Episodes
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Quebec is a unique area in Canada with distinct differences in culture that set it apart from other regions. Naturally, the rental market reflects these differences. Today on the Sync or Swim podcast, we are joined by Rentsync’s very own Quebec rental expert, Hudson Bytautas to take a deep dive into the Quebec rental market. Tuning in, you’ll hear about Hudson’s career journey, some surprising facts and trends in the Quebec rental market, how region-specific trends impact the market, key differences between the rental market in Quebec and other regions, and so much more! We delve into how the lower cost of living in Quebec impacts the culture before discussing the student population that needs to be catered to. We even talk about what other areas of Canada can learn from Quebec’s rental market. Finally, Hudson shares his predictions for this unique area’s future and shares advice for first-timers looking to rent property in Quebec. Thanks for listening in!
Key Points From This Episode:
Introducing Hudson Bytautas and how he became a rental expert in Quebec. Differences, trends, and surprising facts about the Quebec rental market. Region-specific trends and how they impact the rental market overall. How the rental market in Quebec compares to those in other provinces. The importance of marketing and catering to an influx of students throughout the year. How the lower cost of living in Quebec shapes the culture in general. What lessons other areas across Canada can learn from Quebec’s rental market. Where Hudson sees the rental market in Quebec over the next few years. Hudson’s advice for someone looking to rent in Quebec for the first time. -
Rentals.ca and Raising the Roof have announced an exciting new partnership! So today, we are thrilled to be joined by the Director of Housing Development at Raising the Roof, Adrian Dingle. We begin our conversation by learning about Raising the Roof: its origin story and history, what the company does, and why its new venture with Rentals.ca is a match made in heaven. Then, we discuss the standout achievements that gave Raising the Roof its stellar reputation, how it garners support from various branches of government, what a day in Adrian’s work life looks like, and what he looks for in an ideal development partner. To end, Adrian details the challenges of his work and what other industry leaders could do to alleviate these pain points, and discover how to get involved with Raising the Roof and other initiatives that are aimed at curbing Canada’s housing crisis.
Key Points From This Episode:
Adrian Dingle walks us through the ins and outs of Raising the Roof (RTF). Why its partnership with Rentals.ca is a blissful union. RTF’s noticeable achievements that highlight the good work it is doing. Exploring its (healthy) relationship with municipalities and other forms of government. What Adrian’s role as Director of Housing Development entails. Why the best partners in development are those who are also passionate about affordability and social impact. Everything you need to know about The Toque Campaign and RTF’s other initiatives. The challenges of Adrian’s work, and what he thinks the industry could do better. What we hope to see from the recent wave of policymakers addressing the housing crisis. How to get involved with RTF and housing-related projects. -
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Technology is becoming a vital aspect of the rental space as, for one, it provides the opportunity for accurate property visualizations before they’ve been built; without having to view the actual building. As a leading PropTech company that develops and deploys innovative tech solutions for properties and residents, Gryd is one of the reasons that many landlords and renters are willing to embrace this new digital era. Today we are joined by the Vice President of Sales at Gryd, Josh Donen, who explains what his company is all about and what his role in it entails. We learn about Gryd’s impressive technologies, how it works, and why the industry is clamouring to embrace it. Then, we look back at the pandemic as we discuss how the market reacted to it, how COVID swayed Gryd’s new innovations, and how the pandemic inadvertently set new trends for the rental industry. We also discuss what a boost in rental supply may mean for the industry moving forward, why multi-market conferences matter, and the exciting work that Gryd has planned for the near future.
