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

In Episode 42 of Toronto Living’s Real Estate Podcast, hosts Mark and Joey discuss the impact of pets on real estate buying, renting, and landlord behavior helping you navigate pet rules related to Toronto Real Estate!

They delve into condo rules regarding pets, how these rules can affect home buyers and tenants, and the potential eviction scenarios based on those regulations. Amid various humorous anecdotes and personal stories, they highlight the importance of being transparent about pet ownership with real estate agents and discuss some of their dream pets, ranging from gorillas to turkeys.

The hosts also touch on various Toronto-related topics, such as the recent clarification on license plate renewals and their favorite local eats.

(00:00) Introduction and Episode Overview
(00:53) Welcome to the Toronto Livings Podcast
(01:43) Pet Stories and Experiences
(04:32) Food Recommendations and Weekly Recap
(11:39) News You Can Use: License Plate Renewals and More
(15:35) Property Tax Hike and Pet Restrictions in Condos
(23:04) Unpleasant Encounters with Pets in Rental Units
(23:23) Strict Pet Policies in Buildings
(24:16) Disputing Unfair Pet Rules and Bylaws
(25:20) The Consequences of Ignoring Pet Rules
(27:27) The Landlord and Tenant Perspective on Pets
(30:55) The Reality of Owning Pets and Respecting Others
(37:15) Dream Pets and Their Impact on Living Situations
(44:46) Conclusion: The Importance of Transparency and Respect in Pet Ownership

Shoutouts:

Matty’s Patty’s Burger Club – 923a Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1G5
https://www.mattyspattysburgerclub.com/

Banya №2 – 13110 Yonge St #1, Richmond Hill, ON L4E 1A3

Traditional Slavic sauna & Tea room

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

In this week’s episode, realtors Mark Savel and Joey Virgilio discuss the latest happenings in Toronto’s real estate market with their January market update.

They also share Toronto Real Estate Board’s 2024 predictions on sales and average prices and compare the predictions with their own market insights. Additionally, they delve into interesting topics such as cloning pets, food, and the shows they’re currently enjoying. Tune in for a blend of real estate market commentary, lively cultural discussions, and general banter.

(00:00) Introduction and Casual Banter
(01:32) Food Talk: Dining Experiences and Recommendations
(07:45) The Art of Cooking and Food Appreciation
(11:17) News You Can Use: Cloning Pets and More
(19:38) Market Update: January Review
(21:00) Discussing Predictions and Numbers
(21:04) Sales Predictions for 2024
(21:47) Comparing Past Sales and Predictions
(22:38) Sales in 2021 and Predictions for 2024
(23:16) Predictions for Average Price
(23:56) Market Vibe Check and Bidding War Stories
(25:03) Current Market Outlook
(32:44) Sales in the 416
(35:35) Price Trends and Predictions
(37:52) Months of Inventory Analysis
(40:28) Final Thoughts and Predictions

Where We Ate

Molkagtez Mexican Cuisine (1263 Queen St. W) https://www.molkagtez.com/

Adrak Yorkville (138 Avenue Rd)
https://www.adrakyorkville.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/

In this episode of the Toronto Livings Real Estate Podcast, hosts Mark Savel and Joey Virgilio discuss effective strategies for buyers in Toronto’s bidding wars, the importance of writing love letters to potential sellers, and the surprising news about Luigi Hamilton joining Ferrari in the F1 season.

They also delve into the rise and importance of virtual staging in the housing market. Joey provides a live taste test of his homemade bread, leading to an unexpected computer malfunction. Lastly, they discuss current hot market trends and emphasize that price isn’t the only factor that can help secure a deal in the heated bidding war situation.

(00:00) Introduction and Welcome
(01:29) Celebrating Episode 40
(01:49) Joey’s Bread-Making Journey
(03:55) Bidding Wars in Toronto’s Real Estate Market
(04:14) Food Adventures and Weekly Recap
(11:31) News You Can Use: Property Tax and World Cup
(15:38) Groundhog Day and Foreign Buyer Tax
(23:50) Bidding Wars are Back
(29:43) Strategies for Bidding Wars
(33:50) Importance of Pre-Approval and Home Inspection
(35:23) The Role of a Realtor in the Buying Process
(35:52) The Impact of Deposit on Property Purchase
(44:23) The Power of Love Letters in Property Purchase
(49:02) Closing Remarks and Personal Stories

Where You Can Find Us

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

🖥️ Instagram
Mark Savel: https://www.instagram.com/torontolivi…
Joey Virgilio: https://www.instagram.com/joey_toront…

Confused about the Toronto Vacant Home Tax? In this podcast, we'll explain everything you need to know about this tax and how it affects the real estate market in Toronto.

As a Toronto real estate investor, you'll want to stay informed about any changes or taxes that may affect your properties. Our podcast breaks down the vacant home tax and what it means for the city and the real estate industry. Don't miss this important information if you're investing in Toronto!

With the Toronto housing market constantly evolving, it's essential to stay updated on the latest regulations and policy changes. Among these changes, the introduction of the Toronto Vacant Home Tax stands out. This tax applies to homeowners who leave their homes unoccupied for six months or more within a year. Today, we're taking a deep dive into the details of this tax, from its purpose to potential penalties.

