In this episode of our podcast, I had the pleasure of welcoming back Harry, a seasoned real estate investor and developer with over 40 years of experience. Harry, who humorously mentioned he was in prison (figuratively, of course), shared valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs he has faced in his various projects, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and rising interest rates.

We kicked off the conversation by discussing Harry’s current projects, including the long-delayed Beachwalk Flats in Cobourg, which he hopes to deliver by March-April 2025. He emphasized the importance of perseverance during tough times, encouraging listeners to keep moving forward and not to give up just before reaching their goals. Harry shared his philosophy of maintaining a “deathbed mentality,” which helps him prioritize what truly matters in life—relationships, health, and experiences—over financial losses.

As we delved deeper, Harry offered practical advice for investors who may be feeling overwhelmed by the current market conditions. He highlighted the significance of focusing on opportunities rather than problems and maintaining a positive mindset. Drawing from his own experiences, he discussed the importance of nurturing inner circle relationships, staying physically active, and finding meaning in life beyond financial success.

Harry also shared his daily routines, which include working out seven days a week and engaging with motivational materials from influential figures like Wayne Dyer and Tony Robbins. He believes that cultivating a positive mindset is crucial for overcoming challenges and achieving personal and professional growth.

Throughout the episode, Harry recounted stories of individuals he has mentored, illustrating how they transformed their lives by addressing key areas such as relationships, spirituality, finances, and physical health. He emphasized that anyone can overcome their struggles by taking small, consistent steps toward improvement.

We also touched on Harry’s past experiences with failed ventures, including a challenging restaurant business that ultimately cost him $1.6 million. He candidly discussed the lessons learned from these failures and the importance of knowing when to pivot or let go of a project that isn’t working.

As we wrapped up the episode, Harry shared his vision for future projects, including a new development aimed at creating luxury townhomes for those looking to downsize. He stressed the importance of contributing positively to the community and building something meaningful that will outlast him.

This episode is packed with wisdom, motivation, and practical advice for anyone navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship and real estate investment. Harry’s authentic approach and unwavering enthusiasm for life serve as a reminder that while challenges are inevitable, maintaining a positive outlook and focusing on what truly matters can lead to success and fulfillment.

Get in Touch with Harry James

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harryjameslivereal

This episode has been brought to you in part by:

Dalia Barsoum, Streetwise Mortgages – https://streetwisemortgages.com

Do you need help or ideas for your own real estate investing business? Reach out and let us support your journey www.sarahlarbi.com or email [email protected]

The post Navigating Challenges: Insights on Resilience and Mindset in Business first appeared on Sarah Larbi Developments.

From Conversions to Ground-Up Developments: A Developer’s Journey in Real Estate

In this episode, I had the pleasure of welcoming back Darren Voros, a seasoned real estate developer specializing in missing middle projects in Toronto. It’s hard to believe that it’s been a couple of years since our last conversation, and during that time, the real estate landscape has undergone significant changes.

We kicked off the episode by reflecting on the state of the market two years ago, just before the peak of the real estate frenzy. Darren shared insights into his current focus as a developer, primarily working on ground-up developments of eight to ten-unit buildings in Toronto’s downtown core, as well as projects in Kitchener and Hamilton. He explained the importance of purpose-built rentals and how his team has successfully completed several projects while having more in the pipeline.

Darren provided a detailed overview of the project timeline, emphasizing the impact of recent legislative changes, particularly Bill 23, which streamlined the site plan approval process for smaller developments. This change has significantly reduced the time and costs associated with getting projects off the ground, allowing developers like Darren to move from land acquisition to stabilization in about two years.

We delved into the complexities of site plan approval, discussing the various studies and requirements that developers must navigate. Darren highlighted the financial implications of these processes, sharing his experiences with costs that can quickly escalate into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

As we explored the financial side of his projects, Darren explained how he acquires land, often using private money and investor capital. He detailed the construction costs, which have decreased significantly since he brought construction in-house, allowing for better control over expenses and timelines. We discussed the advantages of CMHC MLI Select financing, which has provided favorable terms for his projects, including low interest rates and long amortization periods.

Darren also shared his strategies for attracting private and investor capital, emphasizing the importance of building relationships and establishing credibility. He discussed the value of thought leadership and networking outside traditional real estate circles, particularly with professionals who are interested in investing but do not want to be actively involved in the management of properties.

