The Canadian Real Estate Investor

In 2024, reported fraud across all sectors reached $638 million, with total losses since 2021 exceeding $2 billion. Officials estimate this represents only 5-10% of actual fraud occurring. Three main types of mortgage fraud are identified: fraud for shelter (everyday people misrepresenting finances to get homes), fraud for profit (industry insiders manipulating the system), and fraud for money laundering (criminals using real estate to clean illicit funds). A "Toronto model" of fraud has emerged where people claim fake high-paying jobs in China to secure mortgages, with bank employees sometimes colluding with scam centers to provide false documentation. The problem is exacerbated by Canada's housing affordability crisis and strict lending rules, which push some desperate buyers toward fraudulent practices. Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset Management Buy & sell real estate with Ai at Valery.ca  Get a mortgage pre-approval with Owl MortgageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian Buffini built North America's largest business coaching firm, his company has trained over 3M professionals in 37 countries through lead-generation systems. The company currently coaches 10,000+ business people across North America, while Brian travels globally speaking about "living the good life" and helping others reach their potential. Reach out to Buffini  Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset Management Buy & sell real estate with Ai at Valery.ca  Get a mortgage pre-approval with Owl MortgageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A guide to financing options for first-time real estate investors covering both traditional and creative solutions for entering the market. House Hacking: Live in part of the property while renting other portions, allowing 5% down payment and using rental income for mortgage payments. Traditional Bank Financing: 20-35% down payment required, offering competitive rates for qualified borrowers. Alternative Financing: Private mortgages, VTB mortgages, and partnerships available for those who don't qualify with banks. Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset Management Buy & sell real estate with Ai at Valery.ca  Get a mortgage pre-approval with Owl MortgageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn about the opportunities and challenges in missing middle housing as we interview experts Chris Spoke & Ben Singer  Missing middle housing refers to duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and townhomes that add density while matching neighborhood character. These haven't been built in decades due to zoning restrictions. These properties offer higher returns than single houses, with basement suites increasing value by 30%. Multiple units provide steadier income by reducing vacancy risk. Recent zoning changes in Canadian cities now encourage these developments, with Toronto, Halifax, and Vancouver allowing 4-8 units per lot. The process and reasons behind the condo method  Get in touch with Chris Spoke & Ben Singer Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset Management Buy & sell real estate with Ai at Valery.ca  Get a mortgage pre-approval with Owl Mortgage  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The March 2025 CREA statistics reveal a significant downturn in the Canadian housing market, with national home sales dropping 4.8% from February and down 20% since November's peak. The market is experiencing a divergence between regions, with Ontario and BC showing decline while Prairie provinces, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada maintain some price growth. Sales and prices are declining nationally, with the average price falling 3.7% to $678,331, marking the sharpest year-over-year decline in recent times inventory levels have increased 18.3% year-over-year, with a sales-to-new listings ratio of 45.9% - the lowest since February 2009 Market sentiment is being heavily influenced by broader economic factors, including trade tensions, tariffs, and election uncertainty, leading to hesitant buyers and cautious sellers Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset Management Buy & sell real estate with Ai at Valery.ca  Get a mortgage pre-approval with Owl MortgageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The key differences between residential and commercial real estate investing in Canada. Here are three main takeaways: Residential real estate is more accessible for beginners, requiring lower down payments (as low as 5% for house hacking, typically 20% for investment properties) and offering simpler management, though with lower returns (5-8%). Commercial properties require higher initial investments (20-30% down, sometimes up to 50%) but can offer superior returns through longer lease terms and net lease structures where tenants cover various expenses. While residential properties provide more stable income during economic downturns since people always need housing, commercial properties are more vulnerable to economic fluctuations, as evidenced by their performance during COVID-19. Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset Management Buy & sell real estate with Ai at Valery.ca  Get a mortgage pre-approval with Owl MortgageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Canada's recent election where Carney won, with both major parties having similar housing and economic policies. The conversation explores post-election economic challenges, including trade tensions with the US and potential recession concerns⁠⁠. About 85% of Canadians voted for similar housing policies, with consensus on issues like lower taxes, help for first-time buyers, and the need to build 300-500k homes per year⁠⁠. Trade tensions with the US are creating economic uncertainty, with Carney and Trump scheduled to meet, while Deloitte predicts a recession and RBC forecasts a significant economic slowdown⁠⁠. The government is planning targeted responses including infrastructure spending and immigration policy changes, with permanent resident intake being reduced from 500,000 to 365,000⁠⁠. Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset Management Buy & sell real estate with Ai at Valery.ca  Get a mortgage pre-approval with Owl MortgageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode's focuses on the seller's perspective in real estate transactions. We explore key considerations and provide practical guidance for homeowners looking to sell, addressing common questions about the selling process. Selling Costs: The total cost of selling a home includes REALTOR® fees (3-7%), legal fees (~$1,500), staging costs, cleaning fees, and potential mortgage penalties. Market Timing: While late spring and early summer are typically optimal for selling, market conditions can vary significantly, making timing subjective. Property Value Assessment: Realtors use Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to determine property values by examining similar properties, analyzing sale prices, and considering factors like location, features, and market conditions. Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset Management Buy & sell real estate with Ai at Valery.ca  Get a mortgage pre-approval with Owl MortgageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Canadian federal election on April 28, 2025 presents three distinct approaches to the housing crisis: Liberal Platform (Mark Carney): Offers a middle path with both government intervention and market incentives, including a new federal housing developer (Build Canada Homes), MURB tax incentives for rental construction, and GST cuts for first-time buyers up to $1M. Conservative Platform (Pierre Poilievre): Proposes a free-market approach with significant tax cuts, including capital gains tax deferral for reinvestment, GST elimination on homes under $1.3M, and reduced government involvement in housing. NDP Platform (Jagmeet Singh): Advocates for a housing revolution with massive public spending, stronger regulations, and more tenant protections, including rent controls and restrictions on large-scale investors. The election is notably polarized, with polls showing over 80% of votes concentrated between the Liberals (45%) and Conservatives (37%), while the NDP sits at 8% support. Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset Management Buy & sell real estate with Ai at Valery.ca  Get a mortgage pre-approval with Owl Mortgage  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The common questions in the Canadian real estate market- Answered! We address concerns from both buyers and sellers in a challenging market environment. A detailed guidance on the home-buying process, starting with saving for a down payment and getting pre-approved for a mortgage, followed by finding a real estate agent. Comprehensive breakdown of closing costs is provided, with recommendations to budget between 1.5% to 4% of the purchase price, including various fees like legal costs, land transfer tax, and property adjustments. buying versus renting, discussing pros and cons of each option - such as equity building and stability for buying, versus flexibility and lower upfront costs for renting. Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset Management Buy & sell real estate with Ai at Valery.ca  Get a mortgage pre-approval with Owl MortgageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rod Gilbert, president of the Canadian Construction Association, highlights the construction industry's challenges including COVID-19 impacts and the housing crisis. He stresses the need for infrastructure investment, streamlined permitting, and solutions for labor shortages. Gilbert advocates for government support and improved construction job perception to attract workers, aiming to strengthen Canada's infrastructure future.  GTHA condo sales hit a 30-year low in 2024, with just 4,590 units sold.  Purpose-built rentals now exceed condo construction for the first time since 1993, while single-family permits reach historic lows.  Construction employs 1.6 million people and adds $151B to Canada's economy, though facing workforce and infrastructure challenges. Canadian Construction Association Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset Management Buy & sell real estate with Ai at Valery.ca  Get a mortgage pre-approval with Owl MortgageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Orr and Kyle Pearce share their transition from educators to real estate investors and podcasters. They explore real estate partnerships, the Smith maneuver for leveraging home equity, and tax optimization strategies. The discussion covers partnership dynamics, financial strategies including cash damming and vendor take back (VTB), and emphasizes the importance of understanding debt, cash flow, and building a strong financial team for long-term success. Learn more and connect with John & Kyle here https://canadianwealthsecrets.com/ Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset Management Buy & sell real estate with Ai at Valery.ca  Get a mortgage pre-approval with Owl MortgageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ongoing U.S.-Canada trade war is impacting Canada's housing market, with economists warning of significant effects across all economic sectors. The housing market is showing weakness with plummeting sales and price declines, while the stock market experiences extreme volatility with the S&P 500 dropping nearly 19% since early April. A nationwide 5% drop in housing prices is expected, with major cities like Toronto and Vancouver being most vulnerable Construction costs have fallen in Toronto and Ottawa, though trade tensions could disrupt this trend Toronto's March 2025 real estate sales hit their lowest levels since 1995, potentially signalling broader national trends Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset Management Buy & sell real estate with Ai at Valery.ca  Get a mortgage pre-approval with Owl Mortgage  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reporting from Toronto City Hall with Counsellor Brad Bradford where we do a deep dive into whats wrong with the Canadian housing market and his insights on how to fix it.  