In episode 52 of the Toronto Livings podcast, hosts Mark Savel and Joey Virgilio delve into the critical real estate question of whether to buy a new home first or sell your current one first.

They provide listeners with detailed considerations, including financial implications, market conditions, and personal scenarios, to help navigate this complex decision-making process.

The episode also shares personal insights into Toronto's real estate market, food highlights, including discussions about Belly Busters and The Flying Squirrel coffee shop on Queen East. As well as some good old-fashioned Facebook fraud to watch out for!

(00:00) Welcome to Episode 52: The Real Estate Dilemma
(01:33) Diving Into Real Estate: To Buy or Sell First?
(02:03) Exploring Toronto: From Home Shows to Sub Shops
(07:10) Coffee Adventures and Closing Chapters
(11:59) Navigating Toronto's Real Estate and Community Updates
(18:14) The Cutie on Caledonia: A Real Estate Success Story
(20:54) Navigating Rental Scams: A Cautionary Tale
(21:32) Spotting the Red Flags in Rental Listings
(21:55) The Dangers of Off-Market Property Deals
(24:04) Real Estate Insights: New Listings and Market Trends
(27:00) The Meat and Potatoes: Buy First or Sell First in Real Estate
(32:32) Strategies for a Successful Real Estate Transaction
(44:25) Supporting Community Causes: Second Harvest Truck Pull

Shoutouts

Belly Busters – https://bellybuster-submarines.com/
Pascale Gourmet – https://www.pascalegourmet.com/
Flying Squirrel – https://fsmotorcycle.com/
Lux Livings Design Show – https://livingluxedesignshow.ca/

In episode 51 of the Toronto Livings Podcast, hosts Mark Savel and Joey Virgilio delve into the heated topic of Canada's new federal budget, specifically focusing on the controversial changes to capital gains tax and the introduction of a vacant home tax in Toronto.

They discuss the public's frustration over these changes and their potential impact on homeowners, investors, and the real estate market. Additionally, the episode covers updates to the Home Buyers' Plan, allowing higher withdrawals from RRSPs for first-time homebuyers.

The hosts share personal experiences and opinions on how these changes could affect the rental stock and motivate property owners. The episode also includes lighter segments such as food recommendations in Toronto and reflections on reaching their 51st episode, plus a missed opportunity to discuss aliens in connection with Area 51.

(00:00) Celebrating Episode 51: A New Milestone
(00:35) Foodie Adventures: From Pastiche to Otto's Berlin Donar
(00:44) Diving into Toronto's Real Estate and Culture
(08:34) Reflecting on Episode 50 and Addressing Mistakes
(16:41) The Vacant Home Tax Drama: Toronto's Real Estate Woes
(19:26) Debating the Vacancy Tax and Government Inefficiency
(19:53) The Flaws in Public Awareness and Program Implementation
(23:15) Shifting Focus: The Federal Budget and Its Impact
(23:57) Exploring the RRSP Homebuyers Plan Changes
(28:12) Amortization Adjustments and Their Real Impact
(29:27) Capital Gains Tax: A Controversial Proposal
(32:27) The Potential Consequences of Capital Gains Tax Changes
(38:25 Voices from the Community: Reactions to the Proposed Tax Changes
(43:49) Concluding Thoughts and Shoutouts

Show Notes

Ottos Berlin Donar
256 August Ave.
https://ottosdoner.com/

Pastiche
59 Ossington Ave
https://www.pastichenoshery.com/

The Real Agent Podcast
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-real-agent/id1688047398

Where You Can Find Us

🏡 For all your Toronto Real Estate Needs: TorontoLivings.com/

🖥️ Instagram
Mark Savel: https://www.instagram.com/torontolivings/
Joey Virgilio: https://www.instagram.com/joey_torontolivings/

🎙 Weekly Podcast
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/toronto-real-estate

It's SHOUT-OUT TIME!

In our 50th episode of the TorontoLivings Podcast, we celebrate this significant milestone by looking back on our journey and share some ambitious goals for the future.

We've got a ton of special shout-outs for our supporters, friends, businesses in Toronto, and previous podcast guests, with a big thank you to everyone who's supported us thus far!

