Episode 93: Building The Right Team
Host Michael Uy is joined by our producer Brayden, the Podfather, in this week’s episode as they discuss how to find the right people to maintain (or elevate) the level of customer service for your growing business so you can go from being a one-man show to a rockstar band!
Episode 92: What is a Managing Broker?
Michael Uy continues the conversation with Arlene Chiang, C.O.O + Co-Founder and a licensed Managing Broker for over 8 years, as they discuss the role and importance of a Managing Broker and shifting the perception in the real estate industry. Shout out to our superstar Managing Broker team for their continuous support of Oakwynites!
Episode 91: Explaining the Cooling Down Period with Arlene Chiang
Arlene Chiang, C.O.O. + Co-Founder, joins Michael Uy on this week’s episode to discuss the BC Government’s proposed Cooling Down Period that will be implemented in the Spring of 2022. Hear their thoughts on how this will impact the housing market and how it will help purchasers and sellers make informed decisions.
Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver: October 2021 Statistics Update
At Oakwyn we’re always wanting to present the facts in an engaging way. Every month, one of our agents will unpick current market statistics from the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver to help you understand what’s going on in the real estate market and what you should be looking out for.
For October’s statistics report, we have Jeff Appelbe here to detail another intriguing month. Read on for his insight into the changing October market.
Things Are Changing
Buyer demand continued to be very hot this month. Sales were up 22%, over the 10 year average for October. Inventory is down 35% from last October. Jeff observes a continued problem: buyer demand is hot, inventory is low. This, he notes, is driving prices up.
The thing that’s changing is interest rates. The Bank of Canada has now signaled that interest rates will be climbing likely next year. This means all the banks will change their 5-year fixed rates. Jeff estimates that we will have a bunch of people rushing to get their rate-hold used before it dries up in the next month or two.
Jeff's Key Observations
Condo prices in the whole region are up 1.2%, detached home prices are up 1.2% as well. If we jump into the sales-to-active ratios. Downtown is virtually flat. Downtown is the only place where inventory is not an issue. Lower Lonsdale went from 44 to 83%, East Vancouver 34 to 48% sales-to-active ratio, so we did see things ticking up a little bit. On the detached side, North Vancouver detached homes went from 35 to 54% so quite an increase in the ratio of buyers to inventory. This is something Jeff is watching as he expects prices are going to continue to trickle up.
Get in Touch!
Work with your Oakwyn agent, work with your trusted real estate advisor, and come up with a plan that makes sense for you in 2021 if you’re thinking about making a move.
To keep up with the latest market statistics and join the conversation, be sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and visit our website.
Episode 90: Purchasing Your Principal Residence as a Real Estate Agent
In this week’s episode, co-hosts Michael Uy and Morgan Browne get deep and personal about the homes they grew up in and how their family dynamics have influenced the way they have purchased their own homes. Tune in to hear some tips on how to purchase your own principal residence as a real estate agent!
Episode 89: with Special Guest Robin Bardon (pt. II)
Co-hosts Michael Uy and Morgan Browne continue on the wonderful conversation with the down-to-earth Robin Bardon and we get to hear more about his experiences as an investor and home-buyer. They also discuss developing smart financial habits, helping team members attain the success they’re working towards, and taking care of your own well-being.
Oakwyn Presents: The 2021 Kindness Challenge
For the fourth year running, Oakwyn is dedicating the month of November to our annual Oakwyn Kindness Challenge. The challenge calls on Oakwynites to participate in acts of generosity and goodwill to help spread kindness throughout the city. We hope you’ll join us.
This year, our Kindness Challenge is getting an upgrade as we encourage participants to pursue lasting change in both themselves and the causes they wish to help.
Throughout the month, our Oakwynites will pursue personal and group growth regarding life’s more difficult subjects and knowledge bases in an effort to do good, not just for November, but for many years to come.
Keep your eyes open for our agents’ acts of kindness in and around Vancouver and on social media! #OakwynKindness
Put People First
At the heart of the Oakwyn Kindness Challenge is our commitment and value to “Put People First”. This core value speaks volumes to the work we do at Oakwyn and the values that shape who we are and what we do.
The Oakwyn Kindness Challenge epitomizes our desire to put people first and participate in making the community a better place. This, and our unwavering commitment to Oakwyn and everything it represents, is helping us transform the industry from the inside out.
Coming Up...
As we reflect on this past year, there have been various polarizing situations, which have come to light or resurfaced; affecting you and those you know in some way or another. This year, as part of our annual Oakwyn Kindness Challenge, we want to take it one step further, dig a little deeper, and challenge you to commit to ongoing growth and positive change.
For 3 years, we have used the Oakwyn Kindness Challenge to get into our community and donate our time and money to local charities that need our help. While this has been an invaluable experience, the Oakwyn community is ready to do more.
Acts of charity can only get us so far. We, as a community, recognize that there is important work to be done long-term to the causes close to our hearts. In order to bring about change, we must first do the hard work, educate ourselves, and have hard conversations with people in our community. This year, action and education are the most important elements of Oakwyn’s Kindness Challenge.
Week One
Nov 4th - 12th
Kindness Kicks Off!
