Ready to Real Estate

On February 5, TRREB released its 2025 Market Outlook and Year in Review. This is your go-to resource for understanding what's next for the housing market. In this episode, Sean Simpson, Senior Vice President of Ipsos Public Affairs sits down with Jason Mercer, TRREB's Chief Market Analyst and podcast host to break down emerging trends, buying and selling intentions, and what this means for the year ahead.

Florida is a longtime sunshine destination for Canadians because of its attractive beaches and opportunities for year-round activities. Margy Grant, CEO of Florida REALTORS® joins guest host John DiMichele, CEO of TRREB, to discuss the dynamics of real estate in Florida, and how they're working with policymakers to combat affordability and supply challenges in the Sunshine State.

Unaffordability is a key driver for homebuyers and homeowners. That's why we need to see more mortgage changes that allow flexibility. Lauren van den Berg, President and CEO of Mortgage Professionals Canada (MPC) joins TRREB's Ready to Real Estate podcast host Jason Mercer to discuss the mortgage landscape and how MPC is working with all levels of government to implement reforms that will make homeownership more attainable for Canadians.

On this episode of TRREB's Ready to Real Estate podcast, we're shifting focus to Queen's Park to discuss Ontario's recent efforts to combat the housing crisis. Learn how the passing of Bill 185 and the Provincial Policy Statement are set to tackle the housing shortage and improve affordability. Dive into the details with Steve Adler, Senior Director of Public Affairs at NATIONAL Public Relations, and John Michael McGrath, columnist, reporter, and podcaster at TVO.org with podcast host TRREB's Chief Market Analyst, Jason Mercer.

Mary-Anne Gillespie, real estate coach, joins the Ready to Real Estate podcast with host Jason Mercer, TRREB's Chief Market Analyst, to discuss open houses. Learn tips and strategies to help set you apart from the competitive market, engage buyers, and build a rapport with potential clients. 

How is AI reshaping the future of real estate? Sean Provencher, Founder and CEO of Endgame Coaching, sits down with Ready to Real Estate podcast host Jason Mercer, TRREB's Chief Market Analyst, to discuss how to effectively navigate AI and how REALTORS® can harness the power of this new technology.

Catch Monty Moran, former CEO of Chipotle on TRREB's Ready to Real Estate podcast and discover inspiring insights on leadership, empowerment, and building a culture focusing on curiosity, love, and vulnerability. Dive into this impactful and enlightening conversation with podcast hosts TRREB CEO John DiMichele and TRREB President Jennifer Pearce.

Tune in to this exclusive Ready to Real Estate podcast episode with TRREB CEO John DiMichele and TRREB President Jennifer Pearce alongside entrepreneur, best-selling author, and lifestyle icon Martha Stewart. Learn invaluable tips and strategies about staging and home décor, branding, client relationships, and so much more.

With Olivia Chow approaching her first year as City of Toronto Mayor, discover how she is stepping up to the plate to address housing affordability. In this episode, TRREB's Chief Market Analyst and podcast host sits down with two political experts breakdown what you need to know about her biggest wins and pitfalls.

Have a client selling a cherished-family cottage or looking to buy a weekend getaway? In this episode, TRREB's Chief Market Analyst and podcast host Jason Mercer sits down with real estate lawyer Richard Moran to dive into riparian rights, deeded accesses, title insurance, plus more on water quality and septic systems for cottages.

Gain a strong understanding of the complexities of tenanted properties as a REALTOR® – no matter which side of the transaction you are on. Licensed paralegal Bita Di Lisi joins TRREB's Chief Market Analyst and host Jason Mercer to talk about the crucial role REALTORS® play in navigating tenanted properties.

If you have a client in the market for a new or resale home, discover what lies ahead for mortgage rates, where supply is headed, and where buying and selling intentions stand. In this episode, TRREB Chief Market Analyst Jason Mercer; Ray Wong, Vice President of Data Operations, Altus Group; and Sean Simpson, Senior Vice President of Ipsos Public Affairs give you exclusive insights from TRREB's 2024 Market Outlook Year in Review report.

Artificial intelligence (or AI) is disrupting the future of work on a massive scale. AI-driven tools have passed the United States bar exam and written articles that are published in peer-reviewed journals. To talk about how AI and digital tools like ChatGPT can help REALTORS® build their businesses Chris Linsell, a technology analyst, content strategist, and licensed REALTOR®, joins Ready to Real Estate host and TRREB Chief Market Analyst Jason Mercer

One in four Canadians now listens to an average of five podcasts per week. With podcasts surging in popularity, savvy REALTORS® have found a new way to stand out from the crowd and deepen trust in their brand. To share the business case for podcasting, along with insider tips for creating and promoting a podcast, Doug Downs, President of Stories and Strategies, joins Ready to Real Estate host and TRREB Chief Market Analyst Jason Mercer.

