Under One Roof

Under One Roof, hosted by Robyn Flynn, featuring LJ Aguinaga (LJ Realties), Martin Spalding and Fred Pichette (Fred et Martin Hypothèques), expertly guides listeners through the intricate maze of home buying and financing, while revealing key factors that significantly impact a home's value. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor, this is the show for you.

Under One Roof is a leisure podcast hosted by Robyn Flynn, with 96 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Robyn Flynn hosts Under One Roof, a leisure show with 96 episodes published.

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  Under One Roof

  Buying Your First Home + B-Lenders Explained

  Oct 4, 202641 min

  Buying your first home is exciting, but there's a LOT that happens between deciding you're ready to buy and finally getting the keys. This week on Under One Roof MTL , Robyn Flynn and LJ Aguinaga discuss the unexpected costs, difficult decisions, and common surprises first-time homebuyers should prepare for. Plus, Martin Spalding explains the world of alternative mortgage lending, better known as B-lenders. If you've ever been turned down for a mortgage by a traditional bank, that doesn't necessarily mean homeownership is out of reach. We explore who these lenders serve, how they qualify borrowers, and why they can be particularly useful for self-employed Canadians. IN THIS EPISODE What's Happening in the Market: Fixed vs. Variable Mortgages With fixed mortgage rates climbing and variable rates becoming increasingly competitive, borrowers are facing an interesting decision. Why fixed mortgage rates are rising even without a Bank of Canada rate increase How Government of Canada bond yields influence fixed mortgage rates Why variable rates are currently attracting more attention How inflation and slowing economic growth are complicating future interest-rate decisions Why the difference between fixed and variable rates matters when choosing a mortgage How your financial circumstances and tolerance for uncertainty should factor into the decision Real Estate: Buying Your First Home, What Nobody Warns You About LJ Aguinaga walks us through some of the biggest surprises awaiting first-time buyers, beyond simply saving for a down payment. The unexpected expenses first-time buyers often forget to budget for How to establish a realistic homebuying budget What surprises buyers once they actually start visiting properties Distinguishing between must-haves and nice-to-haves What to expect when making your very first offer What happens between an accepted offer and getting the keys Common mistakes that can jeopardize a purchase LJ's biggest piece of advice for anyone preparing to buy their first home Mortgages: Understanding B-Lenders and Alternative Mortgage Financing Martin takes a deep dive into B-lenders, explaining why borrowers who don't qualify with a traditional bank may still have other financing options. Using the example of Daniel, a successful self-employed business owner whose taxable income doesn't reflect his company's actual revenue, we explore how alternative lenders can assess a mortgage application differently. What exactly is a B-lender, and how does it differ from a traditional bank or private lender? Why self-employed borrowers sometimes struggle to qualify for conventional mortgages How business bank statements and stated-income programs can help demonstrate borrowing capacity Why borrowers with bruised credit or higher debt ratios may consider alternative lending Understanding GDS (Gross Debt Service) and TDS (Total Debt Service) ratios The potential drawbacks of B-lenders, including higher interest rates, lender fees and appraisal requirements How alternative mortgage financing can sometimes help homeowners consolidate expensive debt Why a B-lender can be a temporary stepping stone toward returning to conventional financing A mortgage rejection from your bank doesn't necessarily mean you can't get a mortgage. Sometimes, a different type of lender may be able to accommodate your financial circumstances. PROPERTY OF THE WEEK This week we're heading to Unit 505 at 505 Lucien-L'Allier , a beautiful two-level condo in the heart of downtown Montreal. Featuring panoramic city views, a gas fireplace, two private balconies, and a mezzanine that can serve as a home office or guest space, this property offers downtown living with plenty of flexibility. An indoor garage is included, and the condo is just an eight-minute walk from the metro, with Griffintown, the Lachine Canal and Atwater Market nearby. Listed at $750,000. Contact Amanda at LJ Realties for more information. TRIVIA QUESTION OF THE WEEK Brought to you by Felix & Norton Cookies! Question: If your mortgage interest rate can rise or fall during your term, what type of mortgage do you have? Answer: A variable-rate mortgage. Visit Felix & Norton at the Blue Haven Shopping Centre, 3705 St-Jean Boulevard in DDO. GET IN TOUCH LJ Aguinaga – Real Estate 514-578-6397 ljrealties.com @ljaguinaga | @ljrealties Plex Dr Property Management 514-754-8443 plexdr.com Fred & Martin – Mortgage Experts FredAndMartin.com Under One Roof MTL underoneroofmtl@gmail.com