Throughout the episode, we reminisce about personal and business milestones, as well as favorite food spots in Toronto. With a mix of gratitude and humor, we share memories of meaningful gifts exchanged and dream big about future guest appearances, including celebrities like Mick Foley and Arnold Schwarzenegger… oh AND LOTS OF CONFETTI!

(00:00) Celebrating Episode 50: A Milestone Moment
(00:46) Introducing the Hosts and Their Real Estate Focus
(01:17 Reflecting on the Journey to Episode 50
(02:08 The Shout Out Episode: Celebrating Supporters and Toronto Highlights
(03:54) Diving into Real Estate Insights and Community Initiatives
(06:24) Addressing Misleading Headlines for First-Time Homebuyers
(08:00) Exploring Financial Aids for Homebuyers: A Positive Change
(09:16) The Ice Bath Bet and Bank of Canada's Decision
(10:37) Shifting Gears: From Serious Talks to Shout Outs and Fun
(12:42) Highlighting Influential Figures and Unique Ventures
(17:48) Spotlight on Local Businesses and Personal Favorites
(25:27 Shout Outs Continue: From Food Spots to Inspiring Initiatives
(30:28) Wrapping Up with Favorite Coffee Spots and Nespresso Debate
(33:47) Shoutouts to Partners and Secret Listeners
(33:58) The Unseen Heroes: Our Wives' Support
(34:28) The Power of Attention to Detail
(35:26) Celebrating Family and Extended Family Support
(37:22) Reflecting on Favorite Podcast Moments
(40:16) A Nod to International Listeners and the Global Reach
(01:00:23) Shoutouts to Memorable Guests and Future Dreams
(01:03:34) Wrapping Up with Gratitude and Future Aspirations

Shoutouts

https://tallboywater.com/
https://www.pressitofficial.com/media
https://www.thegrainstudio.ca/products.html
https://smoquenbones.com/

Traditional Slavic sauna & Tea room

https://www.instagram.com/torontogirlswalkingclub/
https://www.instagram.com/cafeplenty
https://www.cafeplenty.com/
https://rufino.ca/

Welcome-Bienvenue

https://www.lisbonhotel.ca/
https://www.zitosmarketplace.ca/

Where You Can Find Us

🏡 For all your Toronto Real Estate Needs: TorontoLivings.com/

🖥️ Instagram
Mark Savel: https://www.instagram.com/torontolivings/
Joey Virgilio: https://www.instagram.com/joey_torontolivings/

🎙 Weekly Podcast
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/toronto-real-estate

In Episode 49 of the Toronto Livings Real Estate Podcast, hosts Mark Savel and Joey Virgilio dive into a comprehensive March market update, discussing key trends and statistics.

The episode also addresses the vacant home tax situation, highlighting the confusion and controversies surrounding it. Additionally, they touch upon the proposed renter's bill of rights by Justin Trudeau, discussing its potential impact.

The show includes personal anecdotes from the hosts, such as their dining experiences in Toronto and a trip to Buffalo. The discussion extends to upcoming listings in the Toronto real estate market and concludes with insights into the interest rate climate and its effects on buying trends.

(00:00) Kicking Off Episode 49 with Mark and Joey
(00:16) March Market Update: The Unfolding and the Unhappened
(00:44) Welcome to Toronto Living's Podcast: Real Estate, Culture, and Food
(02:05) Back to Basics: Market Updates and Personal Eats
(02:39) Exploring Toronto's Hidden Gem: A Sandwich Saga
(06:01) Buffalo Adventures: Wings, Target, and Trader Joe's
(10:26) Vacant Home Tax Fiasco: Toronto's Real Estate Dilemma
(14:55) Introducing the Renter's Bill of Rights: A Federal Proposal
(18:09) Navigating the Bear Trust Confusion: A Federal Fumble
(20:47) Land Pro Conference Insights: When Bad News is Good News
(21:47) Decoding Canada's CPI and Mortgage Payments
(22:31) Bank of Canada's Upcoming Decision: Bets and Predictions
(23:29) Exciting Real Estate Listings on the Horizon
(24:44) The Solar Eclipse Buzz: To See or Not to See?
(27:39) Diving Deep into the Real Estate Market Trends
(37:28) Months of Inventory: A Detailed Analysis
(41:44) Wrapping Up: Key Takeaways and Shoutouts

