Vancouver Real Estate Podcast

Did you know much of Vancouver used to be swamp land? Perhaps that accounts for a couple of things: first, our city's brutal rat problem which rivals New York City on a per capita basis and, second, the uneven streets, sidewalks and even homes that form part of our neighbourhoods. This week, expert builder and co-owner of JDL Homes Vancouver, Jeff Langford joins Adam and Matt to cover all things Vancouver peat bog. And sinking foundations, crowned sidewalks, and shifting rooflines may be the least of your worries if you do not listen up! What do buyers need to know about potentially purchasing on the peat bog? Are there steps existing homeowners can take to mitigate risk? And how - and at what cost - can you build your dream home in one of Vancouver's best neighborhoods that doubles as a wetland? Stay dry out there folks!

Does the global pandemic signal the death knell for global cities like Vancouver? The short answer is that may be the wrong question. The CEO of Remix, Tiffany Chu, sits down with Adam & Matt to discuss why the death of the city has been greatly exaggerated and instead outlines a decidedly positive take on the impact of Covid-19: the rise of the neighborhood centre. The re-focus on neighborhoods, with "slow streets," "streateries," and bike and pedestrian networks has supercharged the somewhat stalled desire for change among planners looking to make urban spaces more livable and resilient. The future is here if you know how to look! 

We’re so sick of post-covid terms like ‘new normal’, mostly because our current pandemic living no longer feels new or, for that matter, normal. So, is it surprising then that buyers seem to be making long term, major financial and lifestyle decisions based on the past six months alone? Maybe not. Today, Adam & Matt discuss current buying trends that seem to be here to stay - for at least the foreseeable future. Then, Emily Hamilton, Director of the Urbanity Project at Mercatus Center at George Mason University, joins us to cover the pain points that accompany blanket rezoning and how to troubleshoot density issues in major metropolitan cities. Increasing density in cities? Now that’s a ‘new normal’ we can get used to! Zone it up!

Back in May of this year, CMHC surprised many by predicting home prices would fall 9-18% and warned that Canadians were teetering on a debt-deferral cliff. Since then, amidst uncertainty, we have seen quite the opposite: home prices are up and debt-deferral, for many analysts, appears to be less of a concern. But despite the surprising activity in the housing market, President and CEO of CMHC, Evan Siddall, continues to sound the alarm, doubling down, even as many other risk managers appear to disagree. Today’s guest, David Larock, joins Adam & Matt to discuss why Siddall and CMHC seem to be taking such a strong stance against the analysis of other mortgage insurers, many in the real estate industry, and the personal assessments of many home buyers since Covid-19. Is Siddall’s ‘father knows best’ stance justified? Are there other factors potentially at play for Siddall? And should the President & CEO of a Crown Corporation be engaging in late night Twitter wars and calling out an entire industry? We know Evan Siddall may be mad as hell, but it is David Larock who is not taking it anymore on today’s episode! Now off to delete our Twitter account!

We hope this interview inspires you; it definitely inspired us. On this episode, Jason Turcotte, VP of Development at Cressey, and Craig Stanghetta, Principal and Founder of Ste. Marie and celebrated restauranteur, join Adam & Matt to unpack the market, the up-and-coming areas, and Cressey’s latest and entirely unique offering: “Format.” For several years, Jason and Craig have worked continuously on an innovative housing concept inspired by East Vancouver - a blank slate floor plan that buyers can actually control! Their “kit of parts” idea enables purchasers to pick and choose the functions of their home. In short, what works for you, the homeowner? And... who better than Craig Stanghetta, the man behind Vancouver’s trendiest restaurants (Pepino’s & Savio Volpe) to help guide you there! You always thought you were good at design. Now you will be (with Craig’s help).

In this VREP ‘exclusive’ episode, Adam & Matt sit down with developer, Derek DiMartile, & Project Marketer, Ehsan Sharenejad (Propel Project Marketing Group), to talk about their exciting new 6-storey, 81-unit project Popolo! Located steps from Commercial Drive & the Commercial-Broadway Skytrain Station, Popolo is one of the first new developments after the Grandview-Woodland Official Community Plan. Derek & Ehsan talk the future of ‘The Drive,’ the best opportunities in Vancouver & why Covid could potentially lead to even higher property prices in our region and beyond. You heard it here first & the VREP community is first in line. Get in touch if you want the earliest access to this project. From two good Popolo to a community full of good Popolo! 

You asked for him and we got him! The one and only Eric Carlson, Founder & CEO of Anthem Properties Group, joins Adam and Matt to talk all things real estate and the Vancouver housing market. With a growing portfolio that includes 15,000 homes in various stages of development, 8 million square feet of commercial space, and 6,100 acres of land across Alberta, British Columbia and California, Eric knows a thing or two about the market and has a lot of wisdom to impart. How's the Vancouver real estate market? What makes a good investment or development site? And where should you buy right now? Check this episode out and share it with your family and friends. They will thank you for it!  

Problem tenant? 10-4! We've got you covered. This week, former police officer and President of Canadian Tenant Inspections Services, Jim Garnett, joins Adam & Matt to talk stake-outs, best landlord practices, and sure-fire ways to avoid conflict. As a former RCMP (drug enforcement) and landlord himself, Jim shares his ground-breaking pro-tips for interviewing, screening, and choosing the best tenants while making sure you are protected throughout. You won't need a bullet-proof vest for this ride-along, but be sure to bring your notebook and pen, ya nerd. Roger that! Over and out.

Mark Hentemann ain’t your average family guy. Sure, he has a family (with slightly more than 2.4 kids) and, yes, he does in fact write and executive produce the tv show Family Guy. But that is absolutely where the similarities end. Is there anything average about owning 90 million dollars in Investment real estate in Los Angeles? Mark sits down with Adam & Matt to unpack his trajectory from starving New York artist to hit writer on The Late Show with David Letterman among other Hollywood accolades to real estate investing guru - one door - and script! - at a time! Trust us: this episode will hit your money making sweet spot. Giggity giggity!

Roads? Where we’re going we don’t need roads! It turns out Doc Brown got the future right when it came to one thing: cities. This week Adam & Matt sit down with the visionary planner & architect Vishaan Chakrabarti who cut his teeth in New York real estate as Director of City Planning in Manhattan and recently called for the banning of private cars in New York City. And that’s just one of his transformative ideas for how cities will change in the coming years. This episode provides a glimpse into the future of cities like Vancouver and those interested in real estate should take heed – it will not only impact your investment strategies but how you live. Now hand over your car keys.