Episodes

  • S1E09: Buyers - Stop Following The Herd!
    Jun 22 2024

    In episode 9 of "The Truth About Real Estate Podcast," host David Elliott, a seasoned real estate advisor from Toronto, Canada, tackles the perplexing issue of why real estate buyers often follow the herd mentality. Elliott observes that despite favorable market conditions with adjusted prices and increased inventory, many buyers hesitate to make a move. He delves into the psychological and social factors behind this trend, emphasizing the powerful influence of Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), the need for social proof, and common misconceptions about market timing. Through relatable scenarios, Elliott illustrates how these factors can paralyze buyers, preventing them from seizing valuable opportunities.

    David argues that buyers should base their decisions on their individual circumstances rather than waiting for external validation or attempting to time the market perfectly. He emphasizes that financial stability, personal life goals, and a long-term investment perspective are crucial factors in making sound real estate decisions. By sharing examples of individuals and couples who successfully navigated the market by focusing on their unique situations, Elliott highlights the importance of prioritizing personal readiness over market trends. He advises listeners to consider their financial health, life plans, and the long-term benefits of home ownership rather than succumbing to the pressures of the herd.

    To wrap up the episode, Elliott offers practical advice and encouragement to listeners. He stresses the importance of staying informed and making real estate decisions that align with one's personal needs and goals. By dispelling common myths and providing actionable insights, Elliott aims to empower buyers to make confident and informed choices. He concludes with a motivational message, urging listeners to live a purposeful life and reminding them to stay true to themselves in their real estate endeavors.

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    40 mins
  • S1E08: Concerning Trends in the Industry
    Jun 12 2024

    In this episode of The Truth About Real Estate Podcast, your host, David Elliott, delves into the top three concerning trends in the real estate industry that are damaging the reputation of agents everywhere. The discussion begins with the unethical tactic of underlisting properties without an offer date, only to demand significantly higher prices later. This practice misleads buyers and wastes their time, ultimately eroding trust in real estate professionals.

    Next, the episode tackles the issue of misleading property descriptions and photos. From exaggerated features to photo manipulation and the omission of critical details, these deceptive practices create false impressions that disappoint and frustrate potential buyers. [Your Name] explores the severe impact this has on the industry, from wasted time and lost trust to potential legal ramifications.

    Finally, the episode examines the detrimental effects of high-pressure sales tactics and aggressive marketing. Urgency tactics, over-promising, and manipulative marketing not only lead to buyer’s remorse and financial strain but also undermine the professionalism of real estate transactions. [Your Name] emphasizes the importance of ethical behavior and transparency, encouraging agents to foster trust and build long-lasting relationships with their clients. Tune in for an eye-opening discussion on how we can collectively improve the real estate industry’s reputation.

