Real Estate Articles
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Getting Approved for a Commercial Mortgage
So, you’re thinking about buying a commercial property — maybe it’s an apartment building, maybe it’s a warehouse, maybe it’s that strip plaza you’ve been driving past for years thinking, “One day.” Well, guess what? That “one day” could be closer than you think — if you know how to qualify for a commercial mortgage.
Strive: Rental Property Lender
As a licensed mortgage agent committed to helping Canadians build long-term wealth through real estate, I make it a priority to introduce my clients to lenders who think beyond rigid formulas — lenders who understand the unique needs of rental property investors. One such lender making a name for itself across Canada is Strive.
Non-Resident Speculation Tax Rebate
Foreign buyers who have paid the 25% Non-Resident Speculation Tax (NRST) may be eligible for a full rebate if they meet specific residency, employment, or education requirements within a set period. The Ontario government provides these rebates to encourage long-term...
“We’re Splitting Up and Selling the House—Now What?”
Divorce is never simple—but when real estate’s involved, things can get especially tangled. If you’re in the middle of a separation and you and your ex have decided to sell the home and go your separate ways, the big question becomes:
“How do we actually make this happen—without turning it into a financial disaster?”
Getting a Joint Mortgage
Explore the benefits and how to navigate the process of acquiring a Joint Mortgage in Canada with ease. Join forces on your property dream.
Remodelling vs Renovating
The world of home improvement is filled with terminology that often gets misused. One of the most common sources of confusion? The difference between remodeling and renovating. While the terms are frequently used interchangeably, they represent distinct types of home...
Renovate to Increase Home Value
A home’s value isn’t static—it fluctuates based on market conditions, neighbourhood trends, and, most notably, the condition of the property itself. Homeowners looking to boost their property’s appraised value often turn to renovations, but not all upgrades yield the...
Understanding Tenants in Common Ownership
In this article, I will discuss the ins and outs of tenants in common ownership, including how it works, the transfer of shares, inheritance rights, legal implications, and more. So, whether you’re considering co-owning a property or looking to navigate an existing tenants in common arrangement, understanding the nuances of this ownership structure is crucial.
Regional and Municipal Homeownership Programs
In Ontario, various regional and municipal homeownership programs are available to assist residents with the purchase of a home, particularly for first-time buyers and those with low to moderate incomes.
Closing Costs: The Hidden Price Tag
But here’s the kicker—closing costs. These are the extra expenses you need to cover in cash before the keys land in your hands. Many buyers don’t see them coming, and I’ve watched more than a few clients scramble at the last minute. The good news? With some planning—and even a few lender programs—you can stay a step ahead.
Understanding Joint Tenancy Ownership
Explore the nuances of Joint Tenancy in Canadian real estate and how it impacts your property ownership rights and responsibilities.
Leverage the Niagara Homeownership Program
Unlock the door to your new home with the Niagara Homeownership Program. Discover affordable housing and first-time buyer incentives.
Leveraging Simcoe County Homeownership Program
Unlock the door to your first home with the Simcoe County Homeownership Program. Explore down payment assistance and affordable housing options.
Leveraging Peel’s BNI Homeownership Bridge Program
Unlock affordable housing with Peel’s BNI Homeownership Bridge Program – your key to mortgage down payment support and ownership grants.
Understanding Canadian Status
Residency. Status: If you’ve ever sat down to talk mortgages and thought, “Why is my residency such a big deal? I live here, don’t I?”, you’re not alone. The thing is, in Canada, there’s more than one way to be considered a “resident” — and not all of them are created equal when it comes to getting a mortgage. Your ‘status’ is a very complicated thing.
When Do You Need a Commercial Mortgage?
When people think about mortgages, they usually picture themselves unlocking the front door to their new home — fresh paint, new appliances, maybe even that unmistakable new house smell. But not every mortgage is about a white picket fence. Some are about warehouses, rental apartments, and office buildings. That’s when things take a sharp turn from residential into commercial mortgage territory — and if you don’t know the difference, you might find yourself in over your head faster than you can say “amortization.”
Featured Publications
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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