Free Tenant Questionnaire

Blog

From New Canadian to Duplex Conversion Specialist

by | Dec 11, 2020 | , , ,

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS

Guest: Koukun Unosawa, Real Estate Investor & Realtor

This week’s podcast guest Koukun Unosawa, Real Estate Investor & Realtor got started in real estate investing by Googling ways to make money after his family immigrated to Canada in 2008. His parents were older and working entry-level jobs and that was not going to cut it. It started out as a family affair with the kids taking the active lead on deals and the parents being the passive investors. Koukun took action and has become a successful investor and realtor.

Koukun provides insights and advice on secondary suite conversions and why he has decided to focus on this strategy. He also shares insights on investing in the Niagara region and the lessons he has learned along the way that has helped him to become a successful real estate investor.

In this episode, you will learn about:

  • Pros and cons of joint venture agreements 
  • Top mistakes learned along the way
  • Pros on hiring a coach
  • Insights on duplex conversions
  • Reasons to invest in Welland 

As an Investment Focused Real Estate Agent, Koukun Unosawa has been involved in creating legal basement apartments since the Province of Ontario started to allow them with more ease. 

He has built up a team of professionals including Architects, Contractors, Property Managers, Home Inspectors, Lawyers and Insurance Agents to allow his clients to have a smooth transition from the purchase of an investment property to receiving the cashflow and building equity. 

Koukun started investing in Real Estate in 2013 and has since owned multiple rental properties employing different strategies until finally coming across the concept of adding a Legal Basement Apartment and the BRRRR strategy (Buy, Renovate, Rent, Refinance Repeat) which fits perfectly together. 


Get in touch with Koukun:
YouTube: youtube.com/c/KoukunREI
Website: legalbasementapartment.ca – get the beginners guide to creating a legal basement apartment

Website: niagarainvestor.ca – get the beginners guide to investing in the Niagara region

This episode has been brought to you in part by;
Dalia Barsoum at Streetwise Mortgages https://streetwisemortgages.com/

Jon Tenbrinke of Blackjack Contracting Inc https://blackjackcontractinginc.ca/

Toronto Market Insights From Reno TV Host Turned Real Estate Investor

by | Dec 4, 2020 | , , ,

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS

Guest: Darren Voros, Real Estate Investor, Contractor & Speaker

What would you be willing to do to learn something new that would get you out of the rat race? Well, this week’s podcast guest Darren Voros, Real Estate Investor, Contractor & Speaker went from being a theatre actor to a full-time real estate investor. He did this by working at night and on weekends as an actor and buying properties during the day.   

Darren provides insights and advice on investing in Toronto and what a typical deal looks like. He also shares insights on investing in larger projects and highlights the importance of having extra contingencies in your numbers to account for the unexpected, especially during COVID.

In this episode, you will learn about:

  • What does a typical deal look like in Toronto
  • Financing tips and tricks
  • Recommendations on looking for capital
  • Key team members to have for bigger projects 
  • Toronto zoning insights 

Darren’s diverse skill set has taken him to many stages around the world. He has been featured as an on-air renovation expert on “The Goods” (CBC) and “CityLine” (CityTV). Darren was also the behind the scenes contractor on “Save My Reno” (HGTV) and “Game of Homes (W Network).

Darren is an accomplished real estate investor, trainer and coach. He controls a portfolio of properties worth just over $10,000,000 and has travelled across North America educating, inspiring and motivating audiences on the subject of real estate investing, financial independence and financial literacy. Darren’s willingness to give back prompted him to launch his YouTube channel in 2020 in order to have a wider reach in educating investors.  
When Darren is not on TV, speaking or acquiring new real estate, he can be found spending time with friends & family, at the yoga studio or walking his Mexican rescue pup Ella.


Get in touch with Darren:
Website: https://www.darrenvoros.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/vorosd
Email: info@darrenvoros.com

This episode has been brought to you in part by;
Dylan Suitor of Elevation Realty https://www.elevationrealty.ca/
Dalia Barsoum at Streetwise Mortgages https://streetwisemortgages.com/
Complete Properties Inc. https://www.completepropertiesinc.com/

Investing Strategies For More Expensive Markets

by | Nov 27, 2020 | , ,

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS

Guest: AJ Hazzi, Real Estate Investor, Author, Speaker & Coach

Markets such as Toronto and Kelowna, BC are extremely expensive and it is harder to find deals which can be a deterrent for some people. This week’s podcast guest AJ Hazzi did not let this stop him from finding great deals and becoming successful.

