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Six decades in real estate. One honest conversation about commercial investing. Steve Cecchetto sits down with Bill Miller, owner and broker of record of Century 21 Miller, to pick his brain on commercial real estate. Bill has been in the industry for over 60 years and has been through every market cycle, including the 22% interest rate era. He shares the mistakes that taught him the most, what he looks at first on any deal, why leverage burns new investors, and where he sees opportunity today. In this episode: • Why veterans look at the downside first and rookies look at the upside • How leverage and rising rates can make or break a commercial deal • Why a tenant (and the lease terms) can matter more than the building • Why starting small beats a cannonball into a big deal • What's changed in commercial real estate over six decades • Where the opportunities are now, and why small clients deserve more attention VIDEO SECTIONS & TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – Intro 2:14 – How Bill got into real estate 3:03 – Why commercial? 4:25 – What does a good investment actually look like? 8:07 – Mistakes investors make: line up your financing first 9:26 – Keep partnerships simple and define roles early 11:01 – Know your limits: referring to a commercial specialist 13:53 – Biggest lessons: the tenant and the lease 17:29 – Over-leveraging and refinancing risk 18:24 – What Bill looks at first on any deal 19:30 – Advice for a first commercial investment 23:54 – Bill's take on AI in real estate 25:11 – How deals got done 30 years ago vs. today 27:39 – Opportunities today: value-add infill and small multi-tenant 28:47 – Zoning and changes of use 36:56 – Why parking and preventative maintenance matter 42:16 – Outro/recap Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/kormendytrott Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1pwncyet9NydbgTmx5D21k Linktree: https://linktr.ee/kormendytrott Instagram: https://instagram.com/kormendytrott YouTube: https://youtube.com/kormendytrott Facebook: https://facebook.com/kormendytrott X: https://x.com/kormendytrott LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/ktrealty TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@kormendytrott The Kormendy Trott Team was formed in 2011 by Ariel Kormendy and Adrian Trott. Originally a team of two in Milton, Ontario, KT has grown into a full-service real estate group serving Halton Region, Peel Region, and the Greater Toronto Area.

Buying and selling a home looks very different than it did 15 years ago. But have all these changes actually made real estate better? In Episode 416, Adrian and Ariel celebrate 8 years of The Real Estate Podcast and 15 years of working together in real estate by looking back at one of the industry's biggest transformations: electronic signatures. From late-night offer presentations and face-to-face negotiations to signing documents from anywhere in the world, they share real stories about how technology has changed the experience for buyers, sellers, and Realtors. They also discuss what we've lost along the way, why personal relationships still matter, and how greater access to real estate data has made today's buyers and sellers more informed than ever. VIDEO SECTIONS & TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – Intro 3:09 – 15 Years Working Together in Real Estate 4:35 – The Biggest Change in Real Estate 5:37 – The Reality of In-Person Offer Presentations 8:36 – How COVID Accelerated Digital Transactions 10:33 – A Real-Life Story of Old-School Negotiations 14:00 – The Value of Face-to-Face Negotiations 19:05 – How Body Language Influenced Negotiations 23:17 – Another Major Change: Access to Real Estate Data 26:46 – What Makes a Great Realtor Worth Hiring? 27:33 – Outro/recap Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/kormendytrott Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1pwncyet9NydbgTmx5D21k Linktree: https://linktr.ee/kormendytrott Instagram: https://instagram.com/kormendytrott YouTube: https://youtube.com/kormendytrott Facebook: https://facebook.com/kormendytrott X: https://x.com/kormendytrott LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/ktrealty TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@kormendytrott The Kormendy Trott Team was formed in 2011 by Ariel Kormendy and Adrian Trott. Originally a team of two in Milton, Ontario, KT has grown into a full-service real estate group serving Halton Region, Peel Region, and the Greater Toronto Area.

