by Allen Ehlert | May 2, 2026 | Economy, Mortgages, Personal Finance, Real Estate
Mortgage agents are boots-on-the-ground financial professionals who know what is going on in the economy in real time. I spend a big part of my day talking to clients, looking at employment letters, T4s, pay stubs, tax returns, etc. to understand my clients, qualify...
by Allen Ehlert | April 17, 2026 | Economy, Mortgages, Personal Finance
The Bond Sector Consideration Premium accounts for sector-specific risks or other unique factors affecting particular bonds. For example, bonds from emerging markets might carry additional premiums for political and economic instability. The sector/special...
by Allen Ehlert | April 3, 2026 | Economy, Mortgages, Real Estate
Did you know, it takes about $100,000 to set up each new home’s infrastructure in Canada? This big cost shows the huge challenge in building enough housing. A report from the Canadian Urban Institute highlights how crucial it is to invest heavily in municipal...
by Allen Ehlert | March 30, 2026 | Economy, Mortgages, Personal Finance
Did you know that the risk-free rate can change a lot? It can has been as low as 0.52% in recent times to as high as 15.84% back in the early 1980s. The risk-free rate concept is key in finance. It affects how we price different financial things, like bonds and...
by Allen Ehlert | March 28, 2026 | Economy, Mortgages, Personal Finance
This premium compensates investors for the risk that the bond issuer may default on its payments. Higher-risk issuers, such as corporations or lower-rated governments, must offer higher credit premiums. The credit (default) premium is determined by assessing the...
by Allen Ehlert | March 27, 2026 | Economy, Mortgages, Personal Finance
This premium compensates investors for the increased risk associated with longer-term bonds. The maturity premium accounts for the greater uncertainty and potential price volatility over a longer period. The maturity (term) premium is determined by assessing the...
by Allen Ehlert | March 18, 2026 | Economy, Mortgages, Personal Finance
The bond inflation premium compensates investors for the expected loss of purchasing power due to inflation over the bond’s term. If inflation is expected to be higher, the inflation premium will be higher to ensure investors earn a real return. The inflation...
by Allen Ehlert | March 14, 2026 | Economy, Mortgages
The Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio is a crucial metric used to assess the financial strength and stability of a bank, particularly its ability to withstand financial stress and economic downturns. It measures a bank’s core equity capital compared with its...
by Allen Ehlert | March 10, 2026 | Economy, Mortgages, Personal Finance, Real Estate
Did you know real estate makes over 75% of Canadian’s wealth? This shows how important Canadian real estate is for growing wealth. As the value of homes goes up, people’s wealth grows too. Real estate not only helps individuals but also boosts the wealth...
by Allen Ehlert | February 24, 2026 | Economy, Mortgages, Personal Finance
…What You Need to Know Did you know that the current prime rate in Canada is 6.45%? The prime rate is a key benchmark used by Canadian banks to price many variable-interest financial products, including variable-rate mortgages, lines of credit, and certain...
by Allen Ehlert | February 15, 2026 | Economy, Mortgages, Personal Finance
… The hidden threat to mortgage seekers Imagine this scenario: You call your bank to clarify your credit card statement because the bank failed to update it promptly. You’re worried about getting hit with a late fee or interest due to the bank’s error. Instead...
by Allen Ehlert | February 9, 2026 | Economy, Lender, Mortgages
… Why the Big Banks are Winning the Renewal Wars If you’ve ever hit mortgage renewal time and thought, “Well this is convenient… my bank is suddenly very competitive,” you’re not imagining things. Mortgage renewals are where Canada’s chartered banks quietly flex their...
by Allen Ehlert | February 8, 2026 | Economy, Mortgage Terms, Mortgages, Personal Finance
Why Americans Don’t Pay Mortgage Discharge Fees Like Canadians Every so often, a Canadian borrower will say something like: “My cousin in the U.S. paid off their mortgage and that was it. No lawyer. No discharge fee. Why is this so complicated here?” It’s a fair...
by Allen Ehlert | January 22, 2026 | Economy, Lender, Mortgage Terms, Mortgages, Personal Finance
… Why Private Lending Is Becoming the Backbone of Canada’s Mortgage Market If you’re a homeowner, buyer, realtor, or financial professional, you’ve probably felt it already. Deals are more complex. Financing conversations are happening earlier. And outcomes that used...
by Allen Ehlert | January 21, 2026 | Economy, Lender, Mortgages
… How the Canadian Financial System is Fixed to Favour Chartered Banks If you’ve ever felt like the big banks are always one step ahead in the mortgage market—leading on rates, staying open when others pull back, and somehow winning business even when their products...
