Ever had a deal that looked perfect… until it turned into a slow-motion train wreck right before closing? 😅 In this episode, we get brutally practical about the real-world stuff that can blow up recreational and commercial real estate deals—and how smart buyers, sellers, and agents can avoid the common (and expensive) mistakes. 💥

We kick off with a big one: getting blinded by a commission and forgetting to qualify the buyer’s financial capability—especially in recreational and commercial properties, where financing can be very different than a standard home purchase. 💰🏢 If you don’t confirm capability early, you can waste weeks (or months) on a buyer who can’t actually close.

Then we get into the seasonal question everyone debates: Is it a good idea to build in the winter? ❄️🏗️ There are pros, cons, and some “it depends” realities—because winter builds can move fast… or get ugly if conditions, trades, and timelines don’t line up.

We also talk about closing delays and a mistake people don’t see coming: waiting until the last second to line up a lawyer. ⚖️ If the closing date is tight, trying to get legal work done after the contract is signed can cost you days you don’t have—so getting that set up early can save a ton of stress.

And speaking of last-minute stress: why do banks love asking about an environmental study two days before closing? 🌎😬 We unpack how this happens, why it matters (especially with certain properties), and what you can do earlier in the process so you’re not sweating bullets at the finish line.

On the tech side, there are some helpful updates: Realtor.ca saved searches and price change alerts are now available, which makes tracking the market way easier for buyers and sellers. 📲📈 Plus, a reminder that Paragon searches can expire yearly, which can quietly break your workflow if you’re not paying attention. 🗓️

We also dive into the new reality of marketing: AI is now being used for real estate agent videos 🎥🤖—what that means, where it helps, and where it can backfire if it comes off as fake or lazy.

Finally, we get real about the human side of business: the seller who pulls the home off the market and sells privately thinking they’ve “escaped commission.” 🧾🚫 Spoiler: it can go sideways fast, and honesty is still the best policy—for your reputation, your risk, and your wallet.

And yes—there’s also a wild mix of real property issues that matter more than people think: steel roofs and avalanche zones 🏔️, the longest negotiation battle ever ⏳, and the cottage owner who converts to a year-round home… only to learn there’s no snow plowing for miles. 🥶🚜

PEI Real Estate real-time search/videos/government links: https://michaelshomes.com/links.html

My mailing list and weekly newsletter. This will deliver to your inbox New listings before they are on MLS®, PEI Real Estate Tips, Tricks and Traps and general information about PEI.

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Join our new Facebook Group for people Moving to Prince Edward Island with Michael and Patty at https://www.facebook.com/groups/movetopei/

📞 Michael: 902-626-6912 (Century 21 Northumberland Realty (1987) Limited)

📞 Patty: 902-626-6622 (Powerhouse Realty PEI Inc.)

Thinking about buying or selling real estate in (PEI) Canada? Want to avoid costly mistakes, bad marketing optics, financing surprises, or even foreclosure? This episode dives deep into real-world real estate strategies that can save you time, money, and reputation. 💰🏡

We break down what the BEST investment actually is for agents, brokers, business owners — and even buyers — and why the answer isn’t stocks, crypto, or property… it’s you. 📚🎧 From national U.S. conventions (not just brand events) to podcasts, Audible, mastermind groups, and the power of daily 30-minute walks, we talk about building long-term competitive advantage through personal growth — and why execution beats endless planning. MVP mindset. Pull the trigger. 🚀

On the real estate side, we tackle serious issues: foreclosure alternatives (banks don’t want your house 👀), why January might not be the best time to view waterfront homes on dirt roads (frozen locks are real ❄️🔒), and what message alcohol sends when used in agent marketing. Brand perception matters.

Sellers will want to hear our discussion on net closing statements — especially for first-time buyer price ranges. What will you actually net? How long should it take to sell based on absorption rates? And yes — HST applies to commissions, legal, and accounting fees. 📊

We also cover honesty in transactions (don’t knowingly pass problems to first-time buyers), what documents you should provide your listing agent to reduce conditions and contingencies, whether pre-home inspections make sense, septic clauses and split duties, winter septic warnings, and how a simple 50-amp electrical panel can derail financing or insurance approval. ⚡

Plus: young buyers with no credit, TFSA, RESP and RRSP strategies, first-time homebuyer programs, and why some “flip-looking” homes are actually renovation projects from inherited estates.

