The Real Estate of Things: Vancouver real estate, real stories, real insight

What does it actually take to turn a design into a home?In this episode of The Real Estate of Things, architect Ben Fisher of Polyform Architecture breaks down the path from concept to construction, for single and multifamily developments, from zoning and feasibility, to building code, the development permit process, and working with municipalities. And on a more personal note, Ben shares what it's like to work as an architect, the keys to working well with clients, and his own homeowner's journey. Whether you’re building, renovating, developing, or just curious about what goes into the homes around you, this conversation offers a grounded look at bringing design to life.Talk with Scott Dempster anytime about all things real estate.Direct Phone: 604-808-6050Email: [email protected]:(00:00) - Introduction (01:01) - Ben Fisher's path to Polyform Architecture (09:43) - The perks and realities of owning your own firm (12:13) - Multifamily vs Single Family Projects (16:00) - Personal design preferences & client collaboration (18:14) - The Reality of Development Risk (19:21) - The unique design history of Ben's house (21:25) - Why West Coast Modern Homes Cost More to Build (22:38) - What is design freedom? (23:57) - The key to a successful design (25:43) - What Buyers Actually Value in New Homes (27:37) - Windows, Energy Modeling, and New Building Code Requirements (30:07) - Sustainability & Step Code (32:35) - Densification & the Development Permit Process (37:01) - Working with Municipalities (39:36) - How to Choose an Architect (43:15) - Open Plan? (44:51) - Lessons from buying and renovating thier home (49:41) - Conclusion

What does apartment building investing really look like — and where does it fit in the real estate landscape? In this episode of The Real Estate of Things, multifamily specialist Patrick McEvay of the McEvay Blair Group at Marcus & Millichap joins us to unpack multifamily real estate in Vancouver (& beyond) right now: who really owns Vancouver’s rental buildings, why many of these long-term “mom and pop” owners are choosing to sell, and how policy, financing, and market shifts are shaping today’s landscape. From cap rates and cash flow to tenant dynamics and long-term ownership, Patrick shares a clear, candid look at how deals come together and what makes them successful. Whether you’re an investor, agent, or just curious about how rental housing works behind the scenes, this conversation offers practical insight into one of the most important and least understood parts of the market.Talk with Scott Dempster anytime about all things real estate.Direct Phone: 604-808-6050Email: [email protected]: (00:00) - Introduction (01:07) - Meet Patrick McEvay (05:57) - What Multifamily Real Estate Actually Is (11:18) - The Reality of Ownership in Vancouver (19:07) - Tenant Dynamics When Buildings Are Sold (22:54) - The State of the Multifamily Market in 2025 (25:21) - How Multifamily Deals and Financing Work (31:14) - What Makes a Strong Multifamily Investment (36:59) - Common Pitfalls and Deal Breakers (40:49) - Off-Market Deals and How Transactions Happen (41:54) - The State of Multifamily Buildings in Vancouver (46:55) - Policy Changes and Pressure on Landlords (49:25) - Conclusion

What makes a home feel right — and what signals that something is off?In this episode of The Real Estate of Things, Vancouver interior designer Alicia Savin joins us to talk about creativity, construction quality, and why great design starts with understanding people, and helping them understand themselves — not just trends. From maximalist color palettes to renovation realities and the “boring money” hidden in plumbing, flooring, and structural work, Alicia shares a candid look at how homes actually come together.We also dive into how design influences real estate decisions, why buyers sometimes overlook build quality for aesthetics, and how homeowners can create spaces that are both personal and functional. Whether you’re renovating, buying, selling, or just design-curious, this conversation offers practical insights into the intersection of real estate, design, and everyday living.Talk with Scott Dempster anytime about all things real estate.Direct Phone: 604-808-6050Email: [email protected]:(00:00) - Introduction (01:35) - Alicia's Background (06:00) - Defining her style: curated maximalism (06:51) - Starting a design business from scratch (09:58) - Understanding clients through lifestyle and personality (14:35) - Design trends: moving beyond white and gray homes (15:01) - Alicia's Home Renovation Journey (17:01) - The Cost of Building Properly (19:00) - Structural quality vs cosmetic upgrades in real estate (23:37) - Putting a Personal Touch for Clients (27:20) - Working with couples and client decision dynamics (31:45) - Budget priorities: where design money matters most (33:40) - Inspiration sources and creative process (37:15) - Design & Business Trends (38:40) - Career Experience & Lesson Learned (42:55) - Lessons from open houses and real estate staging (45:40) - Where to find Alicia + closing thoughts