Key Points From This Episode:
Josh Donen’s background and what his role as Vice President of Sales at Gryd entails. The ins and outs of Gryd, and why there’s an increasing need for its technology. How Gryd’s technology works. The way COVID changed what Gryd prioritized in its innovations. How renters have become accustomed to digital renderings as a result of the pandemic. More on the increasing value of Gryd’s technology offerings. Assessing how a major boost in rental supply may affect the markets. Why it’s wise to attend rental conferences in other markets. Industry trends that Gryd is taking notice of, and what it has planned for the future. -
In our rapidly evolving world, prospecting tenants expect more than just a place to live or work. They seek vibrant, all-encompassing communities that offer convenience, choice, and a sense of belonging. On this episode of Sync or Swim, we are joined by Dimitri Kritikos, Director of Property Management at Rhapsody, who offers us a unique perspective on the promise of mixed-use developments and how they satisfy the needs of today’s discerning residents. Listening in, you’ll gain insight into Toronto’s exciting new master-planned community, The Well, which is one of the most ambitious mixed-used projects of its kind in Canada. You’ll also learn about the benefits of the geothermal well the development takes its name from, the various amenities that residents will be able to take advantage of, and how The Well not only offers an incredible place to live but is even changing the stigma of renting. For a sneak peek into the future of purpose-built rentals, tune in today!
Key Points From This Episode:
A high-level overview of Dimitri’s role at Rhapsody. Why he believes mixed-use developments are the future of purpose-built rentals. How the expectations of prospecting tenants have shifted in recent years. Insight into FourFifty The Well, a mixed-used development managed by Rhapsody. The benefits of the geothermal well that the development takes its name from. A look at the design of the residential suites: The Residences and FourFifty The Well. Amenities that are on offer for residents at The Well. How luxury mixed-use developments like these challenge the stigma of renting. The various demographics that The Well caters to. What Dmitri means when he refers to “peace of mind living.” Where you can learn more about this exciting development! -
Rentsync's Director of Sales and Business Development Matt Livingstone joins us in conversation today to explore recent innovations in Multifamily Marketing, why they are necessary, and what we might expect from the future. To kick off our conversation, we discuss the current climate in multifamily investment, the emergent needs and how they could be fulfilled. Exploring use cases and the development of the Floor Plan Navigator, we speak to increasing sophistication in condo development and the role and integration of interactive tools in the Canadian and US market. We touch on future plans for FPN based on the various ways in which it is currently being adopted, why there are so many possibilities arising from the advent of this tool, and potential benefits for corporate contexts, landlords, and renters. Join us today to hear all this and more!
Key Points From This Episode:
Context for this conversation: the housing crisis, rapid fluctuations, and more. Needs emerging from the current climate including cohesion and innovation. Floor Plan Navigator (FPN) an interactive tool used to showcase unit availability. Landlord and renter benefits that arise from using this tool. How sophistication has increased on the condo development side. Prevalence of interactive tools in the US market. Future plans for FPN with its beginnings in mind. Use cases for FPN in a client context. The Point of Sale Device that has been developed. Why there are so many possibilities with this particular tool and how they might unfold. Potential corporate benefits of using the system. What is next for Rentsync beyond this model. How software can support safety and trust.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Matt Livingstone on LinkedIn
Rentals.ca
Rentsync
Sync or Swim Podcast
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Housing affordability in Canada is a major concern for anyone hoping to purchase a home amid the current climate of increasing prices. For the same amount as a two-bedroom property in Toronto, prospective home buyers could purchase lake-facing castles in Europe or even entire private islands, according to content creator Millennial Moron, who has noted these absurdities in a series of viral videos. In today’s episode of Sync or Swim, the Millennial Moron himself joins us to share his humorous yet insightful take on the Canadian real estate market, the housing bubble we find ourselves in, the need for more purpose-built rentals, and the impact that rising interest rates are having on mortgages, plus so much more! This conversation not only offers a well-informed perspective and valuable insights, but it also injects some much-needed humour into what many might consider a dire situation. For the Millennial Moron’s guide to Canadian real estate in 20204 and beyond, be sure to tune in today!