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  Under One Roof

  Quebec Election Special: Where the Parties Stand on Housing

  Sep 27, 202633 min

  Housing affordability is one of the biggest issues facing Quebecers heading into the October 5 provincial election. So this week on Under One Roof MTL , we're taking a closer look at what the major parties are proposing to do about it. From tax breaks and down-payment assistance for first-time buyers to rent control, social housing, construction targets and deregulation, the parties are offering very different approaches. We break down the housing promises from the Coalition Avenir Québec, Parti Québécois, Québec solidaire, Quebec Liberal Party and Conservative Party of Quebec so you can compare them for yourself. Plus, we look at the latest mortgage and affordability headlines, including fixed rates creeping higher, variable rates becoming more competitive, and the financial pressure facing Canadian homeowners and families. In This Episode What's Happening in the Market The Bank of Canada continues to hold its key interest rate at 2.25% Why fixed mortgage rates have been creeping higher Why some variable-rate mortgages are becoming more attractive again The financial pressure higher mortgage payments are putting on homeowners The growing number of Canadian parents financially supporting their adult children Why affordability remains one of the biggest stories in housing Why Voting Matters in Quebec With Quebecers heading to the polls, we look at why provincial politics matters to homeowners, renters and prospective buyers. Housing, health care, education, taxes, infrastructure and the cost of living are all provincial issues voters are weighing. Quebec is also dealing with the economic effects of the ongoing Canada-U.S. trade dispute, including the impact on businesses, workers, investment and exports. Whatever issues matter most to you, take the time to learn about your local candidates and the parties' platforms and make your own decision at the ballot box. Quebec Election: Housing Promises by Party Housing has emerged as a major issue in this election. Here's the full party-by-party breakdown of the housing proposals discussed on this week's show: Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) The CAQ is focusing heavily on helping people purchase their first home while trying to make it easier to increase housing supply. Increase Quebec's homebuyer tax credit to as much as $7,000 for first-time buyers, applying to both new and existing homes Reduce red tape and speed up government approvals for housing construction Simplify some construction rules Add more affordable housing for seniors Provide additional support for people experiencing homelessness In simple terms: help first-time buyers with some of the upfront costs of homeownership while trying to get housing built faster. Parti Québécois (PQ) The PQ is also emphasizing homeownership and reducing costs for first-time buyers. Refund the Quebec sales tax on the purchase of a new home for first-time buyers, potentially representing significant savings Increase the existing first-home tax credit Reduce paperwork and speed up housing approvals Make it easier to develop prefabricated and standardized housing Introduce additional social and affordable housing measures Expand initiatives aimed at reducing homelessness In simple terms: make purchasing a new home less expensive for first-time buyers while reducing barriers to adding housing supply. Québec solidaire (QS) Québec solidaire is putting considerably more emphasis on renters, rent regulation and government-supported housing. Initially limit rent increases to inflation before introducing a stronger rent-control system Create 50,000 social and community housing units through new construction and the purchase of existing properties Offer qualifying first-time buyers a government loan of up to $50,000 toward their down payment Create a public rent registry Introduce stronger rules targeting speculation Strengthen measures involving landlords who repeatedly violate tenant protections In simple terms: stronger renter protections, substantially more non-market housing and government assistance toward the down payment for some first-time buyers. Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ) The Liberals are putting a major emphasis on significantly increasing Quebec's overall housing supply. Set a long-term target of 100,000 new homes per year Refund part of the Quebec sales tax on new homes, worth up to $10,000 in many cases Add 40,000 social and affordable housing units over five years Use incentives to encourage private investment in new housing construction Expand both market and affordable housing supply In simple terms: dramatically increase housing construction while using incentives to encourage private development and expanding social and affordable housing. Conservative Party of Quebec (PCQ) The Conservatives are focusing primarily on deregulation and reducing what they view as barriers to building housing. Simplify Quebec's Construction Code Reduce the number of regulated construction trades Make it easier for construction workers to move between trades and regions Exempt residential construction from some existing labour rules Reform parts of the landlord-tenant system Review how government housing assistance is delivered In simple terms: reduce regulation, bureaucracy and construction restrictions with the goal of making housing faster and less expensive to build. The Big Picture The parties are approaching Quebec's housing affordability problem from different directions. The CAQ and PQ are putting considerable emphasis on helping first-time buyers while reducing barriers to construction. The Liberals are emphasizing a major increase in overall housing supply, combined with incentives for private construction and additional affordable and social housing. Québec solidaire is focusing more heavily on renters, rent regulation, social housing and direct government assistance. The Conservatives are emphasizing deregulation and reducing the cost and complexity of residential construction. Different approaches to the same fundamental challenge: how to make housing more accessible and affordable for Quebecers. Property of the Week This week's featured property is 295 Rue Mazarin in Pointe-aux-Trembles , offering plenty of room for a growing or intergenerational family. The home features five bedrooms, two full bathrooms, two kitchens and two separate entrances , allowing extended family members to have their own space. It's six minutes from the EXO train and close to schools, parks and shopping. Listed at $499,900. Trivia Question of the Week Question: What is the purpose of a mortgage pre-approval? Answer: A mortgage pre-approval provides an indication of how much a lender may be willing to lend you and may include an interest-rate hold for a specified period, subject to the lender's conditions. Get in Touch LJ Aguinaga – Real Estate 514-500-4040 ljrealties.com @ljaguinaga | @ljrealties Plex Dr Property Management plexdr.com Fred & Martin – Mortgage Experts FredAndMartin.com Under One Roof MTL underoneroofmtl@gmail.com

