Real Estate Articles
Your Home, Your Life!
10 Reasons Canadians Refinance Their Mortgage
Every year, about 15% of Canadians refinance their mortgage to take advantage of better mortgage terms (reduced rate, amortization, or mortgage feature), improve their financial condition, buy out a partner, or take advantage of an investment or business opportunity.
“List Low, Sell High” – What Buyers Need to Know
As a mortgage agent, I’ve had countless heart-to-heart conversations with homebuyers, especially first-time buyers, who’ve walked away from a bidding war feeling discouraged, defeated, and more than a little frustrated. They saw a home listed within their budget, got...
Why It Matters That Your Realtor Lives in the Neighbourhood
Let me tell you something I’ve learned after attending what feels like a thousand open houses and working with hundreds of real estate agents every year: the best agents are the ones who actually live where they work. They don't just sell homes—they sell a lifestyle...
Canada Continues to Misjudge Population Growth
Canada is growing—faster than most experts predicted, and certainly faster than many housing policymakers have planned for. As a professional mortgage agent, I’ve seen firsthand how rapid demographic changes can ripple through local housing markets, pushing demand up...
The Economic Pulse of Canadian Households
Every quarter, Statistics Canada provides us with a deeper look into the financial realities of Canadian households. The most recent release from the Distributions of Household Economic Accounts sheds light on how Canadians are managing their income, savings, debt,...
Private Mortgage to Avoid Power of Sale
David and Michelle, a married couple in Mississauga, Ontario, have been homeowners for 12 years. Due to unexpected job loss and medical expenses, they missed five consecutive mortgage payments on their home, worth $850,000. Their lender issued a Notice of Sale,...
Hosting Outstanding Open Houses in 2025
As a mortgage agent who visits over 100 open houses a month—yes, really—I’ve seen just about everything. Before mortgages, I was a realtor and a real estate consultant. I’ve hosted countless open houses myself, and I know the effort it takes to make one exceptional....
UnAffordable Canadian Cities
Explore the demographia report’s insights, regional disparities, migration trends, green belt policy impact, and global parallels, shedding light on the severe unaffordability of Canadian housing markets.
Non-Resident Speculation Tax and Mortgages
The Non-Resident Speculation Tax (NRST) significantly impacts the mortgage financing landscape for foreign buyers in Ontario. This additional 25% tax on the purchase price creates substantial financial hurdles, influencing not only affordability but also lending...
Understanding Ontario’s Non-Resident Sales Tax
Ontario’s housing market has long been a focal point of global investment, with foreign buyers drawn to its economic stability and strong property appreciation. However, this influx of external capital has fueled concerns about affordability, pricing out many local...
Home Inspection Limitations on Aluminum Wiring
In the world of residential real estate, few discoveries cause as much concern during a home inspection as aluminum wiring. Commonly found in homes built between the mid-1960s and late 1970s, this type of electrical wiring has been associated with an increased risk of...
Insight: Retirement Spending
Retirement is often envisioned as a time of relaxation, travel, and enjoyment, but financial security remains a key concern for retirees. A recent study conducted by BlackRock in collaboration with the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) sheds light on how...
Copper and Your Home
As Canadians strive for more energy-efficient homes and a greener future, one unsung hero lies at the core of nearly every technological and environmental advance: copper. Often overlooked, this highly conductive metal is essential not only for everyday convenience...
Understanding the Federal Ban on Foreign Buyers
Canada’s real estate market has long been a prime destination for international investors, drawn to its stable economy, high quality of life, and strong property appreciation. However, as housing affordability worsened for local residents, the federal government took...
Do Appraisals Consider the Future?
In today’s climate of economic uncertainty—uncertain interest rates, fluctuating home prices, and constant talk of a looming recession and market correction—buyers, sellers, and even industry professionals are understandably on edge. Many are asking, “What’s next for...
Who Needs a Private Mortgage?
Private mortgages in Canada serve as an alternative financing solution for borrowers who do not meet the strict lending criteria of traditional banks and credit unions. These loans are typically short-term, high-interest financing options that provide quick access to...
Featured Publications
Articles
- Extended Amortizations and Hypothetical Calculations
Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) - Minimum Qualifying Rate for Uninsured Mortgages
Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) - Residential Mortgage Underwriting Practices and Procedures
Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) - Guideline on Existing Consumer Mortgage Loans in Exceptional Circumstances Financial Consumer Agency of Canada
Book: “The Program”
- Part 1 – Building Your Down Payment
- Part 2 – Mortgage Payoff Strategies
- Part 3 – Building Wealth Through Real Estate