Open House - The Real Estate & Mortgage Show

Highlights From Recent Episodes

Check out our Youtube channel for videos of previous episodes. If you’d like to listen to any episodes, visit the podcasts page.

January 18th, 2025: The Future Of Commercial Real Estate & How Tariffs Impact Our Market

Paul, Frank and Steve are joined by Brent Babcock from Mortgage Brokers Ottawa, and they  begin the show by talking about commercial real estate in the last 5 years (2:36), the uncertainty of our economy and mortgage rates (6:08), and today’s Ottawa housing market (8:42). After the break, the gang converse about January’s real estate market (11:10), a listener phones-in to ask about variable vs. fixed mortgages (14:49), and the guys discuss how the US tariffs could impact our real estate market (18:49). Then, the gang talk about investment properties and rental costs (21:30), as well as the future of commercial real estate and mortgage rates (27:16). To end the show, another listener phones-in to ask about whether real estate is a good investment (33:06), and the guys converse about how much it costs to invest in commercial real estate (36:44), as well as political real estate promises we want to see (39:13).

January 11th, 2025: Rent Prices Going Down?

Paul, Frank and Steve start the show by talking about real estate and mortgages in January (2:40), and how the rate drops and economy are impacting buying habits (6:55). After the break, Sean Reid, a mortgage lender, calls in to talk about the advanced mortgage investment corp and how the election is impacting that (11:50). Then, the guys converse about rent prices going down and dealing with tenants (21:26), as well as parents purchasing investment properties for their children (28:59). To end the show, the gang discuss the Home Renovation incentive (32:02), Purchase Plus Improvements Program (37:39), and fixed vs. variable rates (39:09).

January 4th, 2025: Expectations For Real Estate & Mortgages In 2025

Paul, Frank and Steve begin the show by conversing about what they’re expecting for real estate and mortgages in 2025 (1:52). After the break, a listener calls-in to ask whether there’s a premium selling a corner lot (12:14), the guys talk about the appetite for small vs. big homes (16:26), living in the outskirts vs. city (18:34), and the difficulties of self-employed people getting approved (20:59). Then, the gang discuss 30-year amortizations (23:38), buying a home in Ontario vs. Quebec (27:34), and the difficulty of paying the downpayment as well as first-time homebuyer optimism (30:25). To end the show, the guys converse about LRT impacting real estate (35:26).

December 28th, 2024: Our 2025 Real Estate & Mortgage Predictions

Paul, Frank and Steve start the show by talking about how 2024 was for mortgages and real estate (0:47), and the issues of saving for a downpayment (8:05). After the break, a listener phones-in to ask if they can port a mortgage (10:51), the guys converse about selling a home staged vs. empty (15:23), and many homeowners renewing their mortgage in 2025 (19:52). Then, another listener calls-in to discuss new builds during the winter (22:47). To end the show, the gang discuss their 2025 predictions for real estate and mortgages (33:42).

December 21st, 2024: Fixing House Issues Before Selling

Paul, Frank and Steve begin the show by conversing about today’s and next year’s real estate market (1:38), 30-year amortizations, why Canada is in a recession and the upcoming election (5:27), as well as the mortgage rate drops in 2024 (9:55). After the break, the guys discuss selling during Christmas (12:05), adding extensions to homes (14:05), and today’s rental market (16:56). Then, the gang talk about Ottawa winters (22:19),  whether you should fix home problems before selling (24:57) and variable vs. fixed rates (30:41). To end the show, the guys converse about how long-term income (LTI) is eliminating the stress test (32:58).

December 14th, 2024: Increasing Property Taxes

Paul, Frank and Steve start the show by talking about mortgage rates coming down again (1:28) and how an election impacts real estate (9:48). After the break, the guys discuss the current situation with fixed vs. adjustable vs. variable rates (12:02), new 30-year amortization launching (14:04), and the issues new builders face (18:31). Then, the gang converse about the increase in property taxes (21:35), and why homes aren’t being built fast enough (27:53). To end the show, a listener phones-in to ask about weird red tape with building your own home (33:04), the guys talk about the today’s current interest rates (37:07).

