What if you didn’t have a mortgage payment on your next house? It may sound a little unrealistic. But for a number of homeowners, it’s actually doable.

Nearly 3 in 10 homes purchased today are bought in cash, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). That’s far more than the pre-pandemic norm (see graph below):

So, how are so many buyers pulling that off? The answer is simple: home equity.

Back in 2020-2021, mortgage rates and the number of homes for sale were both at all-time lows. And that combination pushed home prices up, fast.

If you owned a home during that time, it likely gained significant value – maybe even enough to buy your next house in cash. NAR explains:

“. . . rising home equity has armed many existing homeowners with the financial leverage to make cash offers, allowing them to convert years of price appreciation into immediate purchasing power.”

Here’s why you may want to go that route yourself, if you have enough equity to do it.

1. Your Offer Becomes More Attractive

Sellers value certainty. And an all-cash offer removes one of the biggest unknowns in a transaction: financing. As Rocket Mortgage explains:

“Cash offers are attractive to sellers. Sellers often prefer to work with cash buyers if they can because they don’t have to worry about a buyer’s financing falling through at the last minute.”

In many markets, an all-cash offer can give you a serious edge.

2. You Can Close Faster

And since you don’t have to worry about underwriting, lender approvals, and loan processing, the time it takes to close shrinks. Cotality puts it this way:

“Cash buyers have always enjoyed an edge over borrowers. They remove financing risk, reduce delays, and often close in days rather than weeks.”

If the owner of the house you’re buying is already under contract on their next home or they just need to move fast (like for a new job), that speed is a real draw.

3. You Won’t Have Monthly Mortgage Payments

When you buy in cash, you don’t have to finance your purchase. That means you don’t have to worry about what today’s mortgage rates are, and you own the house outright from the day you close. And that’s a big deal.

• No mortgage.
• No monthly payment.
• Full ownership.

That financial freedom opens the door for other big lifestyle benefits. Zillow explains:

“Paying in cash means you own your home outright. This eliminates the need for monthly mortgage payments, freeing up your finances for other priorities like savings, travel, or home improvements.”

4. You May Get a Better Deal

And here’s one more thing that surprises a lot of homeowners: cash buyers often pay less for the house.

According to Cotality, all-cash buyers tend to spend roughly 9% less on the house than buyers who use a mortgage. That’s because some sellers are willing to accept lower offers to get a deal done quickly, with more certainty of closing, and fewer financing hoops to jump through. As Cotality explains:

“From a seller’s point of view, a lower but reliable offer can feel preferable to a higher one that may collapse weeks later.”

And that advantage grows with each passing year (see graph below):

Is an All-Cash Move Realistic for You?

Not every homeowner will buy their next house outright in cash. And that’s okay.

But the bigger takeaway is this: the equity you’ve built may give you more options than you think. 

Whether that means downsizing and eliminating a mortgage, or just relocating with stronger negotiating power, your current house may be what makes it possible.

Bottom Line

Before assuming you’ll need another traditional mortgage, it’s worth asking one simple question: How much equity do you really have? Because the answer might change what you thought your next move could look like.

Curious what your home equity could do for you? Connect with me today to run the numbers and see what kind of buying power you’re really sitting on.

source/credits: KCM, Cotality, NAR, Rocket Mortgage, Zillow

Disclaimer: The above information is from sources believed to be reliable, but should not be relied upon without verification. The publisher assumes no responsibility for its accuracy. You are encouraged to get independent legal advice before commencing any transaction.

Buying your first home is exciting, but it can also be a little nerve-wracking because it’s something you’ve never done before. And trying to think of everything you need to do can feel like a lot. But here’s the key.

You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. And you don’t have to do it all at once. Just tackle it one thing at a time.

Here’s a simple list of 3 main things you should focus on to help you get started.

1. Assemble Your Team: Don’t Do This Alone

Buying a home is a team sport. And having the right professionals by your side can make a world of difference. Here’s who you need to find: 

• A local real estate agent is your guide from the first showing to closing day. They’ll make sure you understand all the details along the way, so you feel confident in your decision.
• A trusted lender/broker will walk you through loan options, monthly payments, and what’s realistic for your situation. That information is something you’re going to want early on.