Key Points From This Episode:
What inspired the Millennial Moron to voice his opinion on the housing industry in Canada. Insight into his strategy to use humour to illustrate the serious topic of rising interest rates. Canada's housing bubble: how we ended up here and where we're going. The need to correct a long-term deficit in purpose-built rentals. Why owning property isn’t always better than renting. What the cap on international students means for Canada’s housing shortage. Millennial Moron’s market predictions for the next 12-18 months. Correlations between the situation in Canada and the 2008 mortgage crisis in the US. The impact that rising interest rates and inflation are having on mortgages. Market sentiment versus cashflow and why the success of Canada’s real estate markets in 2024 hinges on interest rates. -
Housing is a hot topic in Canadian mainstream media and we couldn’t be more grateful, because even though steps are being taken to improve the state of housing in the country, there is still much work to be done. Joining us today to speak about Canada’s rental landscape is a journalist with her finger on the pulse – Toronto Star’s Business Reporter, Clarrie Feinstein. After explaining what drew her to journalism and business reporting and real estate, Clarrie walks us through the current trends of the housing market, why many buyers are tentative and overwhelmed, what the HST removal could mean for developers and new developments, and how the housing crisis has negatively affected the general mood of Canadians. Then, we take a closer look at how the mass exodus from big cities is shaping smaller neighbouring towns, how housing costs influence Canada’s international reputation, the ins and outs of short-term rentals, and our guest’s vision for the future of the Canadian housing market.
Key Points From This Episode:
Introducing Toronto Star’s Business Reporter, Clarrie Feinstein. How Clarrie decided on journalism and what drew her to business reporting and real estate. Notable trends that she’s witnessed in the current housing market. Why now is a confusing time for buyers, and why most are waiting for lower interest rates. What the removal of the harmonized sales tax (HST) could mean for developers. The looming shadow of bankruptcy and the nationwide gloom of the housing crisis. How the cost of housing is affecting Canada’s reputation as an ideal home destination. The trickle effect of the mass big-city exodus on smaller towns and suburbs. Taking a closer look at the short-term rental market. How the economy and other social factors have impacted Canada’s rental market as a whole. Clarrie’s predictions for the future of Canada’s housing market. -
Joining us in conversation are Rentsync CEO and VP of Technology and Data, Max Steinman and Michael Mottola. We are also joined by two members of the Building Stack community, CEO Jonathan Margel, and COO, Pablo Menghini. Tuning in, you will hear our guests offer their insights on the recent merger between Rentsync and Building Stack and how it was approached. Hear how Building Stack came to be, what motivated the merger, and how it supports property managers and the many hats they are required to wear. Learn about each business, what to expect from the future, and the biggest benefits that are set to unfold in the coming year. Thanks for tuning in!
Key Points From This Episode:
Welcoming this episode’s four guests; Max Steinman, Michael Mottola, Jonathan Margel, and Pablo Menghini. The story of how Building Stack came to be. Factors behind the decision to merge Rentsync and Building Stack. The resident lifecycle and how Rentsync and Building Stack intend to move down the funnel. Some of the many areas in which property managers need to be experts in the present landscape. How the integration will improve Rentsync’s services. Rentsync’s core competencies. The biggest benefit of the merger, including seamlessness reporting capability. What the merger hopes to achieve and how it will affect customers in the short term. How things will change in the long term and how each of our guests feels about the collaboration.Listen to the episode wherever you get your podcasts, Apple, Google Podcasts, or Spotify.
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In this episode, we take a look back at 2023 and the rental trends reported by Rentsync and Rentals.ca. The Canadian housing market seems to be setting and breaking records each day, but does the good outweigh the bad? To help us make sense of Rentals.ca and Urbanations's report, we are joined by three of its influential contributors; the Product Manager of Data Services at Rentsync, David Aizikov, the CEO of Rentsync, Max Steinman, and the President of Urbanation, Shaun Hildebrand. The trio is here to walk us through their findings, which include the steady of flow new rental trends that have played out throughout the year, supply and demand numbers, the undeniable national crisis relating to the cost of living, and the possible impact that reduced housing may have once it enters the market from 2024 onwards. We also learn about the hidden opportunities of affordability, the fears that most prospective homeowners share, the communal relief that rent and housing is top-of-mind for mainstream media and policy-makers, and what renters and landlords can expect from the market in 2024 and beyond.
