by Allen Ehlert | April 15, 2025 | Economy, Mortgages, Real Estate
Every quarter, Statistics Canada provides us with a deeper look into the financial realities of Canadian households. The most recent release from the Distributions of Household Economic Accounts sheds light on how Canadians are managing their income, savings, debt,...
by Allen Ehlert | April 15, 2025 | Mortgages, Personal Finance, Real Estate
David and Michelle, a married couple in Mississauga, Ontario, have been homeowners for 12 years. Due to unexpected job loss and medical expenses, they missed five consecutive mortgage payments on their home, worth $850,000. Their lender issued a Notice of Sale,...
by Allen Ehlert | April 14, 2025 | Real Estate
As a mortgage agent who visits over 100 open houses a month—yes, really—I’ve seen just about everything. Before mortgages, I was a realtor and a real estate consultant. I’ve hosted countless open houses myself, and I know the effort it takes to make one exceptional....
by Allen Ehlert | April 10, 2025 | Mortgages, Personal Finance, Real Estate
A recent demographia report sheds light on the severe unaffordability of over 20 Canadian housing markets. Let’s delve deeper into the factors contributing to this crisis and its impact. The Severe Unaffordability The demographia report, produced by the Frontier...
by Allen Ehlert | April 5, 2025 | Mortgages, Personal Finance, Real Estate
The Non-Resident Speculation Tax (NRST) significantly impacts the mortgage financing landscape for foreign buyers in Ontario. This additional 25% tax on the purchase price creates substantial financial hurdles, influencing not only affordability but also lending...
by Allen Ehlert | April 3, 2025 | Mortgages, Personal Finance, Real Estate
Ontario’s housing market has long been a focal point of global investment, with foreign buyers drawn to its economic stability and strong property appreciation. However, this influx of external capital has fueled concerns about affordability, pricing out many local...
by Allen Ehlert | April 3, 2025 | Home Specifications, Mortgages, Real Estate
In the world of residential real estate, few discoveries cause as much concern during a home inspection as aluminum wiring. Commonly found in homes built between the mid-1960s and late 1970s, this type of electrical wiring has been associated with an increased risk of...
by Allen Ehlert | April 3, 2025 | Mortgages, Personal Finance, Real Estate
Retirement is often envisioned as a time of relaxation, travel, and enjoyment, but financial security remains a key concern for retirees. A recent study conducted by BlackRock in collaboration with the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) sheds light on how...
by Allen Ehlert | April 2, 2025 | Mortgages, Real Estate
As Canadians strive for more energy-efficient homes and a greener future, one unsung hero lies at the core of nearly every technological and environmental advance: copper. Often overlooked, this highly conductive metal is essential not only for everyday convenience...
by Allen Ehlert | April 1, 2025 | Mortgages, Real Estate
Canada’s real estate market has long been a prime destination for international investors, drawn to its stable economy, high quality of life, and strong property appreciation. However, as housing affordability worsened for local residents, the federal government took...
by Allen Ehlert | March 31, 2025 | 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 | March 30, 2025 | Mortgages, Personal Finance, Real Estate
Private mortgages in Canada serve as an alternative financing solution for borrowers who do not meet the strict lending criteria of traditional banks and credit unions. These loans are typically short-term, high-interest financing options that provide quick access to...
by Allen Ehlert | March 28, 2025 | Mortgage Terms, Mortgages, Personal Finance, Real Estate
In the intricate world of mortgage financing, ensuring the security and legitimacy of property transactions is paramount. Fidelity National Financial (FNF) and First Canadian Title (FCT) play critical roles in protecting lenders, homebuyers, and financial institutions...
by Allen Ehlert | March 27, 2025 | Mortgages, Personal Finance, Real Estate
Locking in a good mortgage rate is a key step in the home-buying process, especially in a fluctuating interest rate environment. Here are steps and strategies to help you secure a favourable rate: Understand Rate Locks Monitor Interest Rates Improve Your Credit Score...
by Allen Ehlert | March 25, 2025 | Mortgages, Personal Finance, Real Estate
The “trigger rate” in the context of a mortgage, particularly a variable rate mortgage with fixed payments, is a specific interest rate at which the fixed monthly payments are no longer sufficient to cover both the interest and principal repayment. When...
