Sync or Swim: The Multifamily Growth Show

What does it take to build a life in a new country? On this episode of Sync or Swim, host Giacomo Ladas speaks with Stephanie Ford, Head of Content Strategy at Moving2Canada, about the newcomer experience in Canada. Stephanie shares how Moving2Canada grew from a Facebook group into a leading resource for immigration and settlement, and reflects on her own journey from Australia. The conversation covers key housing challenges, from misconceptions about basement suites to differences in rental rules across provinces. Stephanie offers practical advice on preparing documents, avoiding scams, and building credit, along with tips like starting with short-term accommodation before signing a lease. Tune in for insights on what newcomers face and how to make the transition smoother! Key Points From This Episode: Introducing guest Stephanie Ford, Head of Content Strategy at Moving2Canada. Moving2Canada's journey since starting as a Facebook group in 2011. Why Moving2Canada's free immigration resources are vital for accessibility. A breakdown of Stephanie's personal journey moving from Australia. Early challenges newcomers face: housing, healthcare, banking, and immigration rules. Misconceptions about basement suites and provincial rental laws. Exploring stigma around renting in Canada compared to Europe and Australia. Why Toronto and Vancouver tend to attract the most newcomers despite high costs. Tips for renters: credit scores, references, and landlord expectations. Key documents to prepare: references, bank statements, and proof of funds. Common mistakes, including scams and signing leases before knowing neighbourhoods. Short-term rentals as a safer first step before committing to long-term rentals. Tips for building credit from scratch as a newcomer in Canada. Quotes: "We're really designed to support newcomers throughout the entire immigration and settlement journey at no cost to them." — Stephanie Ford [0:04:10] "Housing can be surprisingly expensive [for newcomers], which can be a really significant challenge, especially in the first few years." — Stephanie Ford [0:07:49] "Young people are attracted to cities. We're seeing that everywhere. People are moving from regional areas to cities, ideally for better economic opportunities. That's played out in Canada's immigration as well." — Stephanie Ford [0:12:45] "If you're applying for a house, just bear in mind that your landlord wants two things. They want someone who they can trust to treat their property with care and respect, and to pay rent on time." — Stephanie Ford [0:16:11] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Stephanie Ford Stephanie Ford on LinkedIn Moving2Canada Moving2Canada on Facebook Moving2Canada on InstagramMoving2Canada on TikTok'How to Identify Rental Scams When Searching for an Apartment or Housing'Rentals.caGiacomo Ladas on LinkedIn Rentsync Sync or Swim Podcast Sync or Swim Email

Why are condo investors pulling out, and what does it mean for Canada's housing market? On this episode of Sync or Swim, Steve Saretsky, founder of Saretsky Group and co-host of The Loonie Hour podcast, joins the show to break down the shifting economics behind new housing. Steve explains why pre-construction condo sales have collapsed, how rising rates and falling rents are squeezing investors, and why developers are increasingly pivoting to purpose-built rentals. He also touches on issues like blanket appraisals, distressed buyers, and the long municipal approval timelines holding back supply. From policy missteps to structural market changes, Steve offers a clear-eyed look at where Canadian housing is headed and what needs to change to make new housing viable again. Tune in for a grounded, insider perspective on one of the country's most pressing economic challenges. Thanks for listening! Key Points From This Episode: Introducing today's guest, Steve Saretsky, founder of Saretsky Group. Why the pre-construction condo market is collapsing. How rising rates and falling rents are squeezing investor margins. The risks of flipping assignments in a down market. Why some developers are renegotiating with distressed buyers. The growing use of blanket appraisals and the risks they pose. Why developers are shifting from condos to purpose-built rentals. How smaller investors are struggling to compete with bigger developers. The shift from a speculation-driven model to a more value-driven model. Challenges to meeting Canada's housing targets by 2030. The impact of red tape and fees on housing supply timelines. Why city governments may be forced to lower development charges. Predictions regarding the Bank of Canada, rate policies, and mortgage options. Steve's take on policymaker mistakes and housing speculation. Quotes: "The investor market and the new construction market is in a world of pain." — @SteveSaretsky [0:04:33] "The more mom-and-pop investor types [who] don't have the deep pockets. It's harder for them to navigate [a difficult market] than it is for these big developers." — @SteveSaretsky [0:17:45] "We're going back to a market where builders/developers are having to serve the market. And the market today is end users. And end users are looking for more space, ground-oriented. And that's what's happening." — @SteveSaretsky [0:20:01] "I think cities are going to be forced, and we're starting to see it, to actually cut their development fees and charges if they want to get new housing off the ground." — @SteveSaretsky [0:23:21] "If you're a developer with deeper pockets today, this is certainly a good environment for [you] to go and pick up some distressed land sites. And if you've got a long enough time horizon, there will be another bull market. I don't think it's in the next 12 months. It is further out." — @SteveSaretsky [0:28:03] "What the federal government can and should be doing is they should be running good policy to ensure that you've got a healthy labor market that is seeing a lot of productivity and higher wages. And that will help people afford housing." — @SteveSaretsky [0:34:38] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Steve Saretsky Steve Saretsky on LinkedIn Steve Saretsky on YouTube Steve Saretsky on Instagram Steve Saretsky on Facebook Steve Saretsky on X Steve Saretsky on Substack Steve Saretsky Linktree Saretsky Group The Loonie Hour Podcast Rentsync Sync or Swim Podcast Sync or Swim Email

