Realtors: You’re Leaving Money (and Trust) on the Table If You Ignore Renovation Strategy.
Most agents only talk renos after a deal closes.
But the best ones are using renovation, additions, and ADUs as a strategic advantage before their clients decide whether to move.
In Episode 284 of the Sold Right Away Podcast, I sat down with Jonathan Jagt, owner of Frontier Building Group, to unpack how realtors can:
Help clients compare moving vs. renovating in a clear, honest way
Use additions, garage conversions, and ADUs to unlock hidden equity
Support multi-generational families who need more space but can’t simply “trade up”
Bring in the right builder partner to protect their reputation and client relationships
Turn one well-served client into multiple referrals over time
Jonathan shares real case studies:
▶️ Families who saved six figures by renovating instead of moving
▶️ Garage conversions that gave adult children independence and created future rental income
▶️ ADUs that improved affordability for the next buyer and increased resale value
If you want to:
Stand out from every other “just listed / just sold” agent
Be the one who brings solutions, not just MLS links
Build long-term loyalty and referrals
…this episode is a must-listen.
What’s one listing or client in your world right now that would benefit from a renovation or ADU conversation instead of “wait and see”?
“Unlock Hidden Equity: Renovation Strategy Every Realtor Should Know!”
00:00 — How ADUs generate $2–3K/mo & cover a mortgage
00:46 — Meet Jonathan Jagt (Frontier Building Group)
01:20 — How renovations unlock hidden equity
03:50 — What Frontier does differently (full-service design-build)
05:39 — Frontier’s core values & how they guide every project
09:34 — Renovate vs. Move: How realtors can guide homeowners
11:07 — How homeowners can access equity for renovations
12:49 — What realtors should look for when viewing a reno-potential property
14:59 — ADUs explained: Value, options & use cases
17:02 — Multi-generational living & why ADUs are exploding in Ontario
19:13 — Garage conversions: Attached vs. detached
21:10 — Rental income & why ADUs cash-flow immediately
22:58 — Full home renovation success story (850 sq ft addition)
25:50 — When renovating is cheaper than moving
27:59 — ADU success story #1: Parents moving into detached garage conversion
31:24 — ADU success story #2: Solving overcrowding & creating cash-flow
36:15 — How ADUs increase resale value & mortgage qualification
37:40 — Jonathan’s #1 piece of advice for realtors
39:54 — What’s next for Frontier (new builds & Tarion certification)
40:20 — Where to connect with Jonathan
Connect with Maude & Sold Right Away:
Website: https://www.soldrightaway.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soldrightaway
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soldrightaway/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soldrightaway
Links & Resources: https://linktr.ee/soldrightaway
Connect with Jonathan Jagt
Instagram: www.instagram.com/frontierbuildinggroup
Facebook: https://facebook.com/frontierbuildinggroup
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-jagt-a50a1064/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@frontierbuildinggroup
