The Real Estate of Things: Vancouver real estate, real stories, real insight

Ep 12. Design to Reality

What does it actually take to turn a design into a home? In this episode of The Real Estate of Things, architect Ben Fisher of Polyform Architecture breaks down the path from concept to construction, for single and multifamily developments, from zoning and feasibility, to building code, the development permit process, and working with municipalities. And on a more personal note, Ben shares what it's like to work as an architect, the keys to working well with clients, and his own homeowner's journey. Whether you’re building, renovating, developing, or just curious about what goes into the homes around you, this conversation offers a grounded look at bringing design to life. Talk with Scott Dempster anytime about all things real estate. Direct Phone: 604-808-6050 [tel:6048086050] Email: scott@scottdempster.com [scott@scottdempster.com] Website [https://owlrealty.ca/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/owlrealty/] Chapters: * (00:00) - Introduction * (01:01) - Ben Fisher's path to Polyform Architecture * (09:43) - The perks and realities of owning your own firm * (12:13) - Multifamily vs Single Family Projects * (16:00) - Personal design preferences & client collaboration * (18:14) - The Reality of Development Risk * (19:21) - The unique design history of Ben's house * (21:25) - Why West Coast Modern Homes Cost More to Build * (22:38) - What is design freedom? * (23:57) - The key to a successful design * (25:43) - What Buyers Actually Value in New Homes * (27:37) - Windows, Energy Modeling, and New Building Code Requirements * (30:07) - Sustainability & Step Code * (32:35) - Densification & the Development Permit Process * (37:01) - Working with Municipalities * (39:36) - How to Choose an Architect * (43:15) - Open Plan? * (44:51) - Lessons from buying and renovating thier home * (49:41) - Conclusion

Ep 11. Behind the Scenes of Vancouver's Multifamily Real Estate Deals

What does apartment building investing really look like — and where does it fit in the real estate landscape?  In this episode of The Real Estate of Things, multifamily specialist Patrick McEvay of the McEvay Blair Group at Marcus & Millichap joins us to unpack multifamily real estate in Vancouver (& beyond) right now: who really owns Vancouver’s rental buildings, why many of these long-term “mom and pop” owners are choosing to sell, and how policy, financing, and market shifts are shaping today’s landscape. From cap rates and cash flow to tenant dynamics and long-term ownership, Patrick shares a clear, candid look at how deals come together and what makes them successful. Whether you’re an investor, agent, or just curious about how rental housing works behind the scenes, this conversation offers practical insight into one of the most important and least understood parts of the market. Talk with Scott Dempster anytime about all things real estate. Direct Phone: 604-808-6050 [tel:6048086050] Email: scott@scottdempster.com [scott@scottdempster.com] Website [https://owlrealty.ca/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/owlrealty/] Chapters: * (00:00) - Introduction * (01:07) - Meet Patrick McEvay * (05:57) - What Multifamily Real Estate Actually Is * (11:18) - The Reality of Ownership in Vancouver * (19:07) - Tenant Dynamics When Buildings Are Sold * (22:54) - The State of the Multifamily Market in 2025 * (25:21) - How Multifamily Deals and Financing Work * (31:14) - What Makes a Strong Multifamily Investment * (36:59) - Common Pitfalls and Deal Breakers * (40:49) - Off-Market Deals and How Transactions Happen * (41:54) - The State of Multifamily Buildings in Vancouver * (46:55) - Policy Changes and Pressure on Landlords * (49:25) - Conclusion

