Podcast
Own Your Life ~ by Jessi Johnson
Hosted by Jessi Johnson · EN
Best-selling author Jessi Johnson is a Greater Vancouver / Metro Vancouver realtor with eXp Realty & mortgage broker with Home Equity Solutions in Greater Vancouver, Canada.
17episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Is Canada going into a recession, or are we already in one?
Jan 4, 202500:04:21Tap to summarizeRecently in Canadian real estate, we’ve seen: ~ GDP numbers fall, shifting predictions for December rate cuts ~ Consumer insolvencies returning to pre-pandemic levels ~ Canadians saving at near-record ratesFresh GDP numbers are in, and they’re weaker than expected. Canada’s economy grew just 1% year-over-year in Q3. GDP for September expanded by only 0.1%. On a per-capita basis? It actually fell by 0.4%. That’s the 7th straight quarter of decline.The quarter matched expectations, but September’s growth disappointed. Economists had predicted 0.3% growth. Real estate, retail, and transportation saw gains. But construction, mining, and energy dragged the numbers down.Looking ahead, early Q4 data looks weak. Swap traders now see a 33% chance—up from 25%. But I still believe a 0.25% cut is more likely. BMO’s Doug Porter agrees.Now, for an interesting twist. People are saving at near record levels. Are people spending less because they can’t afford to? Or is something else at play? Perhaps they are preparing for something?Consider this: ~ The household savings rate hit a 3-year high—7.1% in Q3. ~ Disposable income is growing nearly twice as fast as spending. ~ People are saving instead of spending. ~ Uncertainty is driving this shift.I think, Canadians, familiar with recent tough times, are preparing for more rainy days ahead. But while saving is up, so is debt. Credit card balances hit a record $110 billion in September.Consumer insolvencies? They’re up 8.8% year-over-year—and 18.4% in Ontario. We’re back to pre-pandemic levels. If this trend continues, we could see 2008-style insolvencies by 2025.Monthly mortgage payments are showing some relief. The payment for a typical home dropped $10 in October. Not much, but, that’s down 20% from the peak. But let’s be real— Payments are still 90% higher than in 2021. The average monthly payment now stands at $2,975. Guess what it was in 2021? Just $1,600.Mortgage rates play a key role in real estate sales. When rates hit record lows in 2021, sales volumes hit record highs. As rates climbed, sales fell. Mortgage rates have been on a stead decline for some time now:Variable is now 4.49%.Fixed is 4.4%Markets are pricing in a 90% chance of a 0.25% cut on December 11. And rates could bottom at 3% by mid-2025.Let’s talk about broader economic shifts. Don't forget about Trump’s proposed tariffs. He’s eyeing 25% tariffs, which could slash Canada’s GDP by 2-3%. This would push us into an all-out recession. And, would force the Bank of Canada to lower rates further.Meanwhile, inflation "looks" well under control. The shelter component still makes up over half of CPI. But with falling rental rates and new units coming online, this influence should decline over time. Without shelter, inflation today would be just 0.9%.Now, to Canadian businesses. We’re seeing record-high business closures. The small business delinquency rate hit 1.5%— up from 0.35% pre-pandemic.Ontario is bearing the brunt: Business insolvencies up 26% year-over-year. 300% higher than 2021.Covid loans are strangling already struggling businesses.Can we recover? I certainly hope soThat's all for now.Call me anytime with your skill-testing questions.Book a time to have a confidential conversation with me here: https://calendly.com/jessirealestatePlease share this video with someone now.
