Today we get a chance to welcome back David Smith to The Flow, a Realtor at the David Smith Homes Group and co-owner of Royal LePage Wolstencroft brokerage. Alex McFadyen, your host, and David, delve into the current Canadian real estate market dynamics, focusing on key issues like low sales ratios and the overflow of inventory, particularly in major metropolitan areas. The conversation explores the economic impacts of Trump's tariffs, the seasonal fluctuations in real estate transactions, and the recent trends among first-time buyers. The duo also discusses the implications of new regulations like the 30-year amortization for CMHC-insured mortgages and the challenges facing pre-sale properties. Finally, they touch upon the role of macroeconomic factors and media influence in shaping market sentiment and speculate on the market's trajectory for the first half of 2025.

David Smith, PREC, is a Realtor with the David Smith Homes Group. David is also co-owner of the Royal LePage Wolstencroft brokerage based in Langley, BC. You can find David’s website at: davidsmithhomes.ca

And on social media: @davidsmithhomes

Your host of The Flow is Alex McFadyen, a seasoned independent mortgage broker with over 11 years of experience in the industry. Alex is the owner and Mortgage Advisor of Flow Mortgage Co.

Alex’s Social Media: @themortgagepug

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Ready to take the plunge into homeownership? Don’t miss our comprehensive First-Time Home Buyers Course available at the link below. This essential resource is designed to guide you through the maze of purchasing your first home with confidence and ease. Free for a limited time to listeners of the show!

https://alex-s-school-7883.thinkific.com/courses/first-time-home-buyer-course

For daily insights, make sure to find us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @flowmortgageco

Don't just dream about your future home, make it a reality! Subscribe to "The Flow: Real Estate & Money Show" for more invaluable insights, and visit our website at getflowmortgage.ca to discover how we can help make your property aspirations come true.

Alex McFadyen, mortgage broker and owner of Flow Mortgage Co., dives into the complex mortgage landscape of 2025 amid economic uncertainty brought on by fluctuating tariffs and varying interest rates. He discusses the 'mortgage renewal cliff' phenomenon and offers detailed strategies for choosing between fixed and variable rates. Alex also examines the impact of U.S. trade policies under the Trump administration, inflation trends, and provides insights into the historical performance of different mortgage options. Listeners will find guidance on key factors such as IRD penalties, risk management, and the benefits of hybrid mortgages.

Alex McFadyen is a seasoned independent mortgage broker with over 11 years of experience in the industry. Alex is the owner and Mortgage Advisor of Flow Mortgage Co.

Alex’s Social Media: @themortgagepug

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Ready to take the plunge into homeownership? Don’t miss our comprehensive First-Time Home Buyers Course available at the link below. This essential resource is designed to guide you through the maze of purchasing your first home with confidence and ease. Free for a limited time to listeners of the show!

https://alex-s-school-7883.thinkific.com/courses/first-time-home-buyer-course

For daily insights, make sure to find us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @flowmortgageco

Don't just dream about your future home, make it a reality! Subscribe to "The Flow: Real Estate & Money Show" for more invaluable insights, and visit our website at getflowmortgage.ca to discover how we can help make your property aspirations come true.

In this episode, Alex McFadyen, mortgage broker and owner of Flow Mortgage Co., provides an in-depth analysis of how Trump's proposed tariffs on Canadian goods could impact the mortgage market. After multiple attempts to record this episode due to constant changes, Alex discusses the potential economic repercussions, including inflation spikes and the effect on mortgage rates. He offers practical advice for homeowners and buyers, whether considering fixed or variable rate mortgages, and explores strategies for refinancing and cash flow management. Real estate's role as a stable investment during times of uncertainty is also examined.

Alex McFadyen is a seasoned independent mortgage broker with over 11 years of experience in the industry. Alex is the owner and Mortgage Advisor of Flow Mortgage Co.

Alex’s Social Media: @themortgagepug

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Ready to take the plunge into homeownership? Don’t miss our comprehensive First-Time Home Buyers Course available at the link below. This essential resource is designed to guide you through the maze of purchasing your first home with confidence and ease. Free for a limited time to listeners of the show!

https://alex-s-school-7883.thinkific.com/courses/first-time-home-buyer-course

For daily insights, make sure to find us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @flowmortgageco

Don't just dream about your future home, make it a reality! Subscribe to "The Flow: Real Estate & Money Show" for more invaluable insights, and visit our website at getflowmortgage.ca to discover how we can help make your property aspirations come true.

