Unlocking the Door to Real Estate Success: It All Starts With One

Josh Perez • January 2, 2025

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in the world of real estate, it’s this: it all starts with one. Your first investment property. Your first big decision. Your first leap of faith.



As highlighted in my recent conversation on the @brokersplaybook Podcast, the journey into real estate doesn’t begin with a massive portfolio or decades of experience. It starts with your “why.”

"The first investment property often opens the floodgates—boosting your confidence, growing your risk appetite, and unlocking relationships and resources you never knew you had. It all starts with one and discovering your why."

Start With Your Why

Before you dive into your first property, take a step back and ask yourself: Why am I doing this? Whether your goal is financial freedom, securing your retirement, or building generational wealth, your purpose will shape your decisions and keep you grounded when challenges arise.


As my host pointed out, your “why” also helps define your strategy and the team you need to assemble to make your vision a reality.


The Confidence of Taking That First Step

That first property is about more than just the numbers—it’s a game-changer for your mindset. It unlocks your confidence, expands your risk tolerance, and sharpens your skills. It also introduces you to the relationships, resources, and systems you’ll need to succeed.


Owning your first investment property is where theory meets practice. Managing your own balance sheet, income, and expenses turns hypothetical plans into real-world experience. That’s when you start to understand what works, what doesn’t, and how to improve.


As I shared on the podcast:

"That first property or project often opens the floodgates of confidence, your risk appetite, your skill set, and relationships with people and resources that can help you."


It’s About Progress, Not Perfection

Real estate success isn’t about reaching an arbitrary number of properties. Whether you aim for 10, 30, or 150 properties, every journey begins the same way—with one.

Don’t let analysis paralysis or fear of imperfection stop you. Each step forward builds momentum, and each property teaches you something new.


Build Your Power Team

No one succeeds in real estate alone. Your team is essential. From mortgage brokers and real estate agents to contractors and financial advisors, surrounding yourself with experts who align with your goals can make all the difference.


The right team will help you navigate challenges, uncover opportunities, and stay focused on your bigger picture.


Ready to Take the Leap?

Your first investment property isn’t just a milestone; it’s a foundation. It’s where you learn, grow, and build the confidence to expand your portfolio.


As I often say, you can talk about investing, hear examples, and learn from others—but managing your own property is where the real lessons begin.


So, what’s holding you back? The journey to real estate success starts with one. Let’s make it happen.

BOOK A CALL
Josh Perez
GET STARTED

Deposit vs. Down Payment: Key Differences for Homebuyers

By Josh Perez • February 18, 2026
When you’re buying a home, two terms often cause confusion: deposit and down payment . While they’re related, they serve very different purposes in the homebuying process. Here’s what you need to know. What Is a Deposit? A deposit is the money you provide when you make an offer on a property. Think of it as a show of good faith that proves you’re serious about purchasing. How it works : Typically, you provide a certified cheque or bank draft that your real estate brokerage holds in trust. If your offer is accepted, the deposit remains in trust until the deal moves forward. If negotiations fall through, the deposit is refunded. Connection to your down payment : Once the sale is finalized, your deposit becomes part of your total down payment. Why it matters : The amount is negotiable, but a larger deposit can make your offer more attractive in a competitive market. Keep in mind, however, that if you back out after conditions are removed, you risk losing your deposit. What Is a Down Payment? Your down payment is the amount you contribute toward the purchase price of your home when securing a mortgage. Minimum requirement : In Canada, the minimum down payment is 5% of the home’s purchase price. Anything less than 20% requires mortgage default insurance. Sources : Down payments can come from your savings, the sale of another property, RRSP withdrawals (through the Home Buyers’ Plan), a gift from family, or even borrowed funds. Example: How They Work Together Imagine you’re buying a $400,000 home with a 10% down payment ($40,000). When you make your offer, you provide a $10,000 deposit . Once conditions are met, that deposit is transferred to your lawyer’s trust account. At closing, you add the remaining $30,000 to complete your full down payment. The lender provides the rest—$360,000—through your mortgage. The Bottom Line Your deposit shows commitment and secures your offer, while your down payment is what makes the mortgage possible. Together, they work hand in hand to get you into your new home. 📞 If you’d like clarity on deposits, down payments, or any other part of the mortgage process, let’s connect. I’d be happy to walk you through it step by step.
Cozy armchair next to a small wooden table with a mug and an open book. Sunlight streams through a window.

Is a 5% Down Payment a Mistake? Here’s the Unpopular Truth.

By Josh Perez • February 15, 2026
Discover why a 5% down payment isn’t always irresponsible. Learn when a low down payment is a smart financial move for Ontario homebuyers and when it’s a risk.