Shoutouts

La Salumeria – 2021 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4S 2A2

Bar-Bill North (in Buffalo, USA) – 8326 Main St, Clarence, NY 14221, United States. https://www.barbill.com/

Fata Real Estate Group – 2010 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4S 1Z9
https://fatareg.com/

In Episode 48 of the Toronto Livings Podcast, we have an incredible chat with guest Alexander Arthur, who discusses the transformation of TAC Sports into a holistic educational platform that nurtures young minds with a blend of sports, financial education, and real estate knowledge.The conversation sheds light on the importance of financial literacy, and the role of community and mentorship in shaping well-rounded individuals. Highlighting personal success stories and advocating for an educational approach that breaks traditional barriers, the podcast envisions a future where empowered youth are equipped with the skills and insights to pursue a life of purpose and contribution.(00:00) Kicking Off Episode 48 with a Special Guest(00:07) Introducing Alex Arthur: From TAC Sports to Real Estate and Beyond(00:50) The Evolution of TAC Sports and Its Impact(01:22) Deep Dive into Alex Arthur's Journey and TAC Sports' Mission(03:47) From Costco to Music: The Foundation of a Lasting Friendship(06:43) The Band Mansion: A Hub of Creativity and Camaraderie(08:38) Pandemic Life and the Power of Masterminding Success(11:09) Exploring the Origins and Expansion of TAC Sports(20:01) Financial Literacy and Life Skills: Revolutionizing Education(29:29) The Regenerative Agriculture Initiative and Future Plans(44:06) Real Estate Ventures and the Power of Pursuing Passions(47:59) The Secret Project and a Cold War Bunker(48:52) First Steps into Real Estate: A Group Effort(49:18) The Power of Presentation and Persuasion(49:55) Navigating the First Real Estate Deal(50:44) The Impact of Mentorship and Easy Learning(01:06:50) From Monopoly to Real Estate: A Childhood Dream(01:10:02) Innovative Education and the Power of Community(01:20:52) A Heartwarming Real Estate Story: From Seller to Buyer(01:25:49) The Future of Education and Real Estate
Shout OutsAlex Arthur – https://tacacademy.ca/staff/TAC Academy – https://tacacademy.ca/TAC Sports – https://tacsports.ca/Lifetime Skills Academy – https://lsacademy.ca/
Where You Can Find Us

🏡 For all your Toronto Real Estate Needs: TorontoLivings.com/

🖥️ Instagram
Mark Savel: https://www.instagram.com/torontolivings/
Joey Virgilio: https://www.instagram.com/joey_torontolivings/

🎙 Weekly Podcast
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/toronto-real-estate

Navigating Toronto's Pre-Construction Real Estate with TalkCondo Founders

In episode 47 of the Toronto Livings Podcast, we feature an in-depth interview with Roy and Amit Bhandari, the entrepreneurs behind TalkCondo.com, Toronto's leading online platform for pre-construction real estate.

Starting from their entry into real estate in 2007, the Bhandari brothers share the evolution of their platform, the challenges of organizing pre-construction information, and insights into the condo market's trends. They also introduce TalkCondo Pro, offering updated, comprehensive project data for industry professionals and public users.

Additionally, personal stories, including their food preferences and memorable projects like MONDE and King Toronto, enrich the discussion. The podcast concludes on a friendly note, sharing tales of pubs and Guinness, and emphasizes the value of Talk Condo for realtors and the public, urging real estate professionals to leverage the platform to better serve their clients.

(00:00) Kicking Off Episode 47: A Special Interview
(00:06) Introducing TalkCondo: The MLS for Pre-Construction
(02:37) The Origins of Roy and Amit Bhandari in Real Estate
(04:27) The Journey from Resale to Pre-Construction Mastery
(15:10) Building the Foundation of TalkCondo.com
(18:39) Evolving TalkCondo: From Blog to Pre-Construction Database
(24:15) The Challenges and Solutions in Pre-Construction Data Management
(28:59) The Impact of Organized Data on Pre-Construction Real Estate
(29:33) Introducing TalkCondo: Revolutionizing Pre-Construction Real Estate
(31:10) The Evolution of Real Estate: From Pen and Paper to Digital Dominance
(31:31) TalkCondo Pro: Unleashing a Goldmine of Real Estate Data
(35:00) The Speed of Information: Transforming Real Estate Transactions
(51:43) A Glimpse into Future Projects and the Power of Access
(53:31) The Personal Side: Working with Family and Foodie Favorites