REALTORS® who can't decode the body language of their clients might miss critical clues that would help them land a sale or negotiate a better deal. To crack the code of this “secret second language,” Ready to Real Estate host and TRREB Chief Market Analyst Jason Mercer speaks with Pamela Barnum, a non-verbal communication expert and trust strategist. The former undercover police officer shares communication insights, tactics, and techniques that will help REALTORS® build trust with clients and detect deception.

Phase two of the Trust in Real Estate Services Act is coming into force on Friday, December 1, 2023. Are you prepared? In this informative episode, Ready to Real Estate host and TRREB Chief Market Analyst Jason Mercer is joined by real estate lawyer Mark Weisleder to cover everything you need to know. From a legal perspective, TRESA is the biggest change to Ontario real estate in over twenty years and it impacts the day-to-today business of all REALTORS®.

Johnny Cupcakes calls himself a “brand hysteria expert,” and it's no exaggeration. He grew a business selling t-shirts from the back of a car into an international brand worth millions. REALTORS® looking to make their mark with a unique, personal, and fun approach to marketing will get inspired as Johnny shares his creative approach to building brand loyalty with Ready to Real Estate host and TRREB Chief Market Analyst Jason Mercer.

Earlier this year, Olivia Chow was elected as the 66th mayor of Toronto. During the second installment in our series on the mayoral by-election, host and TRREB Chief Market Analyst Jason Mercer leads an insightful discussion examining how the GTA's next chapter is unfolding. This hour-long deep dive examines Mayor Chow and city council's plans to address the housing affordability crisis, taxation, revenue tools, and much more. Jason is joined by Steve Adler, Mike Layton, and May Warren.

Ready to Real Estate is back for season 5 to tackle this critical question and many others! Join host Jason Mercer, as he chats with industry experts, policymakers, and influencers to delve deep into pressing topics to help you stay informed and ahead of the curve.

Stress and negative thoughts lead to self-doubt. They hold people back from living their best lives. Change is possible and change seekers can work to replace negative thoughts with positive ones, breaking harmful cycles.   Learn how to find deeper wellness and combat stress and negative thinking with this conversation between clinical psychologist and author Dr. Monica Vermani and Ready to Real Estate host and TRREB Chief Market Analyst Jason Mercer.

For REALTORS® wanting to build a new brand online or boost the brand they have, where should you start? Is it possible to build a premium brand at a freemium price? Marki Lemons-Ryhal, a licensed managing broker, REALTOR®, and best-selling author, sits down with Ready to Real Estate host and TRREB Chief Market Analyst Jason Mercer to offer step-by-step guidance about how to use social media platforms and other online tools to get more leads.

We're emerging from the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even so, pandemic-thinking continues to guide the leaders of many organizations, pushing stressed employees closer to burnout. Employees are asked to do “more with less” and work at a chaotic pace. Bestselling author, marketer, and speaker Hamza Khan talks to Ready to Real Estate host and TRREB Chief Market Analyst Jason Mercer about the factors leading to burnout and how progressive leaders can help employees avoid exhaustion and thrive instead.

Organizations with diverse and inclusive cultures can attract, hire, and retain the best talent. So why do people from racialized and marginalized communities continue facing barriers to belonging at so many workplaces?   Hadiya Roderique, an award-winning journalist and assistant professor of journalism at the University of Toronto Scarborough, with a PhD in Organizational Behaviour and Human Resources Management, joins Ready to Real Estate host and TRREB Chief Market Analyst Jason Mercer to discuss how organizations can become more inclusive.

On June 26, Toronto will hold a by-election to elect its new mayor, and housing affordability has been a hot topic on the campaign trail. During this special hour-long episode, Ready to Real Estate host and TRREB Chief Market Analyst Jason Mercer leads a roundtable discussion about what the priorities for Toronto's next mayor and city council should be when it comes to housing. Jason is joined by Karen Stintz, Michael Coteau, Michael Giles, and Stephen Adler.

How does buying a pre-construction property, be it a condo or single-family home, differ from buying a home on the resale market? Buyers wanting to avoid painful or expensive surprises need to understand the differences.   David Young, TRREB instructor and real estate lawyer with Sorbara Law, joins TRREB Chief Market Analyst Jason Mercer to break down the purchasing process and key dates, along with final closing costs and what buyers and their REALTORS® can do to reduce them.

How can buyers, sellers, and real estate agents stay on the right side of the law when dealing with tenanted properties?   Bita di Lisi — property manager, real estate broker, licensed paralegal, and owner of Stonegate Legal Services — sits down with Ready to Real Estate host and TRREB Chief Market Analyst Jason Mercer to explain the legal options a landlord has when selling a tenanted property, what buyers of tenanted properties should expect, and more.