Condo fees are one of the biggest turn-offs for homebuyers. But are they really as bad as people think? In Episode 415 of The Real Estate Podcast, Ariel Kormendy and Adrian Trott break down why condo fees shouldn't automatically scare buyers away, what you're actually paying for, and when those monthly maintenance fees might not be worth it. From comparing condo and freehold ownership costs to understanding special assessments, reserve funds, amenities, and unexpected expenses, they explain why the monthly fee alone doesn't tell the whole story. They also discuss the lifestyle benefits of condo living, especially for downsizers, and why even some freehold homes come with monthly condo fees. Whether you're a first-time buyer, downsizing, or deciding between a condo and a freehold home, this episode will help you look beyond the monthly fee and make a more informed decision. VIDEO SECTIONS & TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – Intro 2:46 – Condo Fees vs. Freehold: Comparing the True Costs 4:35 – How Much Can Condo Fees Increase Each Year? 6:53 – Condo Fees vs. Freehold: Continuation... 8:31 – Downsizing From Freehold to Condo is a Great Move (In Many Cases) 10:25 – The Benefits of Modern Condo Living 11:57 – Comparing Condo Fees to Service-based Subscriptions 14:05 – When High Condo Fees Aren't Worth It 17:35 – Seniors Benefit A Lot from Condo Living 21:12 – You Can Save Money NOW. Download Our Free Money-Saving Tips Guide 23:00 – [RANT] Companies Taking Advantage of Customers 25:36 – Parcel of Tied Land (POTL) (Freehold with Condo Fees) 29:09 – Outro/recap Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/kormendytrott Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1pwncyet9NydbgTmx5D21k Linktree: https://linktr.ee/kormendytrott Instagram: https://instagram.com/kormendytrott YouTube: https://youtube.com/kormendytrott Facebook: https://facebook.com/kormendytrott X: https://x.com/kormendytrott LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/ktrealty TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@kormendytrott The Kormendy Trott Team was formed in 2011 by Ariel Kormendy and Adrian Trott. Originally a team of two in Milton, Ontario, KT has grown into a full-service real estate group serving Halton Region, Peel Region, and the Greater Toronto Area.

Home prices have come down, competition has eased, and buyers have more negotiating power. So why are so many people still waiting to buy? In this episode of The Real Estate Podcast, Adrian Trott is joined by Chris Behie to discuss the confidence gap in today's GTA housing market. They break down why lower prices haven't necessarily translated into more sales, why trying to time the bottom of the market can be misleading, and what buyers should actually consider before making their next move. They also discuss why some homes are still selling quickly, how unrealistic pricing affects sellers, and why buying or selling should ultimately come down to your finances, goals, and long-term plans. > Why lower home prices aren't bringing buyers back > What September's GTA housing market numbers reveal > Why properly priced homes are still selling > The problem with agents who overpromise on listing prices > Why predicting the bottom of the market is so difficult > How buyers can decide whether it's the right time to move > What sellers and investors can do when carrying costs become a problem Whether you're buying your first home, planning to upgrade, or trying to understand the current real estate market, this conversation offers a practical perspective without the hype. Thinking about buying? Explore our buyer resources and mortgage calculator on the Kormendy Trott website. Subscribe to The Real Estate Podcast for real conversations and practical advice about real estate in Ontario. VIDEO SECTIONS & TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – Intro 2:18 – September GTA Housing Market Statistics 3:56 – Why Some Expensive Homes Still Offer Good Value 7:04 – Why Buyers Are Waiting for the Market to Bottom Out 10:01 – How Mortgage Amortization Can Change the Equation 11:55 – Does Moving Actually Make Sense for You? 12:50 – Mortgage Calculator and Buyer Resources 13:20 – Outro/recap Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/kormendytrott Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1pwncyet9NydbgTmx5D21k Linktree: https://linktr.ee/kormendytrott Instagram: https://instagram.com/kormendytrott YouTube: https://youtube.com/kormendytrott Facebook: https://facebook.com/kormendytrott X: https://x.com/kormendytrott LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/ktrealty TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@kormendytrott The Kormendy Trott Team was formed in 2011 by Ariel Kormendy and Adrian Trott. Originally a team of two in Milton, Ontario, KT has grown into a full-service real estate group serving Halton Region, Peel Region, and the Greater Toronto Area.

