The Real Estate Podcast

Hosted by Kormendy Trott Real Estate Team

BusinessInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

412

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

The Real Estate Podcast by the Kormendy Trott Real Estate Team brings real conversations about buying, selling, investing, business, property management, and the local market. Hosted by Ariel Kormendy, Adrian Trott and other members of the KT Team, each episode shares practical advice, honest opinions, guest conversations, and behind-the-scenes insight from working REALTORS® serving Milton, Halton Region, and the Greater Toronto Area.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 17, 2026Episode 40539 min

Is AI Ruining Customer Service? Why Getting Help Feels Impossible | EP405

AI can make life easier—but what happens when companies start using it to replace actual people? In Episode 405 of The Real Estate Podcast, Jennifer Goncalves and Tiffany Kadak talk about the growing frustration with customer service, from AI chatbots and automated phone systems to impossible-to-reach support departments, self-checkouts, subscription traps, and poorly trained live agents. They discuss where AI genuinely makes sense, where the human element still matters, how technology is affecting older generations, privacy concerns around AI, and whether our dependence on automation is actually making customer service—and everyday life—more complicated. If you've ever found yourself yelling “I just want to talk to a real person!” at a chatbot or automated phone system, this episode is for you. VIDEO SECTIONS & TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Intro 3:00 Are companies using AI just to cut costs? 5:24 AI calls, scams and older consumers 7:19 The problem with chatbots and repeating yourself 11:08 Robots vs. poorly trained customer service reps 15:37 Paying more for worse customer service 17:47 Is AI making people lazy? 19:59 Where AI helps—and where humans are still needed 24:22 Why good human interaction still matters 28:31 Subscriptions, hidden charges and feeling ripped off 32:29 Social media and impossible-to-reach customer support 34:10 Missing the old-school way of doing things 36:20 Has our reliance on technology gone too far? 38:13 Outro/recap Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/kormendytrott Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1pwncyet9NydbgTmx5D21k Linktree: https://linktr.ee/kormendytrott Instagram: https://instagram.com/kormendytrott YouTube: https://youtube.com/kormendytrott Facebook: https://facebook.com/kormendytrott X: https://x.com/kormendytrott LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/ktrealty TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@kormendytrott The Kormendy Trott Team was formed in 2011 by Ariel Kormendy and Adrian Trott. Originally a team of two in Milton, Ontario, KT has grown into a full-service real estate group serving Halton Region, Peel Region, and the Greater Toronto Area.

August 10, 2026Episode 40423 min

Cash Back Real Estate Agents... Are You Actually Saving Money? | EP404

Cashback real estate agents promise buyers money back after closing—but what could that rebate cost you during the transaction? Ariel Kormendy and Adrian Trott discuss whether cashback is worth it when choosing someone to represent you in one of the largest purchases of your life. They examine agent experience, availability, negotiation skills and the difference between simply having a real estate licence and providing professional representation. The conversation also covers buyer trust, misleading square-footage figures, the importance of a functional floor plan, automated real estate services, AI and where Ariel and Adrian currently see opportunities in the Ontario real estate market. Whether you are comparing agents or preparing to purchase a home, this episode explains why the value of your representation may matter considerably more than the rebate offered at closing. VIDEO SECTIONS & TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – Intro 1:58 – Does a cashback agent have the right experience? 4:01 – Saving money now could cost you later 9:48 – Trust and guidance during the buying process 12:01 – Why the floor plan matters more than the number 15:49 – What a professional buyer consultation should accomplish 17:58 – AI and the future of real estate professionals 20:35 – Outro/recap Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/kormendytrott Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1pwncyet9NydbgTmx5D21k Linktree: https://linktr.ee/kormendytrott Instagram: https://instagram.com/kormendytrott YouTube: https://youtube.com/kormendytrott Facebook: https://facebook.com/kormendytrott X: https://x.com/kormendytrott LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/ktrealty TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@kormendytrott The Kormendy Trott Team was formed in 2011 by Ariel Kormendy and Adrian Trott. Originally a team of two in Milton, Ontario, KT has grown into a full-service real estate group serving Halton Region, Peel Region, and the Greater Toronto Area.

