After being in this business for 17 years, I’ve seen a lot of changes—from the mortgage world itself to the broader economic landscape that shapes everything we do. When you’ve been watching rates, debt levels, and government policy as long as I have, you start to see how the past quietly sets the stage for where we’re headed next. Inspired by the release of the 2025–26 Federal Budget, we recently took a deep look at how Canada’s finances have shifted over the last decade. It

For many of my young purchase clients, buying a first home can feel out of reach — especially when average incomes for the 25–34 age group range between $46,900 and $55,000 per year . For example, if we look at the 25–29 range, the average income sits around $44,400 . That translates to a monthly take-home pay of roughly $2,800 to $3,050 , depending on province and deductions. Let’s use $2,900 as a conservative estimate per person, or $5,800 total per month  for a couple buyi

The 2025 Federal Budget is out — and the Liberal Government isn’t holding back on spending this year. If you came to this blog for new news you may be disappointed to know - same ol' same ol' over spending is on the docket. Because, why stop now? “Investments” in economic rebuilding have pushed the projected deficit to $78.3 billion , nearly double last year’s estimate. While that’s a big number, the housing market avoided any major shakeups — and even saw a few positives. T

The Bank of Canada cut its key overnight rate by 0.25%  yesterday, bringing it down to 2.25% . This decision was widely expected, but the tone that came with it is what really matters — Governor Tiff Macklem knows what’s coming, and he made his move. The new Commercial Bank Prime Rate  is now 4.45% , and that’s good news for anyone with a variable-rate mortgage  or home equity line of credit (HELOC) . Why the Bank Made This Move Let’s be honest — the simple answer is that the

Just when we thought the fall market was finding its rhythm, the world threw us another curveball - puns within fully intended. A few weeks ago, Prime Minister Carney was confidently suggesting we’d see an interim trade deal with the U.S. in a matter of weeks. Fast forward — and President Trump has not only scrapped the talks entirely , but also added another 10% tariff on Canadian imports . And the reason? An Ontario commercial featuring Ronald Reagan’s old warnings about ta

The Mortgage Renewal Story That Changed How This Family Will Shop Forever When it comes to mortgage renewals, a lot of clients wonder:...

One of the biggest questions homeowners face today is whether to stay with a variable rate or lock into a fixed mortgage. The right choice depends on what matters most to you — peace of mind or flexibility. Fixed Rates: Predictability and Stability A fixed rate keeps your payment the same for the entire term, which makes budgeting straightforward. It’s a great option if your household expenses already feel tight or if rising rates make you uneasy. Knowing exactly what your pa

I always recommend including a financing condition  in your offer — and honestly, I love to see a home inspection  too. These conditions...

OSFI Clarifies New Mortgage Qualification Rules: What It Really Means for You The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions...

Big update for property investors OSFI (Canada’s banking regulator) has announced potential new rules around rental income and mortgage...