What really drives value in Vancouver real estate — land, timing, construction costs, or market cycles?In this episode of The Real Estate of Things, we talk with Vancouver real estate developer Tony Kaleel, President and COO of Northland Living, about how property development actually works behind the scenes. From land acquisition and financing to construction costs, market risk, and long-term city growth, Tony shares a candid look at what it takes to build housing in one of Canada’s most competitive real estate markets.Tony also reflects on immigrating to Canada, learning the construction business from his father, and how those early experiences shaped his approach to development, leadership, and navigating market volatility.Whether you’re a real estate agent, investor, developer, homeowner, or just curious about the Vancouver housing market, this conversation offers practical insights into how projects really come together — and where the industry may be heading next.Talk with Scott Dempster anytime about all things real estate.Direct Phone: 604-808-6050Email: [email protected]:(00:00) - Where real estate value really comes from — the land buy (00:14) - Show intro: What’s really happening in Vancouver real estate (00:36) - Meet Tony Kaleel — developer and industry leader (01:07) - Getting started in real estate development (02:41) - Immigration to Vancouver and early lessons in the business (04:19) - Family construction roots and entrepreneurial beginnings (06:03) - Work ethic, resilience, and formative experiences (15:30) - How development projects actually come together (27:45) - The real costs of building in Vancouver today (40:10) - Market cycles, timing, and managing risk in development (52:30) - Advice for agents, investors, and aspiring developers (01:07:20) - Learning through failure, persistence, and growth (01:07:55) - Final thoughts and closing takeaways

Most buyers don’t realize how much is riding on a home inspection until they’re already deep in the deal. This episode offers a grounded, practical look at what a home inspection really tells you.Scott sits down with veteran home inspector Conall Barr to talk about how he found his way into the business and what he’s learned from decades of walking through other people’s houses.Conall shares what he looks for first, the problems that show up over and over again, and the difference between a small repair and a real walk-away issue. They also get into what inspections can and can’t catch, how to use the report properly, and how homeowners can take better care of their places, and some of the things they sometimes leave behind...Talk with Scott Dempster anytime about all things real estate.Direct Phone: 604-808-6050Email: [email protected]:(00:00) - Introduction (01:11) - How Connall Became a Home Inspector (03:30) - How a Home Inspection Works (04:35) - Roofs, Drones & Why Details Matter (06:02) - Tennant troubles (07:08) - Sump Pumps, Basements & Water Issues (10:27) - The Importance of Running Appliances (12:53) - Attics, Electrical & Hidden Problems (18:20) - How to Read a Home Inspection Report (23:57) - What Inspections Can and Can’t Catch (30:04) - How to Prepare for an Inspection (35:59) - Are New Homes Built Better Than Old Ones? (40:06) - How to Maintain a Home Over Time (43:59) - Conclusion

What do you learn about condos when you're the realtor behind the most expensive condos in the city? Turns out, almost everything. In this episode of The Real Estate of Things, Scott and Colin sit down with Brian Higgins to unpack his journey from a real-estate-obsessed kid in North Vancouver to one of the go-to agents for luxury condos and complex deals.Brian shares how he built his business, the discipline behind his daily routine, and what he’s learned about scaling a team, setting boundaries, and staying in the game for the long haul. They dig into how foreign buyer taxes and bans have reshaped the condo market, what really makes a good building versus a risky one, why strata rules and depreciation reports matter, and the hidden costs behind flashy amenities and presales.Honest, practical, and full of wild stories from the field, this episode is a must-listen for anyone buying, selling, or trying to understand how Vancouver’s condo market really works.Talk with Scott Dempster anytime about all things real estate.Direct Phone: 604-808-6050Email: [email protected]:(00:00) - Introduction (01:07) - How Brian Got Into Real Estate (07:51) - Daily Routine, OrangeTheory & Discipline (10:00) - Work-Life Balance, Family & Setting Boundaries (13:36) - Becoming the “Yaletown Guy” & Market Authority (15:10) - How the Foreign Buyer Tax and Ban Changed the Condo Market (21:17) - How to Evaluate a Good Building vs a Bad One (23:09) - Why Strata Rules, Pets & Bylaws Matter (26:07) - Airbnb Rules, Short-Term Rentals & Vancouver Policy (28:08) - Amenities, Developers & What Actually Adds Value (31:01) - Wild Luxury Stories & Crazy Custom Builds (37:38) - Presales vs Buying Resale (40:44) - Red Flags in Buildings: Depreciation, Membranes & Elevators (44:20) - Where to Find Brian (44:55) - Conclusion

Strata fees, bylaws, insurance, and special levies—most buyers don’t really understand them until something goes wrong. In this episode of The Real Estate of Things, Scott sits down with Cory Pettersen, president of Stratawest, to break down what strata management actually does and what condo owners should be paying attention to.Cory shares how he found his way into the industry, why strata management is massively understaffed in BC, and what separates a well-run building from a stressful one. They dig into depreciation reports, strata fee red flags, amenities like pools and gyms, rising insurance costs, and the common issues that cause friction in buildings. This episode is a must-listen for anyone buying, selling, or living in a strata property—and for agents who want to better guide their clients.Talk with Scott Dempster anytime about all things real estate.Direct Phone: 604-808-6050Email: [email protected]:(00:00) - Introduction (01:27) - How Cory Got Into Strata Management (05:42) - Education, Licensing & Entering the Industry (10:27) - What Strata Management Actually Does (13:42) - Common Issues: People, Pets & Parking (15:34) - Developers, New Builds & Existing Buildings (18:53) - Strata Fees, Depreciation Reports & Red Flags (23:06) - What Buyers Should Look for in Strata Documents (26:16) - Insurance Costs & How They Impact Owners (29:56) - What Makes a Well-Run Strata (38:12) - How to Find Cory & Stratawest (39:50) - Conclusion

