The Ottawa Real Estate Podcast

Ottawa first time buyers are walking into pre approval meetings looking at $700,000 and $800,000 detached homes, while the starter condo and townhome get passed over. We asked realtors at the Ottawa Real Estate Board trade show where they see the best buying opportunity over the next 12 months, and most of the ones we spoke with off camera pointed to the same place.

We talk about older two and three bedroom condos and townhome condos in Ottawa, what to watch for with reserve funds and special assessments, and purchase plus improvements mortgages and how much renovation money some lenders will now add on with as little as 5% down.

Then we get into the Canadian Mortgage Brokers Association’s three asks to the federal government. We also cover B.C.’s new government and its housing pledges, the Lanark County home ownership program, and CREA’s latest forecast and Bank of Canada's rate announcement today.

00:00 Intro

01:15 Insights from the Ottawa Real Estate Board Trade Show

02:19 The Condo Market: Opportunities and Challenges

06:00 Investing in Condos vs. Single Family Homes

09:05 Navigating Affordability in Real Estate

10:51 Purchase Plus Improvements Mortgage

16:09 BC Government Changes and Their Impact on Real Estate

21:08 Mortgage Brokers' Call for Rule Changes

32:32 CREA's Housing Market Forecast

35:21 Mood Boosts

Get in touch with us!

Paul Stevenson - Mortgage Agent Level 2

CENTUM Financial Services LP

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 1-613-263-4543

https://www.paulstevenson.ca

David Warren - Mortgage Agent Level 2

Referral Mortgages

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 1-613-686-6003

https://www.referralmortgages.com

If you have a question or topic you'd like to hear us discuss send us an email at: [email protected] or leave us a comment below!

New Episodes of the podcast are available on Wednesdays at 10AM on all podcast services and at www.theottawarealestatepodcast.com

Brought to you by Referral Mortgages, PaulStevenson.ca, Guertin/Poirier Avocates Lawyers, BIG - Billyard Insurance Group, and A to Z Cleaning Expert.

The content in this podcast is for general information and educational purposes only and is not financial, mortgage, legal, or investment advice. Opinions expressed by guests and featured speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or their brokerage. Everyone’s situation is different. For advice on your own situation, speak with a licensed mortgage professional, like us, using the contact information above and we can discuss your specific situation.

In just a few days, the market odds of a Bank of Canada rate hike on October 28 went from roughly 35% to 87%, and several of Canada’s big banks changed their forecasts along the way. We break down what triggered the shift, why some forecasters now expect back to back increases, and why choosing between a variable and fixed rate mortgage just got a lot more complicated.

We also look at CMHC’s warning that today’s slowdown in new construction could create tomorrow’s housing shortage, what the foreign buyer ban set to expire on January 1 could mean for preconstruction sales, and whether builders are building what families actually want. Plus, we share what local agents told us on an Ottawa open house tour about buyers who love a home and still won’t make an offer, and why some homeowners are pulling their listings instead of dropping the price.

We also bring back takeaways from the Mortgage Professionals Canada national conference in Calgary, where AI and a fast changing rate outlook dominated the conversation.

00:00 Introduction and Conference Insights

01:59 Market Predictions and Rate Changes

07:29 Impact of Rate Hikes on Borrowers

11:27 New Construction and Housing Supply Challenges

16:36 Foreign Buyer Ban and Market Dynamics

21:18 Current Buyer Sentiment and Market Trends

22:30 Future Housing Market Outlook

24:06 Mood Boosts

Get in touch with us!

Paul Stevenson - Mortgage Agent Level 2

CENTUM Financial Services LP

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 1-613-263-4543

https://www.paulstevenson.ca

David Warren - Mortgage Agent Level 2

Referral Mortgages

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 1-613-686-6003

https://www.referralmortgages.com

If you have a question or topic you'd like to hear us discuss send us an email at: [email protected] or leave us a comment below!

New Episodes of the podcast are available on Wednesdays at 10AM on all podcast services and at www.theottawarealestatepodcast.com

Brought to you by Referral Mortgages, PaulStevenson.ca, Guertin/Poirier Avocates Lawyers, BIG - Billyard Insurance Group, and A to Z Cleaning Expert.

More homes are hitting the market, mortgage rates are climbing, and Canada just lost 68,000 jobs in a single month. Could the housing market be heading for a bigger shift?

We break down the latest Canadian real estate trends, including rising housing inventory, home prices, and what the September numbers reveal about where the market could be headed. We also look at why some markets are holding up better than others, even as properties sit unsold and buyers become more cautious.