August 3, 2026Episode 40338 min

Does Home Staging Really Add Value? (w/ Rachel Mitchell) | EP403

Home staging is about much more than making a property look attractive. It is a marketing strategy designed to improve listing photos, showcase functionality and help buyers emotionally connect with a home. In Episode 403 of The Real Estate Podcast, Steve Cecchetto sits down with Rachel Mitchell, owner of Straightened Spaces and one of KT’s go-to home stagers. They discuss the most common mistakes sellers make, the impact of paint, lighting and decluttering, why buyers form opinions within seconds and how staging can influence the perceived value of a property. Rachel also shares how she transitioned from corporate marketing into home staging, the story of her first 4,000-square-foot project and some of the unexpected challenges that happen behind the scenes. Visit Rachel's socials here! Instagram: @straightened_spaces Website: https://www.straightenedspaces.com/ VIDEO SECTIONS & TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - Intro 1:52 - Meet Rachel Mitchell from Straightened Spaces 5:03 - Staging is marketing—not just decorating 7:00 - Why presentation matters in today’s market 11:47 - The most common staging mistake #1: Painting 13:32 - The most common staging mistake #2: Lighting 17:16 - Decluttering and budget-friendly improvements 18:27 - Staging for photos is critical 20:39 - Closets, storage and the small details buyers notice 22:52 - How to prepare for the staging process (sellers and their agents) 27:55 - When do you NOT stage? 31:34 - Should you keep up with the trend when staging? 33:50 - Rachel’s wildest staging story 36:12 - The behind-the-scenes reality of growing a staging business 37:08 - Snowstorms, stuck trucks and refusing to cancel 38:18 - Outro/recap Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/kormendytrott Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1pwncyet9NydbgTmx5D21k Linktree: https://linktr.ee/kormendytrott Instagram: https://instagram.com/kormendytrott YouTube: https://youtube.com/kormendytrott Facebook: https://facebook.com/kormendytrott X: https://x.com/kormendytrott LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/ktrealty TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@kormendytrott The Kormendy Trott Team was formed in 2011 by Ariel Kormendy and Adrian Trott. Originally a team of two in Milton, Ontario, KT has grown into a full-service real estate group serving Halton Region, Peel Region, and the Greater Toronto Area.

July 27, 202625 min

We Turned a Buyer Away for Refusing to Sign In | EP402

A buyer got turned away from one of our open houses last weekend — for refusing to sign in. Ariel and Adrian break down why sign-in policies exist, what buyers are actually worried about when they refuse, and whether it's time for the industry to make government ID mandatory at every open house — the same way bars scan ID at the door. Safety, liability, fake sign-in data, and professional open house thieves are all on the table this week.> Why realtors ask you to sign in at open houses> The privacy concerns buyers have about giving out personal info> Whether government ID should be mandatory to enter> How professional open house thieves target unprotected homes> What actually happens when a buyer refuses to sign in VIDEO SECTIONS & TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – Intro 0:53 – Welcome Matt Fugere, 23-year mortgage broker 2:03 – Matt's family and life on the farm 5:40 – Financing rural properties and hobby farms 9:15 – First-time buyer down payment trends 11:21 – CMHC survey: gifts and inheritance as down payments 13:04 – The paperwork behind a gifted down payment 15:27 – Advice for buyers without financial help 17:21 – House hacking: duplexes and triplexes for first-time buyers 22:14 – Qualifying rental income for house-hack properties 24:10 – Renewal shock: slush funds and extended amortization 30:09 – Top 3 overlooked mortgage features 33:31 – Financing, managing, and investing in Airbnbs 41:16 – Final advice: cut car loans, talk to your broker early 46:44 – Outro Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/kormendytrott Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1pwncyet9NydbgTmx5D21k Linktree: https://linktr.ee/kormendytrott Instagram: https://instagram.com/kormendytrott YouTube: https://youtube.com/kormendytrott Facebook: https://facebook.com/kormendytrott X: https://x.com/kormendytrott LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/ktrealty TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@kormendytrott The Kormendy Trott Team was formed in 2011 by Ariel Kormendy and Adrian Trott. Originally a team of two in Milton, Ontario, KT has grown into a full-service real estate group serving Halton Region, Peel Region, and the Greater Toronto Area.

