Is the Housing Market Turning a Corner?

Marci • August 15, 2018

While Vancouver area home sales are still posting year-over-year declines, signs are appearing in the Greater Toronto Area that the worst of the housing correction is now over.

Experts say that likely won’t be enough to stave off a slowdown in national GDP growth, however, which in part will be impacted by the housing market’s weak performance over the first half of the year.

Is the Housing Market Turning a Corner?

Following weak home sales activity for the first half of the year, recent data is suggesting the housing market may be adapting to new mortgage rules and higher rates and turning a corner for H2.

“Early data for the month of July reported this week was mixed, but overall suggest that the worst of the housing correction is in the rear-view mirror,” senior TD economist James Marple  wrote  in a research note.

GTA home sales were up 6.6% year-over-year in July, with the sales-to-new-listings ratio rising to 50%, up from a trough of 44 per cent in March. Prices are also up 3.1% from June.

“All told, there are still some soft spots on the landscape, and temporary factors appear likely to return in the third quarter (shutdowns in the Alberta oil patch),” he added. “Still, for the year as a whole, the Canadian economy looks to maintain above-trend growth.”

Last month TD economist Ksenia Bushmeneva also predicted a turnaround for the second half of 2018. “Historically, the impact of policy changes is swift but short-lived, and it seems that the housing market is once again finding its footing. We expect that resale activity hit its trough in Q2 and will begin to gradually recover thereafter,” Bushmeneva wrote.

Marple added that with inflation above 2% and unemployment “close to a historical nadir, the case for continued increases in interest rates remains solid.” OIS markets are currently 32% priced in for a rate hike at the BoC’s next meeting on September 5.

GVA, GTA Housing Slowdowns Affecting National Growth

Lower home sales in Canada’s two largest housing markets this year are causing a ripple effect throughout the Canadian economy, the Globe and Mail  reported.

Residential real estate activity accounts for roughly 7% of this country’s GDP, the article noted, and quoted economists who say a drop in resale activity is causing many to revise down growth forecasts.

National resale activity in the first half of 2018 fell 14% from 2017, while Greater Vancouver and the Greater Toronto Area saw drops of 25.5% and 27%, respectively. While activity in the GTA picked up in June and July, Vancouver activity is still down 30% from last year.

Although resale activity has less of an impact on GDP compared to new home construction, RBC senior economist Robert Hogue said it’s still enough to reduce the rate of GDP growth.

“That slowdown is having an effect,” Hogue noted in a research note. “It may not have the effect we might think intuitively, like it is going to take GDP [growth] down to negative. But not contributing to growth, I would say, is a pretty significant development.”

Hogue forecasts national GDP growth will slow to 1.9% in 2018 from 3% last year, and growth in Ontario to fall to 2% from 2.7% last year.

Vancouver Residents Continue to Blame Foreign Buyers for Housing Crisis

An overwhelming majority of Vancouver residents believe foreign buyers are responsible for the city’s housing crisis, despite studies showing that they play a relatively small role in house price appreciation.

A new poll from Insights West found that 90% of Metro Vancouverites believe the city is in the midst of a housing crisis, with 84% believing foreign homebuyers are responsible for the current situation.

Other factors residents cite include:

  • Population growth (80%)
  • Shadow flipping (76%)
  • Money laundering (73%)
  • City and municipal zoning bylaw (63%)
  • Immigration (58%)
  • Lack of available land due to geography (53%)
  • Interprovincial migration (46%)

“There is no doubt that Metro Vancouver residents believe that we are in a major crisis when it comes to housing, and the issue is dominating public opinion and the public agenda,” Insights West President Steve Mossop said in a release. “What is surprising though are the misconceptions that exist with respect to the culprits and causes of this crisis.”

 

This article was written by Steve Huebl and originally published on Canadian Mortgage Trends on August 8th 2018. 

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Wait! Are You Really Ready to Buy That Home?

