Condo Crave - All Things Real Estate: Recent Episodes
Rino Spano and Mark Steele
Condo Crave is a Canadian podcast series delving into all things real estate. From condos to townhouses to freehold detached dwellings; from buying to selling; from renting to owning; this is a weekly deep dive on the latest in the GTA and how to get the most out of your real estate pursuits. Hosts Rino Spano and Mark Steele bring you along for the ride as they refine their mogul moves and help you deepen your real estate toolkit.
Join host Mark Steele in an insightful discussion on the current mortgage environment in Canada with special guest speaker, Dan Wowk from ZoomMortgage.ca. In this episode, they delve into the various mortgage options available to homebuyers, the best terms to consider when purchasing a home, and share future predictions concerning interest rates. Listeners will gain valuable insights into alternative mortgage options and how to assess affordability when venturing into the real estate market. The podcast also covers the mortgage renewal process, providing a clear understanding of available options during this crucial stage. To top it off, Mark and Dan explore the Bank of Canada's outlook and its potential impact on the mortgage landscape. Tune in to gain expert advice on navigating the ever-changing world of mortgages in Canada.
A new season is upon us, and what better time to get a closer look at the real estate market in Toronto and the GTA. In our latest Market Update for summer 2023, hosts Rino Spano and Mark Steele from Casam Realty Inc., Brokerage are looking at the hard facts—the data you need to know (and understand) to ensure you’re making the most of your money and your time. Listen in as we update you on where residential and condo markets are, where they’re going, and teach you how you can stay properly informed and make your own decisions when it comes to buying, selling, and investing in one of the world’s hottest housing markets.
In episode 28 of Condo Crave, hosts Rino Spano and Mark Steele dive into the world of fixing and flipping properties. They cover everything from finding the perfect location to analyzing comparables and estimating costs for repairs and upgrades. They also discuss the importance of assembling a strong team and finding a good realtor to help you through the process. Tune in to this episode to learn valuable tips and insights on how to successfully flip properties.
In episode 28 of Condo Crave, hosts Rino Spano and Mark Steele dive into the world of fixing and flipping properties. They cover everything from finding the perfect location to analyzing comparables and estimating costs for repairs and upgrades. They also discuss the importance of assembling a strong team and finding a good realtor to help you through the process. Tune in to this episode to learn valuable tips and insights on how to successfully flip properties.
Every day, we get questions about the real estate world: things like “What does a broker actually do?” and “How do I know how to choose a realtor?” Rest assured, if questions like these have popped into your mind before, you’re not alone. In this episode, hosts Rino Spano and Mark Steele of Casam Realty Inc., Brokerage will take all your burning questions about the basics (and the not-so-basics) of real estate, so you can feel more confident in your knowledge and ability to navigate the market.
As 2023 gets underway, it’s important we look back at where real estate landed at the end of 2022. Listen in for our Annual Market Update for 2022, where hosts Rino Spano and Mark Steele from Casam Realty Inc., Brokerage give you a breakdown of the current market, comparing key numbers and stats year over year. If you’re interested in buying, selling, or are anticipating what might happen to some of your investments, we’ve got you covered—and don’t worry, if you think the market’s looking a little flat these days (unfortunately, it is), we have some predictions to help you better understand the economic cycle of this regularly booming industry.
“The way [banks] treat interest rates is kind of like a gas pedal and break for the economy.” In this episode, Mark Steele of Casam Realty Inc., Brokerage is joined by Dan Wowk of ZoomMortgage.ca to provide you with detailed insight into how the fluctuation of the economy affects mortgage rates, and how you can learn to afford to enter the market despite these rising costs. Dan covers what you might see with an impending recession and how your income can make or break the bank when it comes to getting a mortgage loan.
