Under One Roof

40 Episodes
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By: 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.

Making lump sum payments to get ahead
Yesterday at 1:00 PM

This week on Under One Roof MTL, LJ has a Montreal real estate market update for you. Plus, Fred and Martin will look at different strategies for paying down your mortgage and getting ahead. And, LJ walks us through the home buying process, from start to finish.


Staying on top of your credit report
06/08/2025

This week on Under One Roof MTL, we're tackling interest rates, and a new survey that finds many Canadians are prioritizing travel over home ownership. Plus, why it's important to stay on top of and understand what's in your credit report, and a breakdown of the real estate broker rules in Quebec.


Reverse mortgages and moving day in Quebec
06/02/2025

This week on Under One Roof MTL, we're talking about reverse mortgages. How they work, who benefits most, etc. Plus, we're just a month away from moving day in Quebec. What do you need to know, both as a landlord and a tenant, to be ready?


Thinking about buying a cottage? Listen to this first!
05/25/2025

This week on Under One Roof MTL, we're tackling the latest inflation numbers and what this could mean for the Bank of Canada's next interest rate announcement. We're also discussing the new federal housing minister's approach to the housing affordability crisis, and have some concrete tips for purchasing a cottage or vacation property. And, if you're interested in investing in a duplex, triplex, or multiplex, you won't want to miss LJ's advice!


Small renovations with the biggest return on investment
05/18/2025

This week on Under One Roof MTL, we're looking at the state of Montreal rental market, as well as what fixed rate mortgages are looking like right now. We also tackle why the rate isn't the most important part of your mortgage, AND home renovations you can make that actually add value to your property.


Avoiding the sticker shock when your mortgage comes up for renewal
05/11/2025

This week on Under One Roof MTL, we're talking about interest rates, mortgage renewal sticker shock, investment properties, and more. 


Managing your debt to get the best possible mortgage
#17
05/05/2025

This week on Under One Roof MTL, we're recapping the results of Canada's federal election and the impact that might have on the Bank of Canada's interest rate announcements moving forward.

We also break down the difference between TDS and GDS ratios, AND outline why investing in real estate is a solid retirement strategy.


Everything you need to know about property management
#16
04/28/2025

This week on Under One Roof MTL, we're joined in studio by Plex DR COO Thierry Bourbonnais, to discuss everything you ever wanted to know about property management. 


The Quebec Effect in Canadian Real Estate
04/20/2025

This week on Under One Roof MTL, we're discussing the Bank of Canada's decision to hold interest rates this week. We also talk about the "Quebec Effect" in Canadian real estate, offer advice on what to do if your mortgage is up for renewal, AND we dispel some common mortgage and real estate myths floating around on social media.


What will the Bank of Canada do this week?
#14
04/14/2025

This week on Under One Roof MTL, we predict what the Bank of Canada will do with interest rates this week. Plus, a new report shows that condo sales are way up in Quebec. What's the situation in Montreal? And, everything you need to know about alternative lenders.


Are strawberry box houses about to make a comeback in Canada?
#13
04/06/2025

This week on Under One Roof, we're looking at what the federal political parties in terms of housing, including Mark Carney's ambitious promise to build 500,000 homes a year!

 

We also tackle mortgage penalties, and how to avoid them, as well as understanding all of the hidden costs that come with buying a home.


How to get top dollar for your property, without sitting on the market for too long
#12
03/30/2025

This week on Under One Roof, we run down what each federal party is promising on housing. We also go over the importance of credit scores, and how you can make sure your credit report is mortgage-ready. And, LJ has some tips for getting top dollar for your property when you sell, without sitting on the market for too long.


How to be a good landlord (and actually make money doing it!)
#11
03/24/2025

This week on Under One Roof, we discuss inflation ticking up to 2.6% for the month of February, and how this could impact interest rates and the real estate market. 

We also give advice on how to shop around for a mortgage like a pro, and how to be a great landlord who also makes some money, too.


The pros and cons of refinancing your mortgage
#10
03/20/2025

This week on Under One Roof, we tackle the Bank of Canada's latest interest rate cut, and try to predict what they might do with their next few announcements. 

We also discuss refinancining your mortgage at length, specifically to pay down bad debts and get your finances back on track. 

And, we look at whether short or long-term rentals are the better investment for property owners. 


Different lending and investment options in Quebec
#9
03/09/2025

This week on Under One Roof, we talk about the economic uncertainty that Canada is facing, in light of tariffs from the US. We also discuss the Bank of Canada's upcoming interest rate announcement, different lending options available to Quebec borrowers, and give you some KEY insights and advice on purchasing investment properties. 