December 7th, 2024: November Real Estate Numbers

Paul, Frank, and Steve begin the show by discussing the current job report and being in a recession (2:20), as well as what situation those coming up for renewal will be in (8:11). After the break, the guys converse about November real estate numbers (12:27), next rate announcement and when our real estate market is going to take off in 2025 (16:05). Then, a listener phones-in to ask about paying off your mortgage vs. paying bills with equity (23:03). To end the show, the gang talk about the current economy and how it impacts real estate (34:10), as well as credit card interest rates going up (38:33).

November 30th, 2024: Holiday Real Estate Tips

Steve is joined by Jonathan Hull and Sheri Creese. They begin the show by conversing about the holiday real estate lull (0:53), mortgage rate announcement predictions (2:14), and what we’re expecting in the 2025 spring market (6:47). After the break, the gang talk about variable vs. adjustable vs. fixed rates (11:11), whether townhomes are still starter homes (16:30), and whether rates are bad right now (18:70). Then, the gang discuss whether you should have holiday decorations while selling and tips on decluttering (21:04), as well as how appraisals work (25:56). To end the show, the gang converse about refinancing and insured mortgages (33:24), as well as common first-time homebuyer questions (38:18).

November 23rd, 2024: The New Government Tax Break

Paul, Frank and Steve are joined by Sean Reid, a mortgage lender. They start the show by talking about November’s real estate market (1:11), how Trudeau’s tax relief plan and tariffs will impact real estate and mortgages (4:17), and real estate optimism (9:07). After the break, the guys converse about everything you need to know about advance mortgage investment corps  (12:09) and the difficulties of being a tenant (15:52). Then, the gang discuss how the tax break impacts the economy (21:55), and 3 vs. 4 vs. 5-year fixed and prime rates (23:18). To end the show, the guys talk about current home prices in Canada (32:02), and how future government programs could impact the market (36:21).

November 16th, 2024: Today’s Condo & Investor Market

Paul, Frank, and Steve begin the show by talking about November real estate forecast (1:54), and how our rates are impacted by the US (7:24). After the break, the guys converse about long-term vs. short-term mortgages (11:30), and mortgage broker vs. bank loyalty (14:31). Then, the gang discuss types of mortgages (20:52), today’s condo and investor market (27:07), and first-time homebuyer appetite (31:10). To end the show, a listener phones-in to ask about variable vs. fixed rates (36:15).

November 9th, 2024: Spring Market Predictions

Paul, Frank, and Steve start the show by conversing about mortgage rates, the economy, real estate news (1:14), spring market predictions (6:46), and the bank’s disagreement with the new 30-year amortization rules (9:10). After the break, the guys talk about selling tips during the holidays (13:03) and real estate photography tips (16:31). Then, the gang discuss the next mortgage rate announcement as well as banks pushing fixed vs. variable (20:38). To end the show, the guys converse about whether people can afford a home with high rental prices (35:04).

November 2nd, 2024: October Real Estate Numbers

Paul, Frank and Steve are joined by Sean Reid, a mortgage lender. They begin the show by discussing October real estate numbers (2:07), government announcements, 30-year amortization and prime rate drops vs. fixed (5:33). After the break, a listener phones-in to ask if there’s a mortgage cancellation penalty when there’s a death (12:26) and the guys converse about private mortgages (17:23). Then, the gang talk about everything you need to know about advance mortgage investment corps (20:18). To end the show, the guys discuss when to buy if you want to close before Christmas (33:41), and the best term mortgage should you get right now (36:44).

October 26th, 2024: People Sitting On The Fence In Today’s Market

Paul, Frank and Steve begin the show by talking about the real estate and mortgage rules that invade people’s privacy (1:26). After the break, a listener phones-in to ask about whether you need to be on title to get a mortgage (11:10) and the guys converse about how last week’s rate cut impacts today’s market (13:15). Then, the gang discuss how the US election could impact mortgage rates (21:45), how unemployment is impacting rates and the market (25:52), and what the qualifying rate is for first-time homebuyers (28:47). To end the show, the guys announce the winner of Sens tickets (33:53), and they talk about whether you should pick a fixed, variable or adjustable rate (35:50).

