In this eye-opening episode of Within Reach, Giuliana sits down with Andrea Callegari, a seasoned senior valuation consultant and accredited appraiser at Avison Young. From her early days in the family business to leading high-stakes commercial valuations today, Andrea offers a transparent and expert look at the real estate appraisal process. Whether you're an investor, property owner, or just curious about how real estate is valued, Andrea shares critical insights into the purpose, process, and power of credible appraisals. Discover how market trends, due diligence, and even meth lab explosions (!) can impact property value—and why experience and objectivity matter more than ever.

Timestamps

[00:00:00] Introduction to appraisals as powerful decision-making tools

[00:01:00] Meet Andrea Callegari – career journey & early start in appraisals

[00:04:00] Why appraisals are crucial for financing, buying, and selling

[00:06:00] Appraisals vs. Letters of Opinion: Key differences

[00:08:00] The importance of choosing a qualified appraiser

[00:10:00] Specialization by asset class and location expertise

[00:13:00] Residential vs. commercial appraisals

[00:16:00] Turnaround time: What to expect

[00:17:00] What appraisers need from clients to complete a report

[00:20:00] Addressing low-quality data and unreliable rent rolls

[00:21:00] Market trends and their effect on valuations

[00:24:00] Biggest challenge: Lack of reliable data in tertiary markets

[00:27:00] What buyers should look for in appraisal reports

[00:31:00] Crazy appraisal stories: Meth labs and missing properties

[00:34:00] When subjective judgment meets objective data

[00:36:00] Dream appraisal: Buckingham Palace

[00:38:00] Wrap-up and final thoughts

Notable Quotes

"Every report I prepare—whether residential or commercial—has to be ready to stand up in a court of law." — Andrea Callegari

"Valuation principles transcend borders, but local market knowledge still matters."

"If an appraiser doesn’t have expertise in that asset class, they shouldn’t be taking the assignment."

"Sometimes, people think their building is in great condition… and it’s really not."

"AI can’t replace physically visiting a property to verify it even exists!"

Key Takeaways

• Experience matters: A credible, experienced appraiser brings not just data but discernment to valuations.
• Appraisals guide more than financing: They help with estate planning, prenups, feasibility, and investment strategy.
• Location & asset knowledge is key: Even with data-rich tools, understanding local markets adds value.
• Due diligence is non-negotiable: Thorough document review, rent roll validation, and market benchmarking are all essential.
• Expect volatility: Markets shift fast—especially post-COVID and in today’s hybrid work economy.

If you found value in today's episode, please subscribe, leave us a review, and share it with your friends. Have a question or topic you'd love us to explore? Reach out to us on social media.

Giuliana Pallotta, Broker

Coldwell Banker Ronan Realty, Brokerage

https://www.facebook.com/pallottaproperty

In this episode of Within Reach, we sit down with Logan Weaver, Founder & CEO of Surmount AI, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the investment landscape. Logan shares his journey from studying statistics and finance to developing a cutting-edge AI platform that simplifies investing for individuals and advisors alike.

We discuss:

✅ The difference between traditional investing, robo-advisors, and AI-driven portfolios

✅ How AI can help investors make smarter, emotion-free decisions

✅ The impact of machine learning on portfolio management and risk assessment

✅ Key principles for beginner investors to build long-term wealth

✅ The future of AI in finance and what’s next for Surmount AI

Whether you're an experienced investor or just getting started, this episode will provide you with valuable insights into how technology is reshaping the way we manage money.

🎧 Tune in now and take your investing strategy to the next level!

Timestamps:

[00:00] Introduction – The power of compounding and the importance of a nest egg

[01:00] Meet Logan Weaver: His journey from finance to AI-driven investing

[02:30] What is Surmount AI, and how is it different from traditional robo-advisors?

