Victoria Real Estate Podcast

Hosted by Adrian Maclaren

Business Investing

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Latest episode

Aug 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Victoria, BC's top real estate podcast, where we dive into the latest market trends, buying and selling tips, and investment opportunities in Greater Victoria. Join your hosts Adrian Maclaren, Vincent Baart, and Jocelyn Cseff, as they share their expert insights and local knowledge to help you navigate the dynamic Victoria real estate landscape. Whether you're a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or simply curious about the market, our podcast has something for everyone. The Victoria Real Estate Podcast is produced by CityNest Real Estate.

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56 recent

September 9, 20261 hr 13 min

Can Prefab Solve Victoria's Housing Crisis?

Send us Fan Mail Victoria needs more housing, and the way we build it is changing fast. This week, Vince sits down with Matt, Chief Operating Officer of RAS Ltd, a Victoria-based company reshaping construction through off-site prefabrication, 3D modelling and panelized wall systems. In this episode: How RAS got started and what a COO actually does day to day What actually happens inside a prefab facility, from architect drawings to finished wall panels Why 3D modelling before construction cuts waste, mistakes and delays Where prefab can make the biggest dent in Victoria's housing shortage The biggest misconceptions about prefab construction Whether AI is already changing how homes get built Where homebuilding might be in 10 years, and whether homes will eventually be assembled like cars Quick fire: wood or steel, Matt's favourite building in Victoria, and the biggest myth about prefab If you've ever wondered what happens before a house is even framed, this one's worth the listen. Learn more about RAS Ltd and get in touch about your project through the links below. https://www.rasltd.ca/ Produced by: The CityNest Real Estate Group Citynest.ca Adrian Maclaren adrian@citynest.ca 📸 Instagram: @adrianrealestatevictoria 📞 250-464-4122 Vincent Baart https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincentbaart/ Connect with us: 🔗 yyjrealestatepodcast.com Enjoying the show? Leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts — it helps more than you know.

August 17, 202635 min

The #1 Mistake Realtors Make When Pricing a Listing — with Listli Founder Danielle Moreau

Send us Fan Mail Is overpricing still costing sellers the sale? A conversation on AI, pricing strategy, and what it really takes to win a listing. In this episode of the Victoria Real Estate Podcast, hosts Adrian Maclaren and Vincent Baart of the CityNest Team at RE/MAX Camosun sit down with Danielle Moreau — Realtor at RE/MAX and founder of Listli, an AI-powered CMA app built for agents. The conversation covers: How Danielle got started in real estate and why she focused on listings Is real estate actually harder today than it was 13 years ago? How often do agents overprice a listing just to win it — and what happens next? What separates a strong CMA from a weak one Why traditional CMA tools often leave clients more confused, not less The story behind building Listli, and the challenges of running a tech company while selling real estate full-time Where AI in real estate is headed — and whether it replaces agents or makes the good ones better Has Victoria's market shifted from ego pricing to data pricing? Rapid-fire: book recs, guilty pleasures, and Danielle's dream BC property 📍 Learn more: https://listli.ca/ 📸 Instagram: @listli.ai Produced by: The CityNest Real Estate Group Citynest.ca Adrian Maclaren adrian@citynest.ca 📸 Instagram: @adrianrealestatevictoria 📞 250-464-4122 Vincent Baart https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincentbaart/ Connect with us: 🔗 yyjrealestatepodcast.com Enjoying the show? Leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts — it helps more than you know.

July 26, 202641 min

Spring Market Victoria Real Estate Update: Houses Recover, Condos Struggle

Send us Fan Mail Is Victoria's real estate market actually splitting into two different stories right now? On this episode of the Victoria Real Estate Podcast, Adrian and Vince break down what's really happening with single family homes versus condos — and why one is stabilizing while the other keeps sliding. David from Olympic Mortgage joins with an economic and mortgage rate update to round out the picture. In this episode: Why single family homes are showing signs of recovery while condos remain stuck in a slump What's actually driving condo demand right now — and why investor buyers have mostly disappeared from that market A new grant from the City of Victoria aimed at preserving existing affordable housing stock — who qualifies and how to apply David's take on where mortgage rates and the broader economy are heading A major condo tower approved for downtown Victoria — including some genuinely unique design choices (hint: no balconies, but "sky gardens" instead) This week's trivia: how well do Vince and Adrian actually know Victoria real estate history? Whether you're buying, selling, or just like staying plugged into what's happening in Victoria real estate, this one's worth a listen. Produced by: The CityNest Real Estate Group Citynest.ca 🎧 Sponsored By: caninecarcare.com Clean car = instant confidence. Mobile detailing with a satisfaction guarantee. Connect with us: Have a question or want to be a guest on the show? Adrian Maclaren 250-464-4122 adrian@citynest.ca https://www.instagram.com/adrianrealestatevictoria/ Vincent Baart https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincentbaart/ David Steinberg david@olympicmortgages.ca 778.401.4712

