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.

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

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.)

Think a lowball offer can be ignored because it came by text? Think again. 😬 In this episode, we dive straight into the real-world rules, risks, and rookie mistakes happening right now in real estate — the kind of stuff buyers, sellers, and even agents need to understand before things go sideways.

We kick things off by breaking down a rule that surprises a lot of people: every offer must be presented, no matter how it’s delivered — text message, email, verbal, scribbled on a napkin… you name it. 📱✉️ And yes, we even share a “comedy corner” moment involving a $1M offer on a $2M property. Buckle up.

From there, we talk collaboration — two successful cooperative deals this week — and why working with other agents instead of against them actually gets properties sold faster. 🤝

Pricing land gets messy, especially when emotion enters the chat. 🌲 We unpack a tricky 30-acre parcel with views, limited development potential, and zero waterfront — and explain why some buyers end up wildly overpaying for “swampland with a view.”

There’s also a blunt but necessary conversation about buyer qualification. If an agent doesn’t know whether their client can afford the property… isn’t that a problem? 💸 We call out bad habits, lack of training, and how wasting everyone’s time helps exactly no one.

On the practical side, we share a must-use clause that saves buyers from post-closing headaches when it comes to leftover junk and abandoned items. 🏠 No drama, no vendor retrievals, no surprises.

We also issue a firm warning: never trust battery-powered locks 🔋🚫 — and explain why they’re a disaster waiting to happen.

Finally, we get into winter realities that buyers often overlook: ploughed vs seasonal roads, access for garbage and school buses, and the very real danger of steep “suicide driveways” and blind hills once the snow flies. ❄️🚗

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

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.)

❄️📊 What really happens to the real estate market when winter hits—and why bad offers can blow up a deal before it even starts? In this episode, we dig into December market stats, the real meaning behind days-on-market, and why writing a careless or aggressive offer can instantly turn a vendor off—sometimes permanently. If you think lowballing is a strategy, this episode might save you a very expensive lesson.

We also break down a curious Realtor.ca bulletin related to fishing (yes, really), and explain how misunderstanding value—especially what vendors care deeply about—can cost buyers far more than they expect. There’s a fine line between negotiating and insulting, and we’re not sugar-coating where that line is.

On the lighter side 🎭, the Comedy Corner tackles the rude awakening that comes with moving out of your parents’ house—when you start paying the heating and power bills. Suddenly, leaving doors open and blasting heat hits a little differently. And no, frozen pipes are not a personality trait—houses need heat.

We also get practical with winter prep tips for homes and mini homes: insulation, winterizing pipes, antifreeze, and why keeping the heat a bit higher than usual can save you thousands in repairs.

Finally, we dive into downtown Charlottetown Airbnbs and walk through the full menu of heating options buyers and sellers should actually understand—from oil and propane to electric heat, radiant systems, in-floor heating, on-demand hot water, and heat pumps. If you don’t know what’s heating the house, you don’t really know the house.

🎙️ Smart insights, real talk, and a few laughs—this episode is packed with value whether you’re buying, selling, or just trying not to freeze your plumbing solid.

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

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/

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

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

Want to start your own Podcast? Visit https://rss.com/?via=michael

🚨 Thinking about getting into real estate — or already in it and feeling stuck? This episode might sting a little… but you’ll thank us later.

In this no-BS conversation, we pull back the curtain on some of the most common (and costly) mistakes new real estate agents make, straight from over four decades of real-world experience and a serious business background. Spoiler alert: blindly copying what everyone else is doing is a fast track to mediocrity.

We also take aim at one of the most head-scratching seller habits of the year — pulling listings off the market “until spring.” 🤦‍♂️ What’s the logic? Does it work? Or is it just seasonal superstition wrapped in wishful thinking?

On the tech side, thermal imaging gets put to the test 🔥❄️. We break down what it actually reveals in homes — from in-floor heating issues and missing insulation to windows that were supposed to be filled but clearly weren’t. We also talk about how thermal images can and should be used in offers, and whether home inspectors are even using these tools… or avoiding them because they reveal a little too much.