[04:00] The role of AI and machine learning in investment strategy development

[05:30] Why taking emotions out of investing leads to better financial outcomes

[07:00] How Surmount AI customizes investment portfolios for individuals

[09:00] Logan’s personal investment approach and how he bootstrapped Surmount AI

[10:30] The challenges of building an AI-driven financial platform

[12:00] Advice on filtering out financial misinformation

[14:00] Foundational investing principles for beginners

[15:30] AI’s growing influence on investing over the next 5-10 years

[17:00] The future of financial advising—Will AI replace human advisors?

[19:00] What’s next for Surmount AI, including mobile app and creator partnerships

[20:00] Logan’s final piece of advice: Start investing, stay disciplined, and let it compound

Notable Quote:

"The more you have, the more you let it compound, and the more you don't touch it—things really can grow quickly." – Logan Weaver

Resources Mentioned:

📌 Surmount AI Website – Learn more about Logan’s AI-powered investing platform

📌 Peter Lynch & Warren Buffett Investment Strategies – A great starting point for investors

📌 Kevin Davey’s Algorithmic Trading Book – The book that inspired Logan’s journey into algorithmic investing

📌 AI & Investing – Stay updated on how AI is evolving in the financial world

If you found value in today's episode, please subscribe, leave us a review, and share it with your friends. Have a question or topic you'd love us to explore? Reach out to us on social media.

Giuliana Pallotta, Broker

Coldwell Banker Ronan Realty, Brokerage

https://www.facebook.com/pallottaproperty

https://www.instagram.com/pallottaproperty/

In this episode of Within Reach, we sit down with Jonah Bonn, founder of First Bay Properties, to uncover the journey from a grassroots start to building a thriving commercial real estate business. Jonah shares insights on market trends, investment strategies, and the keys to successful property management. With a focus on multi-tenant industrial and retail assets, he explains how patience, planning, and problem-solving have been crucial in shaping his success. If you’re looking to break into commercial real estate or refine your investment approach, this episode is packed with valuable lessons.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Introduction to Within Reach

[01:00] Meet Jonah Bonn & First Bay Properties

[03:00] Jonah’s unconventional entry into real estate

[06:00] The first big investment & the leap into industrial assets

[08:30] Why Atlantic Canada? Spotting opportunities in secondary markets

[11:00] Challenges of multi-tenant property management

[14:00] The importance of having a long-term investment strategy

[17:00] Trends in industrial & retail real estate

[20:30] Leveraging technology for efficient property management

[23:00] Lessons from managing a private mortgage fund

[27:00] The importance of tenant relations & ethical business practices

[30:00] Jonah’s advice for aspiring real estate investors

[32:00] Closing thoughts & how to connect with Jonah

Key Takeaways:

1. Start Small, Think Big – Jonah’s success came from calculated, patient growth.
2. The “Ugly is Beautiful” Approach – Industrial properties and unanchored retail centers can offer strong investment opportunities.
3. Relationships Matter – Building trust with tenants and investors is just as important as acquiring assets.
4. Technology Enhances Efficiency – Using tools like Yardy and MRI Angus helps streamline operations.
5. Long-Term Vision is Key – Real estate isn’t about quick flips; sustainable success requires a 5–10 year outlook.

Notable Quotes:

“Start with a plan, stay focused, and be patient. That’s how you turn real estate into a long-term success.” Jonah Bonn

If you found value in today's episode, please subscribe, leave us a review, and share it with your friends. Have a question or topic you'd love us to explore? Reach out to us on social media.

Giuliana Pallotta, Broker

Coldwell Banker Ronan Realty, Brokerage

https://www.facebook.com/pallottaproperty

https://www.instagram.com/pallottaproperty/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/giuliana-pallotta-048412b9

And just a quick reminder, the content provided in this podcast is for entertainment purposes only. We are not offering professional, real estate, legal, or financial advice, and we recommend consulting with the appropriate experts before making any real estate decisions. Neither the host nor the guests or production company are liable for any actions taken based on this podcast.