Transcribe →
Skip coffee to reduce your mortgage
Dec 27, 202400:04:14Tap to summarizeWhat if you could shave off years of your mortgage amortization, save over $40,000 in interest, and even benefit from tax-saving strategies—all by giving up just one coffee a day?It might sound too simple to be true, but let’s take a look at the numbers…they speak for themselves. Let’s take a $1,000,000 mortgage with 25 years left to pay and an interest rate of 5%. The monthly payment for this mortgage would be approximately $5,846. Now, imagine that your daily coffee habit costs $5 a day. By redirecting that $5 toward your mortgage, you could reduce your repayment term from 25 years to 23 years and 10 months.Just over a year might not sound like a lot of time, but the interest savings are substantial, you’d save over $41,000 in interest over the life of your mortgage. But what if you doubled that $5/day to $10/day?Let’s explore how much further you could go.Let’s stick with the $1,000,000 mortgage example, with 25 years left to pay and an interest rate of 5%. The monthly payment is approximately $5,846. If you redirected $10/day—the equivalent of skipping two starbucks coffees or another small expense—you could reduce your mortgage term even further, down to 22 years and 8 months. The interest savings? A substantial $78,986 over the life of your mortgage.Now here are 2 ways you can put these strategies into use.1. Use Prepayment PrivilegesMany lenders offer prepayment privileges that allow you to increase your regular mortgage payments.You’ll have to take a look at your mortgage contract to see which pre-payment privileges but most mortgages allow you to increase your payment to a certain percentage.Take advantage of these by notifying your lender of the desired payment increase, it’s as easy as that.This option is convenient because it’s automatic. Once set up, you don’t have to think about it—it just works in the background, helping you pay off your mortgage faster.2. Make Lump-Sum PaymentsAnother option is to make a lump sum payment. Let’s say you get a bonus at the end of the year or you save up money throughout the year and have additional savings. You could throw this sum at your mortgage, but just make sure to check your mortgage contract to determine the amount you’re allowed to put down as a lump sum.Another advantage is that when you put extra money toward your mortgage, you’re effectively earning a guaranteed return by reducing the amount of interest you’ll pay. And this return is completely tax-free.For example, if you invest that same $5/day elsewhere outside of a TFSA or RRSP , your returns could be subject to taxes. But with mortgage prepayments, every dollar goes directly toward reducing your debt, making it a smart financial strategy.Are you ready to take control of your mortgage and explore how prepayment strategies can help you save thousands and pay off your home faster?Every situation is unique, and I’m here to guide you through the options that work best for you.Book a call with me today, and let’s create a personalized plan to maximize your mortgage savings.Whether it’s leveraging prepayment privileges, setting up lump-sum payments, or finding creative ways to redirect daily savings, I’ll help you make it simple and effective.That's all for now. Call me anytime with your skill-testing questions.Book a time to have a confidential conversation with me here: https://calendly.com/jessirealestate/phone-meetingPlease share this video with someone now.Grab a copy of my best-selling book, 'Rockstar Real Estate Investing' on Amazon or more in-depth knowledge: https://amzn.to/40cvjgy
Transcribe →
Impact of Trump’s 25% Tariff on Canada
Dec 19, 202400:06:13Tap to summarizeRe-elected US president Trump plans to implement a massive 25% tariff on Canadian goods the day he comes back into powerIs this all bark and no bite? Or will he push us into a recession?Let’s start with the basics: what are tariffs?What are tariffs?A tariff is essentially a tax placed on goods being imported into a country.The idea is to make those imported goods more expensive, giving domestically produced goods a competitive edge.Sounds simple, right?But the ripple effects can be far-reaching, impacting businesses, consumers, and even entire economies.Now, let’s talk about Trump’s plan.He has proposed implementing a 25% tariff on all goods coming into the United States.That’s a massive increase, and it could touch nearly every product Americans import from trading partners like Mexico and here in Canada.To put it in perspective, let’s look at an example.Imagine an American company importing a car that costs $30,000.With a 25% tariff in place, that car would now cost $37,500How Tariffs Impact Consumers?When a government imposes tariffs, it’s important to understand who really ends up paying the price.Technically, the tariffs are a tax on companies importing goods into the country.For example, if a 25% tariff is placed on imported products, those businesses suddenly face significantly higher costs for those items.Now, here’s the key question: what do companies do with those increased expenses?They certainly don’t just absorb them.Instead, they pass them along to us—the consumers.That means the higher cost of importing goods gets baked into the final price of everything we buy, whether it’s food, cars, or household items.In effect, these tariffs act as a hidden tax, making everyday essentials more expensive.And this, my friends, is what we commonly refer to as inflation.Printing money isn’t the only cause of inflation.It’s not just businesses that feel the pinch—it’s all of us.Why does this impact Canada?Listen and subscribe for more!👉 Learn more, call Jessi at 604 716 6474, email jessi@jessijohnson.ca or schedule a time to chat here: https://calendly.com/jessirealestate/...Don’t forget to pick up a copy of my best-selling book on Amazon, Rockstar Real Estate Investing if you haven’t yet and we are here for your questions at any time. Pick up my book here: https://amzn.to/3uX43SA
