The Ottawa Real Estate Podcast

Hosted by TOREP

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250

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

Welcome to The Ottawa Real Estate Podcast (TOREP)! Hosted by seasoned Mortgage Agents Paul Stevenson and David Warren, who have been bringing the Ottawa real estate market to life with the podcast for over four years. Whether you’re buying, selling, investing, or just curious, we’re here to share insider tips, untold stories, and plenty of laughs along the way. To our loyal listeners—thank you for your support and for being part of our journey. And to our new listeners—welcome! We’re excited to have you join the conversation. Hit play, stay tuned, and let’s explore the world of real estate together! 🎉

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60 recent

June 10, 202630 min

Self-Employed? You Can Still Buy a Home in Ontario!

If your mortgage is renewing soon, the first offer you receive is rarely the final word. And if you are self-employed and have been told you do not qualify, there are programs most people never hear about that can change that conversation entirely.This week, we answer real questions from real Ottawa listeners, including fixed versus variable right now, what the renewal process actually looks like, and how self-employed buyers are getting approved without twenty percent down.00:00 Intro01:19 Current Market Trends and Observations03:17 Understanding Mortgage Renewals09:24 Fixed vs. Variable Rates: Making the Right Choice14:42 Should I Lock In My Rate Now?17:05 The Process of Renewing Your Mortgage22:10 Can I get A Mortgage If I'm Self-Employed in Canada29:12 Mood BoostsGet in touch with us!Paul Stevenson - Mortgage Agent Level 2CENTUM Financial Services LPEmail: paul@paulstevenson.caPhone: 1-613-263-4543https://www.paulstevenson.caDavid Warren - Mortgage Agent Level 2Referral MortgagesEmail: david@referralmortgages.comPhone: 1-613-686-6003https://www.referralmortgages.comIf you have a question or topic you'd like to hear us discuss send us an email at: theottawarealestatepodcast@gmail.com or leave us a comment below!New Episodes of the podcast are available on Wednesdays at 10AM on all podcast services and at www.theottawarealestatepodcast.com Brought to you by Referral Mortgages, PaulStevenson.ca, Guertin/Poirier Avocates Lawyers, BIG - Billyard Insurance Group, and A to Z Cleaning Expert.

June 3, 202634 min

Are Buyers Panic-Canceling Deals?

Something unusual is happening in the Canadian real estate market right now. This week we talk about buyers accepting offers and then walking away, what Canada's technical recession means for housing prices and mortgage rates going forward, and why rural properties are quietly becoming one of the most interesting opportunities in the market right now. We also make the case for why having the right professionals around you in this environment is more important than it has ever been.00:00 Intro01:28 Rural Property Trends and Buyer Behaviour04:46 Unique Challenges in Real Estate Transactions10:19 The Impact of Economic Conditions on Real Estate11:29 Choose an Experienced Realtor and Mortgage Broker17:11 Understanding the Technical Recession in Canada22:49 The Future of Canada's Economy and Real Estate28:27 Navigating Mortgage Rates and Market Trends33:07 Mood BoostsGet in touch with us!Paul Stevenson - Mortgage Agent Level 2CENTUM Financial Services LPEmail: paul@paulstevenson.caPhone: 1-613-263-4543https://www.paulstevenson.caDavid Warren - Mortgage Agent Level 2Referral MortgagesEmail: david@referralmortgages.comPhone: 1-613-686-6003https://www.referralmortgages.comIf you have a question or topic you'd like to hear us discuss send us an email at: theottawarealestatepodcast@gmail.com or leave us a comment below!New Episodes of the podcast are available on Wednesdays at 10AM on all podcast services and at www.theottawarealestatepodcast.com Brought to you by Referral Mortgages, PaulStevenson.ca, Guertin/Poirier Avocates Lawyers, BIG - Billyard Insurance Group, Easy Neon Signs and A to Z Cleaning Expert.

May 27, 202628 min

Is a Variable Rate Mortgage Your Best Move Now?

