In this episode, we dive into a major strata decision, a proposed $9 million building-envelope upgrade that would cost many homeowners over $200k each. Supporters say it's essential long-term maintenance; others argue it's unnecessary, fear-driven, and financially overwhelming for many residents.

Drawing from recent strata minutes, engineering reports, and council discussions, we look at how this decision unfolded, why some owners feel pressured to vote yes, and whether the scope of work matches what's really needed.

This episode will focus on how to spot bias or persuasion in strata communication, what engineering reports actually say versus how they're interpreted, the financial and emotional impact of large-scale special assessments, and why these situations are becoming more common across B.C. condos.

Whether you're a homeowner, strata council member, or future buyer, this episode offers insight into the complex balance between maintaining value and managing affordability in today's aging buildings.

Podcast Videos can be found on the Garbutt + Dumas Real Estate Team YouTube channel.

Email us at [email protected]

James Garbutt [email protected] Instagram: /jamesgarbutt Facebook: /jamesgarbutt

Denny Dumas [email protected] Instagram: /denny.dumas Facebook: /denny.dumas.5

Garbutt + Dumas Real Estate Instagram: /gdrealestateteam Facebook: /gdrealestateteam Website: garbuttdumas.ca

The Bank of Canada's latest rate cut has buyers hopeful, but the Vancouver market tells a different story. Despite lower borrowing costs, inventory continues to climb, and many homes are still sitting as we move deeper into a true buyer's market.

James and Denny share what they're seeing firsthand as realtors in today's shifting market — listings sitting longer, price reductions becoming common, and buyers taking their time. They discuss how this new phase is changing strategies for both buyers and sellers as confidence slowly rebuilds after the BoC's latest rate cut.

This episode will focus on the most recent BoC rate cut, how lower rates are (and aren't) impacting buyer activity in Vancouver and surrounding areas, rising inventory levels, buyer and seller psychology, and market outlook for the next few months.

Podcast Videos can be found on the Garbutt + Dumas Real Estate Team YouTube channel

Email us at [email protected]

James Garbutt [email protected] Instagram: /jamesgarbutt Facebook: /jamesgarbutt

Denny Dumas [email protected] Instagram: /denny.dumas Facebook: /denny.dumas.5

Garbutt + Dumas Real Estate Instagram: /gdrealestateteam Facebook: /gdrealestateteam Website: garbuttdumas.ca

Depreciation reports are one of the most important — and misunderstood — tools in strata real estate. These reports reveal the true condition of a building, outline upcoming repair costs, and can significantly influence a property's value and long-term investment potential.

James and Denny break down how depreciation reports influence strata health, budgeting, and property values, helping buyers and owners understand the real story behind the numbers.

This episode will focus on depreciation reports and why they're required in B.C., how often depreciation reports should be updated, the connection between depreciation reports and strata fees or special levies, common red flags to look for in aging buildings and a call back to episode 40 on depreciation reports.

Podcast Videos can be found on the Garbutt + Dumas Real Estate Team YouTube channel

Email us at [email protected]

James Garbutt [email protected] Instagram: /jamesgarbutt Facebook: /jamesgarbutt

Denny Dumas [email protected] Instagram: /denny.dumas Facebook: /denny.dumas.5

Garbutt + Dumas Real Estate Instagram: /gdrealestateteam Facebook: /gdrealestateteam Website: garbuttdumas.ca

The Bank of Canada's 0.25% rate cut has done little to heat up Vancouver's sluggish real estate market, leaving buyers and sellers cautious in an increasingly volatile environment. Developers are feeling the squeeze as high costs, weak demand, and policy shifts make it harder than ever to bring projects to life.

James and Denny talk about supporting clients as they adapt to the realities of a slower housing market, sharing insights on shifting buyer expectations, seller strategies, and how to stay prepared in today's uncertain landscape.

This episode will focus on the BoC rate cut, the realities of a slower market, fixed rate changes as bonds go down, the uncertainty of everything, very low sales volumes, and selling stats covering Burnaby, Coquitlam, New West, East Van and North Van.

Email us at [email protected]

James Garbutt [email protected] Instagram: /jamesgarbutt Facebook: /jamesgarbutt

Denny Dumas [email protected] Instagram: /denny.dumas Facebook: /denny.dumas.5

Garbutt + Dumas Real Estate Instagram: /gdrealestateteam Facebook: /gdrealestateteam Website: garbuttdumas.ca

A swell of condo inventory is reshaping the resale landscape, giving buyers unprecedented choice and bargaining power. We'll unpack where the numbers sit now and spotlight the savvy moves that can turn this surplus into opportunity.

James and Denny share how they're approaching the condo market's high-inventory landscape with both buyers and sellers, unpacking the tactics that help clients stand out and capitalize on surplus supply.

This episode will focus on the current condo resale market in Vancouver, high levels of inventory, conversations with buyers and sellers, the New West condo market, sales ratios, and the difficulty in selling.

