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There are lots of famous quotes by famous people about the value of history. One example is by Teddy Roosevelt, “I believe the more you about the past the better you are prepared for the future.”

In this episode, Robert Malcolm of Perch Mortgage Brokerage discusses the history and future trends of the real estate market in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). There’s been significant growth in property equity since 1989, with an increase of 336%.

Malcolm also discusses the impact of interest rates on the real estate market, noting the high rates of the late 80s and early 90s and the subsequent shift to lower rates. He suggests that the current market is shifting towards a buyer's market due to affordability issues and increased supply and advises potential buyers to ensure they can afford their mortgage payments and to seek professional advice before making a purchase.

Listen For
3:40 The Historical Context of Real Estate in the GTA
5:48 The Impacts of Government Policies and Interest Rates
7:43 Market Dynamics Post-Pandemic
9:37 Current Market Conditions and Strategy

Guest: Robert Malcolm, Perch Mortgages
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Real Estate Agent
Royal LePage Credit Valley Real Estate, Brokerage
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Incentives offered by builders can come in various forms, such as discounts on the purchase price, free upgrades, waived closing costs, and rental guarantees. These exciting incentives may seem too good to pass up as they could lead to significant cost savings. 

However, there could be hidden fees or perhaps simple misinterpretations. In this must-listen podcast episode, you'll learn why you should always do your due diligence and research the builder and the development before making an investment. By listening to this episode, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to make a smart investment and secure your dream home.

In this episode Nicole shares the benefits of assignments, capped development fees, and early occupancy. Lastly, she talks about the HST rebate eligibility criteria for investors purchasing pre-construction condos in the GTA.

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Royal LePage Credit Valley Real Estate, Brokerage
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This bonus wellness episode of Real Estate with Nicole is dedicated to personal safety and self-defence .

Rob and Beth Andress, owners of Street Safe Self-Defense discuss some of the misconceptions between the study of martial arts and self-defence. They also touch on various aspects of the physiological, and psychological responses related to how you may react (voluntarily or involuntarily) to a physical threat and provide practical tips and tricks for you to consider.  

Highlights of the episode include:

1. Myth-busting - Martial Arts (controlled environment) vs Self-Defence (uncontrolled environment)
2. Urban warriors - the power of awareness & preparedness (self-, situational-, and environmental-)
3. Avoid strained landlord and tenant interactions - how professional behaviour and the ability to let go of your ego in all interactions are vital

Because awareness & preparedness are your first line of defence. 

Guests: Beth and Rob Andress, Street Safe Self-Defence
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Royal LePage Credit Valley Real Estate, Brokerage
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A builder's reputation is indicative of their quality and reliability, and a good reputation often means the builder delivers high-quality projects on time and within budget. The factors contributing to a builder's reputation include their track record, customer service, and transparency. 

Do your research into the builder's history and reputation, check reviews from previous buyers, and ensure the builder has a strong quality assurance program. And understand the pre-construction phase, where a certain percentage of units must be pre-sold before construction can begin. This phase helps ensure the developer has sufficient funds and gauges the demand for the project. 

 
Article of interest: GTA developer ordered to pay $180K after illegally selling pre-construction homes (msn.com)

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Royal LePage Credit Valley Real Estate, Brokerage
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When it comes to investing in pre-construction condos, “Location” plays an amplified role.

In this episode Nicole runs through a checklist of location factors to consider including the importance of proximity to transit hubs, neighbourhood amenities, and the potential for future growth in property value.

There are clear benefits to investing in pre-construction condos, such as a seven-year home warranty and the potential for limited issues due to the newness of the construction. But you need to think about what kind of tenants you’ll attract, supply and demand, and the characteristics of the neighbourhood when choosing a location for investment.

Listen For
8:15 Why the Importance of Location is Amplified with Pre-Construction Condo Investment
12:36 Master Planned Communities
13:40 Walking Score and Neighbourhood Statistics
14:34 Tenant Quality and Supply-Demand Dynamics

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Real Estate Agent
Royal LePage Credit Valley Real Estate, Brokerage
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In this episode, Nicole scans some of the lessons we gathered in the first eight episodes. She discusses the importance of knowledge and planning in achieving real estate investing goals, outlines the step-by-step process of purchasing a residential resale property, starting with an initial consultation with a realtor to understand the process and the role of the Real Estate Council of Ontario.

Nicole emphasizes the importance of determining purchasing parameters, including scope, cost, and timelines, and adjusting these as necessary. She also highlights the importance of having a real estate action plan and a team of professionals, such as a property inspector, real estate lawyer, and mortgage specialist.

Listen For:
1:32 Why small adjustments in your process are so important
3:14 Why that initial appointment with a realtor is a crucial step
8:20 A Real Estate Action Plan. It’s a must
10:52 Understanding your financial numbers beyond just the down payment, credit score, or income

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Royal LePage Credit Valley Real Estate, Brokerage
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Teamwork. Babe Ruth said it was fundamental to success. He knew a thing or two about success. 

For success with real estate investing, you need a well-coordinated team, including a real estate lawyer. Nicole introduces guest Kate Saldanha, a seasoned barrister solicitor with over 13 years of experience in law. They discuss the role of a real estate lawyer in a residential resale transaction, the importance of understanding legal terms like encumbrances, liens, and title, and the benefits of title insurance. They also stress the importance of involving a real estate lawyer early in the process to avoid potential issues and ensure smooth transactions.

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Listen For
5:27 How to manage through the unexpected surprises in a transaction
7:00 Ownership structure and agreements
7:58 Joint Ventures in residential properties
17:44 Understanding Title and Ownership

Guest: Kate Saldanha
Kate is an associate lawyer with Prouse, Dash & Crouch LLP. With her thoughtful approach to client needs and careful attention to detail, Kate is able to assist her clients to make well informed decisions whether they are developing an estate plan, owning a property, or making business decisions.
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Royal LePage Credit Valley Real Estate, Brokerage
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The mindset of the landlord. First you need to remember real estate is a long-term equity strategy that offers both financial and social rewards. Second you need to treat your real venture like the business it is, complete with risk assessments, mitigation plans, and being prepared for the unexpected. And third, you need to detach emotions from your decision-making.

Ready to do this?

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Listen for
4:14 This isn’t a get rich quick endeavour – it’s a long-term equity investment strategy.
5:17 Influencing factors:  the cost of ownership; job security; rental demand
7:53 Regulatory awareness
14:14 Leave emotions out of decision-making

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Real Estate Agent
Royal LePage Credit Valley Real Estate, Brokerage
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There are seven key factors related to home ownership and real estate investment. This episode introduces a framework with those seven components, including cost of ownership, job security, population growth, supply, regulatory changes, global factors, and reproduction versus market value. 

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What to Listen For
3:14 – The impact of interest rates on
8:54 – Discussion of job security
10:36 – The role of population growth
16:00 – Market value vs reproduction cost

Contact Nicole Lopez
Real Estate Agent
Royal LePage Credit Valley Real Estate, Brokerage
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In this episode we delve into the crucial role of home inspections in today’s cutthroat real estate market. Jamie Jarvie, a certified professional inspector, breaks down why home inspections aren’t just about passing or failing but rather about arming buyers and sellers with essential insights for property enhancement. It’s critical to have a certified professional inspector on board to safeguard all stakeholders in the transaction. 

Guest: Jamie Jarvie, Certified Professional Inspector, A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections

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Real Estate Agent
Royal LePage Credit Valley Real Estate, Brokerage
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