2. Prep Your Finances: Set the Foundation First

This is what determines what you can afford, how competitive you’ll be, and how confident you’ll feel when it’s time to make an offer. Here’s how to get ready: 

• Check your credit score. Your credit score impacts the loan options you’ll qualify for and even the mortgage rate you’ll get. Knowing this number early gives you time to work on raising your score, if you want to.
• Save on your down payment and closing costs. Most buyers focus on the down payment, but closing costs matter too. Having savings set aside for both helps you avoid last-minute stress and surprises.
• Look into assistance programs. Many first-time buyers qualify for programs that’ll give their homebuying savings a boost. This can make buying possible sooner than you expect.
• Talk to a lender or a broker about mortgage options. Fixed-rate, variable-rate, CMHC-insured, and conventional loans all work differently. Understanding the options helps you choose what fits your goals best.
• Get pre-approved. A pre-approval tells you what a lender would be willing to give you for your home loan. This’ll help you figure out your price range and set you up to move fast when the right home comes along.
• Figure out your budget. Your mortgage is just one part of homeownership. Budgeting for your utilities, home insurance, and everyday expenses and maintenance will help make sure your payment feels comfortable, not stressful.

3. Gather Your Documents: Save Time (and Stress)

When you’re officially ready to kick off the buying process, lenders are going to need to verify your income, assets, and financial history. Having these documents ready-to-go upfront can speed up the process and reduce back-and-forth. Here’s what Bankrate says you need to prep:

• T-4s and tax documents (past 2 years). These show income stability and help lenders verify your earnings over time.
• Recent pay stubs (generally the past 1–2 months). Pay stubs confirm your current income and employment status.
• Bank statements (past 2–3 months). These show your savings, spending patterns, and where your down payment funds come from.
• Investment account statements (past 2-3 months). If you’re using investments (RRSP, TFSA, FHSA) as part of your financial picture, lenders may ask for these as well.
• Copy of your driver’s license. This verifies your identity and is required for loan processing.
• Residential history (past 2 years). Lenders use this to confirm stability and background information.
• Statements for any outstanding debts (past 2 months). Student loans, auto loans, and credit cards affect your debt-to-income ratio, so lenders will want to know about them.
• Proof of supplemental income (past 1-2 years). Bonuses, commissions, side work, or child support may count toward your income if documented properly.

Note: the exact time frames and list of documents may vary lender to lender. This is just a general rule of thumb to help you get the ball rolling.

Bottom Line

Buying your first home doesn’t mean you have to have everything figured out. It just requires a plan.

If you start with your finances, organize your documents, and surround yourself with the right people, you’ll be in great shape when the time comes to make a move.

And if you want more information on anything in this list or just need help getting started, contact me today.

source/credits: KCM, Bankrate

Disclaimer: The above information is from sources believed to be reliable, but should not be relied upon without verification. The publisher assumes no responsibility for its accuracy. You are encouraged to get independent legal advice before commencing any transaction.

There’s a lot of noise out there right now about investors in the housing market.

Some headlines make it sound like big Wall Street firms are buying up everything in sight. And if you’re trying to purchase a home yourself, that can make it feel like the odds are stacked against you.

But when you take a closer look at the data, a very different picture starts to come into focus.

Most Investors Are Just Everyday Owners

For starters, when you hear the word investor, you probably picture big corporations. And that misconception is a large part of what’s feeding into the myth that they’re buying up all the homes.

Most investors aren’t big companies at all.

They’re everyday people just like you.

They’re someone who owns a second home (like a vacation house at the river), a neighbour who has 1 or 2 rentals, or even a homeowner who tried to sell their home, didn’t get the price they wanted, and decided to rent it instead.

And when all these groups are lumped together in the headlines, the number of investors sounds high – especially if you’re operating under the assumption that all investors are big investors.

But here’s what the numbers really show when you drill down.

Institutional Investors Are a Small Slice of the Housing Market

Large institutional investors, those big companies buying homes, make up a very small share of the overall housing market.

According to BatchData, the largest investors (those with 1,000+ homes) own just 0.4% of the single-family homes in the country. And their share of the market is shrinking.

Data from Parcl Labs shows big investors are selling 4 homes for every 1 they’re buying right now (see visual below):

That means they’ve added almost 1.7k homes back into the market lately.

What Does This Mean For You?

The story is clear. Instead of aggressively buying up homes, most of these companies are stepping back, which means less competition from them than you might expect. If you were someone who thought they were dominating the market, that would give you some peace of mind.

Most of the competition you’ll face is from other everyday buyers – people just like you. And with most large investors stepping back, there may be more opportunities in the market than you think.

Bottom Line

It’s easy to assume big investors are taking over the housing market, but the data tells a different story. If you want an expert's opinion on what investor activity looks like in our area, connect with me today.