In this episode, host Alex McFadyen delves into the upcoming Bank of Canada rate cut and its implications on variable rate discounts. McFadyen explains why these discounts are disappearing and how it affects borrowers. He also explores the broader economic impacts of potential tariffs introduced by Trump, including their effect on the Canadian GDP. Listeners will gain insight into the complexities of choosing between variable, fixed, and hybrid mortgage options amidst an uncertain economic landscape. Encouraging a deeper understanding, McFadyen stresses the importance of working with knowledgeable mortgage professionals. Additionally, he provides an overview of the new 90 percent refinance program by CMHC launching in early 2025, aimed at opening more doors for Canadian homeowners.

Alex McFadyen is a seasoned independent mortgage broker with over 11 years of experience in the industry. Alex is the owner and Mortgage Advisor of Flow Mortgage Co.

Alex’s Social Media: @themortgagepug

**********

Ready to take the plunge into homeownership? Don’t miss our comprehensive First-Time Home Buyers Course available at the link below. This essential resource is designed to guide you through the maze of purchasing your first home with confidence and ease. Free for a limited time to listeners of the show!

https://alex-s-school-7883.thinkific.com/courses/first-time-home-buyer-course

For daily insights, make sure to find us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @flowmortgageco

Don't just dream about your future home, make it a reality! Subscribe to "The Flow: Real Estate & Money Show" for more invaluable insights, and visit our website at getflowmortgage.ca to discover how we can help make your property aspirations come true.

In this episode, Alex McFadyen, Mortgage Broker and Owner of Flow Mortgage Co., delves into the potential impacts of US tariffs on Canadian exports, focusing particularly on real estate and mortgages. He discusses the possibility of a 6% GDP contraction and its implications on mortgage rates, job losses, and consumer spending. Alex also explores how tariff-induced economic changes could present both risks and opportunities for homebuyers and investors. The analysis includes historical comparisons, potential rate changes, and investor strategies in light of these developments. Stay informed with crucial dates such as the upcoming tariff announcements and BOC rate decisions.

Alex McFadyen is a seasoned independent mortgage broker with over 11 years of experience in the industry. Alex is the owner and Mortgage Advisor of Flow Mortgage Co.

Alex’s Social Media: @themortgagepug

**********

Ready to take the plunge into homeownership? Don’t miss our comprehensive First-Time Home Buyers Course available at the link below. This essential resource is designed to guide you through the maze of purchasing your first home with confidence and ease. Free for a limited time to listeners of the show!

https://alex-s-school-7883.thinkific.com/courses/first-time-home-buyer-course

For daily insights, make sure to find us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @flowmortgageco

Don't just dream about your future home, make it a reality! Subscribe to "The Flow: Real Estate & Money Show" for more invaluable insights, and visit our website at getflowmortgage.ca to discover how we can help make your property aspirations come true.

In this episode, Alex McFadyen from Flow Mortgage Co. delves into the historical patterns of real estate interest rates over the past 30 years and their implications for future market conditions. The discussion aims to equip viewers with the knowledge needed to navigate rate cycles, make better mortgage decisions, and handle potential economic fluctuations. McFadyen underscores the importance of understanding inflation, economic growth, and global trends in relation to interest rates in both Canada and the U.S. He also explores various mortgage strategies and the benefits of rate diversification to cater to different financial goals. Additionally, McFadyen emphasizes the necessity of being well-informed and prepared for the financial uncertainties ahead.

Alex McFadyen is a seasoned independent mortgage broker with over 11 years of experience in the industry. Alex is the owner and Mortgage Advisor of Flow Mortgage Co.

Alex’s Social Media: @themortgagepug

**********

Ready to take the plunge into homeownership? Don’t miss our comprehensive First-Time Home Buyers Course available at the link below. This essential resource is designed to guide you through the maze of purchasing your first home with confidence and ease. Free for a limited time to listeners of the show!

https://alex-s-school-7883.thinkific.com/courses/first-time-home-buyer-course

For daily insights, make sure to find us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @flowmortgageco

Don't just dream about your future home, make it a reality! Subscribe to "The Flow: Real Estate & Money Show" for more invaluable insights, and visit our website at getflowmortgage.ca to discover how we can help make your property aspirations come true.

In this episode of the podcast, host Alex McFadyen dives deep into the factors likely to influence mortgage rates and the real estate market in Canada for the year 2025. Covering topics from Canada's economic outlook and disinflationary vs. reinflationary forces, to anticipated regulatory changes and rate predictions, Alex offers a comprehensive analysis. He also looks at key influences such as US trade tariffs, AI-driven productivity, and the anticipated resurgence in real estate transactions. The episode concludes with actionable advice for borrowers on choosing between fixed and variable rates.

Alex McFadyen is a seasoned independent mortgage broker with over 11 years of experience in the industry. Alex is the owner and Mortgage Advisor of Flow Mortgage Co.