Towards the end of the episode, we touched on the challenges and risks associated with real estate development, including the need for contingency plans and the reality that things can—and often do—go wrong. Darren candidly shared some of his experiences with unexpected setbacks and the lessons learned along the way.

Finally, we wrapped up the conversation by discussing Darren’s future plans, including his upcoming projects in Costa Rica and his commitment to scaling his business model to address the ongoing housing crisis. He reiterated the importance of balancing ethical and financial considerations in development, which is a core value of his work.

For anyone interested in learning more about Darren’s work or getting involved in real estate development, he shared his website and contact information, encouraging listeners to reach out.

This episode is packed with valuable insights for both seasoned investors and those new to the real estate development space. I hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed having this enlightening conversation with Darren!

Contact Darren Voros

This episode has been brought to you in part by:

Do you need help or ideas for your own real estate investing business? Reach out and let us support your journey www.sarahlarbi.com or email [email protected]

The post Developing and Building multifamily in Toronto first appeared on Sarah Larbi Developments.

Navigating the Short-Term Rental Landscape: Insights from Spencer and Ashley

In this episode, we sit down with Ashley and Spencer, experts in the world of short-term rental properties. With a wealth of knowledge and experience, they share insights into the short-term rental market, particularly in the Niagara area of Canada and their recent expansion into the U.S.

The post Maximizing Revenue in Short-Term Rentals first appeared on Sarah Larbi Developments.

More Canadians are looking south of the border for real estate investing opportunities.

I recently sat down with Voytek Mardula and James Lloyd from US Properties to discuss the exciting opportunities in the rebounding city of Detroit.

In this episode you will be able to learn about:

Voytek Mardula, a lifelong entrepreneur, has owned and operated businesses in various industries over the last 25 years, including hospitality, brand-name apparel and telecommunications. In the last 12 years, he has also gained extensive experience in investing in and managing rental properties, both in the US and Canada and operates and manages over 300 doors in the greater Detroit area.

James Lloyd is the Canadian Sales Manager for USProperties.ca. With over 17 years of experience in hospitality and sales management experience, he has a passion for customer service and client relations. A graduate of the New York Restaurant School, James began his early career in restaurant management in New York City at several award-winning Manhattan restaurants.

Daily, James is responsible for overseeing the company’s client development and helping Canadian investors every step of the way with a turnkey solution for purchasing cash flow-positive real estate in the Detroit area.

The post Turnkey, Affordable US Real Estate Investing for Canadians first appeared on Sarah Larbi Developments.

Want to know why successful real estate investors are turning to fitness as their next big investment?

The surprising link between building wealth and building a healthier body will change the way you approach your business and personal success.

Tune in now and learn the unexpected wisdom from fitness expert Dimitri Giankoulas and learn how prioritizing your health could be the key to your full potential in real estate investing.

Don’t miss out on this game-changing perspective that could revolutionize the way you approach your investments.

Dimitri Giankoulas, also known as Coach Dimitri, brings 29 years of expertise in the fitness industry to the table. His story began as a personal trainer in a small boutique club, eventually leading him to manage corporate fitness clubs before taking the courageous step of launching his own successful fitness business.

Dimitri’s innovative body type specific training approach, tailored to the ectomorphic, mesomorphic, and endomorphic body types, has set a new standard in the industry. Adapting to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, he transitioned to an online personal training program, catering to men over 40 across different geographical locations.

Through a focus on mindset, accountability, and personalized coaching, Dimitri continues to transform lives, offering a fresh perspective on the significance of integrating fitness into the lives of entrepreneurs and business professionals.

Contact Dimitri Giankoulas here:

This episode has been brought to you in part by:

The post Struggling with Your Fitness Goals? Your Body Type May Be the Key first appeared on Sarah Larbi Developments.

Are you curious about the potential of hotel investments in real estate?

In this episode, I sit down with Mark Gonneau, an experienced real estate investor with over 25 years of experience, to explore his story in the hotel industry and the creation of his REIT.

Tune in now and discover how he’s adapted his strategy to changing market conditions!

In this episode you will be able to learn about:

The post Navigating Market Cycles & Investing in Hotels: The Power of Adaptability in Real Estate first appeared on Sarah Larbi Developments.

Revolutionize your business by leveraging AI and technology to scale and thrive in the 21st century.

