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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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.