July 20, 2026Episode 40147 min

The Hidden Reason Your Renewal Just Got Worse | EP401

Homeowners hitting renewal right now are running into a problem nobody warned them about: their equity has quietly disappeared. Falling appraisals mean people who assumed they had room to refinance, extend their amortization, or pull equity out are finding out they don't — right when they need it most. In this episode, Kristina sits down with Mathieu "Mat" Fugere, a mortgage broker with 23 years in the business and owner of Fugere Mortgage in Milton, Ontario, to unpack what's really happening to buyers and homeowners right now. Why falling appraisals are wiping out homeowners' equity right at renewal > The "mortgage slush fund" trick to survive a renewal payment shock > How first-time buyers are actually saving their down payments > What the paperwork looks like for a gifted down payment from mom and dad > House hacking with a duplex or triplex to afford your first home > Financing a hobby farm, a rural property, or a short-term rental / Airbnb Looking for mortgage help? Connect with Mat Fugere: Website: https://www.mandmmortgages.ca VIDEO SECTIONS & TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – Intro 0:53 – Welcome Matt Fugere, 23-year mortgage broker 2:03 – Matt's family and life on the farm 5:40 – Financing rural properties and hobby farms 9:15 – First-time buyer down payment trends 11:21 – CMHC survey: gifts and inheritance as down payments 13:04 – The paperwork behind a gifted down payment 15:27 – Advice for buyers without financial help 17:21 – House hacking: duplexes and triplexes for first-time buyers 22:14 – Qualifying rental income for house-hack properties 24:10 – Renewal shock: slush funds and extended amortization 30:09 – Top 3 overlooked mortgage features 33:31 – Financing, managing, and investing in Airbnbs 41:16 – Final advice: cut car loans, talk to your broker early 46:44 – Outro Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/kormendytrott Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1pwncyet9NydbgTmx5D21k Linktree: https://linktr.ee/kormendytrott Instagram: https://instagram.com/kormendytrott YouTube: https://youtube.com/kormendytrott Facebook: https://facebook.com/kormendytrott X: https://x.com/kormendytrott LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/ktrealty TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@kormendytrott The Kormendy Trott Team was formed in 2011 by Ariel Kormendy and Adrian Trott. Originally a team of two in Milton, Ontario, KT has grown into a full-service real estate group serving Halton Region, Peel Region, and the Greater Toronto Area.

July 13, 2026Episode 40015 min

The Truth About “Home Sold Guaranteed” Programs | EP400

You’ve probably heard the ads: “Your home sold guaranteed, or we’ll buy it.” But what does that actually mean? In this episode of The Real Estate Podcast, Ariel Kormendy and Adrian Trott break down how guaranteed home sale programs really work, why the guaranteed price may be much lower than a seller expects, and what conditions may be hidden in the fine print. They discuss why these programs often involve scheduled price reductions, below-market buyout prices, extra fees, and restrictions that may require sellers to buy their next home through the same team. If you’re thinking about selling and a guaranteed sale program sounds appealing, this episode will help you understand what you’re really agreeing to before signing anything. Have you ever seen or been offered a “home sold guaranteed” program? Let us know in the comments. VIDEO SECTIONS & TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Intro 3:27 What Does the Guarantee Actually Promise? 4:48 Why the Guaranteed Price Is Below Market Value 5:50 Structured Price Reductions Explained 7:05 The $1 Million Home Example 7:26 How Scheduled Price Drops Work 8:25 Extra Fees, Legal Costs, and Conditions 9:14 Being Required to Buy With the Same Team 10:41 Realtor Incentives vs. Real Selling Strategy 11:28 The $850K Guarantee Scenario 12:38 Is This Just a Lead Generation Strategy? 13:29 Advertising, Fine Print, and Disclosures 14:44 Have You Ever Used One of These Programs? 15:22 Outro/recap Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/kormendytrott Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1pwncyet9NydbgTmx5D21k Linktree: https://linktr.ee/kormendytrott Instagram: https://instagram.com/kormendytrott YouTube: https://youtube.com/kormendytrott Facebook: https://facebook.com/kormendytrott X: https://x.com/kormendytrott LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/ktrealty TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@kormendytrott The Kormendy Trott Team was formed in 2011 by Ariel Kormendy and Adrian Trott. Originally a team of two in Milton, Ontario, KT has grown into a full-service real estate group serving Halton Region, Peel Region, and the Greater Toronto Area.