Is the GTA housing market oversupplied or just misunderstood? In this episode of Sync or Swim, host Max Steinman takes a deep dive into the purpose-built rental market with industry leaders Chrystal LeBlanc (BGO), Michelle Calloway (Fitzrovia), and Todd Spencer (Park Property Inc.). Together, they explore how their organizations are responding to shifting renter preferences, navigating condo oversupply challenges, and redefining the rental experience in the Greater Toronto Area. Tune in for expert advice on navigating Toronto's rental market, practical strategies for adapting to evolving renter expectations, and inspiring lessons from exceptional leaders shaping the future of multifamily housing. Whether you're a property pro, a curious investor, or simply interested in where Toronto's housing market is headed, this episode will leave you informed, inspired, and ready to take action! Key Points From This Episode: Purpose-built rental developments in Toronto: affordable, downsizer-friendly, and amenity-rich. Market insights into rental oversupply and condo saturation impacting prices and demand. Key distinctions between condos and purpose-built rentals (and why purpose-built is better!) Michelle's take on the decline in foreign student demand in Toronto rentals. Growing demand for flexible lease terms, dedicated workspaces, and personalized leasing. Insight into the customer service evolution needed to meet changing renter preferences. Strategies the panel has implemented to reduce "shopping around" and close deals faster. Hospitality-inspired practices that are key to elevating the resident experience. Reframing renting as a choice, emphasizing security, community, and modern amenities. Combatting negative stigma around renting and landlords by creating great experiences. New language, fostering renter dignity, and leveraging technology to change perceptions. The panel's reflections on the "promise of Toronto" and why they remain optimistic. Why collaboration and knowledge-sharing among industry peers is critically important. Reasons to create community "stickiness" and what it can to do reduce tenant turnover. Some of the most rewarding aspects of being in the purpose-built rental industry. Quotes: "We need to be better at saying why purpose-built rental is different [to condos]. We think about our residents – 24/7 – We need to work harder in the sales pitch to highlight what that means: that our service levels are higher [and] our systems are better." — Todd Spencer [0:10:26] "You can spend all the money on marketing in the world, but if you don't step in that front door and have a consistent experience with what you see – online, it can fall flat really quickly." — Chrystal LeBlanc [0:13:46] "What I always say is we don't have 500 suites. When a prospect walks in the door, we have three suites for you based on your budget, your family, what's important to you, [and we only show] suites that are right for that prospect." — Chrystal LeBlanc [0:19:37] "If we want to be recognized as world cities, we need to behave like world cities. In the rest of the world, renting is not a stigmatized activity. It's actually the dominant housing ecosystem in most major cities in the world." — Todd Spencer [0:25:19] "We need to be better at sharing insights with each other in the industry. I invite everybody to come tour my assets not because they're new and shiny but [because] I want to hear what you're doing too. That's going to raise us up altogether." — Michelle Calloway [0:35:28] "The [purpose-built rental] industry is changing since I joined 10 years ago. That – excites me. We still have a long way to go. We're not there yet, but I can't wait to see where we go." — Michelle Calloway [0:40:39] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Toronto Rentsync User Roadshow 2024 Chrystal LeBlanc BentallGreenOak (BGO) Chrystal LeBlanc on LinkedIn Michelle Calloway Fitzrovia Michelle Calloway on LinkedIn Todd Spencer Park Property Management Inc. Todd Spencer on LinkedIn Elm-Ledbury by Fitzrovia Sloane by Fitzrovia Waverley by Fitzrovia Max Steinman on LinkedIn Rentsync Sync or Swim Podcast Sync or Swim Email

