House Party: Design, Real Estate & Shenanigans

20 Episodes
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By: Maria and Mary

Upfront talks with industry experts about anything pertaining to Interior Design, Renovation and the Real Estate market. For fun, we chat about daily pop culture shenanigans at the end of the podcast. Expect celebrity artists to join us from time to time.We're excited for Season 2!With your hosts:Mary Da Rosa/Mary Da Rosa Real Estate and Maria Perketa/Aspire Design Group

BUILT ON TRUST: A Homeowners Guide To Smarter Renovation
#19
Yesterday at 12:00 PM

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Behind every successful renovation is a foundation of trust—between homeowner, contractor, and designer. In this episode, we walk through the essential steps homeowners should take before starting a construction or renovation project, with a focus on building the right team and managing expectations from day one.

We cover what to look for in a contractor, what a solid construction contract should include, and the common oversights that derail project scopes and timelines. You'll also learn why bringing your designer and contractor together early matters, how to navigate insurance and liability, an...


REAL TALK: Mortgages, Markets and More!
#18
Last Wednesday at 12:00 PM

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In this episode, we’re joined by mortgage expert Paul Rocha, who brings us up to speed on the latest shifts in the mortgage and financial landscape. From interest rate updates to lender trends and what’s happening behind the scenes in the borrowing world, this conversation is packed with insights to help buyers, sellers, and homeowners stay informed.

Whether you're navigating your first mortgage or just trying to make sense of where things are headed, this update breaks it down in a clear, approachable way.


Paul...


Beyond Countertops with Caesarstone Canada
#17
05/30/2025

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Exploring the Materials Behind Exceptional Countertops

In this episode, we delve into the materials that define surfaces we use daily. Join us as we sit down with our guest speaker, Theresa Schoustal from Caesarstone Canada, a leader in premium quartz surfaces and beyond, to explore the evolution of countertop materials. Discover the journey from natural stone to engineered quartz and porcelain. Discover the journey from natural stone to engineered quartz, and how innovations like Caesarstone's Mineral(TM) surfaces are setting new standards in sustainability and design.

Our...


Let's be honest.... The Art of Colloboration
#18
04/24/2025

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Wanting to purchase a home but not sure of what is possible? Mary and Maria will walk you through 3 project case studies which will showcase how being provided the necessary information allowed each of the homeowners to make an informed and confident decision on the next steps for their home. The Art of collaboration...realtor, designer, architect and builder and the importance of having the right team to support you in the journey of purchasing to renovate or a new build with confidence.


Navigating Your Mortgage in Today's Market
#16
04/03/2025

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Please join us with our returning guest Paul Rocha as he walks us through the ever changing climate of mortgages. We will be discussing the shift in mortgages over the past few month, impacts from global tariffs on housing and mortgages and so much more. Shenanigans this time around, Paul will share a buyers beware scenario.

Paul J Rocha has dedicated over three decades to the mortgage industry and currently holds the position of Senior Mortgage Agent at Mortgage Scout. His expertise is invaluable to self-employed individuals, renters, and...


Intentional Living, a holistic approach to living simply and with purpose with our special Guest Alicja of Mindful Spaces by Ala
#15
03/03/2025

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Alicja will be taking us through a journey of clearing both physical and emotional clutter, allowing us to focus on what enriches our lives and adopting a "more intentional lifestyle. We will touch upon how intentional living principles can be applied in real estate and interior design.

Alicja will share with us her journey and how being part of community contributed to her personal and professional growth and how it has helped the over 2000 members now part of "Community and Connection", a thriving Facebook community.

Personal Bio:

...


Thinking of Investing, Building a Custom Home join us with our special guests Sebastiano Dimartino of Seblime Development and Kaylin Smith of Kaylin Smith Realty
#14
02/24/2025

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On todays episode our special guests Sebastiano Dimartino and Kaylin Smith join us to discuss custom luxury homes and investing. For our listeners who are looking to invest, what avenues are there for you and what should you prepare for when aligning with other investors. Kaylin will walk you through the steps for success. Looking to build a custom luxury home, we will touch upon designing to build or sell, what to prioritize or consider when embarking on a project.

With 32 years of expertise in high-end homes and renovations, Sebastiano<...


Straight from the Doctor: Simple Steps to Optimal Health Within Our Homes
#13
02/18/2025

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In today’s episode, we’re joined by Dr. Renata Biondich, who shares some easy-to-follow tips for achieving optimal health. Whether you're a professional, homeowner, or just starting your health journey, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

Over 24 years as a chiropractor and acupuncture provider, Dr. Renata’s mission has always been to help as many people as possible achieve their optimal health from the inside out. From nutrition to chiropractic, from weight loss to strength training, from stress management to posture improvement, from acupuncture to vibrational healing...


Next-Gen Outdoors: Navigating Projects with Innovative Materials
#12
02/12/2025

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The world of outdoor design and construction is evolving, with innovative materials reshaping how we approach projects. In this episode, we explore the latest advancements in outdoor building materials—what’s new, what’s durable, and what’s changing the game.

Personal Bio: 

Peter Peter is best known for his vision and creativity, as well as his unrelenting attention to and passion for his clients.

