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Vancouver Real Estate Podcast

Vancouver Real Estate Podcast
Author: Adam and Matt Scalena
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©2021 Adam Scalena
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Vancouver's premier real estate podcast. Your source for buying, selling, or investing in the Vancouver Real Estate Market with two of Vancouver's top realtors, Adam and Matt Scalena.
498 Episodes
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The housing debate deepens as opposing voices tackle the thorniest questions in Vancouver's affordability crisis. In part two, UBC lecturer Erick Villagomez and Wesgroup CEO Beau Jarvis continue the dialogue with Adam & Matt, diving into Canada's $2 trillion capital shortage, foreign investment overcorrections, and whether investors are destroying or saving the city. The clash intensifies over speculation policies and Beau's explosive claim that strip malls next to SkyTrain stations are now worth more than their development potential. Where did we go wrong? Both examine alternative housing models and question where public money actually goes while confronting aging rental stock facing impossible economics. Can Vancouver's housing system function when the numbers don't work for anyone? Are real estate investors providing a service or destroying our city? And what happens when filtering theory meets displacement reality? Don't miss the conclusion of this revealing two-part conversation.
Sparks fly when two opposing voices in Vancouver's housing crisis clash over the housing fundamentals this week: how did we get here? Who’s to blame? And what needs to happen to bring Vancouver out of its affordability emergency? UBC’s Erick Villagomez and Wesgroup’s Beau Jarvis sit down with Adam & Matt to debate everything from the deep mistrust in the housing conversation to the need for foreign investment to the role of government involvement in building housing moving forward. Can’t we all just get along? And, in fact. unexpected moments do emerge where both sides find points of agreement and shared frustration. Can these opposing perspectives find any common ground when examining Canada's $2 trillion capital shortage? What happens when academic theory meets real-world development economics? And why might collaboration be more possible than Vancouver's polarized housing debate suggests? Don't miss this revealing confrontation that exposes where the real battle lines are drawn.
After months of project cancellations and market uncertainty, Vancouver home builders are finally starting to see a path through the current downturn. Edgar Development President Matthew McClenaghan sits down this week with Adam & Matt to talk current market conditions & outline the path forward for Vancouver's real estate comeback. From replacing boom or bust market cycles to pivoting toward end-user buyers, McClenaghan details how the industry is adapting to survive today's challenges to emerge stronger tomorrow. And that turnaround may come quicker than many think. What subtle market signals does McClenaghan see that suggest recovery may arrive sooner than most expect? What's behind the recent uptick in buyer activity after months of hesitation? And why does this eternal optimist believe the next few years will favor those who act now? Don't miss this one!
With a tsunami of mortgage renewals hitting this fall and wild swings in rate predictions, borrowers are scrambling to navigate unprecedented volatility in the mortgage market. Mortgage broker Kyle Green sits down with Adam & Matt this week to decode the chaos as his team sees a 50% spike in inquiries while Bank of Canada rate cut odds swing from 15% to 90% in a single week. From the Trump tariff impact that flipped variable versus fixed strategies to banks pushing aggressive year-end specials before October deadlines, this conversation cuts through the noise to reveal what actually drives your mortgage rate and when timing might save you serious money. Will September finally bring the rate relief borrowers are banking on? What's behind the disconnect between falling rates and flat market activity? And when the spread between three-year and five-year terms is only 20 basis points, how do you calculate which option actually saves you money over time? Don't miss this essential fall mortgage guide!
Fall 2025 represents a critical inflection point for Vancouver real estate after a brutal first half of the year marked by tariff uncertainty and sluggish sales. This week, British Columbia Real Estate Association Chief Economist Brendon Ogmundson sits down with Adam & Matt to unpack whether now is the time we climb out of what he calls "the pit of despair" to return to normal activity levels. From analyzing why Metro Vancouver lags behind rebounding markets like Toronto to exploring the complex relationship between potential Bank of Canada rate cuts and sticky bond yields, this conversation examines the forces shaping the critical fall selling season. What role will the 20,000 units of total inventory play in shaping prices over the coming months? Why isn't fading economic uncertainty translating to increased sales volumes like in other regions around the country? And will September rate cuts provide the stimulus needed or is Vancouver's recovery getting pushed into 2026? Don't miss this essential market outlook for fall 2025!
