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This episode originally published in March, 2023.

You may have seen or read about this story on CBC. But wait until you hear all the details.

 CBC Toronto been running a series of articles on real estate fraud of a different kind the last couple months. Thieves posing as owners of homes, selling the properties, and disappearing. Only to have the real homeowners find out weeks later.

 Recently the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) sent a memo to is members reminding them they’re required by law to verify the parties in any transaction.

 It’s happened at least seven times in Toronto, most recently just weeks ago.

 It’s scary, it’s audacious, it’s still happening, and as frauds go, this one is disturbingly simple.

 Guest: John Lancaster, Team Leader, Investigative Unit, CBC News
Read the CBC stories on this fraud

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This episode was first published in August 2022.

They're a weekend tradition across North America... especially in the summertime.
The yard sale or garage sale is a great chance to "edit" or clean out that storage room you want to turn into a home office.
Depending on what you're selling, yard sales can also be very profitable.

In this special edition of Sold in the 6ix, host Desmond Brown talks to the woman who literally wrote the book on garage sales. Ava Seavey is the author of Ava's Guide to Garage Sale Gold. It's an expert's guide to organizing, preparing for and presenting garage, moving, yard, estate etc. sales. Her book is full of tips on how to maximize profits from your sale and so is this podcast episode.

As the title suggests, there is a treasure trove of profitable possibilities when hosting a Saturday morning sale.  But there is a strategy, in fact there are a few great tips you'll want to hear about.

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This is a flashback to episode 64 of Sold in the 6ix originally published in Spring 2023.

Sometimes things can get nasty. Wrong. Dirty. 

Real Estate agents do their best to protect their clients in every conceivable way. But sometimes, even after a fair deal has been signed, things can happen. In extreme cases you can have one side try to bully the other into an even better deal. 

In this episode Des connects with lawyer Gavin Tighe of Gardiner Roberts to outline a story where unscrupulous buyers tried all the dirty tactics they could find to muscle their way to a better deal. 

Guest: Gavin Tighe, Senior Partner, Gardiner Roberts LLP

Gavin has been certified by the Law Society of Ontario as a Specialist in Civil Litigation since 2003 and has appeared as lead counsel at all levels of Canadian Courts including the Supreme Court of Canada. He has significant experience successfully representing clients in several Canadian provinces and before tribunals in both Canada and the United States

Gavin Tighe
Email | LinkedIn | X | Gavin's podcast Beneath the Law

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In this episode of Sold in the 6ix, Desmond Brown discusses two cases of unethical behaviour by real estate agents in Ontario. 

The first case involves an agent who allowed a buyer to start renovations on a property before the sale was finalized, resulting in a $10,000 fine. 

The second case involves an agent who repeatedly violated regulations, including altering contracts without the seller's knowledge, failing to secure proper signatures for price reductions, and relisting a property without a valid agreement. Despite numerous violations, the agent was only fined $30,000 and ordered to complete an ethics and business practices course. Brown emphasizes the importance of choosing a reputable agent and ensuring all agreements are in writing.

Listen For:
3:13 – Unauthorized Access and Renovation
10:10 Falsification of Contract Dates
12:09 Unauthorized Price Reduction and Extension

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A house is more than a home; it's a story waiting to be told.

In this episode, Des checks in with veteran home inspector Richard Gaughan in a deep dive into the evolving dynamics of property evaluation. 

Amidst a market that once raced past such precautions, they explore how buyers and sellers are now embracing the protective reassurance of detailed home assessments. 

Richard's 30 years of expertise reveal not just changing trends, but the intricate dance of inspections, renovations, and real estate savvy—all brought into a narrative that demystifies the once-daunting aspects of asbestos, knob and tube wiring, and the true bones of a house. 

Listen For:
5:07 The Importance of Buyer Inspections
9:16 Focusing on Buyer Priorities
14:39 Guidance for Buyers
27:52 Pre-list Home Inspections Value

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In this episode we dive into the innovative business model of Openroom, founded by Weiting Bollu.

Openroom is revolutionizing the rental market! It’s an online database that has the names of tenants and landlords who have been found at fault by the Landlord and Tenant Board.

Openroom helps with the due diligence that all landlords and tenants should go through before agreeing on a residential lease, and in just one year has hosted almost 2 million searches.

With a backlog at Ontario’s Landlord and Tenant Board of 8 months to a year, Openroom helps landlords and tenants avoid this often costly tribunal stage.

Guest: Weiting Bollu, Co-Founder & CEO, Open Room
Website | Instagram | TikTok

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Make real estate investment your new reality.

Desmond and real estate guru Todd C. Slater explore the path to investment success for the average person. They look at the significance of defining your investing "why," the strategic approach to financial readiness, and the smart utilization of home equity to kickstart your investment journey.