Show notes

Talkcondo.com

Where You Can Find Us

🏡 For all your Toronto Real Estate Needs: TorontoLivings.com/

🖥️ Instagram
Mark Savel: https://www.instagram.com/torontolivings/
Joey Virgilio: https://www.instagram.com/joey_torontolivings/

#torontorealestate #gardensuites #torontopodcast
Exploring Garden Suites with Lorena Magallanes

In this episode of the Toronto Livings Podcast, hosts Mark Savel and Joey Virgilio invite Lorena Magallanes, a real estate expert and part-owner of Stomp Realty, to discuss the concept of garden suites.

Lorena shares her insights on the process of building a garden suite, detailing her own experience from inception to overcoming various challenges with the City of Toronto's building codes and permits. She emphasizes the importance of having a knowledgeable architect and contractor familiar with garden suites. The conversation also touches on the potential of garden suites for rental income or family housing, the differences between garden suites and laneway houses, and the legal and logistical steps involved in their construction.

Additionally, Lorena addresses the impact of building garden suites on neighborhood dynamics and offers practical advice for those considering this housing option. The podcast is a comprehensive guide on garden suites in Toronto, including related real estate trends, cultural insights, and personal anecdotes.

(00:00) Kicking Off with a Special Guest: Lorena Magallanes
(02:18) The Evolution of a Realtor: Lorena's Journey
(03:40) Diving Deep into Garden Suites with Lorena
(15:18) The Challenges and Triumphs of Building a Garden Suite
(24:10) Lorena's Victory: A Lesson in Persistence and Building Codes
(28:37) Exploring Garden Suites: A New Housing Concept
(28:57) Navigating Building Codes and Permit Challenges
(31:12) Affordable Housing Solutions: Prefab Garden Suites
(34:05) Financing Garden Suites: The Mortgage Dilemma
(35:58) The Value of Garden Suites in Real Estate
(36:28) Personal Stories and the Future of Garden Suites
(42:27) Community and Lifestyle in Etobicoke
(45:10) Foodie Favorites and Gluten-Free Options in Etobicoke
(49:55) Real Estate Ventures and Closing Thoughts

Show Notes

Lorena Magallanes – https://www.stomprealty.com/
Lorenas Builder, Atella – https://www.atella.ca/
Laneway Housing Advisors – https://lanewayhousingadvisors.com/City of Toronto and Garden Suites – https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/planning-development/planning-studies-initiatives/garden-suites/

Where You Can Find Us

🏡 For all your Toronto Real Estate Needs: TorontoLivings.com/

🖥️ Instagram
Mark Savel: https://www.instagram.com/torontolivings/
Joey Virgilio: https://www.instagram.com/joey_torontolivings/

In episode 45 of the Toronto Livings Real Estate Podcast, hosts Mark Savel and Joey Virgilio navigate through daylight savings time changes, share personal stories including Joey's music jam sessions and their food adventures, and delve into news you can use.

The episode focuses on market updates for the month of February 2024, discussing the current real estate landscape in Toronto, exploring historical price comparisons pre-COVID, during COVID, and at present. It also examines the lasting impact of interest rates on housing prices and predicts future market directions.

The co-hosts share updates on lending rates, spotlight new food discoveries, and relay their personal tales, blending expert market analysis with lighthearted banter.

(00:00) Kicking Off with Daylight Savings Time Syndrome
(00:24) Joey's Jam Session and Food Adventures
(02:44) A Week of Sports, Secret Meetings, and Tacos
(05:55) Jamming Out and Musical Musings
(09:15) Diving into News You Can Use
(16:36) Market Update: February's Financial Forecast
(18:33) Reflecting on Past Predictions and Market Trends
(19:36) Market Dynamics: Days on Market and Segment Performance
(20:59) Sales Insights: From Predictions to Transactions
(22:49) Analyzing Market Segments: A Deep Dive into Sales and Prices
(30:10) The Impact of Interest Rates on the Real Estate Market
(32:11) Months of Inventory: Understanding Market Conditions
(36:42) Closing Thoughts and Recommendations