We discuss the latest Canadian employment numbers, changing expectations for the Bank of Canada, and why fixed mortgage rates are climbing back toward 5%. We also explain why first time homebuyers are facing a very different mortgage market from homeowners renewing their existing mortgages.

Plus, we compare housing conditions across major Canadian cities and explore why Ottawa has remained relatively resilient while markets like Toronto and Vancouver face greater pressure. With economic uncertainty growing, the next few months could reveal a lot about where Canadian real estate is headed.

00:00 Introduction to Ottawa's September Market Data

01:42 September Sales and Supply Overview

03:42 Market Activity and Days on Market

05:19 Price Trends and Regional Differences

07:15 Interest Rates and Mortgage Market Impact

10:07 Economic Indicators and Employment Data

11:05 Canada's Regional Variations and Migration Trends

12:00 Future Outlook and Market Resilience

14:25 Political and Economic Factors Affecting Canada

17:16 It's Not The Same For Every Province

21:48 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

23:05 Mood Boosts

Get in touch with us!

Paul Stevenson - Mortgage Agent Level 2

CENTUM Financial Services LP

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 1-613-263-4543

https://www.paulstevenson.ca

David Warren - Mortgage Agent Level 2

Referral Mortgages

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 1-613-686-6003

https://www.referralmortgages.com

If you have a question or topic you'd like to hear us discuss send us an email at: [email protected] or leave us a comment below!

New Episodes of the podcast are available on Wednesdays at 10AM on all podcast services and at www.theottawarealestatepodcast.com

Brought to you by Referral Mortgages, PaulStevenson.ca, Guertin/Poirier Avocates Lawyers, BIG - Billyard Insurance Group, and A to Z Cleaning Expert.

Ottawa home prices may be holding relatively steady, but that does not mean the market has bounced back. Buyers are taking their time, sellers are adjusting expectations, and some Ottawa homes are selling for less than their owners paid just a few years ago.

This week we have Greg Campbell with us to discuss what he is seeing across Orleans, Barrhaven, Kanata and other Ottawa neighbourhoods, including falling sales volumes, detached home prices, townhouse prices, condo inventory and the growing gap between asking prices and what buyers are actually willing to pay.

We also look at why some sellers are choosing not to list at all, how return to work could be shifting demand toward Ottawa's downtown neighbourhoods, and why more complex mortgage files are creating additional challenges for buyers. From self employed income and multiple income sources to unusual down payment situations, lenders are asking more questions and requiring more documentation.

00:13 Intro

00:57 Greg's recent activities and market perspective

01:45 Market mood and seller expectations

03:25 Buyers' and sellers' strategies in a declining market

04:10 Market data and property sale trends in Ottawa

05:31 Ottawa's price stability and neighborhood analysis

07:20 Impact of interest rates and mortgage complexity

08:36 The importance of using knowledgeable Mortgage Brokers

09:41 Consumer confidence and economic outlook

10:10 Predictions for interest rate movements

11:21 Protecting Real Estate Transactions

14:00 Ottawa neighborhood stats and market data

18:05 Market summary and key takeaways

19:37 List to sale price trends and market signals

20:06 Neighborhood migration and market hotspots

21:19 Introduction to secure my offer and mortgage protection

23:12 Details of the deposit bond and its benefits

24:33 Practical application and process of secure my offer

26:23 Mood Boosts

Get in touch with us!

Paul Stevenson - Mortgage Agent Level 2

CENTUM Financial Services LP

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 1-613-263-4543

https://www.paulstevenson.ca

David Warren - Mortgage Agent Level 2

Referral Mortgages

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 1-613-686-6003

https://www.referralmortgages.com

Greg Campbell - SecureMyOffer/EXP Realty

www.securemyoffer.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/securemyoffer/

Email: [email protected]

If you have a question or topic you'd like to hear us discuss send us an email at: [email protected] or leave us a comment below!

New Episodes of the podcast are available on Wednesdays at 10AM on all podcast services and at www.theottawarealestatepodcast.com

Brought to you by Referral Mortgages, PaulStevenson.ca, Guertin/Poirier Avocates Lawyers, BIG - Billyard Insurance Group, and A to Z Cleaning Expert.

Mortgage payments are putting more pressure on Canadian homeowners, and the latest numbers show just how many borrowers are feeling it. This week we talk about the rise in financial difficulty, what mortgage renewals are actually looking like, and why the biggest challenge may no longer be rate shock but the monthly payment itself.

We also look at where mortgage rates are sitting, what the bond market could signal for fixed rates, and how borrowers are adjusting their amortization and payment strategies as they come up for renewal. With more homeowners becoming conscious of their spending, savings, debt, and mortgage payments, we discuss whether this period could ultimately lead to healthier financial habits.