The conversation around fixed versus variable rates just shifted and the buyers who catch this early are going to be in a very different position than the ones who do not.This week, we break down why variable rates are increasingly becoming the more cost effective option right now, what Ottawa's unique spring market dynamics mean for buyers and sellers this season, and why military relocations create a pattern in the Ottawa market that most people outside the region never think about.00:00 Introduction to the Spring Market01:40 Spring Market Update02:50 Military Relocations and Their Impact05:54 Understanding Days on Market and Pricing Strategies09:10 Shifts in Interest Rates: Fixed vs. Variable13:24 Renewal Conversations and Market Adjustments21:31 Unique Market Dynamics in Ottawa26:28 Positive Market Outlook and Personal Reflections27:01 Mood BoostsGet in touch with us!Paul Stevenson - Mortgage Agent Level 2CENTUM Financial Services LPEmail: paul@paulstevenson.caPhone: 1-613-263-4543https://www.paulstevenson.caDavid Warren - Mortgage Agent Level 2Referral MortgagesEmail: david@referralmortgages.comPhone: 1-613-686-6003https://www.referralmortgages.comIf you have a question or topic you'd like to hear us discuss send us an email at: theottawarealestatepodcast@gmail.com or leave us a comment below!New Episodes of the podcast are available on Wednesdays at 10AM on all podcast services and at www.theottawarealestatepodcast.com Brought to you by Referral Mortgages, PaulStevenson.ca, Guertin/Poirier Avocates Lawyers, CENTUM, BIG - Billyard Insurance Group, Easy Neon Signs and A to Z Cleaning Expert.https://www.easyneonsigns.ca Use code TOREP and get 20% off all your orders. (This is an affiliate link).

May 20, 202629 min

Interest Rates vs Oil Prices: Which One Matters More?

Ottawa home prices and new listings are both up at the same time, and that combination is telling two very different stories depending on which side of the market you are on.In this episode, we break down the latest real estate numbers, what rising interest rates and global oil prices are doing to everyday affordability in Canada, and why the next five years in the housing market may look nothing like the last five. We also get into AI and tokenized investments and what those shifts could mean for how Canadians build wealth going forward.00:00 Intro and Weekend Recap01:41 April Real Estate Statistics04:56 Market Trends and Buyer Behaviour08:37 Future Predictions and Economic Shifts15:37 Interest Rates and Inflation Insights18:46 CPI Data and Its Implications27:55 Mood BoostsGet in touch with us!Paul Stevenson - Mortgage Agent Level 2CENTUM Financial Services LPEmail: paul@paulstevenson.caPhone: 1-613-263-4543https://www.paulstevenson.caDavid Warren - Mortgage Agent Level 2Referral MortgagesEmail: david@referralmortgages.comPhone: 1-613-686-6003https://www.referralmortgages.comIf you have a question or topic you'd like to hear us discuss send us an email at: theottawarealestatepodcast@gmail.com or leave us a comment below!New Episodes of the podcast are available on Wednesdays at 10AM on all podcast services and at www.theottawarealestatepodcast.com Brought to you by Referral Mortgages, PaulStevenson.ca, Guertin/Poirier Avocates Lawyers, CENTUM, BIG - Billyard Insurance Group, Easy Neon Signs and A to Z Cleaning Expert.https://www.easyneonsigns.ca Use code TOREP and get 20% off all your orders. (This is an affiliate link).

May 6, 202630 min

Your Mortgage Rate Just Got Hit by Global Conflicts

The Bank of Canada held rates but what Tiff Macklem said about sticky inflation should have every Canadian buyer and homeowner paying close attention. Global conflicts are pushing energy prices up, and that pressure is already working its way into mortgage rates and everyday costs across Canada.In this episode we discuss the rate decision, new government changes to mortgage insurance and the RRSP home buyers plan that most people have completely missed, and why no matter how good AI gets, it will never replace a real conversation when hundreds of thousands of dollars are on the line.00:00 Intro and Martini Madness Event02:27 Bank of Canada's Rate Announcement and Economic Outlook07:27 Government's Spring Economic Update and Housing Initiatives11:22 Home Buyers Plan and RRSP Withdrawals16:49 Current Market Sentiment and Real Estate Trends21:39 AI in Real Estate: Trust and Human Interaction29:16 Mood BoostsGet in touch with us!Paul Stevenson - Mortgage Agent Level 2CENTUM Financial Services LPEmail: paul@paulstevenson.caPhone: 1-613-263-4543https://www.paulstevenson.caDavid Warren - Mortgage Agent Level 2Referral MortgagesEmail: david@referralmortgages.comPhone: 1-613-686-6003https://www.referralmortgages.comIf you have a question or topic you'd like to hear us discuss send us an email at: theottawarealestatepodcast@gmail.com or leave us a comment below!Buy Martini Madness Tickets: https://martini-madness.caNew Episodes of the podcast are available on Wednesdays at 10AM on all podcast services and at www.theottawarealestatepodcast.com Brought to you by Referral Mortgages, PaulStevenson.ca, Guertin/Poirier Avocates Lawyers, CENTUM, BIG - Billyard Insurance Group, Easy Neon Signs and A to Z Cleaning Expert.https://www.easyneonsigns.ca Use code TOREP and get 20% off all your orders. (This is an affiliate link).