Key Points From This Episode:
Introducing three key compilers of Rentals.ca and Urbanations's annual rental report, David Aizikov, Max Steinman, and Shaun Hildebrand. Assessing the consistency of new rental trends that we've witnessed throughout the year. Supply and demand numbers, and the factors that affect them. The cost-of-living crisis. Exploring the possible impact of reduced housing's addition to the supply in 2024. Whether the softening of demand and leveling of rents is closer than we may realize. Community upliftment and other opportunities of affordability. The fears of a prospective homeowner. What it means for housing and rent to be at the top of policy-making agendas. How landlords and renters ended up understanding the other's perspective. What renters and landlords can expect from the market in 2024 and beyond.Listen to the episode wherever you get your podcasts, Apple, Google Podcasts, or Spotify.
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Canada is in the grips of a housing crisis as the people who need homes far outnumber the available residential units. At the same time, Canada is also experiencing a vacancy problem after the steep decline in office space demand post-COVID. It would make sense, then, to convert the empty office spaces into residential units, but as today’s guest, Steven Paynter explains, this process is far from simple. Steven is the Global Leader of Building Transformation and Adaptive Reuse at Gensler – an elite global architecture, design, and planning firm. Steven and his team developed an algorithm to rapidly assess project viability for office-to-residential conversions, and he explains how this helped Gensler form a successful relationship with Calgary Economic Development. Our guest details the challenges that he comes across in other parts of North America, as well as the areas of opportunity to mirror the success of the work done in Calgary. We also discuss why offices will never be the same post-COVID, how “trash” office spaces can turn into diamond residential units, why most buildings are not suitable for office-to-residential conversions, and the costs of converting versus construction. To end, we gain a better understanding of the true value of Gensler’s algorithm, and what the future may hold for this game-changing initiative.
Key Points From This Episode:
Introducing the Global Leader of Building Transformation and Adaptive Reuse at Gensler, Steven Paynter. Steven details his professional background and explains how he fulfils his role at Gensler. The ins and outs of his algorithm for assessing potential office-to-residential conversions. How Gensler formed a relationship with Calgary Economic Development. Exploring the challenges and opportunities that Steven sees in other parts of North America after Calgary’s success. The way offices are changing and why they will never be the same as pre-COVID. How some features of an unpleasant office space are actually ideal for a family home. Why the percentage of buildings that are viable for conversions is so low. The costs of office-to-residential conversions versus new constructions. Understanding the true value of Steven and Gensler’s algorithm.Listen to the episode wherever you get your podcasts, Apple, Google Podcasts, or Spotify.
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Multifamily marketing has seen a variety of changes over the last year, particularly with the integration of AI advancements. Joining us today to unpack this evolution is our very own Allie Langohr, VP of Client Service at Rentsync. Tuning in you’ll hear Allie shed light on how their team is incorporating AI into the Rentsync platform and the many ways AI tools are being used to support digital marketing efforts. Find out how ChatGPT is being utilized to generate property descriptions and the awesome power of image editing tools to elevate photographs with ease. Allie also provides a breakdown of Rentsync’s new Infinity Bundle and gives a detailed account of its unique approach to helping clients maximize visibility across listing sites. For all the fascinating details on how Rentsync is incorporating AI tools into its platform and the evolution of multifamily marketing, be sure to tune in today!
