What Selling Your Home Actually Looks Like + Mortgage Paydown Strategy

How much is your home really worth?

Zillow-style estimates and online home value calculators are everywhere. But how accurate are they when it comes to determining what your home is actually worth? This week on Under One Roof MTL, LJ Aguinaga explains why online estimates often miss the mark, what truly drives a home's value, and how sellers can get a realistic picture of what their property is worth in today's Montreal market. Plus, we're joined by Marc Bissell of Castleton Finance to discuss private lending, who it's for, and how it can help homeowners and borrowers who don't fit the traditional bank model. In This Episode: What's Happening in the Market Right Now * Could running a business from your home impact your mortgage or insurance? * Investment in housing construction continues to decline despite Canada's housing shortage * What the appointment of a new U.S. Federal Reserve Chair could mean for interest rates in Canada Real Estate: How Much Is Your Home Really Worth? Online Estimates vs Reality LJ Aguinaga breaks down the difference between online valuations and actual market value: * How accurate are online home value estimates? * What algorithms miss when valuing a property * Why two seemingly similar homes can sell for dramatically different prices * The impact of renovations, layout, natural light, parking, and overall feel * The difference between assessed value, asking price, and market value * The best way to determine what your home is truly worth today Special Guest: Marc Bissell, Castleton Finance What exactly is private lending, and who is it designed for? Marc Bissell, President and Owner of Castleton Finance, joins the show to explain: * What private lenders do and how they differ from banks * Who typically turns to private financing solutions * Common misconceptions about private lending * How quickly private lenders can approve and fund deals * Real-world examples of borrowers helped through private financing * When homeowners should consider speaking with a private lender Property of the Week 📍 LaSalle, Montreal 518-522 33e Avenue — a fully vacant triplex featuring a spacious 3-bedroom owner's unit with garage, finished basement, and backyard deck, plus two income-generating one-bedroom apartments ready for immediate occupancy. Located steps from Angrignon Park and the metro. Listed at $1,100,000. Open house from 2–4 PM. Trivia Question of the Week What is a fixed-rate mortgage? Answer: A home loan where the interest rate remains the same for the entire mortgage term. Get in Touch: LJ Aguinaga – Real Estate 📞 514-500-4040 🌐 LJ Realties 📱 Instagram & socials: @ljaguinaga / @ljrealties Property Management (Plex Dr) 📞 514-500-5222 🌐 Plex Dr Fred & Martin – Mortgage Experts 🌐 FredAndMartin 📧 underoneroofmtl@gmail.com

Selling Your Home in Montreal? Here's Why the First Week Matters

The first few days after your home hits the market can completely shape the outcome of your sale. This week on Under One Roof MTL, LJ Aguinaga explains why the first 7–10 days of a listing are so important, what buyers are thinking when a property sits too long, and the biggest mistakes sellers make right out of the gate. Plus, Fred and Martin answer more of your frequently asked mortgage questions, including reverse mortgages, alternative lenders, and self-employed borrowing. In This Episode: What's Happening in the Market Right Now * Retirees across Canada are delaying downsizing plans as the housing market softens * Desjardins warns inflation could climb above 3% if tensions in the Middle East continue escalating * What rising inflation could mean for interest rates and the Montreal real estate market Real Estate: The First 10 Days on Market — Why They Matter More Than You Think LJ Aguinaga explains why momentum matters when selling your home: * The average amount of time homes are currently spending on the Montreal market * Why the first week of a listing is often the most important * The biggest mistakes sellers make during those early days * How quickly sellers and agents should react if a listing isn't getting attention * What buyers subconsciously think when they see a home sitting for 30, 60, or 90 days Mortgages: Frequently Asked Mortgage Questions — Part 3 Fred and Martin answer another round of listener mortgage questions: * What do alternative or "B" lenders actually do? * What's the biggest mistake self-employed borrowers make? * How do reverse mortgages work? * Can you lose your home with a reverse mortgage? Trivia Question of the Week What is the term for the legal document that outlines rules and responsibilities in a condo building? Answer: Declaration of Co-ownership Get in Touch: LJ Aguinaga – Real Estate 📞 514-500-4040 🌐 LJ Realties 📱 Instagram & socials: @ljaguinaga / @ljrealties Property Management (Plex Dr) 📞 514-709-6397 🌐 Plex Dr Fred & Martin – Mortgage Experts 🌐 FredAndMartin 📧 underoneroofmtl@gmail.com