July 6, 2026Episode 39926 min

How to Make the Most of a Home Showing (Without Crossing the Line) | EP399

In this episode of The Real Estate Podcast, Adrian Trott and Chris Behie break down the unwritten rules of showing etiquette from a buyer’s perspective. They discuss what buyers should and shouldn’t do when touring homes, why you should always assume you’re being watched or listened to, how to handle kids, shoes, washrooms, photos, food, timing, and why being respectful inside someone else’s home can matter more than you think. They also dive into a recent real estate case where an agent was fined $9,000 after entering a property early for a showing — and what buyers and agents can learn from it. VIDEO SECTIONS & TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Intro 2:19 What buyers need to know before showings 3:53 How negative feedback can affect negotiations 5:14 Cameras inside homes and how they change the showing experience 7:03 Can I bring kids to showings? 8:31 Bathroom etiquette during showings 12:26 What buyers should bring to showings 15:36 Tools agents can bring to help buyers 17:16 Why agent tools are not a replacement for a home inspection 18:26 Lighting, flashlights, and seeing the home properly 19:34 Why entering early can become a serious issue ($9000 mistake) 22:29 Why you can’t just walk the property early 25:10 Lockbox safety and key access rules 25:53 Outro/recap Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/kormendytrott Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1pwncyet9NydbgTmx5D21k Linktree: https://linktr.ee/kormendytrott Instagram: https://instagram.com/kormendytrott YouTube: https://youtube.com/kormendytrott Facebook: https://facebook.com/kormendytrott X: https://x.com/kormendytrott LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/ktrealty TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@kormendytrott The Kormendy Trott Team was formed in 2011 by Ariel Kormendy and Adrian Trott. Originally a team of two in Milton, Ontario, KT has grown into a full-service real estate group serving Halton Region, Peel Region, and the Greater Toronto Area.

June 29, 2026Episode 39828 min

The Home History Your Agent Might Not Reveal | EP398

What your seller legally has to disclose — and what they don't — could affect your buying decision more than you'd expect. Stigmatized properties cover everything from natural deaths and suicides to grow ops and hauntings, and the rules around disclosure are a lot grayer than most buyers realize. Steve and Kristina from the KT Team break down where the law ends, and personal psychology begins. > What counts as a stigmatized property > Disclosure rules: what sellers must reveal vs. what they can stay silent on > How stigma can impact a home's market value and days on market > Grow ops, hauntings, deaths — where each falls legally and emotionally > What buyers should be asking (and researching) on their own > Real stories from agents who've been in these situations VIDEO SECTIONS & TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – Intro 1:17 – Defining stigmatized properties 2:06 – Would you buy a home where someone died? 3:15 – Kristina's personal ghost story (the shelves, the ultrasound, and 666) 5:45 – Types of stigmas: deaths, grow ops, hauntings, and more 7:16 – Steve's client who bolted from the basement 8:50 – Why some buyers care and others don't 12:30 – Disclosure rules: stigma vs. physical defects 13:49 – The grow op listing: disclosed, remediated, and still hard to sell 18:41 – Does stigma actually impact a home's value? 23:50 – Fire round: natural death, suicide, murder, grow op, haunting 26:22 – Backing onto a cemetery — stigma or personal preference? 27:38 – Key takeaways for buyers and sellers Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/kormendytrott Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1pwncyet9NydbgTmx5D21k Linktree: https://linktr.ee/kormendytrott Instagram: https://instagram.com/kormendytrott YouTube: https://youtube.com/kormendytrott Facebook: https://facebook.com/kormendytrott X: https://x.com/kormendytrott LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/ktrealty TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@kormendytrott The Kormendy Trott Team was formed in 2011 by Ariel Kormendy and Adrian Trott. Originally a team of two in Milton, Ontario, KT has grown into a full-service real estate group serving Halton Region, Peel Region, and the Greater Toronto Area.

June 22, 2026Episode 39743 min

Is a Home Inspection Worth It? (A Home Inspector's Perspective) | EP397

Should every buyer get a home inspection? In this episode of The Real Estate Podcast, Steve Cecchetto sits down with Mark Ellison from The Home Coach to talk about what home inspections really do, what buyers should expect, and why the right inspector matters. With over 7,000 inspections completed, Mark explains why a good home inspector does more than just find problems. They communicate clearly, educate buyers, and help people understand what they’re actually buying. Steve and Mark also discuss first-time buyer nerves, new construction inspections, PDI timing, inspection limitations, common red flags, “Uncle Tony” inspections, mold concerns, and some wild things Mark has found inside homes. If you’re buying a home, selling a home, or working with buyers, this episode breaks down why home inspections are about clarity, confidence, and going into a purchase with your eyes wide open. VIDEO SECTIONS & TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Intro 1:57 Why home inspections are finally back in the buying process 3:11 Why the home inspection industry needs more regulation 6:24 What makes a good home inspector? 8:12 The inspection issue that almost cost a seller $30,000 9:46 How bad communication can scare first-time buyers 12:09 A home inspection is not a negotiation list 13:21 What home inspectors can see that buyers can’t 16:43 The number one tool every home inspector needs 17:44 Why “Uncle Tony” should not replace a home inspector 19:48 Home inspector vs. contractor: what’s the difference? 21:15 New home vs. resale: do you still need an inspection? 23:01 Can you bring a home inspector to a PDI? 24:57 Why custom homes can still come with major problems 29:16 Why the “wrong” house can still be right for the right buyer 32:13 Why mold is often misunderstood 34:01 How buyers and realtors should prepare for a home inspection 37:53 The live snake Mark found in a furnace 40:12 Outro/recap Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/kormendytrott Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1pwncyet9NydbgTmx5D21k Linktree: https://linktr.ee/kormendytrott Instagram: https://instagram.com/kormendytrott YouTube: https://youtube.com/kormendytrott Facebook: https://facebook.com/kormendytrott X: https://x.com/kormendytrott LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/ktrealty TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@kormendytrott The Kormendy Trott Team was formed in 2011 by Ariel Kormendy and Adrian Trott. Originally a team of two in Milton, Ontario, KT has grown into a full-service real estate group serving Halton Region, Peel Region, and the Greater Toronto Area.