For most listeners of the show, the housing crisis is a very prominent issue; affecting careers and finances. But it is actually a much bigger conversation for the entire population of the city. Today, we are bringing you a very special episode of the Sync or Swim Podcast: a live recorded interview with Brad Bradford from the Toronto Roadshow! Tuning in, you'll hear about Brad's assessment of Toronto's housing supply, the affordable housing crisis, the problems with old housing policies, and more! We delve into the political nature of housing in Toronto before discussing how to create a regulatory environment that incentivizes what the market needs (in this case, more rental units). Finally, Brad shares his opinion on the potential evolution of Toronto's housing market over the next five to 10 years. Thanks for listening in! Key Points From This Episode: Today's topic: a live recording from Toronto Roadshow with Brad Bradford. Brad assesses Toronto's performance in terms of housing supply over the last few years. How old policies are causing the breakdown of the housing market. The disconnect in the industry between time and affordability. Why the housing agenda is so politically charged. The importance of defining what affordable housing actually is. How to create an environment that incentivizes what the market needs most. Brad shares how he sees the housing market in Toronto evolving over the next few years. Quotes: "It seems like the sort of story of the day here in Toronto is we do lots of press conferences about housing, but we don't actually do any housing, and I think that's a big problem." — @BradMBradford [0:06:02] "The most affordable housing that we have is the housing that's already there. Nothing that you are building today or tomorrow is going to be more than what we already have." — @BradMBradford [0:27:45] "Now is the time to respond to the challenges in front of us with the type of bold leadership and action that recognizes the way forward is not the same way we've been doing things." — @BradMBradford [0:41:41] "We need to write a future together if that empowers partnership with the market with the private sector because it is your capital and your talent that is actually going to address the big challenges." — @BradMBradford [0:41:55] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Brad Bradford Brad Bradford on LinkedIn Brad Bradford on Instagram Brad Bradford on X Gabriel Diamond on LinkedIn Rentsync Sync or Swim Podcast Sync or Swim Email

The housing market in Canada has done some very surprising things since 2020 and today on the Sync or Swim Podcast, Tom Storey joins us to share his thoughts on the market and tell us all about his podcast, the Tom Storey Show. Tuning in, you'll hear all about Tom's career, why he decided to start the Tom Storey Show, how condo prices have changed pre-COVID, why the rise in purpose-built rentals is only going to continue, and so much more! Tom stresses the importance of being educated on the rent-control date and what it means for landlords before telling us that renting in the short term may be more beneficial than buying. He even shares some advice for first time property buyers, discusses what you should look for when buying a property, and discusses his opinions on the housing supply issue. Lastly, we explore how secondary markets are going to affect the housing market. You don't want to miss this conversation, so be sure to press play now! Key Points From This Episode: • Introducing today's guest, Tom Storey. • Tom tells us about his career and what inspired him to start his real estate podcast. • The surprising change in condo prices and the kind of stock that's moving now. • Why Tom believes we will see a rise in the building of purpose-built rentals. • The importance of understanding what the rent-control date means. • What Tom is seeing in terms of new supply coming into the housing market. • Why our guest believes that renting for the next two years is the best option. • How buyers are making some money back by renting out part of their properties. • Tom shares some advice for first-time rental property buyers just starting out. • Seasonal changes in the market and what to look out for when buying property. • How secondary markets are going to affect housing markets in the future. • Tom shares his opinions on the housing supply issues in Canada right now.

