Podcast
The Ottawa Real Estate Podcast
Hosted by TOREP · EN
Welcome to The Ottawa Real Estate Podcast (TOREP)! Hosted by seasoned Mortgage Agents Paul Stevenson and David Warren, who have been bringing the Ottawa real estate market to life with the podcast for over four years. Whether you’re buying, selling, investing, or just curious, we’re here to share insider tips, untold stories, and plenty of laughs along the way.
To our loyal listeners—thank you for your support and for being part of our journey. And to our new listeners—welcome! We’re excited to have you join the conversation. Hit play, stay tuned, and let’s explore the world of real estate together! 🎉
28episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Interest Rates vs Oil Prices: Which One Matters More?
1w ago00:29:24Tap to summarizeOttawa home prices and new listings are both up at the same time, and that combination is telling two very different stories depending on which side of the market you are on.In this episode, we break down the latest real estate numbers, what rising interest rates and global oil prices are doing to everyday affordability in Canada, and why the next five years in the housing market may look nothing like the last five. We also get into AI and tokenized investments and what those shifts could mean for how Canadians build wealth going forward.00:00 Intro and Weekend Recap01:41 April Real Estate Statistics04:56 Market Trends and Buyer Behaviour08:37 Future Predictions and Economic Shifts15:37 Interest Rates and Inflation Insights18:46 CPI Data and Its Implications27:55 Mood BoostsGet in touch with us!Paul Stevenson - Mortgage Agent Level 2CENTUM Financial Services LPEmail: paul@paulstevenson.caPhone: 1-613-263-4543https://www.paulstevenson.caDavid Warren - Mortgage Agent Level 2Referral MortgagesEmail: david@referralmortgages.comPhone: 1-613-686-6003https://www.referralmortgages.comIf you have a question or topic you'd like to hear us discuss send us an email at: theottawarealestatepodcast@gmail.com or leave us a comment below!New Episodes of the podcast are available on Wednesdays at 10AM on all podcast services and at www.theottawarealestatepodcast.com Brought to you by Referral Mortgages, PaulStevenson.ca, Guertin/Poirier Avocates Lawyers, CENTUM, BIG - Billyard Insurance Group, Easy Neon Signs and A to Z Cleaning Expert.https://www.easyneonsigns.ca Use code TOREP and get 20% off all your orders. (This is an affiliate link).
Transcribe →Your Mortgage Rate Just Got Hit by Global Conflicts
3w ago00:30:44Tap to summarizeThe Bank of Canada held rates but what Tiff Macklem said about sticky inflation should have every Canadian buyer and homeowner paying close attention. Global conflicts are pushing energy prices up, and that pressure is already working its way into mortgage rates and everyday costs across Canada.In this episode we discuss the rate decision, new government changes to mortgage insurance and the RRSP home buyers plan that most people have completely missed, and why no matter how good AI gets, it will never replace a real conversation when hundreds of thousands of dollars are on the line.00:00 Intro and Martini Madness Event02:27 Bank of Canada's Rate Announcement and Economic Outlook07:27 Government's Spring Economic Update and Housing Initiatives11:22 Home Buyers Plan and RRSP Withdrawals16:49 Current Market Sentiment and Real Estate Trends21:39 AI in Real Estate: Trust and Human Interaction29:16 Mood BoostsGet in touch with us!Paul Stevenson - Mortgage Agent Level 2CENTUM Financial Services LPEmail: paul@paulstevenson.caPhone: 1-613-263-4543https://www.paulstevenson.caDavid Warren - Mortgage Agent Level 2Referral MortgagesEmail: david@referralmortgages.comPhone: 1-613-686-6003https://www.referralmortgages.comIf you have a question or topic you'd like to hear us discuss send us an email at: theottawarealestatepodcast@gmail.com or leave us a comment below!Buy Martini Madness Tickets: https://martini-madness.caNew Episodes of the podcast are available on Wednesdays at 10AM on all podcast services and at www.theottawarealestatepodcast.com Brought to you by Referral Mortgages, PaulStevenson.ca, Guertin/Poirier Avocates Lawyers, CENTUM, BIG - Billyard Insurance Group, Easy Neon Signs and A to Z Cleaning Expert.https://www.easyneonsigns.ca Use code TOREP and get 20% off all your orders. (This is an affiliate link).
