The Real Estate Coffee Shop


A weekly podcast where Michael Thorne, Jorda Maisey and Trisha Bongers of HomeLife Benchmark Realty and guests discuss topics that impact your real estate investment and your community.
Click the "Menu" button to view past episodes of the podcast.
Episode Thirteen - Langley Community Farmers Market
In this week’s episode Michael sits down with Susan Davidson and Gary Jones of The Langley Community Farmers Market. On May 25 the market will open for its third season, bringing fresh local food to the residents of the Fraser Valley.
http://www.langleycommunityfarmersmarket.com
info@langleycommunityfarmersmarket.com
http://twitter.com/LangleyFarmMkt
Episode Twelve - Shawn Bouchard
In this week’s episode Michael sits down with Shawn Bouchard, Vice President of Quadra Homes. Quadra Homes is the developer of “Walnut Ridge” which will be one of the Fraser Valley’s largest and most unique residential developments.
http://www.quadrahomes.com
Episode Eleven - Marilyn Piticco
In this week’s episode Michael sits down with the coordinator of the Langley and Abbotsford Stroke Recovery Programs, Marilyn Piticco. This program focuses on community re-integration for stroke survivors: providing an encouraging and empowering atmosphere through support, education, physical and mental stimulation, and communication.
604-882-4672
Episode Ten - Fraser Valley Twestival
In this week’s episode Michael sits down with Caree Bray and Kristi Ferguson, two of the organizers of a charity event called Twestival which will be held March 24, 2011 in the Fraser Valley. Twestival was born out of the idea that if cities were able to collaborate on an international scale, but work from a local level, it could have a spectacular impact. This year’s Fraser Valley Twestival will be raising money to support Canuck Place Abbotsford.
Episode Nine - Robert Cesaretti
In this week’s episode Michael and Trisha sit down with, the Manager of Permits, Licences & Inspections for the Township of Langley, Robert Cesaretti. They discuss what homeowners and buyers should know about building permits when it comes to additions, alterations and suites.
rcesaretti@tol.ca
604-533-6018
Episode Eight - Tyler McClendon
In this week’s episode Michael sits down with film and T.V. actor Tyler McClendon. They discuss Tyler’s career and the opening of “The Space Acting Studio” in Fort Langley which will teach aspiring actors how to audition for film and television.
thespace2011@gmail.com
http://tylermcclendon.astralstream.com
www.twitter.com/thespace2011
http://www.facebook.com/TheSpaceActingStudio
778-881-2453
Episode Seven - Katie Matthewman
In this week’s episode Michael sits down with Katie Matthewman of Fine Redesign Home Staging & Decor Inc. They discuss the rapidly growing popularity of professionally staging homes for sale and some of the pitfalls sellers should avoid in order to maximize the marketability and value of their home.
http://www.fineredesign.ca
http://twitter.com/fineredesign
604-534-9595
Episode Six - Chris Bodnar
In this week’s episode Michael sits down with Chris Bodnar of Glen Valley Organic Farm and discusses local food, his Community Supported Agriculture program and what it is like to be a small scale farmer in the Fraser Valley.
http://glenvalleyorganicfarmcoop.org/
http://glenvalleyorganicfarm.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/gvof
(604) 857-0017
Episode Five - Year In Review
In this week’s episode Michael, Jorda and Trisha take a look back at the Fraser Valley real estate market of 2010 and a sneak peek at what 2011 could bring.
Episode Four - Part Two with Joe Zaccaria and Nathan Pachal
In this week’s episode Michael Thorne continues his conversation with Joe Zaccaria and Nathan Pachal of South Fraser on Trax. They discuss the inter-urban line, light rail and sky train as well as the recent conference presented by South Fraser on Trax entitled “Sustainability on the Edge”.
Joe and Nathan can be reached through their website at www.southfraser.net.
Episode Three - Joe Zaccaria and Nathan Pachal
In this week’s episode Michael Thorne sits down with Joe Zaccaria and Nathan Pachal of South Fraser on Trax. Michael, Joe and Nathan discuss transportation, urban planning, environment, and other issues that affect the liveability of the South of Fraser region.
Joe and Nathan can be reached through their website at www.southfraser.net.
Epidose Two - Peter Wright
In this week’s episode Michael Thorne sits down with Peter Wright from Amerispec Home Inspection Services, and discusses the LiveSmart BC program.
LiveSmart BC is an efficiency incentive program which encourages homeowners, through provincial grants, to undertake an energy efficiency assessment by a certified energy advisor. This provides information on home energy usage and the most effective home upgrades to save energy, increase comfort, and reduce costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
604-513-1989
Episode One - Steve Garisto
In this week's episode Michael Thorne sits down with Steve Garisto, Mortgage Specialist for the Royal Bank and discusses his role in the home buying process and the recent changes by the federal government to lending regulations.