This Week in Real Estate

The real estate market may have started slow in 2026—but is it about to surge? In this episode, we break down why buyer activity is picking up, what rising interest rates mean for your next move, and which cities are quietly outperforming the rest. From multiple offers returning to hidden “hotspot” communities, this is your inside look at what’s really happening beyond the headlines.

Ontario just dropped a $1.3 billion condo bailout—but who is it really helping? In this episode, we break down how this controversial move could impact homeowners, investors, and the future of the housing market. From falling rents to struggling mom-and-pop landlords, this is a must-watch if you care about real estate in 2026.

Ontario just made a HUGE move in the housing market. A new HST rebate could save buyers up to $130,000 on new homes—but what does it really mean for you? In this episode, we break down: Who qualifies for the new HST rebate How it could impact home prices and affordability Why this might finally kickstart new construction The hidden risks in today’s condo market (high fees, special assessments & more) If you’re thinking about buying, investing, or upgrading your home, this is a must-watch.

Is the Bank of Canada signaling a major shift in the housing market? In this episode, we break down the latest rate decisions, shocking comments on home prices, and what it all means for buyers and sellers right now. From rising interest rates to global tensions impacting the economy, we dive into the real factors driving today’s market—and why confidence may actually be coming back. If you're thinking about buying, selling, or investing, this is a must-watch.

In this episode, Rob Golfi sits down with Conrad Zurini to break down the reality behind the 2026 mortgage renewal wave. With many homeowners renewing mortgages from the ultra-low interest rate era, questions are rising about defaults, power of sales, and whether the housing market could face serious pressure. They discuss: • Why mortgage defaults are still relatively low • What homeowners can do if they’re struggling to make payments • The impact of condo investors and rising costs • Why Hamilton home prices surged so quickly • Whether the market has already hit its bottom If you're a homeowner, investor, or thinking about buying real estate, this is a must-watch conversation about where the market could be heading next.

In this episode, we break down a real-world pricing strategy that turned a slow listing into multiple offers. After dropping the price by $20,000, the property suddenly attracted strong buyer interest and sold for more than the asking price. Rob Golfi, Conrad Zurini, and Brian Hogben discuss why proper pricing is one of the most important factors in today’s real estate market. They also dive into interest rate trends, affordability myths, and how younger buyers are approaching homeownership differently. If you want to understand how pricing strategy can impact your home sale, this conversation is packed with valuable insights.

Is this the boldest move in Canadian real estate right now? A major GTA builder is offering buyers something we haven’t seen before: price protection on pre-construction homes.   If the value drops before closing — they refund the difference. In this episode, we break down: • Why builders are suddenly offering guarantees • Whether we’ve officially hit the market bottom • The shocking payment difference between 2021 vs today • Why Hamilton is now one of Canada’s hottest rental markets • The real truth about condo fees, vacancy rates, and EV upgrades Is this confidence… or desperation? If you’re thinking about buying, investing, or holding — this is a must-watch.

Is 2026 the window smart buyers have been waiting for? This week, we break down Nova Scotia’s shocking new 2% down payment program, what it means for first-time buyers, and why it could signal a bigger shift across Canada. We dive into: Why so many buyers are sitting on the sidelines The real reason consumer confidence is low Whether 40-year amortizations should return Why once the market turns… it could turn FAST And why 2026 may be the year people say, “I’m so glad I bought.” If you’re thinking about buying — or waiting — this episode is a must-watch.

Would you buy a home knowing you might never truly own the land? In this episode, Rob Golfi, Conrad Zurini, and Brian Hogben dive into the hidden risks of buying property on Indigenous land. They unpack real-world examples of lost cottages, expiring leases, financing roadblocks, and why banks are often hesitant to touch these deals. Plus, the conversation expands into real estate industry red flags every consumer should understand before putting down a deposit.

Many buyers believe putting 20% down is always the smartest move — but that may no longer be true. In this episode, Rob Golfi sits down with mortgage expert Brian Hogben from Mission 35 Mortgages to break down the real math behind CMHC insurance, insured vs uninsured rates, and why some buyers are actually better off putting less down. They also discuss 30-year amortizations, payment strategies, and how keeping cash on hand can make homeownership far less stressful in today’s market.

When a real estate deal falls apart, who actually gets the deposit? In this episode, Rob Golfi, Conrad Zurini, and Brian Hogben break down why the current deposit system is broken, how buyers and sellers get stuck in limbo, and why “mutual release” creates more problems than solutions. From missing sellers to hostage deposits and outdated rules, this is a raw, unfiltered conversation about what’s really happening behind the scenes in today’s real estate market.