AJ provides insights and advice on investing in more expensive markets. He also shares the brokerage services that his company offers such as helping investors find the right strategies to focus on and providing property management advice. His main message is that you don’t have to know everything before you do it, you just need to start and the way forward will reveal itself.

In this episode, you will learn about:

  • Pros of furnished executive rentals
  • The executive rental process and targeting homeowners in transition
  • Brokerage and property management services offered to investors
  • Advice on how to make units more appealing to tenants
  • Advantages of modular builds

After becoming a Realtor in 2002, AJ Hazzi noticed a gap in the market and in 2008 he founded Vantage West Realty, a boutique firm dedicated to serving the specific needs of real estate investors. Since then, his brokerage has grown to 28 agents and support staff. From finding and pre-analyzing investment properties to negotiating the purchase and property management after the sale, AJ’s relationship with his clients is more like that of a consultant than a salesperson.

Few people have as much in-depth knowledge about investment properties in the Okanagan Region as AJ. He is head of the Real Estate Investment Network (REIN) Kelowna chapter and a certified Real Estate Investment Adviser. As an author, speaker and real estate coach, he practices what he preaches. His extensive real estate portfolio includes single and multi-family homes, development property, resort units and commercial buildings.

In addition to being a Realtor, AJ is also a licensed broker, property manager and new home builder. He has witnessed and studied two real estate cycles in the Okanagan Region, and there is nothing more rewarding to him than using the knowledge he’s gained during that time to educate would-be investors on the right strategy to employ during boom and bust years. Over the years he’s honed his skills at identifying properties with excellent ‘house flipping’ potential as well as those with high positive cash flow.

In 2015 AJ was honoured to receive the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce Young Entrepreneur of the Year award. He enjoys giving back to the community through his support of the Gospel Mission, Sell a House to Save a Child, and is a proud member of 100 Men Who Give A Damn.

Get in touch with AJ:
Email:info@ajhazzi.com
Website: https://ajhazzi.com/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/vantagewestrealty/

This episode has been brought to you in part by;
Dalia Barsoum at Streetwise Mortgages https://streetwisemortgages.com/
Jon Tenbrinke of Blackjack Contracting Inc https://blackjackcontractinginc.ca/

Achieving Higher Returns by Investing in the US

by | Nov 20, 2020 | , ,

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS

Guest: Glen Sutherland, Real Estate Investor

Looking at new investing markets can sometimes appear daunting so looking across the border as a Canadian into the US may put most of us off pursuing. But the size of the market can offer many more opportunities and higher ROI provided you know the in’s and out’s of investing in another country. 

This week’s podcast guest, Glen Sutherland, found the sources he was learning from, especially podcasts, were US-focused and he started to realise there were opportunities south of the border.  After a lot of research, he learned of more favourable laws, lower property taxes, and lower cost of entry investing in the US.

In this episode, you will learn; 

  • What you need to consider before investing in the US
  • The importance of corporate structures and the benefits
  • A different approach to Joint Venture partnerships using corporations
  • Working with cross border professionals and what to watch out for.
  • How to get a decent income in real estate outside of cashflow and reviewing your portfolio regularly. 

Glen Sutherland is a real estate investor from Cambridge, ON where he lives with his wife and two terrific children. He started his investing journey by purchasing ‘buy and hold’ rental real estate locally. 

He started his US investing journey in Huntsville, Alabama a booming city because of some major local employers and investments being made by other large companies which enabled him to double the value of his properties there. 

These plus factors make for greater ease of wealth creation. Now Glen is investing in the USA by purchasing single-family ‘buy and hold’ rental real estate, holding around 40 properties but has also started to look at flipping too.

Glen also hosts the podcast and YouTube channel entitled, “A Canadian Investing in the US”, where he provides information and advice to investors interested in investing in both Canada and the US. 

Get in touch with Glen
Email: glen@glensutherlandcom 
Website:https://www.glensutherland.com/
Podcast Videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6ziyJJ3qwd_lG9riF-5BhQ/

This episode has been brought to you in part by;
White Elm Design Build https://www.whiteelmdesignbuild.com/
Dylan Suitor of Elevation Realty https://www.elevationrealty.ca/
Complete Properties https://www.completepropertiesinc.com/

How the F-Bomb Helps Sell Houses

by | Nov 13, 2020 | , ,

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS

Guest: Matt Lionetti, Realtor and Social Media Influencer

The episode has explicit language and is not suitable for all audiences.