Transcribe →Canada Just Made a Massive Economic Move (Here's Why)
Apr 2900:30:27Tap to summarizeRe/Max is being acquired by Real Brokerage, Canada just announced its first ever sovereign wealth fund, and AI is quietly reshaping how real estate transactions happen. Three massive shifts landed in the same week and almost nobody is connecting the dots.In this episode we talk about what the Real Brokerage acquisition of Re/Max actually means for agents, buyers, and sellers in Canada. Real is a cloud-based tech-first brokerage and this deal is not just a business transaction, it is a signal about where the entire industry is heading.The sovereign wealth fund conversation is just as important. Canada is putting public money to work through a brand new national fund, and we break it down for Canadians who have never heard of a sovereign wealth fund and why it matters for the broader economic picture heading into the rest of 2026.00:00 Introduction and Economic Overview01:14 Martini Madness Charity Event03:09 Real Estate Industry Consolidation: REAL will acquire REMAX11:39 AI and Automation in Real Estate16:40 Canada's National Sovereign Wealth Fund29:05 Mood BoostsBuy Martini Madness Tickets: https://martini-madness.ca
Transcribe →Your Home's Price Doesn't Matter If This Is Wrong
Apr 2200:30:39Tap to summarizeMost people listing their home right now are focused on the wrong things entirely, and it is costing them offers they never even know they missed.In this episode Paul sits down with Frances Ebbrell, a real estate agent who has built her approach around something most agents never talk about: emotional storytelling. Frances breaks down why selling a home has nothing to do with listing its features and everything to do with making a buyer feel something the moment they walk through the door or read the listing description. She explains the difference between a home that sits and a home that gets multiple offers, and it comes down to whether buyers can picture themselves living the life that home represents.The conversation also gets into presentation in a way that goes beyond staging tips. She also covers radon awareness, what sellers need to know before listing, and how to price and position a home in a market where buyers are still waiting for prices to drop.If you are thinking about selling in Ottawa or the surrounding area this spring, this episode will change how you think about what your home is actually worth and how to present it to get the best possible outcome.00:00 Intro01:36 The Art of Storytelling in Real Estate06:05 Things To Consider When Listing Your House10:14 Understanding Radon and Its Health Implications15:16 Current Market Trends and Seller Expectations20:34 Are People Still Buying Houses in Carleton Place?24:38 The Importance of Presentation in Real Estate26:37 Surprising Fact: The Multiple Offers27:58 Mood BoostsGet in touch with us!Paul Stevenson - Mortgage Agent Level 2CENTUM Financial Services LPEmail: paul@paulstevenson.caPhone: 1-613-263-4543https://www.paulstevenson.caDavid Warren - Mortgage Agent Level 2Referral MortgagesEmail: david@referralmortgages.comPhone: 1-613-686-6003https://www.referralmortgages.comFrances EbbrellCarleton Place RealtorFrances@boardwalkottawa.comwww.francesebbrell.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/febbrell613-806-5272https://www.facebook.com/frances.ebbrellListing video and pics: https://easyagentmedia.hd.pics/30-Emily-St/idxIf you have a question or topic you'd like to hear us discuss send us an email at: theottawarealestatepodcast@gmail.com or leave us a comment below!New Episodes of the podcast are available on Wednesdays at 10AM on all podcast services and at www.theottawarealestatepodcast.com Brought to you by Referral Mortgages, PaulStevenson.ca, Guertin/Poirier Avocates Lawyers, CENTUM, BIG - Billyard Insurance Group, Easy Neon Signs and A to Z Cleaning Expert.https://www.easyneonsigns.ca Use code TOREP and get 20% off all your orders. (This is an affiliate link).
