The Ottawa Real Estate Podcast

Hosted by TOREP

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Episodes

250

Latest episode

Aug 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! 🎉

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 12, 202630 min

Are Ottawa Home Prices Done Falling? (July Market Update)

This week we look at whether Ottawa home prices may have finally bottomed out, what the latest market numbers are telling us, and why mortgage rates could still make affordability challenging. We also discuss Canada’s surprisingly strong jobs report, mortgage renewals, fixed rates, and how upcoming tariffs could affect the housing market. 00:13 Introduction to Ottawa real estate market 01:51 Current Perception Of The Real Estate Market 03:12 Mortgage Rates At Renewal 06:09 Getting A Mortgage With Bruised Credit 13:59 July Real Estate Stats 18:01 Job Numbers 24:47 Canadian Rent Prices Continue To Fall 28:32 Mood Boosts Get in touch with us! Paul Stevenson - Mortgage Agent Level 2 CENTUM Financial Services LP Email: paul@paulstevenson.ca Phone: 1-613-263-4543 https://www.paulstevenson.ca David Warren - Mortgage Agent Level 2 Referral Mortgages Email: david@referralmortgages.com Phone: 1-613-686-6003 https://www.referralmortgages.com If 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.

July 29, 202626 min

Buyer Confidence Hits Record High as Market Forecast Darkens

CMHC says home sales could decline by about 3 percent this year while the national average home price is expected to dip slightly. At the same time, more Canadians are feeling confident enough to get back into the market. Is this the start of a real shift or are buyers getting ahead of themselves? 00:00 Tribute to Paul Rushforth 02:03 The Real Estate Market 08:50 Housing Forecast 12:11 Interprovincial Tariffs 13:28 Foreign Buyer Ban 18:27 More Canadians Are Using Mortgage Brokers 22:33 What Are The Benefits Of Using A Mortgage Broker? 24:56 Mood Boosts Get in touch with us! Paul Stevenson - Mortgage Agent Level 2 CENTUM Financial Services LP Email: paul@paulstevenson.ca Phone: 1-613-263-4543 https://www.paulstevenson.ca David Warren - Mortgage Agent Level 2 Referral Mortgages Email: david@referralmortgages.com Phone: 1-613-686-6003 https://www.referralmortgages.com If 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.

July 22, 202624 min

Inflation Surprise Means Lower Interest Rates Coming?

Inflation came in lower than expected, Ottawa home buyers could save around $30,000 on new construction, and a major tariff announcement could create new uncertainty for Canada's economy. This week, we discuss the latest inflation numbers, what they could mean for future interest rates, why more Canadians are choosing variable rate mortgages again, Ottawa's new development charge reductions, the city's upcoming renoviction bylaw, and how recent trade news could affect the housing market in the months ahead. Whether you're planning to buy, sell, or simply stay informed, we break down the biggest real estate and mortgage stories affecting Ottawa and Canadians right now. 00:00 Introduction and Market Overview 02:58 Bank of Canada Rate Announcement 03:50 New Inflation Numbers 07:40 New Tariffs In Place 16:38 The New Renoviction Bylaw 18:58 City Council Approves Plans to Cut Fees On Development Charges 22:56 Mood Boosts Get in touch with us! Paul Stevenson - Mortgage Agent Level 2 CENTUM Financial Services LP Email: paul@paulstevenson.ca Phone: 1-613-263-4543 https://www.paulstevenson.ca David Warren - Mortgage Agent Level 2 Referral Mortgages Email: david@referralmortgages.com Phone: 1-613-686-6003 https://www.referralmortgages.com If 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.