Transcribe →
What Canada's Massive Immigration Cuts Mean for Vancouver Real Estate in 2025
Nov 20, 202400:06:25Tap to summarizeBrace yourselves, because a massive shift is coming that could completely reshape Vancouver's real estate market. Starting in 2025, Canada is slashing its immigration targets. We’re talking about 20% fewer permanent residents and almost half a million fewer temporary residents over the next two years. That’s a drastic drop that could throw our housing market into uncharted territory.We’re going from a projected 1.2 million new residents each year to close to zero net growth. For the first time since the 1950s, Canada could even see a population decline. So, what could this mean for Vancouver’s real estate market? Immigration Cuts:Let’s talk about just how drastic these immigration cuts really are. This isn’t just a small adjustment; it’s a dramatic shift that signals a bold, and some might say hasty, move by the Canadian government. Rather than opting for gradual changes or more calculated measures to manage population growth, the government is taking an axe to immigration levels, cutting permanent residency by 20% and slashing temporary residents by nearly half a million over the next two years. This isn’t something we typically see from a country known for its open-door policy and reliance on immigration to fuel economic growth. These changes are sudden and sweeping, and they suggest a reactive rather than strategic approach—one that could have unforeseen consequences, especially in areas like real estate, which has long counted on consistent immigration to drive demand. This hard pivot could leave markets scrambling to adapt, and for cities like Vancouver, it’s going to mean big changes in who’s renting, buying, and even how much properties are worth.Economic Impact of Immigration Cuts:With these immigration cuts, we’re likely to see Canada’s GDP projections take a hit. The Bank of Canada may lower GDP growth expectations from around 2-3% down to closer to 1%, given that a significant part of our economy relies on immigration growth.With this slower economic growth, there’s a higher chance that the Bank of Canada could consider interest rate cuts in the near future. And that’s where things start to get interesting for the Vancouver housing market, as any changes in interest rates are closely tied to housing demand and prices here.Supply and Demand:Let’s dive into one of the most fundamental principles in real estate—supply and demand—and see how these immigration cuts are going to shake things up. In a market like Vancouver, where housing prices are already sky-high, many newcomers are faced with regulations to restrict buying; they rent first. Immigrants and temporary residents typically drive a huge portion of rental demand because they need a place to live while they get settled. So, what happens when you take away such a large group of renters? Simple: demand drops. ... listen for more
Transcribe →
HUGE mortgage rule changes are here!
Oct 23, 202400:09:07Tap to summarizeAre Mortgage Rules Changing Weekly? Here’s What You Need to Know!In this video, we’ll break down the latest mortgage rule changes and how they may affect you.Key Updates:No More Stress Tests for Insured Mortgage Renewals:Now, you don’t need to qualify at a higher rate when renewing a non-insured mortgage, giving you more options to negotiate with lenders.Return of 30-Year Amortization for Insured Mortgages:Available for first-time homebuyers and new construction purchases, this lowers payments or allows you to qualify for a bigger mortgage.Less Than 10% Needed to Purchase a Home up to $1.5M:Starting December 15, 2024, you’ll need 5% down for the first $500K and 10% for the remaining, equating to an 8.3% total down payment. Though helpful, it may drive up home prices.90% LTV Refinance for Secondary Suites:Beginning January 15, 2025, homeowners can refinance up to 90% of their home’s value to build secondary suites. These units must be long-term rentals, and the previous LTV cap was 80%.How These Changes Impact You:The removal of the stress test allows for more competitive mortgage options, while the return of 30-year amortizations could ease your monthly payments. The higher $1.5M purchase cap makes homeownership more accessible, but it could also drive prices higher in an already expensive market. The 90% LTV refinance program supports adding secondary suites, but high renovation costs could limit its appeal.What to Expect:With dropping interest rates and record-breaking immigration numbers, the housing market may see significant growth over the next few years. Although many of these changes offer benefits, they may also fuel an already heated market.SOURCES:https://globalnews.ca/news/10776156/mortgage-stress-test-renewal-dropped-osfihttps://globalnews.ca/news/10757723/ottawa-to-expand-30-year-amortizations-raise-insured-mortgage-caphttps://www.canadianrealestatemagazine.ca/news/canada-mortgage-reforms-announced-09-2024https://www.canadianmortgagetrends.com/2024/10/feds-launch-mortgage-refinancing-program-to-boost-secondary-suites-and-ease-housing-crunchhttps://www.google.com/url?q=https://immigration.ca/canada-immigration-numbers-for-2024-matching-last-years-record/&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1729652094016710&usg=AOvVaw34eHBRhOrah92MtQ8uyuk2Stay tuned for more updates and feel free to drop your questions in the comments!