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    40 mins
  • S1E07: It's Raining Terminated Listings!
    May 23 2024
    EPISODE 7: It’s Raining TERMINATED LISTINGS! What’s up, guys!? Welcome all HOMIE’s to The Truth About Real Estate Podcast. I'm your host and preferred real estate advisor, David Elliott coming to you from Toronto, Canada and I am always delivering you the truth about real estate. Today is Episode 7 – It’s Raining Terminated Listings!!! That’s right. Listings across Toronto are being terminated like crazy. But why? Is it only condos? How can you avoid having to terminate your upcoming listing? We’ll get into all that and more. Before we start, this is a quick disclaimer for you. While we might chat about all sorts of topics: finances, mortgages, politics, business, etc. it's crucial to note that the content shared is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Before making any significant decisions, consult with a professional in the respective field. Now that we've got that covered, let's jump into today's episode! Thanks for being here, and as always, happy listening! Picture this: sellers underpricing their properties, hoping for bidding wars that seem to have vanished into thin air. What's going on, you ask? Well, let's discuss. Since Monday, there have been 361 terminated listings. Before you say “It’s all condos”…let me share the numbers – 124 freehold (detached, semis, townhouses, rowhouses), 237 condos (condo fees). So, why the sudden surge in terminated listings? It's simple – sellers are setting their expectations based on a market that no longer exists. Bidding wars, once a common occurrence, have become a rarity, leaving sellers disillusioned and frustrated. But, at the same time, they’re not giving their properties away for free. The big question on everyone's mind: what's causing this shift in dynamics? Well, it's a combination of factors, really. Uncertainty looms large, with the looming spectre of interest rates hanging over the market like a dark cloud. With interest rates potentially remaining where they are until the Fall, buyers are understandably cautious, unwilling to commit to inflated prices in a market that could soon see a shift in favor of lenders. But what exactly led us to this point? Let's explore the journey that the Toronto real estate market has taken over the past few years. From unprecedented price surges to government interventions, it's been a rollercoaster ride for both buyers and sellers. Remember the days when bidding wars were the norm? It seems like a distant memory now. We'll take a closer look at how bidding wars shaped the market and why they've become increasingly rare in today's landscape. In the quest for affordability, some sellers are resorting to underpricing their properties, hoping to attract multiple offers. But what are the risks associated with this strategy, and how can sellers protect themselves in a market that's fraught with uncertainty? Meanwhile, buyers are in no rush to rescue sellers from their predicament. Instead, they're taking advantage of this rare moment of leverage, carefully weighing their options and waiting for the right opportunity to strike. But amidst all this uncertainty, one thing remains clear – the Toronto real estate market is as resilient as ever, weathering storms and adapting to change with remarkable agility. So, what can sellers do to navigate these choppy waters? We'll discuss strategies for setting realistic expectations, maximizing property value, and attracting discerning buyers in a market that's become increasingly discerning. And for buyers, patience is the name of the game. We'll explore how taking a strategic approach to homebuying can pay dividends in a market where caution is king. But amidst the challenges, there are opportunities abound. We'll shine a spotlight on emerging trends, promising neighborhoods, and untapped potential in the Toronto real estate market. Throughout our discussion, we'll hear from industry experts, real estate agents, and individuals directly impacted by the shifting dynamics of the Toronto housing market. That's all the time we have for today, folks. Thanks so much for listening. Join us next time for another great discussion on The Truth About Real Estate Podcast. BUT, before I let you go I always like to sign off on a positive note and give y’all something to think about while we’re not together. Today’s quote comes from a book I am thoroughly enjoying right now and that is The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma – “LIFE IS ALL ABOUT CHOICES. ONE’S DESTINY UNFOLDS ACCORDING TO THE CHOICES ONE MAKES. AND EVERY MOMENT OFFERS AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A NEW AND BETTER CHOICE.” Wise words. Please don’t forget to like, comment and subscribe. And of course, share this episode or other episodes with your network. I’m David Elliott, your preferred real estate advisor in Toronto Canada, thanks again and as always, Stay informed, stay empowered, and above all, stay true to yourself. MAKE TODAY A GOOD ...
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    33 mins
  • S1E06: Rates Down Means Values Up? Maybe Not.
    May 8 2024