Inspection Report Red Flags + More Frequently Asked Mortgage Questions

Home inspection reports can be intimidating, especially for first-time buyers. But how do you know which issues actually matter… and which ones are just part of owning a home? This week on Under One Roof MTL, LJ Aguinaga breaks down the biggest mistakes buyers make after reading an inspection report and explains which findings should truly raise concern. Plus, Fred and Martin answer another round of frequently asked mortgage questions, including refinancing, renewals, penalties, and credit scores. In This Episode: What's Happening in the Market Right Now * Consumer insolvencies in Canada are now at their highest levels since 2009 * Mortgage delinquency rates continue to climb as economic uncertainty grows * Canada's commercial real estate market remains surprisingly strong as investors return to stable, income-generating assets Real Estate: The Inspection Report — What Actually Matters (and What Doesn't) LJ Aguinaga explains how buyers should approach inspection reports without panicking: * The biggest mistake buyers make after reading an inspection report * Which findings should immediately raise red flags * How to separate cosmetic issues from structural or safety concerns * When to renegotiate, request repairs, or walk away from a deal * Common issues in older Montreal homes that may not be as serious as they sound Mortgages: Frequently Asked Mortgage Questions — Part 2 Fred and Martin answer more of the questions they hear most often from homeowners and buyers: * What's the difference between renewing and refinancing a mortgage? * How does your credit score affect mortgage approval? * What's the difference between using a bank versus a mortgage broker? * Why are mortgage penalties sometimes so expensive? Property of the Week 📍 Fabreville, Laval 3730 Rue Gaston-Miron — a stunning 2015-built two-storey home backing directly onto 50 hectares of protected woodland. Features include four bedrooms, a spa-style ensuite, two-storey atrium, fully finished basement with gym, and an inground saltwater pool. Listed at $1,050,000 through LJ Realties. Trivia Question of the Week What is the name of the document that legally transfers ownership of a residential property in Quebec? Answer: Deed of Sale (Acte de Vente) Get in Touch: LJ Aguinaga – Real Estate 📞 514-500-4040 🌐 LJ Realties 📱 Instagram & socials: @ljaguinaga / @ljrealties Property Management (Plex Dr) 📞 514-709-6397 🌐 Plex Dr Fred & Martin – Mortgage Experts 🌐 FredAndMartin 📧 underoneroofmtl@gmail.com

Investment Properties, Interest Rates & Mortgage Questions Explained

How do you know when it's finally time to sell your investment property? This week on Under One Roof MTL, LJ Aguinaga shares the story behind selling one of his first investment properties, a 4-plex he held for nearly a decade. Plus, Fred and Martin answer some of the mortgage questions Canadians are asking most right now, from fixed vs variable rates to renewing with your bank versus shopping around. In This Episode: What's Happening in the Market Right Now * The Bank of Canada warns interest rates could rise if inflation continues climbing * Retirees across Canada are delaying downsizing plans as housing markets soften * Why Quebec continues to behave differently than many other Canadian markets Real Estate: Knowing When It's Time to Sell Your Investment Property LJ Aguinaga opens up about recently selling one of his first investment properties, a 4-plex he owned for roughly 9 years: * Why he originally bought the property * The strategy behind holding it long-term * Why he ultimately decided now was the right time to sell * Lessons learned about investment real estate over nearly a decade of ownership * What he would do differently if he could start over today Mortgages: Your Frequently Asked Questions, Answered Fred and Martin tackle some of the biggest mortgage questions Canadians are asking in 2026: * Should you choose a fixed or variable mortgage rate? * Is a 3-year fixed better than a 5-year fixed? * Will mortgage rates go down this year? * Should you renew with your current bank or shop around? * Can self-employed borrowers still qualify for mortgages? * How much house can you realistically afford? Trivia Question of the Week What is a closing date? Answer: The final step in a real estate transaction where ownership officially transfers from seller to buyer, funds are exchanged, and documents are signed. Get in Touch: LJ Aguinaga – Real Estate 📞 514-500-4040 🌐 LJ Realties 📱 Instagram & socials: @ljaguinaga / @ljrealties Property Management (Plex Dr) 📞 514-709-6397 🌐 Plex Dr Fred & Martin – Mortgage Experts 🌐 FredAndMartin 📧 underoneroofmtl@gmail.com

What Selling Your Home Actually Looks Like + Mortgage Paydown Strategy

Thinking about selling your home? Wondering what the process actually looks like behind the scenes? This week on Under One Roof MTL, we walk you through the real seller's journey, from pricing and prep to accepting an offer. Plus, we break down whether paying down your mortgage faster is always the smart financial move. In This Episode: What's Happening in the Market Right Now * The Bank of Canada holds interest rates steady * Mortgage debt is rising fastest among Canadians nearing retirement * More homeowners are leveraging equity to help younger buyers, raising long-term financial considerations Real Estate: The Seller's Journey — What Selling Your Home Actually Looks Like * Seller consultation, pricing strategy, and reviewing comparables * Gathering documents, warranties, and setting inclusions/exclusions * Decluttering and preparing the home for market * Managing showings and adapting based on buyer feedback * Accepting an offer after 16 days, within target price and preferred closing timeline * What sets LJ Aguinaga and his team apart in a competitive market Mortgages: Paying Down Your Mortgage Faster — Smart Move or Trade-Off? * Why many homeowners want to pay down their mortgage early * The trade-off between prepaying your mortgage and maintaining liquidity * How prepayment privileges actually work * Increased scrutiny around borrowing and financial planning * Practical advice for borrowers deciding where to allocate their money Property of the Week 📍 Anjou, Montreal 7421 Avenue des Halles — 1-bedroom, move-in-ready condo on the 4th floor with hardwood floors, private balcony, in-unit laundry, indoor parking, and walk-in closet. Listed at $299,000 — perfect for first-time buyers looking to stop renting. Trivia Question of the Week What is the word for the amount of money you've built up in your home as its value increases and your mortgage decreases? Answer: Equity Get in Touch: LJ Aguinaga – Real Estate 📞 514-500-4040 🌐 LJ Realties 📱 Instagram & socials: @ljaguinaga / @ljrealties Property Management (Plex Dr) 📞 514-709-6397 🌐 Plex Dr Fred & Martin – Mortgage Experts 🌐 FredAndMartin 📧 underoneroofmtl@gmail.com