The Oakwyn Kindness Challenge kicked off with a great first week!
For week one we totaled 15 Oakwynites who took on the challenge, performing acts of kindness in their communities and committing themselves to ongoing education and awareness on some of the world’s toughest subjects. 15 Oakwynites in one week, and we’re only just getting started!
Amber Ardan’s Story
Amber Ardan is the first featured Oakwynite to take on the Oakwyn Kindness Challenge. Amber chose to dedicate her time and donations to an organization called Raven Trust. The organization raises legal defense funds for the Indigenous people of Canada, so they can defend their rights and the integrity of their land and their culture. Amber will be spending her time learning about 100 amazing individuals who have dedicated their lives to supporting reconciliation, systemic change, and environmental justice.
Watch Amber’s video below and if you’d like to learn more, you can visit their website to see their current campaigns to better support their organization.
Highlights:
- Along with Amber’s inspiring efforts, the following agents also took part in the Oakwyn Kindness Challenge: Jacqueline Adler, Keith Strang, Emily Van Elk, Julia Freeman, Natalie Finkle, Jason Wong, Sid Koshul, Carrie Wertheim, Marlon Murr, Dinah Fast, Amy Green, and Jonathan Lerner.
- Some of the organizations donated to include Rainbow Refugee, Greater Vancouver Food Bank, Alzheimer Society of BC, North Shore Family Service Food Bank, Raven Trust, BC Children’s Hospital, Saint’s Rescue, Yoga Outreach, BC Children’s Hospital, Greater Vancouver Food Bank, North Shore Crisis Services Society, Keat’s Camp, BC SPCA, and REALTORS Care® Blanket Drive.
- You can view all these acts of kindness and more on the Kindness Challenge 2021 highlight reel on our Instagram.
Week Two
Nov 13th - 19th
Kindness continues!
The Oakwyn Kindness continued with another strong week!
For week two we totaled 7 more Oakwynites who took on the challenge, performing acts of kindness in their communities and committing themselves to ongoing education and awareness on some of the world’s toughest subjects. 7 Oakwynites completed their challenges and over 20 Oakwynites were challenged! We’re looking forward to more acts of kindness next week.
Marty Staniforth’s Story
Marty Staniforth is this week’s featured Oakwynite to take on the Oakwyn Kindness Challenge. Marty chose to support Covenant House. Covenant House has been providing support to Vancouver’s homeless youth for over 20 years. They focus on building long-lasting relationships with young people, to help them get back on their feet. Marty has donated money to their Triple match campaign. All donations received before December 31st will be triple matched thanks to the generosity of The Kronier Family, Scotiabank, and an anonymous donor. Every donation helps to provide food, shelter, and clothing to a youth in need.
Watch Marty’s video below and if you’d like to learn more, you can visit their website to donate.
Highlights:
- Along with Marty’s inspiring efforts, the following agents also took part in the Oakwyn Kindness Challenge: Shelley Hird, Jessica Chen, Andrea Mader, Gabriela Martinez, Cara Wong, Robin Bardon.
- Some of the organizations donated to include North Shore Women’s Centre, Dress for Success, SA Foundation, United Way BC – BC Flood Response Fund, Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup
- You can view all these acts of kindness and more on the Kindness Challenge 2021 highlight reel on our Instagram.
Week Three
Nov 20th - 27th
Kindness continues!
The Oakwyn Kindness Challenge continued with another strong week and 10 more Oakwynites committing themselves to the challenge.
Jamie Metzner’s Story
Jamie Metzner is this week’s featured Oakwynite to take on the Oakwyn Kindness Challenge. Jamie chose to support Care BC’s Meals on Wheels. Meals on Wheels has provided hot, nutritious meals and warm, friendly visits to people throughout Vancouver and Richmond. Jamie has been volunteering with the organization delivering hot meals and providing company to Vancouver’s seniors. Jamie has committed to continue working with Meals on Wheels into 2022.
Watch Jamie’s video below and if you’d like to learn more, you can visit their website.
You can view the highlights from the week and more on the Kindness Challenge 2021 highlight reel on our Instagram.
Week Four
Nov 27th - 30th
A Month of Kindness!
The Oakwyn Kindness Challenge finished this week with almost 60 Oakwynites committing themselves to the challenge.
Shauna Ocean’s Story
Shauna Ocean is this week’s featured Oakwynite to take on the Oakwyn Kindness Challenge. Shauna chose to support Mamas for Mamas. Mamas for Mamas is a national organization that supports mothers and caregivers in crisis by providing ongoing support to individuals and families facing various poverty-related struggles. Shauna made a financial contribution to Mamas for Mamas flood relief program, to help those affected by the floods in BC.
Watch Shauna’s video below and if you’d like to learn more, you can visit their website.
You can view the highlights from the whole month at our Kindness Challenge 2021 highlight on our Instagram.
We hope you join us in making this month a valuable experience, and one that helps bring about positive change in yourself and your direct and indirect communities.
Stay tuned for updates from the Oakwyn team and check back in soon to see our ongoing efforts this Oakwyn Kindness Challenge.