Social media has become an essential part of marketing and listing properties for realtors. The challenge is that the content can appear similar to others and fail to gain the attention needed, which is what this week’s guest felt.

Realtor Matt Lionetti, who’s first listing, a run-down house with serious issues, was going to be a significant challenge to sell followed his instincts and filmed an out of the box video that he was told was not going to work.  That first video produced 3 offers, two directly from the video and the property sold in 12 hours. He knew he was on to something and now most listings are less than 5 days on market. 

In this episode you will learn about: 

  • How not following the norms leads to success 
  • Why swearing or being controversial can sell even luxury homes.
  • Why you need to be entertaining, but don’t need to be funny
  • Being authentic and yourself to attract the right clients and reject others 
  • How to connect who you are to what you communicate on social media  

Matt Lionetti is a realtor and content creator who has recently joined The Agency, a global luxury real estate brokerage, previously working for a couple of real estate teams. Seeing the oversaturated typical marketing strategies on social media, Matt knew he wanted to break the mould with his honest approach to marketing, saying what nobody else will. 

This unorthodox approach resulted in his going from averaging $500k in sales every couple of months to generating over $1.5 million in sales per month. With proven models of success in getting his listings sold, Matt continues to grow his online presence, especially on Instagram with over 8,000 followers all organically. 

Previous to getting into real estate, Matt was a touring and session musician playing many stages from Dundas Square in Toronto to The Viper Room in Hollywood. His outgoing personality and passion for entertaining led him to his unique style of marketing and branding through social media.   
He wants to be seen as not just another realtor and stand out on his own. In a business with many avenues, Matt wants to explore them all. From buying/selling, mentoring, teaching, and presenting; Matt is just getting started. 

Get in touch with Matt:
Websites:https://lionettirealty.com/
https://www.theagencyre.com/ontario
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/matt.lionetti/
EMail:matt.lionetti@theagencyre.com
Tel: (416) 890 3442

This episode has been brought to you in part by:
Black Jack Contracting  – https://blackjackcontractinginc.ca/

Dalia Barsoum at Streetwise Mortgages – https://streetwisemortgages.com

Insights On Diversifying Your Portfolio & Commercial Investing

by | Nov 6, 2020 | , ,

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS

Guest: Simeon Papailias, Real Estate Investor, Coach and Mentor 

There is no argument that there is no bigger security blanket than real estate however it is always good to diversify your portfolio. Getting the right education and having the right team in place is also important to your success as an investor.

This week’s guest, Simeon Papailias, Real Estate Investor, Coach, Mentor & Advocate for Canadian Real Estate, is the expert when it comes to commercial investing and he helps to educate other investors based on his many years of experience. Simeon provides insights and advice on commercial investing and the importance of diversifying your portfolio.

In this episode you will learn about: 
– Tips and insights on how to diversify investments 
– Pros and cons of investing in condos and commercial investing
– Insights on the types of commercial property to invest in
– Finding commercial real estate deals 
– Defining cap rates and NOIs  

Simeon Papailias is one of the Founders and Managing Partners of the REC Canada Group. The majority of his work, traditionally, has been in Retail / Commercial Real Estate (Business Sales, Merger & Acquisitions, Tenant Placement and Relocation). As the market has been changing, so has his move into the investment real estate field. His team of 35 Senior Brokers, serves the interests of over 800 clients a year in the acquisition/disposition of investment properties, handling clients regular real estate needs, as well as selling a large share of Toronto’s Preconstruction Allocations.

The company’s Commercial and Multifamily practitioners have consistent and exclusive “off market” opportunities, that serve specific mandates for larger and institutional clients. 

Simeon also has a significant amount of experience in the locating and transacting of Retail Plazas, Apartment Buildings up to 200 units and Medical Buildings. He has been honoured to receive the company’s highest honour, the Chairman Club Award, in 2009 through and including 2019.

His latest initiative, “Broker’s Playbook”, is an Industry podcast, covering real issues in the real estate and mortgage industry. Brokers, Investors, and all salespeople will benefit from the insights and the thoughts expanded on. 