Key Points From This Episode:
Introducing today’s guest, Allie Langohr, VP of Client Service at Rentsync. How Allie and her team are incorporating AI into the Rentsync platform. Unpacking their implementation of ChatGPT and AI image editing technology. The role of AI in their digital marketing efforts. Why it’s still necessary to have an expert editing AI-generated content. Updates on the latest developments in Rentsync’s digital marketing. The positive results they’ve seen from delivering ads on TikTok. Their website traffic campaigns and why they recommend them to clients with new websites. Details on their solutions for collecting leads on TikTok. Google ads and methods for keeping these up to date. How they are achieving reduced bounce rates and better lead quality in Google ads. An overview of the new Infinity Bundle by Rentsync.Listen to the episode wherever you get your podcasts, Apple, Google Podcasts, or Spotify.
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There is a major deficit in purpose-built rentals in Toronto at the moment and today on the Sync or Swim Podcast, we are chatting about this issue with Jonathan and Gabriel Diamond from Well-Grounded Real Estate. Tuning in, you’ll hear about their focus in the real estate world right now, why this deficit is happening, differences between apartment development and contrast condos, and how these problems can be solved. We discuss what is effective in terms of innovation before talking about integrated product delivery. Finally, our guests tell us about their incredible 1925 Victoria Park building. To hear all this and more, press play now!
Key Points From This Episode:
An introduction to today’s guests, Jonathan and Gabriel Diamond. What they do now and their real estate goals for the future. Why they believe there is a deficit in purpose-built rentals in Toronto right now. Some key economic differences between apartment development and contrast condos. How policy needs to change so that these issues can be resolved. The problems with the Canadian fire code. How our guests define innovation and why they feel we’re on the wrong innovation curve. Why Jonathan and Gabriel are interested in improving the system of housing delivery. What integrated product delivery is and why it’s beneficial. Why Toronto has the ability to lead real estate innovation and what holds it back. Jonathan and Gabriel tell us about their 1925 Victoria Park building.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Jonathan Diamond on LinkedIn Gabriel Diamond on LinkedIn Well-Grounded Real Estate 1925 Victoria Park Rentsync Sync or Swim Podcast Sync or Swim Email
Listen to the episode wherever you get your podcasts, Apple, Google Podcasts, or Spotify.
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With skyrocketing rental prices, the tenant-landlord relationship is becoming increasingly divisive. In this episode, we discover how RentFund, led by founder and CEO Thomas Deneve, is revolutionizing the rental landscape by incentivizing tenants to take better care of properties through a unique financial approach, fostering a win-win scenario for landlords and renters. Thomas explains RentFund’s streamlined rent collection process, with an emphasis on security and privacy, and shares the company’s aim to eliminate transaction fees altogether. Tune in for insight into the future of the rental industry, and RentFund’s role in shaping the way we rent and invest in properties across Canada.
Key Points From This Episode:
Introducing Thomas Deneve, Founder and CEO of RentFund. What RentFund does and what inspired Thomas to start the company. RentFund’s unique approach to incentivizing tenants to take better care of properties. How this approach benefits both renters and landlords. The streamlined rent collection process RentFund facilitates, with an emphasis on security and privacy. RentFund’s aim to eliminate transaction fees. Thomas explains RentFund’s vision for the future of the rental industry. The company’s plans for expansion.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Thomas Deneve on LinkedIn RentFund Rentsync Sync or Swim Podcast Sync or Swim Email
Listen to the episode wherever you get your podcasts, Apple, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. -
As rental demand rises, rental scams are becoming increasingly prevalent. Today, we are joined by Cameron Choquette, CEO of the Saskatchewan Landlord Association (SKLA), to discuss rental housing scams and their impact on both renters and landlords. Cameron highlights the increasing prevalence of scams targeting prospective tenants, offering key red flags and practical tips for renters to stay vigilant. He emphasizes the importance of verifying listings and shares insights for landlords to protect their properties. Tune in as we discuss the long-term consequences of rental scams and explore the significance of education and vigilance in the evolving landscape of rental housing.