July 20, 202638 min

Victoria Commercial Real Estate in 2026: What John MacDonald Is Seeing Right Now

Send us Fan Mail Is now a good time to buy commercial property in Victoria — or a good time to wait? On this episode, Vincent Baart and Cole Swetlikoe sit down with John MacDonald, one of Vancouver Island's busiest commercial real estate brokers, to unpack where the market actually stands. They dig into which property types are holding strong, which are struggling, and whether vendors are finally coming around on price. John also shares his read on development land and Missing Middle housing — including what most homeowners get wrong about their property's redevelopment potential. In this episode: John's path into commercial real estate and what's changed since he started Where transaction activity and investor confidence stand today Industrial, retail, office & multifamily — what's performing, what's not Land assemblies and Missing Middle: who's buying, who's waiting The difference between a good investment and a great one Common mistakes newer investors make Where AI and technology fit into real estate's future John's outlook for Victoria commercial real estate through 2027 Plus: a commercial deal John still thinks about, and a quickfire round covering his favourite Island community, go-to restaurant, and best (and worst) investment ever made. Connect with John MacDonald: https://bccommercialsolutions.ca/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-macdonald-personal-real-estate-corporation-8069322b/ John@bccommericalsolutions.ca Connect with us: CityNest.ca | LinkedIn Vincent@citynest.ca Cole Swetlikoe https://coleswetlikoe.ca/ Enjoying the podcast? A review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts genuinely helps more people find these conversations.

June 29, 202649 min

Before You Renovate: A Honest Guide to Kitchens, Budgets & Resale Value with Alexandra Graham

Send us Fan Mail Thinking about renovating your kitchen — or wondering which upgrades actually pay off when you sell? In this episode, Adrian and Vincent sit down with Alexandra Graham, founder of Alexandra Graham Interiors, a boutique interior design and custom cabinetry studio based on Vancouver Island. Alexandra shares what homeowners get wrong before they pick up the phone, which trends are worth investing in (and which ones won't age well), and how smart design decisions can meaningfully impact your home's resale value. She also opens up about building a business alongside her husband Tommy, growing quickly through referrals and builder relationships, and what it's really like to run a creative studio on Vancouver Island. Whether you're buying, selling, or just dreaming about a kitchen refresh — this one's packed with practical insight. 📍 Learn more: alexandragraham.ca 📸 Instagram: @alexandragrahaminteriors Produced by: The CityNest Real Estate Group Citynest.ca Adrian Maclaren 250-464-4122 adrian@citynest.ca https://www.instagram.com/adrianrealestatevictoria/ Vincent Baart https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincentbaart/

June 2, 202652 min

92 Single-Family Homes Under $1M: What Victoria's Shifting Market Means for You

Send us Fan Mail In this month's market update, Adrian, Vince, and mortgage expert David Steinberg of Olympic Mortgage break down everything you need to know about Victoria real estate heading into spring 2026. Victoria rents are falling, active listings hit 3,710, and the market is sitting right on the edge of buyer's territory — but the story looks very different depending on what you're buying and where. Single-family homes in the core are holding strong, while downtown condos are sitting longer and cutting prices. New missing middle supply is hitting the market daily with mixed results, and a rarely-seen stat just showed up: 92 single-family homes listed under $1 million in the Victoria Core — the most in five years. We also dig into community sentiment, GST exemption effects on condo resale demand, BC property tax deferment changes, and what fall 2026 might look like for buyers and sellers. 🎧 Sponsored By: caninecarcare.com Clean car = instant confidence. Mobile detailing with a satisfaction guarantee. Produced by: The CityNest Real Estate Group Citynest.ca Adrian Maclaren 250-464-4122 adrian@citynest.ca https://www.instagram.com/adrianrealestatevictoria/ Vincent Baart https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincentbaart/ David Steinberg david@olympicmortgages.ca 778.401.4712

May 8, 202644 min

Victoria Real Estate: Highest Inventory in 11 Years & What It Means for You

Send us Fan Mail In this month's market update, Adrian Maclaren, Vincent Baart, and mortgage expert David Steinberg of Olympic Mortgage cut straight to what Victoria buyers and sellers need to know right now — no fluff, just honest insights. Victoria's real estate market is shifting, and whether you're buying or selling in Greater Victoria, understanding where things stand could save you time, money, and stress. The team breaks down current market conditions, what's happening with mortgage rates, and the key economic factors shaping the Victoria housing market heading into spring. Are Victoria home prices dropping? Is now a good time to buy in Victoria? Should sellers be adjusting their expectations? Adrian, Vince, and David tackle all of it — and share their predictions for where the market is heading next. 🎧 Sponsored By: caninecarcare.com Clean car = instant confidence. Mobile detailing with a satisfaction guarantee. Produced by: The CityNest Real Estate Group Citynest.ca Adrian Maclaren 250-464-4122 adrian@citynest.ca https://www.instagram.com/adrianrealestatevictoria/ Vincent Baart https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincentbaart/ David Steinberg david@olympicmortgages.ca 778.401.4712