Ep. 10 How Interior Designers Transform Spaces

What makes a home feel right — and what signals that something is off? In this episode of The Real Estate of Things, Vancouver interior designer Alicia Savin [https://aliciasavin.design/about/] joins us to talk about creativity, construction quality, and why great design starts with understanding people, and helping them understand themselves — not just trends. From maximalist color palettes to renovation realities and the “boring money” hidden in plumbing, flooring, and structural work, Alicia shares a candid look at how homes actually come together. We also dive into how design influences real estate decisions, why buyers sometimes overlook build quality for aesthetics, and how homeowners can create spaces that are both personal and functional. Whether you’re renovating, buying, selling, or just design-curious, this conversation offers practical insights into the intersection of real estate, design, and everyday living. Talk with Scott Dempster anytime about all things real estate. Direct Phone: 604-808-6050 [tel:6048086050] Email: scott@scottdempster.com [scott@scottdempster.com] Website [https://owlrealty.ca/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/owlrealty/] Chapters: * (00:00) - Introduction * (01:35) - Alicia's Background * (06:00) - Defining her style: curated maximalism * (06:51) - Starting a design business from scratch * (09:58) - Understanding clients through lifestyle and personality * (14:35) - Design trends: moving beyond white and gray homes * (15:01) - Alicia's Home Renovation Journey * (17:01) - The Cost of Building Properly * (19:00) - Structural quality vs cosmetic upgrades in real estate * (23:37) - Putting a Personal Touch for Clients * (27:20) - Working with couples and client decision dynamics * (31:45) - Budget priorities: where design money matters most * (33:40) - Inspiration sources and creative process * (37:15) - Design & Business Trends * (38:40) - Career Experience & Lesson Learned * (42:55) - Lessons from open houses and real estate staging * (45:40) - Where to find Alicia + closing thoughts

Ep. 9 How a Developer Builds Projects from the Ground Up

What really drives value in Vancouver real estate — land, timing, construction costs, or market cycles? In this episode of The Real Estate of Things, we talk with Vancouver real estate developer Tony Kaleel, President and COO of Northland Living, about how property development actually works behind the scenes. From land acquisition and financing to construction costs, market risk, and long-term city growth, Tony shares a candid look at what it takes to build housing in one of Canada’s most competitive real estate markets. Tony also reflects on immigrating to Canada, learning the construction business from his father, and how those early experiences shaped his approach to development, leadership, and navigating market volatility. Whether you’re a real estate agent, investor, developer, homeowner, or just curious about the Vancouver housing market, this conversation offers practical insights into how projects really come together — and where the industry may be heading next. Talk with Scott Dempster anytime about all things real estate. Direct Phone: 604-808-6050 [tel:6048086050] Email: scott@scottdempster.com [scott@scottdempster.com] Website [https://owlrealty.ca/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/owlrealty/] Chapters: * (00:00) - Where real estate value really comes from — the land buy * (00:14) - Show intro: What’s really happening in Vancouver real estate * (00:36) - Meet Tony Kaleel — developer and industry leader * (01:07) - Getting started in real estate development * (02:41) - Immigration to Vancouver and early lessons in the business * (04:19) - Family construction roots and entrepreneurial beginnings * (06:03) - Work ethic, resilience, and formative experiences * (15:30) - How development projects actually come together * (27:45) - The real costs of building in Vancouver today * (40:10) - Market cycles, timing, and managing risk in development * (52:30) - Advice for agents, investors, and aspiring developers * (01:07:20) - Learning through failure, persistence, and growth * (01:07:55) - Final thoughts and closing takeaways

Ep. 8 Don’t Buy a Home Without This: Inspection Secrets Revealed

Most buyers don’t realize how much is riding on a home inspection until they’re already deep in the deal. This episode offers a grounded, practical look at what a home inspection really tells you. Scott sits down with veteran home inspector Conall Barr [https://cbarrhomeinspections.com/] to talk about how he found his way into the business and what he’s learned from decades of walking through other people’s houses. Conall shares what he looks for first, the problems that show up over and over again, and the difference between a small repair and a real walk-away issue. They also get into what inspections can and can’t catch, how to use the report properly, and how homeowners can take better care of their places, and some of the things they sometimes leave behind... Talk with Scott Dempster anytime about all things real estate. Direct Phone: 604-808-6050 [tel:6048086050] Email: scott@scottdempster.com [scott@scottdempster.com] Website [https://owlrealty.ca/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/owlrealty/] Chapters: * (00:00) - Introduction * (01:11) - How Connall Became a Home Inspector * (03:30) - How a Home Inspection Works * (04:35) - Roofs, Drones & Why Details Matter * (06:02) - Tennant troubles * (07:08) - Sump Pumps, Basements & Water Issues * (10:27) - The Importance of Running Appliances * (12:53) - Attics, Electrical & Hidden Problems * (18:20) - How to Read a Home Inspection Report * (23:57) - What Inspections Can and Can’t Catch * (30:04) - How to Prepare for an Inspection * (35:59) - Are New Homes Built Better Than Old Ones? * (40:06) - How to Maintain a Home Over Time * (43:59) - Conclusion