Episode 93: Toronto Real Estate Market Update & Restaurant Hotspots

Welcome to Episode 93!

Join Joey and Mark as they dive into Toronto's real estate market numbers for May 2025 in this giggly and impersonation-filled episode. Get insights into market trends, buyer opportunities, and why sellers need to be cautious.

Plus, enjoy the hilarious impersonations of popular figures like Robert De Niro, Gordon Ramsey, Judge Judy, and even Donald Trump. We also discuss the latest happening in the local food scene, including a shoutout to Chef Rob Rossi’s new restaurant, and Zito's Pizza popup!

FOOD SPOTS

Giulietta

Website:http://giu.ca/

Address: 972 College St, Toronto, ON M6H 1A5

Zitto Pizza -https://www.instagram.com/zitto.pizza/

CHAPTERS

(00:00) Introduction and Episode Overview

(00:00) Celebrating Episode 93

(02:56) Dining Experiences and Restaurant Reviews

(10:45) Market Updates and Real Estate Insights

(21:05) Tar Wars and Trade War Update

(21:24) Days on Market Analysis

(22:24) Months of Inventory Insights

(23:04) Sales and Transactions Overview

(23:34) Condo Market Trends

(27:26) Price Trends and Market Values

(32:57) Rental Market Activity

(35:41) Blog TO Article Critique

(38:11) Advice for Buyers and Sellers

(42:13) Shoutouts and Closing Remarks

FEEDSPOT TOP CANADIAN REALTOR PODCASTS

https://podcast.feedspot.com/canadian_realtor_podcasts/

FEEDSPOT TOP TORONTO PODCASTS

https://podcast.feedspot.com/toronto_podcasts/

WHERE YOU CAN FIND US

🏡 For all your Toronto Real Estate Needs: TorontoLivings.com/

🖥️ INSTAGRAM

Mark Savel: https://www.instagram.com/torontolivings/

Joey Virgilio: https://www.instagram.com/joey_torontolivings/

🎙 MORE EPISODES

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/toronto-real-estate

Inside the Design Studio: Meet Sage Real Estate's Creative Director JP Kelly

In this special episode, we have a captivating conversation with JP Kelly, Studio Director at Sage Real Estate. JP shares the behind-the-scenes magic of how their listings shine with professional photography, innovative design, and comprehensive marketing strategies.

Learn about JP's journey from government work in Newfoundland to leading a talented design team in Toronto. We also dive into his favorite local spots, the charming office dogs, and the unconventional yet effective marketing techniques that set Sage apart.

Whether you're into real estate, design, or just love a good story about following your passions, this episode has something for everyone.