June 15, 2026Episode 39626 min

From Mobile Market to Milton's Only Independent Bookstore — The Wildwood Story | EP396

What does it actually take to open a brick-and-mortar store in a small town — as a young first-time business owner, competing against Amazon and Indigo, in a market you had to validate yourself? 📚 Jacqueline Puesta, owner of Wildwood Bookstore & Market, did exactly that. She started with a mobile bookshop, tested the market at Milton events, pitched her dream to a landlord with a full business and design plan, and opened Milton's first independent bookstore in a decade — all in six weeks.In this episode, Steve sits down with Jacqueline to unpack the real story behind Wildwood: the market research, the landlord pitch, the community-first approach, and what makes an independent bookstore worth choosing over the big guys.✅ How Jackie validated demand before signing a lease✅ Pitching a startup to a landlord — what she brought to the table✅ Why curation and personal connection beat algorithms every time✅ Opening in November and surviving the slowest retail months✅ Building a downtown community through a business passport crawl✅ What's next for Wildwood — authors, events, and a bigger footprint************************0:00 – Intro1:18 – Meet Jacqueline Puesta & Wildwood Bookstore2:30 – Why the mobile bookstore came first6:37 – Choosing Milton: small-town vibes and a real market need7:32 – 10 years in retail — the customer experience that led to books9:17 – Film school, marketing instincts, and testing the concept10:41 – Finding commercial space and dealing with the landlord directly11:18 – Pitching a startup: business plan, design plan, and selling the dream13:21 – Six weeks to open: the buildup and the community response15:19 – Wildwood vs. Indigo vs. Amazon: the honest comparison17:36 – Curated picks vs. algorithms — the independent bookstore advantage18:54 – The business passport crawl and downtown community building21:12 – Surviving the slow months: winter, the farmer's market, and what's next23:25 – Future plans: author events, third-space ambitions, partnerships24:51 – Where to find Wildwood************************🌿 Visit Wildwood Bookstore & Market: https://wildwoodbookstore.ca📍 207 Main Street East, Milton — right beside Ivy Arms************************Want more real estate podcast discussions?Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh6ZhC8lV-eOUYLU_wfdN4g/Listen to it here: https://open.spotify.com/show/1pwncyet9NydbgTmx5D21kCatch clips and highlights of the show here: http://www.instagram.com/kormendytrott************************Our Social:Linktree: https://linktr.ee/kormendytrottInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/kormendytrottYouTube: www.youtube.com/user/kormendytrottFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/kormendytrottX: http://www.x.com/KormendyTrottSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1pwncyet9NydbgTmx5D21kLinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/ktrealtyPinterest: http://www.pinterest.ca/KormendyTrottTikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/@kormendytrott?lang=en************************In 2011, Ariel Kormendy and Adrian Trott formed The Kormendy Trott Team, now often referred to as KT (thanks to our logo!). The foundation of KT is built on providing unmatched value and attention to detail in everything we do. From our ever-expanding, comprehensive list of exclusive services to our expertly trained team, you will receive the highest level of care throughout your entire real estate journey.Originally a team of two in Milton, Ontario, the KT Team has grown into a large team of exceptional REALTORS®, a client-care department, and now includes KT Media, KT Commercial, and our sister company, Renti, allowing us to provide our clients with a complete lineup of genuine, professional, and proven services across Halton Region, Peel Region and the surrounding Regions within the Greater Toronto Area.We'd appreciate it if you'd subscribe and follow us for behind-the-scenes footage, real estate tips, industry secrets, exclusive listings, The Real Estate Podcast, and more!