Ever questioned the validity of the hot takes on Canada's rental market? Then be sure to join us on this episode of the Sync or Swim podcast, as we dive into an open conversation and unpack the truths and myths of the rental market's hottest takes. We are excited to have two incredible guests on the show, Max Steinman, the CEO at Rentsync & Rentals.ca, and Jenna Chick, the Director of Leasing at Fitzrovia. Together, we break down several hot takes prevalent in the Canadian rental market, including renting as a simple waste of money, Canada's perceived low vacancy rates, arbitrary rent prices and the ability for landlords to make a fair return, rent control as a solution to housing affordability, and more! Thanks for listening, enjoy. Key Points From This Episode: What listeners can expect from today's Sync of Swim podcast episode. Our thoughts on the idea that renting is simply a waste of money. Redefining rental living in Canada. Are landlords only interested in profits and are they one-size-fits-all? We unpack Canada's perceived low vacancy rates. The benefit of purpose-built rentals and the associated laws around them. We discuss the record-high interprovincial migration (from Ontario to Alberta). Jenna highlights tips on what landlords are looking for in possible tenants and how to beat the competition. Arbitrary rent prices and the ability to make a fair return. We analyze the new legislation around short-term rentals (and whether they're ruining the housing market). Rent control as the solution to housing affordability. Advocating and educating on purpose-built rentals. Why simply plugging a tenant into any unit won't lead to success (for leasing agents!) How rent control works in Toronto. Our take on whether tenants have community involvement in renting situations. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Jenna Chick on LinkedIn Jenna Chick Email Max Steinman on LinkedIn Rentals.ca Fitzrovia Rentsync Sync or Swim Podcast Sync or Swim Email

Rentals.ca and Raising the Roof have announced an exciting new partnership! So today, we are thrilled to be joined by the Director of Housing Development at Raising the Roof, Adrian Dingle. We begin our conversation by learning about Raising the Roof: its origin story and history, what the company does, and why its new venture with Rentals.ca is a match made in heaven. Then, we discuss the standout achievements that gave Raising the Roof its stellar reputation, how it garners support from various branches of government, what a day in Adrian's work life looks like, and what he looks for in an ideal development partner. To end, Adrian details the challenges of his work and what other industry leaders could do to alleviate these pain points, and discover how to get involved with Raising the Roof and other initiatives that are aimed at curbing Canada's housing crisis. Key Points From This Episode: Adrian Dingle walks us through the ins and outs of Raising the Roof (RTF). Why its partnership with Rentals.ca is a blissful union. RTF's noticeable achievements that highlight the good work it is doing. Exploring its (healthy) relationship with municipalities and other forms of government. What Adrian's role as Director of Housing Development entails. Why the best partners in development are those who are also passionate about affordability and social impact. Everything you need to know about The Toque Campaign and RTF's other initiatives. The challenges of Adrian's work, and what he thinks the industry could do better. What we hope to see from the recent wave of policymakers addressing the housing crisis. How to get involved with RTF and housing-related projects.

