What makes a home feel right — and what signals that something is off?

In this episode of The Real Estate of Things, Vancouver interior designer Alicia Savin joins us to talk about creativity, construction quality, and why great design starts with understanding people, and helping them understand themselves — not just trends. From maximalist color palettes to renovation realities and the “boring money” hidden in plumbing, flooring, and structural work, Alicia shares a candid look at how homes actually come together.

We also dive into how design influences real estate decisions, why buyers sometimes overlook build quality for aesthetics, and how homeowners can create spaces that are both personal and functional. Whether you’re renovating, buying, selling, or just design-curious, this conversation offers practical insights into the intersection of real estate, design, and everyday living.

Talk with Scott Dempster anytime about all things real estate.

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

Chapters:

• (00:00) - Introduction
• (01:35) - Alicia's Background
• (06:00) - Defining her style: curated maximalism
• (06:51) - Starting a design business from scratch
• (09:58) - Understanding clients through lifestyle and personality
• (14:35) - Design trends: moving beyond white and gray homes
• (15:01) - Alicia's Home Renovation Journey
• (17:01) - The Cost of Building Properly
• (19:00) - Structural quality vs cosmetic upgrades in real estate
• (23:37) - Putting a Personal Touch for Clients
• (27:20) - Working with couples and client decision dynamics
• (31:45) - Budget priorities: where design money matters most
• (33:40) - Inspiration sources and creative process
• (37:15) - Design & Business Trends
• (38:40) - Career Experience & Lesson Learned
• (42:55) - Lessons from open houses and real estate staging
• (45:40) - Where to find Alicia + closing thoughts

What really drives value in Vancouver real estate — land, timing, construction costs, or market cycles?

In this episode of The Real Estate of Things, we talk with Vancouver real estate developer Tony Kaleel, President and COO of Northland Living, about how property development actually works behind the scenes. From land acquisition and financing to construction costs, market risk, and long-term city growth, Tony shares a candid look at what it takes to build housing in one of Canada’s most competitive real estate markets.

Tony also reflects on immigrating to Canada, learning the construction business from his father, and how those early experiences shaped his approach to development, leadership, and navigating market volatility.

Whether you’re a real estate agent, investor, developer, homeowner, or just curious about the Vancouver housing market, this conversation offers practical insights into how projects really come together — and where the industry may be heading next.

Talk with Scott Dempster anytime about all things real estate.

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

Chapters:

• (00:00) - Where real estate value really comes from — the land buy
• (00:14) - Show intro: What’s really happening in Vancouver real estate
• (00:36) - Meet Tony Kaleel — developer and industry leader
• (01:07) - Getting started in real estate development
• (02:41) - Immigration to Vancouver and early lessons in the business
• (04:19) - Family construction roots and entrepreneurial beginnings
• (06:03) - Work ethic, resilience, and formative experiences
• (15:30) - How development projects actually come together
• (27:45) - The real costs of building in Vancouver today
• (40:10) - Market cycles, timing, and managing risk in development
• (52:30) - Advice for agents, investors, and aspiring developers
• (01:07:20) - Learning through failure, persistence, and growth
• (01:07:55) - Final thoughts and closing takeaways

Most buyers don’t realize how much is riding on a home inspection until they’re already deep in the deal. This episode offers a grounded, practical look at what a home inspection really tells you.

Scott sits down with veteran home inspector Conall Barr to talk about how he found his way into the business and what he’s learned from decades of walking through other people’s houses.

Conall shares what he looks for first, the problems that show up over and over again, and the difference between a small repair and a real walk-away issue. They also get into what inspections can and can’t catch, how to use the report properly, and how homeowners can take better care of their places, and some of the things they sometimes leave behind...

Talk with Scott Dempster anytime about all things real estate.

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

Chapters:

• (00:00) - Introduction
• (01:11) - How Connall Became a Home Inspector
• (03:30) - How a Home Inspection Works
• (04:35) - Roofs, Drones & Why Details Matter
• (06:02) - Tennant troubles
• (07:08) - Sump Pumps, Basements & Water Issues
• (10:27) - The Importance of Running Appliances
• (12:53) - Attics, Electrical & Hidden Problems
• (18:20) - How to Read a Home Inspection Report
• (23:57) - What Inspections Can and Can’t Catch
• (30:04) - How to Prepare for an Inspection
• (35:59) - Are New Homes Built Better Than Old Ones?
• (40:06) - How to Maintain a Home Over Time
• (43:59) - Conclusion