Best REMAX Hallmark, Stories and Strategies Podcasts (2025)

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The SECRET to Scaling a 100-Deal Real Estate Business 41:14

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2d ago41:14

41:14

Is your real estate business running you — or are you running it? Chris Cook sits down with Niketa Bissessar, the powerhouse operations leader behind the high-performing Michelle Fraser Team. They dive deep into how the right systems — and more importantly, the right people — can turn chaos into clarity and scale your business without breaking it. …

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What Do Top Real Estate Producers Do Differently? 19:07

2d ago19:07

19:07

What really separates a top-producing real estate agent from the rest of the pack? Johnder Perez and Steve Tabrizi dive deep into the DNA of success in real estate—from mastering mindset, daily habits, and systems, to cutting through the noise of shiny distractions and focusing on the fundamentals. They unpack what makes agents thrive even in tough…

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Will AI REPLACE Realtors? 16:32

9d ago16:32

16:32

Can AI really replace your trusted real estate agent? Johnder Perez and Steve Tabrizi dive deep into the real-world impact of AI on the real estate industry. With firsthand insights and decades of experience, they challenge the fear-driven narrative around AI replacing agents and instead paint a picture of evolution, opportunity, and necessary adap…

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TAX-FREE Wealth Strategies for Real Estate Agents 32:50

16d ago32:50

32:50

What if you could legally redirect your tax dollars to your family or your favorite charity—without breaking the bank or bending the rules? Chris Cook sits down with financial strategist Peter Lount to break down the essentials of tax-smart wealth protection for real estate professionals. From transitioning corporate wealth into personal assets to …

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Tariffs, Rates & Tough Questions 16:07

16d ago16:07

16:07

You’ve heard it before – don’t try to time the market. From the rollercoaster impact of tariffs and shifting political strategies to the reality behind interest rates and buyer psychology, our first episode delivers no-nonsense insights and data-backed advice. Whether you're a real estate professional or just market-curious, you will gain clarity i…

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How to Become a Proactive Realtor 33:11

23d ago33:11

33:11

Is your business running you, instead of the other way around? In this revealing and relatable episode of Mind Your Real Estate Business, Chris Cook sits down with Simmi Minhas to unpack what happens when success in real estate starts to consume every aspect of your life. From burnout and constant reactiveness to the hard truths about setting bound…

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Sign Slappin’ to Real Estate Kingpin | Patrick Gillis 36:49

30d ago36:49

36:49

What’s the secret to thriving in tough markets while others struggle to survive? Chris Cook sits down with realtor Patrick Gillis to explore the power of goal setting, consistency, and genuine relationships in building a thriving real estate career — even in difficult markets. Patrick candidly shares his journey from early success, through the crus…

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MASTERING Your Mental Performance for SUCCESS 36:41

1M ago36:41

36:41

Ready to unlock the secret sauce of high performance in business and sport? Chris Cook connects with longtime friend and former sports psychologist Dr. Colin Guthrie for an incredibly insightful conversation about what it really takes to perform under pressure — in Olympic sailing and real estate alike. They dive into how mastering mental performan…

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REPLAY - Real Estate Fraud – Thieves Selling Your Home Without You Knowing 33:07

11M ago33:07

33:07

Send us a text This episode originally published in March, 2023. You may have seen or read about this story on CBC. But wait until you hear all the details. CBC Toronto been running a series of articles on real estate fraud of a different kind the last couple months. Thieves posing as owners of homes, selling the properties, and disappearing. Only …

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REPLAY - Tricks, Tips, and the Best Techniques to Hosting a Very Profitable Yard Sale 32:08

12M ago32:08

32:08

Send us a text This episode was first published in August 2022. They're a weekend tradition across North America... especially in the summertime. The yard sale or garage sale is a great chance to "edit" or clean out that storage room you want to turn into a home office. Depending on what you're selling, yard sales can also be very profitable. In th…

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REPLAY - A Tale of Dirty Tricks in a Declining Market 35:50

1y ago35:50

35:50

Send us a text This is a flashback to episode 64 of Sold in the 6ix originally published in Spring 2023. Sometimes things can get nasty. Wrong. Dirty. Real Estate agents do their best to protect their clients in every conceivable way. But sometimes, even after a fair deal has been signed, things can happen. In extreme cases you can have one side tr…

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Naughty Agent VI 31:23

1y ago31:23

31:23

Send us a text In this episode of Sold in the 6ix, Desmond Brown discusses two cases of unethical behaviour by real estate agents in Ontario. The first case involves an agent who allowed a buyer to start renovations on a property before the sale was finalized, resulting in a $10,000 fine. The second case involves an agent who repeatedly violated re…

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Home Inspect for the Unexpected 34:39