Because odds are, it’s not as big a factor as you may think.

source/credits: KCM, BatchData, Parcl Labs

Disclaimer: The above information is from sources believed to be reliable, but should not be relied upon without verification. The publisher assumes no responsibility for its accuracy. You are encouraged to get independent legal advice before commencing any transaction.

Be honest. Have you started looking at homes online yet? If you have, it’s already time to get pre-approved. Because here’s what not enough people know.

If buying a home is on your radar – even if it’s more of a someday plan than a right now plan – you don’t want to wait until later in the process to tackle this step.

No matter what you’ve heard, pre-approval isn’t about commitment. It’s about clarity.

And here are the two big ways pre-approval sets you up for success.

You Know Your Numbers Up Front 

During the pre-approval process, a lender will walk through your finances and tell you what you can borrow based on your income, debts, credit score, and more. And once you have that number, your search becomes a lot more focused.

With mortgage pre-approval, you know what you can borrow, so it’s easier to figure out your ideal price point and what you can actually afford. And that clarity is key.

Because if you just start browsing online and just guess at your price point, you run the risk of falling for a house that’s outside of your price range – or missing out on ones that aren’t.

You want this number to be clearly defined before your search. Here’s why.

You Can Move Quickly When You Find the One

This is how a lot of home searches go today. You scroll through listings just to see what’s out there, and then it happens. You fall in love with something you’ve seen online.

If you’re already pre-approved? You’re probably in great shape.

But if you’re not…

Instead of being able to jump on that house and quickly make an offer, you have to scramble to get a lender, gather the financial documents, and then submit the necessary pre-approval paperwork first. And while you’re waiting to hear back from your lender, someone else who’s more prepared could beat you to the house. As Bankrate explains:

“The best time to get a mortgage preapproval is before you start looking for a home. If you find a home you love but don’t have a preapproval in hand, you likely won’t have time to get preapproved before you need to make an offer . . .”

And that’s avoidable, with the right prep.

Because while you can’t control when the right home shows up, you can be ready for it. Think of it like showing up to the starting line with your shoes tied and your warm-up done – while everyone else is still looking for parking.

It’s not about rushing your timeline. It’s about removing the delay between finding the right home and being able to move on to it.

One Thing You Need To Know About Pre-Approvals

Speaking of timing, pre-approvals do have an expiration date. So, be sure to ask your lender how long it’s good for. The Mortgage Reports explains:

“Mortgage preapproval letters are typically valid for anywhere from 30 to 90 days. However, a preapproval can be updated and extended if the lender re-checks your information.”

Doing the right prep and knowing this information can make the whole process a lot smoother.

You don’t have to be ready to buy to be ready to buy.

Getting pre-approved doesn’t mean you’re committing to buy right now. It just means you’ve taken a step to understand your numbers. And when a home catches your attention, you’re prepped and good to go.

Bottom Line

Ask yourself this: if your perfect home popped up tomorrow, would you be ready to make a move?

If the answer is no and you want to buy, it may be time to get pre-approved. You don’t want to fall behind before your search even officially kicks off. Connect with me today if you do not know where to start, and I’ll forward you a list of trusted mortgage brokers in my network to get started.

source/credits: KCM, Bankrate, Mortgage Report

Disclaimer: The above information is from sources believed to be reliable, but should not be relied upon without verification. The publisher assumes no responsibility for its accuracy. You are encouraged to get independent legal advice before commencing any transaction.

For a lot of people, the math on buying a home just doesn’t really work right now. Maybe that’s how it feels for you, too. You look at the cost of buying. Then you look at the cost of childcare. And it starts to feel like you must choose one or the other.

But some families are finding a way to make both work by doing something a little different: teaming up to purchase a multi-generational home.

One Reason This Is Becoming More Common

It’s no secret that affordability has been a challenge in recent years. But for families with young kids, there’s an added layer that can make it feel even harder: childcare.

According to the Ministry of Education and Childcare, childcare should take up no more than 7% of your monthly income. But in reality, the average married couple spends upwards 10% and in the case of infants, up to 25%.

When you combine that with the cost of buying a home, it’s easy to see why things can feel stretched. That’s exactly why more families are starting to rethink how they approach both.

The Solution More People Are Turning To: Multi-Generational Living

One option to gain traction is multi-generational living. That’s when parents, grandparents, or other relatives buy a house together and live under the same roof. And it’s not just about convenience anymore. It’s becoming a go-to strategy.

You can see it in the data. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), almost 1 in 7 home buyers (14%) bought a multi-generational home in 2025 (see graph below):

And for the first time, childcare is showing up as a key reason why they chose this option. As NAR explains:

“This year’s report features two new primary reasons for purchasing a multi-generational home: grandchildren living in the home (12%) and to help reduce the cost of childcare (6%).”