Get in touch with Simeon:
Website:https://www.reccanada.com/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/spapailias/
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/simeonpapailias/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spapailias

This episode has been brought to you in part by:
Dylan Suitor of Elevation Realty – https://www.elevationrealty.ca/

Dalia Barsoum at Streetwise Mortgages – https://streetwisemortgages.com/

Susan Corcoran & Sue Ore of Complete Properties Inc – https://www.completepropertiesinc.com/

An Introduction to Land Flipping

by | Oct 30, 2020 | , ,

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS

Guest: Michelle Bosch, MBA, Real Estate Investor

The land flipping strategy is a great one to consider as there are very few competitors because it is so unique. It has the same principles as a regular fix and flips but on a much grander scale.

This week’s guest, Michelle Bosch, Real Estate Investor, is the expert when it comes to land flipping.  In this episode, she provides insights and advice on land flipping and apartment building investment strategies. She breaks down exactly what a good deal looks like and how it can be a cash machine for you. Her main message is to pick a strategy and stick with it.

In this episode you will learn about:
– Definition of land flipping
– Explaining seller financing 
– Finding buyers and land 
– What does a great deal look like? 
– Is zoning important?
– Insights on apartment investing 

Michelle Bosch is the co-founder and CFO of Orbit Investments and a full-time real estate investor since 2002. She has bought and sold over 4000 pieces of real estate and built the 3rd largest land investment and auction company in the US, bringing that company successfully into the 8-figure revenues in a matter of 18 months. Through the recession, she positioned Orbit Investments for rapid growth in the single-family and multifamily investing space with over $40 million in assets under management. 

Michelle is also the co-creator of the nationally recognized Land Profit Generator Program focusing on teaching others how to invest in land and has created over 145,000 followers via the Forevercash Podcast/Radio Show, Land Profit Generator.com, Ultimateboardroom.com, and social media channels. 

Her businesses have been featured on: INC., FOX, NBC, ABC and Forbes and she holds an MBA-Business Finance- from Thunderbird Global School of International Management, (the World’s #1 Graduate school in international management).  

Get in touch with Michelle:
Website:https://www.landprofitgenerator.com/
Website:https://www.michellebosch.com/
Website:https://www.orbitinvestments.com/

This episode has been brought to you in part by:
Dalia Barsoum at Streetwise Mortgages – https://streetwisemortgages.com/

The Canadian Real Estate Association – https://www.crea.ca/

Understanding The Pre-construction Condo Strategy

by | Oct 23, 2020 | , ,

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS

There are many approaches when it comes to real estate investing and everyone has their choice of strategy. This week’s guest, Jas Takhar, Real Estate Investor, Podcast Host & Author, is the expert when it comes to pre-construction condos. Not every investor is a fan of this strategy however it can have its advantages.

Guest: Jas Takhar, Real Estate Investor, Podcast Host & Author 

There are many approaches when it comes to real estate investing and everyone has their choice of strategy. This week’s guest, Jas Takhar, Real Estate Investor, Podcast Host & Author, is the expert when it comes to pre-construction condos. Not every investor is a fan of this strategy however it can have its advantages.

Jas provides insights and advice on the preconstruction condo strategy and breaks down exactly what a good deal looks like down to the layout and location of a unit. His main message is to shut out the noise by drowning it out with positivity and to take action.

In this episode you will learn about:
– Pros and cons to the preconstruction strategy  
– What does a good deal look like
– Advantages of a 1 bedroom condo
– Are amenities important or not
– Advice for people buying right now 
– Insights on executive rentals 

Toronto native, Jas Takhar, has been in the sales and service industry for over 25 years.  Soon after deciding to try his hand in real estate, he co-founded the REC, and in the course of 15 years, has successfully propelled his team to the 1st place position in Canada under Royal LePage. 

With 25 realtors and 10 support staff, the team advises and assists over 700 buyers, sellers and investors, yearly, across the Greater Toronto Area. Jas’ area of expertise is in helping investors build out their real estate portfolios. Wanting to share his knowledge and experience with the masses, he wrote a book titled Real Estate Intelligence, which teaches others how to buy or sell real estate on their own.

Furthering his pursuit to educate and motivate, he now hosts one of the top business podcasts in the country, the REC Experience; here he interviews guests who share their success stories on real estate investing, entrepreneurship and leadership.  His hope is to provide inspiring content to aid others in removing the friction for their own life, in order to help them get from where they are to where they want to be. 

Get in touch with Jas:
Website:https://jastakhar.ca/

This episode has been brought to you in part by:
Joel Wilson & Rob Lee of White Elm Design-Build – https://www.whiteelmdesignbuild.com/

Dylan Suitor of Elevation Realty – https://www.elevationrealty.ca/

The Canadian Real Estate Association – https://www.crea.ca/