Ever had a deal that looked perfect… until it turned into a slow-motion train wreck right before closing? 😅 In this episode, we get brutally practical about the real-world stuff that can blow up recreational and commercial real estate deals—and how smart buyers, sellers, and agents can avoid the common (and expensive) mistakes. 💥

We kick off with a big one: getting blinded by a commission and forgetting to qualify the buyer’s financial capability—especially in recreational and commercial properties, where financing can be very different than a standard home purchase. 💰🏢 If you don’t confirm capability early, you can waste weeks (or months) on a buyer who can’t actually close.

Then we get into the seasonal question everyone debates: Is it a good idea to build in the winter? ❄️🏗️ There are pros, cons, and some “it depends” realities—because winter builds can move fast… or get ugly if conditions, trades, and timelines don’t line up.

We also talk about closing delays and a mistake people don’t see coming: waiting until the last second to line up a lawyer. ⚖️ If the closing date is tight, trying to get legal work done after the contract is signed can cost you days you don’t have—so getting that set up early can save a ton of stress.

And speaking of last-minute stress: why do banks love asking about an environmental study two days before closing? 🌎😬 We unpack how this happens, why it matters (especially with certain properties), and what you can do earlier in the process so you’re not sweating bullets at the finish line.

On the tech side, there are some helpful updates: Realtor.ca saved searches and price change alerts are now available, which makes tracking the market way easier for buyers and sellers. 📲📈 Plus, a reminder that Paragon searches can expire yearly, which can quietly break your workflow if you’re not paying attention. 🗓️

We also dive into the new reality of marketing: AI is now being used for real estate agent videos 🎥🤖—what that means, where it helps, and where it can backfire if it comes off as fake or lazy.

Finally, we get real about the human side of business: the seller who pulls the home off the market and sells privately thinking they’ve “escaped commission.” 🧾🚫 Spoiler: it can go sideways fast, and honesty is still the best policy—for your reputation, your risk, and your wallet.

And yes—there’s also a wild mix of real property issues that matter more than people think: steel roofs and avalanche zones 🏔️, the longest negotiation battle ever ⏳, and the cottage owner who converts to a year-round home… only to learn there’s no snow plowing for miles. 🥶🚜

PEI Real Estate real-time search/videos/government links: https://michaelshomes.com/links.html

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📞 Michael: 902-626-6912 (Century 21 Northumberland Realty (1987) Limited)

📞 Patty: 902-626-6622 (Powerhouse Realty PEI Inc.)