Strata fees, bylaws, insurance, and special levies—most buyers don’t really understand them until something goes wrong. In this episode of The Real Estate of Things, Scott sits down with Cory Pettersen, president of Stratawest, to break down what strata management actually does and what condo owners should be paying attention to.

Cory shares how he found his way into the industry, why strata management is massively understaffed in BC, and what separates a well-run building from a stressful one. They dig into depreciation reports, strata fee red flags, amenities like pools and gyms, rising insurance costs, and the common issues that cause friction in buildings. This episode is a must-listen for anyone buying, selling, or living in a strata property—and for agents who want to better guide their clients.

Great staging doesn’t just make homes look better—it helps them sell faster and for more. In this episode of The Real Estate of Things, Scott sits down with Andrea Foxman, owner of Home Ingredients and Social Ingredients, to unpack what it actually takes to prepare a home for sale—and why staging matters more than most sellers realize.

Andrea shares how she built her staging business from the ground up, what makes buyers emotionally connect to a space, and how to handle the awkward moments when personal style gets in the way of selling. They talk ROI, market timing, decluttering, design trends, and the misconceptions around virtual staging and AI. Along the way, Andrea offers practical advice for sellers, agents, and anyone curious about the work behind great listings. Honest, insightful, and full of real-world stories, this episode is a behind-the-scenes look at how homes are staged to sell—and why first impressions still matter most.

Talk with Scott Dempster anytime about all things real estate.

Direct Phone: 604-808-6050
Email: scott@scottdempster.com
Website
Instagram

Great listing photos can make or break a sale—and Matt Greco knows why. Scott & Colin sit down with Matt to explore how he built his real estate media business, what separates good visuals from great ones, and why small details matter. They cover Matt’s early pivot into photography, the realities of shooting challenging homes, and how the industry is and isn't changing. Matt also shares straightforward advice on marketing, social media, and helping a property stand out. It’s a fast, engaging conversation about the work behind the images buyers trust, and you will walk away having learned something valuable.

Talk with Scott Dempster anytime about all things real estate.

Direct Phone: 604-808-6050
Email: scott@scottdempster.com
Website
Instagram

What does it really take to build a sustainable career in real estate today? Scott sits down with his business partner and friend, Colin Cuthbert, to unpack how he went from hospitality and luxury auto sales to launching his real estate career just days before COVID hit.

Colin shares the lessons he carried over from past jobs, the realities of building confidence as a new agent, and the unforgettable first-year stories — including the now-legendary one-eyed cat incident. He and Scott dive into reputation, relationships, taking the high road, and what the current market signals for the year ahead. Honest, relatable, and filled with hard-earned wisdom, this episode offers a real look at the surprisingly inspiring journey of building a career in real estate.

Talk with Scott Dempster anytime about all things real estate.

Direct Phone: 604-808-6050
Email: scott@scottdempster.com
Website
Instagram

What does it really cost to build a home in Vancouver today? Realtor Scott Dempster sits down with general contractor Brian Rantz to break down the true price of construction — from rising material and labor costs to new city regulations, soft costs, and the hidden expenses most homeowners overlook. A candid, practical conversation about what it takes to build right in one of Canada’s toughest markets.

Talk with Scott Dempster anytime about all things real estate.

Direct Phone: 604-808-6050
Email: scott@scottdempster.com
Website
Instagram

What does it take to turn a house into a home? In this episode of The Real Estate of Things, host Scott Dempster talks with interior designer Erica Winterfield about the art and practicality of great design — from balancing budgets and collaborating with contractors to creating spaces that reflect real personality and purpose. Together, they explore how thoughtful details and strong partnerships can transform even the simplest projects into something extraordinary.

Talk with Scott Dempster anytime about all things real estate.

Direct Phone: 604-808-6050
Email: scott@scottdempster.com
Website
Instagram

The go-to listen for anyone passionate about buying, building, or investing in Vancouver’s housing market.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer trying to decode what a teardown is really worth, planning your first laneway build, or chasing an investment property in a city where prices never sit still, this podcast unpacks the real costs, curveballs, and call-it-like-it-is advice you won’t get at an open house. From hidden costs to hyper-local strategies, every episode helps you navigate Vancouver real estate with your eyes wide open.
Hosted by Vancouver realtor Scott Dempster, this podcast gives you the keys to the truth about Vancouver real estate; sharing insider stories, lessons, and laughs from builders, designers, and industry pros who know what it really takes to make it here.
Blending insight, humor, and hard-earned local experience, The Real Estate of Things is your trusted guide to one of North America’s most dynamic (and most misunderstood) housing markets.
From East Van character homes to West Vancouver luxury builds, The Real Estate of Things dives into every corner of Vancouver’s housing market. Expect conversations about rezoning, permits, strata living, laneway houses, condo flipping, market trends, and more—plus tips for navigating real estate in neighbourhoods like Kitsilano, Mount Pleasant, the North Shore, the Fraser Valley and beyond.
New episodes drop the first Tuesday and second-to-last Tuesday of each month, brought to you by The OWL Group, a Vancouver-based real estate team known for their expertise, integrity, and dedication to keeping the process fun, informative, and professional.