Under One Roof

How do you know when it's finally time to sell your investment property?

This week on Under One Roof MTL, LJ Aguinaga shares the story behind selling one of his first investment properties, a 4-plex he held for nearly a decade. Plus, Fred and Martin answer some of the mortgage questions Canadians are asking most right now, from fixed vs variable rates to renewing with your bank versus shopping around.

In This Episode:

What's Happening in the Market Right Now

• The Bank of Canada warns interest rates could rise if inflation continues climbing
• Retirees across Canada are delaying downsizing plans as housing markets soften
• Why Quebec continues to behave differently than many other Canadian markets

Real Estate: Knowing When It's Time to Sell Your Investment Property LJ Aguinaga opens up about recently selling one of his first investment properties, a 4-plex he owned for roughly 9 years:

• Why he originally bought the property
• The strategy behind holding it long-term
• Why he ultimately decided now was the right time to sell
• Lessons learned about investment real estate over nearly a decade of ownership
• What he would do differently if he could start over today

Mortgages: Your Frequently Asked Questions, Answered Fred and Martin tackle some of the biggest mortgage questions Canadians are asking in 2026:

• Should you choose a fixed or variable mortgage rate?
• Is a 3-year fixed better than a 5-year fixed?
• Will mortgage rates go down this year?
• Should you renew with your current bank or shop around?
• Can self-employed borrowers still qualify for mortgages?
• How much house can you realistically afford?

Trivia Question of the Week What is a closing date? Answer: The final step in a real estate transaction where ownership officially transfers from seller to buyer, funds are exchanged, and documents are signed.

Get in Touch:

LJ Aguinaga – Real Estate 📞 514-500-4040 🌐 LJ Realties 📱 Instagram & socials: @ljaguinaga / @ljrealties

Property Management (Plex Dr) 📞 514-709-6397 🌐 Plex Dr

Fred & Martin – Mortgage Experts 🌐 FredAndMartin

📧 [email protected]

Thinking about selling your home? Wondering what the process actually looks like behind the scenes?

This week on Under One Roof MTL, we walk you through the real seller's journey, from pricing and prep to accepting an offer. Plus, we break down whether paying down your mortgage faster is always the smart financial move.

In This Episode:

What's Happening in the Market Right Now

• The Bank of Canada holds interest rates steady
• Mortgage debt is rising fastest among Canadians nearing retirement
• More homeowners are leveraging equity to help younger buyers, raising long-term financial considerations

Real Estate: The Seller's Journey — What Selling Your Home Actually Looks Like

• Seller consultation, pricing strategy, and reviewing comparables
• Gathering documents, warranties, and setting inclusions/exclusions
• Decluttering and preparing the home for market
• Managing showings and adapting based on buyer feedback
• Accepting an offer after 16 days, within target price and preferred closing timeline
• What sets LJ Aguinaga and his team apart in a competitive market

Mortgages: Paying Down Your Mortgage Faster — Smart Move or Trade-Off?

• Why many homeowners want to pay down their mortgage early
• The trade-off between prepaying your mortgage and maintaining liquidity
• How prepayment privileges actually work
• Increased scrutiny around borrowing and financial planning
• Practical advice for borrowers deciding where to allocate their money

Property of the Week 📍 Anjou, Montreal 7421 Avenue des Halles — 1-bedroom, move-in-ready condo on the 4th floor with hardwood floors, private balcony, in-unit laundry, indoor parking, and walk-in closet. Listed at $299,000 — perfect for first-time buyers looking to stop renting.

Trivia Question of the Week What is the word for the amount of money you've built up in your home as its value increases and your mortgage decreases? Answer: Equity

Get in Touch:

LJ Aguinaga – Real Estate 📞 514-500-4040 🌐 LJ Realties 📱 Instagram & socials: @ljaguinaga / @ljrealties

Property Management (Plex Dr) 📞 514-709-6397 🌐 Plex Dr

Fred & Martin – Mortgage Experts 🌐 FredAndMartin

📧 [email protected]

If your home has been sitting on the market with no offers, you're not alone… and you're not out of options.