Real estate investing can build wealth, but it doesn’t always go according to the spreadsheet. Steve Cecchetto sits down with Shawn Cameron of Cameron Financial Wellness to talk about Shawn’s journey into real estate investing, what he’s learned from buying and financing investment properties, and why successful investing requires a lot more than simply finding a property that cash flows. They break down whether today’s market presents an opportunity for investors, how much money you actually need to get started, using home equity responsibly, and why your investment strategy needs to fit your personal financial situation. Shawn also shares the good and bad from his own portfolio, including a successful joint venture and a nightmare landlord experience that ultimately left him dealing with squatters, legal proceedings, and nearly a year without rent. Plus, Shawn reveals where he would put $150,000 today and why multifamily real estate is at the top of his list. Shawn Cameron's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shawnc_mortgagepro Shawn Cameron's Instagram: ⁨@shawnc_mortgagepro⁩ VIDEO SECTIONS & TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – Intro 2:40 – Shawn’s Journey Into Real Estate and Finance 5:24 – Leaving the Corporate World Behind 6:57 – Is Now a Good Time to Invest in Real Estate? 10:37 – The Problem With Too Much Leverage 12:53 – What Makes a Good Investment Property? 15:35 – Social Media vs. the Reality of Investing 17:21 – How Much Money Do You Need to Start Investing? 21:28 – The Real Risk of Borrowing Against Your Home 23:21 – Shawn’s Successful Joint Venture 26:28 – Shawn’s Nightmare Landlord Experience 28:13 – Dealing With Squatters 30:58 – Where Shawn Would Invest $150,000 Today 34:44 – Outro/recap Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/kormendytrott Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1pwncyet9NydbgTmx5D21k Linktree: https://linktr.ee/kormendytrott Instagram: https://instagram.com/kormendytrott YouTube: https://youtube.com/kormendytrott Facebook: https://facebook.com/kormendytrott X: https://x.com/kormendytrott LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/ktrealty TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@kormendytrott The Kormendy Trott Team was formed in 2011 by Ariel Kormendy and Adrian Trott. Originally a team of two in Milton, Ontario, KT has grown into a full-service real estate group serving Halton Region, Peel Region, and the Greater Toronto Area.

There's no such thing as the perfect house, not even on a $10 million budget. In the final part of the three-part buyer psychology series, Ariel and Adrian break down how to separate your true non-negotiables from the things you can change. They also cover how to decide which boxes you're willing to uncheck, so you're not waiting forever for a home that ticks them all. They also look at it from the seller's side: how staging and storytelling turn an "awkward" layout into a unique one. Plus real stories from the field, including a spare bedroom turned walk-in closet and a one-bedroom-upstairs home that sold to the buyer nobody expected. Why even a big budget won't buy the perfect house Must-haves vs. fixables: carpet, paint, cabinets and layout Double garage or a bigger backyard? Real trade-offs buyers make Why asking "why" changes what you're actually shopping for Spare bedrooms, home offices and guests who rarely visit How sellers can turn "awkward" into "unique" VIDEO SECTIONS & TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – Intro 1:54 – Is there such a thing as the perfect house? 4:46 – The "no carpet" dealbreaker that costs buyers great homes 6:24 – Why your must-haves should be things you can't change 8:16 – Listings are staged to make you fall in love (and overpay) 10:48 – Double garage or huge backyard? Knowing your non-negotiables 11:36 – Giving up driveway space for a main floor den 13:27 – Do you really need a 4th bedroom? Start with why 18:15 – How sellers can turn "awkward" into "unique" 19:39 – Turning a spare bedroom into a walk-in closet 22:41 – Buying extra bedrooms for guests who rarely visit 23:06 – The "awkward" house that sold to an unexpected buyer 25:43 – Outro Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/kormendytrott Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1pwncyet9NydbgTmx5D21k Linktree: https://linktr.ee/kormendytrott Instagram: https://instagram.com/kormendytrott YouTube: https://youtube.com/kormendytrott Facebook: https://facebook.com/kormendytrott X: https://x.com/kormendytrott LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/ktrealty TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@kormendytrott The Kormendy Trott Team was formed in 2011 by Ariel Kormendy and Adrian Trott. Originally a team of two in Milton, Ontario, KT has grown into a full-service real estate group serving Halton Region, Peel Region, and the Greater Toronto Area.