Over the next three years, the federal government plans to welcome nearly 500,000 new immigrants a year to Canada. Where will these newcomers live? And what will it mean for the cost of home ownership and rental units in an already tight market?   To answer these questions and talk about how governments can fix the supply problem, Dr Frank Clayton of the Centre for Urban Research and Development joins host and TRREB Chief Market Analyst Jason Mercer.

An uncertain economic outlook, high inflation, and rising interest rates challenged home buyers, sellers, and owners in 2022. How did this past year impact the real estate market? And how is it shaping market trends for 2023? Sean Simpson, Senior Vice President at Ipsos Public Affairs, joins Ready to Real Estate host and TRREB Chief Market Analyst Jason Mercer to dig into the data from the latest consumer polling.

Potential homebuyers often turn to social media and YouTube to do research, where they can find a wealth of helpful content from REALTORS®. If you're thinking about developing or improving your marketing strategy and online presence, this episode is a must-listen.   REALTOR® and YouTube expert Karin Carr joins host and TRREB Chief Market Analyst Jason Mercer. They discuss how to start your own YouTube channel, make the most of your content, get over being camera-shy, and more.

The last three years have seen unprecedented economic and social changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As we near the holidays, it's an ideal time to look back at the highlights of 2022 and forward to what 2023 might hold.   Rob McLister, interest rate analyst, mortgage rate planner, Globe and Mail mortgage columnist, and editor of MortgageLogic.news, joins Ready to Real Estate host and TRREB Chief Market Analyst Jason Mercer to talk about the impact of the Bank of Canada's interest rate hikes on mortgages, the housing market, and more.

Ahead of the municipal election on October 24, TRREB hosted a fireside chat with Mayor John Tory to discuss issues facing voters, including housing supply, infrastructure, development, inter-governmental cooperation, and how the city can support sustainable growth. Tory is hopeful that if reelected, he can continue the projects that are in the works and initiate new ones—to promote the development of diverse housing options and take care of aging infrastructure, among others. Join Ready to Real Estate host Jason Mercer around the fire before getting out to vote!

The municipal election is coming up on October 24, and it is vital that we have local governments committed to addressing the housing crisis. Join Craig Ruttan, Senior Director of Policy at the Toronto Region Board of Trade (TRBOT), in conversation with Ready to Real Estate podcast host and TRREB Chief Market Analyst Jason Mercer as they consider the issues and potential housing solutions that municipal governments could implement.

For many, buying a home is the most important and biggest financial decision they will ever make. So, it makes sense to go into the home buying and selling process with the support and expertise of a TRREB Member and the protections they offer, guaranteed by law. Join Ready to Real Estate host and TRREB Chief Market Analyst Jason Mercer in conversation with TRREB President Kevin Crigger as they discuss how partnering with a TRREB Member can set you up for success.

The City of Toronto is increasing developer fees by 46 per cent over the next two years, but what does this mean for our ability to create new housing developments for the average Canadian home buyer? In this episode, Richard Lyall, President of RESCON, meets with Ready to Real Estate podcast host and TRREB Chief Market Analyst Jason Mercer to discuss the impact of these increased costs on housing affordability and supply in the GTA and GGH.

The pandemic might be winding down, but the GTA's real estate market is still in flux. What's next for the real estate market? And how can you navigate it? We'll explore all this and more in season four of Ready to Real Estate. Join host Jason Mercer, TRREB's Chief Market Analyst. Over the season, he'll speak to experts, policymakers, and influencers about everything from housing policy decisions to how to unlock a property's potential to exploring consumer intentions and more. To kick off the season he'll be chatting with industry experts about development fees, the importance of consumer protection, mortgage trends, and more. Benefit from our insightful conversations and gain property intelligence as we discover more about the key issues shaping the market.  Let's get ready to real estate!

In this special bonus episode of Ready to Real Estate, entrepreneur, philanthropist, Spanx Founder and Executive Chairwoman Sara Blakely chats with TRREB President Kevin Crigger about how she got her start. Aspiring and established business owners alike will appreciate her perspective on failure – mainly, that you need to experience it – and her introduction to the four types of buyers you might encounter when making a sale.

With record-level rates of immigration expected on top of an existing housing supply deficit, it's critical that the GTA makes more and varied types of housing available to its new residents. On this episode of the Ready to Real Estate podcast, City of Toronto Chief Planner and Executive Director Gregg Lintern met with host and TRREB Chief Market Analyst Jason Mercer to discuss initiatives implemented by City Council that allow for expanding the number and types of housing in Toronto.