The latest stats are out — and they tell a story most people don’t want to hear. In this episode, we break down the numbers, what they really mean, and why staying comfortable is no longer an option. Progress demands honesty, accountability, and a willingness to level up. If you’re serious about growth, this conversation is for you.

Toronto has approved a new land transfer tax on homes selling over $3 million, but will it actually help housing affordability, or make things worse? In this episode, Rob Golfi sits down with Conrad Zurini and mortgage expert Brian Hogben to break down how the new tax could impact luxury buyers, sellers, and the broader real estate market. They discuss whether wealthy buyers will simply absorb the cost, move outside the city, or pass the pain down the chain and why areas like Oakville, Niagara, and Vaughan could be the real winners. If you care about where Toronto real estate is heading, this is a must-listen.

Winning the lottery sounds like a dream. Until you build a mansion that no one wants to buy. In this episode, Rob Golfi is joined by real estate expert Conrad Zurini and mortgage specialist Brian Hogben to break down why lottery winners often lose millions in luxury real estate. From overbuilt mansions to inflated appraisals, they reveal the costly mistakes behind $30M homes that sell for half the price and what smart money should do instead.

Why are Montreal, Halifax, and Gatineau thriving while Ontario markets cool off? In this episode, Rob Golfi, Conrad Zurini, and Brian Hogben break down the affordability shift driving buyers east, surprising migration patterns, investor activity, and the latest housing-start statistics. Plus: insights on luxury listings, interest rate predictions, and how new U.S. tax proposals could spill into the Canadian market. Packed with real data and frontline perspectives, this episode explains what’s really happening behind the headlines.

In this week’s episode, Rob Golfi sits down with Conrad Zurini and Brian Hogben to unpack the truth behind Canada’s shifting real estate and mortgage landscape. From falling delinquency rates to the hidden risks in private lending, balloon mortgages, and over-leveraged developers, the trio breaks down what’s really happening beneath the headlines. Whether you're a homeowner, investor, or market watcher, this episode cuts through the noise with real numbers, real insights, and real talk.

n this episode, Rob Golfi sits down with Conrad Zurini and Brian Hogben to unpack one of the hottest debates in real estate: the potential arrival of 50-year mortgages. They break down who actually benefits — investors seeking cash flow or homeowners trying to stay afloat — and what extended amortizations could mean for equity, pricing, and market confidence. The conversation also dives into Canada’s housing policies, mortgage renewals looming in 2025, and why long-term financing tools might trigger a wave of unexpected market behavior.

Could baseball really be to blame for October’s real estate slowdown? Rob Golfi, Conrad Zurini, and Brian Hogben dive into Toronto’s condo crisis, the financing headaches for tiny units, and how shifting buyer behavior is shaking up the market. Tune in for laughs, insights, and some surprising stats!

In this week’s episode of What’s Happening in Real Estate This Week, Rob Golfi, Conrad Zurini, and Brian Hogben dive deep into the Bank of Canada’s latest rate move, the surge in rental construction, and why this flat market could actually be the biggest opportunity of the decade. From consumer confidence to creative buying strategies, the team unpacks how today’s buyers can position themselves to win big in the years ahead.

In this week’s episode of What’s Happening in Real Estate This Week, Rob Golfi, Conrad Zurini, and Brian Hogben break down a shocking Ontario court case where one missing signature cost home sellers thousands. Discover how a simple paperwork mistake voided a deal, what agents can learn from it, and how new AI tools are helping prevent costly errors. Plus, the team dives into Hamilton’s vacant home tax and the growing rental crisis.

💡 Thinking homeownership is out of reach? Rob Golfi and Brian Hogben break down how first-time buyers can own a home for less than $2,000 a month! From hidden deals under $350K to using the “Purchase Plus Improvement” program, learn how smart financing and timing can turn renters into homeowners — even in today’s market.

Ever feel like the real estate market’s on repeat? Rob Golfi and Conrad Zurini break down how 2021 to 2027 could mirror the same market cycles we saw decades ago. With insights, real stories, and hard data, this episode will change how you think about pricing, timing, and opportunity.

Falling behind on mortgage payments doesn’t mean you have to lose your home. In this episode, Rob Golfi, Conrad Zerini, and Brian Hogben reveal insider strategies banks and insurers use to help struggling homeowners. From workout programs to avoiding costly legal traps, learn how to protect your equity and keep your house.

Rob Golfi sits down with Brian Hogben of Mission 35 Mortgages to unpack the Bank of Canada’s latest rate cut and what it means for homeowners. From fixed vs. variable strategies to the little-known split mortgage option, this episode reveals practical hacks that can save you money and reduce risk in today’s market.