Great staging doesn’t just make homes look better—it helps them sell faster and for more. In this episode of The Real Estate of Things, Scott sits down with Andrea Foxman, owner of Home Ingredients and Social Ingredients, to unpack what it actually takes to prepare a home for sale—and why staging matters more than most sellers realize.Andrea shares how she built her staging business from the ground up, what makes buyers emotionally connect to a space, and how to handle the awkward moments when personal style gets in the way of selling. They talk ROI, market timing, decluttering, design trends, and the misconceptions around virtual staging and AI. Along the way, Andrea offers practical advice for sellers, agents, and anyone curious about the work behind great listings. Honest, insightful, and full of real-world stories, this episode is a behind-the-scenes look at how homes are staged to sell—and why first impressions still matter most.Talk with Scott Dempster anytime about all things real estate.Direct Phone: 604-808-6050Email: [email protected]

Great listing photos can make or break a sale—and Matt Greco knows why. Scott & Colin sit down with Matt to explore how he built his real estate media business, what separates good visuals from great ones, and why small details matter. They cover Matt’s early pivot into photography, the realities of shooting challenging homes, and how the industry is and isn't changing. Matt also shares straightforward advice on marketing, social media, and helping a property stand out. It’s a fast, engaging conversation about the work behind the images buyers trust, and you will walk away having learned something valuable. Talk with Scott Dempster anytime about all things real estate.Direct Phone: 604-808-6050Email: [email protected]

What does it really take to build a sustainable career in real estate today? Scott sits down with his business partner and friend, Colin Cuthbert, to unpack how he went from hospitality and luxury auto sales to launching his real estate career just days before COVID hit.Colin shares the lessons he carried over from past jobs, the realities of building confidence as a new agent, and the unforgettable first-year stories — including the now-legendary one-eyed cat incident. He and Scott dive into reputation, relationships, taking the high road, and what the current market signals for the year ahead. Honest, relatable, and filled with hard-earned wisdom, this episode offers a real look at  the surprisingly inspiring journey of building a career in real estate. Talk with Scott Dempster anytime about all things real estate.Direct Phone: 604-808-6050Email: [email protected]

What does it really cost to build a home in Vancouver today? Realtor Scott Dempster sits down with general contractor Brian Rantz to break down the true price of construction — from rising material and labor costs to new city regulations, soft costs, and the hidden expenses most homeowners overlook. A candid, practical conversation about what it takes to build right in one of Canada’s toughest markets. Talk with Scott Dempster anytime about all things real estate.Direct Phone: 604-808-6050Email: [email protected]

What does it take to turn a house into a home? In this episode of The Real Estate of Things, host Scott Dempster talks with interior designer Erica Winterfield about the art and practicality of great design — from balancing budgets and collaborating with contractors to creating spaces that reflect real personality and purpose. Together, they explore how thoughtful details and strong partnerships can transform even the simplest projects into something extraordinary. Talk with Scott Dempster anytime about all things real estate.Direct Phone: 604-808-6050Email: [email protected]

The go-to listen for anyone passionate about buying, building, or investing in Vancouver’s housing market.Whether you’re a first-time buyer trying to decode what a teardown is really worth, planning your first laneway build, or chasing an investment property in a city where prices never sit still, this podcast unpacks the real costs, curveballs, and call-it-like-it-is advice you won’t get at an open house. From hidden costs to hyper-local strategies, every episode helps you navigate Vancouver real estate with your eyes wide open.Hosted by Vancouver realtor Scott Dempster, this podcast gives you the keys to the truth about Vancouver real estate; sharing insider stories, lessons, and laughs from builders, designers, and industry pros who know what it really takes to make it here.Blending insight, humor, and hard-earned local experience, The Real Estate of Things is your trusted guide to one of North America’s most dynamic (and most misunderstood) housing markets.From East Van character homes to West Vancouver luxury builds, The Real Estate of Things dives into every corner of Vancouver’s housing market. Expect conversations about rezoning, permits, strata living, laneway houses, condo flipping, market trends, and more—plus tips for navigating real estate in neighbourhoods like Kitsilano, Mount Pleasant, the North Shore, the Fraser Valley and beyond.New episodes drop the first Tuesday and second-to-last Tuesday of each month, brought to you by The OWL Group, a Vancouver-based real estate team known for their expertise, integrity, and dedication to keeping the process fun, informative, and professional.