The Ottawa Real Estate Podcast

Hosted by TOREP

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250

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Nov 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

November 11, 202629 min

Market Alert: 3 Changes That Could Impact Your Home Value

Canada's housing market is entering a period of uncertainty, with falling employment, changing government policies, and new opportunities for foreign buyers all potentially affecting real estate prices. Meanwhile, the latest Ottawa real estate numbers show a market that continues to surprise. 00:00 Introduction and Overview of October Stats 02:48 Analysis of Market Trends and Inventory 04:59 Impact of Federal Job Cuts on Real Estate 06:20 New Construction Sales and HST Rebate 09:56 Unemployment Rates and Economic Indicators 11:20 Federal Budget Highlights and Housing Market 14:14 Changes in Mortgage Regulations 21:12 Foreign Buyer Ban and Market Implications 24:51 Affordability Measures and Cost of Living 29:00 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. The content in this video is for general information and educational purposes only and is not financial, mortgage, legal, or investment advice. Opinions expressed by guests and featured speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or their brokerage. Everyone’s situation is different. For advice on your own situation, speak with a licensed mortgage professional, like us, using the contact information above, and we’ll discuss it with you.

November 4, 202636 min

HST Rebates End as Selling a Home in Ottawa Gets Harder

Ontario is ending the $24,000 HST rebate on new builds as of April 1, 2027, the same day the enhanced rebate expires, all this while the Ottawa real estate market is already feeling the ripple effect. Selling a home has gotten tougher, buyers are pickier, and some new build buyers can’t sell their current place in time. We sat down with Ottawa real estate lawyers Natalie Guertin and Michèle Poirier to talk about what they’re seeing on closings right now. We get into why lenders still can’t agree on how to handle HST rebates, how that’s affecting down payments and appraisals, and why some buyers end up with a bigger mortgage and cash back at closing. We also talk about where the housing market stands for sellers, what happens when you buy before you sell, and how rising mortgage rates in Canada and the latest Bank of Canada increase shrink the pool of buyers who qualify. For first time home buyers in Canada, we share a closing tip about FHSA funds that’s catching people off guard, plus the closing day mistakes to watch for. 00:00 Intro 02:01 Firm Focus and Market Changes 04:00 HST Rebate Implications 09:06 Navigating New Build Complexities 15:12 Current Buyer and Seller Market Dynamics 21:07 Navigating the Real Estate Market 28:23 Tips for Buyers and Sellers 32:48 Closing Strategies and Common Pitfalls 33:55 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 Natalie Guertin and Michèle Poirier Guertin Poirier Avocates/Lawyers https://guertinpoirierlaw.ca/ Phone: (613) 744-4488 Email: opendoor@guertinpoirierlaw.ca 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. The content in this video is for general information and educational purposes only and is not financial, mortgage, legal, or investment advice. Opinions expressed by guests and featured speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or their brokerage. Everyone’s situation is different. For advice on your own situation, speak with a licensed mortgage professional, like us, using the contact information above, and we’ll discuss it with you.

October 28, 202637 min

Why Ottawa First Time Buyers Are Skipping the Starter Home

Ottawa first time buyers are walking into pre approval meetings looking at $700,000 and $800,000 detached homes, while the starter condo and townhome get passed over. We asked realtors at the Ottawa Real Estate Board trade show where they see the best buying opportunity over the next 12 months, and most of the ones we spoke with off camera pointed to the same place. We talk about older two and three bedroom condos and townhome condos in Ottawa, what to watch for with reserve funds and special assessments, and purchase plus improvements mortgages and how much renovation money some lenders will now add on with as little as 5% down. Then we get into the Canadian Mortgage Brokers Association’s three asks to the federal government. We also cover B.C.’s new government and its housing pledges, the Lanark County home ownership program, and CREA’s latest forecast and Bank of Canada's rate announcement today. 00:00 Intro 01:15 Insights from the Ottawa Real Estate Board Trade Show 02:19 The Condo Market: Opportunities and Challenges 06:00 Investing in Condos vs. Single Family Homes 09:05 Navigating Affordability in Real Estate 10:51 Purchase Plus Improvements Mortgage 16:09 BC Government Changes and Their Impact on Real Estate 21:08 Mortgage Brokers' Call for Rule Changes 32:32 CREA's Housing Market Forecast 35:21 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. The content in this podcast is for general information and educational purposes only and is not financial, mortgage, legal, or investment advice. Opinions expressed by guests and featured speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or their brokerage. Everyone’s situation is different. For advice on your own situation, speak with a licensed mortgage professional, like us, using the contact information above and we can discuss your specific situation.