October 19th, 2024: The Politics & Red Tape Behind New Home Builds

Paul, Frank and Steve are joined by Erin, Steve’s daughter, an agent in Toronto. They start the show by discussing Toronto real estate (3:05), and how inflation will impact mortgage rates (9:01). After the break, the gang converse about new home builds, building your own home and the politics and red tape behind it (12:13). Then, the gang talk about the next mortgage rate announcement (20:22), and variable vs. adjustable rate mortgages (29:53). To end the show, Greg, Paul Rushforth’s realty photographer, shares tips on taking real estate photography during the fall/winter (34:58).

October 12th, 2024: Adding A Secondary Unit To Your Residence

Paul, Frank and Steve start the show by remembering the amazing Barb from Mortgage Brokers Ottawa (0:06), conversing about the Canada job report (3:27), and Paul warns listeners about the rise in real estate scams (8:05). After the break, Lauren from Mortgage Professionals Canada joins the show to talk about what they’re doing to support Canadians in the area of mortgages (12:09). Then, the guys discuss the new rule about getting a secondary unit and refinancing it (23:45), is there an increase in value when adding a secondary unit (28:29), and the hoops of adding a secondary unit to your home (31:00). To end the show, the gang converse about real estate busyness after Thanksgiving (33:42), and how much the next interest rate drop will be (36:04).

October 5th, 2024: Pros & Cons Of Buying A New & Old Condo

Paul, Frank and Steve begin the show by talking about September real estate numbers (1:44), mortgage renewals and homeowners’ impact (4:40), as well as why markets and the economy are panicking (10:17). After the break, the guys converse about the pros and cons of buying into a new and old condo (13:30). Then, the gang discuss why you need a quality real estate photographer (22:03), people using equity and increasing mortgage payment frequency (25:47), as well as how real estate is a long term investment in Ottawa (32:47). To end the show, the guys talk about October real estate (35:54) and big economy announcements coming soon (39:28).

September 28th, 2024: Future Real Estate & Mortgage Forecast

Paul, Frank and Steve start the show by discussing news around interest rates and the stress test (1:34), real estate forecast (6:42), and how the market is really missing first-time homebuyers and investors (9:44). After the break, the guys converse about predicting the 2025 real estate market and buying habits(14:04) and what mortgage you should get in 2-5 years (19:02). Then, the gang talk about mortgages coming up for renewal before November 21st (23:36), people taking advantage of the elderly (28:09), why people rent HVAC equipment (30:32), and putting a lean on a house (32:44). To end the show, the guys discuss using RSPs to help your kids buy a home (34:51).

September 21st, 2024: New 30-Year Amortization & Insured Mortgages

Paul, Frank and Steve begin the show by conversing about great news in mortgages and real estate (1:15). After the break, a listener phones in to ask about whether a postal code change would impact a mortgage and what’s impacting mortgage rate drops (10:15), the guys talk about Arnprior real estate (16:06) and the new 30-year amortization (16:54). Then, the gang discuss more about 30-year amortization rules as well as how it impacts first-time homebuyers (20:00), and a listener calls in to ask about bridge mortgages vs. home equity lines of credit (29:44). To end the show, the guys converse about new insured mortgage rules (34:42), and Paul shares a story about an act of kindness with Ryan Reynolds (37:44).

September 14th, 2024: Clement Homes Joins The Show!

Paul, Frank and Steve are joined by Nathalie and Charles from Clément Homes and start the show by talking about the business of building homes (0:52), and new builds in Rockland and Embrun (6:13). After the break, the gang converse more about the new build condos in Embrun (10:14), and mortgage rate forecasts (14:34). Then, the gang discuss Clément Homes’ new project (21:31), and why it’s difficult to build homes in Ottawa (29:26). To end the show, the gang shares their final thoughts regarding the new builds in Embrun and Rockland (33:43).