Tips and tricks for saving up for your down payment
#8
03/02/2025

This week on Under One Roof, we explain the difference between a pre-approval and a pre-qualification. We also offer tips and tricks for first-time homebuyers to save up for their down payment, leveraging all of the programs and accounts available to them.


Could a reverse mortgage be right for you?
#7
02/25/2025

This week on Under One Roof, we talk about reverse mortgages, and whether this could the right option for homeowners who are either looking to fund their retirement, pay down some debts, increase their cash flow, or even help their adult children to pay for college or a down payment on a house of their own.


Montreal home sales are bucking the national trend
#6
02/16/2025

This week on Under One Roof MTL, LJ, Fred, Martin and Robyn talk about the CMHC's latest report, as well as January's home sale numbers for the month of January.

We also walk you through the homebuying process, from putting in an offer, to getting your keys.


What are the questions first-time homebuyers should be asking?
#5
02/09/2025

This week on Under One Roof MTL, we discuss interest rates, and the impact that the continued threat of tariffs from the United States could have on Canada's economy. 

We also get into everything first-time homebuyers should know before they start looking for a house or condo. From the right questions to ask, to scheduling consultations with real estate and mortgage brokers, to repairing damaged credit, Fred, Martin and LJ have you covered!


What impact will Donald Trump's tariffs have on the Canadian economy?
#3
02/03/2025

This week on Under One Roof MTL, we discuss the 25% tariffs that Donald Trump levied against Canada over the weekend, and what sort of impact they might have on the Canadian economy, and interest rates. 

We also discuss the Bank of Canada's most recent interest rate announcement, a 25 basis point cut, and predict what might happen with the rest of their announcements this year.

 

 


What matters more: your interest rate, or your mortgage conditions?
#3
01/26/2025

This week on Under One Roof MTL, we discuss inflation dipping to 1.8% in December, and how this might impact the Bank of Canada's next interest rate announcement. 

We also talk about whether your interest rate or your loan conditions are the most important part of your mortgage, as well as rising Montreal rents, and the luxury real estate market boom.


How to prepare for your upcoming mortgage renewal
#2
01/20/2025

This week on Under One Roof MTL, we offer advice for the 1.2 million Canadians whose mortgage comes up for renewal in 2025. What should you do to prepare, and how soon should you speak with a mortgage broker about your refinancing options?

Plus, we take a look at the Q4 real estate market numbers for Montreal, and answer YOUR questions!


How will Donald Trump's annexation threats impact Canada's real estate market?
#1
01/12/2025

We're baaaack! Join LJ Aguinaga (LJ Realties), Martin Spalding (Fred and Martin Mortgages) and Robyn Flynn (Robyn Flynn Media) for our first episode of Under One Roof MTL for 2025. 

This week, we try to predict what will happen with interest rates in 2025, as well as what we think home prices will do this year. And, how will the political uncertainty here in Canada and across the globe impact the Canadian real estate market... and yes, we do also discuss president-elect Donald Trump's threats to make Canada the 51st state. Could this actually happen!?


Mortgages and Real Estate: 2024 Year in Review
#8
12/08/2024

2024 was a busy year for mortgages and real estate. Homeowners saw decreasing interest rates, changes to the rules surrounding purchasing and selling homes. This week on Under One Roof MTL, we recap everything that happened in 2024, and look ahead to what we expect in 2025.


Special Edition: Home economics class is in session!
#9
12/01/2024

This week of Under One Roof MTL is a very special edition: home economics class is in session!

Among the topics covered in this week's show:

Household budget management - tips on allocating income, tracking spending, and using tools to stay financially organized.

Credit and debt management - insights on responsible credit use and debt management to maintain a healthy financial standing - building good credit, avoiding high-interest debt, and borrowing wisely.

Mortgages and homeownership - help individuals determine affordability, compare mortgage options, and plan for successful homeownership.

Insurance...


Will the GST break actually help Canadians?
#8
11/25/2024

This week on Under One Roof MTL, we discuss the federal government's planned two-month GST break for Canadians, as well as the $250 checks they'll be cutting in the new year. Plus, with inflation up, what do we expect the Bank of Canada to do with their final rate announcement for 2024? And, everything you need to know about refinancing your mortgage to consolidate your debts.


Could Canada be moving towards a mortgage war?
#7
11/17/2024

This week on Under One Roof MTL, we talk about the current mortgage landscape, and whether or not the big banks are headed for a mortgage war. Also, we go over the pros and cons of a 10-year fixed mortgage, and discuss what will happen to all of the vacant office space now that most people either work from home, or only go into the office a few days a week.


How the outcome of the US election impacts Canada's real estate market
#6
11/11/2024

This week on Under One Roof MTL, we discuss the impact of the US presidential election on the global economy, as well as the real estate market here in Canada. Plus, over 1.2 million mortgages are coming up for renewal next year. We help walk you through what to expect as homeowners. And, we chat about the difference in net work between homeowners and renters. The difference is staggering and might shock you!