1y ago34:39

34:39

Send us a text A house is more than a home; it's a story waiting to be told. In this episode, Des checks in with veteran home inspector Richard Gaughan in a deep dive into the evolving dynamics of property evaluation. Amidst a market that once raced past such precautions, they explore how buyers and sellers are now embracing the protective reassura…

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A Registry That Exposes Bad Tenants and Landlords 33:25

1y ago33:25

33:25

Send us a text In this episode we dive into the innovative business model of Openroom, founded by Weiting Bollu. Openroom is revolutionizing the rental market! It’s an online database that has the names of tenants and landlords who have been found at fault by the Landlord and Tenant Board. Openroom helps with the due diligence that all landlords an…

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Smart Strategies for New Real Estate Investors 27:53

1y ago27:53

27:53

Send us a text Make real estate investment your new reality. Desmond and real estate guru Todd C. Slater explore the path to investment success for the average person. They look at the significance of defining your investing "why," the strategic approach to financial readiness, and the smart utilization of home equity to kickstart your investment j…

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Real Estate and Estate Planning in the 6ix 35:41

1y ago35:41

35:41

Send us a text It’s no secret Canada’s over 65 population is swelling. With 7.6 million Canadians now aged 65 or older, the importance of having affairs in order is more important than ever. Guest Garry Cass explains the difference between a power of attorney and a will, and the importance of updating wills regularly. He also discusses the complica…

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Blueprint for Change: Tim Hudak on Boosting Ontario’s Housing Market 32:16

1+ y ago32:16

32:16

Send us a text Desmond and his guest Tim Hudak of OREA explore the complexities of Ontario's housing market, starting with a focus on the affordable housing report. A few years ago, the Ontario government announced an ambitious plan to address the housing crisis, aiming to build 1.5 million homes over the next decade. Despite challenges such as COV…

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Dreams in Tight Spaces: The Laneway House Blueprint 30:03

1+ y ago30:03

30:03

Send us a text In this episode Des interviews Ashley McInnis, a real estate agent who built a laneway house in Toronto. McInnis shares his experience with the process, from obtaining permits to dealing with construction and financing. He explains the project cost around $350,000 for the laneway house itself, plus additional expenses for renovations…

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Naughty Agent Part V: When Realtors Cross the Line 34:42

1+ y ago34:42

34:42

Send us a text The Naughty Agent series in this podcast discusses cases of disciplinary action taken against real estate agents in Ontario. In this episode the first case involves an agent who responded to a Kijiji ad from a woman looking for a place to rent. The agent made sexually suggestive remarks to the woman, charged her $700 to strengthen he…

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The Ripple Effects of a Supervised Drug Consumption Site 44:53

1+ y ago44:53

44:53

Send us a text The Leslieville neighbourhood of Toronto is coping with a “Safe Injection Site” (also called Supervised Consumption sites). Journalist Derek Finkle of the National Post lives in the community. He says the site, which opened in 2017, has drastically changed the neighbourhood, attracting drug dealers and leading to increased crime and …

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Toronto’s Housing Tomorrow: 2024 Analysis and Forecast 34:51

1+ y ago34:51

34:51

Send us a text There’s good reason for optimism in the Toronto real estate market. Steve Tabrizi, COO of RE/MAX Hallmark joins Des to look at the current state of the real estate market and their predictions for 2024. They discuss the impact of interest rate hikes on the market, the increase in inventory, and the potential for a rebound in the mark…

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Real Estate-related Holiday Gift Ideas 32:57

1+ y ago32:57

32:57

Send us a text Well buying someone a home or commercial property is a dynamite gift but let’s be realistic. Maybe something a little more realistic? Tamara Grierson of Staging Life shares her ideas for holiday gifts for the home. She discusses different types of decorations, including artificial and real Christmas trees, and offers tips for making …

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Naughty Agent – Stories of Realtors Doing Bad Things Part IV 28:44

1+ y ago28:44

28:44

Send us a text Des and Jennifer discuss recent disciplinary decisions by the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) against real estate agents. Three cases: one where an agent contacted sellers whose houses were on the market and tried to convince them to terminate their current contracts and list with her another where an agent representing a buyer…

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The Impacts of Higher Interest Rates Being Felt Right Now in Toronto Real Estate 32:56

1+ y ago32:56

32:56

Send us a text Higher rates have slowed overall sales but prices in markets like Toronto have increased by about 3% since last year. Those not buying or selling but whose mortgages are up for renewal are facing challenges, with some being forced to sell or risk losing their homes. In this episode Des and Jason Georgopoulos of Dominion Lending Centr…

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How to Avoid Legal Problems when Buying Pre-Construction Condos 35:48

1+ y ago35:48

35:48

Send us a text People who bought pre-construction condos years ago are now struggling to close the transactions due to changing market conditions and rising interest rates. Mark Morris, a real estate lawyer, is dealing with many such cases. Morris explains the current falling market is causing many buyers to be unable to close their transactions, l…

