The Real Deal Pod: Allister Carrington & Geoff Lee’s Pro Insights in Real Estate

Ep. 96 — BC Real Estate April Stats: Why Qualified Renters Still Aren't Buying (And How to Change That)

BC real estate posted its first year-over-year sales increase in over 12 months, and Fraser Valley real estate prices are stabilizing — so why aren't more BC renters making a move into homeownership?
In this episode of The Real Deal Pod, Fraser Valley realtor Allister Carrington and BC mortgage broker Geoff Lee break down the April 2025 BC real estate and Fraser Valley real estate stats, dig into what's really happening with the Metro Vancouver and BC condo market, and have an honest conversation about why so many qualified renters across BC still aren't buying.
What you'll learn:
April 2025 Fraser Valley real estate numbers — sales up 7% year over year, inventory 45% above the 10-year average
Why detached homes are moving while the BC condo market struggles
The psychology behind why first-time home buyers in BC hesitate — and how to break through it
How a BC mortgage broker approaches turning renters into buyers using real numbers
What first-time buyers in the Fraser Valley actually need to get started
If you're renting in BC and wondering whether now is the right time to buy, or if you're a real estate or mortgage professional looking to better serve first-time buyers, this episode delivers the straight talk you need.
 
Hosted by Allister Carrington | Realtor, KIC Realty | www.AllisterCarrington.com
Co-hosted by Geoff Lee | BC Mortgage Broker, GLM Mortgage Group | www.GLMmortgage.com

The Hidden Condo Costs Buyers Miss | Strata Red Flags Every Buyer Must Know | Episode 95

Buying a condo or townhouse in BC? Read the strata documents—or risk buying a financial headache.
In Episode 95 of The Real Deal Pod, Allister Carrington and Geoff Lees break down the real issues buyers, sellers, and Realtors® need to understand before purchasing a strata property.
Inside this episode:✔ How special levies can suddenly cost owners thousands✔ Why contingency reserve funds matter more than most buyers realize✔ What active lawsuits mean for financing approval✔ Insurance red flags hidden in strata documents✔ Rental-heavy buildings and lender concerns✔ Why depreciation reports matter✔ Property Disclosure Statements—and why honesty matters
One overlooked document can become a very expensive mistake.
If you're buying, selling, investing, or advising clients in BC real estate, this is essential listening.
Stay informed. Stay empowered. Stay tuned.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.

Should You Buy Subject-Free? + How AI Could Change Pricing in Canada | Real Deal Pod Ep. 94

What if two people shopping online saw two completely different prices for the exact same product—simply because of their buying habits?And what does it really mean to submit a subject-free offer when buying a home in British Columbia?
 
In this week’s episode of The Real Deal Pod, trusted Realtor Allister Carrington and mortgage expert Geoff Leeunpack two major conversations shaping today’s market:
 
✅ Algorithmic pricing — how artificial intelligence may soon personalize pricing based on your behaviour, spending patterns, and online activity.✅ Subject-free offers explained — when it makes sense, when it doesn’t, and how buyers can protect themselves.✅ Pre-sale rescission periods and smart offer strategies.✅ Why your power team matters more than ever—Realtor, mortgage broker, inspector, lawyer, and insurance advisor working together to protect your investment.✅ Real market insight from the Fraser Valley spring market—what’s actually happening beyond the headlines.
 
This episode is packed with practical advice, thoughtful conversation, and straight talk designed to help buyers make confident, informed decisions.
 
Knowledge creates confidence. Preparation creates opportunity.
 
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favourite podcast platform.
 
➡️ Find out how we can help with your homeownership journey
 
Allister CarringtonRealtor®, KIC Realtywww.AllisterCarrington.com📞 1.778.990.8703✉️ allister@allistercarrington.com
 
Geoff LeeMortgage Broker, GLM Mortgage Groupwww.GLMmortgage.com📞 1.604.259.1486✉️ geoff@GLMmortgage.com

🎙️ Episode 92: Should You Buy Now or Wait? | BC Real Estate Market Update & Buyer Strategy 2026 📊💼

Should you buy now… or wait?
That’s the question we’re hearing every day—and in this episode, we give you a clear framework to make the right decision based on today’s market.
In Episode 92 of The Real Deal Pod, we break down what’s actually happening across the Fraser Valley and Greater Vancouver real estate market—and how interest rates, inventory, and buyer behaviour are shaping your opportunities right now.
If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines, this will help you move forward with clarity.
In this episode, you’ll learn:• What’s changing in the BC real estate market right now• How interest rates are impacting affordability and timing• When it makes sense to act—and when patience wins• Strategies to navigate (or avoid) multiple offers
This is about more than information. It’s about helping you feel confident in your next move—whether that’s buying, selling, or waiting.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube

