You can't be a one-trick pony. You have to evolve and adapt, to learn new strategies and pivot.

Josh Perez • May 22, 2024

Here's the truth. It's easy to have success in real estate when interest rates are sitting at 1% or 2%. New builds generate a couple of hundred thousand dollars before you even pick up the keys. BRRRR and flip projects are hitting record valuations. But what are you doing right now when things are tougher and your plan isn't working out? You can't be a one-trick pony. You have to evolve, adapt, learn new strategies, and pivot.

You can't be a one-trick pony. You have to evolve and adapt, to learn new strategies

and pivot.

Remember the Purpose

Why did we get into this? To be the Crown Prince of BRRRRing or the New Build Guru? These titles are just distractions. The real purpose is to help build wealth for you and your family. That goal won't always be achieved in the same way, especially when market conditions change.



My Pivot Strategy

Over the past couple of years, I've been looking at markets outside of my backyard—places like Aylmer and Clinton in Ontario, Alberta, and Florida. I've decided to go all-in on multifamily real estate because it unlocks access to the best financing programs available right now. This shift is crucial to maintaining the fundamentals of real estate and creating a pathway to cash flow.


Teaming Up for Success

To pursue these capital-intensive projects, I had to stop going at it alone and start partnering with others. This collaboration is essential when you're pivoting; it might slow you down initially, but it allows for more comprehensive growth in the long run. Building these connections and forming a new power team in the multifamily space requires time, effort, and a willingness to learn.


Embrace Change

Don't wait for conditions to change; you need to change. Success in real estate isn't just about thriving in favorable conditions—it's about adapting and evolving when times are tough. By expanding into new markets, focusing on multifamily properties, and partnering with others, I'm working towards sustainable wealth for my family and me. And so can you.

Let's not get caught up in titles or past successes. Instead, let's stay focused on the ultimate goal: building lasting wealth.

Josh Perez
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By Josh Perez December 24, 2025
Why Work With an Independent Mortgage Professional? If you’re in the market for a mortgage, here’s the most important thing to know: Working with an independent mortgage professional can save you money and provide better options than dealing directly with a single bank. If that’s all you read—great! But if you’d like to understand why that statement is true, keep reading. The Best Mortgage Isn’t Just About the Lowest Rate It’s easy to fall for slick marketing that promotes ultra-low mortgage rates. But the lowest rate doesn’t always mean the lowest cost . The best mortgage is the one that costs you the least amount of money over time —not just the one with the flashiest headline rate. Things like: Prepayment penalties Portability Flexibility to refinance Amortization structure Fixed vs. variable terms …can all affect the true cost of your mortgage. An independent mortgage professional looks beyond the rate. They’ll help you find a product that fits your unique financial situation , long-term goals, and lifestyle—so you’re not hit with expensive surprises down the road. Save Time (and Your Sanity) Applying for a mortgage can be complicated. Every lender has different rules, documents, and policies—and trying to navigate them all on your own can be time-consuming and frustrating. When you work with an independent mortgage professional: You fill out one application They shop that application across multiple lenders You get expert advice tailored to your needs This means less paperwork , less stress , and more confidence in your options. Get Unbiased Advice That Puts You First Bank specialists work for the bank. Their job is to sell you that bank’s mortgage products—whether or not it’s the best deal for you. Independent mortgage professionals work for you. They’re provincially licensed, and their job is to help you: Compare multiple lenders Understand the fine print Make informed, long-term financial decisions And the best part? Their services are typically free to you . Mortgage professionals are paid a standardized fee by the lender when a mortgage is placed—so you get expert guidance without any out-of-pocket cost. Access More Mortgage Options When you go to your bank, you’re limited to that bank’s mortgage products. When you go to an independent mortgage professional, you get access to: Major banks Credit unions Monoline lenders (who only offer mortgages) Alternative and private lenders (if needed) That’s far more choice , and a much better chance of finding a mortgage that truly fits your needs and goals. The Bottom Line If you want to: Save money over the life of your mortgage Save time by avoiding unnecessary back-and-forth Access more lenders and products Get honest, client-first advice …then working with an independent mortgage professional is one of the smartest decisions you can make. Let’s Make a Plan That Works for You If you're ready to talk about mortgage financing—or just want to explore your options—I'm here to help. Let's connect and put together a strategy that makes sense for your goals and your future. Reach out anytime. I’d be happy to help.
By Josh Perez December 18, 2025
Most people assume a bigger paycheck leads to a bigger mortgage approval. But here’s the truth that surprises almost everyone: “It’s not about how much you earn. It’s about how much of your income is already spoken for.” — Josh Perez I’ve sat across from clients earning six figures who qualified for less than someone making half as much. The problem wasn’t their income. It was their monthly obligations . Lenders Don’t Just Look at Income — They Look at What’s Left Over You can make $200,000 a year, but if $80,000 of it is tied up in payments, lenders see very little room for a mortgage. Here’s what typically eats up that space: Big car loans Multiple credit cards Buy-now-pay-later plans Personal loans Lines of credit Old debts that still report monthly payments These commitments matter because lenders are focused on one main calculation: Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI) This tells lenders how much of your income is already locked into payments — and how much is available for a mortgage. A high DTI = lower mortgage approval A low DTI = stronger approval and better options It’s that simple. Want to Qualify for More? Do This First Most people think they need to increase their income. The truth? Reducing debt often has a bigger impact — and works faster. 1. Pay down or eliminate high monthly payments Even paying off a single loan can shift your approval dramatically. 2. Avoid taking on new credit before applying Every new payment reduces your borrowing room. 3. Keep your spending stable for 90 days Lenders review recent bank history. Stability helps. 4. Work with a mortgage broker, not just one bank This is one of the biggest ways people leave money on the table. Every lender calculates affordability differently. Some are far more flexible with DTI. If you only go to your bank, you’re only getting one version of your potential approval. Let’s Make Your Approval Work for You If you want to qualify for more, reduce debt strategically, or understand where you stand right now, I can help you build the right plan. Let’s give you access to more options — not just one.