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Challenging the Narrative of a Softening Market 32:24

1+ y ago32:24

32:24

Send us a text Des teams up with Asif Khan to discuss the current real estate market in Toronto. Despite sensational headlines suggesting a plunge into a buyer's market, they argue the market remains a seller's market, albeit quieter in terms of units sold. Prices continue to climb, with the average price up 3% compared to last year. Listings are u…

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Greenbelt Reversal: Unearthing Ontario’s Real Estate Controversy 35:03

1+ y ago35:03

35:03

Send us a text Ontario Premier Doug Ford has reversed his decision to open up the Greenbelt for development, following backlash from opposition parties, media investigations, and findings by the province's auditor general and Ethics commissioner. The report suggests developers had inside information about the lifting of restrictions on the Greenbel…

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The Nasty Battle Over The Mandatory Realtors’ Health Plan: The Response By The Association 36:22

1+ y ago36:22

36:22

Send us a text The Ontario Realtor Wellness Plan has been initiated by the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA). The plan required agents pay increased annual dues of $760 and participate in a mandatory wellness program. In this episode we talk with Stacey Evoy and Tania Artenosi of OREA about the backlash they’ve been receiving and why they brou…

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The 15-Minute Neighbourhood 30:38

2y ago30:38

30:38

Send us a text Imagine a world where everything you need is just 15 minutes away. Where you work, shop, where you get health care and schooling. A new RE/MAX head office report says this is happening and it’s called the 15 Minute Neighbourhood: Lessons for Small Communities. Is something like this possible in Toronto? Guest: Michael McLachlan Faceb…

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Protecting Realtors: Self-Defence Strategies for Safety 38:47

2y ago38:47

38:47

Send us a text Realtors meet people every day and naturally are focused on trying to make the best impression. They don’t know the people they’re meeting with, they’re total strangers really. Over the years there have been cases where realtors have been attacked and even killed. Rob Andress saw this during his 38-year career as a real estate broker…

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Closing the Doors on a Career – Tess Kalinowski 34:44

2y ago34:44

34:44

Send us a text Anyone who follows real estate knows the name from her Toronto Star byline. Tess Kalinowski is synonymous with solid information and good stories in real estate. Spanning a 40-year career, the last chapter of it focused specifically on Toronto real estate, Tess shares some of her favourite memories and stories. One key takeaway, she …

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Naughty Agent – Stories of Realtors Doing Bad Things Part III 24:10

2y ago24:10

24:10

Send us a text Phantom offers. Ghost offers. An example of this is when the selling agent lies and says there is a second offer hoping to nudge the price of potential buyer. What’s the penalty for that? This and other real-life stories that went before the Real Estate Council of Ontario in this installment of Naughty Agent. See the RECO decisions p…

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“Crazy” is Here. The Return of the Wild Real Estate Market 25:56

2y ago25:56

25:56

Send us a text Just a few months ago real estate sales were down 44% year over year. There was a lots of talk about prices diving down even further. Asif Khan and Des published an episode that looked at all the data and came to a very different conclusion. The episode was called “Things Are Going to Get Crazy Real Quick” Talk about a crystal ball. …

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Follow Up to “My Tenant Won’t Leave” 26:16

2y ago26:16

26:16

Send us a text In May 2022 we shared a story with you about a first-time buyer who bought a condo that had a tenant in it. The seller has guaranteed the tenant would be gone by the time the transaction closed so the buyer could move in. But on the closing date, the buyer still couldn’t move in because the tenant was still there. (Listen to the firs…

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A 1-On-1 Sit Down With Tim Hudak at Realtor Quest 2023 30:17

2y ago30:17

30:17

Send us a text RECORDED LIVE AT REALTOR QUEST 2023 AT THE TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE It seems odd to say but for Tim Hudak the transition from politician to CEO of the provincial real estate board was a natural progression. It was when he was a Member of Provincial Parliament that he moved into the role of Consumer Business Services Minister. A part o…

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Getting Organized and Finding Space 26:25

2y ago26:25

26:25

Send us a text There are two kinds of space – the kind Gene Roddenberry was focused on in the 1960’s drama Star Trek – that kind of space is supposedly infinite. But there’s another kind of space that’s not only finite, it’s increasingly in short supply. This is the space you and I live in, and we need more of it. In this episode Des checks in with…

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The Burying and Cover-up of a Proud Black Canadian Past 28:35

2y ago28:35

28:35

Send us a text James Russell made headlines recently for staging a sit-in at Niagara-on-the-Lake. He chained himself to a plaque at a Black cemetery, vowing not to leave until the town agreed to unearth and restore the Negro Burial Ground’s long-buried headstones. And while the story has made headlines, hearing James describe the history of what ha…

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Naughty Agent – Stories of Realtors Doing Bad Things Part II 25:17