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction and Episode Start
(00:46) Welcome to the Toronto Livings Podcast
(03:05) Weekly Updates and Food Adventures
(04:26) The Buffalo Bills Game Experience
(14:13) News You Can Use: Bank of Canada Announcement
(17:46) Inflation Situation in Turkey
(19:32) Upcoming Listing in Maple
(20:58) Discussing Property Pricing and Rental Opportunities
(21:06) Highlighting a New Rental Property
(23:03) INTRODUCTION TO VACANT HOME TAX REMINDER
(23:16) Deep Dive into Vacant Home Tax
(28:11) Penalties and Exemptions of Vacant Home Tax
(42:45) Closing Remarks and Future Plans

FILL OUT THE VACANT HOME TAX: https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/property-taxes-utilities/vacant-home-tax/

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/

Split into two parts, this podcast includes lively discussions with seasoned Toronto mortgage broker, Christopher Molder, who discusses the impact of pessimism, social media, and the 'seduction of pessimism' on investment decisions and the Toronto property market's perception.

The latter part of the video features expert perspectives on the Canadian real estate forecast for 2030, emphasizing the projected 3.5 million home shortfall. They delve into past and future home construction statistics and discuss possible innovative solutions like zoning changes and advanced construction techniques. Despite seeming bleak, optimism remains for real estate market growth and they forecast potential price appreciation in Toronto come 2024.

(00:00) Introduction and Episode Overview
(00:43) Welcome to the Toronto Livings Podcast
(01:21) Special Guest Introduction: Christopher Molder
(02:00) Food Talk: Favorite Eateries and Baking Adventures
(06:10) Getting to Know Chris: Personal Life and Career
(13:00) The Power of Pessimism in Market Analysis
(13:21) The Impact of Inflation and Economic Changes
(23:06) The Evolution of Social Media and Public Discourse
(31:14) The Seduction of Pessimism
(32:30) The Power of Optimism
(36:14) The Impact of Pessimism on Decision Making
(36:37) The Elephant Parable: Understanding Different Perspectives
(37:43) Toronto Real Estate: A Closer Look
(38:42) The Deferral Cliff and Its Impact
(39:40) The Elephant and the Housing Market
(42:18) The Future of Toronto Real Estate
(43:34) The Reality of Housing Affordability
(44:26) The Future of Interest Rates
(46:21) The Impact of Population Growth on Housing
(48:53) Predicting the Future of Toronto's Housing Market
(50:33) Conclusion: The Optimistic Outlook

Christopher Molder from Tridac Mortgage – https://tridacmortgages.com/about/team/

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

Toronto Real Estate Deep-Dive: Understanding Property Taxes & the City's Revised Budget

Mark and Joey, deep dive into the impact of property tax on homeowners and renters, explaining how it funds essential services like public transit and emergency responses.

The duo explains how this preliminary budget gets created, the process of what comes next, and why so much of a hike is being proposed.

(00:00) Introduction and Welcome
(00:08) Discussing Property Taxes
(01:11) Introduction to the Toronto Livings Podcast
(04:11) Personal Experiences and Healthy Living
(07:29) Exploring Pop Culture
(12:52) News You Can Use: Property Tax and Savings
(16:57) Discussing Traffic and Daylight Savings
(21:26) Deep Dive into Property Taxes Continues
(27:30) The Need for Increased Service Funding
(28:24) Understanding the Basics of City Budget
(29:12) Breaking Down the Budget Components
(30:43) The Legal Constraints of City Budget
(31:30) The Role of the Budget Committee
(31:50) The Process of Budget Consultation
(32:38) The Potential Impact of the Proposed Budget
(34:05) The Reality of Property Taxes
(35:15) The Importance of Government Funding
(36:20) The Impact of the Budget on Shelter and Housing
(49:35) The Role of Land Transfer Tax in City Budget
(01:03:26) The Future of Toronto's Budget

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

#propertytax #torontorealestate #torontopodcast

The Toronto Livings Podcast Episode 36: A New Year, A New Theme Song and A 2023 Real Estate Market Recap

In the 36th episode of the Toronto Livings Podcast, hosts Mark and Joey discuss the new theme song for the show, their New Year's plans, and a recap of the 2023 Real Estate Market. They further discuss the market activity for December in Toronto and multiple news topics such as rising ticket penalties for speed, a subway fire due to an e-bike malfunction, and misprinted street signs in Toronto.

(00:00) Introduction and New Theme Song
(00:24) Reflecting on 2023 and New Year's Plans
(00:51) Welcome to the Toronto Livings Podcast
(01:25) New Year's Celebrations and Experiences
(04:21) Dietary Changes and New Year's Resolutions
(05:16) New Year's Eve Experiences and Future Plans
(10:01) Reflecting on Podcast Appearances and Future Changes
(12:37) News You Can Use: Traffic Updates and Mean Girls Mansion
(23:47) December Market Update
(26:16) Holiday Season and Real Estate Market Slowdown
(26:33) Drastic Drop in New Listings
(26:59) Real Estate Market Strategies and Anomalies
(27:10) New Year's Eve Real Estate Adventures
(27:35) The Mystery of New Year's Eve Listings
(28:40) Active Listings and Market Trends
(29:14) Average Prices and Market Misconceptions
(30:00) Days on Market and Market Slowdown
(31:07) Bank of Canada's Decision and Market Predictions
(31:29) Market Trends and the 'Santa Pump'
(32:12) Inventory Analysis and Market Predictions
(33:27) The Stanley Water Bottle Discussion
(35:25) Sales Analysis and Market Trends
(38:06) Price Analysis and Market Trends
(43:40) Months of Inventory and Market Trends
(48:12) Final Thoughts and Predictions for the New Year

Shoutouts:

https://reidsdistillery.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/

🎙 Weekly Podcast

#torontorealestate #realestatepodcast #torontopodcast