As summer winds down and inventory has crested, the Scalena brothers believe the second half of 2025 could provide an historic buying opportunity in Vancouver. Adam and Matt sit down this week to share 8 strategic buyer tips for capitalizing on current market conditions this fall. From using market history to identify undervalued areas to targeting stale listings and poorly marketed properties, this tactical episode cuts through the noise with actionable strategies. The brothers discuss leveraging new construction standing inventory, negotiating on multiple points beyond price, and how using hot market strategies in soft markets can save buyers substantial money. Will the post-Labour Day market bring the activity shift everyone's anticipating? How can buyers find and capitalize on seller motivation? And why should you learn to love properties with no photos? Don't miss this strategy-packed episode for fall 2025 buyers!
While Vancouver basks in August sunshine, its housing market remains stuck in a long December that developers fear may never end. (And yes, the Counting Crows at the PNE were fantastic.) This week, Townline President Daryl Simpson sits down with Adam & Matt to take stock of this moment & dissect whether Vancouver faces a further reckoning or an early recovery after years of policy whiplash and investor exodus. From government extractions to the collapse of mom-and-pop investing, Daryl argues this downturn feels more challenging than anything in his three-decade career. And yet he sees hope in the new federal leadership and institutional capital eyeing Vancouver as Toronto continues to struggle. What will it take to rebuild investor confidence in Vancouver? Should mom & pop investors be following the lead of institutional capital? And just how long do major development players think we will be riddled with record-high levels of supply? Don't miss this unflinching look at Vancouver's moment of truth.
Ever wonder why some Vancouver properties sit on the market while similar homes sell quickly? Adam & Matt dive into the latest research revealing the eight critical mistakes that are silently killing real estate deals across Metro Vancouver before buyers even consider making offers. From the surprising factor that trumps price and location in buyer decision-making to how many listings oversell on marketing and then underdeliver, this conversation uncovers which deal-killing mistakes you can fix as a seller and what to avoid as a buyer looking for a smooth exit in the future. Which of these eight factors can you control to maximize your sale price? How can savvy buyers spot these red flags and use them to negotiate better deals or avoid costly mistakes? And what's the real psychology behind why buyers reject properties within seconds of arrival? Don't miss these critical insights that could save or cost you thousands in your next Vancouver real estate transaction.
What happens when you pause to reflect on months of real estate conversations? Adam & Matt sit down to dissect six compelling ideas that emerged from their most recent podcast episodes. From the development industry’s organizational challenges to the power of social media narratives in real estate, the brothers connect insights across conversations, revealing systemic issues that shape Vancouver’s housing market. The conversation explores why today’s market downturn rivals the leaky condo crisis, how performative content distorts market perception, and why the pre-sale model deserves more credit than it gets. What lessons can the housing industry learn from how doctors organized against “quacks” a century ago? Why do negative real estate takes consistently outperform balanced analysis on social media and why is that a problem? And what makes certain SkyTrain stations the equivalent of waterfront property in today’s market? It’s a deep dive on some of the most interesting and unique takes over the last months. Listen up!
From fear-mongering content creators to social media experts peddling doom, Canada's housing market has become an anxiety-fueled echo chamber where clicks matter more than facts. Housing analyst Ben Myers sits down with Adam & Matt to dissect how social media has weaponized housing anxiety across Vancouver and Toronto, creating a toxic cycle where fear drives engagement and nuance gets drowned out by extremes. The conversation cuts deep into the psychology behind "performative real estate" content and how perma-bears profit from keeping Canadians angry and afraid. What makes "performative real estate" content so addictive to stressed Canadians? Why has being a real estate "doomer" become more popular than being accurate? And in a world where being negative sounds more honest than being balanced, how can buyers cut through the noise to make smart decisions? Don't miss this eye-opening conversation about the intersection of housing, media, and human psychology.
