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.