You asked for it and we’ve got you covered. Here’s our much-anticipated Annual Market Update as of August 2022., where hosts Rino Spano and Mark Steele from Casam Realty Inc., Brokerage give you a breakdown of the current market based on last year’s numbers—detailing everything from selling prices, inventory, rental stats, and more. We’ve kept our ears to the ground so you don’t have to. Listen in if you’re curious about whether or not your condo will sell for a good price, or wondering how the current economy is affecting what has been one of the hottest markets in history.
Are you in the market for a new home? Located in the GTA? Then this is the podcast for you. In this week’s episode, hosts Rino Spano and Mark Steele of Casam Realty Inc., Brokerage review the key details of Sienna Woods in Brantford, a recent release of townhomes in Brantford, Ontario. Learn everything you need to know about this exciting new development and the surrounding area and decide for yourself: is this the location of my future home? As always, Rino and Mark offer their unmatched expertise and sharp market insights to help you learn more about what’s out there and how you can become a homeowner sooner rather than later.
If you’re listening to the news these days, you know that inflation and rising home costs are on the minds of anyone and everyone—perhaps, most particularly, those interested in getting themselves into the market for the first time. In this episode, hosts Rino Spano and Mark Steele of Casam Realty Inc., Brokerage provide detailed insight into the year-over-year costs of homes for resale, the state of interest rates and mortgage lending, why home prices will always trend upwards, and what the real underlying issues are in the current economic landscape for Canadian buyers and sellers. Listen in for our biggest takeaway on how you can stay informed the right way and make the best decision for your home-buying future.
There’s no mistaking it: people are being left out of Ontario’s fast-moving housing market, and in some ways, it appears the rich are getting richer and the poor, poorer. In our latest episode, hosts Rino Spano and Mark Steele of Casam Realty Inc., Brokerage discuss the negative impact of current market fluctuations, from development delays and rental qualifications to end users being excluded from both resale and new developments. Collectively, we wonder: what can we do to create fair opportunity in the housing market, and what can governments at all levels do to change the status of sales? Listen in for the advice you need to navigate all market possibilities.
With the news of Russia’s unlawful invasion of Ukraine, people around the world are
hurting—witnessing the devastation as it unfolds in real time, and wondering what this
means for the future. Today, hosts Rino Spano and Mark Steele take a moment to
consider what such an unprecedented event means in a world that has already seen so
much unrest from the ongoing pandemic. How will the war affect the financial future of
Canadians, and what does that mean for the real estate market? By looking to the past
for insight into how tragedy impacts the economy and people’s livelihoods, Rino and
Mark are here, as always, to provide you with the education you need to stay informed
in unpredictable circumstances.
An architectural icon is expanding in the city centre of Mississauga, with cutting-edge
technology and memorable presence. Is this growing community right for you? Join
hosts Rino Spano and Mark Steele from Casam Realty Inc., Brokerage as they cover
the most anticipated condo development Mississauga has seen since the Marilyns: M
City Condos, now in its fifth of nine phases. Envisioned by Rogers Real Estate
Development Ltd. in collaboration with Urban Capital, M City checks every box for
home-seekers and investors alike—get the inside scoop from us on deposit structures,
pricing, and what it takes to snap up square footage at M City before the opportunity is
gone.
You know you want to get into the market, but with average home prices exploding, is it
even possible? Hosts Rino Spano and Mark Steele from Casam Realty Inc., Brokerage
say yes, despite a growing disparity between incomes and inflation levels, it’s still
possible to find yourself a spot on the map to call your own. In this week’s episode, we
delve into the nitty gritty of financial planning for home ownership, factoring in the costs
to buy, carry, and maintain your property. So, grab your headphones, arm yourself with
a notepad, and we’ll teach you the key 7 steps you need to be taking to get into you
future home as soon as possible.