JPs Top Sites to Work, Eat, Play and Camp in Ontario

https://lemongrasstoronto.com

https://www.ontarioparks.ca/park/bonecho

https://www.mapleleafsbaseball.com

https://www.instagram.com/mapleleafsbaseball?igsh=MTY4OXFrdDVuYjI1NA==

https://www.instagram.com/sage.designstudio?igsh=MXF3M3Y4YzhoMHd5cg==

CHAPTERS

(00:00) Introduction and Episode Kickoff

(00:10) Meet JP Kelly: The Man Behind the Sparkle

(00:17) JP Kelly's Favourite City Spots

(03:55) The Toronto Maple Leafs Baseball Club

(07:57) JP Kelly's Journey into Design

(09:38) The Evolution of Sage's Design Studio

(12:49) The Power of Sage's Marketing Systems

(22:16) Trends and Technology in Design

(26:25) Marketing Strategies for Real Estate Agents

(28:18) Print and Digital Marketing Strategies

(29:14) The Importance of Traditional Methods

(30:22) Professionalism in Real Estate Marketing

(33:20) Creative Preferences and Unique Listings

(39:23) The Role of Pets in the Office

(41:21) Outdoor Adventures and Personal Hobbies

(43:26) Lego Collections and Creative Spaces

(47:30) Advice for Aspiring Real Estate Marketers

(49:58) Final Thoughts and Team Acknowledgements

FEEDSPOT TOP CANADIAN REALTOR PODCASTS

https://podcast.feedspot.com/canadian_realtor_podcasts/

FEEDSPOT TOP TORONTO PODCASTS

https://podcast.feedspot.com/toronto_podcasts/

WHERE YOU CAN FIND US

🏡 For all your Toronto Real Estate Needs: TorontoLivings.com/

🖥️ INSTAGRAM

Mark Savel: https://www.instagram.com/torontolivings/

Joey Virgilio: https://www.instagram.com/joey_torontolivings/

🎙 MORE EPISODES

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/toronto-real-estate

In Episode 91, Mark and Joey as they delve into a week filled with oddities, superstitions, and traditions from around the world, all related to real estate. They share experiences from Realtor Quest, including an unexpected 'concert' by Pitbull (Mr. Worldwide) and insightful talks by Van Jones.

This episode covers a wide array of intriguing real estate superstitions, from burying St. Joseph statues to smudging with sage, rolling pineapples, and understanding the significance of numbers, horseshoes, and even new brooms.

If you're looking for ways to bring good fortune to your new home, this is the episode for you. Don't miss out on these fascinating traditions and the light-hearted banter between the hosts.

How To Sell Your House Using a Saint Joseph Statue

https://youtu.be/KB2vil48g-M

CHAPTERS

(00:00) Introduction and Episode Theme

(01:08) Weekly Recap and Realtor Quest

(01:40) Leafs Superstition and Dim Sum Delight

(06:34) Crudo Experience and Pitbull Concert

(20:52) Real Estate Superstitions

(24:56) The St. Joseph Statue and Real Estate Superstitions

(26:02) Smudging with Sage: Clearing Bad Spirits

(28:31) Baking Cookies for a Homey Feel

(29:49) Toilet Flushing and Feng Shui

(33:14) Lucky Numbers in Real Estate

(35:10) Brooms and Other Superstitions

(37:16) Rolling Pineapples for Good Fortune

(39:11) Nailing Horseshoes and Other Traditions

(43:30) Blessing Homes and Final Thoughts

FOOD LOCATIONS

Restaurant Name: YU Seafood

Website: http://yuseafood.com/

Address: 270 West Beaver Creek Rd, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3Y9

Restaurant Name: CRUDO

Website: https://crudoto.com/

Address: 1451 Royal York Road, Etobicoke, Ontario M9P 3B2, Canada

FEEDSPOT TOP CANADIAN REALTOR PODCASTS

https://podcast.feedspot.com/canadian_realtor_podcasts/

FEEDSPOT TOP TORONTO PODCASTS

https://podcast.feedspot.com/toronto_podcasts/

WHERE YOU CAN FIND US

🏡 For all your Toronto Real Estate Needs: TorontoLivings.com/

🖥️ INSTAGRAM

Mark Savel: https://www.instagram.com/torontolivings/

Joey Virgilio: https://www.instagram.com/joey_torontolivings/

🎙 MORE EPISODES

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/toronto-real-estate

April Market Madness: Real Estate Updates, Mustaches, and a New Pope!

Join Mark and Joey for a lively and eclectic conversation as they dive deep into April's real estate market numbers. From discussing the increase in active listings and the significant drop in sales year over year to sharing their personal favorite food spots and musings on mustaches.

They also bring an interesting twist with a detailed chat about how popes are elected and the significance of the newly elected American pope. As always, Joey provides some great tips for sellers and buyers amidst the current market uncertainty. Don't miss out on their quirky humor and insightful commentary!

CHAPTERS

(00:00) Introduction and Episode Overview

(00:13) Market Update for April

(01:08) Mustaches and Jerseys

(04:10) Pope Culture and Election Process

(10:38) Food Recommendations and Reviews

(16:05) TV Show Discussion: Severance

(20:12) New Listings and Real Estate Talk

(20:51) Exploring a Scenic River Spot

(20:59) Real Estate Market Overview

(22:45) Election Impact on the Market

(23:29) Stock Market and Economic Concerns

(24:49) April Real Estate Numbers

(25:04) Transaction Trends and Insights

(29:01) Active Listings and Inventory

(31:06) Price Trends and Market Sentiment

(32:57) Months of Inventory Analysis

(40:55) Concluding Thoughts and Future Outlook

WHERE WE ATE

Restaurant Name: Tora Sushi

Website: https://www.aburitora.com/

Address: Yorkdale Mall

Restaurant Name:Crudo

Website: https://www.instagram.com/crudo.to/?hl=en

Address: (Royal York and Eglinton) 📍1451 Royal York Rd (At Rear of Building)