Ep 88: with Special Guest Robin Bardon (pt. I)
Co-hosts, Michael Uy and Morgan Browne, are joined by an OG Oakwynite, Robin Bardon! Robin shares his origin story, from starting his career on the Island to eventually having a supportive and successful team, both personally and professionally. Tune in to part 1 and listen to some incredibly helpful tips on how to grow your business and maintain client relationships!
Oakwyn's Charity Feature: Canada Blood Services
From our WOO Scholarship to Oakwyn’s annual kindness challenge, Oakwynites are passionate about giving back to the community and using our platform and privilege to help others.
Inspired by the sheer generosity we’re seeing throughout the Oakwyn community, we hope to instigate positive change with Oakwyn’s Charity Feature.
Our Feature Charity until November 30th is The Canadian Blood Services, an organization that works to provide a lifeline for people in Canada in need of blood.
Giving Back
The initiative aims to spotlight charities that have significance to members of the Oakwyn community. Every two months an Oakwynite will get to select the charity they wish to be Oakwyn’s Charity Feature and we will use our platform to generate awareness and funds for the chosen charity. Oakwyn has always been passionate about giving back and supporting community, and this initiative is a great way for Oakwyn to not only support those in need financially but elevate that support by providing a platform to causes that may not have access to a large network.
As realtors, we are privileged to work in a prosperous industry. It is our responsibility to make sure we are prioritizing giving back and the ways we can use our business acumen, marketing expertise, and community to help spread awareness for important causes.
An hour of your time could change someone’s life
With this feature charity, we will be doing things a little differently and encouraging donations of a different kind.
Our featured charity, the Canadian Blood Services, is near and dear to the heart of Oakwynite Alaina Burnett, a 52-time donator. “It’s an excellent way to give of yourself, without writing a check and wondering where that money goes,” says Burnett.
Canadian Blood Services is a not-for-profit charitable organization that operates with a national scope, infrastructure and governance that make it unique within Canadian healthcare. As a blood donor, you are the lifeline to many Canadians in need of blood in both dire and healthier-living circumstances. It truly aids in so many disastrous and emergency situations involving accidents and injuries, cancer treatments, and so much more.
It is with great humbleness and privilege that our team donated by the dozens to ensure a safer and more healthy Canada. Oakwynites that have donated alongside Alaina Burnett include Cam Walker, Jason Youn, Haley MacDougall, Voy Wong, Ida Federico, Jenny Wun, Moe Pourtaghi, Mike Kowbel, Shauna Ocean, Tiffany Wan, and Madeleine Konst.
People can still add themselves to the Oakwyn Realty team on blood.ca so if they do donate blood later this year, their donations can count towards our pledge. At the moment, we have 19 donations so far this year!
Please note: If you have taken the eligibility quiz and are unable to donate blood at the Centre, you can possibly still donate for research at the Centre of Innovation at UBC – more info here.
We are so excited for this worthwhile initiative and cannot wait to see the positive impact Oakwynites can have on local charities close to our hearts. For more information on this months’ featured charity, visit their website. You can keep up with our charity feature on our Facebook, and Instagram.
Ep 87: Tracking Your Numbers
Listen to some tips on how to track your numbers with co-hosts Morgan Browne & Michael Uy while sipping on some tequila to stay warm! They share how they track a multitude of items including listings vs. sales, closing ratio, and volume of business during the year so you can plan vacation time.
Ep 86: Warm Prospecting
Let’s keep it lean and mean! As a majority of a realtor’s business comes from clients’ referrals, co-Hosts Morgan Browne & Michael Uy provide some tools to help you connect with your client base.
Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver: September 2021 Statistics Update
At Oakwyn we’re always wanting to present the facts in an engaging way. Every month, one of our agents will unpick current market statistics from the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver to help you understand what’s going on in the real estate market and what you should be looking out for.
This September’s statistics report comes straight from Adam Chahl. You can read up on September’s insights below to stay up to date on another big month for the market.
Election Promises
With an election behind us, one campaign promise sticks out from Prime Minister Trudeau’s list, and that’s the ending of what is called “blind bidding.”
Something akin to Australia’s “outside the house” bidding, where bids are obtainable pieces of information, will increase transparency surrounding the housing market in Canada.
It remains to be seen if this abolishing of “blind bidding” will sway the prices on the housing market currently.
“With the federal election now behind us, we hope to see governments at all levels work with the construction industry to streamline the creation of a more abundant and diverse supply of housing options,” says Keith Stewart, Economist at Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV).
Adam's Key Observations
The number of sales is pretty constant, while the pricing is still increasing in most areas. What we’re seeing is the lack of inventory supply and the lack of new properties coming onto the market. With the hope that we will see more inventory coming onto the market in the fall, there may be some relief of pressure, and prices in time.
Owners have seen an influx in equity related to their property, and many are taking the opportunity to supplement or replace their entire income by renewing that equity into a new property.
Get in Touch!
Work with your Oakwyn agent, work with your trusted real estate advisor, and come up with a plan that makes sense for you in 2021 if you’re thinking about making a move.
To keep up with the latest market statistics and join the conversation, be sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and visit our website.