You’ll also hear practical, straight-talk advice on choosing the right lawyer and home inspector — and why leaning on your agent’s experience can save you time, money, and regret.

And finally, a reality check for out-of-province buyers 👀: if you’ve been “watching it for a while,” maybe stop over-analysing from your couch. At some point, you need to get on a plane, see the property, and make decisions. Deals don’t happen through endless emails — they happen through action.

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

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.)

Want to start your own Podcast? Visit https://rss.com/?via=michael

What really happens when a real estate deal goes sideways — and who actually gets the deposit? 🤔 In this episode, we dig into one of the most misunderstood and hotly debated issues in real estate: mutual releases, deposits, and how simple problems can spiral into bureaucratic gridlock with no clear answers.

We also tackle a surprisingly common (and stressful) situation: septic fields that may not even be on your property — with no mention in the deed and no plot plan to be found. 🧭 From satellite imagery and land contours to pipe clues, sensors, and plumbers, we break down how professionals try to locate septic systems when official records are missing or useless. Spoiler alert: Access PEI doesn’t always save the day. 💥 Septic testing continues to be a major issue across PEI, and buyers need to know where the landmines are.

Mapping accuracy is another trap buyers fall into. 📐 Just because it looks right online doesn’t mean it is. Ortho photos can lie, measurements can be off, and deeds don’t always tell the full story. We explain why manually verifying lot size still matters — a lot.

Fraud is everywhere right now — from REALTOR.CA inquiries to straight-up credit card fraud. 🚨 We get blunt about protecting yourself: two-factor authentication, password managers, credit alerts, Equifax monitoring, and why you should never click a meeting link from someone who “doesn’t have a phone.” Ever.

Good news still exists, though. 🏡 Yes, you can still buy a livable home in the $200,000–$260,000 range within 20 minutes of town — and on more than an acre. We explain where, how, and what expectations buyers should have.

We also cover EV chargers and heat pumps ⚡🔥, why electrical panel upgrades are often unavoidable, erosion barrier studies, buffer zones, HOAs, developers owning shoreline buffers, and the fees buyers often don’t notice until it’s too late.

Plus: the Waste Watch app 🗑️ (because knowing when your garbage goes out matters), and a rant-worthy look at the silliest, most meaningless phrases on MLS cut sheets — including “as is where is,” vague measurements, and misleading tax info that’s about to be reassessed anyway.

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/

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.)

Real estate isn’t just about houses—it’s about timing, strategy, law, weather, power outages, and occasionally the entire province shutting down because someone mentioned a storm. 🌬️❄️

In this episode, we dive deep into November 2025 Canadian real estate stats, hard-earned closing day lessons, and the kind of mistakes buyers and sellers make when they assume everything will “just work out.” (Spoiler: it won’t.)

You’ll hear why closing on time is overrated, why end-of-month and Friday closings are a rookie mistake, and how a super-detailed pre-close inspection can save you tens of thousands of dollars. ⚡🔍 From checking electrical systems and fuel levels to testing appliances and making sure the contract terms are actually followed, this is real-world advice you won’t hear from a brochure.

We also clear up major confusion around the federal foreign buyer ban—specifically whether it applies to vacant building lots (hint: Ottawa went after houses, not dirt 🏗️). If you’re buying land, this matters.

Plus: • The fastest real estate closing ever recorded (17 hours ⏱️) • Why salt water freezes below zero and why Islanders somehow still panic every winter 🌊🧊 • How to prepare for a power outage like a seasoned Islander 🔦 • Why deleting the UFFI/asbestos warranty clause could save you legal grief • The shocking cost of upgrading a 60- or 70-amp panel on a mini home 💸 • Why buyer pre-qualification should happen before showings—not after • And what to do when you’re pressured to make an offer with no home inspection clause 🏠

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

Ready to unlock the door to your dream property?

🎧🏡 #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.)

Want to start your own Podcast? Visit https://rss.com/?via=michael