The average amount of listings is still on the low end for interested buyers in the GTA, meaning it’s a hot market for sellers. This week, hosts Rino Spano and Mark Steele from Casam Realty Inc., Brokerage give you a breakdown of what this means for the market right now and in 2023, covering everything from product shortage, market pressure, and what’s making this moment in time so unique for real estate. Pay your worry no mind, though: there are still opportunities in the market—as always—and despite heavy industry hits, we give you insight into how you can still buy hot property when the going is tough.
You know about Condo Crave, but do you know how we got here? Hosts Rino Spano and Mark Steele from Casam Realty Inc., Brokerage log on this week to give you the intel on what makes Condo Crave tick - and why they've set their sights on providing quality education context on new home real estate in the GTA. Whether you're a real estate fanatic or new to the game, we take you through the history of Condo Crave and the Casam group of companies - best known for their boom - worthy condo campaigns and high impact in the investment world - while uncovering the secret to building consumer confidence and making moves in the market.
Supply and demand in the Toronto and GTA housing market is a sticky subject to say the least, with demand for homes vastly outweighing the declining supply. In our latest episode, hosts Rino Spano and Mark Steele from Casam Realty Inc., Brokerage cover off the issues facing the local market, from stifling statistics on MLS to supply chain shortages around the globe. But don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom—as always, Rino and Mark have solutions for buyers and sellers looking to change their status in the market.
When it comes to Southern Ontario’s real estate boom, Brant County is officially on the map. Join us this week as hosts Rino Spano and Mark Steele from Casam Realty Inc., Brokerage explore their backyard and specifically, what’s bringing buyers west to Brant County. Rino and Mark take a trip through the past, present, and future of this pocket of the province, with some helpful tips and tidbits that will make you second guess where you’re planting your roots (and investment dollars) next.
In the world of preconstruction, assignment clauses are a sticky subject, leaving buyers and builders wondering who will actually be occupying the final product and with what price tag. In this episode, hosts Rino Spano and Mark Steele from Casam Realty Inc., Brokerage delve into all the fine details of assignment clauses. So, if you’ve ever wondered what exactly an assignment clause is, who can use them, and how much it might cost you as a builder or purchaser, give this week’s podcast a listen.
Be forewarned: If assignment clauses are in your future, make sure you’re equipped with the expertise of an experienced realtor and lawyer!
There are more than 140 Officially recognized neighbourhoods within the city limits of Toronto and 100 more that are considered unofficial. Before you let this information sink in and completely overwhelm your senses, check out Episode 12 of Condo Crave - where we go through the various GTA area within Toronto and discuss all they have to offer in terms of housing, amenities, schools and more. No matter what type of community you are most interested in, you are bound to find it somewhere in Toronto. Now let Condo Crave help you narrow your focus.
Preconstruction Condo projects can be an ideal investment plan for the future;
they can also be the brand new home you’ve been waiting for. But there’s a lot to
know about precon before you fully commit yourself. Episode 11 of Condo Crave is
dedicated to educating our listeners in all there is to know about precon projects –
how they work, the varying tiers of buyers, their benefits, the risks involved, the
negotiation process and more. At Condo Crave, we understand how
preconstruction projects work as well as the importance of knowing the ins and
outs and are happy to impart our knowledge with you.
In preparation of selling your home, it is recommended you do a walk through – as if it’s the first time you are seeing it yourself. Then you’ll notice what needs to be changed, updated, cleaned – in order to put your best foot forward before selling. Sounds pretty easy, doesn’t it? But that’s not always the case. In Episode 10 of Condo Crave, we provide you with 15 simple steps to take before putting your place on the market. Tips like decluttering your counters, drawing attention to natural light and being aware of organic flow – all serve to improve your home and help increase its perceived value in the eyes of potential buyers.
In March of 2020, the world was forever changed by the resounding impacts caused by a global pandemic. And while we may recognize that changes have occurred, we don’t necessarily understand in what specific ways. In Episode 9 of Condo Crave, we candidly discuss COVID-19 impacts felt throughout the realm of real estate. While in the beginning, there was confusion and doubt, here we are a year in and what we do know is that people are still buying, selling and moving. But what changes have occurred in terms of real estate operations? How are potential buyers viewing properties? What are the current statistics signifying? And more importantly – what does this mean for the future of real estate? Tune in to this episode of Condo Crave to find out what the COVID-19 aftershocks are doing and continue to do to the real estate market as we know it.