Key Points From This Episode:
Introducing Cameron Choquette and the Saskatchewan Landlord Association (SKLA). The increasing prevalence of rental scams. Common types of rental scams. Red flags for renters to look out for. What to do if you suspect a scam. How to verify the legitimacy of listings. The negative impact rental scams have on both renters and landlords. Common scams targeted at landlords. What rental housing providers can do to secure the process. Advice for subletters. The relationship between the SKLA and the government. Long-term consequences of rental scams. A final piece of advice for both renters and landlords on staying vigilant.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Cameron Choquette on LinkedIn Saskatchewan Landlord Association CanLII in Saskatchewan Giacomo Ladas on LinkedIn Rentals.ca Rentsync Sync or Swim Podcast Sync or Swim Email
Listen to the episode wherever you get your podcasts, Apple, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. -
In recent months, we have delved into the pressing issue of the lack of rental supply across Canada. This episode explores a creative and innovative solution: repurposing vacant buildings! Today’s guest Howard Chai, a staff writer at STOREYS, has been writing about this topic for a while now and has chatted with many industry experts. He joins us to shed some light on this topic. He explains the concept of "adaptive reuse" with a focus on office-to-residential conversions. We discuss the driving factors behind this trend, successful conversion stories in North America and most notably, Calgary, and the lessons other cities can learn from the Downtown Calgary Development Incentive Program. We also discuss the challenges architects and developers face considering these conversions and how the community typically responds. We look at examples of how such conversions positively impact developers, immigration, and rental supply before Howard shares his predictions for the future of office space and residential conversions in the years to come. Tune in for fascinating insight into this potential solution to the problem of the lack of rental supply!
Key Points From This Episode:
An introduction to today’s guest, Howard Chai, Staff Writer at STOREYS. His thoughts on the current rental housing situation in Canada. An overview of the concept of “adaptive reuse” and how this relates to office-to-residential conversions. The factors that are driving the trend of repurposing office space for residential use. Office-to-residential conversion success stories from Calgary and other cities where this has been done. Insight into the Downtown Calgary Development Incentive Program and what other cities can learn from it. Some of the major challenges that architects and developers encounter when attempting this type of conversion. The typical community response to these building conversions. Conversion examples that brought a positive change for developers, immigration, and rental supply. To what extent does the lack of data about conversion projects hinder their adoption. Howard’s predictions for the future of office space and residential conversions in the coming years.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Howard Chai on LinkedIn STOREYS Transforming Empty Offices into Housing: A Potential Solution to Canada's Housing Crisis? Adapt or Die: Why Converting Offices Into Homes Hasn’t Taken Off in Canada Downtown Development Incentive Programs Gensler’s Steven Paynter on His Office Building Conversion Algorithm Rapid Housing Initiative Rentsync Sync or Swim Podcast Sync or Swim Email -
Our guest today is a city planner by trade and has valuable insights into NIMBYism (Not In My
The mission behind coUrbanize and what inspired Karin to start the company. Why community engagement is so essential in real estate development today. Challenges faced by developers when trying to engage with communities. Why the younger “asset-less class” is less inclined to get involved in local politics. How coUrbanize lowers the bar to participation and builds relationships within communities. Strategies developers should consider when engaging with communities. How technology has evolved the way developers are engaging with communities. What NIMBYism is and how it relates to real estate development. Common reasons for NIMBYism and community opposition to development projects. Examples of notable NIMBYism cases and their outcomes. The importance of data in getting board approvals for developments. Regulatory changes that could alleviate NIMBYism and streamline the development process. The risk in development and the cost of delays from community opposition. How community engagement benefits real estate owners. What we can learn from the homeless crisis in San Francisco. How COVID brought into question the traditional way of carrying out community engagement. The findings of Boston University’s study on neighborhood defenders. What Karin considers to be the best way to fundamentally address NIMBYism. Examples of interesting community engagement approaches, globally. Karin predicts the evolution of community engagement. What should be included in the curricula for future city planners.