Des and Todd walk you through the practicalities of choosing investment properties, focusing on markets outside the metropolitan areas for better affordability and returns.

From discussing market shifts and highlighting the power of real estate as a tool for building generation wealth for anyone looking to make their mark in the real estate investment sphere, Des and Todd present a roadmap for this reality.

Listen For:
1:20 The Importance of Knowing Your 'Why'
5:16 Choosing the Right Investment Property
11:06 The Goal of Breaking Even vs. Profit
14:39 Real Estate Investment Success Stories

Guest: Todd C. Slater
For over 30 years, Todd C. Slater has been a leader and innovator in the real estate world. Todd was one of the top Realtors Worldwide within the RE/MAX network, with a focus on protecting and educating his clients every step of the way. Todd negotiated thousands of transactions throughout his career.

Connect with Todd:
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It’s no secret Canada’s over 65 population is swelling. With 7.6 million Canadians now aged 65 or older, the importance of having affairs in order is more important than ever.

Guest Garry Cass explains the difference between a power of attorney and a will, and the importance of updating wills regularly. He also discusses the complications that can arise when someone dies without a will, and the challenges of having family members on the title of a property.

Cass advises you to be proactive rather than reactive in estate planning, and to treat every will as if it's the last one you’ll ever make.

Listen For
1:31 The Critical Role of Wills and Powers of Attorney
9:14 Real Estate Considerations in Estate Planning
7:02 Executor Selection and Responsibilities
15:02 Challenges of Dying Intestate

Guest: Garry Cass, BA, LLB, TEP, Barrister & Solicitor
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Desmond and his guest Tim Hudak of OREA explore the complexities of Ontario's housing market, starting with a focus on the affordable housing report. 

A few years ago, the Ontario government announced an ambitious plan to address the housing crisis, aiming to build 1.5 million homes over the next decade. 

Despite challenges such as COVID-19, supply shortages, and rising costs, progress has been made, with the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) analyzing the government's efforts in implementing the task force's recommendations. 

Beyond housing, the conversation touches on various topics, including the impact of high interest rates, labour shortages, and the potential for converting commercial spaces to residential use to boost housing supply. 

They also discuss the importance of addressing NIMBYism, the need for more efficient land use, and the role of transit-oriented development in creating more affordable housing options. 

And they cover OREA's wellness program for realtors, the upcoming Reality conference, and the broader implications of these issues for Ontario's economic and social fabric. 

Listen For
4:51 The Impacts of High Interest Rates on the Housing Market
7:43 Strategies to Boost Housing Supply
11:47 Challenges Posed by NIMBYism
26:12 OREA’s Wellness Program and Industry Initiatives 

Guest: Tim Hudak
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OREA Links: X |  LinkedIn  

REALiTY 24 Conference (to register and to see the full list of speakers and the agenda): https://realityconference.ca/ 

OREA’s latest housing supply report titled Analysis of Ontario’s Efforts to Boost Housing Supply: https://www.orea.com/advocacy/Housing-Supply 

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In this episode Des interviews Ashley McInnis, a real estate agent who built a laneway house in Toronto. 

McInnis shares his experience with the process, from obtaining permits to dealing with construction and financing. He explains the project cost around $350,000 for the laneway house itself, plus additional expenses for renovations to the main house and landscaping, totaling around $500,000. 

Despite the high cost, McInnis believes it's a good investment, offering a flexible space that can be used for family, work, or rental income. He also discusses the challenges of navigating city regulations and the importance of considering design and functionality. 

Listen For
2:56 Getting Started and Considerations
5:02 Design and Functionality
8:34 Budget and Costs
12:41 Permit Process and Neighbour Relations 

Guest: Ashley McInnis
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The Naughty Agent series in this podcast discusses cases of disciplinary action taken against real estate agents in Ontario.

In this episode the first case involves an agent who responded to a Kijiji ad from a woman looking for a place to rent. The agent made sexually suggestive remarks to the woman, charged her $700 to strengthen her rental application, and advised her to falsify documents. The deal fell through, leaving the woman without a place to live.

The second case involves an agent who double-ended a property sale, representing both the buyer and the seller. The buyer discovered significant electrical issues after moving in, which cost them $8,000 to fix. The Agent failed to disclose that renovations were done without permits.

A third case involves an agent who falsified signatures on an agreement of purchase and sale and submitted it for financing to a lender.

Guest: Doug Downs, Stories and Strategies
Website

Listen For
2:04 The Case of Misconduct Involving False Documentation and Inappropriate Behaviour
17:19 Failure to Disclose Information on Property Renovations
27:24 Fraudulent Agreement of Purchase of Sale

RECO Disciplines

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The Leslieville neighbourhood of Toronto is coping with a “Safe Injection Site” (also called Supervised Consumption sites). Journalist Derek Finkle of the National Post lives in the community. He says the site, which opened in 2017, has drastically changed the neighbourhood, attracting drug dealers and leading to increased crime and drug use.