We also cover Ontario's new rental rules, including the reduction in the notice period for unpaid rent and what the changes mean for landlords and tenants.

00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest

01:12 Mortgage Protection Explained

04:52 Mortgage Payment Pressure & Rates

10:41 Renewal Planning & Affordability

14:51 Saving, Budgeting & Mortgage Paydown

19:56 Ontario Rental Rule Changes

22:05 Mood Boosts

Get in touch with us!

Paul Stevenson - Mortgage Agent Level 2

CENTUM Financial Services LP

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 1-613-263-4543

https://www.paulstevenson.ca

David Warren - Mortgage Agent Level 2

Referral Mortgages

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 1-613-686-6003

https://www.referralmortgages.com

If you have a question or topic you'd like to hear us discuss send us an email at: [email protected] or leave us a comment below!

New Episodes of the podcast are available on Wednesdays at 10AM on all podcast services and at www.theottawarealestatepodcast.com

Brought to you by Referral Mortgages, PaulStevenson.ca, Guertin/Poirier Avocates Lawyers, BIG - Billyard Insurance Group, and A to Z Cleaning Expert.

Canadian mortgage rates are moving higher again, while inflation remains stuck at 3% and uncertainty around tariffs continues to weigh on the economy. This week we look at what is pushing fixed mortgage rates higher and why some borrowers who waited for lower rates are now seeing the opposite happen.

We break down the latest Canadian inflation numbers, rising bond yields, slower mortgage borrowing, household debt, and what the Canada US trade situation could mean for future interest rates. We also discuss Ottawa real estate, the current buyer’s market, why some properties are still selling quickly, and why trying to time the bottom on mortgage rates can backfire.

00:00 Current Market Overview

02:49 Interest Rates and Economic Impact

05:49 Borrowing Trends and Consumer Sentiment

08:53 Real Estate Market Dynamics

11:40 Future Rate Predictions and Economic Outlook

13:59 Global Economic Comparisons

16:57 Preparing for Rate Changes

20:00 Mood Boosts

Get in touch with us!

Paul Stevenson - Mortgage Agent Level 2

CENTUM Financial Services LP

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 1-613-263-4543

https://www.paulstevenson.ca

David Warren - Mortgage Agent Level 2

Referral Mortgages

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 1-613-686-6003

https://www.referralmortgages.com

If you have a question or topic you'd like to hear us discuss send us an email at: [email protected] or leave us a comment below!

New Episodes of the podcast are available on Wednesdays at 10AM on all podcast services and at www.theottawarealestatepodcast.com

Brought to you by Referral Mortgages, PaulStevenson.ca, Guertin/Poirier Avocates Lawyers, BIG - Billyard Insurance Group, and A to Z Cleaning Expert.

Mortgage rates are rising again while Canada’s economy is sending mixed signals, and Ottawa’s housing market just posted a surprisingly sharp drop in sales.

This week we break down the Bank of Canada’s latest rate decision, why inflation, oil prices, tariffs, and weak employment numbers are making future rate cuts harder to predict, and what rising bond yields could mean for fixed mortgage rates. We also look at Ottawa real estate, where August sales fell dramatically even though average home prices remained relatively stable.

We also discuss the growing gap between buyers and sellers, rising inventory, the impact of the federal return to work mandate, new construction and the HST rebate, and RBC’s outlook for Canadian housing through 2026 and 2027.

00:00 Introduction and Market Overview

01:00 Bank of Canada Rate Hold

03:21 Jobs, Inflation & Rate Outlook

05:24 Mortgage Rates & Market Pressures

07:06 Tariffs and Inflation Risks

09:32 August Ottawa Housing Market

12:49 Regional Market Comparison

15:28 Return-to-Office Buyer Shift

17:04 New-Build Rebate Update

20:59 National Housing Outlook

23:06 Mood Boosts

Get in touch with us!

Paul Stevenson - Mortgage Agent Level 2

CENTUM Financial Services LP

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 1-613-263-4543

https://www.paulstevenson.ca

David Warren - Mortgage Agent Level 2

Referral Mortgages

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 1-613-686-6003

https://www.referralmortgages.com

If you have a question or topic you'd like to hear us discuss send us an email at: [email protected] or leave us a comment below!

New Episodes of the podcast are available on Wednesdays at 10AM on all podcast services and at www.theottawarealestatepodcast.com

Brought to you by Referral Mortgages, PaulStevenson.ca, Guertin/Poirier Avocates Lawyers, BIG - Billyard Insurance Group, and A to Z Cleaning Expert.