April 29, 202630 min

Canada Just Made a Massive Economic Move (Here's Why)

Re/Max is being acquired by Real Brokerage, Canada just announced its first ever sovereign wealth fund, and AI is quietly reshaping how real estate transactions happen. Three massive shifts landed in the same week and almost nobody is connecting the dots.In this episode we talk about what the Real Brokerage acquisition of Re/Max actually means for agents, buyers, and sellers in Canada. Real is a cloud-based tech-first brokerage and this deal is not just a business transaction, it is a signal about where the entire industry is heading.The sovereign wealth fund conversation is just as important. Canada is putting public money to work through a brand new national fund, and we break it down for Canadians who have never heard of a sovereign wealth fund and why it matters for the broader economic picture heading into the rest of 2026.00:00 Introduction and Economic Overview01:14 Martini Madness Charity Event03:09 Real Estate Industry Consolidation: REAL will acquire REMAX11:39 AI and Automation in Real Estate16:40 Canada's National Sovereign Wealth Fund29:05 Mood BoostsBuy Martini Madness Tickets: https://martini-madness.ca

April 22, 202630 min

Your Home's Price Doesn't Matter If This Is Wrong

Most people listing their home right now are focused on the wrong things entirely, and it is costing them offers they never even know they missed.In this episode Paul sits down with Frances Ebbrell, a real estate agent who has built her approach around something most agents never talk about: emotional storytelling. Frances breaks down why selling a home has nothing to do with listing its features and everything to do with making a buyer feel something the moment they walk through the door or read the listing description. She explains the difference between a home that sits and a home that gets multiple offers, and it comes down to whether buyers can picture themselves living the life that home represents.The conversation also gets into presentation in a way that goes beyond staging tips. She also covers radon awareness, what sellers need to know before listing, and how to price and position a home in a market where buyers are still waiting for prices to drop.If you are thinking about selling in Ottawa or the surrounding area this spring, this episode will change how you think about what your home is actually worth and how to present it to get the best possible outcome.00:00 Intro01:36 The Art of Storytelling in Real Estate06:05 Things To Consider When Listing Your House10:14 Understanding Radon and Its Health Implications15:16 Current Market Trends and Seller Expectations20:34 Are People Still Buying Houses in Carleton Place?24:38 The Importance of Presentation in Real Estate26:37 Surprising Fact: The Multiple Offers27:58 Mood BoostsGet in touch with us!Paul Stevenson - Mortgage Agent Level 2CENTUM Financial Services LPEmail: paul@paulstevenson.caPhone: 1-613-263-4543https://www.paulstevenson.caDavid Warren - Mortgage Agent Level 2Referral MortgagesEmail: david@referralmortgages.comPhone: 1-613-686-6003https://www.referralmortgages.comFrances EbbrellCarleton Place RealtorFrances@boardwalkottawa.comwww.francesebbrell.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/febbrell613-806-5272https://www.facebook.com/frances.ebbrellListing video and pics: https://easyagentmedia.hd.pics/30-Emily-St/idxIf you have a question or topic you'd like to hear us discuss send us an email at: theottawarealestatepodcast@gmail.com or leave us a comment below!New Episodes of the podcast are available on Wednesdays at 10AM on all podcast services and at www.theottawarealestatepodcast.com Brought to you by Referral Mortgages, PaulStevenson.ca, Guertin/Poirier Avocates Lawyers, CENTUM, BIG - Billyard Insurance Group, Easy Neon Signs and A to Z Cleaning Expert.https://www.easyneonsigns.ca Use code TOREP and get 20% off all your orders. (This is an affiliate link).

April 15, 202625 min

The Six Week Window You Can't Miss

The spring market in Ottawa is not arriving the way most people expected, and if you are waiting for the headlines to tell you when to move, you are already behind.In this episode, we break down the March numbers and what they are actually signalling beneath the surface. Days on market dropped sharply, inventory is rising, and prices are quietly firming up in ways that do not show up in the general conversation yet. Detached homes, townhouses, and condos are each telling a different story right now and knowing which segment is leading the recovery could completely change your approach as a buyer or seller this season.We also look beyond Ottawa at what is happening nationally, from major urban centres seeing sharp price swings to smaller markets in Quebec and the Prairies quietly outperforming. Migration trends, transit challenges, and off-grid property demand are all adding new layers to the affordability picture coast to coast.00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates01:43 March Real Estate Market Overview05:34 Spring Market Predictions09:24 National Market Trends and Affordability12:53 Off-Grid Living and Market Shifts14:24 Government Policies and Market Impact24:13 Mood BoostsGet in touch with us!Paul Stevenson - Mortgage Agent Level 2CENTUM Financial Services LPEmail: paul@paulstevenson.caPhone: 1-613-263-4543https://www.paulstevenson.caDavid Warren - Mortgage Agent Level 2Referral MortgagesEmail: david@referralmortgages.comPhone: 1-613-686-6003https://www.referralmortgages.comIf you have a question or topic you'd like to hear us discuss send us an email at: theottawarealestatepodcast@gmail.com or leave us a comment below!New Episodes of the podcast are available on Wednesdays at 10AM on all podcast services and at www.theottawarealestatepodcast.com Brought to you by Referral Mortgages, PaulStevenson.ca, Guertin/Poirier Avocates Lawyers, CENTUM, BIG - Billyard Insurance Group, Easy Neon Signs and A to Z Cleaning Expert.https://www.easyneonsigns.ca Use code TOREP and get 20% off all your orders. (This is an affiliate link).