April 13, 202641 min

Can Canadians Own Property in Mexico? What You Need to Know with Mexico Land Ventures

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Victoria Real Estate Podcast, hosts Adrian Maclaren and Vincent Baart sit down with Stephane Lecouteur, Chief Dream Officer at Mexico Land Ventures , for a candid and eye-opening conversation about what it actually takes for Canadians to buy property in Mexico — legally, safely, and confidently. With over two decades in sales, media, radio, and digital marketing, Stephane brings a unique lens to the world of cross-border real estate. He's not an agent — he's an advocate, educator, and due diligence expert whose mission is to make sure Canadian buyers don't get burned by what they don't know. In this episode, we cover: Why so many Canadians are exploring Mexico right now — retirees, investors, and remote workers alike The truth about safety in Mexico and how headlines distort reality How foreigners can legally own property in Mexico, including near coastlines and borders What "restricted zones" actually mean — and the fideicomiso trust structure that makes coastal ownership possible The most common mistakes buyers make when navigating Mexican real estate alone Why independent legal verification is non-negotiable — and what proper title verification actually looks like Red flags every buyer should watch for, and how to spot bad advice before it costs you Stephane's role as a buyer advocate versus a real estate agent — and why that distinction matters Property management, timeshare cancellations, and the legal pitfalls Canadians don't see coming The smartest first step for anyone who's "Mexico-curious" but hasn't pulled the trigger yet Whether you're thinking about a retirement property, a vacation rental investment, or just exploring your options outside Canada, this episode gives you the framework to move forward with confidence — and avoid the mistakes others have already made. https://mexicolandventures.com/ 🎙️ The Victoria Real Estate Podcast is produced by the CityNest Team at RE/MAX Camosun Oak Bay in Victoria, BC. 📲 Follow us @victoriarealestatepodcast | Leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts — we read every one! Adrian Maclaren 250-464-4122 adrian@citynest.ca @adrianrealestatevictoria Vincent Baart vincent@citynest.ca https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincentbaart/

March 24, 20261 hr 9 min

Adam Gant: The Hidden Force Behind Canada’s Housing Crisis

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Victoria Real Estate Podcast, Adrian Maclaren and Vincent Baart sit down with Adam Gant, a real estate investor and entrepreneur focused on housing finance and affordability. With over 20 years of experience across private real estate funds and public REITs, Adam brings a unique perspective to one of the biggest challenges facing Canadians today — the cost of housing. The conversation explores why most discussions around housing miss a critical piece: the cost of financing. Adam breaks down how the “price of money” influences what gets built, who can afford to buy, and how wealth is created (or limited) through real estate. He also makes some BOLD predictions on the future of Real Estate in Victoria. We also cover: • How mortgage financing has changed since the 2008–2009 credit crisis • The long-term impact of COVID-era monetary policy • The relationship between housing, wealth concentration, and inequality • Why supply alone may not solve affordability • The role of population growth and money supply • Shared equity housing and alternative ownership models • A forward-looking outlook for BC real estate markets This episode is ideal for anyone looking to better understand the deeper forces shaping housing in Canada — beyond the usual headlines. Adam Gant https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamgant/ Adrian Maclaren 250-464-4122 adrian@citynest.ca @adrianrealestatevictoria Vincent Baart vincent@citynest.ca https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincentbaart/

February 24, 202647 min

How Victoria Homeowners Use The Smith Manoeuvre™: Turning Your Mortgage Into a Wealth Tool

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Victoria Real Estate Podcast, Adrian Maclaren and Vincent Baart sit down with Robinson Smith, Founder & CEO of Smith Manoeuvre Services Corp. and steward of The Smith Manoeuvre™ — one of Canada’s most discussed yet widely misunderstood financial strategies. Robinson explains how the strategy works, where it came from, and why many homeowners are revisiting it in today’s environment of higher debt levels, changing rates, and affordability pressure. The conversation unpacks common misconceptions, potential risks, who the strategy may (and may not) suit, and how Canadians are thinking differently about mortgages, investing, and long-term wealth creation. Whether you’re a homeowner, aspiring buyer, or finance professional, this episode provides a clear, practical look at how mortgage structure, tax efficiency, and behavioural discipline intersect in real-world financial planning. As always, this discussion is educational in nature and not personal financial advice — listeners should consult qualified professionals regarding their specific situation. Produced by: The CityNest Real Estate Group Citynest.ca Robinson Smith https://smithman.ca/ Adrian Maclaren 250-464-4122 adrian@citynest.ca @adrianrealestatevictoria Vincent Baart vincent@citynest.ca