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  Under One Roof

  Selling an Inherited Property + Reverse Mortgages Explained

  Sep 20, 202637 min

  What happens when you inherit a home and suddenly have to figure out what to do with it? This week on Under One Roof MTL , LJ Aguinaga walks us through the process of selling an inherited property, from the paperwork that needs to happen first to deciding whether to renovate, repair, or simply sell the home as-is. Plus, Fred and Martin break down reverse mortgages: how they work, who they're designed for, how much equity homeowners may be able to access, and why someone might choose a reverse mortgage instead of refinancing or using a HELOC. We also explain why fixed mortgage rates are rising even though the Bank of Canada hasn't raised its key interest rate. In This Episode What's Happening in the Market: Why Are Fixed Mortgage Rates Rising? The Bank of Canada hasn't raised its key rate, but some fixed mortgage rates are moving higher. We break down why the bond market matters and what borrowers should be watching. Why fixed mortgage rates can rise without a Bank of Canada rate increase The connection between inflation, bond yields and fixed mortgage rates Why variable and fixed mortgage rates respond to different forces What rising bond yields could mean if you're buying, renewing, or refinancing Why securing a rate hold may be worth considering Why the lowest mortgage rate isn't necessarily the best mortgage Real Estate: Selling an Inherited Property Selling a home through an estate comes with some unique considerations. LJ explains what families should expect and how to avoid making an already complicated process more difficult. What needs to happen before an inherited property can be listed for sale How selling an inherited home differs from selling your own residence Whether it's worth repairing or updating an older home before putting it on the market Who makes the decisions when multiple family members inherit a property How to establish the home's market value without letting emotional attachment influence the price When selling as-is may make more sense than spending months renovating Common mistakes families make when preparing an inherited property for sale What families can do ahead of time to make the eventual process easier Mortgages: Reverse Mortgages Explained Using a real-life homeowner example, Fred and Martin take us through the basics of reverse mortgages and the situations where this type of financing may be considered. What exactly is a reverse mortgage? Who are reverse mortgages designed for? How much money can a homeowner access? What are the biggest advantages and drawbacks? Why choose a reverse mortgage instead of refinancing? How a reverse mortgage differs from using a HELOC Property of the Week This week we're heading to 1765–1767 Rue Le Caron in Côte-Saint-Paul , a well-maintained duplex that offers an opportunity to live in one unit while collecting rent from the other. The property features new windows, doors, and exterior staircases completed in 2024, a spacious private backyard, and more than $36,000 in annual revenue potential . Listed at $750,000. Trivia Question of the Week Question: What does it mean to have equity in your home? Answer: Home equity is the portion of your home's value that you own, calculated by subtracting your outstanding mortgage and other debts secured against the property from its current market value. Get in Touch LJ Aguinaga – Real Estate 514-500-4040 ljrealties.com @ljaguinaga | @ljrealties Plex Dr Property Management plexdr.com Fred & Martin – Mortgage Experts FredAndMartin.com Under One Roof MTL underoneroofmtl@gmail.com