2y ago25:17

25:17

Send us a text Most realtors run pretty straight up businesses. No surprises. But there are bad apples in every basket and that’s when the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) steps in. In this episode Des and his business partner Jennifer Scaife walk through several recent examples of naughty agents including one… who couldn’t keep his pants on. …

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Pre-Construction… What you need to know 28:30

2y ago28:30

28:30

Send us a text Just look around the City of Toronto and you can se proof of residential growth… all those construction cranes building new condo buildings. They’re under construction because people have already bought them. Pre-construction units are bought by three types of buyers – someone who will eventually live there, an investor who will rent…

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Mortgage Rates Holding – But What’s the Rest of the Story? 32:26

2y ago32:26

32:26

Send us a text The Bank of Canada has decided to hold its overnight interest rate at 4.5%. That’s what’s making headlines. But what are the story lines deeper in the details? Longer term rates are starting to come down, although they may not be the best option. Longer amortizations are also in the details. Some as long as 70 years. Banks have been …

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Naughty Agent – Stories of Realtors Doing Bad Things Part I 25:54

2y ago25:54

25:54

Send us a text Most realtors are fair, honest, trustworthy. But sometimes the bad apples make an appearance. In Ontario, the governing body is the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO). And when Agents do naughty things, it’s RECO that decides the punishment. In this episode we look at a few cases where RECO had to get involved. Like the Agent who …

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Finding the Space in Your Home You Never Thought You Had 31:08

2y ago31:08

31:08

Send us a text In some ways “Space” in your home is relative. Beauty and functionality is what fits your unique lifestyle. But we all need that space. Whatever it is for each of us. Christine Roberts helps people find that space in their homes whether it’s getting ready for sale or just creating space for yourself. She shares her ideas in this epis…

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A Tale of Dirty Tricks in a Declining Market 35:50

2y ago35:50

35:50

Send us a text Sometimes things can get nasty. Wrong. Dirty. Real Estate agents do their best to protect their clients in every conceivable way. But sometimes, even after a fair deal has been signed, things can happen. In extreme cases you can have one side try to bully the other into an even better deal. In this episode Des connects with lawyer Ga…

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Staging Your Home in the Spring – Part Art, Part Science 31:04

2y ago31:04

31:04

Send us a text Ultimately your goal with home staging is to create light and space, or at least the feeling of space. Tamara Grierson has been working with Des for years and they’ve had phenomenal success. In one example a homeowner sold their property in the end for $100,000 over asking, thanks primarily to the staging. When it comes to Spring sta…

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Real Estate Fraud – Thieves Selling Your Home Without You Knowing 33:40

2y ago33:40

33:40

Send us a text You may have seen or read about this story on CBC. But wait until you hear all the details. CBC Toronto been running a series of articles on real estate fraud of a different kind the last couple months. Thieves posing as owners of homes, selling the properties, and disappearing. Only to have the real homeowners find out weeks later. …

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The History of Property Ownership by Black People in Toronto 32:19

2+ y ago32:19

32:19

Send us a text The history of Black people in Upper Canada goes well back to the 1700’s. Many of them were slaves brought to Canada by Loyalists fleeing the United States. 1834 saw both the abolishment of slavery in Canada and the Town of York renamed the City of Toronto. It was in this period between 1834 and through the end of the American Civil …

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Creative Ways to Break into the Toronto Housing Market 26:43

2+ y ago26:43

26:43

Send us a text ReHousing is a research project that explores how to convert single-family homes into multi-unit housing. And the idea is to use affordable, common-sense design to yield high-quality space. It’s a collaboration between the University of Toronto, Tuf Lab and LGA Architectural Partners. The projects developed through ReHousing, in aggr…

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The Real Life of Real Estate Agents in Toronto 36:51

2+ y ago36:51

36:51

Send us a text According to Google Trends data, “how to become a real estate agent,” was THE most searched job recently. It’s a career that doesn’t need a University degree, offers great flexibility and autonomy, and the potential for solid financial rewards. But what does it really take? In this episode Ken McLachlan of RE/MAX Hallmark tells Des w…

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“Things are Going to Get Crazy Real Quick” 38:09

2+ y ago38:09

38:09

Send us a text You’d be forgiven, as a buyer in this market, for thinking maybe this is a good time to wait. Prices have come down, maybe they’ll go down further. The media stories are all about a cooling market. But underneath the headlines, on the street where the market is played out, there are signs of a return. Inventories are remarkably low, …

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What Happens to Real Estate During a Divorce? 29:41

2+ y ago29:41

29:41

Send us a text Separated and divorcing spouses are going through one of the most difficult chapters of their lives. Finances and Real Estate can play a big role. The first step in sorting things out is to prepare a financial statement. That may include real estate properties that one or the other wants to sell but there isn’t necessarily agreement.…

REMAX Hallmark, Stories And Strategies Podcasts