Beau Jarvis, President & CEO of Wesgroup Properties, is back for an exclusive, no-holds-barred conversation on the state of Vancouver real estate. As one of the largest private developers in Western Canada, Wesgroup has a front-row seat to the challenges—and opportunities—shaping our region. From the current state of the new construction market to the complex web of housing policy at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels, Beau offers sharp insights into what’s working, what’s broken, and what needs to change. Where are the best opportunities for investors today? How can we reduce the cost of housing by 40% with the stroke of a pen? And what will it take to reinvigorate a market that’s been hit hard by interest rates, regulatory hurdles, and shifting consumer sentiment? Whether you’re a developer, investor, policymaker—or just trying to make sense of this ever-evolving market—you won’t want to miss this candid and informative chat. All that and more on this week’s episode of the Vancouver Real Estate Podcast.
Was the pandemic suburban boom a permanent shift - or just a blip on the urban timeline? The outgoing President of the Planning Institute of British Columbia Emilie K. Adin sits down with Adam & Matt this week to explore this important question as well as the ways that Metro Vancouver's unique planning approach positions the region for whatever comes next. From the agricultural land reserve's formative impact on urban containment to the challenges of making growth pay for growth, this conversation examines Vancouver through both its glory and growing pains. What are the telltale signs that planners look for to know if a community is thriving? What essential ingredients transform a development into a bona fide neighborhood? And how will the rapid technological disruptions underway reshape the future of the region? A unique perspective on our unique city. Don't miss this one!
Metro Vancouver real estate isn't being built on empty lots—it's rising from the parking lots of suburban shopping malls beside SkyTrain hubs. Shape Properties Executive VP and Founding Partner Darren Kwiatkowski sits down with Adam & Matt this week to unpack how his company has transformed aging retail centers like Brentwood and Lougheed into thriving mixed-use communities that have become regional energy hubs. From buying Brentwood Mall during the 2008 financial crisis to building multiple 60-storey towers at the same time, this conversation details the vision & the execution required to take on projects that require commitments measured in decades not years. What makes one SkyTrain station "lakefront property" while another lags? How can investors spot the difference? And what can you learn from a company that blocks out the noise to think in terms of generational change? Don't miss this insider's perspective on the future of Metro Vancouver's urban landscape.
After months of compounding uncertainty, Vancouver's real estate market has shifted dramatically from early 2025's optimism. But where do we stand currently as we emerge from our Canada Day revelry? It's time for a half-time assessment. Frame Properties partner Clint Murphy sits down with Adam & Matt to deliver an unvarnished mid-year report on Vancouver's market reality. From major players who haven't bought land since 2022 to rental rates crashing from $6 to $4 per square foot, this conversation reveals why new construction has stalled and what it means for Vancouver's housing future. Murphy breaks down the policy pile-on effect hitting during a market downturn while explaining how the entire industry is adapting and warning of supply challenges ahead as the pipeline dries up. What happens when even our most ardent optimists turn pessimistic about Vancouver real estate? How is the industry restructuring to survive? And is this market shift permanent or just another cycle? Don't miss this candid half-time report on Vancouver's real estate reality.
Think your RRSP is just for stocks and bonds? Think again. Montreal-based investor Rodrigo Parada used his registered retirement savings to unlock real estate investing — and scaled into a multimillion-dollar multifamily portfolio. Rodrigo, founder of Triple Harbor Capital, joins Adam & Matt to share his journey from house hacking with family during COVID to building a mutual fund trust that now attracts passive investors across Canada. He breaks down how he overcame residential lending limits, built teams in unfamiliar markets, and made the leap from DIY renovations to commercial apartment acquisitions. From tax pitfalls in traditional RRSP strategies to the key differences between residential and commercial financing, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for Canadians looking to invest smarter. What’s the real difference between residential and commercial lending? Can average investors really use their RRSPs to buy real estate? And how did a family-first mindset give Rodrigo an edge in scaling up? Listen up!