Alex’s Social Media: @themortgagepug

**********

Ready to take the plunge into homeownership? Don’t miss our comprehensive First-Time Home Buyers Course available at the link below. This essential resource is designed to guide you through the maze of purchasing your first home with confidence and ease. Free for a limited time to listeners of the show!

https://alex-s-school-7883.thinkific.com/courses/first-time-home-buyer-course

For daily insights, make sure to find us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @flowmortgageco

Don't just dream about your future home, make it a reality! Subscribe to "The Flow: Real Estate & Money Show" for more invaluable insights, and visit our website at getflowmortgage.ca to discover how we can help make your property aspirations come true.

And just like that 2024 has come to a close. Alex McFadyen from Flow Mortgage Co. delves into the complexities of the 2024 real estate market, discussing its sluggish start and notable events that have shaped the landscape. Key points include government interventions, trends in interest rates, and significant policy changes, such as BC's property transfer tax exemptions and the federal government's introduction of a 30-year amortization for new builds. Alex also emphasizes the impact of these dynamics on buyers, sellers, and investors, setting the stage for a potentially transformative 2025 in real estate. He invites listeners to share their thoughts and predictions for the coming year in the comments section.

Alex McFadyen is a seasoned independent mortgage broker with over 11 years of experience in the industry. Alex is the owner and Mortgage Advisor of Flow Mortgage Co.

Alex’s Social Media: @themortgagepug

**********

Ready to take the plunge into homeownership? Don’t miss our comprehensive First-Time Home Buyers Course available at the link below. This essential resource is designed to guide you through the maze of purchasing your first home with confidence and ease. Free for a limited time to listeners of the show!

https://alex-s-school-7883.thinkific.com/courses/first-time-home-buyer-course

For daily insights, make sure to find us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @flowmortgageco

Don't just dream about your future home, make it a reality! Subscribe to "The Flow: Real Estate & Money Show" for more invaluable insights, and visit our website at getflowmortgage.ca to discover how we can help make your property aspirations come true.

In this episode, Alex McFadyen, Mortgage Broker and Owner of Flow Mortgage Co., discusses five major guidelines that many people overlook when qualifying for a mortgage. These include myths about employment duration, options for self-employed individuals, using child tax benefits, the impact of debt on qualification, and leveraging rental income from appraisals. Alex emphasizes the importance of understanding different lenders' criteria and offers practical advice for applicants to enhance their mortgage qualification chances. Tune in for in-depth insights and surprising tips to help you qualify for your next mortgage or refinance.

Alex McFadyen is a seasoned independent mortgage broker with over 11 years of experience in the industry. Alex is the owner and Mortgage Advisor of Flow Mortgage Co.

Alex’s Social Media: @themortgagepug

**********

Ready to take the plunge into homeownership? Don’t miss our comprehensive First-Time Home Buyers Course available at the link below. This essential resource is designed to guide you through the maze of purchasing your first home with confidence and ease. Free for a limited time to listeners of the show!

https://alex-s-school-7883.thinkific.com/courses/first-time-home-buyer-course

For daily insights, make sure to find us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @flowmortgageco

Don't just dream about your future home, make it a reality! Subscribe to "The Flow: Real Estate & Money Show" for more invaluable insights, and visit our website at getflowmortgage.ca to discover how we can help make your property aspirations come true.

On December 11, 2024, Tiff Macklem and the Bank of Canada (BOC) cut interest rates by half a percent, bringing the overnight rate to 3.25%. This change has significant implications for variable rate mortgages and lines of credit, while fixed rates remain influenced by bond yields. Banks are also adjusting discounts on variable rates due to increased demand. Furthermore, new mortgage rules introduced 30-year amortizations for insured loans and first-time buyers with less than 20% down. Economist Derek Holt from Scotiabank calls it a hawkishly large cut, sparking discussions about future rate trends and potential impacts from international factors like U.S. tariffs. The episode also covers how these changes may affect the Canadian real estate market, with projections indicating a possible early spring market favoring sellers and increased property transactions.

Alex McFadyen is a seasoned independent mortgage broker with over 11 years of experience in the industry. Alex is the owner and Mortgage Advisor of Flow Mortgage Co.

Alex’s Social Media: @themortgagepug

**********

Ready to take the plunge into homeownership? Don’t miss our comprehensive First-Time Home Buyers Course available at the link below. This essential resource is designed to guide you through the maze of purchasing your first home with confidence and ease. Free for a limited time to listeners of the show!

https://alex-s-school-7883.thinkific.com/courses/first-time-home-buyer-course

For daily insights, make sure to find us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @flowmortgageco

Don't just dream about your future home, make it a reality! Subscribe to "The Flow: Real Estate & Money Show" for more invaluable insights, and visit our website at getflowmortgage.ca to discover how we can help make your property aspirations come true.