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  Under One Roof

  Pricing Your Home & Refinancing to Consolidate High Interest Debt

  Sep 13, 202634 min

  Is it ever a good idea to list your home high just to "see what happens"? This week on Under One Roof MTL , we're looking at why an ambitious asking price can backfire, how buyers react to stale listings and price drops, and why getting the price right from day one matters. Plus, tariffs, inflation and economic uncertainty are creating some big questions for Canadian homeowners. We look at what the current trade war could mean for mortgage rates and Montreal real estate, and Fred and Martin explain how refinancing your mortgage can be used to consolidate high-interest debt. In This Episode What's Happening in the Market: Tariffs, Mortgage Rates & Montreal Real Estate The trade war is no longer just about tariffs. We look at how higher costs and economic uncertainty could make their way into your mortgage and the housing market. Why homeowners with a mortgage should care about tariffs How tariffs can contribute to inflation while simultaneously slowing the economy Why economic uncertainty doesn't automatically mean mortgage rates will fall The difference between what drives variable and fixed mortgage rates What the latest Montreal housing numbers are telling us about buyers, sellers and inventory Why growing economic and employment uncertainty can cause buyers to put their plans on hold Real Estate: Pricing Your Home Right From Day One LJ Aguinaga breaks down why "testing the market" with an overly ambitious asking price can end up hurting sellers. How a realtor determines what a home is actually worth in the current market Why listing high and planning to reduce the price later can backfire Why the first week or two on the market is so important How buyers react to stale listings and multiple price reductions Whether competitive pricing can generate more interest and potentially multiple offers What happens when a seller believes their home is worth more than the comparable sales suggest When and how to correct the price if you got it wrong the first time Mortgages: Refinancing to Consolidate High-Interest Debt Could the equity in your home help you get expensive debt under control? Fred and Martin explain how mortgage refinancing for debt consolidation works and who it may make sense for. Why homeowners might consider refinancing to consolidate debt How debt consolidation through a mortgage refinance actually works Why a lower monthly payment doesn't automatically mean refinancing is the right decision The advantages of working with a mortgage broker instead of simply calling your bank Who makes a good candidate for refinancing Property of the Week This week's featured property takes us to the 19th floor of 1500 René-Lévesque Ouest in downtown Montreal . Unit 1911 features floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping city views, a luxury kitchen, two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a heated indoor garage. Residents also have access to a rooftop terrace, heated pool, spa and gym, with the metro and downtown Montreal just steps away. Listed at $825,000. Trivia Question of the Week Question: What is the difference between a mortgage term and an amortization period? Answer: The term is the length of your current mortgage contract, while the amortization is the total amount of time planned to pay off the mortgage. Get in Touch LJ Aguinaga – Real Estate 514-500-4040 ljrealties.com @ljaguinaga | @ljrealties Plex Dr Property Management plexdr.com Fred & Martin – Mortgage Experts FredAndMartin.com Under One Roof MTL underoneroofmtl@gmail.com

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  Under One Roof

  Which Exterior Improvements Are Worth the Money?

  Jun 16, 202636 minS0

  <p >Thinking about tackling some exterior projects this summer? Before you spend thousands on landscaping, paving stones, or a backyard makeover, it's worth knowing which upgrades actually add value to your home—and which ones don't.</p> <p >This week on Under One Roof MTL, LJ Aguinaga breaks down the exterior improvements that make the biggest impact on curb appeal, resale value, and buyer interest. Plus, Fred and Martin answer another round of frequently asked mortgage questions from listeners.</p> In This Episode: What's Happening in the Market Right Now The Bank of Canada holds interest rates steady once again Wh...

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