This episode is titled "Tariffs and Tightropes: How global and local issues are shaping GTA real estate in spring 2025." I outline 7 factors affecting real estate values, focusing on four: Cost of shelter (including ownership and rent), Job security, Local supply, and Global factors.

Emphasis is made on the importance of these factors in understanding changes in real estate values. This episode will explore how they are currently impacting the market.

Ciao! Welcome to a new episode of Building Wealth Through Real Estate...Brick by Brick with me, Nico James-Bock, Founder of The CondoWiz™ Group and Broker at Royal LePage Signature Realty in Downtown Toronto.

Next Steps/Highlights:

1. Listeners to seriously consider the candidates in the upcoming Federal election (early voting April 18-21, main election on April 28).
2. Evaluate party leaders' proposals for bolstering the economy, curbing inflation, and counteracting tariff effects.
3. Listeners to share their opinions on which leader would be better at deflecting tariffs and leading Canada into a more prosperous summer.
4. Listeners to watch for the Bank of Canada's interest rate announcement on April 16.
5. Potential homebuyers to explore opportunities in markets with high inventory, particularly in the condo sector and multi-unit communities.
6. Investors to monitor the Durham region for potential opportunities despite low inventory levels.
7. Interested buyers to consider opportunities in the Oakville market due to high inventory levels.

All stats available on my social channels.

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Ciao! Welcome to a new episode of Building Wealth Through Real Estate...Brick by Brick with me, Nico James-Bock, Founder of The CondoWiz™ Group and Broker at Royal LePage Signature Realty in Downtown Toronto. Today I have the pleasure of speaking with special Guest Sean Humphries, an award-wining mortgage specialist with Dominion Lending Centres.

Sean and I discussed the impact of global politics and local Canadian politics on the real estate market, with a focus on the recent Bank of Canada rate cut and its connection to the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. We also explored the current state of the Canadian economy, including the impact of inflation and interest rates, and the potential effects of the Bank of Canada's rate decisions on fixed and variable mortgage rates. The conversation concluded with a discussion on the current state of the Canadian economy, focusing on internal trade barriers between provinces and investment in infrastructure.

Sean's Insights and Recommendations:

1. Bank of Canada to potentially reduce interest rates by 0.25% on April 16th and June 4th.
2. Canadian government to consider implementing programs to stimulate the economy.
3. Canadian government to focus on reducing internal trade barriers between provinces.
4. Prime Minister Mark Carney to invest in infrastructure projects to strengthen the Canadian economy.
5. Canadian government to explore development of resources and infrastructure such as pipelines and rail transport.

Sean Humphries - Website

Email: sean@torontolending.ca

Thanks for tuning in 😊

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Nico here discussing various types of fraud and providing practical tips to stay safe, emphasizing the importance of skepticism, strong passwords, regular account monitoring, and staying informed about fraud trends.

Ciao! Welcome to a new episode of Building Wealth Through Real Estate...Brick by Brick with me, Nico James-Bock, Founder of The CondoWiz™ Group and Broker at Royal LePage Signature Realty in Downtown Toronto.

In this episode I also highlight the need to verify the legitimacy of investment opportunities and online sellers, and to be wary of private home sales. I conclude by advising to always stay vigilant and keep an eye on all available reports.

Types of Fraud:

Phishing:These tactics involve deceptive emails, texts, or phone calls designed to trick you into revealing personal information like passwords, credit card details, or bank account numbers. —All sources social media, YouTube videos….

Identity Theft: Fraudsters steal your personal information (Social Security number, date of birth, etc.) to open accounts, apply for loans, or commit other fraudulent activities in your name. Watch your mail!!! If you’re going to be away for more than 2 weeks at a time, ask a trusted friend to pick up your mail or have it held or forwarded by Canada Post.

Investment Scams: Promises of high returns with little to no risk are HUGE red flags. These scams often involve Ponzi schemes, pyramid schemes, or fake investment opportunities. Check your facts and speak with informed professionals.

Online Shopping/Auction Fraud: Fake online stores, countereit goods, and auction scams can lead to financial losses and stolen personal information.