Join me in our latest podcast episode as Avery Swartz shares how you can harness the power of AI and technology to supercharge your business.

It’s estimated that people that really get to know how to use generative AI tools can really see between 25 and 35% of their productivity, of their time increase. – Avery Swartz 

Avery Swartz has established herself as a prominent tech educator and entrepreneur, boasting 17 years of self-employment and a wealth of expertise.

The founder of Camp Tech, a leading tech education company, Avery is dedicated to empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills to seamlessly integrate technology into both personal and professional spheres.

With a discerning focus on the ethical implications of AI and technology, Avery provides valuable wisdom into leveraging AI tools for business efficiency and navigating the challenges and opportunities in AI adoption for entrepreneurs.

Her practical wisdom and deep understanding of the transformative potential of AI make her an indispensable guide for comprehending the implications of integrating AI and technology into businesses.

Contact Avery Swartz here:

The post Supercharging Your Real Estate Business with AI: Actionable Tips from an Expert first appeared on Sarah Larbi Developments.

Join me in this latest episode where Serena Holmes shares her rollercoaster ride through the highs and lows of real estate investing. From massive success to unexpected setbacks, her resilience and resourcefulness will inspire you to navigate any obstacle in your real estate ride.

Stay tuned to unravel the surprising twists and turns of real estate investing and learn how Serena is bouncing back from the brink of losing it all.

With expertise in real estate, private lending, and syndicated mortgages, Serena offers valuable perspectives on navigating interest rate increases and private lending strategies. Her transition to a realtor and the launch of her podcast demonstrates her resilience and resourcefulness in the real estate industry. Serena’s unique experiences and knowledge make her a compelling guest for anyone looking to gain wisdom in real estate investing strategies and business development.

Contact Serena Holmes here:

This episode has been brought to you in part by:

The post Rags to Riches: Rebuilding After Nearly Losing it All first appeared on Sarah Larbi Developments.

Get ready to learn the unexpected strategies that savvy real estate investors use to navigate legal challenges and consistently come out on top. These game-changing tips could redefine your approach to property disputes and business challenges.

The best outcome is usually an outcome where everybody is a bit unhappy. So if you can try to negotiate some sort of settlement from the get-go, you’re better off doing that than going through the legal process and the lawsuit process. – Shaneka Shaw Taylor

Shaneka Shaw Taylor is the founder of Taylor Litigation Professional Corporation, a law firm specializing exclusively in litigation. With 13 years of experience, Shaneka has established herself as an experienced litigator, particularly focusing on real estate litigation.

Her firm is dedicated to assisting individuals and businesses involved in legal disputes, with a specific emphasis on real estate-related matters such as property disputes for real estate investors, mortgage lenders, and borrowers.

Shaneka’s proactive legal strategies and commitment to delivering successful outcomes have positioned her as a trusted authority in navigating the complexities of real estate litigation. With a strong track record in resolving business disputes and a keen understanding of the legal challenges real estate investors face.

Contact Shaneka Shaw Taylor here:

The post Navigating Real Estate Disputes: An Expert Litigator’s Guide first appeared on Sarah Larbi Developments.

Wondered what it takes to add hotels to your real estate portfolio?

Do you want to find out why meditation and well-being are Reetu Gupta’s secrets to success in the hotel sector?

Her surprising knowledge of managing a family-owned business and her upcoming venture into boutique hotels will leave you inspired and motivated.

Discover how she navigates challenges and scales her businesses with grace and determination.

Stay tuned to discover her unconventional strategies to prosper in the hospitality industry and beyond.

Reetu Gupta, also known as the ambassadress of the Gupta group, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the world of hospitality and real estate.

As a prominent figure in a family business that has grown from a humble truck stop to a remarkable portfolio of 25 hotels across Canada, Reetu offers valuable perspectives on managing family-owned businesses and excelling in male-dominated industries.

Her involvement in launching Rogue Insight Capital, a venture capital firm, adds another layer of expertise to her already impressive resume. With her deep understanding of the hotel and hospitality industry, Reetu provides invaluable strategies and tips for female entrepreneurs navigating challenging environments. Her story and candid approach serve as an inspiration for those looking to prosper and succeed in demanding roles.

Contact Reetu Gupta here:

The post From Truck Stops to High-End Hotels: The Evolution of a Family Empire first appeared on Sarah Larbi Developments.