Shawn Fidler
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The #1 Thing Homeowners Overlook When Deciding to Stay or Sell
When trying to decide whether to stay in your current home or sell, many homeowners rely heavily on emotion. Maybe you love the neighborhood, or perhaps you're frustrated with a lack of space. While these feelings are valid, they can cloud the bigger picture.
The most overlooked factor? Your actual financial position.
Many homeowners don't realize how much equity they've built or what their home is truly worth in today's market. Without this information, you might be making a decision based on outdated assumptions or guesswork.
Here's a helpful tip: Before you commit to staying or listing, get a clear understanding of your home's current market value and equity position. This gives you the financial clarity to make a confident, informed decision—whether that means selling and upgrading, downsizing, or staying put and investing in renovations.
A complimentary market analysis takes just minutes and can completely change your perspective on what's possible.
What's the biggest factor you'd want to know before deciding to stay or sell? Share your thoughts in the comments!
02/05/2026
Think your mortgage payment is locked in? Think again. 🔒
While your fixed-rate mortgage provides stability for your term (typically 5 years in Canada), other costs aren't so predictable—and they're all rising at once.
- In some cases, home insurance premiums can jump in a year, even without making a claim or changing coverage
- Property taxes rose 4.9% median year-over-year across 24 major Canadian cities in 2024, with some regions seeing even greater increases
- Condo fees ($0.60-$1.00 per square foot monthly) are mandatory and rarely decrease
But there's more: The "2026 Renewal Wall" means approximately 60% of Canadian mortgages are renewing in 2025-2026. Many homeowners will face substantial payment increases when their mortgage resets at higher rates—on top of rising taxes, insurance, and fees.
A mortgage payment that felt comfortable at closing can feel tight three years later, even without lifestyle changes. These aren't one-time adjustments—they compound year after year.
💡 Takeaway: Planning for this reality is what separates comfortable homeownership from financial stress.
Read the full article: https://shawnfidler.myagent.site/the-true-cost-of-homeownership-what-you-pay-beyond-the-mortgage/
02/03/2026
Your mortgage payment is only part of the story. 🏡
Many Canadian homebuyers focus exclusively on their monthly mortgage payment when calculating affordability. But here's the reality: that payment typically represents only 70-80% of what homeownership actually costs each month.
According to Ratehub, non-mortgage expenses can easily add $1,500 or more per month on top of the mortgage, depending on the home and location. When you factor in these costs, a $3,000 monthly mortgage can quickly push total housing expenses well beyond $4,500 per month.
💡 Key takeaways:
- About one in four Canadian homebuyers experience at least some post-purchase regret
- The mortgage stress test qualifies you for the loan, but doesn't account for the full cost of maintaining your lifestyle
- Insurance premiums can rise $100-$200/month in a single year even without making a claim
- The 2026 Renewal Wall means many homeowners will face sticker shock when mortgages renew at higher rates
- The solution? Budget for mortgage PLUS approximately $1,500+ monthly in carrying costs
True affordability isn't what the stress test approves; It's what lets you sleep well at night when the furnace fails or your mortgage comes up for renewal.
Read the full article: https://shawnfidler.myagent.site/the-true-cost-of-homeownership-what-you-pay-beyond-the-mortgage/
New year, new home goals! 🏡
If homeownership is on your radar for 2026, skip the vague resolutions and focus on these three actionable steps that actually move the needle:
1. Improve Your Credit Score
Even a small boost can save you thousands over the life of your loan. Pay down credit card balances, dispute errors on your report, and avoid opening new accounts. Recent data shows that buyers with scores above 740 secure the best rates.
1. Get Pre-Approved Early
Pre-approval isn't just a formality—it's your competitive edge. Sellers take serious buyers seriously, and knowing your budget helps you move quickly when the right home appears. Many buyers are getting pre-approved months before they start touring homes.
1. Track Listings Weekly
The market moves fast. Set up alerts and check new listings consistently so you understand pricing trends in your target neighborhoods. Knowledge is power when it comes to making confident offers.
These aren't just resolutions—they're your roadmap to homeownership this year.
Let us know in the comments which resolution you're committing to first!
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