This week on Under One Roof MTL, we break down what sellers should do when a listing isn't getting traction, including how to adjust your price strategically without losing leverage. Plus, we tackle some of the most common mortgage myths that continue to confuse buyers and homeowners in 2026.

In This Episode:

What's Happening in the Market Right Now

• Inflation rises to 2.4%, driven in part by higher gas prices
• Housing affordability and job security are now top concerns for Canadians
• Many homeowners are preparing for mortgage renewals at higher rates

Real Estate: What to Do If Your Home Isn't Selling

• How to tell if it's a pricing issue or a presentation problem
• The psychology behind price drops and buyer perception
• Whether to make one major price adjustment or multiple smaller ones
• When to consider pulling and re-listing a property
• How to reposition your home to attract new interest

Mortgages: Dispelling Common Mortgage Myths

• "My bank will automatically give me the best renewal offer"
• "If you're self-employed, you can't get a mortgage"
• "A pre-approval guarantees financing"
• "Mortgage brokers only help if the bank says no"
• "Paying off debt always improves your approval"

Property of the Week 📍 Griffintown, Montreal Two-bedroom condo with private balcony, in-unit laundry, and low condo fees ($173/month), listed at $475,000. Walk to the metro, the Lachine Canal, Atwater Market, and some of Montreal's best restaurants and cafés.

Trivia Question of the Week What is the name of the tax you pay when you purchase a property in Quebec? Answer: Welcome Tax (land transfer tax), now reimbursable for some first-time homebuyers.

Get in Touch:

LJ Aguinaga – Real Estate 📞 514-500-4040 🌐 LJ Realties 📱 @ljaguinaga / @ljrealties

Property Management (Plex Dr) 📞 514-709-6397 🌐 Plex Dr

Fred & Martin – Mortgage Experts 🌐 FredAndMartin

📧 [email protected]

This week on Under One Roof, we're talking about the new initiative announced by the Quebec government to reimburse the welcome tax for first-time home buyers. Plus, LJ has some advice on whether now is the right time to buy. And, Fred and Martin break down which insurance products are mandatory, nice to have, and optional.

This week on Under One Roof, we're taking a look at the factors that are causing fixed rates to increase right now. Plus, prices are dropping in some of Canada's most expensive cities... but that likely won't help first-time buyers get into the market. And, everything YOU need to know about down payments.

This week on Under One Roof, we're taking a look at how the recent surge in oil prices and expected job losses could impact the Bank of Canada's next interest rate announcement on April 29th. Plus, what should you prioritize when it comes to curb appeal improvements? And, what's more important; your interest rate or your mortgage loan conditions?

This week on Under One Roof, we're taking a look at the bond yields market, and how this is impacting fixed rate mortgages. Plus, the TAL ruled this week that it's a Charter violation to include "no pet" clauses in residential leases. What does this mean for tenants moving forward?

LJ also has some advice for homeowners who are planning to sell their home in the next few months, so that they can showcase their home without losing their minds. And, Fred and Martin have some reverse mortgage advice for Canadians retirees.

This week on Under One Roof, we're taking a look at the inflation numbers for February, and predicting what they might look like in the coming months. Plus, LJ has some advice for anyone who is considering purchasing property with a friend or family member. And, Fred and Martin offer up suggestions on how to successfully refinance your mortgage with a solid strategy in place.

This week on Under One Roof, we're taking a look at the latest real estate market numbers, and trying to predict what the Bank of Canada might do with its next interest rate announcement. LJ goes over whether seasonality matters in real estate, and highlights the importance of working with a realtor who is dedicated to selling your property. And, Fred talks about why 5% might be the perfect amount to put down on your first home.

This week on Under One Roof MTL, we're discussing the three warning signs that you could be at risk of defaulting on your mortgage. Plus, what are some of the things that turn potential buyers away when you're selling your home, and is there anything you can do to mitigate those issues? And, what are your options for helping your adult children buy their first home?