October 21, 202625 min

Bank of Canada Rate Hike Odds Just Jumped to 87%

In just a few days, the market odds of a Bank of Canada rate hike on October 28 went from roughly 35% to 87%, and several of Canada’s big banks changed their forecasts along the way. We break down what triggered the shift, why some forecasters now expect back to back increases, and why choosing between a variable and fixed rate mortgage just got a lot more complicated. We also look at CMHC’s warning that today’s slowdown in new construction could create tomorrow’s housing shortage, what the foreign buyer ban set to expire on January 1 could mean for preconstruction sales, and whether builders are building what families actually want. Plus, we share what local agents told us on an Ottawa open house tour about buyers who love a home and still won’t make an offer, and why some homeowners are pulling their listings instead of dropping the price. We also bring back takeaways from the Mortgage Professionals Canada national conference in Calgary, where AI and a fast changing rate outlook dominated the conversation. 00:00 Introduction and Conference Insights 01:59 Market Predictions and Rate Changes 07:29 Impact of Rate Hikes on Borrowers 11:27 New Construction and Housing Supply Challenges 16:36 Foreign Buyer Ban and Market Dynamics 21:18 Current Buyer Sentiment and Market Trends 22:30 Future Housing Market Outlook 24:06 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.

October 14, 202624 min

Canada Just Lost 68,000 Jobs. What Happens to Housing Next?

More homes are hitting the market, mortgage rates are climbing, and Canada just lost 68,000 jobs in a single month. Could the housing market be heading for a bigger shift? We break down the latest Canadian real estate trends, including rising housing inventory, home prices, and what the September numbers reveal about where the market could be headed. We also look at why some markets are holding up better than others, even as properties sit unsold and buyers become more cautious. We discuss the latest Canadian employment numbers, changing expectations for the Bank of Canada, and why fixed mortgage rates are climbing back toward 5%. We also explain why first time homebuyers are facing a very different mortgage market from homeowners renewing their existing mortgages. Plus, we compare housing conditions across major Canadian cities and explore why Ottawa has remained relatively resilient while markets like Toronto and Vancouver face greater pressure. With economic uncertainty growing, the next few months could reveal a lot about where Canadian real estate is headed. 00:00 Introduction to Ottawa's September Market Data 01:42 September Sales and Supply Overview 03:42 Market Activity and Days on Market 05:19 Price Trends and Regional Differences 07:15 Interest Rates and Mortgage Market Impact 10:07 Economic Indicators and Employment Data 11:05 Canada's Regional Variations and Migration Trends 12:00 Future Outlook and Market Resilience 14:25 Political and Economic Factors Affecting Canada 17:16 It's Not The Same For Every Province 21:48 Conclusion and Key Takeaways 23:05 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.

September 30, 202627 min

Ottawa Home Prices Are Down And Sellers Are Feeling The Pressure

Ottawa home prices may be holding relatively steady, but that does not mean the market has bounced back. Buyers are taking their time, sellers are adjusting expectations, and some Ottawa homes are selling for less than their owners paid just a few years ago. This week we have Greg Campbell with us to discuss what he is seeing across Orleans, Barrhaven, Kanata and other Ottawa neighbourhoods, including falling sales volumes, detached home prices, townhouse prices, condo inventory and the growing gap between asking prices and what buyers are actually willing to pay. We also look at why some sellers are choosing not to list at all, how return to work could be shifting demand toward Ottawa's downtown neighbourhoods, and why more complex mortgage files are creating additional challenges for buyers. From self employed income and multiple income sources to unusual down payment situations, lenders are asking more questions and requiring more documentation. 00:13 Intro 00:57 Greg's recent activities and market perspective 01:45 Market mood and seller expectations 03:25 Buyers' and sellers' strategies in a declining market 04:10 Market data and property sale trends in Ottawa 05:31 Ottawa's price stability and neighborhood analysis 07:20 Impact of interest rates and mortgage complexity 08:36 The importance of using knowledgeable Mortgage Brokers 09:41 Consumer confidence and economic outlook 10:10 Predictions for interest rate movements 11:21 Protecting Real Estate Transactions 14:00 Ottawa neighborhood stats and market data 18:05 Market summary and key takeaways 19:37 List to sale price trends and market signals 20:06 Neighborhood migration and market hotspots 21:19 Introduction to secure my offer and mortgage protection 23:12 Details of the deposit bond and its benefits 24:33 Practical application and process of secure my offer 26:23 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 Greg Campbell - SecureMyOffer/EXP Realty www.securemyoffer.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/securemyoffer/ Email: greg@tcmgrealty.ca 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.