Variable Rates Are Falling But Fixed Rates Aren't
#5
11/11/2024

This week on Under One Roof MTL, we discuss why variable rates are falling but fixed rates aren't. Plus, everything you need to know about mortgage penalties (ALWAYS READ THE FINE PRINT!). And, why multi-generational living is becoming more and more popular in Canada.


Bank of Canada cuts interest rates by 50 bps
10/27/2024

This week on Under One Roof MTL, we break down the financial implications of the Bank of Canada's latest interest rate cut, decreasing the overnight lending late by an additional 50 basis points, bringing the key rate to 3.75%. How will this cut impact the Canadian economy, and the real estate market?

Plus, we dive in (no pun intended) to recent changes in Montreal's flood zone map, and what this means for homeowners who now find themselves situated in flood zones. 


Should parents help their adult children purchase their first home?
10/20/2024

This week on Under One Roof MTL, Robyn, LJ and Martin discuss the latest inflation data, and try to guess what the Bank of Canada will do with interest rates this week. 

Plus, do Boomer and Gen X parents owe it to their Millennial and Gen Z kids to help them purchase their first home? 

And, everything you need to know about down payments!


How is the bond market affecting interest rates and the economy?
#2
10/15/2024

This week on Under One Roof MTL, we try to predict what will happen with interest rates in Q4 2024. Plus, as interest rates keep coming down, should you go with a fixed or variable rate right now? Meanwhile, the bond market is heating up. What does this mean for homeowners, or people who are looking to buy a house right now?

We also explain what it means to break your mortgage, and go over the pros and cons of doing so, in addition to discussing how to get out of your lease, AND we have valuable tips...


Interest rates are falling and demand is up
#1
10/07/2024

We're baaaaack! Fred Pichette and Martin Spalding, of Fred and Martin Mortgages, are joined by LJ Aguinaga, of LJ Realties, to recap some of what happened in the housing market this market, including by not limited to a significant decrease in interest rates, changes to the stress test, and other rule changes by the federal government to (hopefully) make homeownership a little more attainable for young Canadian adults. 


Is homeownership attainable for young adults without help from mom and dad?
#21
06/23/2024

This week on Under One Roof MTL, the gang chats about the capital gains tax rule changes that go into effect this week. Plus, they look at how the bond market impacts fixed rate mortgages, AND whether or not homeownership is realistically attainable for young adults without assistance from the bank of mom and dad.


The latest Canadian consumer credit trends
#20
06/16/2024

This week on Under One Roof MTL, we're joined by Jean-Philippe Saumure from Equifax Canada, to discuss the latest Canadian consumer credit trends. Plus, we do a deep dive into whether a fixed or variable rate mortgage is the best option for homeowners right now, AND chat about the payment shock that many Canadians are experiencing as their mortgages come up for renewal at much higher interest rates.


Reduced interest rates, credit reports and bridge loans!
#19
06/09/2024

This week on Under One Roof MTL, the team tackles the Bank of Canada's HUGE announcement this week to drop the overnight lending rate by 25 basis points. Plus, we'll tell you everything you need to know about credit reports, and fixing your credit score, as well as explain what a bridge loan is and when you might use one.


Why you should be layering different kinds of insurance products
#18
06/03/2024

This week on Under One Roof MTL, we're joined by Mario Cloutier from Manulife, to talk about the different kinds of insurance products available to homeowners, and how they can determine which products are right for them and their families. 

We also chat about the Bank of Canada's upcoming interest rate announcement, as well as what Canadian home values continuing to increase means for both first-time homebuyers trying to enter the market, as well as retirees whose financial plans are tied up in their homes.


Inflation is down; does that mean interest rates will soon follow?
#17
05/26/2024

This week on Under One Roof MTL, we tackle the latest Canadian inflation data, and what this means for interest rates and the real estate market. Plus, we tackle how first-time homebuyers can improve their credit before applying for mortgage pre-approval. 


Advice for first-time homebuyers
#17
05/20/2024

This week on Under One Roof MTL, we tackle interest rates, and (try to) predict what the Bank of Canada will do. Plus, we have tips and advice for firt-time homebuyers who are ready to enter the real estate market.


The importance of succession planning in real estate
#16
05/13/2024

This week on Under One Roof MTL, we're joined by John Lambrinos, a Chartered Investment Manager and Financial Planner with BLD Wealth Management within National Bank Financial, to discuss succession planning. 

We'll also chat a little about the CMHC's annual report, as well as what a tenant's legal rights and responsibilities are when they decide not to renew their lease.