Email us at [email protected]

James Garbutt [email protected] Instagram: /jamesgarbutt Facebook: /jamesgarbutt

Denny Dumas [email protected] Instagram: /denny.dumas Facebook: /denny.dumas.5

Garbutt + Dumas Real Estate Instagram: /gdrealestateteam Facebook: /gdrealestateteam Website: garbuttdumas.ca

The shifting buyers' market is rewriting Vancouver real estate playbooks, demanding frank conversations that sometimes include tough truths on pricing and timelines. This episode unpacks how to deliver bad news gracefully while setting rock-solid expectations that keep both buyers and sellers confident and on track.

James and Denny share real-life conversations with clients and discuss how important it is to set expectations early on.

This episode will focus on tough conversations with buyers and sellers, delivering bad news, setting expectations, buyers taking their time, people dealing with FOMO, dealing with low ball offers, bringing clarity to the situation and predictions for the future.

Podcast Videos can be found on the Garbutt + Dumas Real Estate Team YouTube channel

Email us at [email protected]

James Garbutt [email protected] Instagram: /jamesgarbutt Facebook: /jamesgarbutt

Denny Dumas [email protected] Instagram: /denny.dumas Facebook: /denny.dumas.5

Garbutt + Dumas Real Estate Instagram: /gdrealestateteam Facebook: /gdrealestateteam Website: garbuttdumas.ca

Metro Vancouver is experiencing a deceptively quiet spring with inventory climbing even as the Bank of Canada holds rates steady. We unpack how that rising supply and the new GST changes could reshape strategies for buyers, sellers, and investors alike.

James and Denny discuss how they're navigating today's buyer-seller dynamics and the real-world scenarios unfolding in the market.

This episode will focus on the Bank of Canada rate hold decision, climbing inventories, low sales volume across all markets, first-time buyers' GST changes, economic woes, tough time to list, great time for buyers, and fall market predictions.

Email us at [email protected]

James Garbutt [email protected] Instagram: /jamesgarbutt Facebook: /jamesgarbutt

Denny Dumas [email protected] Instagram: /denny.dumas Facebook: /denny.dumas.5

Garbutt + Dumas Real Estate Instagram: /gdrealestateteam Facebook: /gdrealestateteam Website: garbuttdumas.ca

Vancouver's condo market is reeling as presale buyers face steep losses, with completed units reselling for less than their launch prices. Analysts warn that the wave of cancellations, investor fatigue, and rising carrying costs has turned once-sure-thing presales into a cautionary tale of condo crisis and buyer pain.

James and Denny dive into Vancouver's condo crisis, spotlighting painful presale contracts and Brentwood towers now trading below their launch prices.

This episode will focus on pre-sale condo pain, Vancouver and Toronto condo collapse, selling less than presale, buyers not qualifying for mortgages, many families not looking to live in condos, developers struggling and predictions for the future.

Podcast Videos can be found on the Garbutt + Dumas Real Estate Team YouTube channel

Email us at [email protected]

James Garbutt [email protected] Instagram: /jamesgarbutt Facebook: /jamesgarbutt

Denny Dumas [email protected] Instagram: /denny.dumas Facebook: /denny.dumas.5

Garbutt + Dumas Real Estate Instagram: /gdrealestateteam Facebook: /gdrealestateteam Website: garbuttdumas.ca

The Bank of Canada has kept its benchmark interest rate steady at 2.75%, putting a pause on a streak of seven straight cuts. In its Wednesday announcement, the Bank acknowledged a significant slowdown in the Canadian economy but opted to hold the rate as it awaits more clarity on U.S. trade policy and the broader effects of tariffs.

James and Denny share their on-the-ground insights as Vancouver realtors, highlighting what they're seeing in this spring market.

This episode will focus on the Bank of Canada's recent rate hold, more rate cuts this year, fixed rates going up, variable vs fixed in the current market, upcoming elections, rental rates going down, construction is very expensive and predictions for the future.

Podcast Videos can be found on the Garbutt + Dumas Real Estate Team YouTube channel

Email us at [email protected]

James Garbutt [email protected] Instagram: /jamesgarbutt Facebook: /jamesgarbutt

Denny Dumas [email protected] Instagram: /denny.dumas Facebook: /denny.dumas.5

Garbutt + Dumas Real Estate Instagram: /gdrealestateteam Facebook: /gdrealestateteam Website: garbuttdumas.ca

Thinking about jumping into real estate? In this episode, we discuss whether investing in Vancouver real estate still makes sense today, explore different property types, and discuss long-term appreciation in a market everyone's watching.

James and Denny discuss whether it's still worth investing in the Vancouver real estate market, diving into current trends and popular investment property types.

This episode will focus on investing in Vancouver real estate and if it's still worth it, different property types and their popularity, is positive cash flow possible, being in a buyers market, the current state of prebuilts, and long-term appreciation predictions.

Podcast Videos can be found on the Garbutt + Dumas Real Estate Team YouTube channel

Email us at [email protected]

James Garbutt [email protected] Instagram: /jamesgarbutt Facebook: /jamesgarbutt

Denny Dumas [email protected] Instagram: /denny.dumas Facebook: /denny.dumas.5

Garbutt + Dumas Real Estate Instagram: /gdrealestateteam Facebook: /gdrealestateteam Website: garbuttdumas.ca