In this episode, Rob Golfi sits down with Conrad Zurini and Brian Hogben to unpack the frustrations behind BrokerBay’s 30-minute showing rule. They explore how rushed appointments hurt buyers, sellers, and agents — and why the industry needs a more flexible solution. Plus, the trio dives into mortgage renewals, upcoming rate announcements, and what history tells us about today’s housing market.

In this week’s episode of What’s Happening in Real Estate This Week, Rob Golfi sits down with Conrad Zerini and Brian Hogben to expose the dark side of real estate wholesaling in Canada. From shady contracts to financing pitfalls, they break down how wholesalers operate, why it’s risky for sellers and buyers, and what you can do to protect yourself in today’s market.

The real estate market is starting to feel a lot like 2020 again. Rob Golfi, Conrad Zurini, and Brian Hogben break down the surprising sales vs. listings data, what’s really driving mortgage renewals, and how buyers and sellers can avoid costly mistakes in today’s market.

Ontario’s real estate industry has been rocked by the iPro Realty scandal — with up to $10 million in misused trust funds and thousands of agents scrambling for answers. Rob Golfi, Conrad Zurini, and Brian Hogben break down what happened, how iCloud Realty emerged from the ashes, and what this means for consumers, agents, and the future of real estate.

When $175K meets two very different investments — who wins? Rob Golfi, Conrad Zurini, and Brian Hogben break down the real returns on real estate versus stocks, using a real-world $175,000 scenario. Plus, they dive into the latest shake-ups in Ontario’s cottage market, rising interest rates, and the rental strategies that can make or break your getaway property.

🏠 What happens when Rob Golfi walks into an open house in disguise? You won’t believe how he was treated — and what it reveals about today’s real estate agents. In this episode, Rob, Brian, and Conrad dig into the do’s and don’ts of open houses, real estate investment opportunities in 2025, the shrinking rental market, and why now might be the best time to buy.

This week, Rob Golfi, Conrad Zurini, and Brian Hogben unpack the latest real estate trends, including the Bank of Canada's predicted rate hold, inflation concerns, and CMHC's affordability data. Plus, Rob shares his innovative 18-day report card strategy and the crew dives into the importance of listing photography, consumer preferences, and the future of high-density developments.

Celebrate our 150th episode with an insider look at what’s really driving the sudden surge in the real estate market! Rob Golfi, Brian Hogben, and Conrad Zurini break down red-hot appointment stats, surprising buyer behaviour, and why this “pause” in interest rates might be the best buying window in years. Whether you're an agent, investor, or first-time buyer, this episode is packed with insights you can’t afford to miss.

🏡 Ultra-luxury homes are selling like never before — but is a $20M house a wise investment? Top real estate experts dive into off-market deals, the psychology of wealthy buyers, and the returns on owning elite properties in Canada. If you’re curious about big-money moves in real estate, this one’s for you.

🔥 The summer of 2025 might be your golden window to buy a detached home in Canada. In this week’s episode, Rob Golfi and guests reveal why the market is shifting, what escape clauses really mean, and how conditional offers are changing the game. Plus: essential tips on adding adult children to your home title and navigating tricky family finance dynamics.

🏙️ Luxury Condos Are Booming! Join Rob Golfi, Conrad Zurini, and Brian Hogben as they uncover who’s driving the surge in luxury condo sales across Toronto. From $2M+ units to downsizing baby boomers and old-world design trends making a comeback, this episode reveals the surprising market movement at the top end of Real estate. Plus, insider tips on home inspections and shocking appraisal stories you won’t believe!

Get the raw truth about Canada’s real estate market in this week’s episode. Rob Golfi, Conrad Zurini, and Brian Hogben dive deep into rising delinquencies, current interest rates, inflation fears, and what it all means for buyers and sellers. Is this a breather or a turning point?

🪙 In this episode of What's Happening in Real Estate This Week, Rob Golfi, Conrad Zurini, and Brian Hogben dive into the chaos of the current market. From the shocking rejection of crypto down payments by major Canadian banks to why “cancel and relist” strategies are tanking deals, this episode is packed with eye-opening insights and expert advice for buyers, sellers, and investors.

Struggling to keep up with mortgage payments? Thinking of selling but unsure who to trust? In this episode, Rob Golfi is joined by Conrad Zurini and Brian Hogben to expose the little-known truths behind foreclosures and the power of sale in Canada's housing market. Discover how bad advice from agents and lawyers could cost you your home—and what to do instead. A must-listen for homeowners, buyers, and anyone trying to survive today’s real estate chaos.

