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
GET STARTED

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.