By Marci Deane • January 21, 2026
So, you’re thinking about buying a home. You’ve got Pinterest boards full of kitchen inspo, you’re casually scrolling listings at midnight, and your friends are talking about interest rates like they’re the weather. But before you dive headfirst into house hunting— wait . Let’s talk about what “ready” really means when it comes to one of the biggest purchases of your life. Because being ready to own a home is about way more than just having a down payment (although that’s part of it). Here are the real signs you're ready—or not quite yet—to take the plunge into homeownership: 1. You're Financially Stable (and Not Just on Payday) Homeownership isn’t a one-time cost. Sure, there’s the down payment, but don’t forget about: Closing costs Property taxes Maintenance & repairs Insurance Monthly mortgage payments If your budget is stretched thin every month or you don’t have an emergency fund, pressing pause might be smart. Owning a home can be more expensive than renting in the short term—and those unexpected costs will show up. 2. You’ve Got a Steady Income and Job Security Lenders like to see consistency. That doesn’t mean you need to be at the same job forever—but a reliable, documented income (ideally for at least 2 years) goes a long way in qualifying for a mortgage. Thinking of switching jobs or going self-employed? That might affect your eligibility, so timing is everything. 3. You Know Your Credit Score—and You’ve Worked On It Your credit score tells lenders how risky (or trustworthy) you are. A higher score opens more doors (literally), while a lower score may mean higher rates—or a declined application. Pro tip: Pull your credit report before applying. Fix errors, pay down balances, and avoid taking on new debt if you’re planning to buy soon. 4. You’re Ready to Stay Put (At Least for a Bit) Buying a home isn’t just a financial decision—it’s a lifestyle one. If you’re still figuring out your long-term plans, buying might not make sense just yet. Generally, staying in your home for at least 3–5 years helps balance the upfront costs and gives your investment time to grow. If you’re more of a “see where life takes me” person right now, that’s totally fine—renting can offer the flexibility you need. 5. You’re Not Just Buying Because Everyone Else Is This one’s big. You’re not behind. You’re not failing. And buying a home just because it seems like the “adult” thing to do is a fast way to end up with buyer’s remorse. Are you buying because it fits your goals? Because you’re ready to settle, invest in your future, and take care of a space that’s all yours? If the answer is yes—you’re in the right headspace. So… Are You Ready? If you’re nodding along to most of these, amazing! You might be more ready than you think. If you’re realizing there are a few things to get in order, that’s okay too. It’s way better to prepare well than to rush into something you're not ready for. Wherever you’re at, I’d love to help you take the next step—whether that’s getting pre-approved, making a plan, or just asking questions without pressure. Let’s make sure your homebuying journey starts strong. Connect anytime—I’m here when you’re ready.

How to Get a Mortgage for a Second Property

By Marci Deane • January 14, 2026
Thinking About Buying a Second Property? Here’s What to Know Buying a second property is an exciting milestone—but it’s also a big financial decision that deserves thoughtful planning. Whether you're dreaming of a vacation retreat, building a rental portfolio, or looking to support a family member with a place to live, there are plenty of reasons to consider a second home. But before you jump in, it's important to understand the strategy and steps involved. Start with “Why” The best place to begin? Clarify your motivation. Ask yourself: Why do I want to buy a second property? What role will it play in my life or finances? How does this fit into my long-term goals? Whether your focus is lifestyle, income, or legacy planning, knowing your “why” will help you make smarter decisions from the start. Talk to a Mortgage Expert Early Once you’ve nailed down your goals, the next step is to sit down with an independent mortgage professional. Why? Because buying a second property isn't quite the same as buying your first. Even if you’ve qualified before, financing a second home has unique considerations—especially when it comes to down payments, debt ratios, and how lenders assess risk. How Much Do You Need for a Down Payment? Here’s where the purpose of the property really matters: Owner-occupied or family use: You may qualify with as little as 5–10% down, depending on the property and lender. Income property: Expect to put down 20–35%, especially for short-term rentals or if it won’t be occupied by you or a family member. Your down payment amount can be one of the biggest hurdles—but with strategic planning, it’s often manageable. Ways to Fund the Down Payment If you don’t have the full amount in cash, you might be able to tap into your current home’s equity to help fund the purchase. Here are a few ways to do that: ✅ Refinance your existing mortgage to access additional funds ✅ Secure a second mortgage behind your current one ✅ Open a HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) ✅ Use a reverse mortgage (in certain age-qualified scenarios) ✅ Take out a new mortgage if your current home is mortgage-free These options depend on your income, credit, home value, and overall financial picture—another reason why having a pro in your corner matters. Second Property Strategy: It’s More Than Just Numbers This purchase should be part of a bigger financial plan—one that balances risk and reward. It’s about: Assessing your full financial health Maximizing your existing assets Minimizing your cost of borrowing Aligning your purchase with your long-term goals Ready to Take the Next Step? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to buying a second property. That’s why it helps to talk things through with someone who understands both the big picture and the small details. If you’re ready to explore your options and build a plan to make that second property dream a reality, let’s connect. I’d love to help you take the next step with confidence.