Mortgage/Real Estate Fraud: As discussed previously - in a previous episode, this includes title fraud, inflated property values, and scams targeting homebuyers and sellers. Work with trusted real estate professionals, reputable lawyers, inspectors, mortgage specialists and financial advisors.

Listen in or watch the video to see ways to avoid being scammed....

Ciao ciao

Helping you increase wealth through #realestate

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Nico here providing an overview of the real estate market as it stands right now, highlighting the division between condo and freehold markets and the impact of historically low interest rates and recent interest rate changes. I also discuss the current economic situation, advising against making permanent decisions in temporary situations and encouraging people to consider all options before making a decision. Lastly, I differentiated between the freehold and condo markets, predicting that the condo market will remain soft for the next year and a half before prices increase significantly in 2026-2028.

Key Takeaways

1. Potential homebuyers to consider purchasing freehold properties now, as prices are expected to increase in the spring, summer, and fall markets of 2025.
2. Condo buyers to take advantage of the current soft market conditions over the next 1-1.5 years before prices potentially increase significantly from 2026 onwards.
3. Current condo owners to hold onto their properties and consider renting them out if not a primary residence.
4. Condo owners considering selling to wait until 2026-2028 for potentially higher prices.
5. All real estate investors to stay informed about the upcoming Bank of Canada announcement on March 12th.
6. Prospective buyers to explore opportunities in the $1.05-1.25 million range, taking advantage of the new CMHC high-ratio mortgage limits.
7. All individuals involved in real estate decisions to consult with professionals (real estate agents, mortgage brokers, financial advisors, bank managers) before making major decisions.

YouTube Video - A Tale of 2 Markets Condo vs Castle (Freehold)

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Representation Series: Buyer Representation Agreement in Ontario (Form 300)

In this episode I explain the new legislation, TRESA (Trust in Real Estate Services Act), which aims to provide greater transparency in real estate transactions. I go into detail regarding the major sections of the RECO Information Guide which is now 11 pages long and provides detailed information about agency and consumer expectations. I then focus on the Tenant Representation Agreement - Form 346, explaining its components, including the name of the Brokerage, the designated representative, the start and expiry dates, and the property type. I also discuss the commission structure, the relationship between the tenant and the brokerage, and the concept of multiple representation. Finally, I mention the use and distribution of personal information and the declaration of insurance.

Form 300 is a contract between a Buyer and a real estate company and its designated representative that gives the real estate company permission to act on the Buyer’s behalf in the purchase of a property. Assuming the Buyer is a Client of the real estate company, the Real Estate Council of Ontario (Ontario’s governing body) TRESA General Regulation requires that Salespeople have a written Buyer Representation Agreement presented for signature prior to an offer being presented on behalf of the Buyer. TOP SECTION OF THE AGREEMENT: The section at the top identifies the parties involved in the Agreement and sets the time frame for which the contract is valid. The TRESA Code of Ethics requires the Buyer’s initials on this Form.

The Buyer is warranting that the Buyer has not entered into any buyer representation agreement with another brokerage.
The Buyer hereby warrants that the Buyer is not a party to a representation agreement with any other registered real estate
brokerage for the purchase or lease of a real property of the general description indicated above (the section that describes the type and geographical location of the real property).

Important:

COMMISSION: This section of the Agreement sets the structure for the commission to be paid to the real estate company. It states that
the Buyer agrees to pay a commission to the real estate company the detail of which is set out in this section. The real estate company is
entitled to commission when the Buyer enters into an agreement to buy or lease property. The Buyer agrees the commission may come
from a listing brokerage or from the seller. If it turns out that there isn’t enough the Buyer will make up the difference.
2. COMMISSION: In consideration of the Brokerage undertaking to assist the Buyer, the Buyer agrees to pay commission to the Brokerage as follows:
If, during the currency of this Agreement, the Buyer enters into an agreement to purchase or lease a real property of the general description indicated
above, the Buyer agrees the Brokerage is entitled to receive and retain any commission offered by a listing brokerage or by the seller.....

