a fresh look at condo living and why it may be one of the smartest lifestyle and investment choices in today's market.

While much of the media focuses on falling condo prices, we discuss the opportunities buyers are seeing right now and why condos continue to make sense for first-time buyers, downsizers, investors, and anyone looking for a low-maintenance lifestyle.

We also break down some of the biggest misconceptions about condo ownership, including maintenance fees, reserve funds, special assessments, security, amenities, and what it's really like to live in a well-managed building.

If you've ever wondered whether condo living is right for you, this episode will help you understand both the financial and lifestyle advantages.

• Why now may be a great time to buy a condo
• Lock and leave living explained
• The truth about maintenance fees
• Reserve funds and special assessments made simple
• Security and peace of mind
• Condo amenities and lifestyle benefits
• Walkability and urban living
• Condo investing opportunities
• Downsizing without sacrificing lifestyle
• What buyers should look for in a well-managed building

Whether you're buying your first condo, considering downsizing, or adding an investment property to your portfolio, this episode will help you make a more informed decision.

🎙️ Subscribe to Real As It Gets with Gord and Trev for honest conversations, practical advice, and real-world real estate insights.

In Episode 16 of Real As It Gets with Gord and Trev, we dive into one of the most important parts of any real estate transaction: negotiation.

Whether you're buying your first home, selling a family property, or investing in real estate, understanding the psychology behind an offer can make the difference between getting a great deal and leaving money on the table.

We discuss why low offers shouldn't be taken personally, how timing can completely change a negotiation, the importance of understanding motivation, and why emotion can sometimes become the biggest obstacle to reaching a successful outcome.

Drawing on real experiences from our own transactions, we share practical strategies that buyers and sellers can use to negotiate with confidence in today's market.

In this episode we cover:

• Why negotiation is about more than just price
• The psychology behind low offers
• When to counter and when to walk away
• Why timing is often everything
• How closing dates can influence negotiations
• The importance of asking the right questions
• Buyer and seller motivations explained
• Real world negotiation stories from our own experiences
• Why every successful negotiation should be a win win

Whether you're buying, selling, or simply curious about how real estate negotiations work behind the scenes, this episode will help you understand the strategies professionals use every day.

🎙️ Subscribe to Real As It Gets with Gord and Trev for honest conversations, practical advice, and real world real estate insights.

In Episode 15 of Real As It Gets with Gord and Trev, we sit down with our first-ever guest, Carlo Tarini, Broker Owner of Royal LePage Realty Plus and one of the most respected leaders in Ontario real estate.

With more than 40 years of experience in residential, commercial, and investment real estate, Carlo shares his perspective on how the industry has evolved, what separates successful Realtors from those who struggle, and the challenges facing today's market.

We discuss the current state of the real estate industry, why so many new agents fail, the importance of professionalism and education, the role of brokerages in supporting agents, and how technology and AI are changing the business.

Whether you're a Realtor, considering a career in real estate, or simply curious about what happens behind the scenes, this episode offers a candid look at the realities of the industry from someone who has seen every market cycle over the past four decades.

Topics covered include:

• What 40 years in real estate teaches you
• Why most Realtors don't make it long term
• The importance of coaching, culture, and mentorship
• The challenges facing today's real estate industry
• How the market has changed since the 1990s
• The future of real estate and AI
• Leadership lessons from running a successful brokerage
• What separates top-producing agents from everyone else

If you enjoy practical real estate advice, industry insights, and honest conversations, be sure to subscribe to Real As It Gets with Gord and Trev.