Vancouver Real Estate Podcast

Sunny Hahm, founder of Tandem Strategies, shares valuable insights from the forefront of Vancouver's real estate market. He discusses the critical 'fight or flight' moment faced by buyers and developers, emphasizing the importance of clear messaging over expensive marketing. The conversation highlights successful townhome trends, shifting buyer psychology, and the necessity of reading sub-market signals. Sunny argues that hesitation may be more costly than action in today's uncertain landscape, making this discussion a must for industry players.

After 38 years of building homes in Vancouver, Polygon President & CEO Neil Chrystal knows a thing or two about market cycles. Spoiler alert: he's finally seeing signs of recovery in a downturn he believes has been even more severe than the infamous leaky condo crisis of the late 1990s. Neil sits down with Adam & Matt this week to share battle-tested insights on navigating Vancouver's challenging housing market and reveal the reputation-building strategy that's helped Polygon weather every storm from the 80s to today.From the new GST relief for first-time buyers to why foreign buyer bans are backfiring, this conversation cuts through the doom and gloom to reveal where smart money is moving. Neil breaks down why townhomes are selling while towers sit empty, and explains why now might actually be a generational opportunity to buy.Is it always darkest before the dawn? Why have investors completely disappeared when they're usually bottom-fishing by now? And what's the one factor that makes any real estate investment a winner in Neil's eyes? Don't miss this veteran builder's take on surviving Vancouver's toughest housing market in 25 years.

Howard Chai, a staff writer at stories.com and a prominent voice in Vancouver real estate journalism, shares his journey from skeptical renter to industry insider. He discusses the shocking realities behind developer bankruptcies, the crushing impact of high-interest rates on builders, and how these issues reflect broader market concerns. Howard also explores the evolving conversation around real estate investors and the complex interplay of politics and policy in the housing crisis, offering listeners a compelling insider's perspective.

In this insightful discussion, Trevor Koot, CEO of the BC Real Estate Association, and Jeff King, CEO of Greater Vancouver Realtors, tackle the seismic shifts in real estate akin to the Napster disruption in music. They emphasize the role of AI and technology in reshaping market transparency and consumer expectations. The duo discusses the challenges facing realtors, the importance of branding, and the necessity for innovation amidst economic uncertainty. With a balance of humor and expertise, they outline how agents can thrive in this evolving landscape.

Michael Ferreira, Senior VP of Finance at Anthem Properties, and Jordan Carlson, President of Anthem Holdings Canada, share their insights on Vancouver's challenging real estate market amidst global uncertainty. They discuss the impact of rising interest rates, unsold inventory, and the surge of non-permanent residents driving rental inflation. Despite current struggles, they highlight potential boons for buyers, especially in Downtown Vancouver. Their optimism for the market's recovery in 2025 comes with innovative approaches to engage hesitant purchasers through bespoke incentive programs.

Trevor Hargreaves, Senior VP at BCREA, dives into the urgent housing crisis in Canada, highlighting ten game-changing initiatives needed from the new government. He evaluates each solution's likelihood of success, discussing reforms in trade education and the importance of public-private partnerships. The conversation also touches on recent election impacts on housing policy, innovative community developments, and historical programs that could inform future reforms. With a fresh leadership approach on the horizon, there’s a glimmer of hope for real change.

Tom Davidoff, an Associate Professor at UBC Sauder School of Business, shares his insights on the recent election of Mark Carney and its implications for Vancouver's real estate market. He discusses how Carney's economic expertise may address housing challenges amid trade tensions. Davidoff is cautiously optimistic about specific market segments and policy proposals that could stimulate development. He also explores the potential impact of strategic immigration policies on unsold inventory and how current economic conditions may foster critical density reforms.

Mortgage renewal anxiety has hit Metro Vancouver homeowners as 2025's "renewal wall" approaches and monthly payments potentially double.Green Mortgage Team CEO Kyle Green sits down with Adam and Matt to reveal insider strategies for navigating today's volatile lending environment and negotiate better rates during the renewal process. From the impact of Trump's tariffs on bond yields (and fixed mortgage rates) to the mathematical formula that determines when to break a mortgage early, this episode delivers crucial tactics for anyone facing renewal in the coming months.Should you lock in a fixed rate or gamble on variable rates dropping further? Why are banks suddenly offering competitive renewal rates after years of subpar offers and how can you evaluate them quickly? And with "no easy deals" in today's market, what unconventional financing options exist for those who can't afford payment shock? Get ready for a mortgage masterclass!

Remember when savvy buyers snapped up brand-new, developer-owned inventory at the Olympic Village during receivership and made out like bandits?That rare opportunity may be back...if you know where to look. Vice President, Client Services at Rennie Jack Bernard sits down with Adam & Matt to reveal an opportunity that will bring you back to 2010. Paging Miga & Quatchi! From his unique vantage point working with top developers, Jack shares exclusive intel on today's opportunities and on the direction of the Vancouver real estate market more generally, from developers shockingly turning down density allowances in transit corridors to the rise of the "family investor" as a new buyer class.What community consistently remains underbuilt, creating continuous upward price pressure? Which three specific areas would Jack personally invest in right now? And which unexpected factor does Jack believe is more important than price when it comes to reviving Vancouver's real estate market? You need to hear this conversation!

Is Vancouver's ambitious Broadway Plan creating a housing solution or a planning nightmare?This week Globe and Mail award-winning journalist Frances Bula sits down with Adam & Matt to unpack the plan transforming Kitsilano, Fairview, and Mount Pleasant neighborhoods along the Broadway corridor. And the early signs are concerning. From poor street integration to the shocking focus on a single building type, Bula breaks down how what was sold as a West End-style transformation has so far resulted in 150 near-identical tower proposals that could turn cherished Vancouver neighborhoods into something closer to a Soviet-era suburb.Has Vancouver entirely abandoned its historically thoughtful approach to neighborhood planning? How can the city better balance the urgent need for more housing with creating neighborhoods that actually work for both new and existing residents? And what does a botched Broadway Plan potentially mean for transit improvements across Metro Vancouver for decades to come?Plus, hear Frances's surprising take on Vancouver's recent by-election results that could signal a dramatic shift in the city's political landscape just two years after ABC's sweeping victory. This one is for anyone who loves Vancouver!