    What’s up, guys!? Welcome all HOMIE’s to The Truth About Real Estate Podcast. I'm your host and preferred real estate advisor, David Elliott coming to you from Toronto, Canada and I am always delivering you the truth about real estate. Today is Episode 6 - Rates Down Means Values Up? Not So Fast. and we're going to look at a topic that's been heard across this country for months and months and months within the real estate world. And that is the anticipation of a market surge following the first rate drop from the Bank of Canada. But is this optimism warranted? Let's explore further. Before we start, this is a quick disclaimer for you. While we might chat about all sorts of topics: finances, mortgages, politics, business, etc. it's crucial to note that the content shared is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Before making any significant decisions, consult with a professional in the respective field. Now that we've got that covered, let's jump into today's episode! Thanks for being here, and as always, happy listening! So, if you haven’t been living under a rock, have any slight interest in real estate, and or have heard about rate drops for a while now, then you know that any realtor within an arms length of you has told you the all too famous (and stale) phrase: “when rates come down, values will shoot up.” You’ve heard it, I’ve heard it, we’ve all heard it. And while lower interest rates can indeed have a significant impact on buyer behavior, there are several factors at play that suggest we may not see the expected outcome as immediately as many are predicting. Let me give you an example of how I see this first hand. I had a recent experience with some clients, first-time homebuyers, and they came to me to get the ball rolling with helping them purchase ther own place. Despite securing a decent variable interest rate, they quickly realized that the steady and strong prices in our market were beyond their budget for what they wanted. It was a stark reminder that even the under average/attractive rates (in today’s landscape) it still sobered them up to the fact that they coundn’t afford this type of home. And we’re talking entry level for many first time home buyers in the GTA. This leads me into Reason 1 of 5 I have for you that have me thinking values aren’t going to go to the moon after the first rate cut coming up sometime this year: Reason 1: High Prices Now, let's dissect the first reason why I'm skeptical of an imminent market surge: high prices. Across many markets, we've witnessed home prices skyrocketing to record highs, driven by a combination of factors such as low rates, limited inventory and high demand. But what happens when prices become out of reach for the average buyer, regardless of how low interest rates may come down? What happens if there is too much inventory when rates come down a bit? To better understand this phenomenon, let's take a closer look at the dynamics of supply and demand in Toronto. Despite many believing rates will come down in June, buyers aren’t biting…..yet. Yet. Even after a drop in prices over the last year or so, prices are still up from their pre pandy days and have levelled off at unaffordable values. Salaries have not gone up much on average so the prices on houses and condos still remains unaffordable for most. As I was looking at the numbers that just dropped, a couple of things stood out to me: 1. In April 2024, 7,114 home sales were reported, transactions were down 5.0% compared to the previous year, and 2. The 16,941 new listings in April were a 47.2% increase over last April. Less transactions, more inventory. Hmm. Reason 2: Affordability Concerns Building upon that point, affordability remains a pressing concern for many would-be homeowners. While lower interest rates theoretically would make borrowing more affordable, they don't address the underlying issue of stagnant wages and increasing living costs. Affordability is a multifaceted issue that goes beyond interest rates alone. While lower rates can certainly make homeownership more accessible for some buyers, they may not be sufficient to address broader affordability challenges, such as stagnant wage growth and rising living expenses. People have other focuses these days – mainly how they can feed their families. Reason 3: Economic Uncertainty Ah, yes, economic uncertainty—a topic that's been dominating headlines and influencing consumer behavior. Despite the prospect of lower interest rates, uncertainties surrounding job security and future income prospects can significantly impact individuals' willingness to make long-term financial commitments such as purchasing a home. Let's take a moment to analyze the current economic landscape and its potential implications for the real estate market. According to many industry insiders and publications, Canadian economy may not see much growth in 2024 with the ...
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    30 mins
  • S1E05: Tax, Tax, Tax, Tax...When Is Enough?
    Apr 25 2024
    This week, The Truth About Real Estate Podcast is going to discuss the new increased capital gains tax. Don’t be fooled, it’s not just hitting the rich! It’s the middle class that’s taking the real hit. Tune in for the truth!
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    26 mins
  • S1E04: The Housing Affordability Dilemma
    Apr 10 2024

