Articles
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.
Reverse Mortgages and the Affluent Retiree
Reverse mortgages are an often misunderstood or overlooked financial tool. One critique is that a reverse mortgage may reduce the inheritance a senior can leave to their family, but that is not always the case. In fact, in some cases, a reverse mortgage may be a...
Your Mortgage Refinance Options
A few years ago, you purchased your home. At the time, you secured a mortgage that was suitable for your financial situation. However, as time goes on, things change, interest rates are not the same and your own financial situation is different; maybe better, maybe...
NOI Decoded: Commercial Mortgage Underwriting
If you’ve been hanging around the commercial real estate world for even five minutes, you’ve probably heard someone say, “It’s all about the NOI.” And they’re not wrong. When it comes to getting a commercial mortgage approved, your Net Operating Income (NOI) is the golden number lenders are laser-focused on.
Reverse Mortgage: Independent Legal Advice (ILA)
A reverse mortgage is offered to Canadians 55 years of age and older and is of particular interest to homeowners who want to access a portion of their home equity for a wide variety of reasons including to fund their retirement years, purchase a second home, cottage, or rental property, to help children purchase a home, to address unexpected expenses, and much, much more.
How Long to Get a Written Mortgage Commitment
You’ve got the house. The offer’s accepted. You’ve told your family, picked out paint colours, and maybe even started scoping out where the Christmas tree’s going to sit. But now comes the part that isn’t quite as exciting but is absolutely crucial — locking down your written mortgage commitment.
Small Steps, Big Wins: Realtors Building Resilience
In real estate, we love big wins—closing the deal, nailing the listing presentation, getting the referral. But what if I told you the real secret to consistent, high performance isn’t found in going big? It’s found in going small… and going small often. It’s not sexy, but it’s science.
What Happens When the Mortgage Falls Apart?
It’s one of the scariest “what if” scenarios in real estate: the buyer waives the financing condition, the deal goes firm, and then… BAM! The lender says, “Sorry, we can’t fund this anymore.” Suddenly, everyone’s scrambling—buyers, sellers, agents, lawyers—and what started as a celebration becomes a nightmare of deposits, lawsuits, and finger-pointing.
How Much NOI Do Commercial Lenders Need to See?
One of the most common questions I hear from clients diving into commercial real estate is, “How much NOI do I need to qualify?” And honestly, it’s a great question — but the answer isn’t as simple as hitting a magic number. In the world of commercial lending, Net Operating Income (NOI) doesn’t exist in a vacuum.
Buying Your Business’s Home
… How to Finance Owner-Occupied Commercial Real Estate If you’re running a business and you’re tired of paying someone else’s mortgage through your lease payments, you’ve probably wondered, “Could I just own the building myself?” The short answer? Absolutely. The...
Understanding ‘Approval’ Terminology
If you’ve ever been through the mortgage process, you’ve probably heard people throwing around words like pre-qualification, pre-approval, commitment, and funding like they’re all interchangeable. Spoiler alert: they’re not. And if you don’t understand the difference, you could find yourself in hot water right when you’re trying to buy your dream home.
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.
Doing the Financial Work
You’ve got a lot on your plate—family, work, keeping the house in one piece—and then a mortgage renewal letter shows up. At first glance, it feels like a gift: a quick signature and you’re done for another five years. But here’s the thing—that first offer from your lender? It’s almost never their best. They’re betting you won’t question it. They’re counting on you not wanting to “do the financial work.”
How to Post Updates to Your Google Business Profile
Every time a prospect Googles “realtor near me,” Google decides—in a millisecond—which profiles deserve the prime real estate on Page 1. Regular, relevant updates to your Google Business Profile (GBP) are the fastest way to stay on that short list. Trouble is, most agents log in once, set it, forget it, and wonder why the phone isn’t ringing. Let’s fix that right now.
Ultimate Canadian Spousal Buy Out Calculator
When those relationships end, the emotional toll is heavy—but the financial questions can hit just as hard. Who gets the house? How much is one partner entitled to? Can one partner afford to buy the other out without selling the family home?