In our rapidly evolving world, prospecting tenants expect more than just a place to live or work. They seek vibrant, all-encompassing communities that offer convenience, choice, and a sense of belonging. On this episode of Sync or Swim, we are joined by Dimitri Kritikos, Director of Property Management at Rhapsody, who offers us a unique perspective on the promise of mixed-use developments and how they satisfy the needs of today's discerning residents. Listening in, you'll gain insight into Toronto's exciting new master-planned community, The Well, which is one of the most ambitious mixed-used projects of its kind in Canada. You'll also learn about the benefits of the geothermal well the development takes its name from, the various amenities that residents will be able to take advantage of, and how The Well not only offers an incredible place to live but is even changing the stigma of renting. For a sneak peek into the future of purpose-built rentals, tune in today! Key Points From This Episode: A high-level overview of Dimitri's role at Rhapsody. Why he believes mixed-use developments are the future of purpose-built rentals. How the expectations of prospecting tenants have shifted in recent years. Insight into FourFifty The Well, a mixed-used development managed by Rhapsody. The benefits of the geothermal well that the development takes its name from. A look at the design of the residential suites: The Residences and FourFifty The Well. Amenities that are on offer for residents at The Well. How luxury mixed-use developments like these challenge the stigma of renting. The various demographics that The Well caters to. What Dmitri means when he refers to "peace of mind living." Where you can learn more about this exciting development!

Housing affordability in Canada is a major concern for anyone hoping to purchase a home amid the current climate of increasing prices. For the same amount as a two-bedroom property in Toronto, prospective home buyers could purchase lake-facing castles in Europe or even entire private islands, according to content creator Millennial Moron, who has noted these absurdities in a series of viral videos. In today's episode of Sync or Swim, the Millennial Moron himself joins us to share his humorous yet insightful take on the Canadian real estate market, the housing bubble we find ourselves in, the need for more purpose-built rentals, and the impact that rising interest rates are having on mortgages, plus so much more! This conversation not only offers a well-informed perspective and valuable insights, but it also injects some much-needed humour into what many might consider a dire situation. For the Millennial Moron's guide to Canadian real estate in 20204 and beyond, be sure to tune in today! Key Points From This Episode: What inspired the Millennial Moron to voice his opinion on the housing industry in Canada. Insight into his strategy to use humour to illustrate the serious topic of rising interest rates. Canada's housing bubble: how we ended up here and where we're going. The need to correct a long-term deficit in purpose-built rentals. Why owning property isn't always better than renting. What the cap on international students means for Canada's housing shortage. Millennial Moron's market predictions for the next 12-18 months. Correlations between the situation in Canada and the 2008 mortgage crisis in the US. The impact that rising interest rates and inflation are having on mortgages. Market sentiment versus cashflow and why the success of Canada's real estate markets in 2024 hinges on interest rates.

Joining us in conversation are Rentsync CEO and VP of Technology and Data, Max Steinman and Michael Mottola. We are also joined by two members of the Building Stack community, CEO Jonathan Margel, and COO, Pablo Menghini. Tuning in, you will hear our guests offer their insights on the recent merger between Rentsync and Building Stack and how it was approached. Hear how Building Stack came to be, what motivated the merger, and how it supports property managers and the many hats they are required to wear. Learn about each business, what to expect from the future, and the biggest benefits that are set to unfold in the coming year. Thanks for tuning in! Key Points From This Episode: Welcoming this episode's four guests; Max Steinman, Michael Mottola, Jonathan Margel, and Pablo Menghini. The story of how Building Stack came to be. Factors behind the decision to merge Rentsync and Building Stack. The resident lifecycle and how Rentsync and Building Stack intend to move down the funnel. Some of the many areas in which property managers need to be experts in the present landscape. How the integration will improve Rentsync's services. Rentsync's core competencies. The biggest benefit of the merger, including seamlessness reporting capability. What the merger hopes to achieve and how it will affect customers in the short term. How things will change in the long term and how each of our guests feels about the collaboration. Listen to the episode wherever you get your podcasts, Apple, Google Podcasts, or Spotify.