Your dream home might be listed above your budget, but that does not necessarily mean you cannot afford it. In Part 2 of our Buyer Psychology series, Ariel and Adrian explain why one of the biggest mistakes buyers make is treating the asking price like it is the home's actual market value. They share real examples of buyers who almost missed opportunities simply because a property looked too expensive online, including one family who ended up buying a home for less than anyone expected. They also break down how seller motivation, time on market, supply and demand, negotiation strategy, location, and even the structure of an offer can affect what a home ultimately sells for. The takeaway is not to shop irresponsibly outside your means. It is to understand the difference between your true budget and the number you see on a listing. If a home checks the right boxes and is reasonably close to your range, it might be worth seeing before you rule it out. VIDEO SECTIONS & TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – Intro 1:32 – Asking Price vs. Market Value 3:27 – Why Seeing More Homes Makes You a Smarter Buyer 4:58 – The Buyer Who Missed Out Without Seeing the House 9:36 – How Overpricing Can Push Buyers Away 11:46 – They Thought the House Was Too Expensive 13:14 – Understanding Supply and Demand 14:58 – Why Buyers Should See More Homes 17:23 – Buying in an Area Others Overlooked 21:27 – Buying With Your Future in Mind 25:19 – When Stretching Your Budget Can Make Sense 26:51 – Outro/recap Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/kormendytrott Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1pwncyet9NydbgTmx5D21k Linktree: https://linktr.ee/kormendytrott Instagram: https://instagram.com/kormendytrott YouTube: https://youtube.com/kormendytrott Facebook: https://facebook.com/kormendytrott X: https://x.com/kormendytrott LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/ktrealty TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@kormendytrott The Kormendy Trott Team was formed in 2011 by Ariel Kormendy and Adrian Trott. Originally a team of two in Milton, Ontario, KT has grown into a full-service real estate group serving Halton Region, Peel Region, and the Greater Toronto Area.

Great photos, videos, floor plans, and 3D tours can help you narrow down your home search—but they can’t tell you everything. In Part 1 of our three-part series for buyers, Ariel Kormendy and Adrian Trott break down why seeing a home in person still matters. From wide-angle lenses and virtual staging to smells, natural light, property condition, scratched floors, neighbourhood feel, and the little details photos simply can’t capture, what you see online isn’t always what you get. They also discuss why open houses are still valuable, how buyers use online listings to shortlist properties, and why ruling out a home based entirely on its photos could mean overlooking a property that actually feels completely different once you step inside. VIDEO SECTIONS & TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – Intro 2:08 – What You See Online Isn’t Always What You Get 3:10 – Why Do Open Houses Still Exist? 4:09 – What You Can Only Experience in Person 5:30 – How Buyers Shortlist Homes Online 7:56 – Can Technology Replace an In-Person Showing? 9:06 – How Photos Can Be Deceiving 12:00 – The One Thing Photos Can’t Show: Smell 12:44 – Seeing the True Condition of a Home 13:23 – When Listing Photos Go Too Far 14:34 – The Details Photos Can Hide 17:24 – Why Buyers Should See More Homes in Person 19:01 – The Clothing Store Analogy for House Hunting 21:34 – The Big Takeaway for Home Buyers 22:37 – Outro/recap Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/kormendytrott Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1pwncyet9NydbgTmx5D21k Linktree: https://linktr.ee/kormendytrott Instagram: https://instagram.com/kormendytrott YouTube: https://youtube.com/kormendytrott Facebook: https://facebook.com/kormendytrott X: https://x.com/kormendytrott LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/ktrealty TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@kormendytrott The Kormendy Trott Team was formed in 2011 by Ariel Kormendy and Adrian Trott. Originally a team of two in Milton, Ontario, KT has grown into a full-service real estate group serving Halton Region, Peel Region, and the Greater Toronto Area.