Why It Works

Buying a multi-generational home solves two big challenges at the same time.

• First, it shares financial responsibility. If you pool multiple incomes together, you may be able to afford a home you couldn’t have on your own.
• Second, it can also solve the childcare puzzle. When grandparents or other relatives live in the home, they may be able to help with daily care, which can significantly reduce or even eliminate daycare costs.

And for many people, that combination is what finally makes their move possible.

If the costs of childcare and housing together have made buying feel out of reach right now, it may be worth exploring creative options like buying a home with your loved ones.

Bottom Line

If you want more information on multi-generational homes, connect with me today to check what’s available in your area.

Sometimes the path to homeownership isn’t doing it alone. It’s doing it together.

source/credits: KCM, NAR

Disclaimer: The above information is from sources believed to be reliable, but should not be relied upon without verification. The publisher assumes no responsibility for its accuracy. You are encouraged to get independent legal advice before commencing any transaction.

You’ve probably asked yourself lately: Is it even worth trying to buy a home right now? It’s a question a lot of people are asking.

With today’s home prices and mortgage rates, renting can feel like the easier path. In some cases, it might even seem like the only realistic option right now. And if that’s where you are, there’s nothing wrong with that.

But if you’re weighing the decision, there’s one part of the conversation that doesn’t get talked about enough.

It’s what each choice does for your future.

What Renting Really Gets You (And What It Doesn’t)

Depending on your situation, renting does have some advantages:

• Lower upfront costs.
• Less responsibility.
• More flexibility to move when you want.

But even with those benefits, a Bank of America survey found 70% of aspiring homeowners worry about what long-term renting means for their future. And that concern comes down to one thing: you’re not building anything for your future. As Yahoo Finance explains:

“Paying rent doesn’t build equity. You get a place to live, but no ownership stake, no price appreciation, and no asset to leverage for future borrowing or investment.”

So, while renting may feel easier, the flexibility you get comes at a cost.

How Homeownership Builds Your Wealth Over Time

On the other hand, owning a home is one of the most consistent ways people build wealth over time. Why? When you’re a homeowner, you gain something called equity. That’s the difference between what your home is worth and what you owe.

That equity grows with every monthly payment you make. It also gets a boost as home values go up through the years – and it adds up quicker than you may think.

Today, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) says the average homeowner’s net worth is 43X greater than that of a renter:

The dollars in the visual don’t lie. On average, here’s how net worth compares:

• Homeowners: $430k
• Renters: $10k

And it’s not because homeowners make wildly different decisions day to day. It’s because over time, one path builds something, and the other doesn’t.

So, sure, buying comes with some upfront costs and more responsibility. But it’s basically a savings account you can live in.

The Gap Is Growing Over Time

And here’s something else interesting. That net worth gap between renters and homeowners has been widening over time, not shrinking.

If you look back at the reports on net worth through the years, you can see the gap is growing as homeowners gain wealth and renters stay stuck in the rental trap (see graph below):

Even in 2025, when home prices were moderating, homeowners still gained even more ground. And that tells you something important:

When you can afford it, and you’re ready for the responsibility, history shows buying is usually worth it in the long run. Because either way, you’re paying for someone’s mortgage and building someone’s net worth.

When you rent, it’s your landlord’s mortgage – not yours. But when you buy? Your monthly payments help build equity.

The question is: whose do you want to pay? Yours or theirs?

So, Should You Buy a Home Now?

The short answer is, it depends on your situation.

While the long-term benefits of buying are clear, that doesn’t mean the timing is right for everyone right now. And that’s okay. You should only buy a home once you’re ready and the numbers work for you.

But whether you’re looking to buy now or planning for the future, the first step is the same. You should have a quick conversation with a local real estate agent about your goals, timeline, and budget.

They can help you run the numbers and see what’s realistic. You may find buying is closer than you thought. And if not, you’ll at least know exactly what it will take to get there.

Because the sooner you have a plan, the sooner you can decide when it makes sense, instead of wondering if it ever will.

Bottom Line

Renting may feel more doable today. But over time, it could cost you.

If you want to ditch renting and start building something for your future, it starts with a simple conversation. Connect with me today to talk about your specific goals and explore your options – so you’re ready when the time is right for you.

source/credits: KCM, Yahoo Finance, NAR

Disclaimer: The above information is from sources believed to be reliable, but should not be relied upon without verification. The publisher assumes no responsibility for its accuracy. You are encouraged to get independent legal advice before commencing any transaction.