by Allen Ehlert | October 26, 2025 | Mortgage Terms, Mortgages, Personal Finance, Real Estate
…“Why Borrowing to Buy with Your RRSP Is Like Digging Two Holes and Calling It a Ladder” You’ve probably seen the video clips on social media: someone cheerfully explaining how you can “stop using your own money” to buy a home. The idea sounds clever — borrow up...
by Allen Ehlert | October 26, 2025 | Mortgage Terms, Mortgages, Personal Finance
Divorce is rarely clean, but when it comes to the house, things get extra complicated.I get this call a lot: “Hey Allen, I’m keeping the house, and I’m buying my ex out… What happens to the mortgage? Can I even afford it? Are there penalties?” Let’s break it down step...
by Allen Ehlert | October 25, 2025 | Commercial
… It’s About Understanding Commercial Loan Metrics If you’re used to dealing with residential mortgages, here’s something that might surprise you about commercial lending: your salary isn’t the star of the show anymore. In fact, your personal income often takes a...
by Allen Ehlert | October 25, 2025 | Realtor
… And What It Teaches Us About Client Connection Ever notice how a man’s chest puffs up a little when a woman laughs at his joke? It’s almost instinctive — that quick grin, the spark in his eyes, the subtle exhale of relief. There’s more going on here than just...
by Allen Ehlert | October 25, 2025 | Commercial, Real Estate
…. Cracking the Code: Understanding the Different Types of Commercial Leases in Canada (and How They Can Make or Break a Deal) When you’re diving into the world of commercial real estate — whether you’re a business owner looking for the perfect storefront or a realtor...
by Allen Ehlert | October 25, 2025 | Commercial
… When Two Lenders Share the Same Collateral If you’ve ever seen a commercial real estate deal involving more than one lender—say, a bank providing the senior loan and a private fund offering mezzanine financing—you might’ve wondered: What happens if things go...
by Allen Ehlert | October 24, 2025 | Mortgage Terms, Mortgages, Personal Finance, Real Estate
… Why Does Your Lender Care So Much? If you’ve ever tried to use rental income — from a basement apartment, duplex, or investment property — to help you qualify for a mortgage, you’ve probably heard the term “Fair Market Rent.” It sounds official because it is. But...
by Allen Ehlert | October 24, 2025 | Economy, Mortgages, Personal Finance, Real Estate
… The Disappearing Dollar: Why Your Paycheque Buys Less of What Really Matters Let’s talk about something that’s been quietly eating away at Canadians’ financial future — purchasing power. Sure, your income might rise over time, and the news might say inflation’s...
by Allen Ehlert | October 23, 2025 | Mortgage Terms, Mortgages
Imagine you’ve found your dream home – the perfect location, ideal layout, and great potential. However, the property needs some upgrades and repairs to turn it into your ideal living space. This is where a Purchase Plus Improvements Mortgage comes in. A...
by Allen Ehlert | October 23, 2025 | Realtor
… The Power of Saying ‘I Like You’: How Simple Honesty Builds Trust and Lasting Connections Here’s the truth — most of us walk through life under-liking each other. We think nice things about people but never say them out loud. We meet clients, realtors, or partners...
by Allen Ehlert | October 22, 2025 | Mortgages, Personal Finance
Your credit score is a crucial factor in your financial health and creditworthiness. But the world of credit scores can also be filled with misconceptions that can misguide your decisions. Today, we’ll debunk some of the most common credit score myths to help...
by Allen Ehlert | October 22, 2025 | Realtor
… How to Speak So She Feels Understood You’ve probably heard the old line, “Men are from Mars, women are from Venus.” It’s cliché (and also a book), sure — but there’s a real truth buried in there. Men and women don’t just communicate differently; they experience...
by Allen Ehlert | October 21, 2025 | Commercial
… How to Pay for That Plaza: A Straight-Talk Guide to Financing Commercial Property in Canada So, you’ve found the perfect commercial property — maybe it’s an apartment building, a strip plaza, a warehouse, or even a little office building to house your growing...
by Allen Ehlert | October 20, 2025 | Mortgages, Real Estate
In Canada, a CLP refers to a “Certificate of Pending Litigation.” A Certificate of Pending Litigation (CLP) is a legal document that is registered against the title of a property to indicate that there is a pending lawsuit involving the property. It serves...
by Allen Ehlert | October 19, 2025 | Commercial, Real Estate
… Documents, Income, Down Payment & What Lenders Are Actually Looking For 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...
by Allen Ehlert | October 18, 2025 | Commercial
… A Practical Look at Managing Risk in Commercial Lending When it comes to commercial mortgages, one of the first questions clients ask me — after “What’s the rate?” — is “Should I go fixed or variable?” And honestly, it’s a great question. Because unlike with your...
by Allen Ehlert | October 17, 2025 | Mortgages, Real Estate
Are you considering investing in rental property in Ontario? It’s no secret that the demand for tenanted properties is on the rise, and for good reason. Let me share a story that highlights the benefits and potential of investing in tenant-occupied real estate....
by Allen Ehlert | October 17, 2025 | Commercial, Mortgage Terms
…Knowing Your Place in Line If you’ve ever been involved in a commercial deal where there’s more than one lender, you’ve probably heard someone mention a postponement agreement. And while it sounds like a bureaucratic delay tactic, it’s actually one of the most...
by Allen Ehlert | October 16, 2025 | Commercial, Mortgage Terms
… How Hitting Pause Can Save the Deal In the world of commercial real estate lending, not every disagreement needs to turn into a showdown. Sometimes, the smartest move isn’t to fight for control—it’s to take a breath, stand still, and let cooler heads (and structured...
by Allen Ehlert | October 16, 2025 | Mortgages, Personal Finance, Real Estate
… Babies, Bottles, and Bank Commitments If you’re thinking about buying a home, refinancing, or renewing your mortgage and there’s a baby on the horizon, you might be wondering how maternity or paternity leave fits into the picture. The truth? Lenders love stability —...
by Allen Ehlert | October 15, 2025 | Commercial
… Avoid These Pitfalls and Set Yourself Up for Success When it comes to applying for a commercial mortgage, there’s no shortage of ways to trip yourself up — and trust me, I’ve seen plenty of smart people do it. Unlike a residential mortgage, where the process is...