    What’s up, guys!? Welcome all HOMIE’s to The Truth About Real Estate Podcast. I'm your host, David Elliott broadcasting from Toronto, Canada and I am always delivering you the truth about real estate.

    Today is Episode 4 and we're diving deep into one of the most pressing issues facing Toronto and indeed the whole of Canada: the housing affordability crisis.

    Before we start, this is a quick disclaimer for you. While we might chat about all sorts of topics: finances, mortgages, politics, business, etc. it's crucial to note that the content shared is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Before making any significant decisions, consult with a professional in the respective field.

    Now that we've got that covered, let's jump into today's episode! Thanks for being here, and as always, happy listening!

    From young professionals struggling to get a foothold in the market to low-income families facing the threat of eviction, the implications of this crisis are far-reaching and demand our attention. But there's also a broader question looming: Are we being pushed towards a future where owning nothing and relying on the government is the norm? Let's unpack it all.

    To truly grasp the magnitude of the housing affordability crisis, we need to start with some sobering statistics. In Toronto, the average price of a detached home surpassed the million-dollar mark long ago, putting ownership well out of reach for many. But it's not just Toronto; cities across Canada, The US and big cities around the world are grappling with skyrocketing prices and dwindling rental options. So, what's driving this crisis?

    At its core, the housing affordability crisis is fueled by a combination of factors. Limited housing supply, speculative investment, and low interest rates have all contributed to the unsustainable rise in prices. But let's not forget about stagnant wages, which have failed to keep pace with housing costs, leaving many Canadians struggling to make ends meet. And while foreign investment often takes the blame, the reality is far more complex.

    Now, let's shift our focus to the people at the heart of this crisis. Young professionals, who are burdened with student debt and faced with exorbitant housing costs, are finding it increasingly difficult to put down roots. Meanwhile, low-income families are forced to make impossible choices between paying rent and putting food on the table. The toll on mental health and well-being cannot be overstated. That alone is a bigger pandy (pandemic) than what we’ve dealt with a couple of years back.

    In the face of mounting pressure, governments at all levels have proposed various solutions to address the housing affordability crisis. From rent controls to subsidies for first-time homebuyers, the ideas are endless. But are these measures enough? Are they even being implemented? Is it all smoke and mirrors? Are they trying to buy votes? And what about the larger narrative at play? Some critics argue that the government's ultimate goal is to create a population dependent on social housing, effectively owning nothing and relying entirely on state support.

    As we contemplate the future, one thing is clear: the housing affordability crisis shows no signs of slowing down. But there's a sliver of hope. Grassroots movements, community organizations, and passionate individuals are working tirelessly to advocate for change. From affordable housing initiatives to innovative policy solutions, there are glimmers of progress on the horizon. It's up to all of us to keep pushing for a future where housing is truly a right, not a privilege.

    Thank you for joining me today in discussing the complexities of the housing affordability crisis in Toronto and across Canada. One thing you will want to remember is that the government is not your friend. You must look out for yourself and make the right investment decisions to ensure you’re not left behind. If you need help, please reach out and I can help put a plan in place for you. If you’re getting “free” handouts from the government, you have to ask yourself, WHY?

    That's all the time we have for today. Join us next time for another insightful discussion on The Truth About Real Estate Podcast.

    BUT, before I let you go I always like to sign off on a positive note and give y’all something to think about – “REMEMBER, EVEN THE SMALLEST STEPS FORWARD ARE PROGRESS. KEEP STRIVING, STAY INSPIRED, BE POSITIVE, MANIFEST YOUR GOALS AND EMBRACE THE JOURNEY AHEAD.”

    Please don’t forget to like, comment and subscribe. If you’re about supporting And Finally, share share share this episode or past episodes if you found value in this weeks chat.

    I’m David Elliott, your preferred real estate advisor in Toronto Canada, thanks again and be sure to make today a good day!

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    31 mins
  • S1E03: The Complexities of Gentrification
    Apr 3 2024

    Exploring the Complexities of Gentrification delves into the multifaceted phenomenon of gentrification, both in Toronto, Canada, and on a global scale.

    Join us as we navigate the intricate dynamics of urban development, socioeconomic shifts, and cultural transformations reshaping neighborhoods. From the rapid transformation of historically marginalized areas to the displacement of longtime residents, we unravel the complexities of gentrification's impact on communities.

    We examine the tensions between revitalization and exclusion, wealth and displacement, and tradition and innovation.

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    31 mins
  • S1E02: Uncovering Agents Motivations, Commissions and Conflicts
    Mar 27 2024

    Join us on "The Truth About Real Estate Podcast" as this week we delve into the intricate world of real estate agents, uncovering the motivations, commissions, and conflicts that shape their work.

    From helping clients find their dream homes to negotiating deals and navigating market fluctuations, real estate agents play a pivotal role in the property landscape.

    But what truly drives them? How do they balance the pursuit of commissions with the best interests of their clients?

    In this episode, we peel back the curtain to reveal the inner workings of this dynamic profession, their motivations, commission secrets, and conflicts that arise.

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    53 mins