Canada is in the grips of a housing crisis as the people who need homes far outnumber the available residential units. At the same time, Canada is also experiencing a vacancy problem after the steep decline in office space demand post-COVID. It would make sense, then, to convert the empty office spaces into residential units, but as today's guest, Steven Paynter explains, this process is far from simple. Steven is the Global Leader of Building Transformation and Adaptive Reuse at Gensler – an elite global architecture, design, and planning firm. Steven and his team developed an algorithm to rapidly assess project viability for office-to-residential conversions, and he explains how this helped Gensler form a successful relationship with Calgary Economic Development. Our guest details the challenges that he comes across in other parts of North America, as well as the areas of opportunity to mirror the success of the work done in Calgary. We also discuss why offices will never be the same post-COVID, how "trash" office spaces can turn into diamond residential units, why most buildings are not suitable for office-to-residential conversions, and the costs of converting versus construction. To end, we gain a better understanding of the true value of Gensler's algorithm, and what the future may hold for this game-changing initiative. Key Points From This Episode: Introducing the Global Leader of Building Transformation and Adaptive Reuse at Gensler, Steven Paynter. Steven details his professional background and explains how he fulfils his role at Gensler. The ins and outs of his algorithm for assessing potential office-to-residential conversions. How Gensler formed a relationship with Calgary Economic Development. Exploring the challenges and opportunities that Steven sees in other parts of North America after Calgary's success. The way offices are changing and why they will never be the same as pre-COVID. How some features of an unpleasant office space are actually ideal for a family home. Why the percentage of buildings that are viable for conversions is so low. The costs of office-to-residential conversions versus new constructions. Understanding the true value of Steven and Gensler's algorithm. Listen to the episode wherever you get your podcasts, Apple, Google Podcasts, or Spotify.

There is a major deficit in purpose-built rentals in Toronto at the moment and today on the Sync or Swim Podcast, we are chatting about this issue with Jonathan and Gabriel Diamond from Well-Grounded Real Estate. Tuning in, you'll hear about their focus in the real estate world right now, why this deficit is happening, differences between apartment development and contrast condos, and how these problems can be solved. We discuss what is effective in terms of innovation before talking about integrated product delivery. Finally, our guests tell us about their incredible 1925 Victoria Park building. To hear all this and more, press play now! Key Points From This Episode: An introduction to today's guests, Jonathan and Gabriel Diamond. What they do now and their real estate goals for the future. Why they believe there is a deficit in purpose-built rentals in Toronto right now. Some key economic differences between apartment development and contrast condos. How policy needs to change so that these issues can be resolved. The problems with the Canadian fire code. How our guests define innovation and why they feel we're on the wrong innovation curve. Why Jonathan and Gabriel are interested in improving the system of housing delivery. What integrated product delivery is and why it's beneficial. Why Toronto has the ability to lead real estate innovation and what holds it back. Jonathan and Gabriel tell us about their 1925 Victoria Park building. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Jonathan Diamond on LinkedIn Gabriel Diamond on LinkedIn Well-Grounded Real Estate 1925 Victoria Park Rentsync Sync or Swim Podcast Sync or Swim Email Listen to the episode wherever you get your podcasts, Apple, Google Podcasts, or Spotify.

As rental demand rises, rental scams are becoming increasingly prevalent. Today, we are joined by Cameron Choquette, CEO of the Saskatchewan Landlord Association (SKLA), to discuss rental housing scams and their impact on both renters and landlords. Cameron highlights the increasing prevalence of scams targeting prospective tenants, offering key red flags and practical tips for renters to stay vigilant. He emphasizes the importance of verifying listings and shares insights for landlords to protect their properties. Tune in as we discuss the long-term consequences of rental scams and explore the significance of education and vigilance in the evolving landscape of rental housing. Key Points From This Episode: Introducing Cameron Choquette and the Saskatchewan Landlord Association (SKLA). The increasing prevalence of rental scams. Common types of rental scams. Red flags for renters to look out for. What to do if you suspect a scam. How to verify the legitimacy of listings. The negative impact rental scams have on both renters and landlords. Common scams targeted at landlords. What rental housing providers can do to secure the process. Advice for subletters. The relationship between the SKLA and the government. Long-term consequences of rental scams. A final piece of advice for both renters and landlords on staying vigilant. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Cameron Choquette on LinkedIn Saskatchewan Landlord Association CanLII in Saskatchewan Giacomo Ladas on LinkedIn Rentals.ca Rentsync Sync or Swim Podcast Sync or Swim Email Listen to the episode wherever you get your podcasts, Apple, Google Podcasts, or Spotify.