The situation escalated in summer 2021 when a stray bullet from a gunfight between drug dealers killed a local mother.

Despite residents' repeated warnings and pleas for action, the city and province only began to listen after the tragic incident. Finkle criticizes the management of the site for failing to acknowledge their role in the neighbourhood's problems and for not taking adequate measures to ensure safety.

The provincial government has since appointed a supervisor to oversee the site, and there are discussions about relocating it. Leslieville is one of 17 similar facilities across Ontario.

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Guest: Derek Finkle
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There’s good reason for optimism in the Toronto real estate market. Steve Tabrizi, COO of RE/MAX Hallmark joins Des to look at the current state of the real estate market and their predictions for 2024. They discuss the impact of interest rate hikes on the market, the increase in inventory, and the potential for a rebound in the market in 2024.

They also discuss the implications of the new Trust in Real Estate Act in Ontario, which allows for open bidding, and the potential impact of a class action lawsuit in the US regarding real estate commissions.

Listen For
3:22 The Psychological Impacts of Interest Rate Changes on Both Buyers and Sellers
6:03 Future Market Predictions and Interest Rates
9:52 Analysis of the Current Market Conditions and Inventory
13:26 Opportunities in the Condominium Market and Pre-Construction Inventory

Guest: Steve Tabrizi, Broker / Owner and COO RE/MAX Hallmark Group of Companies
Steve’s website

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Well buying someone a home or commercial property is a dynamite gift but let’s be realistic. Maybe something a little more realistic?

Tamara Grierson of Staging Life shares her ideas for holiday gifts for the home. She discusses different types of decorations, including artificial and real Christmas trees, and offers tips for making them look festive. Tamara also suggests various gift ideas, such as closet organization systems, garage upgrades, and personalized artwork. 

Listen For
03:01 Gift Ideas for the Home
19:01 Accessories for the Home
25:35 Outdoor Gifts and Landscaping

Guest: Tamara Grierson
Website | Instagram | Email
Or call Tamara on her cell 647-545-4609

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Des and Jennifer discuss recent disciplinary decisions by the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) against real estate agents. 

Three cases: 

• one where an agent contacted sellers whose houses were on the market and tried to convince them to terminate their current contracts and list with her
• another where an agent representing a buyer listed a property for lease before the buyer owned the property
• and a third where an agent and her husband bought a property privately, assigned the agreement to a numbered company without notifying the sellers, and failed to disclose that she was a registered real estate agent

 
Listen For
1:47 Unethical Practices by a Top Agent
8:23 Violation of Tenant Rights
17:29 A Real Estate Agent’s Deceptive Assignment of Purchase Agreement
23:19 A Discussion on Ethical Standards and Penalties

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See the RECO decisions page https://www.reco.on.ca/complaints-enforcement/regulatory-activities-decisions/ 

Guest: Jennifer Scaife, Des Brown Real Estate
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Higher rates have slowed overall sales but prices in markets like Toronto have increased by about 3% since last year. 

Those not buying or selling but whose mortgages are up for renewal are facing challenges, with some being forced to sell or risk losing their homes. 

In this episode Des and Jason Georgopoulos of Dominion Lending Centres discuss strategies for managing these tough times, including re-amortizing mortgages to 25 or 30 years for lower payments, taking out short-term second mortgages, and using lines of credit for interest-only options. 

They also discuss the power of sale proceedings in Canada, where banks sell properties for homeowners in arrears, and the potential for interest rate relief in the near future.

Listen For
3:33 The Impacts of Rate Increases on Homeowners
5:37 Forecast of Mortgage Renewals and Market Impacts
16:50 Strategies for Managing Higher Interest Rates

Guest: Jason Georgopoulos, Mortgage Broker
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People who bought pre-construction condos years ago are now struggling to close the transactions due to changing market conditions and rising interest rates. 

Mark Morris, a real estate lawyer, is dealing with many such cases. Morris explains the current falling market is causing many buyers to be unable to close their transactions, leading to legal problems. He advises buyers to secure large deposits to protect themselves in case of a breach. He also suggests that buyers should hire lawyers who specialize in real estate to navigate through potential issues.

Guest: Mark Morris, Legalclosing.ca Professional Corporation

Mark is a professor at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law and a regular resource for real estate brokers and lawyers through the Ontario Real Estate Legal Discussion Group. He’s won many of Law's top awards including, L'Expert's Rising Star Award, Canadian Lawyer's Most Influential Lawyer Award and the Financial Times' Maverick and Mover Award.  In addition, the previous firms that he co-founded and built have won the Financial Times Innovative Lawyers Award and the Canadian Business's Startup 50 Award.