Thinking about moving your business out of the basement and into a commercial space? 🏢 In this episode, Steve sits down with Sikandar Khan, Barrister & Solicitor at ASK Law Firm, to break down exactly what separates a commercial lease from a residential one — and why incorporating your business doesn't automatically protect you from personal liability. From offer to lease vs. the lease itself, to personal guarantees, indemnities, and what happens when a business fails mid-term, this is the conversation every small business owner and entrepreneur needs before they sign. > Commercial lease vs residential lease: what actually changes > Offer to lease, agreement to lease, and the lease itself — the sequence explained > When to bring in a lawyer (and when your realtor already has you covered) > Sole proprietor vs incorporated: when to make the switch > Personal guarantees vs indemnities — and why landlords ask for them > What happens if your business fails partway through a 5-year lease Visit ASK Law's Website: http://www.asklawfirm.ca/ VIDEO SECTIONS & TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – Intro 1:03 – Meet Sikandar Khan, Barrister & Solicitor at ASK Law 2:47 – Sikandar's path from Pakistan to practicing law in Canada 6:22 – Commercial lease vs residential lease: the basic difference 8:22 – Offer to lease vs agreement to lease vs the lease itself 10:40 – The most common misunderstanding: agreement to lease isn't the lease 12:19 – When lease terms don't match the offer to lease 16:16 – Disclaimer: this isn't legal advice 17:00 – When should you actually engage a lawyer? 25:12 – Sole proprietor vs incorporating before signing a commercial lease 27:33 – Real case: landlord demands a 100% personal guarantee 31:25 – Indemnity vs personal guarantee, explained 34:10 – What happens when your business fails mid-lease 36:44 – Assigning a lease — and why you can stay on the hook anyway 41:13 – Where to find Sikandar Khan and ASK Law 42:41 – Outro Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/kormendytrott Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1pwncyet9NydbgTmx5D21k Linktree: https://linktr.ee/kormendytrott Instagram: https://instagram.com/kormendytrott YouTube: https://youtube.com/kormendytrott Facebook: https://facebook.com/kormendytrott X: https://x.com/kormendytrott LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/ktrealty TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@kormendytrott The Kormendy Trott Team was formed in 2011 by Ariel Kormendy and Adrian Trott. Originally a team of two in Milton, Ontario, KT has grown into a full-service real estate group serving Halton Region, Peel Region, and the Greater Toronto Area.

Summer's over — and if there's any chance you sell your home this fall or winter, September is your last window to get it photographed while it's still looking its best. Ariel and Adrian break down why proactive photos, patio and curb appeal prep, staging consultations, and pre-listing inspections can be the difference between a good offer and a great one — even if you're not planning to move for years.> Why September is the last chance for seasonal listing photos> The patio and curb appeal mistakes that tank fall/winter listings> How a staging consultation now pays off even if you don't sell for years> What a pre-listing home inspection actually catches> Why "just browsing" buyers should still get their home photo-ready VIDEO SECTIONS & TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – Intro0:21 – Welcome back: maximizing your fall/winter home sale2:21 – Why September is your last chance for seasonal listing photos3:19 – The patio problem: snow-covered outdoor spaces kill your photos6:47 – Why fall listings still need summer-fresh curb appeal7:09 – Does market activity really pick up after back-to-school?9:46 – Book your photos now, even if you're "just browsing"11:59 – Why a staging consultation pays off, even years before you sell15:39 – Who actually needs to get their photos done16:20 – Outro Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/kormendytrott Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1pwncyet9NydbgTmx5D21k Linktree: https://linktr.ee/kormendytrott Instagram: https://instagram.com/kormendytrott YouTube: https://youtube.com/kormendytrott Facebook: https://facebook.com/kormendytrott X: https://x.com/kormendytrott LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/ktrealty TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@kormendytrott The Kormendy Trott Team was formed in 2011 by Ariel Kormendy and Adrian Trott. Originally a team of two in Milton, Ontario, KT has grown into a full-service real estate group serving Halton Region, Peel Region, and the Greater Toronto Area.

What happens if you buy a home, close the deal, and then discover the seller was a non-resident—and the CRA says money is still owed? In this episode of The Real Estate Podcast, Ariel Kormendy and Adrian Trott break down clearance certificates, why they matter when a non-resident sells Canadian real estate, and how the issue can affect both sellers and buyers. They discuss the potential 25% holdback, how clearance certificate delays can interfere with closing, real-world situations involving mortgages and negative equity, and the due diligence buyers, sellers, and real estate agents should be doing before a deal becomes a problem. They also explain how closing dates and Agreement of Purchase and Sale clauses can potentially be structured to give everyone enough flexibility while still protecting the buyer. If you're buying or selling Canadian real estate—especially when a non-resident owner is involved—this is something you should understand before closing day. This podcast is for general informational purposes and should not replace advice from a lawyer, accountant, or other qualified professional. The discussion specifically covers the potential 25% holdback, the risk to buyers, certificate-processing timelines, closing complications, and protective deal structures. VIDEO SECTIONS & TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – Intro 2:26 – What is a clearance certificate? 6:31 – Why a 30-day closing may not be enough 7:20 – How clearance issues can kill a deal 9:11 – Liens, mortgages and negative equity 11:18 – Homeowners leaving Canada while owing more than their home is worth 19:49 – How one failed closing can create a domino effect 22:15 – Realtors making too many assumptions 22:38 – The closing-date mistake agents should avoid 25:06 – Clearance certificate advice for buyers 25:34 – How to identify a non-resident seller 25:52 – How long a clearance certificate can take 27:09 – Protecting buyers with the right clauses 28:52 – Outro/recap Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/kormendytrott Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1pwncyet9NydbgTmx5D21k Linktree: https://linktr.ee/kormendytrott Instagram: https://instagram.com/kormendytrott YouTube: https://youtube.com/kormendytrott Facebook: https://facebook.com/kormendytrott X: https://x.com/kormendytrott LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/ktrealty TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@kormendytrott The Kormendy Trott Team was formed in 2011 by Ariel Kormendy and Adrian Trott. Originally a team of two in Milton, Ontario, KT has grown into a full-service real estate group serving Halton Region, Peel Region, and the Greater Toronto Area.