That’s where Allen Ehlert’s Ultimate Canadian Spousal Buy Out Calculator comes in. It’s designed to take some of the mystery—and stress—out of a separation by giving you the numbers you need to move forward. Whether you’re divorcing or separating as common-law partners, this calculator helps you figure out exactly what a buyout looks like.
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...
Getting Your 5 Stars on Google
Getting your 5 stars on Google: Whether you’re just starting to build your online reputation or looking to level up, the truth is this: you don’t get 5 stars by accident. You earn them—one relationship, one closing, one conversation at a time. But there’s also a little strategy involved. And that’s exactly what we’re going to dive into.
Understanding the Value of Google Review Points
Google Review Points: When your clients or referral partners leave you a reivew, THEY actually earn points from Google for doing it.
Spousal Buyout Mortgages: Start Fresh
A spousal buyout mortgage is a smart solution that lets one spouse keep the home, refinance the mortgage, and pay out the other spouse’s equity.
“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?”
“Can I Rent Out My Home If I Said It Would Be Owner-Occupied?”
It may be possible to rent out your home even if you told your lender it would be owner occupied. Let me show you how…
You Can’t Afford to Divorce
Right now, there are people all across the country wondering about the future of their marriage and whether they should stay married. I am not in a position to give any sort of marriage counselling, but I can tell you about your financial options, especially when it comes to your home and your mortgage. And your options are few and far between. Divorce. Spousal Buyout.
“We’re Getting Divorced… What Happens to the Mortgage?”
Divorce is hard. Emotions run high, there’s a lot of paperwork, and suddenly, questions about money become front and centre—especially around the mortgage. Whether you’re staying civil or things have gotten messy, navigating the financial side of a separation is no walk in the park. But if you’ve got a mortgage together, you need to know what happens next.
It’s Worth Getting Your Docs Together
Let’s break down how a little effort today—getting your documents together—can pay off in a big way over time. Spoiler: it’s not just about rate, it’s about real dollars saved, better options unlocked, and smarter financial planning.
Understanding Scotia Creditor Insurance
Today, I want to introduce you to a valuable, yet often misunderstood, offering from one of Canada’s Big Five banks: Scotiabank’s Creditor Insurance. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, refinancing, or renewing your mortgage, understanding what this insurance entails could change the way you think about mortgage protection.
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.
Riding Out the Storm
Hard Economic Times. Life has its ups and downs, and so do economies. Just like the seasons change, so too do financial cycles—sometimes we’re basking in the sunshine of growth, and sometimes we’re caught in the storm clouds of a recession. The truth is, hard times are not a fluke—they’re a normal, expected part of the economic cycle. If you own a home, or you’re planning to, being prepared for those stormy patches can make all the difference between riding them out comfortably or getting knocked off course.
Using Foreign Income
Some Canadian lenders may consider foreign income when underwriting a mortgage, but there are strict guidelines and additional documentation requirements. Many will not. Whether a lender accepts foreign income and the limitations on accepting such depends on their...
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...
Why Mortgages Are Important to Canada’s Banks
Mortgages are one of the most important parts of Canada's financial services industry because they connect people's dreams of owning their own home with the country's banks' long-term goals. For Canada's banks, mortgages and mortgage strategy is core to their...
Mortgage Co-Signer: Risks & Responsibilities
Unlock the essentials of being a Mortgage Co-Signer in Canada, exploring the key risks and responsibilities involved in the process.
Becoming a Mortgage Guarantor
You're sitting at a café with your best friend, Sarah, discussing her dream of buying a home. She's found the perfect house, but there's one problem – her credit score is not high enough to secure a mortgage. Sarah's dream hangs in the balance, and she turns...
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.
Fit Your Mortgage into Your Budget
… Make Your Mortgage Fit Your Life: A Budget-First Playbook You don’t buy a mortgage—you buy a life. The roof, the school district, the Saturday pancakes, the money left over for date night… that’s the real purchase. So instead of letting the mortgage dictate your...
What is Disability Insurance
Disability insurance is a type of insurance designed to provide income in the event that a person is unable to work due to a disability. This insurance is crucial for financial protection, as it helps replace a portion of your income if you become disabled and are...
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
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