Backyard) and what is and isn’t working in terms of community engagement in the
real estate development world. Karin Brandt is the CEO and Founder of coUrbanize and, in this
episode, she schools us on the importance of community engagement and how technology has
evolved the way developers are engaging with communities. We discover why the younger
“asset-less class” is less inclined to get involved in local politics and how coUrbanize aims to
change that, by getting more diverse community-representative voices on approvals boards
throughout the US. Karin breaks down how increased community engagement benefits not only
the community but real estate owners too and explains how best to address NMBYism
fundamentally. Tune in to find out where developers and policy-makers are going wrong in their
attempts to engage with communities and what needs to change as well as what can be learned
from the homeless crisis in San Francisco.
Key Points From This Episode:Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Karin Brandt on LinkedIn coUrbanize Rentsync Sync or Swim Podcast Sync or Swim Email -
This episode of the Sync or Swim Podcast is incredibly exciting as we are joined by Rentsync’s CEO, Max Steinman, for the very first in-person episode! Tuning in, you will hear all about the amazing changes that have happened at Rentsync over the last year, namely the integration of ChatGPT, before we delve into how AI impacts the housing industry as a whole. We discuss how Rentals.ca has evolved, its new network, Rentsync’s tours module, and so much more! Next, Max shares his wisdom about the supply issue in the housing industry, what’s causing it, how to get rid of it, and why rent control is a huge issue. Financialization, according to Max, is just another word for capitalism, and in this episode, he tells us why we shouldn’t demonize it and why rent evictions are a problem. Finally, we end on a positive note as we discuss how commercial space is being transformed. Thanks for listening in!
Key Points From This Episode:
Introducing today’s guest, Rentsync’s very own CEO, Max Steinman. Max takes us through some of the exciting changes that have happened at Rentsync. How we have integrated with ChatGPT and how it makes life easier for property managers. Max shares his thoughts on AI and how he sees it impacting the rental housing industry. The evolution of Rentals.ca over the past year. Our guest tells us about the Rentals.ca network and his excitement about that initiative. Rentsync’s new tours module and all about the tours webinar. Why Max thinks we’re facing a supply issue in the housing market and how to get out of it. The challenges with rent control and how, historically, it always has a negative outcome. Why Max believes that financialization is just a synonym for capitalism and his thoughts on it. Rent evictions and how a wedge is driven between the tenant and landlord’s best interests. The positive transformation of commercial space is happening in the market now.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Max Steinman on LinkedIn Rentals.ca ChatGPT FRPO Rentsync Sync or Swim Podcast Sync or Swim Email -
If you’ve been playing around with the idea of making use of a bot in your company but have been worried about the added time and effort it takes to set it up, you may want to check out BetterBot. Today, we’re joined by our guest, Robert Turnbull, the President, COO, and Founder of BetterBot. He’s with us today to discuss the benefits of BetterBot and the world of artificial intelligence. As you tune in, you’ll hear more about Betterbot and the intention behind its creation and also about the primary product philosophy. Robert shares why he doesn’t believe in AI mimicking human conversation and why people don’t like finding out that they weren’t talking to a [real] human. We talk about what sets BetterBot aside from other bots and why free isn’t always free when it comes to the use of bots. If you want to find out how bots, and AI in general, can serve the multifamily industry, then this episode is for you. Be sure not to miss out, so subscribe, and tune in now.
Key Points From This Episode:
What BetterBot is and what it was created for. Who Robert Turnbull is and what lead him to found BetterBot. He takes us through BetterBot’s primary product philosophy. Why he doesn’t believe in using AI to mimic human conversation. The reasons why people don’t like finding out they weren’t talking to a [real] human. Why customer satisfaction, or CSAT, scores are important and how they’re influenced. Some differences between BetterBot and other commonly used email bots. Bots: why free isn’t always free and why marketers are moving toward the paid model. Why using BetterBot takes the workload off (and doesn’t add work to the workload!). Robert shares other ways BetterBot, and AI in general, can serve the multifamily industry. Ways ChatGPT can help the multifamily industry and how his company is approaching it. His perspective on some of the “alarmists” and where all of this [AI] is going. Words of advice for those still hesitant about using AI in their leasing strategy.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Robert Turnbull LinkedIn BetterBot ChatGPT Rentsync Sync or Swim Podcast Sync or Swim EmailListen to the episode wherever you get your podcasts, Apple, Google Podcasts, or Spotify.
