In this engaging interview, top real estate agent Julie Phoenix shares her journey from police officer to successful realtor in Squamish. Discover her strategies for building a thriving business, the importance of authentic relationships, and how embracing community involvement and technology can lead to success in real estate.

Steve Karrasch is the founder and team lead of Karrasch Real Properties at Macdonald Realty, recognized in the Top 1% of REALTORS® in the Fraser Valley. Born and raised in Surrey, Steve combines deep local roots with over 15 years of experience guiding clients through everything from first-time home purchases to complex transactions such as foreclosures, short sales, and estate sales.

With over 100 5-star Google Reviews, Steve is known for his no-nonsense approach to real estate, data-driven results, and skilled negotiation that consistently deliver for his clients. Steve has built a reputation for trusted expertise across Surrey, Cloverdale, Langley, and the Fraser Valley.

Beyond his work with clients, Steve creates weekly real estate content for over 20,000 YouTube subscribers and co-hosts The Tom Storey Show, a Canadian real estate podcast offering expert insights into housing trends.

In this episode, top real estate producer Clair Rockel shares her journey from starting in the industry to becoming a top performer. She discusses building client relationships, niching strategies, adapting to market changes, and the importance of authenticity and persistence.

Key topics

• Building client relationships through 'apostles' and referrals
• Niche specialization in specific neighborhoods and property types
• Adapting strategies during market slowdowns and economic shifts

Last week to Register for the Black Box Real Estate Collaboration:Macdonald Edition! https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/black-box-real-estate-collaboration-macdonald-realty-edition-tickets-1980894603082?aff=oddtdtcreator

In this episode of Mac Yak, hosts David Langlois and Dan Scarrow welcome Simon Clayton, a seasoned real estate agent with over 23 years of experience in Vancouver's market. The conversation explores Simon's journey into real estate, the challenges he faced in the early years, and the importance of building strong client relationships. Simon shares his expertise in court-ordered sales and the intricacies of navigating the foreclosure process. The discussion also emphasizes the significance of collaboration and networking within the real estate community, along with Simon's insights on current market trends and predictions for the future.

Takeaways

Simon Clayton has over 23 years of experience in Vancouver real estate.
Building relationships is crucial for long-term success in real estate.
Early career challenges can be overcome with persistence and strategy.
Specializing in court-ordered sales can create unique opportunities.
Empathy is essential when dealing with clients in distressing situations.
Networking with other agents can lead to collaborative success.
Understanding the foreclosure process is vital for real estate agents.
Market conditions can change rapidly, requiring adaptability.
Maintaining client trust leads to repeat business and referrals.
Consistent communication and follow-ups are key to staying relevant in the market.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mac Yak and New Series
01:53 Meet Simon Clayton: A Vancouver Real Estate Veteran
04:56 Simon's Journey into Real Estate
10:12 Overcoming Early Career Challenges
15:00 Building Relationships and Client Trust
17:00 Expertise in Foreclosures and Court Ordered Sales
17:55 Building Relationships in Real Estate
22:15 Navigating Foreclosure Listings
31:36 Collaboration and Networking in Real Estate
35:59 Organizational Strategies for Success
39:01 Market Predictions and Insights

David is joined by new co-host Dan Scarrow and the incredibly talented Mathew Lee for a high level, wide ranging conversation on what is in store for 2026, what trends and issues we're seeing and what will need to be done as an agent for a successful 2026!

David & Tore are joined by BCREA Chief Economist Brendon Ogmundson to talk about where the market is, where we're going and what exactly is going on out there across the province and nationally. We touch on interest rates, supply, housing starts, housing policy and even a bit of football. It's a good one, thanks for listening.

On this episode of MacYak, Tore flies solo and has an engaging and informing conversation with Emmeline Chang, principal at Staged with Flair. Tore & Emmeline talk about the importance of home staging to sellers and agents and how presenting a home in the right light allows buyers to see themselves in the space. A must listen for agents and both buyers and sellers. Thanks for listening.

Chris Shields, incoming BCREA Chair, joins us for a great conversation around buyer agency contracts. We focus on both why agent's should be using them and, more importantly, why consumers should be embracing them. Thanks for the listen.

On this episode of MacYak we are joined by Parksville Realtor Shannon Cutler. Shannon is an expert on REALTOR® safety and has a unique background that makes her both an expert and a terrific resource on this topic. Sahnnon has launched her own podcast called the safe realty podcast, which can be found everyone. Thanks for listening.

Happy new Year!…..Macyak is back for 2025 with this our first episode of the year…Tore and I recap 2024 and look ahead to 2025 as we get out our crystal balls and peer into the future. Have a listen and see if we agree on how last year went and on what we see coming in 2025.

David and Tore are joined by Dan Scarrow, the President of Macdonald Realty Group for a fun conversation about the past year and what's coming for 2025. We touch on market forces, changes in the industry and argue about which region throws the best parties.(Spoiler alert! - it's Vancouver Island)

On this episode of MacYak, Tore and I are joined by Billy Ekofo, the VP of Global business development for the Leading Real Estate companies of the world. We  learn about Billy’s inspiring story, talk about the importance of a service mindset in real estate, and learn about the emerging markets in Africa and around the globe.  I think we even got Billy to agree to buy drinks for any Canadians who attend the exciting Leading RE conference coming up in February. Thanks for listening.

In this episode guest co-host Matthew Lee and I have a wide ranging conversation with Brendon Ogmundson, Chief Economist for BCREA. We touch on housing policy, interest rates, the housing industry, American politics and throw in a little bit of football for fun. Brendon is a terrific resource and it's easy to see why he is so well respected across all sectors, and he's a great podcast guest. Thanks for listening.