Transcribe →
The Canadian government has started taxing your principal residence
Oct 18, 202400:05:49Tap to summarizeRumours have been floating around for a while but are now coming to fruition.The government has been researching the pros and cons of coming after principal residence by removing your capital gains exemption for a while now. Effective January 1, 2025, if you purchased a home less than 2 years ago and sell it for a profit, you could be subject to massive penalties.Previously, the federal government forced you to hold the property for 12 months, but that has now doubled. Even worse, the provincial NDP government now wants in on it too. More on that shortly.For example, let’s say you purchased a townhouse for $1,000,000 in spring of 2023 and god forbid, you renovated the home with $200,000 in upgrades. Your townhouse is likely worth around $1,400,000, now. If you sold that home, you would “roughly” have a $200,000 profit. Previously, this was yours to keep, but not anymore if you sell within two years.So, if you already make $150,000 per year, the Federal governments adds the $200,000 to bring your new annual income for that year to $350,000.This not only means you pay tax on the entire $200,000 but even bumps up your tax bracket so you pay a more significant percentage the entire amount. But wait, there is more. In BC, you will pay another 20% fine/tax if you sell within 12 months and a slightly discounted penalty between 12 to 24 months. This is know as the flipping tax, yes, another flippin taxI am NOT an accountant, nor do I claim to be to ensure you speak with a professional for accounting advice specific to your situation. Are there any exemptions? Yes, a lot but, you will have to argue them.Some examples are:Death of death of a related individual Serious illness or disabilityYou are having a baby and need more spaceDivorce or common law separation Most native or aboriginal lands are exemptThreats to personal safetyForeclosureBankruptcyDestruction of home due to fire or natural disasterThis is likely only the start, the federal government is looking at options to tax your principal residence, even if you own it longer than two years. The federal government must pay for their reckless spending somehow and homeowners are a great target for them.Fed up and considering leaving Canada? Well, they are now taxing and penalizing you for that, too. We will leave that for another podcast.Shocker, the government isn’t honouring existing contracts and grandfathering. So, if you bought a presale many years ago and thought all this time your investment was growing, thank again.The government doesn’t care that you purchased it before they released this new rule and will come after your profits. Now, you might be thinking, who cares, people making money off real estate can go to hell… well, think about thisIf we no longer have investors to do the maintenance and renovations required, who is left to do it? Well, that leaves you. You might be OK with renovating and upkeep, but most people aren't.Many people periodically update different sections of their home as needed, So you get a mismatch of renovations, which are often poorly done in the first placePeople often renovate right when they take possession and then live in the unit, so when they finally sell, it is not new, often outdated and has lots of wear and tear. Many homes will not be “turnkey” like most buyers preferFor many families, flipping a property occasionally is a side hustleWithout a side hustle or huge income, you can’t get very far in Greater Vancouver.Remember to Own Your Life!
Transcribe →
The Easy Way to Avoid Financial Stress When Buying and Selling
Oct 4, 202400:05:40Tap to summarizeShould you sell your current home before purchasing a new one, or buy a new home before selling the old oneThis is a nuanced decision with advantages and drawbacks to each approach. Let’s break down both options.First, consider the choice of selling your current home before buying a new one.One of the main benefits of selling first is that you'll know exactly how much money you have available when shopping for your next home. This clarity allows you to set a more accurate budget for your purchase.Another advantage is that you’ll avoid the stress of managing two homes simultaneously, both financially and emotionally. You can focus on the sale without the added pressure of immediately finding and moving into a new home.However, there are also some disadvantages to selling before buying... Listen for more
Transcribe →