Taxes & Development Charges  Does growth still pay for growth?  Can Missing Middle & Multiplexes help affordability Housing starts are down 68%  Get in touch With Brad Bradford Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset Management Buy & sell real estate with Ai at Valery.ca  Get a mortgage pre-approval with Owl Mortgage  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A comprehensive guide to finding real estate investment deals, with three main core strategies. The key to success is being prepared to act quickly when you find a good deal and having your financing ready. Direct Searching: Both on and off-market approaches, including using listing platforms, working with agents, exploring FSBO properties, and "driving for dollars" to find potential deals Strategic Networking: Building relationships with a power team including agents, mortgage brokers, lawyers, contractors, and property managers who can bring deals to you Targeted Marketing: Being specific about what you're looking for (like "waterfront cottages" or "student rentals near campus") rather than just saying you want "real estate deals" Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset Management Buy & sell real estate with Ai at Valery.ca  Get a mortgage pre-approval with Owl Mortgage  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Both leaders, Poilievre & Carney, are focusing heavily on housing affordability through different approaches. Carney emphasizes first-time buyers and economic management, while Poilievre promotes broader tax relief and supply-side solutions. The real estate market is currently experiencing a slowdown as investors and buyers wait for election results. The Canadian federal election is scheduled for April 28, 2025 Major housing policies from the two main candidates: Carney (Liberal): GST removal on new homes under $1M for first-time buyers only Plans to eliminate carbon tax Emphasis on economic stability Poilievre (Conservative): GST removal on all new homes under $1M Proposed 1031-style exchange program Links federal funding to municipal housing targets Watch On YouTube Get Your Navigating Capital Event Tickets Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset Management Buy & sell real estate with Ai at Valery.ca  Get a mortgage pre-approval with Owl MortgageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this jam packed episode we start by looking at a report on the rental market from two perspectives. Landlord & Tenant. We then look at the CREA stats followed by a live update from our national hosts. Come to our FREE Edmonton meetup Navigating Capital Event  Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset Management Buy & sell real estate with Ai at Valery.ca  Get a mortgage pre-approval with Owl Mortgage  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Live from the BUZZ conference to share a handful of the amazing interviews we had with leaders in the real estate space. we discussed AI, what agents can do to stand out in this market, where the market is headed, the importance of networking and more.  Buzz Media Raz Zohar - CEO and founder of Mave Samantha Hewit - Executive Vice President of Royal LePage Signature Steve Tabrizi - CEO and Owner of RE/MAX Hallmark Group of Companies Viginia Munden - Founder of Buzz Media & the Buzz Events Watch On YouTube Get Your Navigating Capital Event Tickets Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset Management Buy & sell real estate with Ai at Valery.ca  Get a mortgage pre-approval with Owl MortgageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

OSFI is considering replacing the traditional mortgage stress test with a portfolio-level approach that shifts responsibility from individual borrowers to banks, limiting high loan-to-income mortgages to 15% of quarterly originations. Current stress test requires uninsured borrowers to qualify at either 5.25% or contract rate plus 2%, but OSFI found it didn't prevent accumulation of high loan-to-income mortgages. New 450% loan-to-income cap implemented January 31, 2025, restricts banks to issuing no more than 15% of quarterly mortgages to heavily indebted borrowers. Pre-construction condo market facing crisis with properties being appraised 10-30% below original purchase prices, highlighting need for regulatory oversight. Specific industries facing increased lending restrictions, including steel and aluminum workers, suggesting broader economic concerns affecting mortgage availability. Watch On YouTube Get Your Navigating Capital Event Tickets Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset Management Buy & sell real estate with Ai at Valery.ca  Get a mortgage pre-approval with Owl MortgageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite current negative sentiment about Canada, there are significant opportunities for growth and development, particularly in natural resources and technology sectors. Resource Wealth: Canada has vast natural resources including third-largest oil reserves, largest potash reserves, and 20% of world's freshwater, creating economic stability through jobs and revenue Future Growth Drivers: Data centers are emerging as a major opportunity due to Canada's cold climate and energy resources, while population growth aims for 100 million by 2100 Watch On YouTube Get Your Navigating Capital Event Tickets Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset Management Buy & sell real estate with Ai at Valery.ca  Get a mortgage pre-approval with Owl Mortgage  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.