July 15, 202631 min

Why Canadians Can't Make Sense of These Headlines

Mortgage rates still are not moving, but the story behind them is changing fast. We discuss why the latest economic headlines are sending mixed signals and why even the biggest financial institutions are taking things one day at a time. In this week's episode, we discuss the latest Canadian jobs report, slowing manufacturing, the growing impact of artificial intelligence on the economy, and why bond markets continue to influence mortgage rates across Ontario. We also explore how uncertainty is affecting the Ottawa real estate market and why so many Canadians are struggling to make sense of conflicting headlines. 00:00 World Cup Excitement 02:26 Analyzing Job Market Trends 05:59 Manufacturing Sector Challenges 08:26 Manufacturers Relocating To The US 10:16 AI and Tech Investments in Canada 12:27 Oil Market Fluctuations and Economic Impact 15:04 Current Real Estate Market Sentiment 17:48 Navigating Uncertainty in Home Buying 21:43 The Balance of Supply and Demand 26:36 New Bylaws Affecting Landlords 30:45 Mood Boosts Get in touch with us! Paul Stevenson - Mortgage Agent Level 2 CENTUM Financial Services LP Email: paul@paulstevenson.ca Phone: 1-613-263-4543 https://www.paulstevenson.ca David Warren - Mortgage Agent Level 2 Referral Mortgages Email: david@referralmortgages.com Phone: 1-613-686-6003 https://www.referralmortgages.com Derek Serra President Westboro Mortgage Investment Corp. www.westboromic.com If 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.

July 8, 202629 min

Here's Why This Government Rebate Has Builders Paying Attention

A new government rebate could change the way many Canadians approach buying a home. In this week's episode of the Ottawa Real Estate Podcast, we break down the latest Government of Canada new home rebate, explain who may qualify, and discuss why this policy is already getting attention across the housing market. We also look at the latest Canadian real estate statistics, how builders are responding to changing demand, and why interest rates and bond yields continue to play such an important role in mortgage pricing. With expectations that fixed mortgage rates could ease in the coming months, we discuss what homeowners, first time buyers, and anyone following the Canadian housing market should be watching next. 00:00 Intro and Soccer Buzz 01:38 Current Real Estate Market Trends 05:04 New Home HST Rebate Explained 12:42 Impact of New Construction on the Market 20:33 Market Statistics and Analysis 24:07 Interest Rates and Economic Outlook 28:12 Mood Boosts Get in touch with us! Paul Stevenson - Mortgage Agent Level 2 CENTUM Financial Services LP Email: paul@paulstevenson.ca Phone: 1-613-263-4543 https://www.paulstevenson.ca David Warren - Mortgage Agent Level 2 Referral Mortgages Email: david@referralmortgages.com Phone: 1-613-686-6003 https://www.referralmortgages.com Derek Serra President Westboro Mortgage Investment Corp. www.westboromic.com If 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 24, 202641 min

Why Canadians Are Building Homes Instead of Buying Them

This week we sit down with Derek Serra, President of Westboro MIC, to discuss one of the biggest shifts happening in Canadian real estate right now. We explore why more Canadians are considering building their own homes, the hidden challenges of construction financing, and why private mortgages are becoming an increasingly important part of the housing market. We also discuss the condo slowdown, foreign buyer policies, construction costs, mortgage lending trends, and why many borrowers with excellent credit scores are turning to private lenders for short term financing solutions. Whether you're thinking about building a custom home, navigating today's housing market, or simply trying to understand where Canadian real estate is heading next, this conversation offers valuable insights into the realities facing homeowners, builders, and mortgage borrowers in 2026. 00:00 Introduction to Private Lending and the Mortgage Market 01:17 Special Guest Intro: Derek Serra 04:04 Common Misconceptions About Private Lending 07:12 When Private Mortgages Make Sense 09:45 Bridge Loans 15:00 Government Intervention in the Housing Market 20:00 The Rise of Custom Home Building 21:01 Impact of Government Policies on Real Estate 22:41 Challenges in Construction Financing 26:48 Client Preparedness for Building a Home 34:11 The Future of Private Lending 37:53 Navigating Economic Uncertainty 39:07 Mood Boosts Get in touch with us! Paul Stevenson - Mortgage Agent Level 2 CENTUM Financial Services LP Email: paul@paulstevenson.ca Phone: 1-613-263-4543 https://www.paulstevenson.ca David Warren - Mortgage Agent Level 2 Referral Mortgages Email: david@referralmortgages.com Phone: 1-613-686-6003 https://www.referralmortgages.com Derek Serra President Westboro Mortgage Investment Corp. www.westboromic.com If 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 18, 202630 min

The Housing Market Feels Stuck. Here's Why.

