Unlocking Your Path to Homeownership

Josh Perez • April 30, 2024

I wanted to share some thoughts with you, especially if you're embarking on the exciting journey of buying your first home. I know it can feel overwhelming, especially with all the uncertainty in today's real estate market. But trust me, there's a way forward that doesn't involve waiting for rates to drop or hoping for some kind of magical policy change from the government.

My best advice is to know your budget inside and out, and strive to be flexible with your housing criteria, to keep as many options open as possible.

Here's the deal: the best advice I can give you is to take control of your finances and be flexible in your approach to finding a home. Forget about waiting for external factors to change; focus on understanding your budget inside and out. When you know exactly what you can afford and you're willing to be flexible with your housing criteria, you'll open up a world of options for yourself.


And here's something else to consider: the recent shift to remote work has opened up new possibilities for where you can live. Take advantage of this flexibility to explore different markets that might be more affordable for your budget. You might be surprised at what you find!


Now, let's talk about a little strategy called house hacking. Ever heard of it? Essentially, it involves buying a property with extra units that you can rent out for additional income. Not only does this make homeownership more affordable, but it also sets you up for success in real estate investing down the line.


But wait, there's more! Let's challenge the age-old debate of renting versus buying. Why not do both? Consider renting where you live and buying a property to invest in. By investing now with your hard-earned savings, you can set yourself up for a more secure financial future.


So, if you're ready to take control of your homeownership journey, I'm here to help. Let's chat and build a plan that's tailored to your financial goals and aspirations. Together, we'll unlock the keys to your first-time homebuyer success and pave the way to a brighter future.

Looking forward to hearing from you!



Cheers,

Josh Perez


Josh Perez
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What You Need to Know About Mortgages and Parental Leave

By Josh Perez • July 8, 2026
If the title of this article caught your attention, chances are your family is growing. Congratulations. If you’re thinking now is the right time to move into a home that better fits your growing family—but you’re unsure how parental leave affects your ability to qualify for a mortgage—you’re in the right place. Here’s the good news. Qualifying for a mortgage while on parental leave is possible when it’s done correctly. When you work with an independent mortgage professional, lenders can often qualify you based on your return-to-work income , as long as you can provide documentation confirming you have guaranteed employment waiting for you. A word of caution If you walk into a bank branch and disclose that you’re currently on parental leave, there’s a chance the bank will only allow you to qualify using your parental leave income. That can significantly reduce your borrowing power. Parental leave income is typically limited to 55% of your previous earnings, up to a weekly maximum. Qualifying on that amount alone can restrict your options and impact the type of home you can purchase. Why lender choice matters One of the biggest advantages of working with an independent mortgage professional is choice . You’re not limited to one lender’s rules or products. Some lenders will allow you to qualify using 100% of your confirmed return-to-work income , which can make a meaningful difference in your approval amount and overall options. What you’ll need to qualify Most lenders will require an employment letter that includes: Employer name (preferably on company letterhead) Your job title Original start date (to confirm probation has been completed) Confirmed return-to-work date Guaranteed salary upon return Lenders want reassurance that your income will resume once parental leave ends. You may also be asked to provide income history from the past couple of years, which is standard for most mortgage applications. One important note Whether or not you actually return to work after parental leave is entirely your decision. From a mortgage perspective, qualification is based on having a confirmed position available to you at the time of approval. If you have questions about qualifying for a mortgage while on parental leave—or anything mortgage-related—please connect anytime. I’d be happy to walk you through your options and help you plan with confidence.
Suburban two-story house with a front porch, two-car garage, and a large tree-lined lawn.

Gifted Down Payment in Ontario? Don't Skip This Step

By Josh Perz • July 7, 2026
Using a gifted down payment to buy a home in Ontario? Learn exactly what lenders require — and the common mistakes that can delay or derail your approval.