Just Call Ruth

The decision is in: the Bank of Canada held rates at 2.25%.

No surprise—but the reasoning matters.

Rising oil prices are pushing inflation higher short-term, but core inflation is still controlled and the economy remains soft.

For now, the Bank is holding steady… and watching closely.

If inflation spreads beyond energy, that’s when things change.

Next signal: the Fed later today.

Canada’s inflation just jumped to 2.4%—but don’t take that at face value.

Here’s what’s really going on 👇
✔️ Gas prices surged 21% in one month (yes… record move)
✔️ Inflation WITHOUT gas actually cooled
✔️ This is an energy-driven spike—not broad inflation (yet)

So what’s the risk?

If higher energy costs start spilling into everything else—groceries, services, wages—that’s when the Bank of Canada may have to step in.

For now, rate holds are expected… but that outlook can shift quickly if inflation sticks.

If you’ve got a renewal coming up, this is where strategy matters.

Housing starts are slowing down… and this matters more than people think 👇

📉 Starts dropped 6% in March
📊 The trend is also falling
⚠️ Builders are delaying projects
🏗️ Less supply may be coming

Yes — numbers look “up” year-over-year…
But that’s just because last year was weak.

The real story?
Momentum is fading.

And with higher costs + tighter financing…
We could see fewer new homes hitting the market over the next few years.

👀 Watch this closely — it impacts prices, inventory, and strategy.

Market shift 👀

CREA just downgraded their 2026 forecast — and it’s telling us a lot:

📉 Slower sales growth
🏠 Flat pricing in Ontario
📊 Buyers still cautious

But here’s the flip side 👇
Less competition = more opportunity (for the right buyer)

If you’ve been waiting… this is worth a conversation.
☎️ 📩😜

Mortgage renewals are coming up fast in Canada 🏡📊

And most homeowners are still stuck debating fixed vs variable — without understanding the strategy behind it.

Here’s what’s actually happening:
✔ Fixed = stability
✔ Variable = lower starting cost

Some borrowers take variable, watch the market, and lock in later.
Others effectively hedge by paying like fixed while still benefiting from lower rates.

The key isn’t guessing — it’s choosing what fits your situation. 💬

If your renewal is coming up, let’s review it properly.

Not every homeowner can refinance — even with significant equity. 🏘️

Strict lending rules are leaving more people stuck…
with wealth in their home they can’t access. 💰

For many, the options come down to:
sell, go private… or consider a reverse mortgage.

It’s not niche anymore — it’s a practical solution for real life. 😘

Big week for Canadian housing 👀

Two reports could shape the entire spring market:
• Are buyers coming back?
• Is supply about to surge?
• And what happens to prices next?

If you're planning to buy, sell, or renew — this is the week to watch.

Ontario just announced a major housing move 👇🏡

The federal and provincial governments are putting forward an $8.8B plan to help build more housing across Ontario 🏗️

The money is meant to fund key infrastructure like roads, water systems, and transit so new homes can actually get built faster 🚧

But there’s a condition ⚠️

Cities will need to cut development charges by up to 50% to access the funding.

Those fees have been a big driver of rising construction costs 📈

The goal is simple:

➡️ lower building costs
➡️ increase housing supply
➡️ improve affordability over time

Officials say it could reduce the cost of a new home significantly 💸

But the real question is whether those savings actually reach buyers 🤔

Bottom line — it’s a big push to build more homes… but results will depend on how the market responds 🏡

Canada’s economy is sending a clear message: slow and uncertain.

January GDP grew just 0.1%, with strength in oil and construction masking weakness in manufacturing and services.

📉 Manufacturing down
📊 Services flat
🏠 Housing slowing

So what happens next?

The Bank of Canada is expected to hold rates steady — not strong enough to hike, not weak enough to cut.

👉 We’re officially in a “wait-and-see” phase.

Five-year prison terms handed down in one of Ontario’s biggest syndicated mortgage cases.

Nearly 800 investors misled—and accountability finally followed. ⚖️📉