REALTOR® of the Year: Discussing industry success with RAE Award winner Alex Ward

REALTOR® of the Year: Discussing industry success with RAE Award winner Alex Ward

In this episode of the RAEdio Podcast, Mark sits down with Alex Ward of MaxWell Devonshire Realty, winner of the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton’s 2025 REALTOR® of the Year Award. Alex shares how a background in banking helped shape a successful real estate career, why mentorship and professionalism matter in the real estate industry, and what it takes to create exceptional experiences for clients in today’s market. Key Topics: * What being named REALTOR® of the Year represents * Alex's path from banking to real estate and brokerage ownership * How financial knowledge helps clients navigate the home-buying process * The role of mentorship, leadership and brokerage culture * Challenges facing REALTORS®, including lead generation and industry costs * How Edmonton’s real estate market has grown over the past decade Website: Award Realty Team [https://www.awardrealty.ca/] Guest Links: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxwelldevonshirerealty/]

How Affordability and Design Are Shaping Edmonton's Housing Market / Nicholas Carels

In this insightful interview, Nicholas Carels, Vice President of StreetSide Developments & Qualico Fort McMurray, shares his journey into home building, market trends and the future of Edmonton's housing landscape. Discover how affordability, design and community considerations shape the homes of tomorrow. Key Topics: * Nick’s path into homebuilding and what he learned early in the industry * Why buyer preferences have shifted toward smaller, more design-driven homes * The difference between StreetSide’s multifamily focus and Broadview’s single-family approach * How greenfield and infill development serve different needs across Edmonton * The importance of thoughtful infill and being considerate of existing neighbourhoods * Why multifamily and “missing middle” housing are becoming more important * How StreetSide works with REALTORS® and why those partnerships matter * Nick’s outlook on Edmonton housing trends, rental growth and new building methods Website: * StreetSide Developments [https://streetsideedmonton.com/] * Broadview Homes [https://broadviewhomesedmonton.com/] Guest Links: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-carels-533b5469/]

Before You Sign: Legal Realities Every Buyer and Seller Should Know / Asa Hagel / Barr LLP

In this insightful interview, real estate lawyer Asa Hagel shares her expertise on the legal aspects of real estate transactions, common misconceptions and how buyers and sellers can navigate the process confidently. Learn about disclosure obligations, the importance of inspections and tips for choosing the right legal support. Key Topics: * Common misconceptions about real estate law and why the process doesn’t have to be intimidating * What buyers and sellers should look for when choosing a real estate lawyer * Why communication between clients, REALTORS®, lawyers and mortgage brokers matters * What conditions and waiving conditions mean in a real estate transaction * The importance of inspections and disclosure of material latent defects * How holdbacks work and why precise wording matters * What buyers should know before making an offer on a foreclosure property * How lawyers help manage risk, solve problems and keep transactions on track * Why online tools and AI are not a substitute for real legal advice Website: Barr LLP [https://barrllp.com/] Guest Links: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/asamariehagel/]

Mortgage 101: How to Plan, Prepare and Buy with Confidence / Heather Bowie / Flare Mortgage Group

In this episode, Heather Bowie, a licensed mortgage broker, shares expert insights on the home-buying process, emphasizing the importance of planning, understanding mortgage options and working effectively with REALTORS®. Learn how to prepare financially and strategically for a successful home purchase. Key Topics * Importance of planning before house hunting * Difference between a mortgage broker and a bank * How to determine affordable monthly payments * Pre-approval process and its benefits * Fixed vs variable mortgage rates * Understanding mortgage terms and amortization * Improving credit score for better rates * Managing interest rate fluctuations Website: https://www.flaremortgagegroup.com Email: heather@flaremortgagegroup.com

From Chaos to Closing / A Conversation with Kaytlyn Beakhouse of Sort and Simple Professional Organizing

In this engaging interview, Kaytlyn Beakhouse from Sort and Simple Professional Organizing shares insights on the art of decluttering, emotional challenges, and strategic planning for home organization and downsizing. Discover practical tips for REALTORS®, homeowners and anyone looking to create a more functional and joyful living space. Key Topics * The evolution of professional organizing as an industry * Emotional challenges in decluttering and how to address them * Timing and planning for downsizing and estate clearouts Website: https://www.sortandsimple.ca/ Email: kaytlyn@sortandsimple.ca