Think your renovation is safe? Think again. Rob Golfi and Brian Hogben delve into the shocking story of a $400,000 pool built on city land, now ordered to be torn down. From permit nightmares to title insurance savings, this episode is a wake-up call for homeowners and real estate investors alike.

💡 The real estate game is changing fast — and AI is leading the charge. In this week’s episode, Phil Golfi, Conrad Zurini, and Brian Hogben break down how artificial intelligence is transforming real estate marketing, client communication, and investment decisions. Plus, hear why bots might soon be recommending agents, and how to stay ahead of the tech curve.

Think pricing your home high will get you more money? Think again. In this episode, Rob Golfi, Conrad Zurini, and Brian Hogben break down the costly mistake homeowners make when chasing inflated listing prices. From Florida vacation homes to Canadian cottages, we cover real stories and sharp insights on how to price with precision — and why experience always trumps hype.

Can giving your kids money to buy a house backfire? In this week’s episode, Rob Golfi, Conrad Zurini, and Brian Hogben dive into the legal and financial pitfalls of family loans, cohabitation agreements, and second mortgages. Whether you're a parent, a homeowner, or a hopeful buyer, this one’s packed with insights that could save you thousands.

Feeling like you missed the boat on peak real estate prices? Rob Golfi, Conrad Zurini, and Brian Hogben break down what buyers, sellers, and investors should do now. From declining appraisals to smart mortgage moves and election fallout — this is your action plan for today’s market.

Interest rates are on pause — but is that really good news? In this week's episode, Rob Golfi is joined by Conrad Zurini and Brian Hogben to unpack what’s really happening behind the headlines. From fixed rate hikes to bond market chaos, strategic buying opportunities, and a condo market on life support, this is the raw, unfiltered breakdown you won’t get from mainstream media.

In this episode of the Golfi Real Estate Show, Phil Golfi is joined by industry veterans Conrad Zurini and Brian Hogben to tackle the current mood of the market — and why optimism is making a comeback. They talk about filtering out the noise, why long-term thinking beats headlines, and how demographics and market forces are reshaping buying behavior. Plus: insider predictions on rates, the role of emotion in buying decisions, and why the next few months could change everything.

The battle over math education is heating up, and few understand the stakes like Brian and Conrad. In this episode, Rob sits down to explore the divide between research mathematicians and policy makers, revealing why current reforms may be failing the students they claim to help.

In this episode, we sit down with Conrad, Brian, and Rob—three entrepreneurs who have lived the highs and lows of business firsthand. They share personal stories of struggle, success, and everything in between, offering invaluable lessons on resilience, adaptation, and the mindset needed to thrive. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this conversation is packed with insights to fuel your journey. Tune in and get inspired!

Join Rob Golfi from REMAX The Golfi Team, alongside Conrad Zurini of REMAX Escarpment & Niagara and Brian Hogben from Mission 35 Mortgages, as they break down the latest developments shaking up the real estate market!   🔥 Key Topics Discussed: ✅ How U.S. tariffs on steel and appliances could impact Canadian homebuilding 🏗️ ✅ Interest rate predictions – Will the Bank of Canada cut rates next week? 📉 ✅ The rise of rental scams & how to spot fraudulent tenants 🚨 ✅ Liquor store drama – Why American alcohol vanished from Ontario shelves 🍷 ✅ Real estate horror stories: Would YOU rent to someone who wants to move in tomorrow?   With economic uncertainty on the rise, now’s the time to be vigilant—whether you’re a homebuyer, seller, or investor. Tune in for expert insights and real-world advice from top industry pros!

In this episode, Rob Golfi, Conrad Zurini, and Brian Hogben discuss the recent quarter-point drop in interest rates and its implications for the mortgage market. They explore the benefits of switching from three-year to five-year fixed-rate mortgages, especially in light of potential future rate increases. The conversation then shifts to the challenges faced by Hamilton in terms of development approvals, highlighting the lengthy wait times and cultural issues within the municipal workforce that hinder progress. The hosts emphasize the need for better leadership and a more efficient approval process to foster development in the region.

In this episode of This Week in Real Estate, Rob Golfi, Conrad Zuni, and Brian Hogben break down Hamilton’s controversial vacant home tax and what it means for property owners. Is this a necessary step to address housing shortages, or just another tax grab? We discuss how investors are responding, the unintended consequences for landlords, and how similar policies are rolling out across Canada. Plus, we dive into the current market slowdown, why some homes are sitting empty, and what this means for buyers and sellers in 2024.