Buying or selling a home involves a lot more than signing an Agreement of Purchase and Sale. In this episode of The Real Estate Podcast, Steve Cecchetto sits down with Ameera Khan, barrister & solicitor and co-owner of ASK Law Firm in Milton, to break down what a real estate lawyer actually does behind the scenes—and what can happen when the legal side of a transaction gets overlooked. They discuss title searches and liens, what buyers are really signing at closing, first-time buyer mistakes, why ChatGPT and Google shouldn't replace professional legal advice, what happens when a seller doesn't honour part of an agreement, same-day buying and selling, common closing problems, and some of the major differences between residential and commercial real estate law. Whether you're buying your first home, selling, moving up, or investing in commercial property, this episode offers a look at the legal side of real estate that most people don't see until they're already in the middle of a transaction. This podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. ASK LAW's website: http://www.asklawfirm.ca/ VIDEO SECTIONS & TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – Intro 1:13 – Meet Ameera Khan & ASK Law Firm 7:13 – Why Buyers Wait Too Long to Find a Lawyer 8:22 – What Does a Real Estate Lawyer Actually Do? 9:23 – Liens, Title & What Can Be Attached to a Property 11:45 – What Are You Actually Signing at Closing? 15:24 – Advice for First-Time Homebuyers 17:28 – Knowing When You Need a Professional 19:47 – What Happens When a Seller Breaks the Agreement? 22:51 – What Sellers Need to Know Before Closing 26:10 – Buying & Selling on the Same Day 29:14 – The Biggest Reasons Real Estate Closings Go Wrong 33:57 – Residential vs. Commercial Real Estate Law 36:27 – Outro/recap Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/kormendytrott Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1pwncyet9NydbgTmx5D21k Linktree: https://linktr.ee/kormendytrott Instagram: https://instagram.com/kormendytrott YouTube: https://youtube.com/kormendytrott Facebook: https://facebook.com/kormendytrott X: https://x.com/kormendytrott LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/ktrealty TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@kormendytrott The Kormendy Trott Team was formed in 2011 by Ariel Kormendy and Adrian Trott. Originally a team of two in Milton, Ontario, KT has grown into a full-service real estate group serving Halton Region, Peel Region, and the Greater Toronto Area.

AI can make life easier—but what happens when companies start using it to replace actual people? In Episode 405 of The Real Estate Podcast, Jennifer Goncalves and Tiffany Kadak talk about the growing frustration with customer service, from AI chatbots and automated phone systems to impossible-to-reach support departments, self-checkouts, subscription traps, and poorly trained live agents. They discuss where AI genuinely makes sense, where the human element still matters, how technology is affecting older generations, privacy concerns around AI, and whether our dependence on automation is actually making customer service—and everyday life—more complicated. If you've ever found yourself yelling “I just want to talk to a real person!” at a chatbot or automated phone system, this episode is for you. VIDEO SECTIONS & TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Intro 3:00 Are companies using AI just to cut costs? 5:24 AI calls, scams and older consumers 7:19 The problem with chatbots and repeating yourself 11:08 Robots vs. poorly trained customer service reps 15:37 Paying more for worse customer service 17:47 Is AI making people lazy? 19:59 Where AI helps—and where humans are still needed 24:22 Why good human interaction still matters 28:31 Subscriptions, hidden charges and feeling ripped off 32:29 Social media and impossible-to-reach customer support 34:10 Missing the old-school way of doing things 36:20 Has our reliance on technology gone too far? 38:13 Outro/recap Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/kormendytrott Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1pwncyet9NydbgTmx5D21k Linktree: https://linktr.ee/kormendytrott Instagram: https://instagram.com/kormendytrott YouTube: https://youtube.com/kormendytrott Facebook: https://facebook.com/kormendytrott X: https://x.com/kormendytrott LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/ktrealty TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@kormendytrott The Kormendy Trott Team was formed in 2011 by Ariel Kormendy and Adrian Trott. Originally a team of two in Milton, Ontario, KT has grown into a full-service real estate group serving Halton Region, Peel Region, and the Greater Toronto Area.