April 8, 202633 min

New Build Prices Just Shifted: Here's What Changed

Most people buying a new build right now have no idea that the rules just changed, and whether that change puts money back in your pocket or quietly disappears depends entirely on what you know before you sign. In this episode we break down the new HST rebate rules and what they actually mean in practice, because the way builders and lawyers are handling these changes varies wildly and the difference could cost you thousands. We walk through four real scenarios that show exactly how this plays out at the table and what you need to ask before you get there.We also get into what is happening in the broader market right now. Geopolitical tensions are pushing energy prices up, inflation is responding, and mortgage rates are moving in ways that are genuinely hard to predict even for the people who set them. Ottawa's spring market is caught in the middle of all of it and we explain exactly how that affects your timing as a buyer or seller.00:00 Spring Market Dynamics and Weather Impact01:33 Understanding New HST Rules and Their Implications11:35 Inflation Warnings and Market Disconnect18:29 Geopolitical Tensions and Economic Uncertainty25:30 Navigating the Current Real Estate LandscapeGet in touch with us!Paul Stevenson - Mortgage Agent Level 2CENTUM Financial Services LPEmail: paul@paulstevenson.caPhone: 1-613-263-4543https://www.paulstevenson.caDavid Warren - Mortgage Agent Level 2Referral MortgagesEmail: david@referralmortgages.comPhone: 1-613-686-6003https://www.referralmortgages.comIf you have a question or topic you'd like to hear us discuss send us an email at: theottawarealestatepodcast@gmail.com or leave us a comment below!New Episodes of the podcast are available on Wednesdays at 10AM on all podcast services and at www.theottawarealestatepodcast.com Brought to you by Referral Mortgages, PaulStevenson.ca, Guertin/Poirier Avocates Lawyers, CENTUM, BIG - Billyard Insurance Group, Easy Neon Signs and A to Z Cleaning Expert.https://www.easyneonsigns.ca Use code TOREP and get 20% off all your orders. (This is an affiliate link).

April 1, 202630 min

The $130,000 Rebate Nobody's Talking About Correctly

Everyone is talking about the $130,000 HST rebate but almost no one understands how it really works. We break down what is actually happening behind the scenes and why this confusion could cost buyers thousands. In this episode, we uncover the real mechanics of the Ontario HST rebate and we explore how purchase prices, incentives, and monthly payments are affected and why this one year window could be one of the most important opportunities in the Ontario housing market right now. If you are looking at new builds in Ottawa or anywhere in Ontario, or even Canada, this conversation will change how you think about rebates, affordability, and timing. We connect the dots between mortgage strategy, housing supply, and government incentives so you can make smarter decisions in a fast shifting Canadian real estate market. 00:00 Intro 02:21 Understanding the HST Rebate Program 06:24 Misconceptions About the Rebate 08:30 Pros and Cons of the Rebate for Buyers 15:43 Impact on Builders and the Market 20:30 Economic Implications of the Rebate 21:51 Ontario Is Slashing Development Fees Up To 50% 25:03 Future of Housing in Ontario 28:52 Mood BoostsGet in touch with us!Paul Stevenson - Mortgage Agent Level 2 CENTUM Financial Services LPEmail: paul@paulstevenson.caPhone: 1-613-263-4543https://www.paulstevenson.caDavid Warren - Mortgage Agent Level 2 Referral MortgagesEmail: david@referralmortgages.comPhone: 1-613-686-6003 https://www.referralmortgages.comIf you have a question or topic you'd like to hear us discuss send us an email at: theottawarealestatepodcast@gmail.com or leave us a comment below!New Episodes of the podcast are available on Wednesdays at 10AM on all podcast services and at www.theottawarealestatepodcast.com Brought to you by Referral Mortgages, PaulStevenson.ca, Guertin/Poirier Avocates Lawyers, CENTUM, BIG - Billyard Insurance Group, Easy Neon Signs and A to Z Cleaning Expert.https://www.easyneonsigns.ca Use code TOREP and get 20% off all your orders. (This is an affiliate link).