by Allen Ehlert | September 30, 2026 | Mortgage Terms, Mortgages, Personal Finance, Real Estate
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...
by Allen Ehlert | September 29, 2026 | Mortgage Terms, Mortgages, Personal Finance
The mortgage stress test in Canada is applied to determine whether homebuyers can afford their mortgage payments under higher interest rates than the actual rate being offered by the lender. This test is a key requirement for both insured and uninsured mortgages....
by Allen Ehlert | September 27, 2026 | Mortgages, Personal Finance, Real Estate
Real Estate > Personal Finance > Mortgage In recent years, North American cities, particularly Toronto, have witnessed a significant shift in the commercial real estate landscape, marked by increasing vacancy rates in office buildings. This trend, initially...
by Allen Ehlert | September 26, 2026 | Economy, Mortgages, Personal Finance
The stock market and the economy may appear to be closely interconnected, but are they truly? Let’s unravel the intriguing dynamics and discover the stark differences. The Analogy of the Man and the Dog New York Trader Josh Brown uses the description of a man...
by Allen Ehlert | September 25, 2026 | Mortgage Terms, Mortgages, Personal Finance, Real Estate
Navigating the complexities of mortgage management can be daunting, especially when life’s changes necessitate a move. One valuable feature offered by many mortgage lenders in Canada is the ability to port a mortgage. This article delves into what it means to...
by Allen Ehlert | September 24, 2026 | Mortgages, Personal Finance, Real Estate
In the quaint town of Cobourg, Ontario, nestled between rolling hills and sparkling waters, lived Tom and Elaine, a couple well into their retirement years. Their life was peaceful, filled with garden walks and afternoon tea sessions, but their hearts often wandered...
by Allen Ehlert | September 22, 2026 | Mortgage Terms, Mortgages, Personal Finance
What could happen OSFI did not mandate the implementation of the stress test? If the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) had not mandated the implementation of the mortgage stress test in Canada, several potential risks and consequences could...
by Allen Ehlert | September 21, 2026 | Mortgages, Personal Finance
Qualifying for a mortgage in Canada hinges on many factors, but none are as critical as income. Lenders scrutinize earnings to gauge an applicant’s financial stability and capacity to service debt. While salaried employment remains the gold standard, the modern...
by Allen Ehlert | September 17, 2026 | Mortgages, Personal Finance, Real Estate
Real Estate > Personal Finance > Mortgages In the bustling city of Toronto, like many other major cities around the world, the daily commute is an accepted part of working life, especially for those living in the suburbs. However, this seemingly mundane aspect...
by Allen Ehlert | September 16, 2026 | Mortgage Terms, Personal Finance
An emergency fund in Canada refers to a savings reserve specifically set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies. This fund acts as a financial safety net to help individuals and families manage unforeseen circumstances without needing to rely on...
by Allen Ehlert | September 15, 2026 | Mortgage Terms, Mortgages, Personal Finance
A “living inheritance” is a financial strategy that has gained popularity among older generations looking to support their children’s futures while still alive. This approach involves transferring wealth to children or grandchildren during the...
by Allen Ehlert | September 11, 2026 | Economy, Mortgages, Personal Finance, Real Estate
Real Estate > Personal Finance > Mortgage In the golden light of dawn, while much of Ontario still slumbers, thousands of commuters from suburbs like Whitby and Oakville embark on their daily pilgrimage to Toronto. This journey, often romanticized as a quest for...
by Allen Ehlert | September 10, 2026 | Mortgage Terms, Mortgages, Personal Finance
Raising a family in Canada comes with significant financial responsibilities, from childcare costs to daily household expenses. For many families, the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) serves as a crucial financial lifeline, providing tax-free monthly payments to support...
by Allen Ehlert | September 9, 2026 | Mortgages, Personal Finance
Securing a mortgage in Canada has long been an income-driven process. Lenders scrutinize pay stubs, tax returns, and employment history to determine whether a borrower qualifies. However, in today’s evolving financial landscape, assets play an increasingly significant...
by Allen Ehlert | September 9, 2026 | Mortgage Terms, Mortgages, Personal Finance
When you hear that your mortgage application is ‘a little tight on ratios,’ it can sound like lender-speak for a hard no. It is not quite that simple. Canadian lenders use two percentages – Gross Debt Service, or GDS, and Total Debt Service, or TDS...