Buying a home is an exciting and often overwhelming process – which inevitably boosts the possibility for serious gaffes to occur. Rather than getting caught up in the commotion, Episode 8 of Condo Crave lists the top blunders made by enthusiastic homebuyers. Focusing on slip-ups like not getting pre-approved for a mortgage to forgetting to schedule a home inspection to only using price as a negotiation tactic to not budgeting for closing costs – Condo Crave lays it all out so you can create a checklist for yourself – ensuring that your home buying experience is smooth sailing.
You don’t have to be a licensed realtor or any kind of expert to make money in
real estate. In Episode 7 of Condo Crave, we explore all the relevant ways the
average individual can turn a profit in the real estate market. From leasing to
flipping to becoming an industry professional, this episode focuses on the specific
approaches available, describing in detail how someone like you can cash in on
the real estate market.
While investing in rental property is sometimes an overlooked and untapped
option for earning potential, it’s not something to be entered into on a whim.
Thanks to Episode 6 of Condo Crave, anyone mulling over the idea of rental
property investment can get their ducks in a row and learn everything they need
to know about earning an income. We’ve done all the research for you and are
more than happy to share – from discussing what types of properties tenants
most prefer to leasing process specifics as well as the best way to vet potential
renters – Condo Crave’s got future landlords covered.
Deciding where to settle down is a major life decision – and there’s a lot to be said for both city living and suburbia. Episode 5 of Condo Crave explores every major aspect of life both in the big city and small-town, including pros and cons for each as well as relevant factors like: affordability, residence type, lifestyle, career and family. While the final verdict may come down to personal preferences – do you crave the intense stimulation of a downtown metropolis or the slower-paced life provided by a bedroom community – let this episode of our podcast help make the decision an easy one.
Becoming a homeowner is a big commitment – and before you get that ball rolling, it makes sense to pave the way by better educating yourself. Get started with Episode 4 of Condo Crave where we provide listeners with all pertinent details surrounding the differences between condo living and freehold residences. Once you familiarize yourself with the facts about each, you will be in a better position to determine which living situation best suits you and your needs.
When shopping around for a resale condo, staying informed is key. In Episode 3 of
Condo Crave, we provide a one-stop-shop for everything you need to know and
everything you need to do before you dive headfirst into the market for a resale
condo. Tune in to this episode as we take listeners step by step through the
purchase process while also discussing the critical pros and cons associated with
buying a resale condo.
Before taking the plunge and buying a new condo, there are many factors to
consider. In Episode 2 of Condo Crave, we do all the legwork for you – spelling out
everything you need to know before signing on the dotted line including the steps
to follow and common myths to be aware of. We even throw in some discussion
on topics like budget and affordability, floor plans and building aspects as well as
deposit structure details.
Should I rent? Or should I buy? These are age old questions and in Episode 1 of
Condo Crave, we carefully guide you – our listener – through the pros and cons
associated with each. Both options come with a unique set of benefits as well as
distinct challenges and while you must take stock of your own personal wants and
needs, allow us to lay out everything you need to know about the good, the bad
and the ugly when it comes to buying or renting. After tuning in to this episode,
you’ll be better prepared to make the decision that best suits you and your
situation.
Condo Crave is a Canadian podcast series delving into all things real estate. From condos to townhouses to freehold detached dwellings; from buying to selling; from renting to owning; this is a weekly deep dive on the latest in the GTA and how to get the most out of your real estate pursuits.
Hosts Rino Spano and Mark Steele bring you along for the ride as they refine their mogul moves and help you deepen your real estate toolkit.