FEEDSPOT TOP CANADIAN REALTOR PODCASTS

https://podcast.feedspot.com/canadian_realtor_podcasts/

FEEDSPOT TOP TORONTO PODCASTS

https://podcast.feedspot.com/toronto_podcasts/

WHERE YOU CAN FIND US

🏡 For all your Toronto Real Estate Needs: TorontoLivings.com/

🖥️ INSTAGRAM

Mark Savel: https://www.instagram.com/torontolivings/

Joey Virgilio: https://www.instagram.com/joey_torontolivings/

🎙 MORE EPISODES

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/toronto-real-estate

Episode 89: The Ultimate Guide to CHIP Reverse Mortgages!

In this episode, Mark and Joey deep dive into the world of reverse mortgages, specifically the CHIP reverse mortgage. They discuss the pros, cons, and unexpected costs of this financial tool, and who it might be best suited for.

Beyond finances, they cover personal updates, including their mustache-growing challenge, recent outings, and activities like trying new sandwich shops and attending Metallica concerts. Plus, they share exciting new real estate opportunities and touch on Toronto's proposed traffic czar solution.

This episode is a blend of financial advice, personal stories, and local happenings—perfect for fans who enjoy a mix of humor and valuable information.

CHAPTERS

(00:00) Introduction and Episode Overview

(01:34) Mustache Talk and Playoff Challenges

(05:43) Sandwich Shop Review and Hockey Game Vibes

(10:09) Metallica Concert Experience

(14:58) Traffic Solutions and City Proposals

(21:08) Reverse Mortgages Explained

(28:03) The Dangers of Big Windfalls

(28:25) Scheduled Advances and Hybrid Options

(28:46) No Monthly Payments: The Big Kicker

(29:17) How Lenders Get Paid Back

(30:20) Pros and Cons of Reverse Mortgages

(38:23) Unexpected Costs and Red Flags

(47:41) Alternatives to Reverse Mortgages

(54:09) Key Considerations and Final Thoughts

Restaurant Name: Ariete e Toro (Aries and Torus)

Website: https://arietetoro.com/

Address: 12 Keewatin Ave. Toronto, Canada M4P 1Y2

Additional Resources

Reverse Mortgages: Government of Canada - https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/services/mortgages/reverse-mortgages.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com

HomeEquity Bank – Pros and Cons: CHIP - https://www.chip.ca/reverse-mortgage-resources/reverse-mortgage/the-pros-and-cons-of-reverse-mortgages/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

NerdWallet Canada – Reverse Mortgages Explained: NerdWallet: Finance smarter - https://www.nerdwallet.com/ca/mortgages/what-is-a-reverse-mortgage?utm_source=chatgpt.com

The Greater Fool - The Last Resort https://www.greaterfool.ca/2023/02/12/the-last-resort/

FEEDSPOT TOP CANADIAN REALTOR PODCASTS

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FEEDSPOT TOP TORONTO PODCASTS