YouTube Video - Buyer Representation Agreement Form 300 Explained

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Representation Series - Listing Agreement Seller Representation (MLS & Exclusive) Form 200

In this episode I explain the new legislation, TRESA (Trust in Real Estate Services Act), which aims to provide greater transparency in real estate transactions. I go into detail regarding the major sections of the RECO Information Guide which is now 11 pages long and provides detailed information about agency and consumer expectations. I then focus on the Tenant Representation Agreement - Form 346, explaining its components, including the name of the Brokerage, the designated representative, the start and expiry dates, and the property type. I also discuss the commission structure, the relationship between the tenant and the brokerage, and the concept of multiple representation. Finally, I mention the use and distribution of personal information and the declaration of insurance.

Form 200 is a contract between a Seller and a real estate company & designated representative that gives the real estate company permission to act on
the Seller’s behalf when they offer their home for sale in the open market. A written agreement is necessary in order to secure commission and to ensure compliance with the Trust in Real Estate Services Act, 2002 and its Regulations.

The 2nd section of the Agreement identifies the parties involved and specifies the time period for the contract. The Trust in Real Estate Services
Act, 2002 and the Real Estate Council of Ontario require that the Seller(s) initial in the oval beside the bracket.

COMMISSION: An important section of the Agreement as it sets out fee that will be paid to real estate company. It also authorizes the real estate company to co-operate with any other real estate companies in order to sell the property. This section details how the commission paid to the Listing real estate company will be shared with the co-operating real estate company. In addition there is a period after the expiry of the Agreement where the real estate company would be entitled to commission if the Buyer was introduced to or shown the
property during the contract period. This is the "holdover period".

YouTube Video - Representation Series - Listing Agr Seller Rep

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Listing Agreement Landlord Representation, a part of the Representation Agreement series.

In this episode I explain the new legislation, TRESA (Trust in Real Estate Services Act), which aims to provide greater transparency in real estate transactions. I go into detail regarding the major sections of the RECO Information Guide which is now 11 pages long and provides detailed information about agency and consumer expectations. I then focus on the Tenant Representation Agreement - Form 346, explaining its components, including the name of the Brokerage, the designated representative, the start and expiry dates, and the property type. I also discuss the commission structure, the relationship between the tenant and the brokerage, and the concept of multiple representation. Finally, I mention the use and distribution of personal information and the declaration of insurance.

Form 210 is a contract between a Landlord and a real estate company that gives the real estate company permission to act on the Landlord’s behalf when they offer their property for lease in the open market. A written agreement is necessary in order to secure commission and to ensure compliance with the Trust in Real Estate Services Act, 2002 and its Regulations. This section of the Agreement identifies the parties involved and specifies the time period for the contract.

There is also a statement in the form of a representation or warranty stating that the Landlord is not party to another contract whether a Listing or an agreement to pay commission.

YouTube Video - Landlord Rep Listing Agreement

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Tenant representation agreement, a part of the Representation Agreement series.

In this episode I explain the new legislation, TRESA (Trust in Real Estate Services Act), which aims to provide greater transparency in real estate transactions. I go into detail regarding the major sections of the RECO Information Guide which is now 11 pages long and provides detailed information about agency and consumer expectations. I then focus on the Tenant Representation Agreement - Form 346, explaining its components, including the name of the Brokerage, the designated representative, the start and expiry dates, and the property type. I also discuss the commission structure, the relationship between the tenant and the brokerage, and the concept of multiple representation. Finally, I mention the use and distribution of personal information and the declaration of insurance.

This Form is a contract between a Tenant and a real estate company that gives the real estate company permission to act on
the Tenant’s behalf in the lease of a property. Assuming the Tenant is a Client of the real estate company, the Trust in Real Estate Services Act,
2002 (TRESA) General Regulation requires that Salespeople have a written Tenant Representation Agreement presented for signature prior to an offer being presented on behalf of the Tenant.
The section at the top identifies the parties involved in the Agreement and sets the time frame for which the contract is valid.

The TRESA General Regulation requires the Tenant’s initials on this Form.

👇🏼Watch the YouTube Video👇🏼

This is an Exclusive Tenant Representation Agreement, Authority for Lease or Purchase.

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