Transcribe →The Six Week Window You Can't Miss
Apr 1500:25:18Tap to summarizeThe spring market in Ottawa is not arriving the way most people expected, and if you are waiting for the headlines to tell you when to move, you are already behind.In this episode, we break down the March numbers and what they are actually signalling beneath the surface. Days on market dropped sharply, inventory is rising, and prices are quietly firming up in ways that do not show up in the general conversation yet. Detached homes, townhouses, and condos are each telling a different story right now and knowing which segment is leading the recovery could completely change your approach as a buyer or seller this season.We also look beyond Ottawa at what is happening nationally, from major urban centres seeing sharp price swings to smaller markets in Quebec and the Prairies quietly outperforming. Migration trends, transit challenges, and off-grid property demand are all adding new layers to the affordability picture coast to coast.00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates01:43 March Real Estate Market Overview05:34 Spring Market Predictions09:24 National Market Trends and Affordability12:53 Off-Grid Living and Market Shifts14:24 Government Policies and Market Impact24:13 Mood BoostsGet in touch with us!Paul Stevenson - Mortgage Agent Level 2CENTUM Financial Services LPEmail: paul@paulstevenson.caPhone: 1-613-263-4543https://www.paulstevenson.caDavid Warren - Mortgage Agent Level 2Referral MortgagesEmail: david@referralmortgages.comPhone: 1-613-686-6003https://www.referralmortgages.comIf you have a question or topic you'd like to hear us discuss send us an email at: theottawarealestatepodcast@gmail.com or leave us a comment below!New Episodes of the podcast are available on Wednesdays at 10AM on all podcast services and at www.theottawarealestatepodcast.com Brought to you by Referral Mortgages, PaulStevenson.ca, Guertin/Poirier Avocates Lawyers, CENTUM, BIG - Billyard Insurance Group, Easy Neon Signs and A to Z Cleaning Expert.https://www.easyneonsigns.ca Use code TOREP and get 20% off all your orders. (This is an affiliate link).
Transcribe →New Build Prices Just Shifted: Here's What Changed
Apr 800:33:44Tap to summarizeMost people buying a new build right now have no idea that the rules just changed, and whether that change puts money back in your pocket or quietly disappears depends entirely on what you know before you sign. In this episode we break down the new HST rebate rules and what they actually mean in practice, because the way builders and lawyers are handling these changes varies wildly and the difference could cost you thousands. We walk through four real scenarios that show exactly how this plays out at the table and what you need to ask before you get there.We also get into what is happening in the broader market right now. Geopolitical tensions are pushing energy prices up, inflation is responding, and mortgage rates are moving in ways that are genuinely hard to predict even for the people who set them. Ottawa's spring market is caught in the middle of all of it and we explain exactly how that affects your timing as a buyer or seller.00:00 Spring Market Dynamics and Weather Impact01:33 Understanding New HST Rules and Their Implications11:35 Inflation Warnings and Market Disconnect18:29 Geopolitical Tensions and Economic Uncertainty25:30 Navigating the Current Real Estate LandscapeGet in touch with us!Paul Stevenson - Mortgage Agent Level 2CENTUM Financial Services LPEmail: paul@paulstevenson.caPhone: 1-613-263-4543https://www.paulstevenson.caDavid Warren - Mortgage Agent Level 2Referral MortgagesEmail: david@referralmortgages.comPhone: 1-613-686-6003https://www.referralmortgages.comIf you have a question or topic you'd like to hear us discuss send us an email at: theottawarealestatepodcast@gmail.com or leave us a comment below!New Episodes of the podcast are available on Wednesdays at 10AM on all podcast services and at www.theottawarealestatepodcast.com Brought to you by Referral Mortgages, PaulStevenson.ca, Guertin/Poirier Avocates Lawyers, CENTUM, BIG - Billyard Insurance Group, Easy Neon Signs and A to Z Cleaning Expert.https://www.easyneonsigns.ca Use code TOREP and get 20% off all your orders. (This is an affiliate link).