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND US🏡

For all your Toronto Real Estate Needs: TorontoLivings.com/🖥️ INSTAGRAM

Mark Savel: https://www.instagram.com/torontolivings/

Joey Virgilio: https://www.instagram.com/joey_torontolivings/

🎙 MORE EPISODES

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/toronto-real-estate

Election Special: Politics, Real Estate, Taxes, and More! | Episode 88Join Mark and Joey in Episode 88 as they prepare for the upcoming Canadian elections! They dive deep into the political landscape, discussing major topics like real estate, taxes, climate change, and healthcare. The duo breaks down the promises of the Conservative, Liberal, and NDP parties, offering insights into how these policies might impact city life, the housing market, and everyday living. Plus, they share their favorite dining spots this week and introduce a new segment on Amazon finds. Don't miss their special message: Be decisive, not divisive!CHAPTERS (00:00 Introduction and Greetings)(00:06 Podcast Overview and Main Topics)(01:24 Easter Weekend and Real Estate Talk)(01:39 Weekly Catch-Up: Food and Fun)(01:58 Election Talk: Platforms and Debates)(03:55 Deep Dive into Political Platforms)(06:31 Dining Experiences and Recommendations)(10:24 Life Updates and Travel Stories)(13:22 Amazon Finds and Recommendations)(14:51 News You Can Use: Elections and Taxes)(31:44 Landlord-Tenant Dynamics)(32:09 Rent Control Debate)(33:20 Corporate Tax and GST)(34:23 Housing Policies)(37:15 Immigration and Housing Supply)(38:54 Development Incentives)(41:27 NIMBY Fines and Municipalities)(42:07 Liberal Housing Proposals)(46:00 NDP Housing Proposals)(47:43 Climate and Energy Policies)(55:14 Healthcare Policies)(59:16 Gun Control and Border Security)(01:01:58 Media and Culture)(01:04:24 Election Predictions and Final Thoughts)LINKSRestaurant Name: Bao HouseWebsite: https://www.bao-house.ca/Address: 171 Dundas St W.Restaurant Name: And/OreWebsite: https://www.andorerestaurant.com/Address: 1040 Queen St. W Toronto, Ontario. CBC's election platform summary: https://newsinteractives.cbc.ca/features/2025/federal-party-platforms/#federal-2025-border-securityUnlocking the Secret to Canada's Tax-Free Home Savings Account:https://youtu.be/wKoexrSwrn0FEEDSPOT TOP CANADIAN REALTOR PODCASTShttps://podcast.feedspot.com/canadian_realtor_podcasts/FEEDSPOT TOP TORONTO PODCASTShttps://podcast.feedspot.com/toronto_podcasts/WHERE YOU CAN FIND US🏡 For all your Toronto Real Estate Needs: TorontoLivings.com/🖥️ INSTAGRAMMark Savel: https://www.instagram.com/torontolivings/Joey Virgilio: https://www.instagram.com/joey_torontolivings/🎙 MORE EPISODEShttps://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/toronto-real-estate

Episode 87: Market Update, Delicious Pastries & More!In Episode 87, Joey and Mark provide an in-depth market update for March, discussing the highs and lows. They introduce their new sponsor, a local Portuguese café, and rave about various pastries and snacks. The episode also explores intriguing real estate trends and new listings, offering valuable insights into the current market dynamics. The hosts share personal stories, TV show recommendations, and end on a light-hearted note with a cheers using delicious shrimp patties. Tune in for an engaging mix of market analysis, food reviews, and entertaining banter!FOOD SPOTSPaulinha’s Rissois - THE BEST SHRIMP PATTIES IN THE CITYhttps://www.instagram.com/paulinhasrissois/Send her a DM to order your own!Restaurant Name: Belem CafeWebsite: https://www.cafebelemto.ca/Address: 546 College St, Toronto, ON M6G 1B1Restaurant Name: Paris BaguetteWebsite: https://parisbaguette.ca/Address: 2401 Yonge Street Toronto, ON M4P 3H1(416) 322-3337CHAPTERS (00:00) Introduction and Episode Overview(01:12) Market Update for March(02:35) Culinary Adventures: Local Cafes and Bakeries(07:41) Sponsorship Announcement and Product Review(12:35) Real Estate Market Insights(15:53) March Market Statistics(18:10) Market Trends Overview(19:08) Buyer and Seller Dynamics(20:14) Tax Implications and Property Ladder(21:05) Average Prices and Market Stability(23:15) Days on Market and Inventory Levels(24:45) Segment Performance and Inventory Awards(33:10) Pre-Construction vs. Resale Condos(38:52) Final Thoughts and RecommendationsFEEDSPOT TOP CANADIAN REALTOR PODCASTShttps://podcast.feedspot.com/canadian_realtor_podcasts/FEEDSPOT TOP TORONTO PODCASTShttps://podcast.feedspot.com/toronto_podcasts/WHERE YOU CAN FIND US🏡 For all your Toronto Real Estate Needs: TorontoLivings.com/🖥️ INSTAGRAMMark Savel: https://www.instagram.com/torontolivings/Joey Virgilio: https://www.instagram.com/joey_torontolivings/🎙 MORE EPISODEShttps://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/toronto-real-estate