His parents named him appropriately (Peter is Latin for “Stone”). He has a special affinity for working with Natural Stone.

In his spare...


"Are You Grounded" Paint Trends and Residential Forecasting with Emily Grundy of Sherwin-Williams
#11
01/14/2025

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Are you thinking of a refresh on your home? Join us today as we discuss the world of paint, trends-what's in what's out, finishes and so much more.

Emily is the Division Manager of Design at Sherwin-Williams, overseeing national designer marketing strategy and colour trend exploration. She contributes to the Sherwin-Williams colour forecast team, researching Canadian colours, design projects, and the trends shaping the residential forecast.

With over a decade at Sherwin-Williams, Emily is a registered IDCEC speaker, delivering impactful presentations at events like the Toronto Interior Design Show...


Understanding Porcelain with Olivia Dobrovich of Marbella Canada
#10
11/30/2024

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Listen in to understand the beautiful benefits of using porcelain stone in your home renovation with Olivia Dobrovich, the National Sales Manager of Marbella Canada.

Olivia excels at exceeding client expectations by fostering meaningful engagement. With nine years of experience in the stone and ceramic industry, Olivia's in-depth product knowledge is essential for effectively communicating the customer's needs and solving their problems. Her drive to succeed is fueled by a passion for crafting aesthetically pleasing environments and achieving both personal and professional growth.

Marbella, a Toronto-based distributor, offers a...


All about Short Term Rentals with Mortgage Agent Paul Rocha
#9
10/28/2024

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Paul J Rocha has dedicated over three decades to the mortgage industry and currently holds the position of Senior Mortgage Agent at Mortgage Scout. His expertise is invaluable to self-employed individuals, renters, and new immigrants seeking tailored mortgage solutions. By leveraging strong connections with Canada's premier financial institutions, Paul ensures his clients always have a myriad of loan options tailored to their needs.

His earlier stint as a financial advisor enhances his holistic approach to mortgage planning, allowing him to view each client's needs against the backdrop of their overall financial...


Real Estate Law & what you need to know with
#8
10/15/2024

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Today's podcast speaks to real estate law.  Anna Gurevich has been practicing law since 1995. She was licensed to practice in Ontario in 2016  and she continued her career practicing mostly the same areas of law as previously: Corporate (Business) Law and Real Estate Law as well as Wills & Estates. Anna represents many diverse individuals, family-run and mid-sized businesses through assisting them in their day-to-day operations as well as succession planning.
Anna loves meeting new people and businesses and enjoys helping them and making a positive impact in their day-to-day lives. She is inspired by...


The Value of Home Staging
#7
09/30/2024

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Are you considering putting your home up for sale?  Listen to Becky as she takes you through all the things you need to consider for staging your home properly to get that asking price!


Becky Freeman is an interior design expert in Toronto with 17 years of experience in the industry since 2007. She founded The Property Stylist in 2015 after marrying her love for renovation & interior styling in one cohesive service offering in the real estate market of home staging. 

She leads a team of 10 under her brand, offering traditional st...


The Art Of Eating Healthy While Entertaining
#6
08/16/2024

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In today's podcast we speak with our special guest Julia Leamen, a Board certified functional diagnostic nutrition practitioner, the author of the book Release, and the host of her podcast calledd Confidence from Within.  We'll be discussing healthy eating when entertaining in your home over the summer and holiday time.

As a special gift for listening in, Juliana has graciously provided our listeners with a downloadable e-book on The Art Of Eating Healthy While Entertaining - YOUR HEALTHY GUIDE TO CHARCUTERIE & WINE.

Download it by clicking the link b...


The Value of an In-Home Design Consultation
#5
07/30/2024

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Get input from two designers and a real estate about the value of a in-home design consultation for the homeowner or the homeowner thats thinking of selling. 


How a Mortgage Agent can help Homeowners with guest Christina DeMarinis
#4
07/16/2024

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Our latest podcast special guest is Christina DeMarinis a licensed level 2 mortgage agent at VERICO – The Financial Forum. We will talk about the recent decrease in interest rates and if it has affected the demand for mortgages.  Her prediction on the next rate announcement and the advice she offers for new home buyers in the current environment.  Lastly we will talk about construction loans for your home renovation or improvement.  On Shenanigans, it's everything Love Island USA and reality TV and Christine reveals a big secret.  


Laneway / Garden Suites - What you Need to Know
#3
07/01/2024

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Emmanuel Belliveau from Eva Lanes will explain what are laneway suites and garden suites and the benefits of building a laneway or garden suite.  We will also discuss the specific zoning or legal requirements for building these suites in Toronto and how it can impact property value and neighbourhood dynamics.  These are just some of the points we discuss with Emmanuel.  
Stay tuned for our shenanigans as we discuss the Baby Reindeer lawsuit with Netflix. 

 


Find More Pleasure in your Outdoor Living with special Guest Peter Bonanno from Curb Appeal Concepts
#2
06/11/2024

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Questions A Homeowner should ask themselves before embarking on a home renovation
#1
06/03/2024

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The launch of  House Party: Design, Real Estate & Shenanigans Podcast.  

When undertaking a home renovation, homeowners face a myriad of decisions that can be overwhelming.  Christine, Maria and Mary discuss some of the major decisions they need to make.Â