September 7th, 2024: Property Value Assessments & Taxes

Paul, Frank and Steve begin the show by discussing how recent political and economic news is impacting real estate (0:14) and when the best time is to buy a home (7:07). After the break, the gang converse about fixed vs. variable rates (11:08) and banks vs. mortgage brokers (16:09). Then, the guys talk about property value assessments and taxes (22:12) and townhome prices (29:09). To end the show, the gang discussing loyalty in real estate and mortgages (33:00).

August 31st, 2024: How Debt & Credit Cards Are Impacting Potential Buyers

Paul, Frank and Steve start the show by conversing about the next Bank of Canada mortgage drop and how unemployment and immigration impact Canada’s real estate (1:30), as well as the cost of buying a new build outside of Ottawa (9:44) and how the LRT impacts housing prices (10:47). After the break, the gang discuss Clement new build homes (12:21), how debt is impacting potential buyers (16:28), and next rate announcements after September (20:39). Then, the guys talk about the dangers of missing your credit card payments (23:08), first-time homebuyers getting trapped paying rent (25:44), and potential real estate optimism and pessimism  (29:21). To end the show, a listener phones-in to ask about renewing a mortgage (34:55), and the gang converse about the increased longevity of kids living at home (39:49).

August 24th, 2024: New Buyer Agent Rules & How It Could Impact Canadian Agents

Paul, Frank and Steve begin the show by talking about potential August and September real estate numbers (1:47), the definition of an ugly house (5:19), mortgage rate news (7:45), and whether prices will go up in 2025 (11:46). After the break, the guys converse about the importance of hiring an experienced real estate agent (13:47) and variable vs. fixed vs. adjustable mortgages (17:36). Then, the gang discuss the revised job report (22:24), buyer agent rule changes in the US and how it’ll potentially come to Canada (25:21). To end the show, the guys talk about why fewer homeowners are negotiating mortgage rates (35:10).

August 17th, 2024: Heading Into The Fall Real Estate Market

Frank and Steve are joined by Dora from Paul Rushforth Real Estate, and they start the show by discussing today’s real estate market and interest rates (0:51), how a recession impacts real estate (5:37), what a revision audit is (7:18), and elections and politics impact on real estate (9:18). After the break, the gang converse about the fall real estate market (12:17), the potential 30-year amortization (15:58), whether the stress test will be paused and Canadian’s priority on paying their mortgage (17:02). Then, the gang talk about mortgages coming up for renewal (22:13), insured mortgages vs. the banks (26:22), and the difficulty of real estate negotiations (32:58). To end the show, a listener asks a question about whether there will be a reassessment on property taxes (34:18), and the gang discuss how property taxes impact buyers decisions (37:38).

August 10th, 2024: August Real Estate Numbers

Frank and Steve are joined by Jonathan from Paul Rushforth Real Estate, and they begin the show by talking about the signs of a recession (0:51), August real estate numbers and buyer appetite (2:19), as well as the best mortgage options in the future (6:54). After the break, the guys converse about what to expect in a real estate frenzy (11:52), and what to look for in a mortgage when working with a bank (16:29). Then, a listener phones-in to ask about real estate agent fees and the state of Ottawa real estate (22:05). To end the show, the gang discuss the next rate drop (33:26), whether real estate is picking up in 2024 (35:27), and different types of mortgages (37:00).

August 3rd, 2024: More Variety In Ottawa Homes For Sale 

Paul, Frank and Steve start the show by conversing about July and August real estate (1:00), and first-time homebuyer plans for 2025 (4:41). After the break, the guys talk about today’s economy and interest rate news (13:36), rate drop optimism (17:28), and renting vs. buying a home (19:44). Then, the gang discuss new build condos in Embrun (22:12), more variety in homes for sale and whether it’s worth buying a lot of land (29:08). To end the show, the guys converse about interest rate predictions (34:49) and the issue with today’s market (39:09).

