The Ottawa Real Estate Podcast

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 [paul@paulstevenson.ca] Phone: 1-613-263-4543 https://www.paulstevenson.ca [https://www.paulstevenson.ca/] David Warren - Mortgage Agent Level 2 Referral Mortgages Email: david@referralmortgages.com [david@referralmortgages.com] Phone: 1-613-686-6003 https://www.referralmortgages.com [https://www.referralmortgages.com] Derek Serra President Westboro Mortgage Investment Corp. www.westboromic.com [http://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 [https://www.theottawarealestatepodcast.com/] Brought to you by Referral Mortgages [https://www.referralmortgages.com/], PaulStevenson.ca [https://paulstevenson.ca/], Guertin/Poirier Avocates Lawyers [https://guertinpoirierlaw.ca/], BIG - Billyard Insurance Group [https://www.thebig.ca/], and A to Z Cleaning Expert. [https://www.atozcleaningexpert.com]

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 [paul@paulstevenson.ca] Phone: 1-613-263-4543 https://www.paulstevenson.ca [https://www.paulstevenson.ca/] David Warren - Mortgage Agent Level 2 Referral Mortgages Email: david@referralmortgages.com [david@referralmortgages.com] Phone: 1-613-686-6003 https://www.referralmortgages.com [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 [https://www.theottawarealestatepodcast.com/] Brought to you by Referral Mortgages [https://www.referralmortgages.com/], PaulStevenson.ca [https://paulstevenson.ca/], Guertin/Poirier Avocates Lawyers [https://guertinpoirierlaw.ca/], BIG - Billyard Insurance Group [https://www.thebig.ca/], and A to Z Cleaning Expert. [https://www.atozcleaningexpert.com]

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 [paul@paulstevenson.ca] Phone: 1-613-263-4543 https://www.paulstevenson.ca [https://www.paulstevenson.ca/] David Warren - Mortgage Agent Level 2 Referral Mortgages Email: david@referralmortgages.com [david@referralmortgages.com] Phone: 1-613-686-6003 https://www.referralmortgages.com [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 [https://www.theottawarealestatepodcast.com/] Brought to you by Referral Mortgages [https://www.referralmortgages.com/], PaulStevenson.ca [https://paulstevenson.ca/], Guertin/Poirier Avocates Lawyers [https://guertinpoirierlaw.ca/], BIG - Billyard Insurance Group [https://www.thebig.ca/], and A to Z Cleaning Expert. [https://www.atozcleaningexpert.com]

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 [paul@paulstevenson.ca] Phone: 1-613-263-4543 https://www.paulstevenson.ca [https://www.paulstevenson.ca/] David Warren - Mortgage Agent Level 2 Referral Mortgages Email: david@referralmortgages.com [david@referralmortgages.com] Phone: 1-613-686-6003 https://www.referralmortgages.com [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 [https://www.theottawarealestatepodcast.com/] Brought to you by Referral Mortgages [https://www.referralmortgages.com/], PaulStevenson.ca [https://paulstevenson.ca/], Guertin/Poirier Avocates Lawyers [https://guertinpoirierlaw.ca/], BIG - Billyard Insurance Group [https://www.thebig.ca/], Easy Neon Signs [https://www.easyneonsigns.ca/] and A to Z Cleaning Expert. [https://www.atozcleaningexpert.com]

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 [paul@paulstevenson.ca] Phone: 1-613-263-4543 https://www.paulstevenson.ca [https://www.paulstevenson.ca/] David Warren - Mortgage Agent Level 2 Referral Mortgages Email: david@referralmortgages.com [david@referralmortgages.com] Phone: 1-613-686-6003 https://www.referralmortgages.com [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 [https://www.theottawarealestatepodcast.com/] Brought to you by Referral Mortgages [https://www.referralmortgages.com/], PaulStevenson.ca [https://paulstevenson.ca/], Guertin/Poirier Avocates Lawyers [https://guertinpoirierlaw.ca/], CENTUM [https://www.centum.ca/], BIG - Billyard Insurance Group [https://www.thebig.ca/], Easy Neon Signs [https://www.easyneonsigns.ca/] and A to Z Cleaning Expert. [https://www.atozcleaningexpert.com] https://www.easyneonsigns.ca [https://www.easyneonsigns.ca] Use code TOREP and get 20% off all your orders. (This is an affiliate link).