Cashback real estate agents promise buyers money back after closing—but what could that rebate cost you during the transaction? Ariel Kormendy and Adrian Trott discuss whether cashback is worth it when choosing someone to represent you in one of the largest purchases of your life. They examine agent experience, availability, negotiation skills and the difference between simply having a real estate licence and providing professional representation. The conversation also covers buyer trust, misleading square-footage figures, the importance of a functional floor plan, automated real estate services, AI and where Ariel and Adrian currently see opportunities in the Ontario real estate market. Whether you are comparing agents or preparing to purchase a home, this episode explains why the value of your representation may matter considerably more than the rebate offered at closing. VIDEO SECTIONS & TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – Intro 1:58 – Does a cashback agent have the right experience? 4:01 – Saving money now could cost you later 9:48 – Trust and guidance during the buying process 12:01 – Why the floor plan matters more than the number 15:49 – What a professional buyer consultation should accomplish 17:58 – AI and the future of real estate professionals 20:35 – Outro/recap Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/kormendytrott Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1pwncyet9NydbgTmx5D21k Linktree: https://linktr.ee/kormendytrott Instagram: https://instagram.com/kormendytrott YouTube: https://youtube.com/kormendytrott Facebook: https://facebook.com/kormendytrott X: https://x.com/kormendytrott LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/ktrealty TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@kormendytrott The Kormendy Trott Team was formed in 2011 by Ariel Kormendy and Adrian Trott. Originally a team of two in Milton, Ontario, KT has grown into a full-service real estate group serving Halton Region, Peel Region, and the Greater Toronto Area.

Home staging is about much more than making a property look attractive. It is a marketing strategy designed to improve listing photos, showcase functionality and help buyers emotionally connect with a home. In Episode 403 of The Real Estate Podcast, Steve Cecchetto sits down with Rachel Mitchell, owner of Straightened Spaces and one of KT’s go-to home stagers. They discuss the most common mistakes sellers make, the impact of paint, lighting and decluttering, why buyers form opinions within seconds and how staging can influence the perceived value of a property. Rachel also shares how she transitioned from corporate marketing into home staging, the story of her first 4,000-square-foot project and some of the unexpected challenges that happen behind the scenes. Visit Rachel's socials here! Instagram: @straightened_spaces Website: https://www.straightenedspaces.com/ VIDEO SECTIONS & TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - Intro 1:52 - Meet Rachel Mitchell from Straightened Spaces 5:03 - Staging is marketing—not just decorating 7:00 - Why presentation matters in today’s market 11:47 - The most common staging mistake #1: Painting 13:32 - The most common staging mistake #2: Lighting 17:16 - Decluttering and budget-friendly improvements 18:27 - Staging for photos is critical 20:39 - Closets, storage and the small details buyers notice 22:52 - How to prepare for the staging process (sellers and their agents) 27:55 - When do you NOT stage? 31:34 - Should you keep up with the trend when staging? 33:50 - Rachel’s wildest staging story 36:12 - The behind-the-scenes reality of growing a staging business 37:08 - Snowstorms, stuck trucks and refusing to cancel 38:18 - Outro/recap Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/kormendytrott Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1pwncyet9NydbgTmx5D21k Linktree: https://linktr.ee/kormendytrott Instagram: https://instagram.com/kormendytrott YouTube: https://youtube.com/kormendytrott Facebook: https://facebook.com/kormendytrott X: https://x.com/kormendytrott LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/ktrealty TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@kormendytrott The Kormendy Trott Team was formed in 2011 by Ariel Kormendy and Adrian Trott. Originally a team of two in Milton, Ontario, KT has grown into a full-service real estate group serving Halton Region, Peel Region, and the Greater Toronto Area.