July 27th, 2024: Another Drop In Interest Rates

Paul, Frank and Steve begin the show by discussing another quarter-point drop in interest rates (1:45), where the real estate market is headed (3:37), and our current balanced market (7:18). After the break, the guys talk about townhomes vs. single family homes (12:37), first-time homebuyers and investor appetites (16:32), and current deals on specific properties (19:18). Then, the gang converse about fixed vs. variable rates (23:12) and banks convincing people to convert their mortgages (30:05). To end the show, the guys discuss what to expect for the rest of 2024 in Ottawa’s market (36:15) and how elections impact real estate (40:52).

July 20th, 2024: More Rate Drops On The Horizon

Paul, Frank and Steve start the show by talking about consistent rate drops moving forward (2:15), how to time today’s real estate market (5:05), and why you shouldn’t early renew your mortgage now (9:17). After the break, the guys discuss fed up real estate investors (12:02), and what the future holds for interest rates and buyers (17:38). Then, the gang talk about how household income is impacting buying decisions (20:44), the decrease in appetite for single-family homes (24:38), and a listener phones-in to ask about downsizing and the potential cost of townhomes in Ottawa (28:56). To end the show, the guys talk about how long it takes for a home to hit the market (33:50), and the pre-approval process (37:25).

July 13th, 2024: Caller’s Phone In To Ask Their Pressing Questions

Paul, Frank and Steve begin the show by conversing about today’s real estate market (2:29), today’s status on inflation and mortgage rates (6:35), and COVID-19 vs. today’s real estate market (10:32). After the break, David from Mortgage Brokers City calls-in to talk about his golf tournament fundraiser (12:35), and the guys talk about the slowest real estate periods in the year (16:29). Then, a listener phones-in to ask about adding kids on their title and renting it out (19:52) and another caller asks about whether cheap home builds could impact pricing (27:32). To end the show, another listener calls-in to ask about primary residence for someone who lives in a care home and how that impacts capital gains tax (31:29) and the guys discuss whether another rate drop will impact the market and what will need to change to bring first-time homebuyers into the market (33:47).

July 6th, 2024: Today’s Difficulty Of Paying A Downpayment

Frank and Steve are joined by Glenn from Paul Rushforth Real Estate and start the show by getting a call from Paul to give an update (0:32), and the guys talk about the real estate numbers in Canada (6:57). After the break, the gang converse about the type of homes being sold (13:27), how interest rates are impacting buying (17:24), and where interest rates are headed (21:01). Then, the guys discuss how the cost of living is impacting homeowners and future buyers (23:03) and the difficulty of paying a downpayment (29:03). To end the show, the gang talk about buyer’s current mindset (36:49), how the government can help first-time homebuyers (38:30), and what’s delaying first-time homebuyers (41:42).

June 29th, 2024: The Dangerous World Of Real Estate Fraud

Frank and Steve are joined by Paul Royce from Paul Rushforth Real Estate and begin the show by conversing about how future interest rate news and the economy are impacting the real estate market (1:14), current buyer and seller mindsets and what to expect in the 2025 market (5:40). After the break, the guys talk about using AI for realty listings and the consequences of misrepresenting a property (12:58), and the dangerous world of real estate fraud (15:06). Then, the gang discuss popular property types in Ottawa (21:56), parents adding kids to the title of their home (23:50), and current landlord mindsets due to the 2.5% rent increase and tenant power (26:48). To end the show, the guys converse about the appetite of moving to the outskirts (33:26) and fixed vs. variable rates (38:39).

June 22nd, 2024: How To Prepare Your Home As A Seller

Frank and Steve are joined by Jonathan from Paul Rushforth Real Estate and start the show by talking about today’s real estate market and mortgage inquiries (1:30), how another rate drop and job numbers can impact the market (5:06), and new mortgage lender rules (8:29). After the break, the guys converse about first-time homebuyer tips (12:44) and the impact high interest rates have on Canadians (20:54). Then, the gang discuss the importance of selling during the right season (22:42), how to prepare a home for showing (26:24), and the purchase plus improvement program (31:52). To end the show, the guys talk about people buying homes together (35:56), and variable, adjustable or fixed mortgages (39:36).