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Des teams up with Asif Khan to discuss the current real estate market in Toronto. Despite sensational headlines suggesting a plunge into a buyer's market, they argue the market remains a seller's market, albeit quieter in terms of units sold. Prices continue to climb, with the average price up 3% compared to last year. 

Listings are up by 44% compared to last year, leading to longer days on the market before a sale. Sellers need to price their properties correctly for the current market and to sell before buying in this market. 

Listen For:
5:26 Current market statistics
9:11 Strategies for sellers
11:00 Sell before buying
13:32 The 10 10 Rule

Guest: Asif Khan, RE/MAX Prime Properties
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Radio Show Co-Host 105.9 The Region

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Ontario Premier Doug Ford has reversed his decision to open up the Greenbelt for development, following backlash from opposition parties, media investigations, and findings by the province's auditor general and Ethics commissioner. The report suggests developers had inside information about the lifting of restrictions on the Greenbelt and could make up to $8.5 billion by redeveloping it. As a result, two cabinet ministers have resigned.

This isn’t going away, especially with ongoing accusations of corruption. The reversal comes as part of Ford's More Homes Built Faster legislation, which aims to build 150,000 new homes a year over the next 10 years to address the housing crisis.

In this episode Des connects with Toronto Star Queen’s Park reporter Rob Benzie 

Guest: Robert Benzie, Queen’s Park Bureau Chief, Toronto Star
Email | X   

Thanks to Feedspot for recognizing Sold in the 6ix as one of the Top Ten Real Estate podcasts in Toronto.

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The Ontario Realtor Wellness Plan has been initiated by the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA). The plan required agents pay increased annual dues of $760 and participate in a mandatory wellness program. In this episode we talk with Stacey Evoy and Tania Artenosi of OREA about the backlash they’ve been receiving and why they brought in the benefit plan.

Listen For
10:30 The changes to the standard plan
17:49 Dental and eye care coverage
21:13 Opting out of the mandatory plan
32:26 Legal fees and fighting back

Guests
Stacey Evoy, Immediate Past President OREA, Broker Royal LePage Triland in London, ON

Tania Artenosi, President of OREA, and Broker/Owner Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Centre

 
Thanks to Feedspot for recognizing Sold in the 6ix as one of the Top Ten Real Estate podcasts in Toronto.

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Imagine a world where everything you need is just 15 minutes away. Where you work, shop, where you get health care and schooling.

A new RE/MAX head office report says this is happening and it’s called the 15 Minute Neighbourhood: Lessons for Small Communities.

Is something like this possible in Toronto?

Guest: Michael McLachlan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.mclachlan/
Instagram: @michael.mclachlan
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-mclachlan-23b11b31/
E-mail: michael@remaxhallmark.com

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Realtors meet people every day and naturally are focused on trying to make the best impression. They don’t know the people they’re meeting with, they’re total strangers really. Over the years there have been cases where realtors have been attacked and even killed.

Rob Andress saw this during his 38-year career as a real estate broker. Self-defence and safety best practices were a huge gap. 

Today Rob and his wife Beth travel the country helping real estate agents equip themselves with self-defence skills  and best practices to enhance their personal safety and decision-making during potentially dangerous encounters. 

Guest: Beth and Rob Andress
https://streetsafeselfdefence.com/
Email https://streetsafeselfdefence.com/contact/
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Anyone who follows real estate knows the name from her Toronto Star byline. Tess Kalinowski is synonymous with solid information and good stories in real estate.

Spanning a 40-year career, the last chapter of it focused specifically on Toronto real estate, Tess shares some of her favourite memories and stories.

One key takeaway, she never found it difficult to find new and interesting information, the challenge was always in finding the right people to illustrate the story.

Guest: Tess Kalinowski

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Phantom offers. Ghost offers. An example of this is when the selling agent lies and says there is a second offer hoping to nudge the price of potential buyer.

What’s the penalty for that?

This and other real-life stories that went before the Real Estate Council of Ontario in this installment of Naughty Agent.

See the RECO decisions page https://www.reco.on.ca/complaints-enforcement/regulatory-activities-decisions/ 

Guest: Jennifer Scaife, Des Brown Real Estate

Email Jenn@DesmondBrown.ca

 IG   www.instagram.com/jenninthe6ix/

FB   www.facebook.com/JenniferScaifeRealtor/

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Just a few months ago real estate sales were down 44% year over year. There was a lots of talk about prices diving down even further.

Asif Khan and Des published an episode that looked at all the data and came to a very different conclusion. The episode was called “Things Are Going to Get Crazy Real Quick”

Talk about a crystal ball. The market has bounced back. Welcome to Crazy!

Guest: Asif Khan, RE/MAX Prime Properties
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 Radio Show Co-Host 105.9 The Region

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