Transcribe →The $130,000 Rebate Nobody's Talking About Correctly
Apr 100:30:01Tap to summarizeEveryone is talking about the $130,000 HST rebate but almost no one understands how it really works. We break down what is actually happening behind the scenes and why this confusion could cost buyers thousands. In this episode, we uncover the real mechanics of the Ontario HST rebate and we explore how purchase prices, incentives, and monthly payments are affected and why this one year window could be one of the most important opportunities in the Ontario housing market right now. If you are looking at new builds in Ottawa or anywhere in Ontario, or even Canada, this conversation will change how you think about rebates, affordability, and timing. We connect the dots between mortgage strategy, housing supply, and government incentives so you can make smarter decisions in a fast shifting Canadian real estate market. 00:00 Intro 02:21 Understanding the HST Rebate Program 06:24 Misconceptions About the Rebate 08:30 Pros and Cons of the Rebate for Buyers 15:43 Impact on Builders and the Market 20:30 Economic Implications of the Rebate 21:51 Ontario Is Slashing Development Fees Up To 50% 25:03 Future of Housing in Ontario 28:52 Mood BoostsGet in touch with us!Paul Stevenson - Mortgage Agent Level 2 CENTUM Financial Services LPEmail: paul@paulstevenson.caPhone: 1-613-263-4543https://www.paulstevenson.caDavid Warren - Mortgage Agent Level 2 Referral MortgagesEmail: david@referralmortgages.comPhone: 1-613-686-6003 https://www.referralmortgages.comIf you have a question or topic you'd like to hear us discuss send us an email at: theottawarealestatepodcast@gmail.com or leave us a comment below!New Episodes of the podcast are available on Wednesdays at 10AM on all podcast services and at www.theottawarealestatepodcast.com Brought to you by Referral Mortgages, PaulStevenson.ca, Guertin/Poirier Avocates Lawyers, CENTUM, BIG - Billyard Insurance Group, Easy Neon Signs and A to Z Cleaning Expert.https://www.easyneonsigns.ca Use code TOREP and get 20% off all your orders. (This is an affiliate link).
Transcribe →First-Time Buyers Have Waited Years for This Market: Here's What Actually Happened
Mar 2500:48:06Tap to summarizeFirst time buyers in Canada have been told to wait, save more, and be patient for years now, and the market has not rewarded that patience. In this episode we sit down with Shaun Cathcart, Senior Economist at the Canadian Real Estate Association, and we get into what the actual data says about where the Canadian real estate market stands right now, how mortgage rate swings and global events are reshaping what buyers can realistically afford, and whether the long awaited recovery is something buyers can actually count on or just another headline that fades. Shaun also breaks down the housing supply problem in a way that makes clear why building more homes is not as simple as politicians make it sound.If you are a first time buyer in Ottawa or anywhere in Ontario trying to figure out whether now is the time to move, this conversation gives you the clearest picture available right now from someone who works with the data every single day.00:00 Intro02:52 Market Uncertainty and Economic Factors05:32 The Impact of Rising Mortgage Rates08:56 First-Time Buyers and Market Dynamics11:11 The Missing Middle in Housing Development16:19 The Role of Purpose-Built Rentals22:40 Future Predictions for the Condo Market26:14 Reallocating Housing Resources28:41 Land Transfer Tax Credits for Downsizing33:09 Job Market Dynamics in Ottawa40:10 Spring Market Trends and PredictionsGet in touch with us!Paul Stevenson - Mortgage Agent Level 2CENTUM Financial Services LPEmail: paul@paulstevenson.caPhone: 1-613-263-4543https://www.paulstevenson.caDavid Warren - Mortgage Agent Level 2Referral MortgagesEmail: david@referralmortgages.comPhone: 1-613-686-6003https://www.referralmortgages.comShaun CathcartSenior Economist - CREAwww.crea.caIf you have a question or topic you'd like to hear us discuss send us an email at: theottawarealestatepodcast@gmail.com or leave us a comment below!New Episodes of the podcast are available on Wednesdays at 10AM on all podcast services and at www.theottawarealestatepodcast.com Brought to you by Referral Mortgages, PaulStevenson.ca, Guertin/Poirier Avocates Lawyers, CENTUM, BIG - Billyard Insurance Group, Easy Neon Signs and A to Z Cleaning Expert.https://www.easyneonsigns.ca Use code TOREP and get 20% off all your orders. (This is an affiliate link).
