Real Estate Articles

When it comes to commercial mortgages, most people think the only place to go is the bank. You walk in, shake a hand, sign some papers, and walk out with financing for that office building, warehouse, or rental property you’ve had your eye on. Sounds simple, right? Well… not quite.

Whether you’re a realtor helping clients close deals faster, or you’re a homeowner trying to wrap your head around why some appraisals cost nothing and others come with a $700 bill attached, understanding how lenders assess property value is crucial. It’s not just about the number they land on—it’s about how they get there, and how that process affects everything from closing timelines to cash out of pocket.

When you think of mortgage lenders, you probably picture big banks or trust companies with vaults full of cash just waiting to hand out. But there’s another side of the mortgage world—one that relies heavily on investors to fund deals. I’m talking about private lenders and Mortgage Investment Corporations (MICs). These lenders don’t use deposits or bonds to fund mortgages.

Maybe you’re ready to downsize. Maybe you’re dreaming of a quieter, more community-focused place where you don’t have to shovel snow or cut the grass. Age-restricted properties — often branded as 55+ or “adult lifestyle communities” — can look like the perfect solution. But when it comes to getting a mortgage on one of these properties, things aren’t always as simple as they are with a traditional home or condo.

If you’re living in Canada on a work permit or study permit and wondering if homeownership is even on the table, I’ve got good news: yes, you absolutely can buy a home. You don’t have to wait until you’ve got your Permanent Resident (PR) card in hand. But — and this is a big but — there are a few important things you need to understand about how lenders look at non-permanent residents (NPRs), how mortgages work for you, and what’s required to make it happen.

Fences and Neighbours: Replacing a fence sounds simple enough, right? Two neighbours, a bit of lumber, a weekend, and maybe a cooler of cold drinks. But once you start talking property lines, costs, and local by-laws, things can get a little prickly—especially if one neighbour wants a designer cedar wall while the other’s fine with chain link.

Buying, selling, or upgrading a home is one of those times when small details can make or break the experience. You can renovate kitchens, paint walls, and swap out windows—but none of it matters much if you don’t actually know where your land ends and your neighbour’s begins. That’s where a land survey steps in. It’s the unsung hero of smart property ownership—a document that can quietly protect your investment, prevent disputes, and give everyone peace of mind.

Property Line: Few things can sour a cup of morning coffee faster than a knock at the door and your neighbour saying, “You’re on my property.” Whether it’s a fence, a shed, or even a few inches of driveway, property line disputes are some of the most common—and emotionally charged—conflicts between homeowners. They don’t just stir up tension; they can affect your property’s value, your enjoyment of your home, and even future financing or resale.

Build more houses, prices drop, everyone wins. But here’s the kicker—prices are now dropping in many markets, and instead of celebration, there’s panic. Builders are pausing projects, policymakers are scrambling, realtors have no business, and homeowners are worrying about their equity.

For decades, planners and real estate experts figured seniors would sell their big family homes, scoop up a condo, and ride off into a care-free retirement. But that’s not happening. Instead, most seniors are staying put—keeping their homes and choosing comfort, familiarity, and independence over the stress of moving.