Social Media for Realtors and Small Businesses: How to Turn Posts Into Clients (Without Posting Daily) I Ep 93

Most real estate agents and mortgage brokers are posting…but not converting.
In this episode of The Real Deal Pod, Allister Carrington and Geoff Lee sit down with Jennifer Robertson (My Marketing Maven) to break down a clear, proven approach to real estate social media marketing that actually generates business.
If you’ve been wondering why your content isn’t turning into conversations—or clients—this episode will give you the structure you’ve been missing.
💡 What you’ll learn:
How to build a consistent social media strategy for real estate
The exact formula for posts that drive engagement and leads
Why likes don’t matter—and what actually does
How to position your personal brand to build trust online
When to outsource your marketing and focus on revenue-generating activities
This isn’t about doing more.It’s about doing it right.
If your goal is to attract clients, build authority, and create consistency in your business, this episode will show you how to start.
🎧 Press play and take control of your online presence.

Prefab Housing in Vancouver + The #1 Mistake That Kills Deals Before Closing | Ep 91

What if your deal could fall apart… just days before you get the keys?
 
In Episode 91 of The Real Deal Pod, we break down two major shifts happening in today’s market—and what they mean for you as a buyer or homeowner.
 
First, we unpack Vancouver’s newest prefab housing project near Trout Lake. It’s being positioned as a faster, more affordable way to build—but is it really the solution? We walk through what prefab actually means, where the bottlenecks are showing up, and why this could reshape how housing gets delivered across BC.
 
Then we dive into one of the most important conversations you’re probably not having: what can go wrong in the final 7 days before closing.
 
Most buyers think they’re safe once conditions are removed. The reality? That’s when risk is at its highest.
 
Inside this episode:
 
How lenders re-check your file before funding
The small decisions that can quietly kill your deal
Why job changes, new debt, or even co-signing can cost you the home
What a strong “power team” actually does to protect you
 
 
This episode is about staying informed, staying protected, and making confident decisions—right up to the finish line.
 
🎧 If you’re buying, refinancing, or planning your next move, this is one you don’t skip.
 
Follow & stay informed with weekly insights on real estate and mortgages in BC.

🎙️Episode 90: The Confidence Gap in Real Estate - Why Buyers Are Waiting & How to Use Your Equity

This week on The Real Deal Pod, Allister & Geoff take a deeper look at what’s holding today’s market back — and it’s not what most people think.
 
With home prices down from their peak and interest rates stabilizing, many Canadians are in a position to buy.
So why aren’t they?
 
This episode explores:
• The growing gap between ability and action in homeownership
• How fear and uncertainty are shaping market behavior
• What today’s pricing reset actually means for buyers and investors
• A clear, practical guide to accessing home equity
• Smart vs. risky ways to leverage your home for future growth
 
The takeaway is simple:
When you understand the market, you move differently in it.
 
Follow the show for weekly insights that help you stay ahead — not behind.
 
 
Follow the podcast on:
Apple Podcasts I Spotify I YouTube
 
 
Find out how we can help you with your homeownership journey!
 
Allister Carrington
Realtor, KIC Realty
www.AllisterCarrington.com
1.778.990.8703
allister@allistercarrington.com
 
Geoff Lee
Mortgage Broker, GLM Mortgage Group
www.GLMmortgage.com
1.604.259.1486
geoff@GLMmortgage.com

🎙️ Episode 89 - The Truth About Today’s Real Estate Market + How One Mortgage Decline Turned Into an Approval

On this episode of The Real Deal Pod, Allister and Geoff break down two important realities shaping the real estate market right now.
 
First, we unpack the latest February housing data from Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. Sales are picking up month-over-month, but they’re still sitting well below historical averages. At the same time, inventory has climbed to levels we haven’t seen in years.
 
So what’s really happening?
 
Is this a slowdown… or simply a market resetting after years of intense competition?
 
Then Geoff shares a powerful real-life mortgage story that every buyer should hear.
 
A young couple with great income, savings, and stable jobs were declined for their mortgage after making an offer on a home. Instead of giving up, they sought another opinion — and what followed was a clear six-month strategy that turned their situation around.
 
In this episode you’ll learn:
 
• Why real estate inventory appears high right now
• The surprising reason new listings are actually slowing down
• How the spring market could reshape the rest of 2026
• The credit score lenders really want to see
• The simple credit mistake that quietly kills mortgage approvals
• Why buyers should always seek a second opinion after a decline
 
If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or simply trying to understand what’s really happening in today’s housing market, this episode gives you the clarity most headlines miss.
 
Because the truth is…
 
Real estate isn’t just about numbers.
It’s about strategy, preparation, and having the right professionals guiding you along the way.
 
 
🎧 Listen to The Real Deal Pod every week for real estate insights, mortgage strategies, and real conversations about the market.