Mortgage rates just hit 3.69% for the first time since 2022, but this could be the worst news for unprepared buyers and investors who don't understand the trap being set. I break down why these "promotional" rates are actually corporate desperation before fiscal year-end, and reveal the three strategies you need to implement in the next 60 days before the biggest payment shock in Canadian history hits in 2026.

Most Canadians are banking on their home to fund retirement. In this episode, Alex McFadyen explains why relying solely on home equity is risky with renewals, rising payments, and falling values. He shares practical guardrails, smarter strategies like downsizing, refinancing, HELOCs and reverse mortgages, and explains how to build a real plan instead of hoping your house saves you.

In this episode, we break down how Canada’s housing crisis has become a self-inflicted disaster. From the foreign buyer ban and CMHC’s tighter financing rules to the mortgage stress test, we reveal how contradictory policies are stalling construction, cancelling projects, and driving prices higher... and what buyers and investors can do to navigate it.

Alex McFadyen breaks down the surprising aftermath of consecutive Fed and Bank of Canada meetings, revealing why Canadian mortgage rates are now tracking US policy more than Canadian decisions. This data-heavy episode explores eight key takeaways from recent central bank announcements, including why fixed rates might stay higher longer, which regions offer the best real estate opportunities, and why variable rates could outperform over the next 18 months. Essential listening for mortgage holders facing renewals, real estate investors, and anyone trying to navigate the volatile rate environment with practical strategies for buyers, sellers, and investors in today's unpredictable market.

CMHC just revealed the exact timeline for mortgage rate bottoms that 90% of brokers missed. Rates hit bottom Q2 2025, full recovery by Q3 2026 - buried on page 12 of their summer report.

I break down their 4-region analysis, the 2% national price decline prediction, and why developer distress is creating massive opportunities for positioned investors.

The Canadian mortgage market has experienced a dramatic reversal, with banks now suggesting rate hikes are back on the table instead of the expected rate cuts, driven by core inflation hitting 3.4% - well above the Bank of Canada's 2% target. This shift is particularly concerning given that 2026 will see record-high mortgage renewals, meaning millions of Canadians could face significantly higher payments than anticipated. The housing market remains in limbo with regional variations (some areas up 10-15%, condos down 5.2%), creating what may be a brief window of opportunity for buyers before costs potentially increase further.

Are you ready for your mortgage renewal? With up to 60% of Canadian mortgages renewing by the end of 2026, many homeowners are facing payment increases of up to 40%. This episode breaks down the renewal crisis, exploring the risks and outlining concrete strategies to navigate the changing market. Host Alex McFadyen dives deep into the pros and cons of fixed, variable, and hybrid loans, and shares insider tips on how to negotiate with your bank, decide between refinancing or switching lenders, and ultimately turn this financial challenge into a strategic advantage. Learn what you need to do now to protect your finances and secure the best possible terms for your future.

Canada's housing market has reached a breaking point. In this episode of The Flow: Real Estate & Money, Alex McFadden exposes the harsh realities behind the affordability crisis. A $1.011 million home is now considered "affordable" despite requiring two six-figure incomes and a $202,000 down payment. Foreign buyer taxes and bureaucratic permit delays have only worsened the problem.

Alex breaks down the systemic failures locking out an entire generation from homeownership and examines potential solutions, from streamlining approvals to aligning immigration with housing construction. This is an unfiltered look at who's being left behind and what it will take to fix Canada's broken housing market.

Listen for the hard truths about real estate, policy failures, and the path forward.

Feeling the pressure of mortgage decisions? This episode of the Flow Mortgage Co. podcast offers clear insights into the June 2025 Canadian mortgage market. Host Alex explains the financial risks of delaying your mortgage decisions, why waiting for "perfect" market conditions is a losing game, and how understanding rate risk can save you thousands. We dive into the latest data from variable rate demand shifts to GDP contractions and equip you with strategies for navigating potential rate scenarios. Tune in to learn how to secure flexibility and avoid common pitfalls in today's unpredictable market.

In this episode, Alex McFadyen of Flow Mortgage Co. addresses whether Canada is heading for a real estate and recessionary crisis, acknowledging that many Canadians are struggling with rising rents and mortgage costs. He breaks down the CMHC Home Affordability Report, which confirms severe housing supply issues, noting an annual shortfall of 200,000 new homes and that a 2030 timeline for resolution is no longer realistic. McFadyen also clarifies misconceptions about interest rates, explaining that fixed rates are trending upwards due to sticky inflation and surging oil prices, indicating rate cuts are not imminent. Despite headlines suggesting a crisis, he points out that over the past five years, real estate values are up across the country, and he emphasizes that affordability cannot be fixed without addressing the supply issue. Ultimately, Alex advises listeners to prepare for the market rather than trying to time it, as waiting could prove more costly, and he highlights that smart investors are actively seeking opportunities in the current climate.