Industry Heavyweight and CEO of the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board John DiMichele joins Tore and David for a great conversation that ranged from the state of the industry in Canada, what's going on in the states, what's going on in Ontario, prop tech and what the future holds. It was so good in fact we've turned it into two parts, this is Part II, thanks for listening.

Industry Heavyweight and CEO of the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board John DiMichele joins Tore and David for a great conversation that ranged from the state of the industry in Canada, what's going on in the states, what's going on in Ontario, prop tech and what the future holds. It was so good in fact we've turned it into two parts, this is Part I, thanks for listening.

In our second season opener, Tore and David talk to none other than Jeff King, the CEO of the Greater Vancouver Realtors. We have a wide ranging conversation about professionalism, the state of the industry today and what it will look like in the future, the impact of AI and somehow, Godzilla! This one was a lot of fun to do and we were lucky to have Jeff on the pod given the important role he plays in our ecosystem and we were both left impressed with his willingness to talk about important issues and to be transparent and open on the things are are important to us all. Thanks for listening!

In this episode David and Tore talk about the importance of mindset and the role that gratitude can play in our businesses and lives. This isn't a rainbows and unicorns episodes, this is something that can be an important way forward, in real estate and in life. Thanks for listening.

On this episode David and Tore discuss the changes in the RTA coming into effect on July 18th. What are the changes? What are the unintended consequences? How will this impact tenanted properties? What strategies be employed moving forward? Listen for the answers to these questions and more, including important reminders about rules around selling tenant occupied properties in this episode of MacYak.

Tore and David host special guest Brendon Ogmundson, Chief Economist at the BC Real Estate Association for a lively discussion on interest rates, housing policy and the investment environment in BC. It really is way more interesting that that sounds! 

Join Tore and David for a high level conversation about negotiation in the first of what will be a multipart examination of negotiation philosophy, strategy and specific tactics.

The conversation covers the foundational principles of negotiation in real estate, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, relationship-building, and strategic preparation. It delves into the significance of market knowledge, setting client expectations, and creating a framework for negotiation. The discussion also touches on the value of goodwill, persuasion techniques, and the role of training in becoming a professional negotiator.

David and Tore welcome REACH Canada Managing Partner Lynette Keyowski on to the show where we have a wide ranging and fulsome discussion of the state of property technology today, where it's been and where it's going. When will the robots take over? Why can't proptech companies spell? These questions and more get answered in a great interview with an amazing guest.

In this episode of Mac Yak, Tore and David talk to Trevor Koot, CEO of the British Columbia Real Estate Association, who discusses the need for a fundamental shift in organized real estate. He highlights the challenges of the complex ecosystem and the protectionism that hinders innovation. Trevor emphasizes the importance of acting more like a corporation and less like a service club, focusing on the future and being competitive. He encourages collaboration, engagement, and operational alignment to streamline services and make progress. The conversation also touches on the role of boards, the need for amalgamation, and the influence of external pressures.

Tore and David continue the conversation on how to grow your business. They take an in depth dive into open house prospecting and discuss other ways to make your business go. Plus riveting and hilarious banter. Listen now!

Tore and David talk in detail on the most successful client acquisition strategies, tips and tactics to grow your business. Aimed at new and experienced agents alike, with solid takeaways and specific actions, this episode is a must listen. Enjoy!

In this episode of Mac Yak, David Langlois and Tore Jacobsen discuss organized real estate, including the role of real estate boards, the British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA), the regulator (BCFSA), and the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). They emphasize the importance of professionalism in the real estate business and the need for realtors to get involved at various levels of organized real estate. They also touch on topics such as appetizers, real estate arguments, favorite fish, and real estate irritations.

Takeaways

• Professionalism in the real estate business is improving, with efforts being made at the brokerage, board, provincial, and national levels.
• Realtors should consider getting involved in organized real estate, whether it's at the board, provincial, or national level.
• Real estate boards provide support, education, and resources for realtors, as well as important services like the MLS system.
• The BCREA serves as the voice of advocacy for the real estate industry in British Columbia and provides education and economic information.
• The BCFSA is the regulator that issues real estate licenses and sets the rules for the industry.
• CREA is the national organization that advocates for the real estate industry and provides resources and information for realtors and the public.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Small Talk

00:52
Professionalism in the Real Estate Business

02:18
Appetizers and Real Estate Arguments

03:10
Favorite Fish and Real Estate Irritations

04:04
Overview of Organized Real Estate

08:07
The Role of Real Estate Boards

10:19
The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA)

15:08
The Regulator: British Columbia Financial Services Authority (BCFSA)

20:13
The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA)

23:36
Advice for Realtors: Get Involved

In this episode of Mac Yak, the hosts discuss various topics related to the real estate industry. They start with some fun questions and then move on to recap the previous year. They talk about the rescission period, changes in team rules, and the new FinTrac requirements. They also discuss the market outlook for the current year and provide advice for agents on how to navigate the industry amidst all the changes. The episode concludes with a reminder to focus on what's important and not get lost in the noise.

Takeaways

• The rescission period had minimal impact on the real estate market, with very few cases reported.
• Changes in team rules brought more transparency to the industry and clarified the relationships between agents and teams.
• The new FinTrac requirements have been met with mixed reactions, but agents are obligated to comply with them.
• The market outlook for this year is positive, with increased activity and confidence among buyers and sellers.
• Agents should focus on building relationships, staying informed, and avoiding distractions to be successful in the industry.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Fun Questions

03:00
Recap of Last Year

07:16
Rescission Period

10:43
Changes in Team Rules

12:07
FinTrac Changes

14:11
Market Outlook for This Year

17:19
Advice for Agents

21:01
Conclusion

Meet your hosts Tore Jacobsen and David Langlois and listen as they delve into
everything you need to know about attending real estate conferences and events.