Transcribe →Mortgage Renewals Are About to Get Expensive: Here's Why
Mar 1800:25:32Tap to summarizeMortgage renewals could be the most expensive financial decision you have ever made without even realizing it. We are in a rate environment where even the experts admit predictions over three to five years are essentially guesswork. In this episode, we break down what is actually driving mortgage rates in Canada right now, why global events you would never think to connect to your monthly payment are quietly shaping what you will owe at renewal, and what Ottawa homeowners need to be thinking about before they sit down with their lender.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Hosts01:27 Market Trends and Real Estate Insights04:48 Navigating Mortgage Renewals08:06 Understanding Economic Influences on Rates15:27 Current Inflation and Housing Market Dynamics19:56 Predictions for the Spring Market23:36 Upcoming Guest and Mood BoostsGet in touch with us!Paul Stevenson - Mortgage Agent Level 2CENTUM Financial Services LPEmail: paul@paulstevenson.caPhone: 1-613-263-4543https://www.paulstevenson.caDavid Warren - Mortgage Agent Level 2Referral MortgagesEmail: david@referralmortgages.comPhone: 1-613-686-6003https://www.referralmortgages.comIf you have a question or topic you'd like to hear us discuss send us an email at: theottawarealestatepodcast@gmail.com or leave us a comment below!New Episodes of the podcast are available on Wednesdays at 10AM on all podcast services and at www.theottawarealestatepodcast.com Brought to you by Referral Mortgages, PaulStevenson.ca, Guertin/Poirier Avocates Lawyers, CENTUM, BIG - Billyard Insurance Group, Easy Neon Signs and A to Z Cleaning Expert.https://www.easyneonsigns.ca Use code TOREP and get 20% off all your orders. (This is an affiliate link).
Transcribe →Oil Prices and Why Your Mortgage Just Got Expensive
Mar 1100:30:46Tap to summarizeIn this week’s episode of the Ottawa Real Estate Podcast, we discuss how global geopolitical conflicts are quietly influencing mortgage rates across Canada and why markets react so quickly to international events. We break down how oil prices, inflation pressures, and bond markets connect directly to the mortgage rates Canadians see today.We also talk about the latest market activity heading into the spring surge, the shifting housing supply across Canada, and why the role of mortgage brokers is becoming more important in today’s environment.00:00 Intro02:01 Market Trends and Spring Surge03:54 The Role of Brokers in Mortgage Conversations06:53 Geopolitical Impact on the Market12:54 Ads14:41 Rental Market Dynamics15:35 The Shift in Housing Supply21:10 Understanding Private Lending27:10 February Market Stats and Trends29:31 Mood BoostsGet in touch with us!Paul Stevenson - Mortgage Agent Level 2CENTUM Financial Services LPEmail: paul@paulstevenson.caPhone: 1-613-263-4543https://www.paulstevenson.caDavid Warren - Mortgage Agent Level 2Referral MortgagesEmail: david@referralmortgages.comPhone: 1-613-686-6003https://www.referralmortgages.comIf you have a question or topic you'd like to hear us discuss send us an email at: theottawarealestatepodcast@gmail.com or leave us a comment below!New Episodes of the podcast are available on Wednesdays at 10AM on all podcast services and at www.theottawarealestatepodcast.com Brought to you by Referral Mortgages, PaulStevenson.ca, Guertin/Poirier Avocates Lawyers, CENTUM, BIG - Billyard Insurance Group, Easy Neon Signs and A to Z Cleaning Expert.https://www.easyneonsigns.ca Use code TOREP and get 20% off all your orders. (This is an affiliate link).
Transcribe →