What Is a Cashback Mortgage and How Does It Work?

By Marci Deane • January 7, 2026
Cashback Mortgages: Are They Worth It? Here’s What You Need to Know If you’ve been exploring mortgage options and come across the term cashback mortgage , you might be wondering what exactly it means—and whether it’s a smart move. Let’s break it down in simple terms. What Is a Cashback Mortgage? A cashback mortgage is just like a regular mortgage—but with one extra feature: you receive a lump sum of cash when the mortgage closes . This cash is typically: A fixed amount , or A percentage of the total mortgage , usually between 1% and 7% , depending on your mortgage term and lender. The money is tax-free and paid directly to you on closing day. What Can You Use the Cashback For? There are no restrictions on how you use the funds. Here are some common uses: Covering closing costs Buying new furniture Renovations or home upgrades Paying off high-interest debt Boosting your cashflow during a tight transition Whether it’s to help you settle in or catch up financially, cashback can offer a helpful buffer— but it comes at a cost . The True Cost of a Cashback Mortgage Here’s the part many people overlook: cashback mortgages come with higher interest rates than standard mortgages. Why? Because the lender is essentially advancing you a small loan upfront—and they’re going to make that money back (and then some) through your mortgage payments. So while the upfront cash feels like a bonus, you’ll pay more in interest over time to have that convenience. Breaking Down the Numbers It’s hard to give a blanket answer about how much more you’ll pay since it depends on: Your interest rate The cashback amount The mortgage term Your payment schedule This is why it’s important to run the numbers with a mortgage professional who can help you compare this option with others based on your personal financial situation. Are You Eligible for a Cashback Mortgage? Not everyone qualifies. Cashback mortgages generally come with stricter requirements . Lenders often want to see: Excellent credit history Strong, stable income Low debt-to-income ratio If your mortgage file includes anything “outside the box”—like being self-employed or recently changing jobs—qualifying for a cashback mortgage might be tough. What If You Need to Break the Mortgage? This is one of the biggest risks with cashback mortgages. If your circumstances change and you need to break your mortgage early, you could be on the hook for: Paying back some or all of the cashback you received, and A prepayment penalty (typically the interest rate differential or 3 months’ interest—whichever is higher) That can be a very expensive combination. So if there’s even a chance you might need to sell, refinance, or move before your term is up, a cashback mortgage might not be the best fit. Should You Consider a Cashback Mortgage? Maybe—but only with eyes wide open. Cashback mortgages can be helpful in the right scenario, but they’re not free money. They’re a lending tool that benefits the lender , and the key is knowing exactly what you’re agreeing to. Final Thoughts: Talk to an Expert First Choosing the right mortgage isn’t just about the lowest rate or the biggest perk—it’s about making a choice that fits your whole financial picture. If you’re considering a cashback mortgage, or just want to explore all your options, let’s talk. As an independent mortgage professional , I can help you weigh the pros and cons of various products, so you can make a confident, informed decision. Have questions? I’d be happy to help—reach out anytime.