Are you concerned about the impact of tariffs on the Canadian real estate market and your mortgage in Ottawa? As a homeowner or potential buyer in the Ottawa real estate market, it's essential to understand how the recent tariff changes in Canada may affect your mortgage rates and the overall Canadian housing market. The Bank of Canada's decisions on mortgage rates can significantly influence the Ontario housing market, and as an Ontario landlord or tenant, it's crucial to stay informed about the potential changes. The Ottawa housing market is particularly vulnerable to these changes, and understanding the implications of Bill 60 and the Rent Increase Ontario guidelines can help you navigate the Ontario landlord and tenant board. In this video, we'll explore the potential risks to your mortgage and the Canadian economy, discussing how fixed mortgage rates and the Canadian real estate market may be impacted by the tariffs in Canada.

00:00 Introduction to the US-Canada trade tensions

03:03 US Tariffs' Impact On Canadian Economy

04:07 The Impact of US Tariffs On Canadian Mortgage Rates

12:41 Mortgage Rate Decisions in an Uncertain Market

15:34 Ontario Rental Rule Changes

26:33 Mood Boosts

Get in touch with us!

Paul Stevenson - Mortgage Agent Level 2

CENTUM Financial Services LP

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 1-613-263-4543

https://www.paulstevenson.ca

David Warren - Mortgage Agent Level 2

Referral Mortgages

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 1-613-686-6003

https://www.referralmortgages.com

If you have a question or topic you'd like to hear us discuss send us an email at: [email protected] or leave us a comment below!

New Episodes of the podcast are available on Wednesdays at 10AM on all podcast services and at www.theottawarealestatepodcast.com

Brought to you by Referral Mortgages, PaulStevenson.ca, Guertin/Poirier Avocates Lawyers, BIG - Billyard Insurance Group, and A to Z Cleaning Expert.

Canada’s economy is facing another major shock, with a potential 50% tariff increase hitting $28 billion in Canadian goods. At the same time, inflation has risen, fixed mortgage rates are climbing, and Canadians are still dealing with a serious affordability problem.

In this episode we talk about what is happening with Ottawa real estate, Canadian housing, mortgage rates, inflation, and the Bank of Canada. We also look at why five year fixed rates have moved into the mid fours, why more borrowers are considering variable mortgages, and what the latest inflation numbers could mean for interest rates.

00:00 Intro

00:47 Late-Summer Market Update

01:10 August Market Conditions

03:24 Fixed vs. Variable Mortgage Rates

06:32 Inflation and Interest-Rate Outlook

11:03 Tariffs, Jobs and Buyer Confidence

17:50 Housing Affordability

21:09 Taxes and Cost of Living

26:02 Mood Boosts

Get in touch with us!

Paul Stevenson - Mortgage Agent Level 2

CENTUM Financial Services LP

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 1-613-263-4543

https://www.paulstevenson.ca

David Warren - Mortgage Agent Level 2

Referral Mortgages

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 1-613-686-6003

https://www.referralmortgages.com

If you have a question or topic you'd like to hear us discuss send us an email at: [email protected] or leave us a comment below!

New Episodes of the podcast are available on Wednesdays at 10AM on all podcast services and at www.theottawarealestatepodcast.com

Brought to you by Referral Mortgages, PaulStevenson.ca, Guertin/Poirier Avocates Lawyers, BIG - Billyard Insurance Group, and A to Z Cleaning Expert.

This week we look at whether Ottawa home prices may have finally bottomed out, what the latest market numbers are telling us, and why mortgage rates could still make affordability challenging.

We also discuss Canada’s surprisingly strong jobs report, mortgage renewals, fixed rates, and how upcoming tariffs could affect the housing market.

00:13 Introduction to Ottawa real estate market

01:51 Current Perception Of The Real Estate Market

03:12 Mortgage Rates At Renewal

06:09 Getting A Mortgage With Bruised Credit

13:59 July Real Estate Stats

18:01 Job Numbers

24:47 Canadian Rent Prices Continue To Fall

28:32 Mood Boosts

Get in touch with us!

Paul Stevenson - Mortgage Agent Level 2

CENTUM Financial Services LP

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 1-613-263-4543

https://www.paulstevenson.ca

David Warren - Mortgage Agent Level 2

Referral Mortgages

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 1-613-686-6003

https://www.referralmortgages.com

If you have a question or topic you'd like to hear us discuss send us an email at: [email protected] or leave us a comment below!

New Episodes of the podcast are available on Wednesdays at 10AM on all podcast services and at www.theottawarealestatepodcast.com

Brought to you by Referral Mortgages, PaulStevenson.ca, Guertin/Poirier Avocates Lawyers, BIG - Billyard Insurance Group, and A to Z Cleaning Expert.