If you care about doing real estate the right way — ethically, strategically, and profitably — this episode is for you. 🎯

Join us for a deep dive into these essential topics and walk away with the insider knowledge to make confident real estate decisions on Prince Edward Island! 🌟

Connect with Michael: 🔗 YouTube: Michael Poczynek 🔗 Website: Michael's Homes 🔗 Twitter (X): Michael's Twitter

My mailing list and weekly newsletter. This will deliver to your inbox New listings before they are on MLS®, PEI Real Estate Tips, Tricks and Traps and general information about PEI.

Subscribe here: http://eepurl.com/b8yULf

Connect with Patty: 🔗 YouTube: Powerhouse Realty PEI 🔗 Website: Powerhouse Real Estate PEI

Join our new Facebook Group for people Moving to Prince Edward Island with Michael and Patty at https://www.facebook.com/groups/movetopei/

New! LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/4771212/

Prefer a more personal touch? Call or text us at:

📞 Michael: 902-626-6912 (Century 21 Northumberland Realty (1987) Limited)

📞 Patty: 902-626-6622 (Powerhouse Realty PEI Inc.)

Are you overpaying for new construction in PEI? 🏡 Is that “dream waterfront build” actually a smarter move than buying resale? 🌊 And what’s really going on in that damp basement your home inspector flagged?

In this episode, we break down some hard truths about Prince Edward Island real estate that buyers need to hear before writing an offer.

First up: brand-new homes listed at full price… with unfinished basements. 🤨 If buyers don’t want the hassle of customizing the lower level, why are they paying top dollar? Let’s be honest — sometimes that unfinished space isn’t about “your future vision”… it’s about maximizing a builder’s margin. We unpack what this really means for value, resale, and negotiation power.

Then we shift to strategy: buying a lot and building, especially waterfront in PEI. 🌅 This can be a powerful move if done correctly. But here’s the key: don’t overpay for land, don’t ignore location fundamentals, and don’t try to force a build that doesn’t suit the lot. Square pegs and round holes don’t work in construction — or real estate investing.

We also dive into basement moisture issues 💧 — dehumidifiers vs Humidex systems, what actually works in PEI’s climate, and why your home inspector’s opinion on weeping tiles and gravel floors may not always tell the full story. Understanding how basements truly behave can save you thousands.

Finally, we get technical: parent parcel numbers, subdividing land in Prince Edward Island, attached surveys in MLS listings, and how to properly use GeoLink searches. 📍 If you’re buying acreage or development land, this is information you absolutely need to understand before closing.

Whether you're buying, building, investing, or just trying to avoid costly mistakes in PEI real estate, this episode delivers practical insight and straight talk.

Join us for a deep dive into these essential topics and walk away with the insider knowledge to make confident real estate decisions on Prince Edward Island! 🌟

🎧🏡 #PEIRealEstate #DreamPropertyOffer #LivingInPEI #ExplorePEI #PEI

Connect with Michael: 🔗 YouTube: Michael Poczynek 🔗 Website: Michael's Homes 🔗 Twitter (X): Michael's Twitter

My mailing list and weekly newsletter. This will deliver to your inbox New listings before they are on MLS®, PEI Real Estate Tips, Tricks and Traps and general information about PEI.

Subscribe here: http://eepurl.com/b8yULf

Connect with Patty: 🔗 YouTube: Powerhouse Realty PEI 🔗 Website: Powerhouse Real Estate PEI

Join our new Facebook Group for people Moving to Prince Edward Island with Michael and Patty at https://www.facebook.com/groups/movetopei/

New! LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/4771212/

Prefer a more personal touch? Call or text us at:

📞 Michael: 902-626-6912 (Century 21 Northumberland Realty (1987) Limited)

📞 Patty: 902-626-6622 (Powerhouse Realty PEI Inc.)