Buyers are waiting. Sellers are hesitating. And mortgage rates are reacting to events happening far beyond Canada's borders. In this week's episode, we break down what's really driving today's market, whether buying before selling makes sense right now, where mortgage rates could go next, and why uncertainty may be the biggest force shaping real estate decisions in 2026. 00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates 01:08 Insights from Whitehorse: Housing Market and Lifestyle 05:30 Current Events Impacting Mortgage Rates 14:20 Understanding Mortgage Brokers and Their Role 21:36 Buying vs. Selling: Strategies in Today's Market 27:53 Conclusion and Lighthearted Moments 28:57 World Cup Mood Boosts Get in touch with us! Paul Stevenson - Mortgage Agent Level 2 CENTUM Financial Services LP Email: paul@paulstevenson.ca Phone: 1-613-263-4543 https://www.paulstevenson.ca David Warren - Mortgage Agent Level 2 Referral Mortgages Email: david@referralmortgages.com Phone: 1-613-686-6003 https://www.referralmortgages.com If 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 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 Intro 01:19 Current Market Trends and Observations 03:17 Understanding Mortgage Renewals 09:24 Fixed vs. Variable Rates: Making the Right Choice 14:42 Should I Lock In My Rate Now? 17:05 The Process of Renewing Your Mortgage 22:10 Can I get A Mortgage If I'm Self-Employed in Canada 29:12 Mood Boosts Get in touch with us! Paul Stevenson - Mortgage Agent Level 2 CENTUM Financial Services LP Email: paul@paulstevenson.ca Phone: 1-613-263-4543 https://www.paulstevenson.ca David Warren - Mortgage Agent Level 2 Referral Mortgages Email: david@referralmortgages.com Phone: 1-613-686-6003 https://www.referralmortgages.com If 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 Intro 01:28 Rural Property Trends and Buyer Behaviour 04:46 Unique Challenges in Real Estate Transactions 10:19 The Impact of Economic Conditions on Real Estate 11:29 Choose an Experienced Realtor and Mortgage Broker 17:11 Understanding the Technical Recession in Canada 22:49 The Future of Canada's Economy and Real Estate 28:27 Navigating Mortgage Rates and Market Trends 33:07 Mood Boosts Get in touch with us! Paul Stevenson - Mortgage Agent Level 2 CENTUM Financial Services LP Email: paul@paulstevenson.ca Phone: 1-613-263-4543 https://www.paulstevenson.ca David Warren - Mortgage Agent Level 2 Referral Mortgages Email: david@referralmortgages.com Phone: 1-613-686-6003 https://www.referralmortgages.com If 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 Market 01:40 Spring Market Update 02:50 Military Relocations and Their Impact 05:54 Understanding Days on Market and Pricing Strategies 09:10 Shifts in Interest Rates: Fixed vs. Variable 13:24 Renewal Conversations and Market Adjustments 21:31 Unique Market Dynamics in Ottawa 26:28 Positive Market Outlook and Personal Reflections 27:01 Mood Boosts Get in touch with us! Paul Stevenson - Mortgage Agent Level 2 CENTUM Financial Services LP Email: paul@paulstevenson.ca Phone: 1-613-263-4543 https://www.paulstevenson.ca David Warren - Mortgage Agent Level 2 Referral Mortgages Email: david@referralmortgages.com Phone: 1-613-686-6003 https://www.referralmortgages.com If 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).