June 15th, 2024: The Importance Of Status Certificates

Frank and Steve are joined by Dora from Paul Rushforth Real Estate and begin the show by conversing about how the mortgage rate drop changed buyer appetite (1:23), whether the rates will drop again in July (2:58), increasing amortization (8:57), and the Canada vs. US rate difference (10:33). After the break, Sean Reid, a mortgage lender, calls in to talk about the advanced mortgage investment corp (12:28). Then, the gang discuss the importance of status certificates (22:20), and things first-time homebuyers should be looking for in a home  (30:42). To end the show, the gang talk about Canadian’s stress due to mortgage payments as well as bad mortgage advice (35:02), and variable vs. fixed rates (40:16).

June 8th, 2024: Will The Rate Drop Impact The Real Estate Market?

Frank and Steve are joined by Jonathan from Paul Rushforth Real Estate and start the show by conversing about the mortgage rate drop (1:25) and how it’s changing buyer attitudes (7:29). After the break, the guys talk about the US ban on drones and how it impacts real estate photography (10:59), a listener phones-in to ask about capital gains, appraisals and principal residency (12:58), and the gang talk about the vacant unit tax (17:15). Then, another listener calls-in to ask about how a private sale from a rental works (20:25) and the guys discuss buyers sitting on the fence (27:16). To end the show, the gang converse about today’s current listing numbers (33:52), seller expectations (36:15), whether people will want to move up and variable vs. fixed rates (38:51).

June 1st, 2024: Will There Be A Rate Drop This Wednesday?

Frank and Steve are joined by Greg from Paul Rushforth Real Estate and start the show by talking about potential rate drop and how it’ll impact the market (1:17), zero downpayment mortgages in the US (4:32), current homebuyer attitudes and representing your property properly (6:29). After the break, the guys converse about financial literacy for teens and how credit card debt impacts buying a home (9:47), and whether interest rate drops will make the market boom (16:36). Then, the gang discuss some of the errors people make when taking real estate photos (20:31) as well as tips for first-time homebuyers to save money and prepare for pre-approval (24:47). To end the show, the guys converse about millennials in Canada (33:09), 5-year fixed vs. variable (34:48), real estate photo techniques (37:32), and final thoughts on the Wednesday rate announcement (38:43).

May 18th, 2024: Investment Property Rules in Ontario

Frank and Steve are joined by Glenn from Paul Rushforth Real Estate and start the show by talking about today’s real estate numbers, job numbers and interest rates (2:13), status certificates on condos (7:01), and closing costs (10:48). After the break, the guys discuss Regional Mortgage Awards (12:53), what will impact the real estate market (15:23), pre-approvals (19:08), and tips on selling a home (19:50). Then, the gang converse about investment property rules in Ontario (22:19). To end the show, the guys talk about their plans for the long weekend (33:46) and some real estate/mortgage broker events (36:13).

May 11th, 2024: How Will Rate Drops Impact Ottawa’s Real Estate Market?

Frank and Steve are joined by Dora from Paul Rushforth Real Estate and start the show by discussing the job report as well as how it’s impacting mortgage renewals (1:13), parents helping first-time homebuyers (6:54), and today’s listing numbers (8:38). After the break, Sean Reid, a mortgage lender, calls in to talk about the advanced mortgage investment corp (12:43). Then, a listener phones-in to ask about the Government’s focus on affordable home pricing (20:35), and Ottawa’s current real estate situation (28:54). To end the show, the gang converse about how much lower rates need to go to impact the real estate market (34:11) and how reverse mortgages work (39:11).

May 4th, 2024: Tips On Getting A Pre-Approved Mortgage

Frank and Steve are joined by Dora from Paul Rushforth Real Estate and begin the show by talking about economists predicting rate drops and the future Canadian economy (3:20). After the break, the gang converse about April’s real estate numbers and today’s home prices (10:25). Then, the gang discuss tips on getting pre-approved for a mortgage (20:58) and whether older people are selling their homes (31:41). To end the show, the gang talk about using a drone to capture real estate videos (32:42), what impacts people’s buying decisions other than the price (34:05), and the future attitude of first-time homebuyers (36:56).