Before you sign a second mortgage

A conversation with a homeowner reminded me of an important lesson about private mortgages. ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ They Could Buy the House. But Could They Keep It?A few days ago, I came across a post from mortgage broker Ron Butler.It was about a homeowner...

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Sep 20, 2026
What The Ex Can Teach Us About Mortgage Risk

Hi ,Every summer, our family has a special tradition: we spend the day at The Ex! We love watching the fun shows, eating fair snacks, and going on the midway rides.Here are my two kids on the Swing Tower ride! This giant swing has been a popular part...

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Aug 30, 2026
Not everyone needs to buy or sell

Hi ,Spent last weekend at Darlington Provincial Park in Bowmanville with some former colleagues from Sunnybrook Hospital for a barbecue picnic - great food, easy conversation, and years of catching up packed into one afternoon. This lakeside gem righ...

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Aug 16, 2026
A few things I've been enjoying lately

Hi ,Hope your long weekend is off to a calm start. This past week I've been taking the kids around Toronto to different parks - running around, climbing little hills, just burning off energy the old-fashioned way. Honestly, half the reason is...to ke...

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Aug 02, 2026
Is it a good time to buy? Wrong question.

hi ,"Is it a good time to buy a condo?"I get some version of this question weekly. Here's the honest answer: that's not actually the number that should decide it for you.I saw someone recently posted this and they are working through a real scenario...

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Jul 18, 2026
The Renewal Crisis Nobody Is Counting

Hello!You've probably seen the headlines saying the mortgage renewal wave of 2025–2026 was a "non-event."Defaults didn't spike. Banks congratulated themselves. Analysts moved on.I haven't moved on — because what I'm seeing on the ground tells a diffe...

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May 09, 2026
You co-own 1% of your parents' house.

You co-own 1% of your parents' house.That tiny slice might be costing you thousands.A first-time buyer just shared this on:Back in 2019, they were added to their parents' mortgage as a co-owner (1% share) to help them qualify. Their mortgage broker A...

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Apr 25, 2026
Sell As-Is or Fix Up Before Listing?

Your wife says list as-is.Your realtor says spend $15–20K first.Here's what I actually think.A homeowner posted that they are selling a 90s house with no upgrades, needs work. Kitchen, windows, vanities, backyard all dated or broken. The realtor want...

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Apr 18, 2026