Falling condo prices and declining rents might seem like good news forbuyers and renters today, but CMHC's Deputy Chief Economist warns this temporary relief issetting up an even worse housing crisis in the years to come. Aled ab Iorwerth sits down withAdam & Matt to reveal the alarming dynamics behind today's condo market in both Vancouverand Toronto, with project cancellations surging and the presale financing model under severestrain in both cities. As oversupply floods the market and individual investors flee, Canada'slargest metros face a critical question about their housing future. Will today's market stagnationdoom tomorrow's supply? Are we sacrificing long-term affordability for short-term relief? Andwith CMHC projecting Vancouver needs 7,200 additional homes annually over and abovecurrent construction levels, can the city actually ramp up production when developers areretreating? Don't miss this essential wake-up call about where Vancouver's housing market istruly headed.
The Vancouver real estate market sits at a crossroads, with buyers, developers, and realtors torn between taking action or waiting for conditions to improve. Industry veteran and founder of Tandem Strategies, Sunny Hahm, sits down with Adam & Matt this week to unpack this pivotal moment. From what product types are actually moving to how pricing strategies have evolved, Sunny shares insights from the front lines—highlighting why clear messaging is now more critical than costly marketing campaigns. The conversation dives into townhome success stories, shifting buyer psychology, and the importance of reading sub-market signals rather than relying on broad headlines. Is this fight or flight mentality holding back Vancouver's recovery? What drives better decisions when uncertainty is the only constant? And why might hesitation prove more expensive than taking action in today's market? A must-listen for anyone navigating the current market.
After 38 years of building homes in Vancouver, Polygon President & CEO Neil Chrystal knows a thing or two about market cycles. Spoiler alert: he's finally seeing signs of recovery in a downturn he believes has been even more severe than the infamous leaky condo crisis of the late 1990s. Neil sits down with Adam & Matt this week to share battle-tested insights on navigating Vancouver's challenging housing market and reveal the reputation-building strategy that's helped Polygon weather every storm from the 80s to today.From the new GST relief for first-time buyers to why foreign buyer bans are backfiring, this conversation cuts through the doom and gloom to reveal where smart money is moving. Neil breaks down why townhomes are selling while towers sit empty, and explains why now might actually be a generational opportunity to buy.Is it always darkest before the dawn? Why have investors completely disappeared when they're usually bottom-fishing by now? And what's the one factor that makes any real estate investment a winner in Neil's eyes? Don't miss this veteran builder's take on surviving Vancouver's toughest housing market in 25 years.
What happens when a skeptical renter starts investigating Vancouver's housing crisis from the inside? Storey’s journalist Howard Chai sits down with Adam & Matt to reveal how three years of covering the Vancouver real estate market completely flipped his perspective on who's really to blame for BC's housing mess.From chasing breaking news about developer insolvencies to uncovering the brutal reality of 25% interest rates crushing inexperienced builders, Howard shares the behind-the-scenes reality of an industry most people misunderstand.What's the real story behind all these developer bankruptcies and does it signal something more troubling about our market? How has covering real estate changed Howard's view of how politics, policy & markets actually work? And why does he believe the conversation around the role of real estate investors in our market is about to completely shift? Don't miss this rare look behind the curtain of real estate reporting and market reality!
Real estate is at a crossroads as technology disruption, economic uncertainty, and litigation reshape the industry landscape. British Columbia Real Estate Association CEO Trevor Koot and Greater Vancouver Realtors CEO Jeff King sit down with Adam & Matt to discuss the seismic shifts transforming the profession.From the alarming parallels to the music industry's Napster moment to the looming threat of a decade-long economic malaise, they pull no punches about what lies ahead for the real estate profession. But not all is lost! Their candid insights reveal not just immediate threats but also exciting opportunities as AI tools, market transparency demands, and consumer expectations evolve at lightning speed.How can individual agents adapt and thrive amidst this perfect storm of disruption? What major changes should consumers expect in as little as 12 to 18 months? And is this a classic case of major change happening gradually, then suddenly?Don't miss this essential conversation for anyone connected to real estate who wants to stay ahead of the curve rather than be swept away by it.
Wow! Very inspirational!
Rents do go down....Just rarely Calgary has gone down around 20% Amazing episode otherwise!