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What role does purpose-built rental housing play in our housing solution? Today’s guest passionately believes that it’s going to play a big part and that we need to recognize, prioritize, and support that both as a society and as policy-makers. Tony Irwin is the President and CEO of The Federation of Rental-housing Providers of Ontario (FRPO). Tuning in, you’ll hear his thoughts on the necessity of taking immediate action to promote purpose-built construction, the impact of population growth and immigration, and how affordability issues are impacting the rental landscape today. We touch on obstacles to building purpose-built rentals, renters’ stigma, and the positive evolution of the rental housing industry. Hear Tony’s take on the true root of the affordability challenge, barriers faced by smaller rental operators, and what he recommends for the next housing bill. Tune in today to hear all this and more!
Key Points From This Episode:
Introducing Tony Irwin, President and CEO of FRPO. How the Purpose-Built Rental Report came together. An overview of the current state of Purpose-Built Rentals in the GTA. Why it is necessary to take immediate action to incentivize more purpose-built construction. The impact of population growth and immigration. How affordability issues are impacting the rental landscape. Challenges to building purpose-built rentals. The stigma attached to renters versus owners. Obstacles posed by parking laws. How FRPO is approaching pending policy changes. Why the evolution of the rental housing industry is a positive thing. What the affordability challenge in the rental housing market can truly be attributed to. Challenges faced by smaller rental operators. Tony’s recommendation to boost density for the next housing bill. The importance of getting more people to do skills training.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Tony Irwin on LinkedIn Tony Irwin on Twitter FRPO BILD Urbanation Finnegan Marshall Purpose-Built Rental Report Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 Rentsync Sync or Swim Podcast Sync or Swim Email -
ChatGPT and other forms of AI are really making airwaves, and in today's episode, we unpack how this relates to the rental housing industry. Joining us for this conversation are market research and advertising expert Adhiraj Brar and digital marketer Miguel Vasquez, both from Mainstreet Equity, a leading Canadian real estate and property management company. They’re here to shed light on how you can integrate AI and ChatGPT into your marketing strategies and use it to reduce your workload. Tuning in you’ll hear more about what ChatGPT is, how it functions, and some of the ways that it is helping property managers, landlords, and marketers in the rental housing industry. You’ll also learn how it has been used to create the National Demand Report by Rentsync before we hear about some of the helpful things this evolving technology will soon be able to do. Apart from talking about its many valuable use cases, our guests also share a word of warning to users of these tools and talk about some of the errors they have noticed while working with them. To find out more about how to make the most of AI and ChatGPT, tune in today!
Key Points From This Episode:
An introduction to our guests and their roles at Mainstreet Equity. What ChatGPT is and how it functions. What led Adhiraj and Miguel to explore how AI and ChatGPT can help in the workplace. Some of the ways that ChatGPT is helping property managers, landlords, and marketers in the rental housing industry. How ChatGPT was used to create the National Demand Report by Rentsync. Some of the helpful things this evolving technology will soon be able to do. Errors our guests have noticed while working with ChatGPT, including “hallucinations." Thoughts on ChatGPT Pro versus the free version. How ChatGPT can be helpful for employees when English isn't their first language. Advice to new users of ChatGPT and other AI tools. Use cases of AI technology that the Mainstreet Equity team is excited to try. Where people can find out more about what's going on in the world of AI.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Adhiraj Brar Miguel Vasquez Mainstreet Equity ChatGPT Rentsync's Demand Report Rentsync Sync or Swim Podcast Sync or Swim Email
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