September 23, 202623 min

Mortgage Payments Are Straining Canadians More Than Ever

Mortgage payments are putting more pressure on Canadian homeowners, and the latest numbers show just how many borrowers are feeling it. This week we talk about the rise in financial difficulty, what mortgage renewals are actually looking like, and why the biggest challenge may no longer be rate shock but the monthly payment itself. We also look at where mortgage rates are sitting, what the bond market could signal for fixed rates, and how borrowers are adjusting their amortization and payment strategies as they come up for renewal. With more homeowners becoming conscious of their spending, savings, debt, and mortgage payments, we discuss whether this period could ultimately lead to healthier financial habits. We also cover Ontario's new rental rules, including the reduction in the notice period for unpaid rent and what the changes mean for landlords and tenants. 00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest 01:12 Mortgage Protection Explained 04:52 Mortgage Payment Pressure & Rates 10:41 Renewal Planning & Affordability 14:51 Saving, Budgeting & Mortgage Paydown 19:56 Ontario Rental Rule Changes 22:05 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.

September 16, 202623 min

Mortgage Rates Are Climbing: What You Need to Know Right Now

Canadian mortgage rates are moving higher again, while inflation remains stuck at 3% and uncertainty around tariffs continues to weigh on the economy. This week we look at what is pushing fixed mortgage rates higher and why some borrowers who waited for lower rates are now seeing the opposite happen. We break down the latest Canadian inflation numbers, rising bond yields, slower mortgage borrowing, household debt, and what the Canada US trade situation could mean for future interest rates. We also discuss Ottawa real estate, the current buyer’s market, why some properties are still selling quickly, and why trying to time the bottom on mortgage rates can backfire. 00:00 Current Market Overview 02:49 Interest Rates and Economic Impact 05:49 Borrowing Trends and Consumer Sentiment 08:53 Real Estate Market Dynamics 11:40 Future Rate Predictions and Economic Outlook 13:59 Global Economic Comparisons 16:57 Preparing for Rate Changes 20:00 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.

September 9, 202624 min

Mortgage Rates Are Rising Again: What You Need to Know

Mortgage rates are rising again while Canada’s economy is sending mixed signals, and Ottawa’s housing market just posted a surprisingly sharp drop in sales. This week we break down the Bank of Canada’s latest rate decision, why inflation, oil prices, tariffs, and weak employment numbers are making future rate cuts harder to predict, and what rising bond yields could mean for fixed mortgage rates. We also look at Ottawa real estate, where August sales fell dramatically even though average home prices remained relatively stable. We also discuss the growing gap between buyers and sellers, rising inventory, the impact of the federal return to work mandate, new construction and the HST rebate, and RBC’s outlook for Canadian housing through 2026 and 2027. 00:00 Introduction and Market Overview 01:00 Bank of Canada Rate Hold 03:21 Jobs, Inflation & Rate Outlook 05:24 Mortgage Rates & Market Pressures 07:06 Tariffs and Inflation Risks 09:32 August Ottawa Housing Market 12:49 Regional Market Comparison 15:28 Return-to-Office Buyer Shift 17:04 New-Build Rebate Update 20:59 National Housing Outlook 23:06 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.

August 26, 202627 min

Is Your Mortgage at Risk? The Tariff Impact Explained

Are you concerned about the impact of tariffs on the Canadian real estate market and your mortgage in Ottawa? As a homeowner or potential buyer in the Ottawa real estate market, it's essential to understand how the recent tariff changes in Canada may affect your mortgage rates and the overall Canadian housing market. The Bank of Canada's decisions on mortgage rates can significantly influence the Ontario housing market, and as an Ontario landlord or tenant, it's crucial to stay informed about the potential changes. The Ottawa housing market is particularly vulnerable to these changes, and understanding the implications of Bill 60 and the Rent Increase Ontario guidelines can help you navigate the Ontario landlord and tenant board. In this video, we'll explore the potential risks to your mortgage and the Canadian economy, discussing how fixed mortgage rates and the Canadian real estate market may be impacted by the tariffs in Canada. 00:00 Introduction to the US-Canada trade tensions 03:03 US Tariffs' Impact On Canadian Economy 04:07 The Impact of US Tariffs On Canadian Mortgage Rates 12:41 Mortgage Rate Decisions in an Uncertain Market 15:34 Ontario Rental Rule Changes 26:33 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.