Shownotes:

Cherry Jam Rehearsal Studios – https://cherryjamrehearsal.com/
154 Islington Ave, Etobicoke, ON M8V 3B6

Alebrijes Taqueria
2404 Dufferin St, York, ON M6E 3S8

Where You Can Find Us

🏡 For all your Toronto Real Estate Needs: TorontoLivings.com/

🖥️ Instagram
Mark Savel: https://www.instagram.com/torontolivings/
Joey Virgilio: https://www.instagram.com/joey_torontolivings/

First-Time Home Buyer Incentives: What You Need To Know!

The 44th podcast episode of the Toronto Livings Real Estate Podcast dives into the numerous incentives available to first-time homebuyers in Ontario. The hosts, Mark Savel and Joey Virgilio, discuss the six homebuyer incentives, one of which was eliminated recently, that buyers can take advantage of.

They also discuss their trip to Othership for an ice bath networking event, their dining experience at Dairy Freeze, and expose some shady things happening in the real estate industry, providing their listeners with useful information.

(00:00) Introduction and Overview of the Episode
(00:47) Welcome to the Toronto Livings Podcast
(01:36) First Time Home Buyer Incentives
(01:46) Weekly Highlights and Personal Experiences
(06:04) News You Can Use: Real Estate Industry Updates
(11:26) Deep Dive into First Time Home Buyer Incentives
(18:30) Leveraging RSPs for Home Ownership
(18:57) Understanding the RRSP Benefit
(19:42) Introducing the First Home Savings Account (FHSA)
(20:04) The Benefits of the FHSA
(21:47) Investment Strategies for Your FHSA
(23:07) First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit
(25:00) GST/HST New Housing Rebate
(28:20) The End of the First Time Home Buyer Incentive
(32:41) Summary of Home Buyer Incentives
(34:03) Closing Remarks and Shout Outs

Shout Outs

Othership – https://www.othership.us/
Lisbon Hotel – https://www.lisbonhotel.ca/
Dairy Freeze – https://www.yelp.ca/biz/dairy-freeze-toronto
Keyzer Reid Real Estate Group https://onthemoveto.ca/
MediaRama Studios – https://www.mediarama.ca/

In this episode of the Toronto Livings Podcast, hosts Mark and Joey visit Lisbon Hotel, a new spot from co-owners Adam Hijazi and David Wex, located at River City in downtown Toronto!

They discuss the unique experience Lisbon hotel offers – from its inspired décor to its culinary delights. Although it's not Portuguese nor a hotel, Lisbon Hotel offers a European hotel lobby bar vibe with small plates, great drinks, and a soon-to-be-launched breakfast menu.

Adam also explains the careful thought process behind curating each element of the space as well as samples for Mark and Joey to try!

Lisbon Hotel
https://www.lisbonhotel.ca/
19 Lawren Harris Square, Toronto, ON M5A 1H7

(00:00) Introduction and Episode Preview
(01:16) Meet Adam Hijazi
(01:35) Discussing the Lisbon Hotel's Concept
(02:48) The Lisbon Hotel's Reception and Community Impact
(03:19) The Story Behind the Lisbon Hotel
(04:34) The Lisbon Hotel's Unique Approach
(06:18) Adams Journey in the Restaurant Scene
(08:06) The Lisbon Hotel's Food and Drink Recommendations
(09:53) The Lisbon Hotel's Future Plans
(17:18) The Lisbon Hotel's Approach to Food
(25:57) Adams Favorite Restaurants in Toronto
(29:28) Exploring the Aesthetic of Ossington
(29:57) The Concept of Micro Communities in Toronto
(30:35) The Evolution of Neighborhood Restaurants
(31:16) The Impact of Location on Dining Experience
(32:13) The Rise of Coffee Shops in Toronto
(33:07) The Art of Coffee Making
(34:05) Exploring Unique Dishes and Flavors
(36:40) The Intersection of Real Estate and Hospitality
(37:35) The Experience of Dining at Lisbon Hotel
(38:06) The Importance of Creativity in the Food Industry
(39:54) The Role of Decor in Creating a Dining Atmosphere
(54:43) Wrapping Up the Dining Experience