Ready to Real Estate podcast host and TRREB Chief Market Analyst Jason Mercer acts as moderator in this housing policy debate between two candidates in the upcoming Ontario election. Abhijeet Manay, Green Party candidate for Beaches–East York, and Lisa Patel, Liberal Party candidate for Scarborough–Southwest, discuss their parties' approach to housing affordability, increasing supply, the missing middle, exclusionary zoning, real estate transactions, and more.

With vested interest, economists, lenders, and mortgage holders are all watching the Bank of Canada's recent decision to stave off inflation by increasing its policy interest rates – twice in the past year. In this episode, with more potential rate hikes on the horizon, Ready to Real Estate podcast host and TRREB Chief Market Analyst Jason Mercer meets with Rob McLister, mortgage columnist at the Globe and Mail and editor of mortgagelogic.news, to discuss the impact on borrowing heading into the next year.

Since COVID-19 pandemic-related lockdowns hit in March 2020, GTA residents continue to spend more time than ever in their homes. Increased time at home has also meant an increase in home renovations. Lou Orazem, Chair of the Building Industry and Land Development Association's Renovator Executive Committee and Principal of Inspire Homes, joins Ready to Real Estate host Jason Mercer in this episode to discuss changing trends in home renovations, available incentives to homeowners looking to make improvements, and how to find the right contractor.  

The ill effects of climate change threaten to impact our entire way of life, and that includes our ability to protect our real estate investments. This is why it's imperative for homeowners to reduce their homes' impacts on climate change and make them more resilient to climate change-related disasters, such as fires and flooding. To discuss climate change, on this episode of the Ready to Real Estate podcast, Managing Director of the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction Glenn McGillivray and Vice-President of Federal Affairs at the Insurance Bureau of Canada Craig Stewart join TRREB Chief Market Analyst Jason Mercer.

In an ideal world, real estate transactions would be cut and dried. But as REALTORS® know, this is seldom the case – and that's where real estate lawyers come in. On this recent episode of the Ready to Real Estate podcast, Mark Weisleder, a Senior Partner and Notary Public at Real Estate Lawyers.ca LLP, joins TRREB Chief Market Analyst Jason Mercer to walk through several real estate scenarios, and what legal obligations the buyer, seller, and REALTOR® must watch out for in each. Disclaimer: The information discussed in this podcast is not intended as legal advice nor reflective of TRREB's views. Always seek the counsel of a legal professional when conducting a real estate transaction.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every aspect of the real estate market in the GTA, and the rental market is no exception. On this recent episode of the Ready to Real Estate podcast, CMHC Senior Specialist Dana Senagama meets with TRREB Chief Market Analyst Jason Mercer to examine trends in the GTA rental market brought on by the pandemic – including purpose-built versus condo rental units and a higher-than-usual vacancy rate – as observed in CMHC's February 2022 Rental Market Report.

Two years into a global pandemic that permanently disrupted the office work landscape, what does the “new normal” mean for employers and their employees who might not be returning to in-person work full-time, if at all? Joining Ready to Real Estate host Jason Mercer to discuss the findings in TRREB's joint report, Navigating the New Normal, are John Wright, Executive Vice-President of Maru Public Opinion, and Craig Ruttan, the Policy Director of Energy, Environment, and Land Use at the Toronto Regional Board of Trade.

The headlines and pundits continue to talk about real estate – but how does the average GTA consumer feel about it? TRREB's Chief Market Analyst Jason Mercer met with Ipsos Public Affairs Senior Vice President Sean Simpson to pore over revealing consumer data that shows what is of chief concern to home buyers, sellers, and investors in early 2022.

What does the landscape for new homes in the GTA look like at the start of 2022 after two years of a disruptive pandemic? TRREB's Chief Market Analyst Jason Mercer met with Altus Group VP and Chief Economist Peter Norman to discuss the need for new housing projects, including single-family, condominium, and the ever-elusive “missing middle” developments, plus the challenges and opportunities for each.

REALTORS®, sharpen your pencils. Real estate accounting specialist Cherry Chan joined TRREB's Jason Mercer in this episode of Ready to Real Estate to share tax tips, including deductions you might miss, whether or not to establish your own Personal Real Estate Corporation (PREC), and special considerations to take around your true home office: your car. Disclaimer: TRREB does not provide tax or financial advice. Consult an accountant and/or lawyer when applying any financial advice heard in this episode to your own business.

TRREB's Chief Market Analyst Jason Mercer hosts this special holiday episode on charitable giving that includes a look back at how our Members strove to make a difference in the communities they serve. You'll hear from volunteers at Feed the Need, Habitat for Humanity, and the Toronto Foundation for Student Success on how TRREB Member REALTOR® contributions help these vital programs continue to deliver to their communities and make a big impact on the lives of people across the Greater Toronto Area.