Real Estate Investing 101 – Part 2

Marci • July 23, 2013

In the last blog post, we introduced the types of thoughts, behaviours and lifestyles that aren’t right for a real estate investor. If you’re curious to know if you fit those criteria, check out the post here.

 

With the first post and this one, my intent is to give you a primer and get you thinking about real estate investing, I am also hosting a webinar on August 1, 2013. Click here for more information. Real estate investing is a massive topic and I couldn’t possibly cover it all in just two blog posts!

 

Those who are ready to invest now may still have some doubts about making the leap. Many things come to mind with a commitment as large as this.

 

  1. If buying investment properties is such a good idea, why isn’t everyone doing it?

A. Some people may be in the right place mentally and financially but they may still lack knowledge and information. This often generates a fear of moving ahead with an opportunity. To overcome this fear and gain the confidence needed, build yourself a real estate Power Team. This would consist of a realtor, mortgage broker, lawyer, home inspector and other experts necessary to work through a real estate investment. They will become your “go to” people any time you are considering buying or selling.

 

  1. It feels like too much hassle and work.

A.   This is definitely where having a Power Team takes care of your concerns. By having the right people on your side, they take care of the majority of the work and ensure the little things are dealt with.

 

  1. You feel your lack of cash or liquid assets makes real estate investing a bad idea even though you know you can afford it.

A.   This is a common position for those who have a high-value home, a lot of non-cash investments or retirement savings. There are options here to find sources of funding. You can look at Self-Directed RRSPs, second mortgages, lines of credit and other possibilities. We can talk about options to find the money you need from funds you already have.

 

  •   I don’t want to be a landlord. What kinds of investments are there for me?

A.        Real estate investing isn’t just about being a landlord – although that is often how it works. If you’d prefer not to be in a landlord position, consider joining an investment trust or being a silent partner in a joint venture.

 

 

I have a comprehensive questionnaire for prospective investors. It looks at your current situation, financings options, goals, needs and requirements. Ultimately, it puts your head in the right place to decide whether to proceed with investing in real estate now or not.

 

If you do decide to proceed, you must develop a real estate plan.

 

There is so much more to real estate investing than this. To continue introductory learning, I welcome you to attend the webinar on August 1, 213 where we can dive in deeper and get to the heart of your questions.

 

 

 

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Bank of Canada Holds Rate at 2.25% — September 2, 2026

By Marci Deane • September 2, 2026
The Bank of Canada announced today that it is holding its target for the overnight rate at 2.25%, with the Bank Rate at 2.5% and the deposit rate at 2.20%. While Canada's economic recovery is broadening, a new layer of uncertainty has entered the picture. Here is what happened and what it means for your mortgage.

What Older Canadians Should Know About Mortgage Financing

By Marci Deane • August 26, 2026
Retirement doesn’t always mean a mortgage-free life anymore. And that’s okay. Between higher home prices, rising living costs, and longer life expectancy, many Canadians are choosing to retire with a mortgage or refinance later in life to create more flexibility. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s having options that actually support the life you want to live. If you’re thinking about how a mortgage fits into your retirement years, you’re not alone—and you’re not out of options. Why work with an independent mortgage professional? Because retirement financing is not one-size-fits-all. Unlike a single bank, an independent mortgage professional can look across multiple lenders and solutions to find what truly fits your income, equity, and long-term plans—not just what one institution offers. Mortgage options available in retirement Traditional Mortgage Solutions Many retirees still qualify for standard mortgages. Pension income, investment income, and other retirement sources can often be used to support an application. If you have good equity and solid credit, this is often the lowest-cost option. Reverse Mortgages For homeowners 55+, a reverse mortgage can unlock tax-free equity from your home with no monthly payments required. There’s no income verification or medical questions, making it a helpful option for those who want to improve cash flow while staying in their home. Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) A HELOC allows you to access your home equity as needed and only pay interest on what you use. Many retirees appreciate the flexibility and like consolidating income and expenses in one place. Private Financing Sometimes life throws a curveball. If timing, income, or credit create challenges, private financing can act as a short-term bridge. It’s not usually the first choice, but it can provide solutions when traditional lenders can’t. If you’re approaching retirement—or already there—and wondering how your mortgage fits into the picture, let’s talk. A clear plan can make retirement feel a lot more secure and a lot less stressful.

What Online Mortgage Calculators Can—and Can’t—Tell You

By Marci Deane • August 19, 2026
What Online Mortgage Calculators Can—and Can’t—Tell You Online mortgage calculators are everywhere—and on the surface, they seem like a no-brainer. You plug in some numbers, and out pops what you can “afford.” Simple, right? Not quite. While the math itself is correct, the story behind those numbers is often misleading. Mortgage qualification isn’t just about numbers—it’s about context, risk, and lender policy. And that’s where calculators fall short. The Numbers Are Accurate—but the Picture Isn’t An online calculator can show you what a payment might look like at a given interest rate, or how making extra payments could reduce your amortization. That’s useful information! But when it comes to mortgage qualification , calculators don’t account for the many variables that lenders consider, such as: Your credit history and score Employment type (salary, self-employed, contract) Outstanding debts and monthly obligations Assets, savings, and down payment source The property type and location you’re buying Lenders evaluate all these factors through their internal risk models. That means two people entering the exact same numbers into a calculator could receive very different results when they actually apply for a mortgage. Why Online Calculators Can Mislead You When you see a “How much can I afford?” or “Mortgage Qualification” calculator online, it’s easy to treat the result as fact. But these tools don’t know your financial story—they only crunch the data you enter. A calculator can’t predict how a lender views your risk, how new mortgage rules apply to your file, or how things like spousal support, car loans, or variable income will impact approval. In short: calculators estimate payments, not qualification . Use Calculators the Right Way Don’t get us wrong—online calculators still have value. Use them to explore different “what-if” scenarios: How do payments change with different down payment amounts? How would a rate increase affect affordability? What if you added $100 a month to your payments? These tools are great for helping you understand your comfort zone. Just remember: they’re a starting point, not a green light. The Real First Step: Get a Pre-Approval If you’re serious about buying a home, skip the guesswork and get a mortgage pre-approval . It’s quick, free, and gives you real-world clarity on what you can afford. A pre-approval looks at your full financial picture—income, credit, debts, assets—and provides a framework for your purchase price, payment range, and rate options. It’s the only way to get a reliable answer to the question, “What can I really afford?” Final Thoughts Online calculators are convenient, but they can’t replace expert advice. Think of them as a starting point, not a solution. A professional mortgage broker can interpret the numbers, navigate lender policies, and tailor your financing strategy to your actual situation. If you’d like help understanding your true buying power—or want to get pre-approved with confidence— reach out anytime . I’d be happy to walk you through your options and help you make sense of the numbers.